Thanks JL for his book [Origin of civilization (1870)], which he has read with "extreme interest". Wishes JL had published four or five months earlier as CD would have "so profited & saved so much work". CD will have to modify some of what he has written [in Descent]. Sees they differ a good deal about moral sense "but hardly two men ever do agree on this perplexing subject".

JL’s note of the 16th [see 7277] about the Census arrived too late for CD to answer.

Sends five papers from J. P. M. Weale for consideration by the Linnean Society.

Has forwarded JPMW’s papers to the Linnean Society [four articles by J. P. M. Weale, J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 13 (1870–2): 42–58].

Comments on JPMW’s findings concerning flowers and their fertilisation.

Thanks DF for proofs of his paper on Aymara Indians.

Despite HBJ’s good aid, CD’s stomach will not permit a visit.

Sends instructions to Messrs Clowes concerning typesetting and printing of proof-sheets of Descent.

He will not be ready to begin correcting proofs until 28 or 29 August.

Thanks LHM for concluding chapter [to Systems of consanguinity and affinity of the human family (1871)]. Agrees that it is important to study the habits and institutions of savages.

Under present circumstances [Franco-Prussian War] gives up French translation of Descent.

Has just sent MS of Descent to printers. Recognises that [because of Franco-Prussian War] the publisher will have given up idea of a German translation.

Though the war is a misfortune for science, CD rejoices at the wonderful success of Germany; has met no one who does not share this feeling.

CD writes for Emma, who is ill.

Delighted with FPC’s "most just" article [in Echo?]. Sends £1 subscription.

Thanks for telling CD about the Fraser’s Magazine article [F. W. Farrar, "Hereditary genius (by F. Galton)", n.s. 2 (1870): 251–65].

CD wrote as Justice of Peace for Kent to the Home Secretary about Holder’s case.

Tropaeolum transmits every shade of colour if self-fertilised for six or seven generations.

Thanks QdeB for his continued support of CD’s election to French Academy.

Discusses views of Milne-Edwards on species.

Comments on views of Élie de Beaumont.

"I fear my next book [Descent] … will greatly displease you."

Thanks GFK for offer of information.

Mimicry in Lepidoptera.

Sexual selection.

The Franco-Prussian war.

Encloses, for publication, note about Pampas woodpecker, opposing W. H. Hudson [see 7354].

Variation is a much better looking volume than Origin due to quality of paper and binding. Hopes JM will attend to this point in Descent. Printers have sent "splendid lot" of proofs.

CD finds JT’s discourse "grand and most interesting" [On the scientific use of the imagination (1870)]. Flattered by what JT says about him.

He is "a rash man to say a good word for Pangenesis for it has hardly a friend among naturalists".

CD is much struck with what JT says about "pondering" and delighted by his "as if" argument.

Discusses germination of charlock after a long interval.

Many thanks for present of a dog: he will arrange its collection from the train whenit arrives in London.

He is correcting proofs of Descent, and will send GC a copy.

Wants sheets [of Descent] for foreign editions. Asks JM to determine price to be charged for the stereotypes of 62 cuts. Dallas would be excellent for the index but must be "civilly warned" not to delay. Encloses memo on the index.