Recounts case of parrot whose talking seems to show "power of connecting definite sounds with definite ideas" [see Descent, 2d ed., p. 85 n.].

Has not seen CD’s daughter yet. Hopes the fine weather will continue while she is there [in Bournemouth].

Questions CD’s attribution of a sense of beauty to animals and his use of natural selection to explain phenomena JM feels it more appropriate to describe as social selection.

CD is "bent upon linking the monkey race to us"; DT finds it striking that CD should so resemble an ape.

Sends his work discussing the anatomical seat of the faculty of language [On aphasia (1870)]. Concludes that it may be impossible to find any cerebral centre for speech and that this fact opposes the idea of the descent of man from some lower form.

Recommends a photographer to CD for Expression.

Copy of and note on a picture of Noah’s daughter averting her eyes in shame.

On "moral sense" in Descent.

Was reminded of CD by his new book [Descent] in a shop;

reports having come on train as far as Bromley in previous summer, but found no means of travelling the seven miles to Down. Might try again.

JT suggests that Ogle call upon him so that they can arrange experiments suitable for his purpose.

Parallel between CD’s account of morality [in Descent], of social instinct preceding selfishness, and Henry Maine’s account of notions of property of a community preceding individual property [in Ancient law (1861)].

Thanks for Descent.

He is "driven" from his post.

He has homologised the face muscles of cetaceans and man. Although the former do not show expression, the nose and upper lip muscles are highly developed.

Quotes authority on the decline in height of French army recruits.

Dutch translation [of Descent].

Notes about reversion.

Hermaphroditism in fishes.

Polydactylism.

Rereading Journal of researches, particularly on Buenos Aires and varieties of cattle observed there [pp. 145–6]. Reports a case of a cow in which the characters of the niata and two other breeds were combined.

French translation of Descent all but complete.

Hopes translation of Origin will soon be finished.

Thanks CD for copy of Descent; wishes it had appeared earlier so that he could have made use of the facts in his Principles of psychology [2d ed. (1870–2)].

On private property, with regard to tools and arms; comments on Maine’s book and the history of law regarding property.

Agrees that social instinct or love for fellows is the beginning of moral feeling. Responds to CD’s letter [7537].

Thanks for letter and invitation to come to Down.

Sorry about CD’s bad health; Brazilian climate has improved his own.

Sorry to hear Miss Butler is dead.

Praise for gentle but resolute tone of Descent.