CD has forgotten about S. J. O. Horsman and the church organ and asks for any information that will help him inform his solicitors in connection with a document he has received and encloses. Will not apologise for what he said, but is ignorant of what it was.
Sends list of journals to be sent review copies of Descent. If CD wants to add others, they will be included. Printing of 2500 copies ordered; retail price 24s.
Suggests periodicals to receive review copies [of Descent].
Is "ashamed at my corrections".
Has received (from CD) the sheets of the second volume [of Descent].
He fears he has offended CD or someone in England and he begs to know his offence.
His brother is working at the Red Sea and wishes CD to know that he has evidence for the affinity of ascidians and vertebrates in their nervous systems.
Plans to go to Paris upon its imminent capitulation to help his sister-in-law.
Meeting with CD postponed.
Discusses mailing of presentation copies [of Descent]. Sends addresses of A. R. Wallace and St George Mivart.
CD’s anxiety about being examined in court if Horsman [former curate at Down] brings suit. He doubts it will happen, but if so will defend himself to utmost.
Has pleasant recollections of his relations with JBI.
Sends ARW advance copy of vol. 1 [of Descent] for his review in Academy. Vol. 2 is delayed by index. "Do not swear at me more than you can help."
Has sent CD his book [Genesis of species (1871)]. Has not said a word in opposition to CD except where his view of the truth necessitated it.
Finished the last proofs of Descent a few days ago. "I shall be well abused."
St George Mivart’s Genesis [of species]: very good, unfortunately theological. Will tell heavily against natural selection but not against evolution, and this is "infinitely more important".
JBI regrets his part in appointments of his successors.
His friendship with CD and its effect on his fellow clerics.
Invites AG to stay at Down. Winwood Reade and, he hopes, Hooker and Robert Swinhoe will be there.
Is obliged for StGJM’s book [On the genesis of species (1871)].
Would not have sent him vol. 1 [of Descent] if he had known that StGJM’s book was already published.
Thanks CD for vol. 1 of Descent. Feels nothing but sympathy and esteem for a writer labouring for the promotion of what he conscientiously believes to be the truth.
Sends enclosure copied from letter of F. C. Donders [7207?] dealing with orbicular muscle. Asks about secretion of tears resulting from spasmodic action of orbicular muscle.
Comments on StGJM’s book [Genesis of species (1871)]. Has no personal objection to a word of it, but regrets their views differ so much.
Acknowledges StGJM’s kind letter. [See 7451.]
Offers to alter the "dogmatic assertion" referred to on page 102 [of StGJM’s On the genesis of species] but in 5th ed. of Origin and in Variation CD finds only qualified expressions.
Is sorry CD found Genesis of species unfairly critical. Assures CD of his just intentions and offers to alter certain words and phrases in a new edition. Emphasises his high regard for CD but fears his views are leading to religious decay.
CD’s health has been poor.
Appreciates JBI’s letter and his expression of friendship.
In the opinion of a Q.C., Horsman has no case.
Reports his observations on the concurrence of orbicular muscle spasms, engorgement of eyes with blood, and formation of tears.
