H. W. Bates says CD is in town. WWR would like to call.

Discusses expression among the Chinese. Reports certain physical characters and the practice of certain unusual customs.

Thanks for Indian [Medical] Gazette. Comments on article.

Has read several of CD’s books; is curious about his remarks on "movements which are no longer useful but still inherited". Asks CD’s opinion on why people still swing arms with opposite leg in walking.

Thanks CD for photograph – sends one in return,

questions CD on his religious views.

On ocelli and relation to sexual selection;

instance of rejection of male by female butterfly.

Reports that he has not received JSBS’s book on histology and physiology [Sanderson ed., Handbook for the physiological laboratory (1873)], which Edward Emmanuel Klein told CD’s son was to be sent. He asks for information so that he may thank Dr Klein. [Klein and Michael Foster were co-authors with JSBS.]

He has returned the Gazette to Dr T. L. Brunton. [See 8825.]

Pleased CD enjoyed his book [Outdoor papers (1871)].

Rejoices at CD’s kindly feelings toward the coloured race.

The Index is in financial trouble due to F. E. Abbot’s unworldliness.

Agassiz is setting up a summer school for natural history off the Massachusetts coast. His pupils develop more liberal scientific opinions than Agassiz’s.

Encloses some notes on expression.

Describes the behaviour of a pet donkey and pig.

Having now read Expression, WM repeats his criticism of "antithesis". Explains his theory of up-and-down-tending lines.

The impossibility of conceiving that the universe arose through chance is the chief argument for the existence of God, but CD has never been able to decide whether this is an argument of real value. Safest to believe that the subject is beyond man’s intellect, "but man can do his duty".

Anxious to have GHD come home because of his poor health. Recommends Huxley’s physician (Andrew Clark) – an advocate of milk diet.

Has sent JDH’s letter to Nature ["Perception in ants", Nature 7 (1873): 443–4].

Sons recall kindness received from JDH and others in America.

Debates the existence of God.

Wants to discuss raising a testimonial fund for Huxley and whether Huxley would stand this.

Sends photograph of a diseased roebuck shot by Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia.

Thinks the Huxley fund should be done. Difficulty will be getting him to accept it.

Sends his 6th volume.

Sends to Pantlludw [North Wales] bottle of formic acid. FD and Amy [Darwin] can search for spawn. If found, keep in two basins and add 6 drops of acid to one and look for differences.

William Spottiswoode was not at home, but JT sought out Herbert Spencer. Spencer will come with JT to see CD [about the Huxley fund].