Letter of introduction for Montagu Lubbock.
Letter of introduction for Montagu Lubbock.
Asks whether sheep and cattle grazing on a steep slope move across the slope horizontally or ascend it.
The Darwin family cannot agree on what CD should do about Butler’s charges [in Unconscious memory]. CD has commissioned HEL to ask LS’s advice. She sends an account of the affair with background materials.
Suggests an errata slip for preface to Erasmus Darwin would correct the inaccurate statement regarding publication of Butler’s Evolution old and new.
Discusses allegation [about Erasmus Darwin] made by Samuel Butler. Will value LS’s verdict highly.
Thanks for news about Wallace memorial; excellent names on it give hope of success.
Mentions Alfred Haddon, an acquaintance of hers who might call on CD.
Asks FMB to translate letter from Ernst Krause [answering criticisms by Samuel Butler] and to send it to Nature [ "Unconscious memory – Mr Samuel Butler" 23 (1881): 288].
Advises CD to "take no notice of Butler whatever" and gives his reasons.
Has written to Balfour concerning the Butler affair.
Congratulates CD on success of memorial; agrees he should be the one to tell Wallace.
He is buying a portable fire engine, and suggests one is purchased for Down. Wishes to join the Geological Society of London. Is eager to hear Leslie Stephen’s opinion.
Will gladly translate Krause’s letter for Nature; denounces Butler’s book attacking CD.
Thanks LS for his advice and his kind note. When CD thinks how he has been treated he will say to himself "so good a judge as Leslie Stephen thinks nothing of the accusation".
Discusses earthworm activity
and animal grazing on slopes.
Thanks CD for the offer of one of his books, which he gratefully accepts.
Thanks WO for copying and translating [unspecified] passages. CD knew nothing about them, but doubts they are of real use. Passage about summer solstice may indicate something new.
Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.
Thanks for Movement in plants. Praises the terms CD introduces, but criticises CD’s use of the teleological word "purpose".
Outlines his efforts to study the inheritance of characters in his family. F. Galton overemphasises the inheritance of good qualities.
Sends address of A. R. Wallace. Comments on Wallace’s pension.
[Ernst Krause’s] letter to Nature ["Unconscious memory – Mr Samuel Butler", 23 (1881): 288] has been dispatched.
Gladstone has dated Wallace’s pension from last July, "which is splendid".