Communicates two cases of inheritance reported by J. P. Bishop [in 13137]. The work of E. Brown-Séquard has demonstrated that effects of injuries can be inherited ["Hereditary transmission of an epileptiform affection accidentally produced", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 10 (1860): 297–8]. E. Dupuy has sent CD a still more remarkable case.

Reports de Bary’s opinion of Max Cornu. Accounts of various botanical experiments and observations.

Thanks CD for his kind judgment on his book [The natural conditions of existence (1881)].

E. Ray Lankester has written an unfriendly review of it [Nature 23 (1880–1): 405–9].

Orders a case of soda water.

Asks what to do with [unspecified] receipt.

Interested in investigation of child development. Suggests questions. Does education of parents influence mental power of children? Desirable to test statement that coloured children at first learn as fast as white but afterwards fall behind. Does pitch of chidren’s voices vary with mood? Children’s tastes often related to occupation of progenitor. Do these last?

Thinks hairs on moles are secondary effect like hairs on ulcerated surfaces. Suggests he not publish until he has independent evidence of reversion.

Thinks CGS right not to reply to critical article by Lankester.

Discusses direct action of environment as cause of variability; the finding of Hermann Hoffmann that direct action of environment affects plants very little.

GHD’s abstract from Nature [24 (1881): 231] has been published in Kosmos.

John Collier has finished his portrait of CD.

Reports on a visit to Hermann Vöchting and discussion of Julius Sachs.

Has not been able to win a position that would allow him to conduct research. Seeks technical job instead. Asks for loan to tide himself over probationary period.

Appreciates WCH’s letter with references to the anatomy of ancient human beings. Rejoices in the progress of anthropology.

Thanks JS for essays. CD read the French abstracts [of "Hemisepius", K. Dan. Vidensk. Selsk. Skr. (Naturvidensk. Math. Afd.) 5th ser. 10 (1875): 463–82, and "Sepiadarium og Idiosepius", K. Dan. Vidensk. Selsk. Skr. (Naturvidensk. Math. Afd.) 6th ser. 1 (1880–5): 211–42]. Hectocotylisation has always astonished him.

Wishes JS believed in evolution.

Surprised by CD’s intention to publish [Earthworms] so soon. Remonstrates against doing so. Asks deferment until October to co-ordinate with American publication and ensure best profit.

CD thought it was understood that he wanted to publish [Earthworms] at once, but as Murray "has the risk" CD must yield, though it destroys all his satisfaction in the book to have the publication hanging over him.

Points out what he believes to be two errors in CD’s paper on inheritance [Nature 24 (1881): 257; Collected papers 2: 230–1].

Many thanks for CD’s advice and suggestions. His letter is a great source of encouragement.

Delay in publication [of Earthworms] vexes CD, as he likes to throw a subject off his mind.

Publication of Earthworms delayed, but will send sheets to EK when he receives them [so that he can decide about publishing extracts in Kosmos].

Thanks for "Die Gegenwart".

"’Instinct’ of plants" is a most puzzling problem.

Does not see how mind can be defined "if we subtract consciousness".

Hastens to assure CD that his book [Earthworms] will be published as soon as possible, since CD wishes it.