Thanks FG for an extract [about Dr Erasmus Darwin?].

Returns documents pertaining to Dr Erasmus Darwin.

Caroline Darwin says mysterious visitor’s name was Brand. It was in time of Colonel Pole. Never visited Mrs Pole or Mrs Darwin [Elizabeth Collier], but sent respectful messages.

CD’s father thought he had not been treated fairly about his share of his mother’s [Mary Howard Darwin’s] fortune. Will not allude to this [in Erasmus Darwin]. Surprising that grandfather did not make more money. Has found memorandum of his having lost £1500 in ironworks.

CD’s little biography [Erasmus Darwin] has turned out very dull.

May FG’s tour turn out pleasant.

Returns completed questionnaire concerning visualising faculty [see LL 3: 177–9]. Thinks age important. Recalls faces of school friends but cannot remember those of people recently met.

Comments on his part [of Erasmus Darwin].

Thanks ESG for list of errata in his part [of Erasmus Darwin].

Extends sympathy on death of Edward Wheler, E. S. G’s brother-in-law.

Asks CD’s help in obtaining data on finger-prints – both of ancient impressions in pottery and of living men of all races. Suggests a comparative study with similar markings of lemuroid monkeys might yield results of value about man’s origin. Gives the practical utility of prints in identification in criminal and legal studies and investigations. Encloses a form.

Encloses letter [see 12488] and circular from Henry Faulds [regarding thumb impressions]. Anthropology Institute may care about it.

Invites FG to lunch.

Discusses dead earthworms on surface of ground after rainfall.

Describes experiments involving sensitivity of earthworms to light and how it reflects on their intelligence.

Asks for return of letter from J. P. Bishop about hair turning grey at an early age in three generations.

Can FG call on Monday evening?

Sends enclosure [missing].

FG’s volume on his African expedition [Narrative of an explorer in tropical South Africa (1853)] stimulates CD to express his admiration and to hope their acquaintance can be renewed.

Describes his health and life at Down.

Thanks FG for book [The art of travel (1855)].

Is looking for a house in London for a month.

Discusses how Fuegians and other primitive peoples light fires.

Encloses signed document.

"Much interested about all domestic animals of all savage nations."

Thanks FG for comments [on Origin].

Acknowledges error involving rhinoceros.

Thinks female fowls select victorious or most beautiful cock.

Does FG know Mansfield Parkyns well enough to submit query to him? [Probably about domestication of Columba guinea in Abyssinia. See Variation 1: 183.]