Are modifications in human form and intellect due solely to natural selection or do altered external conditions also play a role?

Has CD seen Samuel Butler’s Evolution, old and new [1879], which contains a biography of Erasmus Darwin and exposition of his philosophy? "Does not this rather take the wind out of our sails?"

Sends a collection of wheat varieties from Turkestan in response to a newspaper notice of CD’s interest.

Sends abstracts of more articles [on Dr Erasmus Darwin] from Monthly Magazine.

Has received CD’s letter [see 12050]. Gives CD the history of the Baly Medal and names previous recipients. It is not necessary for CD to be present for the award, but if he chooses to attend, arrangements could be made for him to arrive just before the presentation. CD will not be required to make an acceptance speech.

Thanks for answers to questions [in 12032].

Has ordered the new book by Butler [Evolution, old and new (1879)]. It may make EK’s own essay superfluous.

Sends an ammonite from the Upper Lias, which has Balanus-like bodies on surface. He wants CD’s interpretation. Discusses possible function of aptychi, siphuncular tube, and operculum in ammonites.

Sends newspaper cutting referring to CD.

Wants some Sunday tickets for the Zoological Garden.

Wants information on the use of reason by animals.

Has searched to no avail for 17th- and 18th-century wills to learn how Elston Hall was acquired by Robert Darwin rather than by William Darwin, even though Robert was the younger son.

Samuel Butler seems not even to have read works of Erasmus Darwin. Quotes only passages quoted by other authors. Thorough account now more necessary than ever.

CD’s preliminary notice should be incorporated in German edition completely unchanged, though some annotation is needed to explain matters unfamiliar to German readers.

Would like to have article by CD for Kosmos.

CD’s works have opened a new world for him.

Sends a case of inheritance: a fingernail biting habit has persisted for four generations in a Viennese lawyer’s family.

Will attempt to copy the drawing of Elston Hall [Erasmus Darwin, p. 3]. Does not remember the highway robber story [ibid., pp. 64–5].

Fungus is an Aecidium. Porliera, Anthuriums and Aroids will hopefully sprout if weather gets hot. Sachs has changed his ideas about the cause of heliotropism. Describes men he is sharing a lab with.

Thanks for postcard informing him of Delboeuf’s review of his book; he had already seen review.

Will be glad to draw Elston Hall for CD.

Gives some details of Sir Brook Boothby.

Speaks of the delight of having met CD.

Hopes William Darwin may be able to visit Worthing.

Thanks CD for another letter [of his father’s].

Cannot call to mind the story about the robber [see Erasmus Darwin, pp. 64–5].

The official parish tithe map shows that a greater error than at first thought was made in measuring Miss Wedgwood’s land. She was overpaid £15 10s.