Thanks CD for permission to translate Variation into Russian. The translation will be guided by his brother Alexander, a follower of Darwin,
whose articles on the affinity of ascidians and vertebrates he forwards.
On whether to make woodcuts for Variation in Russia or use Murray’s stereotypes. He has similar advance publication agreements with Carl Vogt, E. A. Rossmässler and Theodor Billroth.
The Russian version of Origin is translated from Bronn’s German edition.
Agrees to use Murray’s stereotypes.
Offers to send rug made from a black Russian bear he shot.
The proofs CD sent seem to have been lost in the post. Asks him to send another set by ordinary letter post.
Lost proofs have arrived.
Proposes to append the woodcuts of dog and cat varieties from Brehm [Illustrirtes Thierleben (1864–7)], which he has also translated, to the Russian edition of Variation.
Repeats details of his previous letter [5537] as he was unsure whether CD received it.
His translation and printing of Variation will be completed in two months.
His work on a relief committee for Russia’s agricultural distress has forced him to travel 1000 miles in the last week.
Plans to visit CD in July.
The first half of vol. 2 of Variation is printed.
News of his marriage.
Sends portraits of Russian scientists.
Hopes CD will write his book on man and asks permission to translate it.
Moving to Germany for two or three years.
Has written to Moscow about translations of Origin. Wishes to translate additions to the fifth English edition and print them as a supplement.
Pleased by CD’s high opinion of Alexander Kovalevsky.
Since March has been living in Heidelberg, where his wife is studying mathematics and physics.
The Russian translation of Variation has been printed in his absence; he will bring a copy to Down if he receives one from Russia.
Moritz Wagner is going to attack selection theory in his new book on his travels in America [Naturwissenschaftliche Reisen im tropischen Amerika (1870)].
K. G. Semper may attack CD’s theory of coral islands.
Describes his brother Alexander’s discovery of male of Bonellia, a striking example of dimorphism. Encloses a plate with notes on his brother’s work.
The difficulty his wife, Sofya Kovalevsky, has had as a woman in being admitted to Berlin University. Kirchow [Gustav Robert Kirchhoff], at Heidelberg, has taken an interest in her.
Plans to visit Down in a week.
Wishes to visit Down.
Will order the first set of casts from Murray.
Thanks CD for a book for his wife from the Royal Society Library.
His brother [Alexander] is delighted at being referred to in CD’s work [Descent 1: 205].
Requests a copy of [Living] Cirripedia to send to his brother, Alexander, who is working in Naples and wishes to verify CD’s discovery of complementary males.
Thanks for Cirripedia. Sorry CD has had to buy the books.
Forwards Alexander Kovalevsky’s letter [7326] with the information on the vertebrate character of ascidian larvae.
Leaving England.
Asks CD to send four sheets [of Descent proofs].
Sofya Kovalevsky not admitted to University in Berlin.
Translating the four sheets CD sent. When will book [Descent] be printed?
Alexander [Kovalevsky] has gone to the Red Sea to study corals.
Will work on live Scalpellum at Naples in spring.
Bemoans England’s Prussian sympathies. Paris will fall without bombardment.