Is pleased CD approved of his effort ["Address in surgery", see 5219] in which he alluded to CD’s views.

Plans to write a book on expression. Questions WB on orbicular muscle in screaming infant and function of muscle contractions in looking at a distant object.

Supposes that infants’ eyes bulge and become engorged with blood during fits of sneezing or screaming, but doubts Charles Bell’s experiment of opening and observing eyes turn from pale to red [Anatomy and philosophy of expression (1844)].

Discusses the action of the eye when looking at distant objects.

Thanks for reply to queries. Spectroscope an instance of unimagined glorious prospects of science.

Asks for precise reference in Charles Bell to subject of CD’s question. Agrees to assist CD’s investigation. Asks about Bell’s observations on eyes engorged with blood. Has noticed that eyes of children with excessive photophobia tend to be pale when forced open.

Gives Charles Bell’s explanation of the contraction of the orbicularis during screaming and seeks confirmation of his view because the action is "the key-stone of a whole class of expressions". Curious to learn WB’s conclusion in regard to the relation between contraction of the orbicularis and secretion of tears. Notes that voluntary contraction of the orbicularis causes no tears.

Reports his observations on the concurrence of orbicular muscle spasms, engorgement of eyes with blood, and formation of tears.

Gives lengthy details from his medical experience on how structural and other changes in the parts of the eye are related to lacrimation.

Mentions belief in CD’s views.

Exceptional cases of frowning by children born blind have been reported to CD by R. H. Blair [see 8615]; CD asks WB for information and observations on the use of the muscles around the eye by those blind from birth.