Returns borrowed book. Is surprised that any of us have eyes "seeing what a frightful number of horrid diseases the eye is liable to".

F. C. Donders coming to congress. Wants to arrange visit.

Arranges to bring F. C. Donders to visit Down.

Thanks CD for Expression, comments on it.

Describes celebration of F. C. Donders’ 25th year as professor at Utrecht.

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.

Discusses hereditary character of hypermetropia. Notes views of F. C. Donders on the subject.

"As the disease hypermetropia is not very rare, & as it is known to be hereditary, I will not give the case (about which I was very doubtful) & am glad to decide in the negative".

Urges WB to give his vote "and exert any influence which you properly can" in favour of CD’s nephew, Henry Parker, a fellow of Oriel, at the next balloting at the Athenaeum.

Regrets he cannot hear lecture by F. C. Donders.

Hopes to see WB before he returns home.

Thinks WB’s proposal a very good one. CD could suggest two or three subjects for essays with respect to the vegetable kingdom, but they would require a long course of experiments "& unfortunately there is hardly any one in this country who seems inclined to devote himself to experiments".