Thanks HBD for his lectures On the germs and vestiges of disease [1861].

Thinks his reasoning that the V. M. F. ("force exhibited in the operations of life") is not a "given quantity" is satisfactory.

How far the conditions of life affect the forms of organic life puzzles CD more than any other part of his subject. Thinks he may have underrated its importance in Origin.

Asks for source of the quotation on regeneration in HBD’s work.

At CD’s request HBD has traced the quotation; it is on regeneration from Charles White in W. B. Carpenter’s Comparative physiology (1854), p. 480.

Is gratified that CD thinks some of the arguments in his book [Lectures on the germs of disease (1861)] are satisfactory.

Thanks for information [on regeneration quotation].

Sends CD a form he has devised of a proper genealogical table of three or four generations of the families of medical cases, so that hereditary transmission may be more accurately and fully recorded.

CD thinks HBD’s tables would be a considerable gain because "the importance of hereditary transmission can hardly be exaggerated from every point of view". Makes suggestions.

Asks him to send any remarkable cases of inheritance to him and, as well, any case of regrowth of amputated additional digit.

Sends copy of the table, which now embodies CD’s suggestions [see 4117].

Gives instances of persons born with two thumbs and comments on hereditary factor.

The [genealogical] table seems excellent. Would be obliged for any further information about the children of the cousins – the case surprises CD.