Sends an article ["Des lumières que la géologie peut jeter sur … l’histoire ancienne des Athéniens"] extracted from his work [Animaux fossiles et géologie de l’Attique (1862–7)]. CD’s letters have been an encouragement.

Hopes the belief in transformation will gradually be accepted. For himself the idea in no way undermines his idea of spirituality and his respect for human dignity.

Hopes to continue his work on the genealogical relationship (enchaînement) of fossils.

Thanks AG for his essay on geology and Athenian history [see 5784].

Comments on French rejection of evolution. "How strange that the country of Buffon, Geoffroy and especially Lamarck should now cling to species as immutable creations."

Variation will soon appear in French.

Thanks CD for copy of Variation.

CD’s work on pigeons demonstrates the close relationship between modifications in soft tissues and the hard parts, which are the only ones we possess in the fossil state.

Asks permission to dedicate to CD his book on the fossil animals and geology of Attica [Animaux fossiles et géologie de l’Attique (1862–7)]. CD will find much in it relating to the "filiation" of species, genera, and families.

Thanks AG for Animaux fossiles et géologie de l’Attique [1862–7]. Refers to Lyell’s quotation from AG as "one of the most striking I have ever read on the affiliation of Species".