Comments on FD’s discovery – "if it so proves". It will be important to see whether the protoplasm oozes through the cell-walls [of Dipsacus] or whether it can be withdrawn.

Looks to FD’s "grand discovery" as almost certain. Suggests observations.

Further comments on GHD’s work on the influence of geological changes on the earth’s axis.

Frank [Francis Darwin] has made a fine zoological discovery.

Thanks for essay [Philosophische Consequenzen der Lamarck–Darwin’schen Entwicklungstheorie (1876)].

Is determined not to believe in GHD’s astronomical work until J. C. Adams accepts it, for he would be so disappointed if it breaks down.

CD has quite given up the marine theory [of Glen Roy] and has accepted glacier lakes. "Nothing makes me gnash my teeth so much as that confounded paper of mine." It is a lesson "never in science to infer one explanation is right because no other one seems possible".

Comments on Weismann’s remarks on the possibility of sexual selection in the genus Daphnia.

A. R. Wallace has published paper giving up sexual selection [Review of St George Jackson Mivart’s Lessons from nature, as manifested in mind and matter.] in Academy, 10 and 17 June 1876, pp. 587–8.]

Wishes to arrange for William Darwin to see AC. William has suffered a concussion.

CD and family suggest inscriptions for Lyell memorial at Westminster Abbey.

CD communicating H. Airy’s paper on phyllotaxis to the Royal Society.

Frank observes pod-like emanations from glands of insectivorous plant ingesting solid insect particles [see 10520].

Returns Mrs Lyell’s versions of Lyell memorial inscription. Disapproves of religious tone.

Doubts Christian Radenhausen’s cosmological views are based on fact.