Sends MS chapter on voice from Expression to HL for examination.

Agrees with R. B. Litchfield about Herbert Spencer’s views on speech and music.

Wishes to insert R. B. Litchfield’s remarks [into Expression] but will not give them as his own.

Thanks for her pains over corrections [for Expression].

On the "doubtful & obscure" subject of marriage of cousins, CD believes, that judging from the analogy of animals, no direct evil would follow from their marriage. He would, however, expect the offspring of unrelated parents to be somewhat superior in size and vigour. The injury from the increase of any bad tendency common to the family seems to CD more to be feared than mere consanguinity; "the good effects of crossing distinct families I look at as great & undoubted".

Proof-correcting [of 2d ed. of Coral reefs?].

Thanks her for her excellent criticisms and corrections [for 2d ed. of Coral reefs?].

Describes his views on vivisection. Cannot sign petition of F. P. Cobbe, with its attack on Rudolf Virchow.

Is glad to hear R. B. Litchfield is better.

Discusses William Darwin’s engagement to Sara Sedgwick.

Circular about the distribution of the overplus of his income and advice on investment.

Sends M. Guthrie’s book [On Mr Spencer’s formula of evolution (1879)], although HEL may not care to read it having seen Moulton’s letter [12350].

Circular letter regarding the distribution of CD’s excess income, with a note addressed to W. E. Darwin concerning his handling of Elizabeth Darwin’s share.

Send CD a present of a fur coat.

Thanks his children for their present of a fur coat.

Sends the Litchfields two drafts of a letter in reply to Samuel Butler’s letter to the Athenæum; hopes for their approval.

Advise against making any reply to Samuel Butler’s charges.

About the distribution of [surplus income] funds among the children.

Seeks R. B. Litchfield’s advice about publishing a translation of a letter and article by E. Krause [answering Samuel Butler’s Unconscious memory].

The Litchfields and George Darwin think care should be taken that E. Krause’s reply to S. Butler’s Unconscious memory does not appear to be instigated by CD. Suggest it be sent to Popular Science Review, not Athenæum.

A circular letter on the distribution of his money at death and the division ofErasmus’ estate.

Has promised to pay Hooker about £250 annually "for the formation of a perfect MS catalogue of all known plants [Index Kewensis]".