CD’s comments on proofs of JL’s book [Monograph of the Collembola and Thysanura (1873)].

Sends on letter from Hacon about Captain Litchfield’s will.

Differences in violet and honeysuckle cases.

Huxley basted Thomson awfully in Section D [of BAAS].

Has reached an understanding with CD’s French translator [J. Moulinié] and publisher [C. Reinwald] for Descent. Has printed first chapter in last number of Revue Scientifique and sent CD copies; is sending proofs of translation of next chapter for CD to correct.

Refused to write a treatise on geological time.

His paper on W. B. Carpenter’s theory of ocean currents is appearing soon.

Asks JM whether he will publish 750 copies of a pamphlet [Chauncey Wright’s review of Mivart’s Genesis of species, North Am. Rev. 113 (1871): 63–103] at CD’s expense.

Has been ill so cannot say when he will finish new edition of Origin.

Asks about sales and printing of Descent.

RC is sure Murray would not object to printing the pamphlet [C. Wright’s Darwinism: being an examination of Mr. St. G. J. Mivart’s "Genesis of species"].

After a lull in sales of Descent, a fresh demand warrants keeping type set up. Has CD seen the review of Descent in the Guardian?

Sends CD a volume of West Riding Lunatic Asylum Medical Reports [1 (1871)], which contains some observations on blushing.

A. J. Gaudry is one of few supporters of Darwinism in Paris.

The climate is so hostile that Kovalevsky must mitigate his views so as not to irritate the French.

Working on Anchitherium, which he believes is intermediate between Palaeotherium and the horse.

His brother-in-law has been arrested.

Thanks CD for interest in FEA’s work and for money for Index. Sends 1870 volume of Index.

Praises CD’s services to free-thought.

Asks for CD’s view of the influence of his theory on religion, to use in lecture.

Thanks CD for helping with arrangements for an American edition [of Primitive marriage (1865)].

He is an old friend of CD’s son-in-law, R. B. Litchfield, and of John Lubbock.

Intends to visit CD at Haredene.

JL’s views on the sexual peculiarities of the bladder-nosed seal, Cystophora cristata.

Describes the successful excavation of caves containing interred remains of Neolithic man.

Thanks AA for a ‘splendid case of gradation of structure’.

Sends details of trains for a clerk to travel to Down from London and back.

Thanks CD for Beagle specimens donated to the Museum.

Asks for a live Helix pomatia for dissection.

In response to a query [from "F. W. B."], CD describes his experience with seeding Leschenaultia, which demonstrates that insect agency is required.

Sends an article for insertion in Gardeners’ Chronicle.

Suggests sending a proof ‘as my hand-writing is so bad’.