Discusses the best means of presenting the draft bill about animal experimentation. Suggests that CD inform Lord Derby that scientific men concurred with the bill that had been prepared. [See 9923.]

Sends CD an account of his career since leaving the Beagle.

Encloses draft bill about vivisection; CD and friends may have influence enough to get it introduced in Commons or Lords; TA and the Cruelty Society do not. The Society, however, can pay for preparation of bill.

Agrees that CD should write to Lord Derby to say that a bill on animal experimentation was being prepared and that the government should not comment at this stage. [See 9933.] Ridicules the idea of using inspectors. Distinguishes between dissection and vivisection.

Is sending some seeds of sweetpeas, which George [Darwin] said CD would plant for him.

CD and others now think it advisable to go further than a petition on vivisection, and a bill has been drafted.

F. Delpino’s pamphlet on pitchers ["Sulle pianti a bicchieri", Nuovo G. Bot. Ital. 3 (1871): 174–6].

Sends CD his latest treatise, in which he discusses the origin of life ["Über die Physiologische Verbrennung in den lebendigen Organismen", Arch. Gesammte Physiol. 10 (1875): 251–367].

Thanks WTT-D for his present of Sachs’s book [Textbook of botany (1875)].

Thanks EFWP for sending him his treatise.

Has written to Lord Derby about the vivisection issue and urged him to speak to the proper members of the Cabinet to prevent "hasty legislation versus science". CD offered to send the sketch of the bill that has been drafted or a small deputation to wait on any member of the Cabinet. Lubbock does not think the petition should be presented as he feels sure that nothing will be done this session.

Approves vivisection memorial.

Lyon Playfair supports his request for Kew assistant.

Asks whether CD has botanical suggestions for Arctic expedition.

CD has helped leading physiologists to prepare a draft bill for legislation with regard to vivisection, and he hopes Lord Derby will support the bill and mention it to ministers of the Cabinet. Has heard that other groups are preparing bills for the same purpose, and feels it important that the science of physiology be protected as well as animals.

Approves draft of vivisection bill. Huxley strongly in favour of a bill.

Knows of the pitchers of one species of Dischidia.

Sends concluding part of his Zoologie [see 8531].

Enjoys translating Journal of researches. Questions several passages.

On pitchers of Dischidia and insects found in them.

Hooker has told her CD is in London. She requests a meeting.

He is honoured by CD’s selection of him as the medium of communication with Government. The matter [Vivisection Bill] now lies with the Home Secretary.

Encloses a copy of Lord Derby's note of 17 April 1875 (DCP-LETT-9938).

Sir John Lubbock has agreed to meet CD, but no arrangement has been made.

Maybe they should drop the petition, since Lord Derby has agreed to help.

Looking forward to publication of Insectivorous plants, which he will review.

Paul Mantegazza has criticised FD on insectivorous plants

and CD on sexual selection; FD maintains dichogamy in plants supports sexual selection.

Pleased JVC likes Journal of researches. Responds to his queries and thanks him for conscientiousness as a translator.

Insectivorous plants is so large that Murray will publish Climbing plants as a separate little book. Hopes Insectivorous plants is worth translating.