Case of hereditary transmission; in his own family ten of LH’s generation suffer a defect in the right knee-joint.

Comments on Descent [2: 358–60] especially on CD’s view that behaviour of lower animals is evidence against JL’s interpretation [of aboriginal promiscuity]. View on communal marriage.

Having read extracts of CD’s work, he argues that the scriptural version of man’s origin is superior, and he is concerned about CD’s salvation.

Second "edition" [of Descent] published this day. Offers CD 800 guineas.

Mentions Wallace’s review in Academy.

Agrees that in a deaf person the jaw may fall because of concentrated attention.

In surprise, mouth is opened suddenly and chest filled with air. This expression occurs in all parts of the world. Odd that so simple a movement is so perplexing to understand.

Is studying Descent.

Raises two questions for CD: on the great percentage of female illegitimate births compared with legitimate,

and on clothing as accounting for hairlessness of humans.

Describes plans for travel in Morocco with George Maw and John Ball.

Has not yet read Descent.

Bitch crossed with dog produced puppies like those of previous cross with a very different dog.

[Forwarded to CD by Robert Swinhoe.]

Reports on sales and reception of his book [Descent]. Thanks HED for her help.

Wallace’s article in the Academy [2 (1870–1): 177–82] shows CD has had no influence on him; the review has had hardly any influence on CD.

Demand [for Descent] is such that JM thinks he will have to print 1000 more copies. Does not want to trouble CD for corrections.

Is delighted at the sale of Descent. What CD says about her help pleases her very much and the proposed gift as a memorial will be very precious to her. Is looking forward to seeing the family in London. Comments on a letter comparing CD's appearance to an ape. Is surprised CD has had no effect on Wallace: 'It seems to me his mind can’t be so clear as u used to think it'. Has worked out why she is dissatisfied with T. H. Huxley's essay ‘On the physical basis of life’ (T. H. Huxley 1869).

Comments on WRG’s MS on ratio of the sexes at birth.

Offers to send J. M. A. Thury’s paper ["Loi de production des sexes", Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 18 (1863): 91–8].

Asks name of an Abutilon from Fritz Müller.

Questions about Drosophyllum for experiments;

the meaning of "Sirdar".

Wonderful success of Descent. Astonished by liberality of public. No abuse yet.

Marvels at JDH’s plans for a trip to Morocco. Asks him to look for alpine insects.

Copy of and note on a picture of Noah’s daughter averting her eyes in shame.

Asks for photograph of pointed ear of ERL’s friend.

Completes payment for 2d issue [of Descent]; has sold 1300 of the 2000 copies printed. Will probably print 2000 more for 3d issue.

On the case of a male acquaintance with two pairs of mammae.

Encloses a letter [7617] to be forwarded to the author of the review of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette.

Unfortunately he has missed an opportunity to review Descent in Nature.

Anecdotal comments on various sections of Descent:

Red Indians erecting their ears;

reasoning in a pet antelope, stag deer, and mongoose;

use of foot as prehensile organ by carpenters in India.