The Natural Philosophical Society [Academy of Sciences] will publish his translation of Origin in August, before Descent.

A distinguished member of the Hungarian Parliament attacked CD’s theory. LD answered, and a controversy ensued.

LD has noted many signs of public support for CD.

J. V. Carus’ lecture.

Edinburgh intellectual climate.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s visit to Edinburgh.

J. H. Stirling did not write anonymous review of Expression in Edinburgh Review. Suggests T. Spencer Baynes of St Andrews. [? T. S. Baynes, "Darwin on expression", 137 (1873): 492–528.]

Invites CD on a voyage to the western coast of North and South America.

News of Naples Zoological Station developments.

His remarks on physiology in the Academy were aimed at Prof. Ludwig and his school.

The usual "exact" methods in experimental physiology want only a little pushing to put an end to superstition.

Recounts how he had worked out the explanation of Rhizocephala morphology via the Anelasma – an example of both the power of inheritance and the power of genealogical investigation. R. Kossman’s work has now confirmed AD’s explanation.

Has been discussing spontaneous generation with William Robinson of the Garden. Reports having found grubs that developed in an undamaged, hard-boiled egg. Has similarly treated eggs if CD wants to investigate.

Reports on insects fertilising Viola tricolor and on the fertilisation of the two wild forms [see Cross and self-fertilisation, p. 124 n., 125].

Apologises for having given CD some unreliable information.

Observations on expression.

Sends information on Lathyrus odoratus, Phaseolus multiflorus and Pisum sativum.

CM and Henri Sicard have given what CM thinks is the first zoology course in France based on descent of species.

In Rome he was struck by ancient Greek statues of mythical figures which use the idea of environmental influence. Ascribes these ideas to both CD and Lamarck.

Has discussed with E. E. Klein about the purchase of a Hartnack microscope from Paris.

Informs CD of the effects of certain salts and other chemicals on animals.

Comments on CD’s results with Drosera. Suggests some experiments.

Wonders whether CD has any idea how the cuckoo manages to match its eggs to those of its host; believes it possible that the diet of the nestling cuckoo, which varies with its host, may affect its behaviour and the colour of its eggs.

Confirms previous observations on ants [see 8788].

Is tired of inaction and so is leaving for Egypt and the East.

Sends his paper on fertilisation of the New Zealand species of the orchid Pterostylis [Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 4 (1871): 270–84].

Sends three lectures on the origin of human language [see 8962].

Although a "sincere admirer", he differs with CD on the relation of human to so-called animal language.

Leaves Wednesday with Huxley for holiday.

Family news.

He too thinks well of Bentham’s address.

Asa Gray elected Foreign F.R.S.

G. J. Allman is being proposed for Royal Medal by JDH and Huxley.