The "great book" [presumably Dr Erasmus Darwin’s commonplace book, see Erasmus Darwin, p. iii] arrived safely.

Can RD supply a photograph of [Breadsall] Priory?

"I have signed the enclosed with pleasure."

Thanks AN for his kind expression about Frank [Darwin].

Has been "deeply interested by the great book" [see 11966]. Asks permission to publish extracts.

Did Dr Darwin go to Edinburgh when his son, Charles, died? Asks whether RD has ever heard a story about Dr Darwin that had been told to CD by the Galtons.

Details of family history. Has discovered Dr Darwin did get to Edinburgh before his son, Charles, died.

The more CD reads of Dr Darwin the higher he rises in his estimation.

Is tired of writing letters, "half the fools throughout Europe write to ask me the stupidest questions".

Research for Erasmus Darwin. CD has always thought there is one "golden rule" for biographers: "not to insert anything which … would interest only the members of the Family".

Thanks him for his efforts. CD cared most about the letter to Thomas Okes [see Erasmus Darwin, pp. 14–15]. "Cannot think who the calumnious article cd have been about [in?] 1802."

Discusses his work on Dr Erasmus Darwin’s life.

Thanks for information about Erasmus Darwin and for lending journal.