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?

Will try to find an engraving of [Breadsall] Priory.

Offers a photograph of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s house in Derby.

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.

Is glad CD has found interest in "the old book" [Dr Erasmus Darwin’s commonplace book].

Discusses Erasmus Darwin and his belongings, which RD has inherited.

Owns a portrait of Erasmus Darwin by Joseph Wright of Derby.

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".

Has found a pamphlet of 1780 about Charles Darwin [1758–78].

RD’s sister, Violetta, has found some early verses and a MS by Dr Erasmus Darwin.

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".

Sends letters from RD’s father to R. W. Darwin.

Thanks CD for sending some old family letters of RD’s father’s [Francis Sacheverel Darwin (1786–1859)].