Describes one of his varieties of potato in its third and fourth years. [CD notes his observations on this variety grown at Down, July 1879.]

Encloses some references [missing] to information on Dr Erasmus Darwin.

Is struck by the amazing variations of the hardy Primula varieties.

Sends CD an article on Dr Erasmus Darwin [from Monthly Magazine, see 12028].

Tells of a "discovery" he has made about taking observations of the sun. Does not know yet whether it is new.

Invitation to the University College Hospital festival and dinner

Sends first part of MS of Erasmus Darwin.

Has found useful criticism of Anna Seward in J. G. Lockhart’s Life of Sir Walter Scott.

CD should regard MS as a draft and correct anything that seems incorrect or questionable. Asks biographical questions about Dr Darwin. Can CD give information about origin of family name?

Has received the enlarged MS for Erasmus Darwin from E. Krause.

Has been trying unsuccessfully to weigh something for CD.

Has difficulty with E. Krause’s orthography and quotations.

Asks CD to lend him Anna Seward’s biography [Memoirs of the life of Dr Darwin (1804)].

Compatibility of evolution and theism.

Will wait for CD’s preliminary essay before proceeding with German edition [of Erasmus Darwin]. Regards CD’s essay as the principal attraction. Would like to finish German edition by end of July.

Has CD seen Samuel Butler’s Evolution, old and new [1879], which contains a biography of Erasmus Darwin and exposition of his philosophy? "Does not this rather take the wind out of our sails?"

Sends a collection of wheat varieties from Turkestan in response to a newspaper notice of CD’s interest.

CD awarded the Baly Medal of the Royal College of Physicians.

Are modifications in human form and intellect due solely to natural selection or do altered external conditions also play a role?

Sends abstracts of more articles [on Dr Erasmus Darwin] from Monthly Magazine.

Has received CD’s letter [see 12050]. Gives CD the history of the Baly Medal and names previous recipients. It is not necessary for CD to be present for the award, but if he chooses to attend, arrangements could be made for him to arrive just before the presentation. CD will not be required to make an acceptance speech.

Thanks for answers to questions [in 12032].

Has ordered the new book by Butler [Evolution, old and new (1879)]. It may make EK’s own essay superfluous.

Sends an ammonite from the Upper Lias, which has Balanus-like bodies on surface. He wants CD’s interpretation. Discusses possible function of aptychi, siphuncular tube, and operculum in ammonites.

Sends newspaper cutting referring to CD.