Discusses GJR’s experiments on heliotropism in plants; views of Philippe van Tieghem and Julius von Wiesner. Describes his own experiments.

Mentions his letter on vivisection [to Frithiof Holmgren, see 13115] in the Times [18 Apr 1881].

Comments on GJR’s letter in the Times [25 Apr 1881] concerning vivisection. Mentions activity of anti-vivisectionists, G. R. Jesse and F. P. Cobbe.

Discusses his investments.

Thanks correspondent for sending paper on molluscs.

Suggests modification in JBH’s experiment on formation of diamonds.

Speculates about chemical products of constituents of living organisms when subjected to heat and pressure.

Discusses possible case of inherited memory involving Pompilus. Cites similar example of electric eel.

Congratulates him on Mastodon discovery.

Thanks EH and Ernst Abbe in connection with microscope for his son [Francis].

CD is glad the portrait [of CD by John Collier] has been arranged; suggests dates, but feels he should have no say in the subscriptions or remuneration.

Thinks the Lakes are beautiful.

Is reading W. Graham’s The creed of science.

Is returning to Down.

Rejoices that GJR writes so much in Nature.

CD wants to see TLB before he leaves London. Much obliged for his aid.

CD does not lend money, but he encloses a cheque as a present.

Encloses notice about Wilhelm Roux’s book [see 13118].

Comments on John Collier’s portrait.

Unable to contribute an essay to a symposium on the subject of vivisection. Objects to use of term "symposium".

Mentions articles of Hermann Müller.

Death of his brother Erasmus [26 Aug 1881].

Owes much to Birmingham and great honour conferred on him, but cannot write what RLT wishes.

Thanks GJR for his review of Earthworms [Nature 24 (1881): 553–6].

Thanks LJJ for informing him of error [in Earthworms].

CD thinks the celts [prehistoric tools] on the pan could not have been buried wholly by worms.

As for large size of Arctic mammals, CD suggests it is an advantage in retaining warmth.

Explains source of error [in Earthworms].

Asks her to translate a letter by W. F. P. Pfeffer. Mentions views of Julius von Wiesner.