Reports his observations on the concurrence of orbicular muscle spasms, engorgement of eyes with blood, and formation of tears.

A bibliographical query arising in translation of Descent. Two misprints noted.

CD’s health has been poor.

Appreciates JBI’s letter and his expression of friendship.

In the opinion of a Q.C., Horsman has no case.

Is glad CD does not believe he is biased by an odium theologicum. Comments on the first volume of Descent. Is convinced of the truth of evolution, but believes natural selection plays only a secondary role and that man is fundamentally different from the rest of creation.

CD apologises for having thought that StGJM’s religious feelings had led him to feel personal animosity towards him. [See 7454.]

He remembers having thought and written that belief in evolution is infinitely more important for science than belief in Natural Selection. For his own part he would have felt little interest in evolution apart from the explanation "in a general manner" of how each organism is so adapted to its conditions.

Note to accompany a translation of one of GE's writings; also comments on the 'reform' of the German language.

Accepts the proposed corrections of his spelling except for "chloèn". [WSD was preparing the index for Descent, vol. 2.]

Obliged for specimens [of Paritium?].

Discusses difference between sport and parent tree.

Response to [vol. 1 of] CD’s Descent.

Not yet convinced on sexual selection and protection, though their differences are not so great as CD thinks.

On man, he does not think CD has accounted for every step of his development by "ascertained laws".

Thanks RM for information on case of hexadactyly [see RM’s paper, "Hexadactylism", Land and Water, 11 March 1871, p. 179.

He has found passage on false belief, Variation 2: 414, and does not think the whole with context is dogmatic. [Encloses copy of the passage.]

Has received all the proof-sheets of first volume and of second volume to p. 168 [Descent].

Leaves for Paris tomorrow.

Thanks JVC for his corrections. Will send other errata. Hopes to send remainder of vol. 2 [of Descent] in a fortnight.

Asks that review copy [of Descent] be sent to F. P. Cobbe.

Discusses mailing of presentation copies.

Responds to ARW’s comments on CD’s argument about protection in Descent.

Comments on St G. Mivart’s criticism [Genesis of species (1871)]. "The pendulum will now swing against us."

Thanks CD for the second volume of Descent.

Thinks G. H. Lewes will review Descent in Pall Mall Gazette.

Has sent JH a copy of his new book [The Sun].

Comments on spelling reform being attempted in Germany and the United States, and being proposed in England.

Replying to JH's letter of 24 Jan. 1871. Thanking him for his suggestions. Has not seen JH's Cape Observations. Has seen report of R. W. Bunsen's experiments. Comments on these experiments.