Pleased CD enjoyed his book [Outdoor papers (1871)].

Rejoices at CD’s kindly feelings toward the coloured race.

The Index is in financial trouble due to F. E. Abbot’s unworldliness.

Agassiz is setting up a summer school for natural history off the Massachusetts coast. His pupils develop more liberal scientific opinions than Agassiz’s.

Encloses some notes on expression.

The Leweses will be happy to see the Litchfields, and hope CD will come again, with Emma.

Having now read Expression, WM repeats his criticism of "antithesis". Explains his theory of up-and-down-tending lines.

Debates the existence of God.

Sends photograph of a diseased roebuck shot by Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia.

Is trying to persuade "our friend" [T. H. Huxley?] to accept a gift.

Thinks the Huxley fund should be done. Difficulty will be getting him to accept it.

Sends his 6th volume.

Observations on her pet pug.

William Spottiswoode was not at home, but JT sought out Herbert Spencer. Spencer will come with JT to see CD [about the Huxley fund].

Is convinced that the "brotherly spirit of the transaction" will cause Huxley not to raise objections.

W. G. Armstrong and T. H. Farrer have both contributed [to the Huxley fund].

George Henslow is worse. All plans to go abroad have been given up. James Paget’s diagnoses enclosed.

Thanks CD for his kind letter about The fair haven [1873]. Encouraged by its reception. All he wants is to compel "an attitude of fixed attention in the place of cowardly shrinking from examination". Says he will try "a novel pure and simple with little ""purpose"" next".

Sends 15 studies in expression, acted by his wife.

Describes David Ferrier’s experiments on electrical brain stimulation of animals; these show direct relation between convolutions of the brain and groups of muscles [West Riding Asylum Med. Rep. (July 1873)].

It is Huxley’s "duty to do what we wish him to do – his duty to his wife and children, his duty to us and to the world". Shares CD’s wish that Mrs [Henry] L[yell?] had not subscribed – it suggests the idea of an effort.

Left the Garibaldi at Rio de Janeiro.

Phylogeny of aphids.

[Sir Joseph?] Whitworth’s contribution brings total to over £2000. Wishes CD could be persuaded to come to lunch with Huxley and Emerson.

Sends leaves of Dionaea with insect prey in them. Size of insects captured may be affected by leaves not being fully grown.

Is overwhelmed by generosity of his friends. Admits he felt morally beaten and without energy for first time in his life. Someday wants the names of the friends.