Asks whether JM thinks another edition of Variation worth while. Asks because a Polish translation is planned and he would undertake corrections for a 2d edition, but not just for a Polish edition.

"The learned Darwin states that Moses taught confusion. | For Man, he boldly says, descends from Ape or Monkey – | I, having read his book, am come to this conclusion | Darwin (at least himself) descends from Ass or Donkey."

Lyell very ill.

No two specimens of Glaucium are alike.

Lord Henry [Lennox] still burkes JDH’s application.

JM expresses his willingness to publish a new edition of Variation whenever CD revises it.

Descent [2d ed.] has not sold much since the annual sale – 1300 copies altogether.

Sends a prospectus for the new journal, Mind, and invites CD’s co-operation.

Tells correspondent how to locate Michael Faraday’s widow [Sarah Barnard].

CD is obliged for a note he will use for a new [2d] edition of Variation [1875].

The plan of the new journal [Mind] seems excellent. CD regrets that he has so much work to do in natural history that it is improbable he can be a contributor.

Thanks FBG for his essay. Thinks FBG’s planned collection would be very useful but is ‘not sanguine of success’. Most naturalists do not care about domesticated productions. ‘A strong remnant of the feeling yet survives that there is a marked distinction between varieties & species, & naturalists regard only the latter.’

Thanks for CD’s reception of his book. The evidence GGB has assembled has convinced him of independent creation. The future will say whether he or CD is correct.

Expresses his feelings following the death of Charles Lyell.

Thinks he has observed the origin of the shake of the head as signifying "no" in his seven-month-old son.

Mourns death of Lyell. Wonders whether enough men of science were attached to him to raise a fitting testimonial.

Will not come to London for some weeks. Hopes to make TB’s acquaintance.

On Lyell’s death; JDH has arranged for burial in Westminster Abbey. His thoughts on a testimonial.

More trouble with Lord Henry Lennox.

Is much obliged to TW and his friend for having told him about the azalea, but CD had already seen the account.

Speculates on the function of eyebrows and of hair and the furrows of the forehead. Considers many features and faculties to serve, or to have served, more than one function, either simultaneously or successively. Determining the one function through which natural selection has acted in developing it is unrealistic and not worth while.

"Last night it suddenly occurred to me that I had not sent you the last Edition of the Descent of Man published in November."

CD on his memory of Lyell. Deeply rejoices that he is to be buried in Westminster Abbey.

Reports that Variation is out of print. Suggests means of obtaining a copy.