Expresses his gratitude for CD’s criticism and advice relating to his unripe hypothesis [see 12200]. His new results regarding the anatomy of different genera of Nemerteans, especially the discovery of a central nervous system.

Describes bearded horses seen on island of Sark.

Acknowledges receipt of Erasmus Darwin.

Observations on maize.

Thanks for copy of Erasmus Darwin.

Asks CD to express his opinion on vivisection to help the anti-vivisection cause in Germany.

Returns Guthrie. Comments at length on Guthrie’s critique of Spencer.

The hybrid geese FBG sent to CD were brother and sister from the same hatch. Would greatly value a copy of Nature containing CD’s letter.

Sorry he was out when CD came to visit.

At CD’s request he has read Malcolm Guthrie’s book [On Mr Spencer’s formula of evolution (1879)], which is a critique of First principles. He finds it a helpful clarification of Spencer’s views; however, it is as pseudo-scientific as the book it criticises.

Thanks for Erasmus Darwin.

Violetta Darwin is near death.

Sends subscription form for English edition of Weismann’s Studien.

Supplies facts on the colours of each sex in butterflies from the genera Ornithoptera and Heterochroa.

Herbert Spencer, though not the scientific thinker he sees himself to be, was extremely important in conditioning the generation’s acceptance of evolution. Compares Spencer and Robert Chambers as teachers, rather than discoverers, of new ideas.

On Wallace’s need for a regular income. He has been rejected as Superintendent of Epping Forest. Thinks men such as Lubbock, Hooker, and CD might help.

No summary available.

Argues against pension for Wallace because of his spiritualism; the underhanded way he brought about discussion of spiritualism at BAAS; his pocketing money from a bet on the sphericity of the earth; his lack of absolute poverty.

Hooker argues against Darwin's suggestion that ARW receive a government pension.

Thanks CD for acting on her suggestion about getting Wallace an income; acknowledges the difficulty. Is not sure Wallace would accept government money for doing nothing in return.

No summary available.