Sends an enclosure [a statement of CD’s finances and estimate of the inheritance his children may expect] for HD and Ida to read; CD very pleased to be able to leave his children comfortably provided for.

Thanks JP for his kindness, but unfortunately the [unspecified] case is of no use to him.

FD’s experiment shows that caustic does not interfere with the bending of radicles. Believes that the apex is a kind of brain for certain movements, being specialised to receive certain irritations.

Stresses importance of ensuring that cauterisation of radicles does not, through injury, prevent movement. Plans an experiment to test for "apheliotropism" in certain radicles.

CD gives suggestions concerning FD’s experiments on the radicles of roots. Asks him to find out whether J. von Sachs tried beans. Should also try other gramineous plants.

Bernard looking forward to his father’s return.

Francis wants a copy of a book on "Shakespeare’s merry tales" to present to a friend in Würzburg.

Inquires concerning a possibility of searching old deeds about the Darwin family history.

CD has corrected the first proofs [of Erasmus Darwin] and so returns RD’s books. CD is disappointed with his work and fears RD will be also.

Notes observations on sensitivity and movement of radicles.

Has finished chapter [of Movement in plants] on sleeping plants and is now looking over heliotropism notes.

Is perplexed by Erasmus Darwin; Erasmus [A. Darwin] likes it, but Henrietta thinks it much too long.

CD thinks nothing had better be done about the deeds at present.

Henrietta thinks Erasmus Darwin almost too dull to publish.

Will shorten or leave out many parts [of Erasmus Darwin] but cannot agree that it is not worth while to say something about the family.

"… hardly any event seems to me of such great importance as the settling of Australia, New Zealand, &c &c by the so called Anglo Saxons". CD thinks this due to population pressure.

Will not sign a petition, for he feels vivisection is essential to the progress of physiology.

At work on Movement in plants.

Discusses John Ball’s, G. de Saporta’s, and his own theories of higher plant origin. Their rapid development remains an "abominable mystery".

Frank is working in Würzburg.

Asks GHD to send name and address of tailor from whom he got the [LL.D.] gown to W. B. Richmond.

Thanks for his election to the Naturforschende Gesellschaft, Halle. Will send photograph as requested.

Tells arrangements for their journey to Coniston.

Coniston is most beautiful, but CD finds "there are too many human beings for my taste".

CD regrets that he feels large parts of Krause’s essay [on Erasmus Darwin] must be omitted. Gives his criticisms and his plan for condensed publication of his own article, with only parts of EK’s. If EK is unwilling to change, CD will publish his article privately. It is manifest that EK can publish his essay in its extended form in Germany if he wishes to do so.

Will do nothing with the geese until he hears from FBG. Is glad FBG intends to publish his results.