Affected by THH’s letter – will send a copy to the other 17 friends. Hopes for his and public’s sake his health will improve.

Is writing confidentially not to justify the passage referred to [see 9759], which he much regrets, but to state facts. He never intended any personal hostility to [George] Darwin and seeks advice about how to make reparation.

Thanks THH and Hooker for defending George Darwin against Mivart’s libel.

A confidential letter explaining in detail the extent to which he regrets his attack upon [George] Darwin’s article.

CD has written to Mivart to say that he will never hold any communication with him in future.

Is alarmed by the petitions against vivisection that are being circulated. Believes there is scope for reasonable legislation and would like to see eminent physiologists prepare a petition so that the science could be protected and animals saved from needless suffering.

Sends suggestions for observations on glacial phenomena that might be made on the [Polar] expedition [of H. M. S. Alert and Discovery, 1875–6].

CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.