Having read extracts of CD’s work, he argues that the scriptural version of man’s origin is superior, and he is concerned about CD’s salvation.

Second "edition" [of Descent] published this day. Offers CD 800 guineas.

Mentions Wallace’s review in Academy.

Agrees that in a deaf person the jaw may fall because of concentrated attention.

In surprise, mouth is opened suddenly and chest filled with air. This expression occurs in all parts of the world. Odd that so simple a movement is so perplexing to understand.

Thanks TRRS for copy of his book [Essays on Darwinism (1871)].

Is studying Descent.

Raises two questions for CD: on the great percentage of female illegitimate births compared with legitimate,

and on clothing as accounting for hairlessness of humans.

Describes plans for travel in Morocco with George Maw and John Ball.

Has not yet read Descent.

Bitch crossed with dog produced puppies like those of previous cross with a very different dog.

[Forwarded to CD by Robert Swinhoe.]

Reports on sales and reception of his book [Descent]. Thanks HED for her help.

Wallace’s article in the Academy [2 (1870–1): 177–82] shows CD has had no influence on him; the review has had hardly any influence on CD.

Pleased with sum the reprint [of Descent] has produced. Terms of payment accepted.

Thanks JM for Nonconformist [review of Descent, 32 (1871): 240–1].

Would like to see other out-of-way reviews – especially religious.

Other reviews favourable, including Wallace’s [see 7569], which is admirable.

Demand [for Descent] is such that JM thinks he will have to print 1000 more copies. Does not want to trouble CD for corrections.

Is delighted at the sale of Descent. What CD says about her help pleases her very much and the proposed gift as a memorial will be very precious to her. Is looking forward to seeing the family in London. Comments on a letter comparing CD's appearance to an ape. Is surprised CD has had no effect on Wallace: 'It seems to me his mind can’t be so clear as u used to think it'. Has worked out why she is dissatisfied with T. H. Huxley's essay ‘On the physical basis of life’ (T. H. Huxley 1869).

Comments on WRG’s MS on ratio of the sexes at birth.

Offers to send J. M. A. Thury’s paper ["Loi de production des sexes", Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 18 (1863): 91–8].

Thanks PH for his memoir on Poterion [Natuurkd. Verh. Utrecht 2 (1870)].

Asks name of an Abutilon from Fritz Müller.

Questions about Drosophyllum for experiments;

the meaning of "Sirdar".

Wonderful success of Descent. Astonished by liberality of public. No abuse yet.

Marvels at JDH’s plans for a trip to Morocco. Asks him to look for alpine insects.

Is astonished at sale [of Descent]. Will make no additions, but must correct a few misprints and errors [for third issue].

Copy of and note on a picture of Noah’s daughter averting her eyes in shame.

Asks for photograph of pointed ear of ERL’s friend.

Has this day sent off corrections for new issue [of Descent]. Asks whether title-page may read "Sixth Thousand".

Completes payment for 2d issue [of Descent]; has sold 1300 of the 2000 copies printed. Will probably print 2000 more for 3d issue.

Thanks LH for his account of a family weakness of the knee.