Thanks FD for seeds of Canna.

Still thinks it would be worth FD’s while looking at the fertilisation of Lotus; does not think Frank Darwin has exaggerated the novelty of the contrivance.

Thanks CD for his help and encouragement in his series of experiments [to test Pangenesis].

Thanks AS for his kindness towards himself and his family. Looks back with great satisfaction to his last visit ("as it will probably prove") to Cambridge.

Continues to explain matters in perturbation theory. Stresses need for careful observations in solar eclipses. Doubts the existence of the hypothetical intermercurial planet Vulcan.

Returns H. C. Watson’s letter.

CD must study JDH’s manner of arrangement of varieties and subspecies, etc.

Admits his misstatement in RP's Other Worlds than Ours concerning perturbation of outer planets. Shares JH's doubts about existence of Vulcan. Speculates on the extent of meteoric material in the solar system. Comments negatively on J. Norman Lockyer's views on meteors.

Thanks FCD for information.

Hopes that translation of his paper will appear in Dublin Journal.

Notes experience of his son [Leonard Darwin] on engorgement of eyes with blood. Discusses secretion of tears when eye muscles are involuntarily contracted.

Asks to have observations made of a person retching violently, but ejecting nothing from stomach, in order to test relation between spasmodic contraction of orbicular muscles and tears. CD believes tears are caused by matter filling nostrils.

The Negro’s idea of beauty is the same as white man’s.

Believes the Jollops select for blackness.

Native immunity from coast fever is not complete.

Has found stone instruments.

Has sent F. Müller "a long screed" about the Passiflora.

Returns copy of Duchenne (found in cupboard) with notes [see 7221].

Sends photograph of woman patient with hair standing on end.

Comments on various figures [in Duchenne’s Mécanisme].

Regarding Alexander Herschel's paper on acoustical oscillations recently sent to G. A. Erman.

Informs CD that Oxford proposes to confer an honorary degree upon him.

Thanks for work on diamagnetism and magne-crystallic action [Researches on Diamagnetism (1870)], which JH is excited to read. Mentions long-abandoned plans for magnetization experiments. Envies those who can see JT's 'magic' experiments at Royal Institution.

Duchenne [Mécanisme] has arrived. Has been testing the photographs with 20 or 30 persons; when all or nearly all agree with Duchenne, CD trusts him. Not one understood the "contracted pyramidal of the nose". CD does not think the so-called muscle of lasciviousness worth exhibiting.

His MS [of Descent] is so large he may print only what he has, and make a second volume of what he is now writing on expression.

Discusses photographs he would like to have: baby screaming, person in paroxysm of fear.

No summary available.

Hears CD may come to Oxford at Commencement to receive an honorary degree. Invites CD, his wife, and daughter to stay at his house. [CD declined Hon. D.C.L. on grounds of ill health.]

Gratified by JH's 'sympathy and approbation,' and that JH's writing and spirit remain 'firm' and 'fresh.'

Asks CD whether he is far enough along with his new work [Descent] to allow him to announce it as a forthcoming publication in his next quarterly list.