Has written to Col. J. L. Chester [genealogist] to ask whether he would like to see the deeds [for Darwin genealogy, see Emma Darwin 2: 237].

Is gratified if he has helped [with Erasmus Darwin].

Thanks for another consignment of family records.

Does not believe that deeds will throw light on the first William Darwin and his ancestors, but they will have much of interest for CD’s researches [for Erasmus Darwin].

Thanks CD for comments on Freie Wissenschaft und freie Lehre [1878].

Describes work on Medusae.

Describes work on Challenger Radiolaria and publication plans.

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

Henrietta thinks Erasmus Darwin almost too dull to publish.

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.

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.

Sorry to hear Henrietta’s opinion of the [Erasmus Darwin] proofs. GHD did not think it dull. He makes some suggestions.

Reports finding a wood pigeon’s nest on the ground, though woods are nearby.

"… 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.

Suggests revisions in proofs of Erasmus Darwin.

[Letter wrongly dated Nov by LD.]

Thanks CD for sending volumes of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s works. Hopes to finish Krause’s MS in a fortnight.

Rejects proposal that CD’s sketch appear as a supplement or appendix to his own. Offers alternative suggestions. Proposes title-page for German edition of Erasmus Darwin.

CD has been elected to the Naturforschende Gesellschaft, Halle. Asks for a photograph. Encloses diploma.

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.

CH, a chemist interested in zoology, asks CD’s opinion of research programme described on enclosed memorandum. Programme involves investigation of ability of molluscs to build shells out of other carbon compounds in absence of calcium carbonate.

Sends CD his collection of Homeric epithets on motion, which "indicate ideas of motion more precise and scientifically adjusted than … any other author".

Sends CD his article on causes of decline of Hawaiian population.

Regrets that he cannot send the promised volume [Biographie médicale, 7 vols, 1820–5, biographical appendix to Dictionaire des sciences medicales]. Offers to have his son make an abstract of the biography [of Erasmus Darwin].

JDH criticises John Ball’s theory of origin of higher plants in Carboniferous highlands, where low carbon dioxide levels permitted survival.