Asks that a copy of GHD’s paper on cousin marriage be sent to Hermann Müller. J. F. McLennan admires it "as a model".
Wants Imantophyllum for crossing experiments.
Is glad WTT-D thinks George King’s notes worth sending to the Linnean Society.
On HM’s Befruchtung der Blumen [1873].
Sends corrections and suggestions for an advertisement for Zoology and Geology of "Beagle".
Will send vol. 1 [of Variation, 2d ed.] as soon as complete so that correspondent can decide about the translation.
CD would feel bound to give evidence to the Royal Commission on vivisection should they ask him, but he has no personal experience of the matter. Expresses his opinions on the importance to physiology of experiments on live animals.
Acknowledges receipt of £2 8s 10d for 2d edition of Coral reefs.
Asks to be sent Dr Frank’s Die Natur: wagerechte Richtung von Pflanzentheilen.
Astonished and disgusted at Klein’s evidence. No doubt there will be severe and vicious legislation against physiology. Will give evidence before Commission.
Has heard that FG will write on inheritance. Huxley does not believe in E. G. Balbiani’s views on subject.
Mentions his appearance before Vivisection Commission.
Discusses his plans for planting and observing the carrots sent by GJR.
Mentions views of J. S. Burdon Sanderson on graft-hybrids.
Comments on GJR’s paper ["Instinct and acquisition", Nature 12 (1875): 553–4].
[Letter incorrectly dated "Thursday 8th" by CD.] [!? shd be note not synopsis]
Proposes to visit Kew.
Carrots have arrived; CD has potted them.
In London yesterday for Vivisection Commission.
Is revising his chapter on Pangenesis [in Variation, 2d ed.] to allow that gemmules probably multiply in the reproductive organs.
Notes examples of inheritance of acquired characteristics cited by Brown-Séquard.
Doubts that double parentage is necessary for complex organisations.
Comments on FG’s paper ["A theory of heredity"]. Finds essay difficult to understand. Objects that FG’s theory conflicts with phenomenon of use and disuse. Conflicts also with rarity of bud-variations in nature.
Says he has ordered FG’s article ["The history of twins", Fraser’s Mag. 92 (1875): 566–76; revised in J. Anthropol. Inst. 5 (1876): 391–406].
Will come to Kew on Friday.
CD sends a draft bill which he helped to prepare relating to experiments on live animals; the Commissioners may wish to see it.
Climbing plants has sold better than he expected.
Thinks another 1000 of Origin may have to be printed; he has no corrections to make.
Does not doubt animals reason in a practical fashion. Do not the rats hear the water trickling?
Comments on FG’s paper ["The history of twins"].
CD is "in a passion with the Spectator who always muddles".