Sends 6th ed. of Origin;

draws attention to his criticism of ARW’s estimate of Kovalevsky;

mentions his disagreement with much of Spencer’s doctrine

and in a postscript points out an inaccuracy in an article in Once a Month.

On ARW’s "crushing" review [Nature 6 (1872): 237–9] of C. R. Bree’s An exposition of fallacies in the hypothesis of Mr Darwin.

Comments on other reviews and exchanges.

Encloses a letter to Nature [see 8448] correcting Dr Bree, who has accused ARW of "blundering". ARW should tear up CD’s letter if he does not like it or plans to reply himself.

Detailed response to reading of Bastian’s Beginnings of life [1872]. On the whole, it seems probable to CD that spontaneous generation is true.

Huxley’s report of Bastian’s having watched the development of the scale of Sphagnum. The importance of studies of possible causes of heterogenesis.

Remarks about an enclosed specimen,

and extract of letter from W. A. L. Marshall [8560].

ARW’s good review of J. C. Houzeau de Lehaie [Études sur les facultés mentales des animaux, in Nature 6 (1872): 469–71].

Requests the address of F. F. Geach so that he may send him his book [Expression].

Will be in London for a week. Invites ARW to lunch.