JVC has been asked by Schweizerbart [CD’s German publisher] to revise H. G. Bronn’s translation of Origin, and he will be pleased to try to do it.
Asks CD’s advice on what to do about Bronn’s notes and concluding chapter, with which JVC disagrees. Would CD agree to omission?
JVC proposes to correct Bronn’s mistakes [in his translation of Origin], but will not add his own notes.
Asks CD to write a note on Nägeli’s pamphlet [Entstehung und Begriff] for the revised edition.
Also requests biographical information for an encyclopedia article he has been asked to write.
Asks CD questions relating to the revised translation of Origin.
Sends CD an English translation of his preface to the revised German edition of Origin and asks his opinion of it.
Asks CD where he might get a specimen of Eozoon.
JVC is willing to translate [Variation], especially because of his conviction that progress of biology depends on proving CD’s theory.
Ernst Haeckel’s book [Generelle Morphologie (1866)] will do mischief because EH is so immoderate. Suggests CD tell EH that he has done him a bad service. CD is the only one to whom EH would listen.
Asks CD to decide which translator he would prefer for Variation. JVC frankly thinks Carl Vogt not the best man to introduce CD to the German public, though he has a greater name than JVC.
Vogt now preaches materialism in its most absurd form.
JVC is having difficulty in translating the names of dogs [in Variation]. Also asks CD for help with names of pigeons.
Asks CD’s help in translating names and descriptions of fowls [in Variation].
Some sheets of Variation have gone astray.
Anxious to read the second volume [of Variation].
Appreciates "the way in which you [CD] teach us all how to look on, and how to study, nature".
Asks CD for exact title of Variation for German advertisement.
Is not writing prospectus [of Variation] – merely sketch of contents and tenor of first volume for advertisement to booksellers.
Questions on details for the translation.
Publisher anxious to get volume out.
Queries concerned with translating vol. 2 of Variation.
Some questions on errata in second English issue of Variation.
Sends a paper by Robert Hartmann on domestic animals of the countries bordering the Nile ["Geographische Verbreitung der im nordöstlichen Afrika wild lebenden Säugethiere" Z. Ges. Erdkd. Berlin 3 (1868): 28–69, 232–70, 345–68, 404–20].
Has thought much about CD’s theory of Pangenesis. It "seems rather a little too complicated … as a molecular theory".
Asks whether it would be convenient if he came to Down. JVC would be sorry to leave England without seeing and thanking CD.
On development of horns in merino sheep. Encloses reports from herdsmen he has approached.
Sends translation of Mr Steiger’s letter responding to question CD had asked about growth of horns of merino rams.
A new edition [4th German] of Origin to be published by Schweizerbart. JVC asks CD to send any changes or additions.
Variation has sold two-thirds of the first printing [1868].
Hopes he may do translation of CD’s new work [Descent].
Will use new English edition [5th, of Origin] in preparing for [4th] German edition. Bronn’s translation of Origin in the title as "Entstehung" is not so precise as "Ursprung" would be. The publisher does not object to changing the title, but JVC is doubtful, because the Origin is so well known in Germany as Entstehung. Asks CD’s opinion.
Koch [of Schweizerbart’s, publisher of German translations of CD’s works] has inquired when CD’s new book on man will be out. JVC assures CD that the book should be translated into German, and offers his services.