CD has caused a great change in HS’s views, in showing how a great proportion of adaptation should be explained by natural selection not direct adaptation to changing conditions. HS had remarked on the survival of the best individuals as a cause of improvement in man, but he "& every one" overlooked selection of spontaneous variation. Believes so many kinds of indirect evidence must add up to a conclusive demonstration of the doctrine.

Wonders whether CD might contribute, if possible, an occasional letter to the Reader to help in their effort to establish the journal.

Asks whether CD will add his name to a list supporting them in the "[Edward John] Eyre prosecution matter".

Thanks CD for copy of Variation.

Discusses Pangenesis and considers CD’s "gemmules" comparable to his own hypothetical "physiological units" ["On alleged ""spontaneous generation"", and on the hypothesis of physiological units", appendix in The principles of biology, vol. 1 (1864)].

Thanks CD for copy of Descent; wishes it had appeared earlier so that he could have made use of the facts in his Principles of psychology [2d ed. (1870–2)].

Intends to answer Sir A. Grant’s article if CD does not. [A. Grant, "Philosophy and Mr Darwin", Contemp. Rev. 17 (1871): 274–81; H. Spencer, "Mental evolution", Contemp. Rev. 17 (1871): 461–2.]

HS hopes in the future to show more fully "absolute emptiness" of James Martineau’s propositions; is glad CD approved of his article dealing with JM’s arguments. [J. Martineau, "The place of mind in nature", Contemp. Rev. 19 (1872): 606–23; H. Spencer, "Mr Martineau on evolution", Contemp. Rev. 20 (1872): 141–54.]

Thanks CD for Expression. Disagrees with his views on the genesis of melody; HS gives some reasons for believing it to originate in the natural cadences of emotional speech.

Wants to use CD’s support to put pressure on Michael Foster to enable Huxley to take an immediate holiday.

Wishes to know where, in his works, CD refers to some particular behaviour in dogs.

Mentions the sensitivity of cirripedes to passing shadows.

Thanks CD for his new volume [Insectivorous plants].

Sends CD a circular [missing] and asks whether he will add his name to group [Anti-Aggression League].