Sends birthday wishes.

Comments on progress of CD’s theory in Germany. Mentions opposition of Rudolf Virchow and his reply Freie Wissenschaft und freie Lehre [1878].

Describes research trip to Brittany and Normandy.

Research on Challenger Radiolaria.

Thanks for kind letter.

Has not yet read EH’s article in Kosmos ["Einstämmiger und vielstämmiger Ursprung", 4 (1878–9): 360–76].

Rudolf Virchow affair lamentable. Virchow’s conduct inexplicable.

Admires EH’s Freie Wissenschaft und freie Lehre [1878].

Virchow’s conduct is shameful.

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

Describes work on Medusae.

Describes work on Challenger Radiolaria and publication plans.

Suggests possible visit by EH.

Comments on EH’s research.

Accepts invitation to visit Down.

Describes travel plans in Scotland.

Invites EH to spend night at Down.

Arranges to visit Down.

Confirms details of EH’s visit to Down.

Thanks EH for copy of book [Das System der Medusen (1879)].

Sends birthday wishes.

Discusses work on Medusae.

Recalls visit to Down.

Thanks for his very kind letter.

Sends birthday wishes.

Comments on Movement in plants.

Sends System der Ascrapeden [1880].

Describes work on Challenger Medusae.

Comments on success of CD’s theory.

Asks EH to call on Zeiss and to help arrange for microscope for Francis Darwin.

Plans visit to Ceylon.

Describes rejection of his application for funds by Berlin Academy. Asks about possibility of obtaining support in England. Is writing to Lubbock and Huxley about it.

Hopes that new microscope from Zeiss is satisfactory. Ernst Abbe selected lenses.

EH’s scheme to visit Ceylon an excellent one. Has written to Huxley about getting money from Royal Society. If funds are unavailable, would like to subscribe £100.

Thanks EH and Ernst Abbe in connection with microscope for his son [Francis].

Thanks CD for offer of financial support. Discusses application for funds for Ceylon trip.