Asks GHD to look for a life of Sir Henry Rayburn [Raeburn] "who is spoken of as famous and who painted Charles Darwin [1758–1778] when dead". Asks why he painted the corpse.

A big book arrived for GHD before CD left Down. Hopes it is Thomson and Tait [Treatise on natural philosophy, 2 vols., 2d ed. (1869)]. It shows what they think of GHD.

Thinks it grand if GHD has made a correction about "such an old sinner as the Sun" and hopes his arithmetic on his old subject will turn out right.

CD is particularly obliged for the copy of Maria Edgeworth’s letter.

Sends some queries connected with his writing of the biographical preface to Erasmus Darwin.

Sends a letter [missing] on the chance that GHD might give the writer information about tides.

Rejoices at GHD’s friendship with Sir W. Thomson and grand vein of research he has struck on.

First draft of life of Dr [Erasmus] D[arwin] is nearly finished.

Comments in jocular vein on GHD’s "Darwin discoveries" about their ancestors.

Emma says CD needs a change and rest.

Francis wants a copy of a book on "Shakespeare’s merry tales" to present to a friend in Würzburg.

Inquires concerning a possibility of searching old deeds about the Darwin family history.

CD thinks nothing had better be done about the deeds at present.

Henrietta thinks Erasmus Darwin almost too dull to publish.

Asks GHD to send name and address of tailor from whom he got the [LL.D.] gown to W. B. Richmond.

Circular letter regarding the distribution of CD’s excess income, with a note addressed to W. E. Darwin concerning his handling of Elizabeth Darwin’s share.

Thanks his children for their present of a fur coat.

Sorry to hear of his illness.

On his visit to J. F. McLennan, GHD might tell him that CD thinks A. R. Wallace would work up McLennan’s materials conscientiously.

Nature [21 (1880): 382] has an item about tremors and earth movements in Japan.

The Colonel [J. L. Chester] is pleased [see 12509].

Jos[iah Wedgwood III] is dying.

Discusses GHD’s genealogical researches

and his health.

Some essays have arrived for GHD.

Advises GHD on what to write if he is asked for a reference for Alfred Wrigley.

Thanks GHD for information about trypsin.

Asks GHD to decipher a letter [in German] he has received with a book: The Bible in science.

Enjoyed his stay in Cambridge extremely.

Discusses how fruits of lime-trees arranged themselves in a ripple-like way on a flooded walk.