CD is "as ignorant of mechanics as a pig", but glaciers have interested him greatly. Hopes to hear that JT’s experiments with ice will explain the freezing together of ice below the freezing point.
Sends correspondence between Dr Erasmus Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood I [of Etruria] on glaciers.
Also a pamphlet [Asa Gray, Natural selection not inconsistent with natural theology (1861)] containing "the best account" of the Origin.
Has been idling and enjoying the scenery.
"At dinner we were all sticking bits of ice together by their points, marvelling at the phenomenon and talking of you."
Asks JT to distribute some circulars about the work of Gustavus Hinrichs of Iowa, whom CD wishes to help.
Admires JT’s Norwich address [to Mathematics and Physics Section, BAAS meeting, Rep. BAAS 38: 1–6] and his Fortnightly Review paper on scientific discovery [7 (1867): 645–60].
Invites JT to come to Down with the Asa Grays and Hookers.
CD finds JT’s discourse "grand and most interesting" [On the scientific use of the imagination (1870)]. Flattered by what JT says about him.
He is "a rash man to say a good word for Pangenesis for it has hardly a friend among naturalists".
CD is much struck with what JT says about "pondering" and delighted by his "as if" argument.
Thinks JT’s discovery of a glycerine respirator is an interesting practical discovery. CD has been wondering about the hairs in our nostrils, but doubts that JT has explained their function, since there are hardly enough.
Will ask W. Ogle to observe hairs in nostrils of different races.
Ogle will keep JT’s suggestion in mind in observing less hairy races of man and the lower animals.
Asks JT whether he can help Ogle on a troublesome point on the colour of tissues with olfactory nerves, and the relation of colour to the absorption of odours. Does JT’s respirator deprive odorous substances of their smell?
Ogle is unacquainted with JT; would be proud and pleased to call on him. CD likes what little he has seen of him.
Ogle wants very much to meet JT.
Thanks JT for his kindness to Ogle.
If the Memorial concerning Joseph Dalton Hooker’s dispute with Acton Smee Ayrton was sent to Down, there will be a delay in its return. He has discussed the matter with Mary Catherine Stanley (Lady Derby).
CD will write to William Spottiswoode about the fund for Huxley. CD is raising his subscription to £300. "We have done a good day’s work … [it] gives me a higher opinion of human nature than I had before, though I am not one of those who think lowly of mankind."
Sends JT the list and amounts subscribed for Huxley. It will probably amount to £1800. He will write to Huxley and use every argument he can to make him accept.
The Huxley fund amounts to £1955. CD trembles about THH’s answer.
Sends Huxley’s "charming letter". Asks whether it should be sent to Lady Millicent Jones. CD is "so happy about the whole affair".
Sends another copy [of Huxley’s letter of thanks for holiday fund].
It has just occurred to CD that he ought not to leave a copy of Huxley’s confidential letter in the hands of anyone. Asks JT to write to ask recipients to return the copies to CD at Down.
Hopes JT does not think him over-cautious in requesting the return of the copies [of Huxley’s letter]. Has sent Huxley a list of the subscribers.
Asks JT to support his nephew, Henry Parker, for election to the Athenaeum.