Is preparing a new edition of Origin [6th ed. (1872)] and asks GB for information on the gradations between the vibracula and avicularia of the Polyzoa and on what he bases his opinion concerning the homology of the avicularium with the zooid.
An affectionate letter to HL on her honeymoon. Urges her to keep her mother as an example.
CD’s views [on religion] are far from clear. He cannot make up his mind how far an inward conviction that there must be some Creator or First Cause is really trustworthy evidence. Does not feel he has thought deeply enough to express himself publicly on religion.
Wants to sell some shares held in trust by EAD and Josiah Wedgwood [III].
Agrees to have his name on the list of naturalists to whom annual report [on zoological station] should be sent.
His health has been very bad for last six weeks.
Thanks for sending the photographs of hairy people at the Burmese court.
Discusses exchange of books.
CD is interested in the gradation of character in the lamellae of the beaks of ducks. He finds that they are less developed or prominent in the common duck and goose than in true ducks. Is OS able to provide him with any information on this subject?
Thanks for facts relating to inheritance.
CW’s pamphlet [Darwinism (1871)] nearly ready. Friends have been much struck by it but say several passages rather obscure.
Glad CW coming to England. Will be delighted to see him at Down.
CD plans to use notes provided by GB. [See Origin, 6th ed., p. 193.]
Arrangements for distribution and review of pamphlet [Chauncey Wright’s Darwinism: being an examination of Mr St. G. J. Mivart’s "Genesis of species" (1871)], which CD had reprinted at his own expense.
Obliged for letter about appendages on faces of goats.
CD questions ADB on the mode of feeding of geese and on the existence of variations in the structure of the bill; is trying to trace gradations in structure and habits.
Buys ten shares in the Artizans, Labourers, & General Dwellings Co.
Is preparing new edition of Origin [6th] in which he will introduce new chapter to answer Mivart’s criticisms. Mivart is unfair: suppresses facts in CD’s later editions.
Sends article [by Chauncey Wright, see 7940] reviewing Genesis of species.
Mivart writes to CD full of respect, but reviles him in print.
Asks whether any goose sifts water with its beak.
On Mivart’s Genesis of species, and THH’s intention to reply to it.
Chauncey Wright’s pamphlet [see 7940].
CD is revising Origin and will answer Mivart on incipient organs. "Pendulum is swinging against us, but will swing back again".
Asks WHF to check over some enclosed MS pages [Origin, 6th ed.?]. CD quotes some of WHF’s remarks, but should WHF not wish to be mixed with CD’s theoretic notions, CD will omit the whole paragraph.
Many think CD’s notions are "rubbish, pleasantly flavoured", like the reviewer in the Quarterly Review, who CD cannot doubt is "Mr Mivart, with bigotry arrogance illiberality & many other nice qualities".
Explains that he cannot agree with Mantegazza’s views on sexual selection.