Comments on FCD’s 1848 work [see 7582] in which he came near to anticipating CD.

Comments on FCD’s paper [on action of the eyelids, see 7203]. Asks about contraction or dilation of the iris due to emotional states, illness, or prostration.

Agrees that in a deaf person the jaw may fall because of concentrated attention.

In surprise, mouth is opened suddenly and chest filled with air. This expression occurs in all parts of the world. Odd that so simple a movement is so perplexing to understand.

Thanks TRRS for copy of his book [Essays on Darwinism (1871)].

Reports on sales and reception of his book [Descent]. Thanks HED for her help.

Wallace’s article in the Academy [2 (1870–1): 177–82] shows CD has had no influence on him; the review has had hardly any influence on CD.

Pleased with sum the reprint [of Descent] has produced. Terms of payment accepted.

Thanks JM for Nonconformist [review of Descent, 32 (1871): 240–1].

Would like to see other out-of-way reviews – especially religious.

Other reviews favourable, including Wallace’s [see 7569], which is admirable.

Comments on WRG’s MS on ratio of the sexes at birth.

Offers to send J. M. A. Thury’s paper ["Loi de production des sexes", Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 18 (1863): 91–8].

Thanks PH for his memoir on Poterion [Natuurkd. Verh. Utrecht 2 (1870)].

Asks name of an Abutilon from Fritz Müller.

Questions about Drosophyllum for experiments;

the meaning of "Sirdar".

Wonderful success of Descent. Astonished by liberality of public. No abuse yet.

Marvels at JDH’s plans for a trip to Morocco. Asks him to look for alpine insects.

Is astonished at sale [of Descent]. Will make no additions, but must correct a few misprints and errors [for third issue].

Asks for photograph of pointed ear of ERL’s friend.

Has this day sent off corrections for new issue [of Descent]. Asks whether title-page may read "Sixth Thousand".

Thanks LH for his account of a family weakness of the knee.

Amount received from 2d issue of Descent now stands at £840. Would be glad to have 2000 more copies printed because he wants time to collect information for a corrected edition.

Robert Chambers, AD’s father, spoke of CD’s book [Descent?] during his last hours of life.

CD’s respect for Chambers, to whose scientific work he had not done justice.

Encloses a letter [7617] to be forwarded to the author of the review of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette.

Interested in occurrence of hair on backs of weakly children. Asks PBM if he would report particulars of any case he observes during next 6–12 months.

Sends his signature.

On the flourishing sales of their respective books. Mentions reviews of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette [21 Mar 1871] and in the Spectator [11 Mar 1871, pp. 288–9; 18 Mar 1871, pp. 319–20].

If FD gets the chance, will he observe whether the platysma contracts in a shivering fit? Wants much to know whether the platysma of frightened patients contracts before chloroform is given.

Asks WO to act out the sudden discovery of a dreadful object and to observe whether his platysma contracts. CD has found in his notes that it is never contracted in cases of severe dyspnoea [Expression, p. 301].