Congratulates JDH and condoles with him on possible position at Edinburgh. Although CD will miss him bitterly, he encourages JDH to view it as a good opportunity.
Sorry to hear that Humboldt is failing.
News of his family and his own health. He is able to work three hours a day on the geology of South America.
Harriet Martineau is greatly excited by mesmerism.
Tells of Sydney Smith’s dream.
Asks for some [S. American] potatoes to test "sporting".
Discusses checks on growth of species population; use of term "mutation" in his species theory. His belief in species mutability.
Agrees that CD’s fossil shells do not differ from those ADd’O saw in South America. Apparent differences due to errors by G. B. Sowerby. Collection magnificent; recommends special publication. Enabled ADd’O to correct error in dating of sandstone of Concepción. Lists geological periods represented in collection from Jurassic to Diluvian. Collection includes unusual group of crepidules.
Identifications of CD’s fossil shells. New species marked; many described previously by ADd’O.
Sends information on Gryphaea orientalis. [See South America, p. 212.]
Encloses analysis of salt from Patagonia. Cannot account for its inferiority.
Comments on G. B. Sowerby’s identifications of South American fossil shells [812]. [Notes from more than one original memorandum].
Comments on a compass diagram designed to show the dip, strike, and anticlinal lines of a geological formation.
Has written down what he gathered from HF on Tibetan dogs. Would welcome a few more details at any time, as he knows of nothing parallel to it.
Discusses cleavage planes of mineralogical specimens.
Regrets J. D. Hooker did not visit Berlin.
Describes legal difficulties of Ernst Dieffenbach.
Lists species of Infusoria found in dust samples. Discusses origin of Atlantic dust. Discusses Infusoria in cosmetic paint from Tierra del Fuego and Patagonian earth. Thanks CD for samples. Would like samples from sea-bed.
Discusses chemical reaction involving common salt and carbonate of lime.
Reports that he has an offer of an estate of about 325 acres that CD may find suitable.
CD has heard from Lyell that JM is inclined to publish a second edition of Journal of researches. His agreement with Henry Colburn leaves CD free to publish with anyone. Will have no further relations with Colburn. Discusses details of proposed revisions.
Would like to borrow the pamphlet on variation [Frédéric Gérard, "De l’espèce dans les corps organisés" (1844), extract from Dictionnaire universel d’histoire naturelle, ed. C. D. d’Orbigny].
Glad to hear Humboldt’s views on migration. CD believes we cannot "put any limit to the possible and even probable migration of plants".
Wants good book on plant morphology.
Thanks for note; encloses copy of FitzRoy’s agreement with Henry Colburn [see 379], to the effect that after sale of first edition of Narrative, CD is at liberty to publish his Journal of researches in any manner he chooses.
Cannot doubt that Atlantic dust comes from Africa. Could Gulf Stream have brought South American organisms to African coast?
Has come to same conclusion as CGE on volcanic origin of Patagonian stone. Formation extends 550 miles.
Could CGE examine Pampas mud to see if Infusoria are freshwater or salt-water? Results would be important.
JDH recommends Augustin de Saint-Hilaire’s Leçons de botanique [1841]. Relates opinions of European botanists on migration and plant distribution.
Has received pamphlet from JDH [John Murray, Strictures on morphology (1845)].
