Does not believe that deeds will throw light on the first William Darwin and his ancestors, but they will have much of interest for CD’s researches [for Erasmus Darwin].

Is gratified if he has helped [with Erasmus Darwin].

Thanks for another consignment of family records.

Suggests revisions in proofs of Erasmus Darwin.

[Letter wrongly dated Nov by LD.]

Thanks for assistance. Nothing more should be done at present about the deeds. JLC’s letter sent to CD’s son [George].

Notes observations on sensitivity and movement of radicles.

Has finished chapter [of Movement in plants] on sleeping plants and is now looking over heliotropism notes.

Is perplexed by Erasmus Darwin; Erasmus [A. Darwin] likes it, but Henrietta thinks it much too long.

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

Henrietta thinks Erasmus Darwin almost too dull to publish.

Will shorten or leave out many parts [of Erasmus Darwin] but cannot agree that it is not worth while to say something about the family.

Thanks CD for comments on Freie Wissenschaft und freie Lehre [1878].

Describes work on Medusae.

Describes work on Challenger Radiolaria and publication plans.

Relieved to hear that EK approves of his notice [preface for Erasmus Darwin]. Is reflecting on idea that it might appear after EK’s article as "an additional or supplementary notice".

Grieved to hear that Grant Allen has been accused of plagiarism.

Sorry to hear Henrietta’s opinion of the [Erasmus Darwin] proofs. GHD did not think it dull. He makes some suggestions.

Thanks AD for the handsome Annual Report of the Zoological Station (1878). Rejoices at its success and its great service to science.

Reports finding a wood pigeon’s nest on the ground, though woods are nearby.

"… hardly any event seems to me of such great importance as the settling of Australia, New Zealand, &c &c by the so called Anglo Saxons". CD thinks this due to population pressure.

Returns an "old book" [? Baeta, Comparative view of the theories and practice of Drs Cullen, Brown and Darwin (1800); see Erasmus Darwin, p. 107]. Glad to see that Dr Erasmus Darwin’s views on fever were attended to.

Fears his life of Dr Darwin will be a poor affair. "Never again will I be tempted out of my proper work."

Thanks CD for sending volumes of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s works. Hopes to finish Krause’s MS in a fortnight.

Suggests possible visit by EH.

Comments on EH’s research.

Rejects proposal that CD’s sketch appear as a supplement or appendix to his own. Offers alternative suggestions. Proposes title-page for German edition of Erasmus Darwin.

Gives an account of his publication plans for his and Ernst Krause’s Erasmus Darwin.

CD has never even dreamed of publishing his own autobiography.

Is now working, with Francis, on plant movements.

Is inclined to publish his "notice" after EK’s text in Erasmus Darwin. May condense and alter it, so EK should not translate yet. As soon as Dallas finishes translating EK’s text, CD will set to work. Thinks EK’s article more interesting than what he has written.

CD has been elected to the Naturforschende Gesellschaft, Halle. Asks for a photograph. Encloses diploma.