Thanks CD for his patience and good-nature; does not want a controversial correspondence but wishes to reply to matters in CD’s letter, and does.
Hopes that JH will reply for the 'visitors' at the forthcoming luncheon.
Encloses advertisement [for C. R. Bree, Species not transmutable (1860)].
Discusses Bronn’s chapter of criticisms.
Mentions variation in rats.
Has ordered book by Bree.
Discusses suggestion that southern corners of Australia may once have been islands.
Mentions "wild speculations" about change in earth’s axes.
CL’s ideas on variation.
Requests a copy of JH's memoir on Caroline Herschel. Points out an error in the fifth edition of Outlines Astr.
Delighted to try experiments on Drosera spathulata.
Is gratified by his kind remarks on his Philosophy of Nature. Regrets he failed to give due acknowledgement to JH's work, but will redress this in the future. Regarding the probable constitution of nature.
Sends further details on the movement of the red fluid substance in Drosera. Will write a paper on it.
"Dr [C. R.] Bree ""pitches"" into me handsomely."
N. R. Pogson appointed to Madras Observatory. Appointment includes a pension, so a civil pension will not be necessary.
No summary available.
Lyell tells CD Origin still sells "pretty well", which pleases and surprises him. If a new edition should be called for, he has a good many corrections and a historical preface for it.
Requests DO apply carbonate of ammonia to sensitive hair of Dionaea and measure reaction time. Wants to compare Drosera and Dionaea.
Wants to amend request [see 2946] if DO wants to try carbonate of ammonia experiment. Put third drop on midrib of leaf [of Dionaea] or inside upper side.
Sorry DO already has Origin. Would he like Journal of Travels [Journal of researches]?
His book on musical science is ready and a copy will be forwarded to him later when published.
Refers to a discovery made at the R.S.L., which, despite being based on 'circumstantial evidence,' convinces WS of its truth.
Does not remember his criticisms of CD’s theory. Can CD locate them in book?
Criticises analogy between knowledge of electricity and knowledge of origin of life.
Explains A. E. Brehm’s concept of subspecies. Discusses subspecies of Certhia.
Has not himself experimented with delicacy of tests but sends several illustrations of what other authorities have done. Reference to James Marsh’s test for arsenic and that of Ashley Paston Price for iodine.
Is grateful for the gift of his Prelim. Discourse. Had to pay 4/8 excess postage.
Discusses letter from A. W. v. Hofmann concerning solution of iodine in water.
Has examined nearly all British orchids.
Hooker’s error on Listera.
Change in colour and consistency of Drosera hair glands after leaf inflection. Analogous structures in Dionaea. Requests Oliver confirm these observations on live plants, of which he has none.
In a muddle over the effects of salts on insectivorous plants.
Orders a copy of September number of Silliman’s Journal. A friend has recommended an article in it [A. Gray and D. Treadwell, "Discussion between two readers of Darwin’s treatise on the origin of species", Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 30 (1860): 226–39].