Criticises Dana’s classification of man and his use of fore-limbs as a basis for systematic classification.

Comments at length on CL’s book [Antiquity of man (1863)]. CD is "greatly disappointed that you have not given judgment and spoken fairly out what you think about the derivation of species".

Lists large number of queries concerning minor points.

Praises especially the chapters on language and glaciers.

Comments on the temperature of Africa during the glacial period, especially with regard to the views of Hooker.

Mentions Owen’s paper on the aye-aye [Rep. BAAS 32 (1862) pt 2: 114–16].

[On Antiquity of man] CD is "convinced that at times … you have … given up immutability". "A clear expression from you, if you could have given it, would have been potent with the public."

Objects to CL’s description of CD’s view "as a modification of Lamarck’s doctrine". Quotes Henrietta [Darwin]’s observations on this description.

Comments on CL’s controversy with Owen concerning the human brain.

The controversy between Falconer and CL.

The "wretched" review of CL [Antiquity of man, Athenæum 14 Feb 1863, pp. 219–21] and Huxley [Man’s place in nature].

His better opinion [of work of Boucher de Perthes].

Explains his position on CL’s treatment of species.

Mentions positive response to his ideas on the part of a German professor [Ernst Haeckel], Alphonse de Candolle, and a botanical palaeontologist [Gaston de Saporta].

Notes negative reaction of entomologists.

Mentions Falconer’s objections [to Antiquity].

Mentions work of Hooker.

Comments on paper by Owen ["On the aye-aye", Rep. BAAS 32 (1862) pt 2: 114–16]

and CD’s review of Bates’s paper [Collected papers 2: 87–92].

Thinks Natural History Review is excellent.

Received some proof sheets this morning of the Appendix to CL's book on the Antiquity of Man. Has read through the book with great interest. Comments on various points. Will have to revise their ideas on the length of human existence. Has had another letter from Twisleton so supposes he must try and write on science in schools. Have had sickness for the first three months of the year.

Describes a letter he has written to the Athenæum in which he mentions CL’s views on species modification ["Doctrine of heterogeny", Collected papers 2: 78–80].

Comments on criticism of Lyell’s book [Antiquity] by Falconer and others.

Mentions his eczema.

Invites the Lyells to visit.

Falconer’s letter [attacking CL, Athenæum 4 Apr 1863, pp. 459–60] is most unjust.

Regrets his letter [to Athenæum, on heterogeny] now criticised by Owen.

Comments on article by Samuel Haughton [On the form of cells made by wasps – with an appendix on the origin of species (1863)].

Mentions forthcoming reviews by Asa Gray [in Am. J. Sci.].

Congratulates CL on finding Arctic shells.

Comments on paper by E. B. Hunt ["On the origin, growth, substructure and chronology of the Florida reef", Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 35 (1863): 197–210].

Mentions J. D. Dana’s health.

George Bentham’s statement on species [Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond. (1863): xi–xxix].

Praises Bates’s book [Naturalist on the river Amazons (1863)].

Introducing his eldest son and his son's newly married wife.

Writes to introduce JH's son William James and his new bride to the Lyell's. Both JH and his wife, Margaret, are suffering from illness.

Criticises Duke of Argyll’s address [to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (1864)] and demurs on Argyll’s "new birth" theory.

Agrees with CL on beauty.

Enjoyed hearing of Princess Royal’s discussion [on Darwinism].

CD’s illness.

CL’s advice on chapter [of Variation] on dogs was excellent.

Sending a lump of a substance quarried near Edenderry; has found some very similar in a quarry of his own. Can send some more specimens. Congratulations on his Baronetcy. Has been prostrated with bronchitis.

Comments on the revolution of the apsides of the earth's orbit and its effect on glacier theory; further comments on the earth pyramids of Botzen [see CL's 1865-1-31], and associated phenomena.

Writes to CL about JH's response to James Croll's paper. Includes an extract from JH's letter to James Croll [see JH's 1865-2-6].

Does not gainsay the influence of distribution of land and sea on the climate. The change of eccentricity is also a powerful influence. Comments on this. Sees that CL's book is published. Is it too late to send his drawings of the earth pyramids?

Thanks for his Elements [of Geology]. Evidence from the Arctic shells is decisive. Sends drawings by book post. Comments on these drawings. Near Arezzo are similar phenomena in a soft sandy limestone. Measured the tallest column at Riten and found it 74' 10" from stone cap to base.

Belated thanks to CL for copy of Elements. Praises CL’s work. Notes especially Atlantic continents, the Weald, the Purbeck beds, glacial action, and the formation of lake-basins.

Also mentions account of Heer’s work

and CD’s disagreement with J. D. Forbes.

Suggests that CL have Murray print a two-volume edition [of the Elements].

Some comments on the variation of the eccentricity of the earth's orbit, and the geography of Mars.

Comments on why JH gave 239 degrees F as the temperature of space. Geological specimens may be given to the Geological Society or to the Jermyn Street Museum.

Mentions Miss Buckley’s information on roosting in trees [see Variation 1: 181 n.].

Refers to Duke [of Argyll] and his Lamarckian view of change.

Roosting habits and behaviour of pigeons in Egypt.

Criticises Herbert Spencer’s works.

Has finished Elements; comments on Laurentian stages.

Remarks on his health

and forthcoming work [Variation].