Outlines his theory on the origin of existing orders of leaf arrangement. Believes spiral and whorled orders have evolved from a primitive distichous arrangement. These arrangements permit a compact bud form of small surface area that can withstand external changes in temperature, and in particular can tolerate frost.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Thanks CD for reading his MS [8412] and for his suggestions.

Clarifies his statement on the contraction of the bud-axis: did not mean to imply that this contraction occurred in an individual’s life-time, rather that it was the effect, after the course of ages, of successive favourable modifications.

Believes the true theory of phyllotaxy will give a convincing illustration and proof of the theory of evolution.

Orders a very small pot of "purest & best Extract of Hyosciamus for experimental purposes".

Will send second proofs of Expression.

Glad JVC has finished translating Origin.

Assures him that Mivart’s book [On the genesis of species (1871)] has produced a great effect in England and America. CD has discussed incipient structures at some length because it enabled him to give many cases of gradation.

Asks JVC to note that he does not vouch for Expression’s being worth translating.

Is correcting proofs for Expression.

Family news.

Thanks for JLGK’s article [see 8331].

CD thinks it a pity that Owen shows so little consideration for the judgment of other naturalists.

Thanks CD for five dollars and two-year subscription to Index, and for permission to quote CD’s compliments on Truths for the times.

Discusses the significance of the node. Believes, with CD, that it has no independent importance but is merely the consequence of the presence of a leaf. Does not believe a distinction can be made between whorled and alternate leaf arrangements on the basis of the number of leaves springing from a node. The node, as the starting point of a leaf, is subject to any disarrangement which takes place among the leaves.

Comments on Brace’s work [The dangerous classes of New York (1872)].

Thanks CD for his offer to communicate the results of his experiments with Pelargonium to the Linnean Society. Prefers to continue experimenting for at least another season before doing so.

Corrects a factual error in his previous letter [8418].

Sends specimens illustrative of the "nodal" question.

Discusses the mutual sterility of some varieties of Pelargonium.

CD not nominated by French Academy.

Responds to CD’s comments on his MS on phyllotaxy.

The initial variation required by his theory would be a slight twist of the bud-axis; believes the frequent twisting of stems and branches renders such a variation possible.

Admits he placed too much emphasis on the importance of frost. He should have spoken more generally of "vicissitudes of climate".

F. C. Donders coming to congress. Wants to arrange visit.

Thanks for her pains over corrections [for Expression].

Letter of introduction for Kowalevsky.

CD cannot improve style [of Expression] without great changes. "I am sick of the subject, and myself, and the world".