Sends observations of poison acting on glands of Drosera. Poison acts as a stimulant to protoplasm. Very remarkable that poison acts so differently on the cilia and protoplasm of Drosera.
Reports that Pinguicula is found in north of Scotland. Gives local names and uses. None of his patients, who are from all parts of Scotland, has heard of the use of Pinguicula to curdle milk.
Received CD’s note late and so could not comply, but promises to vote in future for anyone CD recommends for Athenaeum.
Will have new evidence on dog’s intelligence sent to CD.
Action of cobra poison.
No summary available.
Remarks on his work on Pinguicula. Notes its digestive power; it absorbs nutritious matter from leaves and seeds as well as insects.
Returns proof of his note on brain for 2d ed. of Descent. Has added a reference to Abbé Lecomte’s "terrible pamphlet" [Le Darwinisme et l’origine de l’homme (1873)] "lest it be thought I meant our cher Owen".
Reports on his examination of the dried specimens of Pinguicula at Kew to answer CD’s query whether all species secrete.
Wants particularly to know whether seeds or leaves of other plants are ever found adhering to the leaves of Pinguicula. Observations would perhaps best be made in a month or two.