Asks for figures of embryos by A. Ecker and T. L. W. Bischoff to copy [for Descent, ch. 1].

On Mivart’s Genesis of species, and THH’s intention to reply to it.

Chauncey Wright’s pamphlet [see 7940].

CD is revising Origin and will answer Mivart on incipient organs. "Pendulum is swinging against us, but will swing back again".

On THH’s review [see 7977] of Mivart’s Genesis of species and the Quarterly Review article on Descent.

Hooker admires THH’s review of Mivart [see 7977]. Most impressed by THH’s handling of metaphysics.

Hooker’s problems: family health and A. S. Ayrton [Commissioner of Works].

Asks whether THH has written on affinities of Eocene cetacean Zeuglodon. Wants to cite it in 6th ed. of Origin as in some slight degree an intermediate form, but does not know how far he may venture.

Has had more evidence of profound impression of Mivart’s book [Genesis of species].

Supports the abolition of prize fellowships at the universities.

Plans to see THH in London.

Informs THH that 18 friends have given him a fund of £2100 to enable him to take a holiday.

Affected by THH’s letter – will send a copy to the other 17 friends. Hopes for his and public’s sake his health will improve.

Lady Lyell’s death.

Sends names of donors of gift to THH.

The Edinburgh Review has a critical article against CD, THH, Tyndall, and H. Spencer [see 8935]. Thinks Forbes reference not worth answering.

Answers THH’s query about W. H. Flower; gives the amount he contributed to the gift. Advises against returning it, even anonymously. Hopes WHF’s health improves.

THH sends to AD a draft, prepared by himself and CD, of a statement for a subscription fund to assist AD’s Naples Zoological Station.

Sorry to hear of Dohrn’s troubles. Has written to prospective donors saying that nothing can be done because of attitude of Dohrn’s father.

New [2d] edition of Descent is an awful job.

Diet no longer doing much for his health.

Discusses THH’s account of the séance. CD convinced all are fraudulent.

Asks for THH’s description of brain and skull [of man and apes] for 2d ed. of Descent [supplement to ch. 7].

Asks about Dohrn affair and contributions for Naples station. Doubts subscriptions will be successful.

THH’s letter to Mivart is "tremendous". CD’s feelings and intentions about the matter.

If THH has made out homology of the skull, it is grandest discovery in years.

Thanks THH for his article in the Academy and his defence of CD and G. H. Darwin against Mivart. Still thinks he should write plainly to Mivart.

CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.

Thanks for THH’s essay on species [article for an American encyclopedia].

Will probably never again write on large and general subjects; will keep to easier specific ones such as insectivorous and climbing plants.

Astonished and disgusted at Klein’s evidence. No doubt there will be severe and vicious legislation against physiology. Will give evidence before Commission.