Has rarely read anything more interesting than WO’s introduction to his Aristotle translation. Had no notion what a wonderful man Aristotle was. Linnaeus and Cuvier were mere schoolboys compared to him. His ignorance on some points, as on muscles and the means of movement, is curious.

RM’s application to the Royal Society.

Asks correspondent to suspend an enclosed certificate.

Has sent last week’s Nature wth J. S. Newberry’s paper ["Hypothetical high tides", Nature 25 (1882): 357–8]. CD thinks Newberry is right. This week’s issue has a letter against Newberry by Charles Callaway ["Letters to the editor: hypothetical high tides", Nature 25 (1882): 385].

The Archbishop of Canterbury has launched a series by scientists in the Contemporary Review on what is known and what is theoretical in science. [The series appears to have begun with an article by Robert S. Ball, "The boundaries of astronomy", 41 (1882): 923–41]. CD was asked to participate, but refused.

Asks further questions about shell attached to beetle’s leg.

Cannot find in his library the translation made by Walter Elliot of a Persian tract on pigeons by Sayzid Mohammed Musari.

CD cannot answer his question concerning the death of earthworms. The usual cause is through parasitic larva of a fly. Worms are susceptible to certain poisons from plants.

Glad his book [Earthworms] has interested HHL.

Comments on James Geikie’s ["Intercrossing of erratics", Scottish Naturalist 6 (1882): 193–200, 241–54]. Believes JG underrates importance of floating ice in explaining drift deposits.

Comments on origin of life and natural theology.

Recommends William Graham’s The creed of science [1881].

Thanks ID for a copy of his book, Atlantis [1882], which CD will read with interest but "in a very sceptical spirit".

Letter of introduction for Romilly Allen.

Strongly supports the proposed biological laboratory at Villefranche.

Will send shell by post to British Museum. Will prepare article for Nature [see 13696].

Orders morphia pills in case of severe pain, which he hopes may never occur.

Thanks for letter and promise to send pamphlet.

Orders two bottles of "the simple Antispasmodic" and "the Glycerin Pepsin mixture". Andrew Clark wishes him to commence his physic at once.

Much regrets the state of his health will prevent his attending the [Science Defence] Association meeting.

Sends enclosure [missing].

Subject of SG’s essay would be well worth pursuing. CD has long known that stones were transported by floating Fuci, but not that they were dragged along the sea-bottom.

Shell smashed by careless servant. May have been Cyclas cornea. Will send letter to Nature.

Mechanism of flowers of Maranta has already been described by F. H. G. Hildebrand and Federico Delpino.