Praises the Origin: a "splendid case of close reasoning".

Objects to CD’s having ignored Lamarck and Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.

Thinks CD should omit mentioning problem of explaining the eye at the beginning of chapter 14. Suggests rewording several passages.

Thinks want of peculiar birds in Madeira a difficulty, considering presence of them in Galapagos.

Has always felt that the case of man and his races is one and the same with animals and plants.

Response to Origin. Praise for summary of chapter 10 and chapter 11.

The dissimilarity of African and American species is ‘necessary result of “Creation” adapting new species to the pre-existing ones. Granting this unknown & if you please miraculous power acting’.

C. T. Gaudin writes of Oswald Heer’s finding many species common between Miocene floras of Iceland and Switzerland. Interesting for CD’s migration theory.

Concerning the publication of JH's Telescope.

First impressions of the water-cure establishment are not favourable – "I always hate everything new".

Intends applying for the chair of Practical Astronomy at Glasgow University. Outlines the work he has already done in astronomy. Would like a testimonial from JH.

CL’s comments on Origin. Mentions corrections to last chapter suggested by CL.

Comments on lack of peculiar bird species on Madeira and Bermuda. Emphasises importance of American types in Galapagos.

Denies necessity of continued creation of primitive "Monads".

Denies need for new powers and any principle of improvement.

Discusses gradations of intellectual powers.

Adaptive inferiority and extinction of groups of species and genera.

Asserts that climate is less important than the struggle with other organisms.

Suggests an experiment involving primroses and cowslips.

The chapter on hybridisation.

Rudimentary organs.

Gives opinion of Lamarck’s work.

No summary available.

Discusses events at Ilkley.

Thanks JP for bearing in mind his strong wish to learn any facts on inheritance at corresponding ages, and on correlation of growth.

JP’s case of teeth affected by syphilitic parents seems very curious. Would like to hear a few particulars when they meet.

Announces funeral of Robert Stephenson.

Book finished some two weeks.

Feeling much better at Ilkley.

Lyell thinks favourably of book but "staggered" at lengths to which CD goes.

Which continental botanists should receive presentation copies?

Origin is finished.

Asks for names of foreign speculative naturalists.

Hopes THH will think he is on right road despite errors.

Discusses presentation copies [of the Origin].

Apology for delay in returning a biographical note; some concern about state of Indian society.

Is grateful for the testimonial JH has sent, and will be pleased to use it in support of his application to Sir G. C. Lewis.

Miss B. Baily is delighted with the account of JH, and of his son in India. She has recovered from the cold and hopes that Lady Herschel is feeling better.

Would like a testimonial from JH which would prove useful when he retires. Points out his value to JH when he analyzed the metals used.

Comments on CL’s letters.

Discusses foreign animals naturalised in Australia and elsewhere.

Affirms man’s capacity to survive in Eocene climate.

Comments on American types.

Denies necessity for "continued intervention of creative power".

Cannot suggest an appropriate device or ornament for cover [of Origin].

Will send a list for distribution of author’s copies as soon as JM tells him approximate trade price.

Declines an invitation to visit [Moor] Park.

He hopes that Dr Lane is arranging things to his satisfaction.