Determined to make GRW a geologist. Sends copy of C. Lyell [?Elements of geology (1838)].

Orders distilled water, 2 oz of camphorated spirits, and perfume.

Invites GRW and his family to visit.

Discusses HD’s information that same species of birds at remote stations have identical parasites. Urges him to investigate N. American land-bird parasites.

Is deeply interested in everything connected with geographical distribution, and the differences between species and varieties.

Suggests various remedies for toothache.

Encloses his £3 subscription to JBI’s Sunday School. Asks to reduce it in the future to £2 per annum.

Has been unwell.

Regrets that state of his health prevents acceptance of invitation [to be present at inauguration of J. S. Henslow as President of Ipswich Museum in Dec 1850].

Encloses letter from J. D. Hooker. Glad he will soon be home.

Everyone will be astonished at oaks and birches of tropics.

Asks for reference to article by Kölliker, ["Some observations on the structure of two new species of Hectocotyle", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 22 (1851): 9–22]. Asks for information.

Knows no one in Buenos Aires. Suggests sites in South America where Auguste Bravard can find fossils.

Ray Society has delayed distribution [of Living Cirripedia (1851)].

Asks if CSB can help him obtain specimen of Verruca.

Thanks for writing about E. A. Darwin’s illness. Will never forget the comfort she was [when Anne Darwin died, 1851].

Accepts invitation for the 20th.

"The Pigeons are all quite well".

Sends thanks to Mrs Cotton.

Much concerned by death of JBI’s mother.

Sorry to hear of AS’s poor health.

Would like to attend Aberdeen meeting [BAAS, 1859] but is unfit for so great an exertion. Has been told he has "suppressed gout".

Pleased that AS remembers their 1831 geological trip, which made CD appreciate the noble science of geology.

Thanks CK for allowing him to insert his "admirable sentence" [in Origin, 2d ed., p. 481].

Henrietta’s illness.

CD’s resort to [E. W. Lane’s] water-cure.

Other family news.

Etty [Henrietta Darwin] much improved.

Reference to his "hobby of striped asses".

Sceptical of JBI’s "curious stories" on spirit-tapping: "believe nothing one hears & only half of what one sees".

Going to sea-side for Etty’s health.

Asks JBI further questions about a striped donkey he had reported to CD.