Birthday congratulations from the editors of Kosmos. They will mark the occasion with a special number of Kosmos.

Has received diploma from the University of Breslau [honorary doctorate in medicine and surgery]. Should he forward it or will CD pick it up in London? [See 3226a and 3446.]

Has forwarded a diploma from the University of Breslau [Honorary Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery].

Is currently at work on the development in birds of organs of flight according to CD’s principles; asks permission to quote CD in stating the theory.

Urges CD to republish his works in a collected edition, to make them more readily available to Germans.

CD has omitted in all his works one of the most interesting causes of variation, domestic or wild – i.e., frightening of a pregnant animal; quotes case of eight-footed horse from a French translation of G. S. W. von Adler.

Has learned CD will soon publish a new work, in three parts: I. "Descent of man", II. "On sexual selection", and III. "Expression of the emotions"; would like to translate one part for inclusion in Revue des Cours [Littéraires et] Scientifiques, and at the same time translate and publish the complete work for France.

Reminds CD of earlier promise to permit extracts of Descent to be translated and published in EA’s Revue Scientifique once entire work is printed. Book appeared weeks ago, so EA again requests permission. Revue has been appearing irregularly owing to war with Germans.

Comments on continued appearance of Revue [des cours scientifiques] despite German siege. Plans enlarged format to include politics and political economy. Repeats request to publish first part of Descent, chapter by chapter, to be followed by publication of the whole.

Has reached an understanding with CD’s French translator [J. Moulinié] and publisher [C. Reinwald] for Descent. Has printed first chapter in last number of Revue Scientifique and sent CD copies; is sending proofs of translation of next chapter for CD to correct.

On EA’s persecution by new government for liberal–republican position of his Revues; threat to remove him from Faculté de Droit, unless he renounces relations with Revues or changes their politics.

Has reviewed CD’s Orchids.

Asks whether CD has any observations to make on J. R. L. Delboeuf’s article ["Les mathématiques et la transformisme"] in Revue Scientifique [2d ser. 29 (1877): 669–79]. He would be pleased to receive a letter or article for publication.

Concerning the publication of a French edition of Coral Reefs.

Sends some historical data to illustrate the elevation of the coast at Valparaiso in recent times.

Gives details of his observations which lend support to the view that Chile is rising with respect to the sea. Reports some observations and opinions with regard to earthquakes and volcanic action in the area.

Sends MS of his paper, "On the coloration of flowers and fruits", filling a gap in CD’s theory relating to these structures, and asks for CD’s comments.

Plans a book on colour sense.

Thanks for comments on paper and references to related works. Clarifies points on colour distinction between energy-absorbing (green) and energy-expending (bright-hued) portions of plants and on the influence of flower colour in modifying the insect organism.

Has sent copy of his new book, Colour-sense [1879]; in anticipation of criticism, he justifies his reliance on recorded observations rather than experiments, by the heavy demands of his career as a journalist.

Thanks for criticisms of Colour-sense.

Clarifies his views that actions desirable for species result in development of nervous organs capable of pleasurable stimulation.

Believes that all "tastes" occurring in nature are explicable with reference to ancestral habits and that none is purely arbitrary.

Thanks for postcard informing him of Delboeuf’s review of his book; he had already seen review.

Thanks for compliments on Evolutionist at large.

Reports on his improving health.