Learned of CD’s interest in new facts bearing on origins of specific forms and sends proof sheets of his Monograph on tubularian hydroids [1871–2] stating his views on the descent of existing hydroids from ancient graptolites.
Thanks for sending translation of A. W. Malm’s paper ["On flatfishes", K. Svensk. Vetensk. Akad. Handl. N. F. 7 (1867–8) no. 4]; thinks it establishes that eye migrates across surface of head rather than through the skull.
Considers the relationship between direction of locomotion and the presence of stalked eyes in Crustacea.
On Royal Society Council’s deliberations on awards. GJA argues that older men should be given first claim lest they die neglected; CD had stressed importance of encouraging younger men.
In his admirable work on expression CD has left out influence of fifth pair of cerebral nerves on the portiodura and on physiognomy; sends reference to his paper on this subject ["On certain points in the physiology and pathology of the fifth pair of cerebral nerves", Med.-Chir. Trans. 52 (1869): 27–42].
CD elected Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. [See 9305.]
Sends CD photograph of a "natural curiosity", a bear apparently "painted" with red iron on the face of a soft rock; has also sent copies to a few U. S. scientists.
Sends two books detailing a new medical method that will produce "a state of health & vigour on every occasion & in every instance" and is applicable to "the entire circle of animated nature" [William Hibbert, Important discovery. Hibbert’s new theory and practice of medicine (1870) and The new theory and practice of medicine (1870)]. The volumes apply to animals and man. Subsequent books will detail the method for insects and plants.
[Letter erroneously addressed to E. A. Darwin, and forwarded by EAD to CD.]
Comments on the form and function of a muscle in the rectal region of animals.
Discusses the scratching action of dogs.
Anecdotes about a dog and cat evidencing "a high order of instinct".
Asks CD whether he will find a translator and publisher for a paper Dr A wrote in 1870, siding with Carl Vogt in defence of CD’s view of descent of man.
CD was good enough to send notice of his new book [Descent] for the first number of the Academy; asks for further contributions and suggestions.
Asks CD to review Wallace’s recent book of essays [Natural selection (1870)], particularly the new essay, which questions the applicability of natural selection to man.
Sends old Japanese picture suggesting evolution, found by Charles Longfellow.
Is pleased to hear CD attended a séance [18 Jan 1874]; asks for his views about communication among spirits.
Would like CD to explain how he reconciles two passages in 6th ed. of Origin.
Gives examples of animal species in which adult males castrate or kill younger males.
Describes case of two varieties of Russian wheat, the kubanka (or White Turkish) and the saxonka, which grow side by side with no intermediate varieties. As kubanka gradually yields place to saxonka, thinks an unusual tendency to jumping variation [saltation] operates; suggests CD urge some young botanist to investigate [see ML 2: 419–22].
On receiving CD’s letter GMA wrote for wheat seeds to send CD. Gives information on the wheat and on grasses to suggest that variability of the soil accounts for replacement of kubanka by saxonka.
Regarding CD’s inability to find a young botanist to investigate Russian wheat; comments on utter lack of organisation in scientific research in Britain as compared with Germany.
Gives arguments against CD’s suggestion that the saxonka seeds could have long dormancy period which would account for their gradual overtaking of kubanka.
Has forwarded CD’s request for wheat specimens to Mr Galkine-Wrasky, Governor of Saratoff in Russia. Asks CD to send his thanks to the Governor and to allow GMA to visit Down to explain the specimens when they arrive.
Apologises for taking liberty of request made in previous letter.
Tells CD ways in which large box of wheat specimens might be shipped from St Petersburg.
