Illustrates, with reference to different species of Gasteria, the role of twisting in the development of leaf arrangement.
Illustrates, with reference to different species of Gasteria, the role of twisting in the development of leaf arrangement.
W. J. Beal’s paper ["Phyllotaxis of cones", Am. Nat. 7 (1873): 449–53] shows incompleteness of HA’s theory, but does not invalidate his basic principles on origin of leaf arrangement or the broad applicability of the theory.
Has rewritten paper on leaf arrangement after criticism by Royal Society referees. Has found new factor influencing leaf arrangement, i.e., spontaneous variability in the number of vertical leaf-ranks.
On his new paper for Royal Society on a point of leaf arrangement. Asks CD to communicate it and "gives some details of its contents", e.g., recorded observations of changing leaf-order on individual specimens.
Comments on a paper by George Henslow ["Helianthus tuberosus", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 26 (1876): 647].
Statistics on proportion of sexes in lambs.
Statistics on proportion of sexes of lambs.
WA explains the figures he sent GC. In his experience female lambs at the time of castration outnumber the males. [Robert] Elliot differs.
Reports that Pinguicula is found in north of Scotland. Gives local names and uses. None of his patients, who are from all parts of Scotland, has heard of the use of Pinguicula to curdle milk.
Replies to CD’s letter;
inquires about CD’s intended terms for Italian translator of Descent; hopes to offer best terms herself.
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.