From W. E. Darwin to Emma Darwin [early December 1887]

My dear Mother

I am just finishing the 2^d Vol. of the "Life" and find it wonderfully interesting; these are not at all too many scientific letters from me. How delightful his relations with Hooker were. As Sara says, it wonderful how he valued the sympathy of those who knew anything on science, and really cared so little for the rest of the world.

I fear for the non-scientific world there are much too few letters outside science, the Academy mentioned this with regret. I suppose there are really very few letters of general interest outside science— I have not yet read the 3^d vol. Have you seen the Article in the `Record'? it is a remarkable article from its tone of respect and appreciation though differing so widely— the `Record' was one of the few papers that I thought perhaps might be unpleasant.

I enclose a letter from an old country parson Roth Dunn with whom I was at Rugby and Cam. You may care to see the tone of the average parson, or perhaps above the average. Please return it.

If in a new edition a few more non-scientific letters could be found, I am sure they will be greatly valued.

It is admirably done & Franks' head should be turned, to have made the best biography of the times. I am curious to know what Aunt Caroline feels about it.

I enclose Frank a mem: of another slip—though I dare say it has been pointed out.

I hope now that the bulk of the reviews are out you can get rid of any anxiety as to anything disagreeable appearing. I wrote to Sir Joseph today about the Copley & about the `Life'.

This day week we had a pleasant visit at the Pembers near Lymington & met some friends of Leo & Eliz^th a M^r & M^rs Church— she was a Miss Luard-Selby of [illeg] Mote.

On Thursday I go to Leo's for the [illeg] Dinner. I hope M^r Goschen will speak, L^d Hartington is wise & solid but a little heavy.

I hope Hen. is really better, I am very sorry she has been out of order so long. Goodbye dear Mother It is very nice to think that Christmas is so near. Sara sent her best love— She is fairly well—

Yours affect son | W. E. D.

Please thank Geo. for his card as to the humbug of a star