From H. M. W. Baynes   30 January 1882

Dear Sir,

May I venture to tell you of a remarkable case of inheritance manifested in early infancy?

As a youth I had, for a long time, a trick of putting my thumb between the first & second fingers of the right hand, generally whilst reading, but more or less upon all occasions.

Our baby, which was born on the 24^th. May last year, was noticed by his mother,¹ as early as the beginning of August, to place & keep the right thumb between the same fingers of the right hand. This he has frequently done since.

Is not this a clear case of instinctive predisposition manifested in visible action?²

With the profoundest respect for your scientific achievements, | Believe me, Dear Sir, | Yours very sincerely | Herbert: Morton: Baynes

Charles Darwin Esq. F.R.S. etc.