From James Crichton-Browne   19 February 1871

My dear Sir

Thanks for your noble work on ‘The Descent of Man’ which reached me this morning.¹ It is strong as iron and clear as crystal so fascinating that it has kept me from lunch and even from dinner. It is beyond all praise and I can only ask you to accept my sincere thanks for it and my assurances that it will henceforth be one of the most honoured and familiar inhabitants of my library.

Have you met with rudimentary nipples? I have a woman under my care now, who has a second small, milk giving nipple, with a distinct areola on one breast. I could send you a photograph if you desired it. I shall also endeavour to get you a photograph of the ears of a man whom I saw some time ago which were covered, with hair, not down but long strong bristles particularly long towards the top of the helix, & coming somewhat to a point.²

With profound respect | Believe me. | Yours most faithfully | J. Crichton Browne

Charles Darwin Esq &c &c