Summary

Sends errata for German edition of Variation.

Summary

Queries concerned with translating vol. 2 of Variation.

Summary

Questions arising in German translation of Variation; its sales prospects. CD from the first has said it was very doubtful that the book was worth translating.

Summary

Sends sheets of second issue [of Variation] with errata and changes to be made.

Refers to a favourable review,

and a contemptuous one in Athenæum written, he thinks, by Richard Owen [see 5931].

Summary

Some questions on errata in second English issue of Variation.

Sends a paper by Robert Hartmann on domestic animals of the countries bordering the Nile ["Geographische Verbreitung der im nordöstlichen Afrika wild lebenden Säugethiere" Z. Ges. Erdkd. Berlin 3 (1868): 28–69, 232–70, 345–68, 404–20].

Has thought much about CD’s theory of Pangenesis. It "seems rather a little too complicated … as a molecular theory".

Summary

Corrections for German translation of Variation.

Discusses Pangenesis. CD not surprised at JVC’s unfavourable opinion. Huxley’s joke that it is more difficult to believe than Genesis. Lyell’s and Sir H. Holland’s opinions. For CD, it provides a bond for connecting many phenomena.

Summary

Asks whether it would be convenient if he came to Down. JVC would be sorry to leave England without seeing and thanking CD.

Summary

Regrets having missed JVC’s visit. CD’s health is poor. He hopes JVC will come to Down after BAAS meeting.

Has heard second part [of Variation] is out in German. Thanks JVC for his great care in making translation accurate.

Summary

Requests a change in text [of ch. 12 of Origin: "Geographical distribution"] owing to recent observations of Albert Günther on the marine faunas of the eastern and western shores of South and Central America.

Summary

Asks JVC to ascertain the age at which merino rams develop horns, and whether they grow faster or more slowly than in other breeds of sheep in which both sexes have horns.

Asks how JVC’s translation [of Variation] has sold.

Summary

On development of horns in merino sheep. Encloses reports from herdsmen he has approached.

Summary

Sends translation of Mr Steiger’s letter responding to question CD had asked about growth of horns of merino rams.

Summary

Thanks JVC for his information (from two correspondents) on the rate of growth of merino rams’ horns.

CD has been revising Origin [5th ed.]. Has found a good deal to alter.

Summary

A new edition [4th German] of Origin to be published by Schweizerbart. JVC asks CD to send any changes or additions.

Variation has sold two-thirds of the first printing [1868].

Hopes he may do translation of CD’s new work [Descent].

Summary

Discusses changes in 5th edition of Origin owing to new evidence. CD now places more value on action of external conditions; thinks lapse of time [required for development of species] not so great as some geologists have thought, and single variations [saltations] of even less importance compared with individual differences.

Summary

Will use new English edition [5th, of Origin] in preparing for [4th] German edition. Bronn’s translation of Origin in the title as "Entstehung" is not so precise as "Ursprung" would be. The publisher does not object to changing the title, but JVC is doubtful, because the Origin is so well known in Germany as Entstehung. Asks CD’s opinion.

Summary

Sends new edition of the Origin. Has made some corrections.

Has been led into dreadful blunder on p. 75 by erroneous calculations of a mathematical friend.

Opposes change of Entstehung into Ursprung [in title] even if more correct. It would make readers think it is a new book.

Summary

Koch [of Schweizerbart’s, publisher of German translations of CD’s works] has inquired when CD’s new book on man will be out. JVC assures CD that the book should be translated into German, and offers his services.

Summary

His book [Descent] will not be ready for a year because of his health and the laboriousness of work on sexual selection. Has deferred arrangements for German translation, but would feel secure with JVC. Carl Vogt has offered to translate it.

Summary

Has received a letter from Carl Vogt, expressing his readiness to translate Descent at the request of the publisher Franz Anton Ricker