The first letter comments on translation of the 'older Chinese ballads'; the horse harness; aspects of the Tao Teh Ching [Dao De Jing]; conditions at the school. The second is a letter of response to a copy of Joseph Needham's outline for 'Science and Civilisation in China'. Includes comments on the origin of paper, pottery and the influence of Taoism on China. He ends this letter with 'There is a wealth of material which could be gathered together on scientific investigation in ancient times, scraps of which come before one at times'.