4/9/94
As even my own bryologic collection, and library is [not] sufficiently large for independent working on Mosses here, dear Mr Musson, I cooperate with an European Specialist on these kinds of plants, and as I have done so since 1847 methodically and thus mainly built up the Bryology of Australia, I would expect loyalty to me from all bryologic workers in Australia, and I am sure from your former action[s] towards me I shall have this from you also now. If therefore you will send me a good full specimen of any of your mosses numbered correspondingly to your set, I will undertake to furnish in reasonable time the names. A direct communication from you to any Home-Bryologist would create an "Imperium in imperio"2
Mr Bracebridge Wilson for instance has passed all his algologic collections through my hands to an European Specialist to avoid what I just mentioned and this has been to this distinguished microscopist rather to advantage and never to disadvantage
As regards vascular plants, for the study of which I have all the original books and authentic collections, I am always willing to give direct and early information, if proper specimens in flower and fruit are furnished, what unfortunately often is not the case. As you hold an independent position at the local Agriculture-College, which to obtain I was happy3 you are probably not obliged to follow the wishes of any one else, any superior in subjects of the kind now under discussion.
As regards German University degrees, they have been so altered gradually, especially since the last 20 years, that no degree can be obtained "in absentia" & in all cases a rigorous examination personally made is requisite.
Ready to render you any service so far as I can, I remain
regardfully your
Ferd von Mueller4
Please cite as “FVM-94-09-04,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on 26 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/vonmueller/letters/94-09-04