WCP1357

[1]¹

[in ARW’s hand] Answd

NICHOLAS H. DOSKER

ATTORNEY AT LAW

PAUL JONES BUILDING

LOUISVILLE, KY.

January 9, 1913.

Sir Alfred Russell [sic] Wallace,

Broadstone,

Dorset, England.

Dear Sir: -

I have studied your "Man’s Place In The Universe"² with consuming interest, and was deeply impressed by it. The evidence you have adduced seems to me to bear out completely your conclusion that our earth is the only habitable planet. I have noted your argument in Chapter XIV of this book, in which you have proved to my complete satisfaction the uninhabitability of Mars, together with that of other planets of our solar system.

I see in January, 1913, number of Current Opinion, an American publication, a review of an article in Science Progress (London), by Dr. James H. Worthington, in which it is claimed that recent observations settle the vexed question of the habitability of Mars in the affirmative. You are doubtless familiar with the article and the claims made in it. The reading of the above review has prompted this letter. The proof submitted there does not convince me, although [2] -2- the statements made are interesting, and it occurred to me to write you to ascertain whether or not any real discoveries have been made since you wrote "Man’s Place In The Universe" which have in any way caused you to change your opinion there stated on the question of the habitability of Mars.

Thanking you in advance, should you find time to favor me with a reply, I am,

Very truly | Nicholas H. Dosker.³ [signature]