WCP1801

[1]

Waldron Edge, Duppas Hill, Croydon

Feb[ruary] 22^nd. 1880

Dear D^r. Norris¹

Many thanks for your kind interest with the Trustees though the result is not satisfactory. I would have been satisfied with a very moderate salary, as I would prefer an appointment which would not occupy my whole time.

I quite agree with what you say about the bad management of the Sp? Institution, & I wrote to me [sic] of the Council to what effect though I am perfectly satisfied [2] of the honesty & good faith of their conclusion in this case.

It would be so very easy to prevent anything of the kind happening, — besides which visitors sh[oul]^d always be told that there is no proof that the "force is" not the medium, except seeing a touching both at the same time but if the tying is properly done then the escape from bonds & getting into them again is as such a proof of superhuman power as the materialization would be. [3] With Mrs. Corvus’s sister- Mrs. Cork, I have had very good tests by closely examining & talking to the "force" with the bare facts, white roles as earring, and different features from Miss C., and another 5 seconds afterwards seeing Miss C. in her black evening dress exactly as she came into the room, book &c. And in a deep trance.

This kind of test is often to be had, and is certainly conclusive of superhuman power if not of materialization.

We are to have a near scientific investigation. You saw perhaps the letter from F.R.S.² in Nature³. I [4] am in correspondence with him & he seems to mean earnest investigation. I would think I am not likely to mention his name, but he is sufficiently well known for his conversation, if it takes place, to produce an effect.

With best wishes | Believe me Yours very faithfully| Alfred R. Wallace [signature]