Ɛpsilon

WCP2281

Letter (WCP2281.2171)

[1]

Strada Fiorentini No 9

Naples,

January 23d - 1872

Dear Sir Alfred

A friend of mine, Monsr Leblois,1 of Strasburg, is desirous of obtaining from you certain information to enable him to put the last hand to a scientific work of great importance to youth.

His modest disposition prompts doubts to his mind whether you will comply with his wish, he being a perfect [2] stranger to you. Confiding in your good nature and in your love for science, I have encouraged him freely to address you; the which he may do.2

I think it advisable to inform you that Monsr Leblois, altho' in holy (protestant) orders, is an advanced scientist, of progressive mind, and a fearless exponent of truth, when he has grasped it, whether it be in conflict with preconceived notions or not.

It is for me now to hope, that you will not deem my step an intrusion.

I am, dear Sir Alfred, | [3] Your Obedient Servant | G Damiani3 [signature]

Sir Alfred R. Wallace, Bart4

Barking

[4]5

1
Leblois, Georges-Louis (1825-1898). French priest and minister at Strasburg Temple-Neuf.
2
George-Louis Leblois had already corresponded with ARW on 1 November 1871 (WCP2276.2166).
3
Damiani, Giovanni (1814-1898). Italian spiritualist. Introduced ARW to Spiritualism.
4
ARW was never knighted.
5
In pencil in ARW’s handwriting, “G Damiani”.

Editorial information

Status: Edited (but not proofed) transcription [Letter (WCP2281.2171)]

For more information about the transcriptions and metadata, see https://wallaceletters.myspecies.info/content/epsilon

Revision history

Transcribed by Ghosh, Susan [2015-04-08] Transcription checked by Benny, Ruth [2015-04-08] Transcription checked by Sherwood, Danni [2020-08-10] Transcription checked by Beros, Matt [2020-09-15] Transcription checked by Chua, Christine [2026-04-18]

Please cite as “WCP2281,” in Beccaloni, G. W. (ed.), Ɛpsilon: The Alfred Russel Wallace Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/wallace/letters/WCP2281