Ɛpsilon

WCP2488

Letter (WCP2488.2378)

[1]1,1

BURLEIGH

LONGLANDS

SIDCUP

Alfred Russell [sic] Wallace Esq.

Jan. 7. 11

Dear Sir.

Twelve months ago you very kindly signed your worked upon the "Malay Archipelago"2 for me. I am now under the spell of your latest book "The World of Life"3 — to my mind the crowning glory of your life's work.

Many disturbed minds will be steadied and helped by your chapters "proof of organising mind" etc — here especially [2] you have rendered great service to humanity. I may never hope to have the honour of meeting you, but I wish you with all my heart,

Many Happy returns of the day.

I am Dear Sir | Yours faithfully | Arthur Twidle4 [signature]

P.S.

Some time ago I had from Mr. Jansen5 the naturalist of Museum St. an extraordinary specimen (imperfect) of [3] — a Lunar Moth taken in S. E. Madagascar. It measures 9½" over all, the tails are 6½" in length x 6/8" in width. I was told it was quite unique. I have not seen another specimen anywhere. I know the Chinese variety etc but the one I possess is larger & quite distinct — herewith is a rough note of it actual size. If it is new to you I should have much pleasure in sending it down for you to see.

1
"A. Twidle" was written by an unknown hand.
2
Wallace, A. R. 1890. The Malay Archipelago: The land of the orang-utan, and the bird of paradise. A narrative of travel, with studies of man and nature. London and New York: Macmillan and Co.
3
Wallace, A. R. 1910. The world of life: a manifestation of creative power, directive mind and ultimate purpose. London: Chapman & Hall.
4
Twidle, Arthur (1865-1936). British painter and illustrator.
5
Jansen has not been identified.
6
In ARW’s handwriting, “Answd”. The letter has not been found.

Editorial information

Status: Draft transcription [Letter (WCP2488.2378)]

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

Revision history

Transcribed by Congerton, John [2019-12-17] Transcription checked by Chua, Christine [2026-04-18]

Enclosure (WCP2488.5351)

[1]

[Photograph of a man holding a case of butterflies]

[2]

[Photograph of the same man, holding an artist's palette and paintbrush, standing a before an oil painting]

Editorial information

Status: Draft transcription [Enclosure (WCP2488.5351)]

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

Revision history

Transcribed by Congerton, John [2019-12-17]

Enclosure (WCP2488.5352)

[1]

taken at Farafangana. S. E. Madagascar.

[Drawing of a long-tailed butterfly. The following notes surround the artwork:]

Ground colour of body & of wings & tips of tail y. Ochre.

membrane of wing green.

markings Indian red.

Indian Red markings [with arrow pointing to forewing]

Indian red edged with black. [with arrow pointing to apex of hindwing]

[2]

Twidle1

1
Twidle, Arthur (1865-1936). British painter and illustrator.

Editorial information

Status: Draft transcription [Enclosure (WCP2488.5352)]

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

Revision history

Transcribed by Congerton, John [2019-12-17] Transcription checked by Chua, Christine [2026-04-18]

Please cite as “WCP2488,” in Beccaloni, G. W. (ed.), Ɛpsilon: The Alfred Russel Wallace Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/wallace/letters/WCP2488