WCP2818

[1]^{1,2, 3}

30, Ledbury Road,

Bayswater,

London, W.

March 26, 1903

My dear Sir

I have much pleasure in sending you a copy of the paper to which you refer, and of a note on the evidence that helium is still escaping from the Earth's atmosph[e]^r[e].

I had intended [2] writing in references to the conclusion inference drawn by my friend Prof[esso]^r Bryan⁴ from the data usually employed in the mathematical investigation of the Kinetic Theory of Gas; from w[hic]h he supposed that the rate of gas escape cannot be sufficient to produce a sensible [3]⁵escape of helium from the Earth.

This inference is quite correctly drawn from the data he employs, and as it the conclusion to w[hic]h it leads is erroneous as is shown in the enclosed note on the behaviour of helium; [word illeg. crossed-out] there must be a mistake somewhere in his data.

Where this mistake is [4] can with considerable probability be pointed out, but I am so pressed with other work that I have not time today to discuss it in this letter, and do not like to delay sending you the enclosed papers. Perhaps in a few days I may have more leisure.

Believe me | very faithfully yours | G. Johnstone Stoney⁶[signature]

Alfred R Wallace Esq