WCP3979

[1]

30, Cumberland Road

Kew

13th Jan 1911.

My dear Meldola¹,

It is a "responsibility" to deal with this last book of poor Wallace's — and at first I was strongly tempted to shirk it. But it might fall into the hands of someone who could not resist the temptation to pour on it the ridicule, which it certainly invites. So I have undertaken the task and will try to avoid anything that could hurt the poor old man.

How well do I recollect Darwin saying to me one day [2] that "there is a twist in the mind of poor Wallace"!

In your kindly review of my little book, you suggest that some of the readers of Nature may be able to explain the origin of the passage in Darwin to which you refer. As I have written to you, I think this can now be done by reference to the "Foundation." Do you think it would be worth while for one to send a letter to Nature on the subject, or shall the matter rest? Please send a Post Card Yes! No! & I will do as you decide

Yours faithfully, | John W. Judd [signature]