WCP4122

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset

Oct.[obe]r. 11th. 1899

Dear Prof.[essor] Geikie

I am exceedingly obliged to your kindness in taking the trouble to write out your opinions of Aeppli’s work so dearly and briefly, for my note on the American Critic. It is curious how apt people are to take the statements and opinions of Continental writers, as if they were necessarily of higher authority than those of our own Country.

I am glad you think Chamberlin’s paper worthy of attention. As I have come to the conclusion that the meteoritic theory of the origin of [2] suns, planets, comets, nebulae, &c. is in accordance with all we know of the stellar universe, while the old nebular hypothesis has now no facts to support it & is besides physically almost inconceivable, I am the more inclined to welcome the application of the former theory to the origin of the earth, especially as on the theory of former complete liquidity the production of such vast irregularities as are indicated by the ocean basins is exceedingly difficult to account for.

I have not seen Prof Joly’s papers but will take the first [3] opportunity of reading them.

Again thanking you,

Believe me | Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Prof.[essor] James Geikie F.R.S