WCP4364

[1]

Hamilton House, The Croft

Hastings.

Feb^y. 22nd. 1889

My dear Mr. Poulton¹

Many thanks for your kindness in looking over my proofs. I will not trouble you with the last sheet, which would only horrify you still more. I am quite aware my views as to Man, will be, as they have been — criticised. I have referred to Weismann’s² opinion further on, — but I doubt if his view or yours will really account for the facts.

Of course we look at the question from a different stand-points. I [2] (think I) know that non-human intelligences exist — that there are minds disconnected from a physical brain, — that there is, therefore, a spiritual world. This is not, for me, a belief merely, but knowledge founded on the long-continued observation of facts, — & such knowledge must modify my views as to the origin & nature of human faculty.

As to "sexual selection" (in [3] Darwin’s³ sense) I totally reject it, for reasons fully explained in this book, — & I think my argument as to the inefficiency of nat. selectⁿ. is a good one. Still, I shall be glad to see you or any one tackle the question.

Next week I shall be back at Godalming, — but after March 16th. shall be I know not where, as I have let my house, & shall be wandering for a time [4] for my wife’s⁴ health & my own.

Yours very faithfully| Alfred R. Wallace [signature]