WCP4383

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec[embe]^r. 8^th. 1890

My dear Poulton

May I trouble ^you to advise me as to the best microscope for a beginner? I want to give my daughter one. I should like it to be simple but good of its kind, & especially good and powerful enough to show Diatoms, Am[o]ebae & other low forms. On other side I give a list of some I have noted. No doubt you or some of your friends will know most of them & which is the best, — or if any others are better still at the price.

I was delighted with Balls’ [2] little book on "Use & Disuse". He has put the argument for non-inheritance so well that it seems to be me almost conclusive.

Hoping yourself, Mrs. Poulton & family are quite well,

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

E.B. Poulton Esq.

[P.S. I should be inclined myself to Pillischer’s "Student’s" — on account of the higher power objective if really good, and if still unsold by Baker.

A.R.W. [signature]

[3] Microscopes advertised in "Nature" Nov[ember] 27th.

Browning’s "Perfect" — 3 objectives — 1 ⁱⁿ — ½ ⁱⁿ — ¼ ⁱⁿ

£3.15.0

Beck’s "Star" — (no particulars)

2. 2. 0

to5. 5. 0

In Baker’s Catalogue of Second-hand Instruments

Beck’s "Universal" — 2 objectives — 1 ⁱⁿ — ¼ ⁱⁿ

2 eye-pieces

(original price £5. 5. 0)£3. 15. 0

Pillischer’s "Student’s" — 2 objectives 1 ⁱⁿ — 1/6 ⁱⁿ

(original price £7. 7. 0)£4. 15. 0

______________________________________________________________

In Cur. Serv. Supp. Ass.[?] List

"The College Microscope" 2 objectives — 1 ⁱⁿ — ¼ ⁱⁿ

£4. 15. 0 ]