WCP4383

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec^r. 8th. 1890

My dear Poulton¹

May I trouble ^you to advise me as to the best microscope for a beginner? I want to give my daughter² one. I should like it to be simple but good of its kind, & especially good and powerful enough to show Diatoms, Amebae [sic] & 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’³ [2] little book on "Use & Disuse".⁴ He has put the argument for non-inheritance so well that it seems to be me almost conclusive.

Hoping yourself, Mrs. Poulton⁵ & 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.

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

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

£3.15.0

Beck’s "Star" — (no particulars)

2. 2. 0

to 5. 5. 0

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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

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In Cur. Serv. Supp. Ass. List

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

£4.15. 0)