WCP4385

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec[embe]^r. 15^th. 1890

My dear Poulton

I really do not want to give you any trouble, but if it will not put you out of the way I shall be obliged if you could look at the "Pillischer" with 1 in[ch] & 1/6^th objectives, and the "Beck’s Universal" — at Baker’s.

Mr J. Walton Gregory of the Natural History Museum, was here last week & he says that Beck’s "Star" Microscope is now extensively used by Students & that the lenses are wonderfully good for the price.

Unless therefore the instruments at [2] Baker’s are really very good I had perhaps better have one of Beck’s new "Stars".

I received the other day a copy of the "Revue Scientifique" with an article by M. A[lfred] Giard on "L’Hérédit[é] des modifications Somatiques". — It seems to me however a very weak opposition to Weismann.

I am now reading Lloyd Morgan’s "Animal Life and Intelligence" which seems a very thoughtful work with a good grasp of the subject. He criticises Weismann’s theory but upholds the non-heredity of acquired variations, — but I have not yet [3] read the whole book. He says he criticises me also, — I expect on Sexual Selection.

Yours very faithfully| Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

P.S. Thanks for congratulations as to Darwin Medal. (I think you ought to have the next one).

A.R.W. [signature]