Ɛpsilon

WCP4436

Letter (WCP4436.4723)

[1]

Broadstone, Wimborne

Decr. 24th. 1907

My dear Poulton1

Pray do not trouble the least about my opinion as to the argument at p. XXXIX. I now see your intention more clearly — but still, I think it a refinement only likely to confuse the general reader seeking for information — a point for specialists rather than for enquirers. But even from that point of view, I [2] would not, for a moment set my opinion against yours & Dr Dixon’s.2

I have just had a letter from F. Birch3 — After endless troubles — including the birth of a little daughter — who, though brought into the world without assistance is thriving in the glorious Brazilian mountain air — has at last found beetles & all insects abundant [3] directly the rains began — lovely things! all new to him! — more than he ever expected!! &c, &c..

With best wishes for the new year, & thanks for your proof —

Yours very sincerely| Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

1
Poulton, Edward Bagnall (1856-1943). British entomologist. Hope Professor of Zoology at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Jesus College.
2
Possible Dixon, Charles (1858-1926). British ornithologist and writer.
3
Birch, Frederick ("Fred") (1876-1952). British naturalist and natural history collector. Honorary Secretary of the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society.

Editorial information

Status: Draft transcription [Letter (WCP4436.4723)]

For more information about the transcriptions and metadata, see https://wallaceletters.myspecies.info/content/epsilon

Revision history

Transcribed by Lord, Annette [2012-07-18] Transcription checked by Catchpole, Caroline [2013-01-15] Transcription checked by Chua, Christine [2026-04-18]

Envelope (WCP4436.4724)

Envelope addressed to "Prof. E. B. Poulton F.R.S., Wykeham House, Oxford", with stamp, postmarked "BROADSTONE | B | DE 24 | 07". Note on front of envelope in Poulton's hand: "Dec 24 1907"; postmarks on back. [Envelope (WCP4436.4724)]

Please cite as “WCP4436,” in Beccaloni, G. W. (ed.), Ɛpsilon: The Alfred Russel Wallace Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/wallace/letters/WCP4436