WCP5518

[1] [p. 9]¹

...The highest award in the power of the society to bestow was known as the Copley medal, which this year has been awarded to Alfred Russel Wallace (cheers), who began his scientific career 60 years ago. Mr. Wallace has sent the following letter, which he had asked him to read:-

"Your very kind letter came upon me like a thunderbolt, for, of course, I had not the least expectation of any further honour, of which, indeed, I felt had already had more than my share. I have always felt myself to be a mere amateur — an outsider in the ranks of science and, what is more, a great heretic on many subjects, which renders it the more extraordinary, and, of course, the more gratifying, that the greatest of all scientific societies should so pile its honours upon me. Pray convey to the council my sincere thanks for the great honour." (Cheers.)