WCP6185

[1]

77 A Grove Lane

Denmark Hill

London S.E.

27.3.[19]05

Dr Alfred Russell [sic] Wallace

Dear Sir

I am duly in receipt of your favour of the 25th inst., and note that you do not find anything in "Darwinian Fallacies"¹ calling for a reply.

In these circumstances it will be necessary for me to give a brief statement of my reasons for characterising the Darwinian theory as "a gross abortion of the truth," and also for regarding Mr Darwin's doctrine of "descent with adaptation to conditions" as being a complete fallacy. The intellectual world will then be able to form its own conclusions in regard to the question at issue.

I can quite understand that you should take exception to the strong language in which my views have been expressed. Such language, [2] however, is simply the natural consequence of clear thinking, combined with strong convictions as regards the mischievous nature of the Darwinian theory. For I think you must admit that this theory is the mainstay of agnosticism, materialism, sectarianism and of scepticism generally, which are so woefully prevalent at the present day. Kindly understand, however, that I make no pretensions to greater wisdom than others. But of this I find assurance, that the Truth which I hold is God's Truth, and I am prepared to maintain it against the whole world. My challenge still stands, therefore, and if you think you can combat the Truth, the Lists[?] are open, and I will not fail to defend it.

Of course, I fully recognise the great debt which the world owes to Darwin and Wallace, to Huxley and Spencer, as well as other heroes of the Scientific Reformation of the nineteenth century. They were brave pioneers [3] of the world's progress; but for us to remain satisfied with the truth as they saw it would be to repeat the mistake of the Lutherans the Wesleyans, and the other religious sects.

Your wishes as regards the publication of your letter in full will have my attention.

With all due respect, believe me | Yours faithfully | John Scouller [signature]