WCP6570

[1]

Broadstone, Wimborne

June 22nd. 1905

James Marchant Esq.

Dear Sir

Yours is the 3rd copy of the "Chronicle" article¹ that has been sent me. Admitting the discovery to be real, and that low organic can be produced as suggested, I do not see that it affects my argument at all. In the first place, as has already been pointed out, he used organic substances, and we do not know that so long as the organic molecules remain intact, the life principle may not also remain, though dormant. Till life is produced from the constituent elements ^{of matter} or simple compounds there is not proof that it is due to physical and chemical forces [2] only.

In the next place, I admit continuity of development, but argue that continuity of form does not prove identity of cause. (p.461)

Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature] [3] [4]