WCP6973

[1] [p. 57]

Owing to Mr Wallace having abruptly quitted the above residence, without leaving behind him his future address, my subsequent letters were returned to me, but diligent enquiries at length enabled me to resume the correspondence. (About this time Mr. Hampden had commenced to Institute proceedings for the recovery of his £500, but no-one would insinuate, for a moment, that this was the cause of Mr. Wallace's exodus, more than he would attribute the "journey" of discretionary French patriots, during the late Franco-German war, to the most distant sea-ports, to any fear, however remote, of the fortunes of war.) A desire I then, for obvious reasons, expressed, that the discussion should be public was considered in the following manner:

"The Dell, Grays Essex. May 22nd 1872

"Dear Sir,— I offered to reply to any arguments you might adduce to prove that my Bedford Canal experiments were consistent with a flat or inconsistent with a convex surface, and it matters not to me whether your communication be in writing or in print. You may also print my reply. But if you do it must be clearly understood that you do not admit replies to me from such men as Hampden or Carpenter who are absolutely incapable of arguing that subject from want of the rudiments of mathematical knowledge, and from their constantly declining to test their assertions by experiment when asked to do so. I will however discuss the matter with you, if you will agree to be guided by the demonstrations of geometry and to accept the test of experiments as to the accuracy of many of the assertions of "Parallax", Carpenter and Hampden. But I will not enter into a discussion with all the incapable fools (educated or not) who would rush in and take a part in such a controversy.

"I must also stipulate that your objections be separately and distinctly stated, and numbered consecutively and, that whenever diagrams are required they must if possible be drawn accurately and to scale; also that you will make any simple experiments (such as can be made at home with little trouble and expense) when we differ as to matters of fact that can be decided by such experiments; and lastly that you will state as to each point separately whether my replies are satisfactory or in what respect they are deficient.

"These are the only conditions that at present occur to me and I think you will admit them to be fair and reasonable.

"I remain, Dear Sir, | Yours very faithfully, | Alfred R. Wallace."

"B. Chas. Brough, Esq."

To reply in extenso to the foregoing challenge will be the object of subsequent chapters.

(To be continued.)