I am reading Herbert Spencer's "Autobiography" (just finished Vol. I.). I find it very interesting, though tedious in parts. I am glad I did not read it before I wrote mine. He certainly brings out his own character most strikingly, and a wonderful character it was. How extraordinarily little he owed either to teaching or to reading! I think he is best described as a "reasoning genius."—Yours very truly,
ALFRED R. WALLACE.
LORD AVEBURY TO A.R. WALLACE
48 Grosvenor Street, W. May 1, 1910.
My dear Wallace,—I have been reading your biography with great interest. It must be a source of very pleasant memories to you to look back and feel how much you have accomplished.
It surprises me, however, how much we differ, and it is another illustration of the problems [?] of our (or rather I should say of my) intellect.
In some cases, indeed, the difference is as to facts.
You would, I am sure, for instance, find that you have been misinformed as to "thousands of dogs" being vivisected annually (p. 392).... As to Spiritualism, my difficulty is that nothing comes of it. What has been gained by your séances, compared to your studies?
I see you have a kindly reference to our parties at High Elms in old days, on which I often look back with much pleasure, but much regret also.