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 seances, 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. If you would give us the pleasure of another visit, _do_ propose yourself, and you will have a very hearty welcome from yours very sincerely, AVEBURY. * * * * * A lecture delivered by Prof. Barrett before the Quest Society in London, entitled "Creative Thought," was published by request, and as it discussed the subject of evolution and the impossibility of explaining the phenomena of life without a supreme Directing and Formative Force behind all the manifestations of life, he was anxious to have Wallace's criticisms. At that time he had not read Wallace's recently published work on a similar subject, and he was greatly surprised to find how closely his views agreed with those of the great naturalist. TO PROF. BARRETT _Old Orchard, Broadstone, Wimborne. February 15, 1911._ My dear Barrett,--Thanks for your proofs, which I return. It is really curious how closely your views coincide with mine, and how admirably and clearly you have expressed them. If it were not for your adopting throughout, as an actual fact, the (to me) erroneous theory of the "subconscious self," I should agree with every word of it. I have put "?" where this is prominently put forward, merely to let you know how I totally dissent from it. To me it is pure assumption, and, besides, proves nothing. Thanks for the flattering "Postscript," which I return with a slight suggested alteration.