Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 71.djvu/555

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JEAN LOUIS RUDOLPHE AGASSIZ
549

way can relief be secured from a condition which is confusing and exasperating.

As an illustration of Agassiz's firm adherence to his principles of classification so clearly elaborated in his famous essay on the subject, I may be excused for giving a letter written to me a few days after I had explained to him my views regarding the systematic position of the Braciopoda:

Your statements of last Saturday haunt me and I can not rest before I have seen more of your facts concerning the Anneliden affinities of the brachiopods. The most telling evidence in your favor[1] you have never yet alluded to, at least not in my presence. But I must be cautious and wait till I see and hear more of your facts. When and where can I see you again? This is not a question of structural complication.

Very truly yours,
L. Agassiz.
Cambridge, Jan. 2, 1871.

  1. The italics are his.