Herbert Spencer an Ernst Haeckel, Fairfield, 8. August 1893
Fairfield
Pewsey, Wiltshire
August 8, 1893.
My dear Sir,
I am obliged by your sympathetic letter, which has been read to me by my secretary who understands German, though I do not. Thanks also for the pamphlet.
I need hardly say that my own opinion about the Weismann theory is greatly strengthened by finding that you have taken the same view. Your expressions of opinion about the matter were unknown to me, as is implied by my remark above, that I do not read German.
For this reason, too, though I am much obliged to you for the offer of some || forthcoming works, I may say that they would be practically thrown away upon me, though I should appreciate the compliment of receiving them.
I hope you will continue vigorously to fight this question concerning the inheritance of acquired characters. It is really the most important question before the biological world, and indeed before the scientific world at large, & I know no better service to men & to science than to devote every energy to discovering the truth about the matter. Pray therefore persevere.
Very truly yours
Herbert Spencer