206 Letter to the Editor- respecting Art. I. No. XVIII. 



I have confined myself to a simple exposition of authorities, 

 and of their bearing upon the point at issue ; and have pur- 

 posely abstained from all general comment. If either M. 

 Desmarest or M. Lesson has felt aggrieved by what 1 have 

 been compelled, in the discharge of an unpleasant duty, to 

 say respecting them, I can assure them that no one could 

 have regretted more than myself the necessity which existed 

 for my original remarks. Still more do I regret that their 

 weight and importance should have been increased by this 

 compulsory substantiation of their correctness. I felt, how- 

 ever, and felt strongly, that, to every individual who has 

 laboured in the cause of science, justice should be rendered 

 for his efforts to extend our knowledge. On this principle, to 

 the best of my ability, I have always acted ; and I trust that 

 I shall ever continue to give, to all without distinction, credit 

 where credit is due. Let me add that, towards every fellow- 

 student in the science to which both Mr. Swainson and myself 

 are devoted, I am anxious to entertain no other feeling save 

 that of universal good will. 



I remain, Sir, yours, &c. 

 London^ March 10. 183L Edward T. Bennett. 



Art. III. A Letter to the Editor respecting Art. I. of No. XVIII. 

 of this Journal. By N. A. Vigors, Esq. M.A. F.R.S. &c. 



My dear Sir, 



Your readers will doubtlessly look for some answer to the 

 very extraordinary observations which have appeared against 

 me in the last Number of your Magazine, (p. 97 — 108.) The 

 character of every man who aspires even to the humble rank 

 which I hold in science belongs as much to the public as to 

 himself; and it is due to that public not to leave unanswered 

 any aspersion upon a reputation in which it thus shares a 

 common interest. 



But there are two sources whence such a vindication 

 may arise ; from the aggressor, as well as from the aggrieved. 

 In the present case I should infinitely prefer that my justifi- 

 cation should proceed from the former source. And feeling, 

 as I do, how imperatively the interests of science demand that 

 no sentiments of personal animosity should break out in dis- 

 cussions which ought to have the truths of science alone for 

 their object, or between individuals apparently labouring in 

 the same cause; — convinced, I must add, how disgraceful to 

 the reputation of any country are all those internal dis- 



