Editorial. 



Editors Journal of Geology : 



My attention has been called to a footnote, appended by one 

 of your number, to a notice of mine, relating to Zirkelite, which 

 note reads as follows: "The prior use of the name Zirkelite is 

 certainly established, but it is a question how far a petrographer 

 is justified in stigmatizing the name of a fellow-worker by 

 attaching it to an indefinitely decomposed and ill-defined rock." 

 (Journal of Geology, 1898, Vol. VI, p. 200.) 



It would seem but common courtesy for another " fellow- 

 worker" to ascertain the truth of his words before he takes 

 advantage of his editorial position to publicly brand another as 

 guilty of an action so low that it ought, if true, to forever ostra- 

 cize him. I have differed on some points from Professor Zirkel, 

 although in far many more I agree with him. It would seem that 

 my writings prove that I have the courage to openly and honorably 

 express my convictions, and that I do not have to resort to any 

 such vile and disreputable tricks as that your associate plainly 

 but falsely charges me with. I should despise myself if I did, 

 and should expect to be shunned by all decent men. My war- 

 fare has ever been open, frank, and honorable, and I have never 

 descended to personal spite and secret efforts to injure another. 

 My contentions have been for what I honestly believed to be the 

 truth, and when I have been shown to be, or found that I was, 

 mistaken I have never hesitated to publicly acknowledge it. I 

 have never taken difference of opinion as any cause for personal 

 ill will, nor have I ever seen any reason why parties thus differ- 

 ing'should not be the best of friends. 



I gave the name Zirkelite to show my respect and esteem 

 for the honored name of Zirkel, and to prove that, on my part 



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