10 On Lightning Conductors to Powder Magazines. [No. 109. 



of the " Calcutta Journal of Natural History," desires to be impartial, 

 I claim from him the circulation of these papers to his subscribers, 

 with additional notes with which I will supply him with pleasure, 

 as extra limites to his Journal. All expenses of printing, postage, &c. 

 I will cheerfully defray. His subscribers will then see that I have 

 never opposed the attachment of conductors to Powder Magazines — 

 that I freely admitted their value, but contended that under such 

 peculiar circumstances, they should be erected in a greater number 

 than Mr. Daniell recommended, and at a certain distance from the 

 Magazine. 



In conclusion, I have to acknowledge the kind exhortation of your 

 correspondent that I should conduct this discussion with moderation, 

 and that I should refrain from indulging in a spirit of injustice to Mr. 

 M'Clelland and himself. All this is very amiable in gentlemen who 

 are endeavouring to fix upon me an imputation of falsehood, and who 

 would hide from the world, that in consequence of the Griffith and 

 Wallich controversy, and of another public occurrence of some celebrity, 

 I have not for some time had the happiness of being numbered among 

 the friends of my commentators on this occasion. The remembrances 

 of past collisions has never yet mingled honey with a critic's ink, the 

 strongest impulse of nature would, on the contrary, urge him to dip 

 his pen by preference in gall or acid. How far this feeling has oper- 

 ated on the present occasion, those who know the relative positions 

 of the parties can readily conclude ; to others I shall commit my 

 arguments and facts, (if Dr. M'Clelland will allow me to do so) in the 

 confidence that they will be dispassionately considered, and in the feel- 

 ing that if I fail, there is no disgrace in being worsted in a controversy 

 with an antagonist of Mr. Daniell's deserved reputation. 



I am Sir, with much respect, 

 Calcutta, Your obedient servant, 



1st March, 1841. W. B. O'Shaughnessy, M. D. 



Assistant Surgeon. 



