OPPONENTS OF LINN£US. 
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cc your lot. Who triumphs without scars ? Tome, and perhaps to you 
« the time is too valuable to be spent in disputes. I am also too young 
« for them. If you once take up arms, you must not lay them down 
« till the conclusion of the war, and this once began might last till 
« death. And all this weighty and serious druggie — how would it appear 
« In the eyes of posterity at the expiration of half a century? — As a 
“ tale, as a mere joke! I am not ashamed of being taught better by 
tc y 0 u — Behold him, whom you wish to make your enemy, and who- 
« once more solicits most earnestly peace and your friendship. 
« But should the rumour circulating be without foundation, I most 
« earnestly beg your pardon, for having troubled you with these ample 
“ representations.” 
The fear of Linn^us was panic, and the report turned out to be 
an idle story. Haller wrote immediately to inform him of his 
friendly disposition in the warmest expressions, and to assure him, 
that it never entered into his head to molest him in his laudable career. 
LiNNiEus in return, sent him a letter of thanks on the first of May, 
in which he paid the following compliment. “ I feel an uncommon 
* c pleasure in the falsehood of the report. You only and Dillenius 
* c I could wish never to be mine enemies. For you both have read 
« the same book which I read- — you have read Nature. — As to other 
« botanists who can only boast of book-learning, I do not value them, 
« however great their erudition might be.” 
In the same year this scientific zeal brought on a short interruption 
of their friendship. Haller had sent Linnaeus a copy of his disser- 
tation of inauguration on the method of studying botany (dc Mdhodo 
studii Botanici , Goett. Linnaeus, in an unguarded moment, too 
proud 
