314 
A LETTER FROM MR. MAYHEW. 
with commendation, and even gone so far as to extract from it 
certain passages into their pages. As I consider the editors of 
such works men of judgment and information, I could feel proud of 
the honour their notice has conferred, had not Mr. Barlow given 
me reason to doubt whether any credit belonged to me, he having 
been familiar with the facts so long, that they, in his eyes, had 
ceased to be novelties, and assumed the character of “ common 
places.” He must not continue his silence, or some one else may 
fall into a similar error to that by which I am engulphed, and 
other writers may infringe upon the property in knowledge which 
this gentleman seems to have acquired. 
There is, however, a higher branch of science than that of 
anatomy. The ability to think is superior to the power to see, 
and the head is above the scalpel : Mr. Barlow cannot, after he 
has acquired such ample information concerning matters hitherto 
considered by the generality somewhat obscure, be ignorant of this. 
Yet he puzzles me when he appears to be so very cute and sensi- 
tive with regard to anatomy, and so indifferent or easily satisfied 
concerning physiology. 
“ Against the ideas themselves expressed in the essay I have 
not any material objection to make.” 
“I have little to say additional to what is expressed by Mr. 
Mayhew.” 
“ Mr. Mayhew’s remarks on the way in which he accounts for 
the obviation of traction are judicious.” 
Sentences like to the above would warrant the notion being 
entertained that Mr. Barlow, who, concerning the purpose and 
object of a paper, had no material objection to advance, little to 
add, and perceived what was asserted to be judicious, might have 
remained content and continued silent. So, doubtless, he would 
have done ; but a kindly feeling made him anxious to rebuke the 
boldness of one who ventured to speak when he had “ nothing 
positive” on some points “ to advance ;” and was foolish enough to 
think that what no one had publicly remarked upon might pro- 
bably have been “ hitherto unobserved.” Mr. Barlow is, I con- 
jecture, offended that I have not supported my opinions by more 
facts; but those writers who have a multiplicity of cases ready to 
illustrate their views are more likely to get credit from the intelli- 
gent for invention than respect for veracity. However, I acknow- 
ledge the matter Mr. Barlow seems most to dislike is imperfect ; 
and as he has such a fund of experience, let him, out of his accu- 
mulated stores, oblige me, and surprise the world by munificently 
supplying the deficiency. — I have the honour to be 
Your very humble servant, 
Edward Mayhew. 
