2 
LETTER FROM PROF. AGASSIZ 
idea into execution, tlie “ utilite ” of sucli an edition would, in this case, 
be equally incontestable, and probably no one would be better able to 
appreciate its value than Louis Agassiz himself. We believe the num- 
ber of copies of Agassiz’ work sold in this country exceeds one hundred, 
and were this demand supplanted by an English translation, we would 
not venture to predict how many more livraisons of the ‘ Poissons Fos- 
siles’ would be forthcoming. Of this we feel satisfied, that the Fossil 
Concliology would never have been undertaken, if its authors (the 
Messrs. Sowerby) had anticipated such a course as that pursued in the 
present instance by Agassiz ; and if his first speculation succeed, we 
suppose he will follow it up with a regular system of piracy upon the 
literary productions of English naturalists. 
Personal knowledge, and a feeling of respect for the proud position 
in the zoological world occupied by the author of the ‘ Poissons Fossiles’ 
make us, on the present occasion, most reluctant censurers. — Agassiz 
has met with the most cordial support on all sides, and in various ways, 
from the cultivators of science in this country; and although it may 
appear harsh thus to express ourselves, we do not hesitate openly to de- 
clare ,our conviction, that in editing a transcript in the French language 
of the ‘ Mineral Concliology of Great Britain,’ its author cannot be said 
to have really promoted the objects of science, still less to have added 
to his own reputation. 
Letter from Prof. Agassiz on the subject of the French Edition of 
the ‘ Mineral Concliology of Great Britain.’* 
Neuchatel, Mai 15, 1839. 
Monsieur, 
Je viens de lire dans votre journal (N. 29) une 
incrimination odieuse de la part que j’ai prise a la publication 
que fait dans ce moment M. Nicolet, d’une edition a bon mar- 
che de la ‘ Conchyliologie Mineralogique ’ de J. Sowerby.—- 
Rien ne me paroitroit mieux merite que les reproches qui 
m’y sont addresses, si les assertions et les insinuations que 
renferme cet article n’etoient d’un bout a 1’autre perfidesou 
mensongeres. Puisque vous avez accueilli cette accusation 
dans votre journal, j’attends de votre loyaute que vous y in- 
sererez ma 'justification dans votre plus prochain No. 
Malgre V immense importance de l’ouvrage de Sowerby sui- 
tes fossiles d’Angleterre, cette publication n’ a pu trouver qu’ 
* Mag. Nat. Hist. Vol. iii. n. s. p. 356. 
