Alfred Russel Wallace Memorials

Abstract

MAY we appeal through these columns to men of science, both here and abroad, to contribute to a fund which we are raising for the purpose of placing a suitable memorial to the late Dr. Alfred Russel Wallace in Westminster Abbey? We should like also to be able to offer to the Royal Society a posthumous portrait of the late distinguished naturalist, and Mr. J. Seymour Lucas, R.A., has consented to execute this work. It is further contemplated that a statue or bust should be offered to the trustees of the British Museum (Natural History) if the necessary fund is subscribed. In view of the great services to the cause of science rendered by Darwin's contemporary and colleague, the duty of handing down to posterity a memorial worthy of the man and his work obviously devolves upon those of the present generation who have in so many diverse ways benefited both by his teaching and by his example. The whole sum asked for to enable us to carry out all the objects which we have in view is comparatively modest, viz. 1100l., and we hope that this amount will be reached. The preliminary list of subscribers is sufficiently weighty to convince us that in undertaking the organisation of this movement we have not only the sympathy of the scientific world, but also the approbation of leaders of thought and of culture in other spheres of activity. Thirty fellows of the Royal Society, including the present and past presidents, have already given their adherence, and among those representative of other interests will be found the names of Mr. Arthur Bal-four, Lord Haldane, Dr. Warren, the president of Magdalen, and the Dean of Westminster. We have only to add that permission to place the memorial, which it is proposed should be in the form of a medallion with a suitable inscription, in Westminster Abbey, has been cordially given by the Dean and Chapter.