Impressions from a Lost World: The Discovery of Dinosaur Footprints

Benjamin Silliman's Letter to Edward Hitchcock, August 10, 1844

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Benjamin Silliman informs Edward Hitchcock that proofs of his and James Deane's articles will be exchanged between the two men before publication in the American Journal of Science, and that Deane's rather lengthy article will be published later. He also warns Hitchcock to watch his remarks about Deane in public, for "A very eminent geologist to whom we had never named the controversy or in any way alluded to it in relation to him, expresses recently in a letter to my son, & subsequently in one to myself, his great regret that you have thought it necessary to bring this matter before the public. . ." It would be better if Hitchcock would stick to facts and not attempt to define "discovery", and temper his remarks about Deane, as "Your language is mild & kind but it will I suspect be thought to depress Dr Deane lower than an active & intelligent observer ought to be placed." Silliman ends the letter by reminding Hitchcock that he will remain faithful to their friendship.

Creator:
Benjamin Silliman
Date:
August 10, 1844
Courtesy of:
Edward and Orra White Hitchcock Papers, Amherst College Archives and Special Collections, Amherst College Library