Letter to Annie Besant on Theosophy and Spiritualism, by Alfred Russel Wallace

Alfred Russel Wallace : Alfred Wallace : A. R. Wallace :
Russel Wallace : Alfred Russell Wallace (sic)

Letter to Annie Besant on Theosophy and Spiritualism
(S447a: 1892)

Editor Charles H. Smith's Note: A letter to Annie Besant, editor of Lucifer, responding to her survey of opinion regarding matters of common interest to theosophists and spiritualists. Printed on page 94 of the 15 April 1892 number of Lucifer. To link directly to this page, connect with: http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S447A.htm

Parkstone, Dorset,
March 31st, 1892.

Dear Mrs. Besant, I could very easily answer the questions you send, but I do not see what purpose it would serve. Opinions are of no value without stating the evidence on which they are founded. Again, the questions seem altogether one-sided, as none of them touch on the special teaching of Theosophy. Yet further, so few Spiritualists see Lucifer that the discussion would not reach them. It seems to me that to serve any useful purpose the questions should be so put as to bring out the crucial differences between Spiritualists and Theosophists. The evidence for each special doctrine should be summarized in the answers. And, lastly, arrangements should be made to have the whole discussion published in Light as well as in Lucifer.

Yours very faithfully,
Alfred R. Wallace.

* * * * *

Return to Home