Darwin as the naturalist to whom to
communicate your discovery. That theory, in spite of changes in
the scientific fashion of the moment, you have always
unflinchingly maintained, and still uphold as unshaken by all
attacks.
Like Mr. Darwin, you, if I may say so, are above all a naturalist,
a student and lover of living animals and plants, as shown in
later years by your enthusiasm and success in gardening. It is to
such men, those who have learnt the ways of Nature, as Nature
really is in the open, to whom your doctrine of Natural Selection
specially appeals, and therein lies its great and lasting
strength.
Finally, you must allow me to allude to the generous interest you
have always shown, and continue to show, in the careers of
younger men who are endeavouring to follow in your steps.
I ask you, Dr. Wallace, to accept this Medal, struck in your
honour and in that of the great work inaugurated fifty years ago
by Mr. Darwin and yourself.
Wallace began his reply by thanking the Council of the Society for the
Honour they had done him, and then proceeded:
Since the death of Darwin, in 1882, I have found myself in the
somewhat unusual position of receiving credit and praise from
popular writers under a complete misapprehension of what my share
in Darwin's work really amounted to.
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