130
EXTRACTS FROM SOME LETTERS FROM
JOHN BROWN, F.G.S., OF STANWAY
TO S. P. WOODWARD.
WITH NOTES BY A. S. KENNARD, F.G.S. and B. B. WOODWARD, F.L.S., etc.
JOHN BROWN, of Stanway, has for so long been recognised as
an Essex Worthy that no apology is needed for this com-
munication. The letters are thirty-six in number and were
written to the late S. P. Woodward. The earliest is dated
October 29th 1841 and the last May 31st 1845. They are at
present in the possession of one of us (B.B.W.).
An excellent memoir of John Brown by Alfred P. Wire
was published by this club in 18901, and no new facts are dis-
closed in these letters. On reading them, one is impressed
by two things. Firstly, his intense regard for absolute accuracy
and, be it remembered, this at a time when its importance was
not so fully recognised as it is to-day. Secondly, the loveable
character of the writer, and it can be said of him without ex-
aggeration that he was a true gentleman. There are, of course,
many passages of ephemeral, or personal nature, which we
have deleted, but the remaining portions constitute a solid
contribution to Essex Geology. We have added a few explan-
atory notes at foot.
Stanway, Octr. 29th, 1841.
I am very sorry that my duplicates of fossil Freshwater shells are
at this time rather scarce with me. [I] have given most of them away
to numerous friends; but I beg your acceptance of a couple of the Unio
littoralis (Drap.), the most perfect specimens I have by me at the time.
Of the smaller species, I have parted with the whole of my duplicates.
With regard to recent land and freshwater shells, I should think that
Mr. T. B. Hall, of Coggeshall, could assist you. He has a good collection
and is an indefatigable student.
Stanway, Jan. 6th/42.
I have great pleasure in sending you the Planorbis which Mr. I. D.
Sowerby calls "new," but I am sorry that the helix is fastened on to a
card with many other fossils, and from which it is very hazardous to
remove without breaking, and it is the only specimen I possess; but I
understand from Mr. Sowerby that he has retained a specimen or two, and,
if you apply to him, without doubt he will show you them.
Allow me to observe that I think it will be fair and right to see Mr.
Sowerby, of Camden Town, and speak to him, if you think different from
that gentleman respecting the species in question. I have no doubt you
will do this, and so if you please I will leave the matter in your hands.
And, moreover, you will then have an opportunity cf examining with him
the helix stated by that gentleman to be also "new"
1 Essex Naturalist, vol. iv., 1890, pp. 158-168, a Biography with Portrait and List of
Geological Papers.—Ed.