Ferdinand von Mueller

(Copy)

Geological Survey Office

28th February 1862

My dear Dr Mueller

I beg to acknowledge your letter of yesterday

1

M to A. Selwyn, 27 February 1862.

and in reply to assure you that I have no objection whatever that the course you propose should be adopted in reference to Bruce's

2

James Bruce.

large meteorite; but I must repeat that I differ entirely with you as regards the propriety in a purely scientific point of view of having it divided, and I wish you to understand, that whatever its ultimate destination, either whole or in part might be would not alter my opinion in the matter, because I consider that by cutting it in half very important results may be expected as regards our knowledge of the physical & chemical properties, particularly the internal structure of such meteoric masses, which certainly never could be obtained by keeping it entire, merely as a Museum curiosity, either here, in London or elsewhere; and I feel assured, if all feelings of self agrandizement in the matter, as well as the rival interests of different Museums as regards simply the possession of such a meteor, are set aside, as in my opinion they ought to be, that Meteorologists Metallurgists, Chemists and Geologists would concur in the desirability of gaining a knowledge of the internal structure as well as the external form of such a mass.

3

See Lucas et al. (1994).

Dr Ferdinand Mueller

Govt. Botanist.