Item 190 - William Whewell to Richard Jones

Trinity College - WW is annoyed with RJ over his remarks concerning his preface to James Mackintosh's Dissertation: 'You must know, I think, as well as I, that such general criticisms as you have sent me can be of no use'. RJ does not refer to any passages to which his remarks apply. In his last letter WW referred to two passages which he thought RJ might be referring to [see WW to RJ, 1 September 1835]: 'I begged to know whether, in what you said, you meant those passages; and of this request you take no notice'. WW is vexed: 'because; for my own part, I consider this mutual criticism one of the important offices of friendship between people who happen to publish. I have always given my best thoughts and care to it'. RJ should not be so worried about being made redundant at the East India College if it is closed. WW wishes he 'could hear something of your book. I shall soon begin to believe that you have no clear idea of the importance of your own discoveries'.