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Aurora, Dec. 9, 1902

Dear Miss E.-

Yours just at hand. It is either my fortune or misfortune always to have been able to see several aspects of any controverted question, in such way as to be able to state positions fairly that- nevertheless, do not seem to me the most nearly in accord with truth. So on this question ; I can state the four aspects of vivisection so that four classes of people will find in one of them, the expression of their views.

I can write an argument for absolute abolition. It will be a fair expression of views held by many persons. Nevertheless, I do not think that the ground thereby suggested is the one most advisable [underlined] for us to take. Any argument made will omit the arguments that seem to me most potent. This is all right in law ; it is the business of the advocate. I question just a little whether it is right for me to do it. Suppose, for instance I should convert you to that position in such way [phrase underlined] that no other side would seem to you hereafter as worthy of your aid and encouragement ; it would seem to me that I had done the cause a great injury. Of course we agree now on certain points. Abstractly, I hope and believe the time will come when there will not be either necessity or desire for any experimentation upon living creatures. But the day is not yet. Some of it will be done for a century yet. The most we can in reason hope to accomplish is a check to cruelty, a reform of abuse.

I am going to write what you ask for, but I could not help writing also this little explanation. What I write is the statement of the ideas of others. Yet I think that the presentation of a bill embodying these views will do good. We have been told that every moderate regulation bill is " anti-vivisection", and the assertion is believed. I think it will do the cause of regulation good to have a real [underlined] anti-vivisection bill for comparison. Possibly, the falsehood will not be so readily believed.

The pamphlet you ask about is well-meant, and from a literary point of view, well written. But the medical errors are numerous. Yet there is a lot of good in it. If the world could be taught to take care of health there would be little need for doctors.

Sincerely yours,
A. L.