Biometry and Biology: A Rejoinder

Abstract

I SHOULD like to preface my remarks on Mr. Lister's reply by relieving his mind from any anxiety about Dr. Pearl' feelings. Dr. Pearl is in America, and I cannot, of course, communicate with him, but I know him intimately, and am convinced that he is far too good a man of science to feel aggrieved by any criticism of his writings. He might well feel aggrieved that Mr. Lister supposes him desirous that his paper should remain uncriticised, because the criticism should affect his reputation. I am inclined to think that, as a fellow biometrician, he will rejoice with me that Mr. Lister's vague charge—made at a singularly unfitting moment—has been brought to a definite issue, and can be tried coram judice.