A life full of variety
Skills practice: interpretation
AS unit link: 1.1 and 1.2 Introduction; 4.3 Evolution
AS research project link: Literature review – the social context of Wallace’s life and work
Wallace was not only a naturalist. He was interested in social issues and was also a prominent spiritualist. He wrote articles and books on both topics. These two letters are a starting point to gaining an insight into some lesser known, but interesting, aspects of Wallace’s life:
WP1/5/8: Details of Boston seance
Letter (undated but probably December 1886) from Wallace to his daughter Violet giving the details of a séance and the train journey to Boston
- Think about the reaction Wallace might have got from other members of the scientific community. For example, many Victorians were interested in spiritualism, but how worthy of ‘scientific’ investigation was it?
WP1/2/21: Wallace's views on an eight-hour working day
Letter (dated May 1891) from Wallace to his daughter Violet presenting his argument for an eight-hour working day and double pay for overtime
- How controversial were Wallace’s social opinions?
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