Elephant pipes and inscribed tablets in the Museum of the Academy of natural sciences, Daveport, Iowa / by Charles E. Putnam.

  • Charles Edwin Putnam
Date:
1885
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elephant pipes and inscribed tablets in the Museum of the Academy of natural sciences, Daveport, Iowa / by Charles E. Putnam. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CORRESPONDENCE.. The foregoing i)aper upon “Elephant Pipes and Inscribed Tablets” was widely distributed, and elicited an extensive correspondence. Many of these letters, from well-known archaeologists and other noted scientists in this country and Europe, on account of the important (piestions involved, possess great scientific value. Our limited space will permit us to do no more than present some selections and extracts from these valuable communications. Generally this is done with the express consent of the writers. In a few instances, views favorable to the positions assumed by our Academy have been expressed by archic- ologists entitled to speak with authority, who were nnwilling to have their names appear in this controversy. While we regret their undue caution, we can do no otherwise than respect their wishes. In only two or three instances have unfavorable responses been received, and, in order that both sides may fairly be presented, these will be included. Our correspondents are alone responsible for the statements contained in their communications. From Dr. Iu)WIN Hamilton Davis, Author of Ancient Mo)inments. I In connection witli tlie fact that the Bureau of Etlinolojry, in its report under review, has controverted statements and endeavored to reverse deductions made by Squier and Davis in tlicir great work on “Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley,” the following communica- tion from one of its distinguished and venerable authors will he read with peculiar interest] Nfav York, May 28th, 1885. Chas. E. Putnam, — Dear Sir: I have read with peculiar interest your masterly vindica- tion of the authenticity of the pipes and inscribed tablets in the Daven- port Museum. I consider it a triumphant refutation of the accusations of Mr. Henshaw and the absurd theories of the Bureau of FAhnology in the Smithsonian Institution. Please accept my thanks for your good opinion and defense of the general views set forth in the “Ancient Monuments.” ..... One would naturally suppose that such an institution as the Smith- sonian would take great care to guard the reputation of such works as it stands God-father to by publishing them in its transactions; espe- cially not to accept and publish captious, unjust, and even false criti-