lending library seemed a good one and Constance did nobly here, but
again the sense of failure, in that the borrowers were unbedeutend
[insignificant] neurotics seeking a personal salvation. Lately, I
approached the biggest medical library in England, and they agreed to
try to sell the Book, but would not have the journals. They have sold 8
already.
Then I had to fight doubts in myself. When the new number came the
other day, No. I of Vol. 2, my doubts seemed to fade out automatically,
but, being so uneducated in science, I haven't been able to judge the
pros and cons for myself. Scientists said Reich doesn't know enough
about electricity or physics or what not, and all I had to counter that
was my faith in your genius. My only defence was the thought: R. is
right about psychology, and he can't then be a fool about biology. So I
have had to face two attitudes: the common man who reads you and
says, This is damned interesting, but of course I can't judge its value;
and the scientist who says: False premises, unprovable assumptions
( orgones), no good. The common man cannot help you because he is
ignorant, and unless the trained scientist accepts you, I don't see how
you are to succeed. Cannot a man like Einstein give a definite opinion
that would settle all the little scientists? No. 4 Journal is fascinating.
Makes me long to try the Accumulator which I can't possibly build
before peace comes. Which makes me ask why you don't give each
mouse its own Acc[ umulator] made from a cocoa tin in a wooden box?
My own news now. Wife still in a Home costing more than I can
afford. Money a great worry now; school losing owing to high prices
and taxation. Over 100 pupils waiting to come into the school but no
room for them, and the present ones can't pay high fees. Outlook for
pioneer schools not bright. The big unions of teachers, trade unions, etc.
all demand the abolition of the private school, and certainly it cannot
live very long now, and under the State, socialist or otherwise, there
can be no real freedom to pioneer. Most Communist Party members
have disapproved of S'hill, even those whose children were pupils here.
refund your postage... But this is no quarrel, and I won't bother you again
with Reich or anyone else. Yours sincerely, etc.
To be answered in turn by Wells:
Dear Neill,
No, I decline your stamps, but this business is quackery. You call me a Blimp,
I call you a Sucker. Bless you, H. G. Wells.