Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1436

Letter to Dr. Crane Brinton, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

September 25, 1945

Dear Dr. Brinton:

     A few years ago in the Saturday Review of Literature you took the professional hide off of several sociologists of the orthodox, conventional tradition (“skinning a dead mule,” as you afterwards called it). A thoroughly work­manlike job.

     From my place in Maryland, I wrote you a hearty applause, including in my letter two little writings of my own entitled, “The Energy Concept of Population” and “Private Property in Land Explained.” In reply, among other things, you commended this “Energy Concept” as “the most promising social analysis I have seen so far” and suggested that in this connection there was much for us to talk over together.” With this in view, you were so kind as to propose that we have a luncheon together upon my next visit to Cambridge.

     Since that time many things have occurred. I attended the last meeting of the International Congress for the Unity of Science but, at that time, as I remember, you were seriously ill. Afterwards I made two other visits to Boston, once to speak at a meeting of the Real Estate Organization, but found, much to my regret, that you were absent from Cambridge on both occasions. However, I still look forward to meeting you and should like to know whether you expect to be in Cambridge (or to visit New York City) during the next several months.

     Knowing your taste and proficiency in “debunking” as well as for constructive writing, I take the liberty of sending you copy of an unpublished and, as yet, unoffered review of Henry George’s Progress and Poverty. I would appreciate your considered criticism of this and your suggestions, if you should have any, as to a suitable time or occasion and appropriate medium for its publication.

     I have also busied myself with a very considerable expansion of “The Energy Concept of Population.” This also I have not published. Before doing so I should like very much to test its vulnerability against such a lit­erary lance as yours. I have made this Energy Concept the basis of what seems at least a novel approach to the social scene. I will have greater confidence in its validity if it can withstand criticism by you.

     I wonder what you have been publishing or writing in these late tumultuous years. I do not go through many periodicals but I have missed you from the gradually pinkening columns of the S.R.L. /Saturday Review of Literature/ I suppose you have noted the recent editorial hysteria.

Sincerely,