Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt sent the request to Scribner’s. He is glad that Abbott Handerson Thayer is considering lunch at Oyster Bay. Before he can see Thayer’s experiments, Roosevelt needs to talk with him about facing “unpleasant” facts. He suggests reading The Making of Species.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-01
Theodore Roosevelt would like to see Abbott Handerson Thayer’s experiments while in New York City during the first week of December. However, he wishes Thayer would view his experiments from the practical standpoint that depending on the weather to prove them is contrary to what animals do. Additionally, animal coloration and concealment theories cannot go against established behavior patterns. Roosevelt elaborates on these and other points in his pamphlet. Thayer is welcome to visit Roosevelt at Oyster Bay. Record contains two copies of the letter, the final one and the original with edits.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-24
Theodore Roosevelt grants Abbott Handerson Thayer permission to use a picture and expresses his strong disagreement with Thayer’s theory that all animal coloration serves as camouflage. Roosevelt urges Thayer to recognize the complexity of natural coloration and avoid forcing all examples into a single theory. He praises Thayer’s artistic talent and love of nature but warns that his refusal to acknowledge alternative explanations diminishes the scientific value of his work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-08