4 AUGUST 1979, Page 19

Stately

Sir: May I congratulate you on Mr Geoffrey Wheatcroft's pleasing and stately series entitled 'Last word'. I had not expected to see the word `meiotically' (7 July) used again, indeed I do not recall seeing it in this form before.

It is comforting to know that there is still one paper which appreciates the dignified style (and pace) of the older generation of contributors. Apart from Mr Wheatcroft one thinks of Hans Keller's reflections on his retirement; and, of course, one remembers the work of that great Victorian, the late Nicholas Davenport.

B. G. Temple 15 Strathray Gardens, London NW3