7 JUNE 1969, Page 26

Butterfly music

Sir: Mr Weidberg's trust in his power (Letters, 23 May) to clear up the meaning of 'obverse' was touching. At least, he was right and your correction of him rude and wrong.

The counterpart of anything is its dupli- cate or complement. The counterpart or obverse of 'delicacy' still remains, inter alio, a consideration of others' feelings or an avoidance of immodesty. Editors, please note.

Peter Chettle 91 Onslow Gardens, SW7 We might be prepared to accept Mr Chettle as an authority on editorial etiquette, but not on the English language. 'Counterpart' does not mean 'duplicate.'—Editor,

SPECTATOR.