UNCONSCIOUS PLAGIARISM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2232, 10 December 1896, Page 23

UNCONSCIOUS PLAGIARISM.

' Since Milton's time discoveries of plagiarism by more or less distinguished authors have been, freqaent. In this respect (writes the London, correspondent of the Sydney HeraW), as in, some others, Milton himself beats the record. As everyone knows, the most familiar line in " Lyoidas "— That last infirmity of noble minds, appears word for word, and in exactly the same connection, in the verse of anothet poet published some 15 years earlier. Whether it was conscious or unconscious plagiarism is an ancient controversy. Mr W. S. Gilbert tells me of a case that happened to himself, which will serve as striking testimony in favour of unconscious plagiarists not yet arraigned. Mr Gilbert is a great admirer of Clark Russell's novels. He shares with Obarles Dickens his personal affection, Mr Gilbert never travelling without having in his portmanteau a novel by either writer. One day there occurred to his mind the plot of a story which he thought was "the very thing for Clark Russell." He was at the pfcins to write it out, and sent if; to the novelist with the assurance that it was freely at his disposal. By return of post he received a letter from Clark Russell telling him that the plot in its conception and in its ramifications had occurred to him months ago. Ho ha.d, in fact, nearly completed the writing of the story. In order that there might be no mistake he enclosed for Mr Gilbert's perusal the pages of a chapter in which matters were brought to & climax. . The novel, since published, is " The Coaviofc Ship." Here is a well authenticated case, above al{ suspicion of fraud or collusion, which. seems to 'establish the principle of what is kcown as uuconsciouß cerebration. In Milton's famous oaie he had doubtless read the line in print, and it had unconsciously stamped itself on hit memory. No suoh explanation is possible in the stranga ca3e of Mr Gilbert and Mir Clark Russell.

BoipntistQ prediot that 100 years hence thOTC will be no suoh thing as ran incurable disease, '