Louis Blair wrote:
Neil Brennen wrote (3 Dec 2005 08:14:09 -0800):

The reviewer's comments on Fiala's article
reminded me of a monkey examining a watch.

_
Rob wrote (4 Dec 2005 06:58:00 -0800):

Use of a well known quote without giving it's
original source is not well thought of in literary
circles.

(Snip)

_
By the way, if I remember correctly, the monkey-watch
thing was discussed in one of Edward Winter's books.
Again, if I remember correctly, the comment was in
a letter addressed TO Steinitz that appeared in the
chess magazine that Steinitz edited. Yes, I am aware
that there are books attributing the comment to
Steinitz himself, but, as far as I know, nobody has
produced a primary source for the claim that Steinitz
himself ever made such a comment.

Thank you, Dr. Blair.