Professor Royce remarks that my opinion that differentials may quite logically be considered as true infinitesimals, if we like, is shared by no “mathematicians outside of Italy.” As a logician, I am more comforted by corroboration in the clear mental atmosphere of Italy than I could be by any seconding from a tobacco-clouded and bemused land (if any such there be) where no philosophical eccentricity misses its champion, but where sane logic has not found favor. (“Infinitesimals.” Science 11.272 [16 Mar. 1900]: 431)

Thought of a story by his benefactor’s brother here.