Summary

Portrait of Lillian Eichler Lillian Eichler Book of Etiquette, Volume 1, Part 2… (1921)

There are no special rules governing such letters in the business world beyond those of the social world. It is very annoying to a busy man to have to interrupt his work to make himself agreeable to all sorts and conditions of men who may come bearing missives which give them entrance. People should remember this in giving letters of introduction and should absolutely refuse unless they feel sure that something of mutual benefit may arise from the meeting.
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Lillian Eichler Lillian Eichler Book of Etiquette, Volume 1, Part 2… (1921)

To give a letter of introduction for the same reason that one sometimes buys goods of a persistent agent—to get rid of him—is a very poor way out of the difficulty.
It is permissible to ask for a letter of introduction to a business man if the person from whom it is requested is a good friend and the person who asks for it has an excellent reason for doing so.
Source: Wikisource

Get perspective with Kwize: daily news enlightened by great literature