Item 118 - Letter from Alexander Stewart to Henry Sidgwick

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Refers to a conversation between himself and Sidgwick in Aberdeen, at the close of a meeting of the 'Economical Section' about the re-publication in a separate form of Sidgwick's article 'Ethics' in the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Explains that the Church of Scotland has four committees, one for each of the four universities, for the examination of students entering the Divinity Halls. The text book in Moral Philosophy since the committees were first appointed has been Fleming's Manual [of Moral Philosophy], but when Sidgwick's article appeared Stewart believed that it offered what was required as a substitute for the Manual, which had proved to be unsatisfactory for the purpose, and he spoke to Professor Baynes about asking Sidgwick to publish separately. Now writes a semi-formal letter, which had been suggested by Sidgwick when they met in Aberdeen. Reports that since that meeting he has communicated with conveners and members of the four committees, and that they are prepared to adopt it as their text-book in Moral Philosophy if Sidgwick would be willing to republish it in a form and at a price somewhat similar to those of [Jevon's] Elementary Lessons on Logic. Claims that 'the moderate size yet comprehensiveness' of Sidgwick's article, and the space devoted in it to Greek and English Ethics, and especially to the influence of Christianity, makes it suitable for the purposes of the committee. Suggests that there are probably other examining bodies who would be glad of such a book. Is unaware of what the Boards of the Free and United Presbyterian Churches do in regard to this matter. Offers to open up communications with them. Reports that the name of the text-book to be used at the examinations in October must be inserted in the Mission Record for April. Asks Sidgwick to let him know whether he would be agreeable to the above proposal, and whether he could have the answer back by April 'or so soon thereafter' as to justify their publishing it in the April edition of the Mission Record.