Part 74 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to Alexander [ ]

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Although the letter is marked 'private', Sidgwick gives his permission for it to be shown to the Committee. States that he knows both Welton and [Winch] 'almost entirely through work done for [him] in [ ] with lectures for Part II of the Moral Sciences Tripos'. Observes that there is some resemblance between them up to a certain point; 'both of them were able and industrious men, "first-class" from an academic point of view'. Declares that Welton had 'a remarkable power of acquisition and adequately intelligent reproduction', but did not strike Sidgwick as having much independence of thought or philosophical penetration. States that [Winch]'s work interested him more; does not attribute to him philosophical originality or remarkable penetration, 'but he had a quick and versatile understanding of the bearings of different lines of argument and the points at issue in philosophical controversies'. Discusses certain defects in the manner and breeding of the two men, but emphasises that these defects are only on the surface. Remembers Winch 'as a decidedly pleasant pupil'. Incomplete. With amendments and emendations.