Pièce 181 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to F. W. H. Myers

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Apologises for not writing before; explains that he has been rather unwell - 'dyspeptic and hypochondriacal' - ever since he has been in Rome . Declares that the ancient remains and the works of art have impressed him as much as he expected; however, 'all that is connected with the form of Christianity centralised here is antipathetic' to him, 'partly, no doubt, because one almost never finds the Ages of Faith conveyed', instead the 'expression of them is almost always "restored" and plastered over by the later ages of make believe.'

States that he and Nora are glad to hear that Myers got results of value, and are sorry about the delay of the article, which Nora has read and finds very interesting. Adds that he sees one or two points that he would like to alter, but 'will think them over and write to Gurney.' Reports that he has been trying to find out something about Spiritualistic movement in Rome, and is considering spreading Myers' circular. Asks him to send 'the writer of the letter' their proceedings, and a copy of Myers' circular, asking him to circulate it in Austria. Reports that they tried in vain to see Leg[ ] in Paris, and so have not yet gone to Livorno. Annouces that they are to go and try to see Signor Coen. In relation to ' "corresponding members" ', he thinks the idea a good one, 'as applied to foreigners', but thinks that it is, 'by usage, so suggestive of foreigners that [he] should prefer some other term for people like Mrs Walwyn.' Suggest the term ' "local correspondents" '. Reports that Nora is sightseeing much more effectively than he is, and that she sends her love.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 366-367.