Item 92 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Explains that his silence is due to his having 'a great number of letters to write of a semi-political character.' Is glad to hear her favourable account of his uncle [John Crofts?]. Asks her to send his greetings to everyone. Discusses Miss [Matilda?] Tootal's questions; states that the association [the board formed by Oxford and Cambridge fellows for the examination of governesses and schoolmistresses] is only voluntary and therefore may be dissolved at any moment with more ease than if it was a chartered body. Claims however that when its work is done the distinction will not be very important, and that if the scheme fails to obtain the support of those for whom it is intended, they [Sidgwick and others] 'can dissolve without the slightest trouble and with the sense of having done [their] part towards the improvement of female education.' Explains the consequences of one's name appearing on the list of the association, i.e., that that person takes some responsibility for the arrangement of the scheme of examination and for the appointment of examiners. Refers to 'the "prestige" of a university diploma', what it represents, and what theirs will represent.

States that the scheme of the University of London 'is as yet undetermined', but that if it proves to be successful 'then there will be two schemes of examination for women, just as there are now Oxford middleclass examinations and Cambridge ditto.' Warns that if they do not get enough candidates the association will dissolve. Hopes that, by their example, they will encourage 'the Universities' to follow the same line, and that they may arouse the interest of a large number of the influential members of both Universities in the cause of the higher education of women. They intend to 'meet an existing need and to continue [their] operations as long as [they] get a sufficient number of candidates, unless superseded by corporate action on the part of either Cambridge or Oxford.' Hopes to come to visit his mother for Passion Week, and asks if he may invite Seeley to come.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 181-182.