Item 147 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

Explains that he has been 'too busy writing secretarial letters to write for some time', and states that 'the enclosed' [not included] will show her 'the degree of success' that their scheme [of lectures for women] has had 'so far as applications go.' Asks how she is getting on at Rugby. States that he is very busy. Reports that there is 'a great deal of zeal [in Cambridge] for woman's education, not much fanaticism and not much serious opposition.' Is hopeful that they shall get some support 'from without'. Claims that he has no time to read anything, but that he is told that 'Miss Mitford's life [The life of Mary Russell Mitford... related in a selection from her letters to her friends, edited by Rev. A. G. L'Estrange] is very good cut-and-come-again sort of reading.' Reports that he had a very pleasant visit at Clifton. Relates that Dr Symonds 'has quite given up work for the present', but that he does not look worse than the last time he saw him before he broke down.