Item 28 - Copy letter from Henry Sidgwick to Oscar Browning

Typewritten copy. Has not neglected the letter and enclosures Browning sent him from Adelboden: after considering the enclosures he is doubtful as to whether it is desirable that he should try to 'mix up' his ideas with Browning's. It is his belief that 'the matter of Political Science should be systematized on a more clearly evolutionary plan', which should be mainly confined within the limits of European development. Discusses the way in which Browning's lectures are laid out, and gives his suggestions as to their content, with reference to the city-states of ancient Greek and Rome, oligarchy, democracy, 'Tyrannis', federalism, medieval institutions, theocracy, absolute monarchy and so on. Says what he gives is a 'rough sketch', and remarks that it would probably not suit Browning's plan of lecturing. Also notes that Browning will 'have some trouble to effect a compromise between [his] ideas and [Basil?Hammond's'.

Will be in Cambridge on the following Friday; suggests that they might meet there and talk over the matter. If Browning is inclined to bring in Henry's ideas to some extent, he will be glad to frame a scheme that will be a kind of combination of both men's ideas. Is glad Browning has enjoyed his 'Kur [cure]'.