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The papers concern psychical research, in particular the concept of cross-correspondence in the writings of automatic writers, and consist of automatic scripts by Margaret and Helen Verrall (later Helen Salter), with notes and correspondence relating to these and the writings of other automatists active during the early decades of the twentieth century, including those of Alice Fleming ("Mrs Holland") and Winifred Coombe Tennant ("Mrs Willett"). In addition, there are 32 privately printed volumes, including various scripts edited by the Verralls, J. G. Piddington, Alice Johnson, and G. W. Balfour; Piddington's nine-volume analysis 'Notes and Excursuses' and W. H. Salter's 'Introduction to the Study of Scripts'.

Thanks Nora for the copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; has read a good deal of it. Says he is again impressed with the charm of [Henry's] style in the letters.' Miss Johnson hasinformed him that Nora would like him to write a review of the book for the Society for Psychical Research proceedings: would be honoured to do so. Relates that William Sidgwick of Shipton and his nephew [also William Sidgwick] 'gave evidence before [the] Faculty Committee of 1816, and regrets to say that 'they worked their mills 14 hours a day.' Offers to send Nora 'the blue book.'

Thanks Nora for her letter about Lord Rayleigh's recollections of 'the curtain incident', and remarks that it seems to come to very little as he describes it; believes that he probably has forgotten some of the details. Remembers that there are some documents at Cambridge - probably notes in pencil taken at the time - copies of which she has in her possession. Gives what she believes to be the address of Norman MacColl [one-time editor of the Athenaeum]. Reports that Austin tells her that he is a very nice man, and would be willing to help her in tracing Henry's articles, but that the present editor, Mr Rendall 'is a much less agreeable person'.

Encloses 'a very small cheque for the F.W.H. Myers Memorial' [not included]. States that he has just been reading carefully through Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir 'with very unusual pleasure, and some inspiration and gratitude.' Announces that he is reviewing it for 'the British Friend'. Claims that it is 'full of matters of the deepest interest' to him, and states that he feels much obliged to Nora and Arthur for it. States that he is in frequent correspondence with Miss Johnson on psychical matters.

Discusses the proofs of chapters two, three and four of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she is reading a second time. States that she feels very strongly against cutting this part of the book down at all, as she believes that there is 'practically nothing...that one would not be very sorry to miss from it.' Refers to its 'interest and charm', and to Henry's sincerity and courage, as well as to 'his refusal to be satisfied either with a materialistic or merely abstract theory.' Estimates that the complete book would constitute 'two not very big volumes', and compares this to the size of other biographies, e.g., Tennyson's, J.A. Symond's, V[ ]'s letters, and Colvin's Letters of R[obert] L[ouis] S[tevenson]. Declares that the great variety of topics in the book will make it more interesting to more people. Adds that in reading the proofs she has marked things she thought to be misprints, and refers to some inconsistencies and inaccuracies. States that she is very anxious for a reference to Henry's letter 'about In Memoriam in Tennyson's Life' to be brought in somewhere in the work, and also that the account he wrote in Archbishop Benson's Life about his school days will also be included. Refers to Henry's interest in others, and in particular to a letter he wrote to her after her Tripos. Undertakes to try to send off the proofs of the second chapter the following morning.