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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.'

Agrees with him that 'W.F.B[arrett?] cannot be allowed to use [Gurney's] experiments otherwise than in Report of Committee', and believes that he should not repeat at length in the Report what has already appeared in the Proceedings of the Society [for Psychical Research]. Offers to write to him. In relation to 'the barrister', states that he is quite willing to agree to him being taken on 'if he will do it gratis for love of science or if any one else will pay...' Adds that he may ask Smith to stay with him during the 'Mesmeric Experiments', and that 'it would not be much of a bore for Nora...' Asks Gurney if he thought 'anything [instructive] apropos of World's attack', and asks if the eminent scientist is their asinine friend.

Claims to be 'filled with admiration and gratitude', and that she has done both the things that he had wanted her to do. Reports that he and Nora are happy, but that the latter is rather overworked with the Society for Psychical Research experiments, in which he claims that he 'cannot effectively help' due to his work on his book. States that they have had another partial disappointment in the investigation of psychical phenomena, but that on the whole their psychical affairs 'are going on prosperously'. Refers to the recent exposing of one of the professional impostors.

Tells Sidgwick that it is very good of him 'to attend to [his] paradoxes.' Admits that his 'Psychics' are very unpopular, 'but Tyler [E. B. Tylor?] brought them in, and left them hanging in the air, and did little to the civilised side of them.' Informs him that he will find [fire walls] in his Modern Mythology. Reports that he has published more in the Westminster Gazette, and that the New Zealand [observations] 'will appear at length in the proceedings of their scientific society.' States that the performances 'were well tested, and quite unexplained.' Claims to know no competent anthropologist 'in the line of beliefs' apart from Frazer and Tyler. The latter has not been well and his wife has not allowed him Lang's book, '"for fear it might injure the brain".' Believes that [Sir Alfred?] Lyall has read it, and thinks that 'part II holds water'. Would correct the points in relation to 'S.P.R.' [the Society for Psychical Research] and hopes Myers had kept him straight.' States that he may 'correct in the French.' Refers to a comment made by Sidgwick on Hume and claims that he [Hume] 'certainly advised absolute disregard of evidence'.

Refers to her invitation to himself and Nora to visit her from Monday to Thursday of the following week, which Nora cannot accept because of the Society of Psychical Research experiments at Brighton. Asks if she would like him to come by himself for two nights. Explains that he could not come for more, as he managed to disengage himself from attendance at the Brighton experiments in order to work on his book, but that he shall be reading at the [British] Museum library, and could come from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning without undue pressure on his conscience.

Refers to the omission of the importance of Henry Sidgwick's work in relation to psychical research in the 'otherwise admirable memoir' of him. Refers to his own association with Sidgwick, and to the latter's activities in the Society for Psychical Research, of which he was president for the first few years of its existence, 'except for an interval, during which he stepped aside in favour of the late Professor Balfour Stewart'. Concludes that it is due to the character more even thatn to the distinguished intellectual gifts of HS that the society stands now so firmly 'that it can even survive his loss.'

Reports that he went up to London on the previous Saturday to lecture on Psychical Research to a 'College for Men and Women', and called to see her on Sunday, but found that they had gone to Ramsgate. Is delighted by her haunted house story, and wishes to begin making further inquiries. Enquires if she can find out for them where Mrs Tilghmans H[ ] is to be found in London. Asks her if she thinks his colleague Frank Podmore might call and ask her questions, or if Minnie would undertake the task herself. Lays out the main questions that he would like to have answered; wishes to know if the sisters Anna and Henrietta will write an account of their experiences, if the servants could be persuaded to testify, 'expecially Hannah Lilley and Minnie Forbes, and if it would be found out from Miss Hastings the names of the other persons who have lived in the house. Thinks that they certainly ought to take the house, if it is to be taken year by year. Remarks that a seven year lease 'would be rather a high price to pay for apparitions that may never come.' Encloses one of their slips 'of Phantasms of the Living '[book in preparation by Podmore, Myers and Gurney, published in 1886] not included], which Minnie may be able to help them in. Asks her if she could find out whether 'Rev.d James Walker' is alive, and if not whether he has left relations 'who know anything of the story.'

Announces that they shall probably be up in London again for the General Meeting of the Society of Psychical Research on Friday 28 March, and hopes to see her. Nora sends her love and hopes that 'nothing worse than transient colds' drove [them] to Ramsgate. Trust that Edward 'bears the sh[ ] of work prosperously'.

Assures Sidgwick that he understands that he can do nothing 'with or for Gizycki', and thanks him for all he said in reference to[ Edmund] Gurney. Explains that he 'had no thought of [ ] or insinuating a judgment on the whole work of the S[ociety] [for] P[sychical] R[esearch]' in the Mind notice. States that 'Telepathy' was specially referred to because Gurney, 'besides being so peculiarly identified with it in P. of the L., had himself brought it forward [in] [the] Mind articles on Hypnotism'. Admits that a presidential address of Sidgwick's that spoke of the degree of proof which he thought had been obtained on that particular subject came into his head when writing. In relation to the University of London Commission, he believes that Selborne is 'drawing something up, but he is said to be ill and not getting forward.' Claims that the Commission 'had the merit of impartiality, but it was the impartiality of ignorance as to the facts and conditions of the London question'. Remarks on the absurdity of the Commission attempting to get 'real hold of the question' in just nine sittings. Reports that he heard that S[ ] 'broke off after the first day', and that he himself had 'a good deal to say, both as U.C. teacher and L.U. examiner'. States that the 'door was shut on the 4th of August, not to open any more.'

Refers to an article in the paper on 29 August, in which the writer refers to Henry Sidgwick's involvement with the Society for Psychical Research; states that Sidgwick 'retained to the last his position on [their] council, and was the most influential member of [their] society.' Includes a reply from the writer of the aforementioned article.

Thanks Lodge for a packet and two letters: will answer these in the order in which they arrived. He and Nora were both much impressed by Lodge's having found conviction in the matter of Eusapia [Palladino]; they did not hesitate to alter their plans and accept Richet's invitation to the 'Isle Roubaud'. Concedes that they 'shall have to accept as a "working hypothesis" the reality of "telekinetic" phenomena', and admits that although he doesn't like the incidents of the investigation, he likes 'the excitement which the new departure will give to the business of Psychical Research.' In relation to a complaint made by Lodge in one of his letters regarding a 'confession which removed all doubts as to "Mr Z.", attempts to explain why there was a delay in informing Lodge of the circumstances, referring to to Frederick Myers and Richet. Refers also to 'Mrs Myers [sic] letter, and explains that it never occurred to him that he would wish to have his name brought forward in relation to the matter. Offers to introduce a reference to him and his instruments 'in the next Journal' [of the Society for Psychical Research]. States that Page H[opps] has written a letter which will give Sidgwick an opportunity of returning to the subject. He and Nora have read Lodge's account of the seances in the Île Roubaud left with them by Myers; feels that had he been there he would have been 'absolutely convinced'. They propose to leave London for the island on Thursday 16 August.

MS note by Nora explains that the letter did not reach her until after the biography of Henry was printed, and that Lodge sent her other letters, but this one seemed to her the only one of any biographical importance.

Typewritten copy of letter. Her letter has just reached him at Var on their return from the island [the Île Roubaud]. Regrets that he and Nora will not be able to join her, as they have two necessary visits in Switzerland, and he must be in England again on 17 September. He and Nora are to attend two more 'experimental evenings' [involving Italian medium Eusapia Palladino and some prominent members of the Society for Psychical Research]. Wrote a letter to her husband, James Bryce, the previous morning, but fears that it will have just missed him. Their stay has been longer than had been previously anticipated, but believes that the prolongation has been of use. Refers to the Mediterranean island on which they have been staying, which is a delightful place to live, apart from the presence of mosquitoes. Wishes her and her husband a successful tour, and expresses his regret that he and Nora cannot join in it. Sends Nora's kindest remembrances.

Regrets being unable to attend the social gathering of the Psychical [Research] Society the following day. Asks Sidgwick to convey her gratitude to the president of the society for the work being carried out.

Typewritten copy. Nora hoped to have had an opportunity yesterday to explain to Bryce the sudden change in their foreign travel plans. There is a crisis impending in the affairs of the Society for Psychical Research: three chief members of their group of investigators, F.W.H. Myers, O. J. Lodge and Richet, 'have convinced themselves of the truth of the physical phenomena of Spiritualism', and have been experimenting with an Italian medium called Eusapia Palladino on a small island in the Mediterranean. The Society has for some years had a reputation for 'comparative sanity', and fears for it now if its most representative men 'come forward as believers.' He and Nora, therefore, feel bound to accept Richet's invitation to go to the Île Roubaud and, if possible, obtain personal experience. The length of their stay is indefinite, but they hope to have time to go to Switzerland afterwards. Suggests that Bryce send him a postcard when his plans are fixed. Gives his address on the island, and undertakes to write to Bryce from there. They intend to return to Cambridge on the following Saturday.

Letter [24/1], saying that he is sending Nora by parcel post today the corrected copies of Henry's letters 'I to LXXVIII', and hopes to get the remainder from Miss Dickens [his typist?] that week or the following week. Explains that he sends a typewritten copy and a carbon duplicate [of each letter], and suggests that Arthur might prefer the latter format. Also explains the corrections that he has made. Adds that he has decided to have almost all of Henrys's Initial [Society] papers typed for his own 'private delectation', and undertakes to send a copy each to Nora and Arthur. States that he looks forward to seeing her 'on the 26th', when he intends coming up 'to the meeting' and to spend the night with the Peiles, but fears that he may be prevented from going to the Society for Psychical Research meeting. Hopes that she is well, and remarks that she must be very tired as the term draws to an end. Refers to 'Henry's watchword - fier', and asks where he got it.

MS explanatory note [24/2] in relation to correspondence between Dakyns and Henry Sidgwick. Refers to letters which he sent to Henry at Terling, and to their arrangement. Notes that Henry rarely dated his earlier letters, but says that he does not despair of getting them 'into a more exact chronological order', having spoken to Arthur and having recovered 'the threads of internal evidence.' Speaks of Henry's 'passing moods' of troubled thought and depression, and believes that he was most conscious of 'a sense of the beauty and richness and joy of life....'

Volume 15 part 39. Obituary of Sidgwick includes a photograph.

Mariemont, Edgbaston. - Will be pleased to propose him for membership of the Society for Psychical Research; glad the sentence in his book has had the 'desired effect' as many people previously seemed to think that 'special qualifications beside interest' were needed. Will enclose some S. P. R. papers, one of which a form Onslow should fill in, saying whether he wishes to be a member or associate, and send to the Secretary; Lodge will write to the Secretary with his nomination.

Note at the bottom of the letter 'Letters from J. B. Baillie, Norwood, Cults, Aberdeen, 6 Jun 1913, 7 Aug 1913'.

Announces that he is 'returning Podmore with thanks' [not included]. States that he wishes the Society [for Psychical Research] every success in its new departure. Thinks that it would be absurd 'to set aside telepathy and the like as impossible on a priori grounds'. Intends to follow the Journal of Psychical Research in its new volumes, and thanks Sidgwick for informing him of the present states of the enquiry. Announces that he must give up coming to Cambridge that term.

Refers to the Maines, and the fact that he had not yet asked them. States that he prefers to observe his general rule of not obtruding the Society for Psychical Research on his friends. Asks Myers to tell Mrs Tennant [Gertrude Tennant, Myers' mother in law?] that he cannot accept her kind invitation, as he has an engagement on Thursday evening.

States that he cannot agree with Gurney's view. Believes that 'if Bishop were to turn round and say he had tricked [them], he would have to say also how the trick was done, in order to discredit [them].' In the event of it not being a trick, Sidgwick believes, Bishop 'cannot invent a plausible fiction of a trick, if [they] take due precautions'. Approves of Barrett writing about their results 'and offering a cautious challenge to Bishop'. In this way the Society for Psychical Research would be making clear to to the public that they 'are not at present supporting Bishop, but only prepared to investigate him.' Fears that Myers' letter (which Sidgwick signed), and Labouchère's reply may have caused the Society to be associated with Bishop in the public mind. In relation to the proposal to let a room to the Theosophic Society, claims to have no strong view. States that they [Henry and Nora] 'are much pleased at the Darwinian matrimonial engagement' [that of Francis Darwin and Sidgwick's cousin Ellen Wordsworth Crofts?]

Expresses his reluctance to involve the Society for Psychical Research with the Theosophic Society [by giving them the use of their room], and draws a comparison to their 'mixture with the C.A.S.' Does not, however, see how they can 'refuse the offer without giving offence. States that if Stone does object, he should agree. Voices his objection to bringing forward stories of premonitions, 'before [they] have got the Phantasms of the living off [their] hands.' Believes that the [ ] or d'Assier, 'enlivened with stories, will be enough besides experiments of [their] own'. In relation to experiments, believes that they 'certainly ought to make an offer to Bishop' and that 'if nothing is done Labouchère and the sceptics have the best of it'. Remarks that, having read Bishop's letter in the Times that day, he gets the impression 'that the man is a charlatan'.

Regrets to report that the household [in Davos Platz, Switzerland] is rather sad; that 'J.A.S[ymonds] is not well and there is great anxiety about Janet, whose state is very critical'. Reports also that there are 'great searchings of heart as to the wisdom of having burnt ships and built [in] this strange and [ ] land'. Hopes that Myers feels 'in the "right way" as an F.T.S'.

Thanks Nora for sending him 'the "Proceedings of the Psychical Research Society for 1885" '. In his book on Buddhism he has 'a long chapter on "Mystical or Esoteric Buddhism" '; towards the end he has alluded to the Society's researches 'in rather too inadequate a manner'; wishes therefore to make his remarks more definite when the time comes for a second edition of the book to be issued. Explains that he therefore asked Miss Faithfull to inquire of Nora on his behalf. Sends her the kind regards of his wife.

Hopes that he has had a successful visit. Announces that he has to go back to London the following day, and therefore shall not see Myers, but states that Nora would like to ask Myers about 'one or two points for the Journal [of the Society for Psychical Research?] at once.' Asks him if he could come the following afternoon. Sends a letter of B[ ]worth's [not included], which he and Nora think that Myers ought to insert, as he assumes that the latter is likely to add some reference to it in his reply to V[euman], of which he encloses a proof [not included]. Claims that Myers' proposal about Paris takes his breath away, but that they are prepared to discuss it.

Typescript notices; declarations of trust for founding a lectureship.

Refers to [W.F.] Barrett's letter as 'a bore'. States that they must 'maintain the distinction between experimental work and collection of narratives, and between hypnotic and normal state'. Suggests that they appease Barrett by admitting 'the great advantage of having all the evidence set forth together from time to time by an able hand' and allow him to print his paper, provided it is not called a 'Report of the [ ] [ ] Committee.' States that he is writing to Gurney with this proposal. Adds that he intends to propose the Lord Rayleigh F.R.S. as Vice-President [of the Society for Psychical Research] at their next council meeting.