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Originally enclosing notes by Emily Jourdain on Bartolini's bust of Byron.

Has read the paper which Nora sent to him - a note in pencil explains that this paper is on the development of Henry Sidgwick's ethical views - and believes that it ought to be published. Declares that it makes his position clearer 'and shows very strikingly the careful process by which he had thought out his argument'. Has finished the article on Henry [which he was writing for Mind], apart from the conclusion; remarks on the impossibility to do justice to him in such a small space, which led him 'to send that message to Kate.'

Is glad that Nora intends to write a life of Henry based on his correspondence, and is certain that if she can procure the letters she 'may make a profoundly interesting book.' Admits that he had not appreciated the full beauty of Henry's character during his life. Adds that besides what she gave him on Henry and the articles in the Cambridge Review, he has come across a note 'in Venn' about the founding, by Venn, Mayor and Henry Sidgwick, of 'a little "Grote Club" in a meeting under John Grote as chairman at Trumpington.' Also refers to a notice in the Charity Organisation Society. Says that he tried, in the limited space available, to point out 'how the philosophy was the natural outcome of the life, without endeavouring to criticize it at all.' Will be at the meeting on the following Monday if he is well enough, staying with Maitland; suggests that he could call on Nora in the afternoon if she wished to see him.

Urges Myers to print his poetry, referring to some minor objection he has to some of the contents of the [two sonnets], which 'both seem faultlessly magnificent in composition.' Confirms that Mrs Venn is ill, and explains that that is why he is 'lecturing for V. on Logic.' Reports that when he last heard of [ ] 'there was reported no hope', and states that he has not heard for a day or two. Remarks that it will be very hard to replace him. Adds that he does not like the title [of the sonnets], and that the 'W. and S....are both so peculiar.'

States that he shall be delighted to write Myers' autobiography, but adds that he must see a good deal of him to do it well. Hopes that he is coming to visit soon. Remarks that Venn seemed to expect him 'in an official capacity' in the neighbourhood. Refers to Myers' letter, which he deems to be 'very interesting', and claims to be 'impressed by the tranquil objectivity of [his] descriptions.' [Part of the letter torn out at this point.] Declares that he feels terribly ignorant of the whole subject, and claims that he does not believe in deliberate choice in love. States that when he was 'young and erotion (cf. Clough)' he used to repeat to himself 'the end of Iphigenia's prayer (Goethe, favourite play of [his] for wholesome warning'. Quotes some lines.

Refers to Myers' work and inquires whether it leads to a permanency. Asks him to tell his [Myers'] mother that Sidgwick is '[temporarily] supplied with a President of [his] "Hall" ', Miss Clough having promised to start them; she is to come only for one or two terms, so Sidgwick is still looking for her successor, 'though more tranquilly'. Reports that he is now examining houses. Complains that '[t]his whole matter' takes up so much of his time, but believes that it is worthwhile. States that he is 'forced more and more into involuntary antagonism with Miss Davies', and reports that she wrote to him recently 'and mentioned affably that [he] was the serpent that was eating out her vitals.' Reports that he saw [ ] [deleted] 'the other day' in Cambridge, and now regrets 'that she could not come.' Declares that she is 'so very [ ] [ ]' [deleted], and understands why, under some circumstances she might strike some people as 'unconciliatory.' Sends greetings to Myers' mother, to whom he is very grateful for 'her exertions' on his [and others'] behalf. Refers to J.A. S[ymonds'] poem.

Remarks on the fact that Myers has had 'recourse to the strong stimulant of the Sensation Novel', and urges him 'to continue the Tale of the Fair Tasmanian, at least for one more chapter.' Reports that he has been waiting to hear from his candidate Stirling, 'who is apparently hesitating' because, Sidgwick suspects, 'the pay is too small to tempt him. [Note in Myers' hand relates that Stirling is 'the man whom H.S. thought fittest to be Professor of Moral Philosophy at Cambridge' for which Myers urged Sidgwick himself to stand]. If Stirling's case is hopeless he himself 'shall probably stand'. Believes that Venn should be given the post 'if Stirling is out of the question'. Discusses Venn's and his own relative merits in relation to the post.

Declares that he shall probably leave Cambridge if either Venn or Pearson is elected, as he wishes to concentrate himself on 'Practical Philosophy', and they would both be active in that sphere; cannot make up his mind whether he wants to stay or not.. Refers to his interview with the [Poet] Laureate, who impressed him by his 'great kindliness and simplicity, also his sensitiveness to the opinion of inferior creatures like Simcoxes male and female.' [Note in Myers' hand explains that Sidgwick refers to G.A. Simcox and his sister]. Relates that he attempted to flatter the poet by comparing him to Milton, and that Tennyson 'insisted that the blank verse of Keats and Shelley was good in it's [sic] way'. Remarks that he does not think Mrs Cameron suits Tennyson, 'though he is amused with her. Announces that he must turn to his female correspondence.

Discusses the candidates for the [Knightbridge] Professorship of Moral Philosophy: himself, Venn and Stirling, stating that the latter is his choice over Venn. Considers the advantages of his not standing, in order to improve Stirling's chances of obtaining the post. Asks if Myers told him 'to address Windsor Castle', and asks him to pardon his negligence. [Note in Myers' hand explains that the reference to Windsor Castle relates to the fact that Myers had written to Sidgwick from there 'on the paper belonging to the place'].

Announces that Stirling is not to stand [for the post of Knightsbridge Professor of Moral Philosophy], and that therefore he shall; predicts that if either Venn or Pearson are elected, his days in Cambridge 'will be brief', if he can believe 'sufficiently' in himself or his work - 'Otherwise Cambridge is a comfortable hospital for maimed intellects and carrières manquées'.

Tells Myers to write and give him 'the next chapter of the romance.' [Note in Myers' hand suggests that this could be a reference to The Fair Tasmanian ]. Reports that '[p]oor Jebb is in influenza in Ireland.' Reports that Miss Thackeray was very hospitable to them at Freshwater, and describes how she acted in her role as hostess. Adds that 'as the immortal Swinburne said to [him], a man's Best is his real Self and it is only a Philistine who judges him by anything else'.

Announces his return [from accompanying his sister Minnie to Wiesbaden], having read all of Myers' books. Claims to be very glad to have 'attained s[ ] views on Paul de Kock'. Asks Myers if he knows what other of his works are worth reading, and states that he quite understands Disraeli's praise of him, and sees his influence on 'D.' a little. Remarks that Taine is 'a clever man', but does not like his work. Reports that the Venns have just returned, but that he hasn't seen them.

Asks Myers if he thinks that [Mandell?] Creighton and Laing would correspond with women [as part of an educational correspondence programme] in English literature. Discusses the need for more money to subsidise 'impecunious governesses', and asks him if he thinks any wealthy person sympathetic to the project would subscribe. The plan is to 'make the poor girls pay for one course, and then give them two more if they like'; a 'certificate of poverty from a clergyman' is always obtained. Refers briefly to the troubles at Rugby [with Henry Hayman].

Refers to Myers' letter. Claims that he 'cannot conceive that any of Time's changes can make [him] forget the pleasure which it has given [him]...' Tells him to do what he thinks is right in relation to [Spirits], and assures him that he will cooperate. Announces that [Kegan] Paul is not coming to stay with him, but is going to stay in King's [College], and that he has invited him to breakfast on Sunday. Asks Myers to be there. Adds that he shall meet 'Mrs R. G. on Tuesday at Venn's, 'and should have embraced her in the bonds etc' if Myers had not warned him

Typewritten copy of letter dated 28 November 1893: Has received the answers [not included] of 'the four logicians', including 'Miss Jones' and Venn, to whom he had undertaken to communicate Welby-Gregory's paper. Hopes that she will find the answers 'not uninteresting', and helpful to her purpose. Adds that he is inclined to agree most with 'Miss Jones' second thoughts.'

Three letters from H. M. Butler, two from John Venn, and one from William Aldis Wright.
H. M. Butler asks if Darwin would consider contributing to the purchase price of the original MS of "Poems by Two Brothers" by Charles and Alfred Tennyson in a letter dated 13 Dec. 1893. Darwin is asked to contribute to the purchase of something else [a medal?] in May 1896 and is thanked later that week, with the suggestion that his great-great grandson donate Darwin's medal to the Library. A letter from William Aldis Wright (9 May 1896) suggests that Darwin's emissary wait until he is a Fellow to cycle down the Avenue at Trinity.

Two letters from John Venn refer to the provenance of astrolabes and one letter dated 25 Dec. 1895 refers to something that happened the week before that has made him feel he is in a nightmare.

Is a candidate for the Moral Philosophy Professorship.

With information on George King, canon of Ely, d. 1831.

Marshall states in his notes [65/1-2] on the extracts that they are 'from a common place book begun in April 1866, and continued fitfully till the end of 1867'. Explains that all except the first relate to the Grote Club, and refers to its members, including those active in 1867: Professor Maurice, Henry Sidgwick, Venn, J.R. Mozley, and Pearson. States that the latter was a devoted pupil of J. B. Mayor. Refers also to the renewal of the club with the advent of W.K. Clifford and J.F. Moulton. Describes the impression that some of the conversations that took place during the meetings, especially those involving Henry and Professor Maurice, made on him.

First sheet of extracts [65/3] relates to Henry Sidgwick's descriptions of the reactions of Addison and Comte to their imminent deaths. The rest [65/4-16] relate to the Grote Club, and include dates of meetings, members present and matters discussed.

With envelope [65/17] addressed to Nora Sidgwick; annotated in her hand - 'Notes etc from Prof. Marshall. his account of the club is printed in the Memoir. To it are attached [ ] contemporary notes of meetings NB. He says J.B. Mayor will be the best person to ask about it. Early days of it. Tripos... J.B. Mayor and J.R. Mozley about early days of Grote Club.'

Thanks Mayor for returning his MS. Claims that if he had been confident enough in his memory to serve Mayor's or Nora Sidgwick's purpose regarding 'the philosophical discussions at Trumpington' he would have answered him before. Is confused about dates, but states that he has little doubt that he first went to Professor Grote's house to listen to, and occasionally read, philosophical papers in the October term of 1863. States that the only other people who attended these meetings at this time were Henry Sidgwick, 'John Venn of Caius, and Pearson of St John's'. Describes the attributes of each of those who attended, and remarks that Sidgwick obviously preferred ethics to metaphysics, and recalls [Professor] Alfred Marshall emphasising his admiration of this side of Sidgwick very soon after he made his acquaintance. Refers to Sidgwick's opinion of Kant and Hegel, and to the intuitionalism 'which in the end he united with his utilitarianism'. Is uncertain as to whether he gave any measure of assent to the first fundametal proposition of 'Ferrier's Institutes of Metaphysics'

Wishes that he could remember more of the actual papers that Sidgwick read to the Philosophical Society, which was, after Grote's death, called the Grote Society, but has the impression that 'they were tentatives towards the kind of line which he afterwards took in the Methods of Ethics'. Refers also to Sidgwick's attitude to metaphysics. Believes that J.S. Mill was the philosopher whom he always admired and trusted the most. Holds, however, that he changed his view of Mill between 1863 and 1873, citing his reaction to Mill's Examination of Sir William Hamilton's Philosophy, and to Fitzjames Stephen's attack on Mill in Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

Refers to Grote's view of ethics and metaphysics, and to his Treatise on the Moral Ideals, and to the similarities between him and Sidgwick. Refers also to other members of the society, such as Henry Jackson and Maurice. Recalls Sidgwick's good opinion of Venn, who was a great admirer of Mill, and names other members of the society, such as W. K. Clifford and T. W. Levin. Recalls also that when he [Mozley] went to Clifton in September 1864, Sidgwick wrote to somebody, referring to him as 'the first original a priori philosopher that has trod the streets of Cambridge for many a day'. Does not think that Herbert Spencer was ever a great favourite in the society, but had himself a great respect for him 'as the founder of the theory of evolution.' Adds that when 'the old crow, who could count up to five, but not beyond, once came before the Grote Society', Sidgwick 'was unkind enough to doubt his existence' and none of the rest of them could give evidence for him.

Notes (arranged alphabetically) on: Joseph Babington; Matthew Drake Babington; Thomas Gisborne Babington; Thomas Arthur Babington; Francis Evans Babington; Joseph Hallet Batten; Samuel Ellis Batten; John Hallet Batten; Thomas Blundell; John Henry Brasier; Thomas Henry Babington; Henry Thomas Stephen Dicey; Thomas Edward Dicey; Henry Venn Elliott; Edward Bishop Elliott; Edward King Elliott; Charles Alfred Elliott; Julius Marshall Elliott; Henry Forster; Robert Jarratt; George King; George Stainforth; Richard Sykes; Joseph Nicholas Sykes; Daniel Sykes; John Cam Sykes; John Henry Sykes; John Venn,

Asks for information on the Grote Society. States that she has an interesting account of it written by Dr Venn for Sir Leslie Stephen, and an account by Professor Marshall of the later period of the society after Grote's death. Understands from Venn's account that it was not a formal society in the earlier period, but meetings of a small group, interested in philosophic discussion, at Grote's house, and that those attending dined with him once or twice a term and discussed afterwards. Asks when the society began 'and when Henry got to know Professor Grote and when he first joined these meetings.' Explains that she is doing research in view of the memoir of Henry that she and Arthur Sidgwick are attempting to put together. Refers to a dialogue by Professor Grote that Mayor published in the [Chemical] Review of March 1889, which had 'a little bit in the middle by Henry', and asks Mayor if he can tell her the history of this piece. Asks if it was a paper discussed at Trumpington, and how the co-operation came about.

Explains his delay in replying to Nora's letter [104/67]: has been away from home; also he has been looking without success for some reference to the Grote Society in old letters and papers. Refers to an enclosed letter [104/66?], which gives J. R. Mozley's recollections of the society. Believes that it commenced in 1861, or even earlier, and recalls that he was then a lecturer in Moral Sciences at St John's College, and had consulted Grote as to how he might make his lectures work in with Grote's. Grote suggested that it would be a good thing to have periodical meetings for discussion amongst those who were interested in philosophy.

The first meeting tok place in his [Mayor's] rooms, where Grote read an introductory paper. Thinks that the next meeting was in Grote's rooms, and states that they 'fell into the habit of going to dine with him at Trumpington' and having their discussion afterwards. Believes that Henry, Venn, Pearson, Aldis Wright and Somerset-West were the first members of the society.

Supposes that the dialogue [referred to in Nora's letter] arose out of a discussion, 'but took the form of papers interchanged between [Grote and Henry].' Quotes from his diaries of 1865 and 1866, referring to meetings and his dealings with other members, including Henry. Undertakes to write to her to let her know if he should find anything else that would be of interest to her. Adds that he believes that Henry was the one with whom Grote most enjoyed discussing philosophical questions.

Asks her to send 'the Portfolio'; notes that he always leaves something behind. Sends Bishop Westcott's book [not included], which he hopes she will like. States that he had already decided not to go in for the Professorship of Moral Philosophy when he learnt that F. D. Maurice was a candidate. Believes that the latter has the best chance. Predicts that he will be 'a stimulating lecturer', and hopes that he will be a very good appointment, as Cambridge is currently 'in some need of stimulus'; is 'rather sorry' for his friend Venn, who is 'thoroughly of the new school' of which Dr Lightfoot is the most distinguished representation.

Reports that he transmitted his mother's books to Mrs Peile in person, and that the Peiles were in Göttingen 'during the excitement of the change of dynasty in September.' Also reports that they say that all the professional element of society 'rejoiced strongly in the transference', but that the householding element was not very happy about having to entertain a number of Prussian soldiers; the chief discontent being in Hanover. Declares that their hall [at Trinity College] is 'resplendent', and the 'undergraduates call it the "Alhambra"'; the college have introduced 'the disgraceful luxury of chairs' there. Regrets to hear about William, and hopes that he will come over [to Cambridge] soon.

Announces that they 'have just settled the [examination results of, and prizes to be awarded to] the women', and that it has been decided that Miss Larmer should get the scholarship. Claims to be somewhat disappointed in her work. States that she was 'clearly head' in Political Economy and second by two marks in Logic. Adds that they only gave out two firsts in Group D, and no distinction. States that he got Venn to fix the standard for passing level with that of '[Poll men] in June.' Refers to Miss M. Kennedy's work, which 'agreeably surprised' him. States that his plans of lecturing the following term are still rather vague, 'on account of Miss L's uncertainty'.

In relation to Evolution, claims to have understood the view Marshall expressed the previous term, but does not think he agrees with him, and is quite sure that he does not agree with Karl Marx. Declares that '[t]his Spiessbürger is after all only our friend the "Bourgeois" for whose wicked selfishness Political Economy is supposed to have been invented...' Claims that when he first read socialistic tracts he was much impressed with the breadth of view implied 'in this contemptuous term', but, on reflection, believes that 'the Bourgeois after all appeared to [him] the heir of the ages...and so of Bentham's Normal Man.' Declares that he does not quite understand Marshall's position on Benthamism. States that he does not think it the special function of the Philosophy of Jurisprudence to develop dynamical conception, and that he believes that a grasp of the Utilitarian method of determining rules would have been of the greatest value to himself. States that he had 'worked out principles of constitutional Jus[tice] - for B[entham]'s Normal Mensche in two or three lectures', and is consequently biased in favour of the method. Claims that it is too hot to work in Cambridge, and that he is reading novels.