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WW was disappointed at not seeing HJR in London. He was to have gone with Charles Babbage to Sir Joseph Banks on Sunday but was unwell. WW has been trying to improve his philology by studying Welsh: 'It is not a language wh. there is much temptation to learn'. WW does not believe that we owe much to our Celtic ancestors, and that the most valuable aspects of our manners and constitutions is derived from our gothic past. It has been a long time since WW has read Butler [Joseph Butler]: 'It is a book of negatives. Its object is not to prove, but to remove the presumptions against, natural & revealed religion...he claims the ground and then leaves revelation & other arguments to reset the building.' Did HJR see Jeremy Bentham? WW notes that his 'Church of Englandism' has come out again.

Claims to have meant to send 'these [articles]' sooner, but has been puzzling over the lectures on sociology, which she had mentioned, intending to send them also. Feels that she had better get 'a clearer picture of them and of their relation to published papers' before sending them.

With regards 'the Classical Review article' returns Dr Jackson's letter to Ward [not included], and sends one from J. B. Mayor to Henry Sidgwick . Asks him to return the latter at his leisure. Thinks that it would be a mistake to print the article in a collection of Henry's papers, as 'his part is so very short'. Adds, however, that Miss Sharpley, to whom she showed it 'is much charmed with it as an imitation of Plato'. States that Henry's part 'only brings out one point and [one has] no means of knowing whether he admitted Grote's answer to it to be sufficient - whether the G[ ] of the latter part of the whole paper can be considered as representing Henry's view or not.' Speculates as to the circumstances under which the discussion took place, and suggests it took place at Trumpington. Thinks that the article should be referred to in any bibliography and that a bibliography 'ought to be given either in the volume of fragments or in the biography....'

Also sends him the 1871 number of the Contemporary Review, 'containing the article on Verification of Beliefs...and one in the Nineteenth Century for 1880 on Historical Psychology'. Remarks that Henry was rather dissatisfied with the second one when it appeared. In relation to 'Miss Jones', states that she believes that Henry 'intended her to judge about publication [or] republication of Ethical matter in the same way that he asked [Ward] to do about philosophical work.' Thinks that she is 'a little too much inclined to publish' and considers trying to argue with her about any particular paper before a final decision is come to.' States that 'of course the question of republishing all the papers in Mind or all the notices of books is not purely a question of Ethics. Adds that 'in deciding about Ethical or Philosophical papers or anything else [they] must have regard to the whole amount to be published and the arrangement of volumes and must therefore talk it over all together to some extent.'

Announces that she envisages the publication of two volumes; one of 'philosophical and ethical etc fragments and essays for students' and one of 'more literary essays suited to the general public, and no more', and that the second would probably be entirely reprints. Lists the works possibly to be included in the first volume, including Kant lectures, Green lectures, Ethical papers, lectures on Sociology, articles on the Sophists in the Journal of Philology, the 'Dialogue in Mind on Time and Common sense', 'the articles in the Contemporary and XIXth Century sent with the letter [not included], Ethical articles in Mind, and 'some lectures on Kant's Ethics'.

States that the 'popular volume edited by A[rthur] S[idgwick] would probably be small', and would probably contain a review of Clough in the Westminster Review of 1869, an article on Bentham in the Fortnightly of 1877, 'Political Prophecy and Sociology for the National Review of 1899', the address on Economics 'to section F. of the British Association 1885', 'The Theory of Clerical Education from the volume on Liberal Education 1867', 'Idle Fellowship[s]' in the Contemporary [Review] of 1876, '[A] Lecture against Lecturing' from the New Review of 1890, an article on [Seeley's] Ecce Homo in the Westminster Review of 1866, 'The Prophet of Luther' in Macmillan's Magazine of 1867, 'The Economic Lessons of Socialism' in the Economic Journal of 1895, 'Economic Socialism' in the Contemporary Review of 1886 (though Nora thinks that the latter 'is probably practically superseded by Elements of Politics), a short appreciation of J.S. Mill's work on his death in 1873 (of which Mrs Marshall gave Nora a copy) in the Academy of 1873, and an article on sociology.

HJR poses two optical difficulties: (1). concerning the spokes on a carriage wheel and (2.) an effect involving a candle, plane reflector and a common magnifying glass. HJR has been attending Sir Joseph Banks's evening parties. He has seen a good deal of Charles Babbage: 'Babbage is what Babbage was - but he is acquiring the respect of all the better part of the scientific world by his total absence of all quackery or pretension[.] MacCulloch [John MacCulloch] the geologist is a constant resident nearly in this house and I wish very much you could come and discuss Sir Humphrey Davy with him'. MacCulloch does not think Davy's discoveries are scientific but rather the product of chance. Has WW seen Jeremy Bentham's 'Church of Englandism [Jeremy Bentham, 'Church of Englandism and its Catechism Examined', 1818] It is half suppressed - Such a book - but I cannot in this letter give you an account of it. I believe I shall be introduced to him in a few days'.

Expresses his delight with the proof of Sidgwick's article, which he has just been reading. Claims that it gives him a better idea than ever of Bentham's personality. Praises the 'serious criticisms', and the 'pages [on] the Deontology'. Remarks on the fact that in the ten years he has been editor of the Fortnightly [Review], Sidgwick had never before contributed any work to it. Comments that he believes that '[Helvétius] only picked up an idea that was in the air, when he made the legislator the origin of [ ], and their master.' Mentions Rousseau and his Social Contract, which came out [four] years after De l'Esprit, and refers to the [Physiocrats]. Refers also to Swift's account of L'Esprit. Asks Sidgwick to return his proof as soon as he can, as the preparations for the publication 'are rather late already.'

Expresses the gratitude that Mrs Grote feels towards Sidgwick for the paper on Jeremy Bentham that he contributed to the Fortnightly. In her view this review was 'urgently called for', as past works on him 'have never taken a thorough measure of either the man or his works. She believes herself to be the only person now living to be intimately acquainted with Bentham in his later years, from 1820 to 1832. She would be happy to receive a visit from Sidgwick should he come to London while she would still be in town, and 'to relate some particulars concerning the old Philosopher and his "ways"' to him'. Relates that some years ago she presented to the British Museum a large amount of papers on the subject of the Christian Religion, all or most in Bentham's own hand. Suggests that Sidgwick have a look at them. Sends her compliments to Mrs Sidgwick, whom Mrs Grote has never met, but whose mother she knew well. Details of Mrs Grote's movements - in London and Balliol College, Oxford - are given.

Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick. Assures her what a terrible loss it is to him, and of how great a value to him Henry's friendship and advice have been over the years. Claims that he was 'the most truthful, the most searching and the most sympathetic of critics', and then when he was last at Cambridge he read through Henry's article on Bentham in the Fortnightly [Review], and looked forward to discuss it with him. Claims that he was 'all a professor ought to be and can be in England', and how he himself, and many others, have profited from Henry's example, and trusts it may continue to help him while he teaches at Oxford. Claims that he owes thanks mainly to Henry for 'the Cambridge L. L. D.', and that the latter gave him [Dicey] encouragement when he was out of heart about his work. Also expresses his thanks to Nora and Henry for their having come to him [and his wife] for the previous Ad. Eundem meeting, and realises now that that visit to Oxford 'must have been a fearful strain and effort'. Mentions with fondness 'the Sunday with Sidgwick and...the bright meeting to hear his essay on Green.' Claims that these memories, and his last few minutes of conversation with him in London will now remain with him as cherished memories. Concludes that Henry's life 'has been a joy as well as a blessing' to all who knew him.

Thanks Sidgwick for his 'kind letter'. Informs him that he stays with his parents in Berlin during the holidays. Excuses his 'more than usually bad English'. Refers to his pamphlet on ethics [Ethisches Wissen und ethisches Handeln: ein Beitrag zur Methodenlehre der ethik, 1899] which he had sent to Sidgwick, and also to several other German works on the subject, including Hoffding's Ethik, and Paulsen's [System der] Ethik . The former work is based on utilitarianism and evolutionism. Of the latter he says that 'it gives a very pleasant survey of all the manifold conflicting standing-points by which a poor XIX century mind is tramelled and is very fair specimen of our much enduring and highly cultured time.' Refers also to Heinthal's Ethik, only to observe that Sidgwick need not waste his time reading it. Recommends Kaler's Ethik des Utilitarismus. Refers to the criticisms made by Sidgwick of his pamphlet as 'perfectly just', but claims to 'know very well that Bentham's theory of "coincidence" is expressly stated only in the Deontology'. Claims to regard the Deontology as a '"canonical book"'. Discusses Bentham and his 'right to demand "a fair trial" for disinterested conduct.' Refers to a remark quoted from Windelband, which, he claims, does not state his [Hensel's] attitude towards Bentham, and also refers to his own 'polemical remarks on the utilitarian handling of "Sitte" and "Recht". Mentions Mill in relation to Bentham. Is surprised to see that Sidgwick has written an article on the latter, and expresses his desire to read it.

Thanks Sidgwick for his letter, and for having sent him his essay on Bentham. Gives the reason for his delay in replying as his recent attack of influenza. Discusses the essay, which he found very interesting. States that his views of the Deontology have not been altered by his reading of the essay. Believes that the Deontology is 'the egoistical consequence[s] and foundation of J. B.['s] moral philosophy [and] a very faithful representation of the last phase of the philosopher's thinking.' Further discusses Bentham and the Deontology. Observes that he had neglected to mention Wundt's Ethik in his last letter, and makes some comments on it and the ideas contained therein. Claims that the book has appeared at 'an unlucky moment'. Refers to Sigwart's Vorfragen der Ethik as a 'very beautiful little work'. Apologises for the standard of his English.

Reports that he is lecturing on the doctrine of Sovereignty in England in that term. Acknowledges his agreement with Sidgwick on his criticisms on Austin. Refers to Sidgwick's Elements of Politics, of which he is unsure if there is a second edition. Asks why have people accepted Austin 'as the exponent of the English school on this point', and what he is supposed to have added to Bentham's Fragment on Government. Believes that Austin's departures from Bentham 'are for the worse in both matter and form.' Refers to Hobbes, and concedes that Austin was successful in formulating 'the conception of a pure or abstract science of positive law.' Corrects Sidgwick's reference to "Austin's Theory of Jurisprudence", which he did not, to Pollock's knowledge write, and refers to works actually written by him, i.e., The Province of Jurisprudence Determined and a posthumously published work: Lectures on Jurisprudence. Reports that there is 'an excellent account of Maitland from Grand Canary', and asks Sidgwick if he will be at the [Trinity] College commemoration on 9 December. Reminds Sidgwick that they had not yet 'had out' their difference about 'the irreducible minimum of [ ] for profitable discussion of the universe.' Mentions that the previous night 'a small philosophical club [at Oxford] discussed the Ethics of Conformity' and that 'Rashdall was present and defended his position with great ability.'

WW is looking forward to JCH's visit to preach at Cambridge. He is to publish his Philosophy of Science before he makes morals his main object [The Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, founded upon their History, 2 vols., 1840]. WW is pleased to see tendencies on all sides to reform the prevalent systems of morals: 'The article in the London Review is an indication of this, and appears to me to be in many important points right, and at any rate right in the rigorous rejection of Bentham's doctrines and keen criticism of his character'. WW 'cannot understand how Stirling who I suppose is a conservative, can write in a journal of professed political objects, these being, to destroy the church and democratize the nation' [Westminster Review]. If Bunsen [Christian Bunsen] is in England JCH will no doubt see him: 'pray send him down to us here, for we want to make acquaintance with him'.

Reports that he has been reading and re-reading Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; says that it deepens and extends his influence, and is the best assurance that those who knew Henry can have 'of his continued presence and unfailing sympathy.' Recalls that he first became acquainted with Henry in the late 1860s, and states that he writes to draw attention to 'a phase of his work which is not noticed' in the book. States that about that time Henry and others introduced a system of inter-collegiate lectures 'which were of inestimable value to impecunious students.' Refers to his own experience of this arrangement and to the benefits that he derived from it. Mentions the names of several men from whom he received tuition, including Mr Beatson at Pembroke, Henry, Mr Levine, Mr Percy Gardner, Mr [Henry?] Jackson and Mr Marshall. Claims that he owed his first class to Henry's lectures and the papers that he did for him. Refers to The Methods of Ethics, and also to Henry's lectures on metaphysics, Whewell, Hamilton, Bentham, Mill and Kant, and relates how he convinced him on the question of Utilitarianism. Refers also to Henry's stammer, without which, he claims' 'note-taking would have been impossible.'

Encloses copy of the proofs [no longer present] of Hume's Abstract [of a treatise on human nature]; has purchased a rare Hume publication. New catalogue of the Bentham manuscripts published by University College London

Asks Sidgwick for 'the exact reference to the letter in which Bentham uses the term 'Utitlitarian''. as mentioned by Sidgwick in the Fortnightly Review of May 1877, volume xxi, page 648.

Reports that he did not see Sidgwick's article on Bentham until a day or two previously, and was please by his 'kind (only too kind) reference' to him. Refers to his omission - pointed out by Sidgwick - in relation to Bentham in his own book, and explains that he had intended 'to add some account of him, both as a [ ] and a political writer' when he revised the book, but failed to do so. Remarks that he does not always agree with Sidgwick, but that the latter always sets him thinking, 'which is the most valuable of intellectual services.' States that he had hoped to see HS at Oxford some days previously, but he did not go. Hopes to see Sidgwick and others 'at future [Ad Eundems?] if the institution survives'. Refers to the increasing solitude of his life, and reports that he is soon 'to lose Miss Thackeray' [due to her forthcoming marriage], which he describes as 'a giant wrench'.

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.

Observes that 'there does not appear to be any English book worth much as a systematic statement of any political theory.' In answer to a question asked by Sidgwick, he suggests the names and works of writers on politics, economy and philosophy, and comments on their writings. Refers to Locke's Treatises on Government; Liberty Lord Bolingbroke's Patriot King; Hume's political essays; any of Burke's works, including the speeches on American taxation and on economical reform, as well as 'the reflexions on [the] French Revolution', which 'preceded Godwin and are therefore not included [ ] by your limit of time...'; Tom Paine; Bentham's Fragment on Government, which, he believes is 'too much in the controversial way and dependent upon [a] Blackstone'; [Priestley]; [Tucker]. Admits that he has given too long a list, and states that his preference would be for Locke, Hume, Burke, Godwin and Bentham.