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Refers to a conversation between himself and Sidgwick in Aberdeen, at the close of a meeting of the 'Economical Section' about the re-publication in a separate form of Sidgwick's article 'Ethics' in the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Explains that the Church of Scotland has four committees, one for each of the four universities, for the examination of students entering the Divinity Halls. The text book in Moral Philosophy since the committees were first appointed has been Fleming's Manual [of Moral Philosophy], but when Sidgwick's article appeared Stewart believed that it offered what was required as a substitute for the Manual, which had proved to be unsatisfactory for the purpose, and he spoke to Professor Baynes about asking Sidgwick to publish separately. Now writes a semi-formal letter, which had been suggested by Sidgwick when they met in Aberdeen. Reports that since that meeting he has communicated with conveners and members of the four committees, and that they are prepared to adopt it as their text-book in Moral Philosophy if Sidgwick would be willing to republish it in a form and at a price somewhat similar to those of [Jevon's] Elementary Lessons on Logic. Claims that 'the moderate size yet comprehensiveness' of Sidgwick's article, and the space devoted in it to Greek and English Ethics, and especially to the influence of Christianity, makes it suitable for the purposes of the committee. Suggests that there are probably other examining bodies who would be glad of such a book. Is unaware of what the Boards of the Free and United Presbyterian Churches do in regard to this matter. Offers to open up communications with them. Reports that the name of the text-book to be used at the examinations in October must be inserted in the Mission Record for April. Asks Sidgwick to let him know whether he would be agreeable to the above proposal, and whether he could have the answer back by April 'or so soon thereafter' as to justify their publishing it in the April edition of the Mission Record.

(Probably made in connection with Clifford’s lecture on ‘The First and the Last Catastrophe’. Cf. E3/1.)

High Elms, Farnborough R.S.O., Kent. Dated 11. Nov. 1901 and 16. Nov. 1901 - Writes with corrections to the second edition of 'The Golden Bough', specifically the distinction between magic and religion, which he had pointed out years before Sir A. Lyall and Mr [William] Jevons in his 'Origin of Civilisation'. In the letter of 16 Nov. he writes to clarify that he does not regard Fetichism as synonymous with magic, and is the opposite of religion.

Thanks Sidgwick for sending him a copy of his Methods of Ethics. Looks forward to 'studying it with care in the course of a month or two', but at present is occupied with 'a small book' that he is bringing out. Refers affectionately to the time he and his wife spent at Cambridge, and states that they 'have much reason to thank [their] kind friends there.'

Thanks Sidgwick for the copy of the additions to the new edition of Methods of Ethics. Remarks on Sidgwick's publishing of the additions separately as being 'a very liberal thing', and asserts that the book 'has done great service to the cause of accurate thinking'. Claims that 'all good candidates for London degrees make a point of reading it', and that, as a result, there is 'a sensible improvement in the mode of thinking on the subject.' Suggests that sometime in the future, when several of his proposed articles on [ ] have appeared, Sidgwick might give his opinion on 'the success or otherwise of [Jevons'] attack on Mill's [Logicalness].

Thanks Sidgwick for sending him printed copies of Marshall's Theory of [Foreign] Trade. Declares his problems to be 'exceedingly ingenious and very important for throwing light on difficult points of pol[itical] econ[omy].' Refers to his own and Sidgwick's differing interpretations of one of Marshall's points regarding the method of diagrams and the method of symbols. States that he has 'for some time past been inquiring into the history of the mathematical treatment of Economics', and hopes eventually to publish his findings. Refers to the Recherches sur les Principes Mathematiques de la Theorie des Richesses by Augustin Cournot, which he believes to be 'a very beautiful piece of mathematical analysis applied to the laws of supply and demand'. Refers to an enclosed list (not included). Announces that he will refer to Professor Marshall's inquiries in the new edition of his Theory. Expresses his satisfaction at getting Sidgwick's ideas about his attack on Mill, but disagrees with him on a point in relation to Herbert Spencer. Claims that in Mill 'contradiction is of the essence of his method'. Hopes some day to complete his criticism and prove his assertions, but claims to be not equal to finishing all he undertakes.

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.