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Thanks her for the copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; has 'hardly ever read anything more touching than the last chapter, especially the words which [Henry] wished to be read over his grave.' Refers to the 'bright calmness he maintained in the presence of death, and the interest he continued to take in the concerns of his friends', which remind him of '[Plato's] Phaedo'. Henry' 'is a splendid example of a high and noble life'; he 'maintained his freshness, his delicate sensitiveness and his power of growth to the end.' Remarks that one thing that is not referred to in the book is 'the trouble he took in helping the literary work of others': he found Henry's revision of the second part of Professor Grote's Exploratio [Philosophica] to be very useful, and has no doubt that others were benefited in the same way. Asks Nora to return his letters. Adds that he might have liked to see the reference to Miss [Emily] Davies' remark about Henry' 'gnawing on [her] vitals' omitted, as it may be misunderstood by 'matter of fact readers.'

Green leather volume, with embossing and gold decoration. Printed illustration from 'Happy New Year' card pasted to inside front cover. Bookplate, 'Ex Libris Bryan William James Hall', with coat of arms and illustration, pasted to front free endpaper.

Numerous autographs, mostly in the form of ends of letters and addresses on envelopes, pasted into book. Notes beneath items (sometimes also pasted in) often identify writers. Complete letters etc have been described in individual records dependent to this one, referenced by their folio numbers; signatures and addressees are referenced by linked authority record only. Some names remain undeciphered or unidentified.

Compiled by a sister of C. W. King, see part letter from King on f. 14r, 'I enclose the autograph of a distinguished Grecian for your book. With love I am, my dear Sister, yours affect[ionate]ly C. W. King'. Although no first name appears, C. W. King's only sister appears to have been Anne, sometimes known as Annette (1824-1874). A letter from W. G. Clark to C. W. King, preserved on the verso of the flyleaf, was sent with 'some autographs for your friend', and there are also envelopes and letters addressed to William Aldis Wright and other members of Trinity suggesting King was actively gathering material for his sister. The bulk of the collection appears to have been assembled between the late 1860s and early 1870s.

Declares that he has read with interest his correspondent's 'résumé of the fortunes of Philosophy at Cambridge in recent times.' It seems in the main true and consistent with what was said at their 'late meeting'; felt after their interview that he had not done full justice to the philosophic aptitudes of the three men about whom he had specially enquired, and that 'in a more congenial atmosphere they might have formed a genuine philosophic triumvirate, of which Thirlwall with his depth of thought and irony should have been the Socrates, Julius Hare...the Plato, [and] Whewell...the Aristotle.' Believes that the attempt to contract all philosophy within the limits of physics and mathematics, and its 'partial emergence into greater breadth and freedom, through the classical and moral triposes' has been 'fairly sketched and accounted for', and believes that this aspect of the subject cannot be left out as it constitutes a main part of the history of philosophy, and may not be very familiar at Oxford 'or in the world at large.' Admits that [Sidgwick] is probably right about Whewell's later lectures, Maurice's and Grote's. Discusses his own assertions with regard to philosophy's failure as an intellectual system, and its failure to 'sustain the weight of a full and truly human life'. States that he has made one or two slight corrections in his correspondent's paper, and asks him to do likewise with this letter. Gives him permission to append it to his own paper if he so wishes.

Seven copies of the report, signed in print J. Grote, J. Edleston, H. A. J. Munro, Henry Richards Luard, J. B. Lightfoot, and E. W. Blore.

Explains that her husband, [Professor J.B. Mayor], has been very busy since he received Nora's letter [104/67], and is hoping to write to her soon. Relates that Nora's letter led her and her husband to talk over 'the memories of old times', and that he suggested that she should write down one or two of them for Nora. Recalls that the meetings 'used to be in turn at one or other room in Cambridge and at Trumpington vicarage', and that they always used to be announced to her as 'a "sabia conversazion" '. States that the meetings were always at 'T[rumpington] V[icarage]', as her uncle [Professor Grote] had altogether given up going out to dinner or in the evenings, and that those attending used to dine and at first after dinner she used to sit in the drawing room alone. One day, however, her uncle announced that she was to be admitted a member of the 'S.C.', and they would come into the drawing room after dinner, for the discussion. Recalls that at first the members consisted of Henry Sidgwick, Mayor, Somerset and Venn. Believes that Henry got to know her uncle at his Fellowship Examination, and states that her uncle used to have two or three of those in whom he had taken a special interest over to dine; recalls Henry and his future brother-in-law Edward Benson being first introduced in that way. In relation to the dialogue that took place, states that her husband will write more, and, in the meantime, assures her that 'it was a real discussion' at Trumpington.

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.

[Sent from Grange in Borrowdale]:- Regrets to report that Cowell is not coming to visit, and announces that he himself does not intend to come home until the end of the month, as he finds it more convenient to go to Cambridge first; will come home for the first week in October. Reports that the weather has been very good, and that they [he and G. O. Trevelyan] have been up Causey Pike and Dale-Head. Praises the 'wonderful variety' in the countryside where they are climbing, and mentions Buttermere Haws. Thanks her for the receipts. Reports that they have decided henceforward to avoid beefribs. Declares that the house in which he is staying is very comfortable, and remarks on the fact of it having two sitting-rooms.

Expresses his delight at hearing a good account of William, and asks if the Dakynses have 'gone to join them [William and Arthur] at Pontresina'. Reports that he has not seen any of the Rugby people, and declares it to be too much of an expedition to go to Grasmere and back in a day. Remarks that it is odd to hear of hot weather, as there they discuss whether to have fires in the evening or not. Claims that to him the temperature is 'perfectly charming.' Announces that he will leave on 1 September and go into Dorsetshire. Intends to see Furness Abbey on the way. Complains that it is a very long journey, and that he almost wishes now that he had not promised to pay the visit. Asks if she saw about Professor Grote's death, and declares that he shall miss him at Cambridge.

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.

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.

Thanks him for the examination questions. Is glad that Mr Grote thinks the Institutes is worthy of contributing something to the field of study.

Writes to express her and her husband's [J.B. Mayor's] sympathy to Nora on the death of Henry Sidgwick. Says that they have been sad to know that the end was approaching, and have felt very much for Nora. Declares that her husband 'grieves sorely over the loss to Cambridge and to the world besides this private loss to himself of a friend on whose kindness and judgment he was even now relying with regard to the publication of [her] uncle's new vol[ume] [John Grote's Exploratio Philosophica: Part II], and that he intends to write to her himself.

Writes to express his sympathy on the death of Henry Sidgwick, who he knew from boyhood. Claims to have had always 'the highest admiration for his great powers and his noble character', and remarks that it is hard to believe that he should have died before him [Mayor], who is 'so much his senior.' Refers to the help Henry gave him in editing Professor Grote's book. Declares that his death 'following so soon on that of Seeley and Hort has deprived Cambridge of its best and most characteristic elements.' Claims that his brother, who was mathematical master of Rugby when Henry was a boy, used to speak of the latter 'as his best pupil', and noticed how he used to approach examinations. Hopes that the report that he had begun to put down memoranda 'with a view to a history of his own mental development' may be true.

Explains that she carried off Dr Henry Jackson's letter by mistake, and encloses it, along with a note from J.B. Mayor [neither included]; says that the latter 'throws some light on the article.' Believes that it would be a mistake to print the article in a collection of Henry Sidgwick's papers 'because his part is so very short', but adds that [ ] Shipley, to whom she showed it 'is much charmed with it as an imitation of Plato.'

Adds that Henry's part only brings out one point, and that they have no way of knowing 'whether he considered Grotes [sic] answer satisfactory - whether the G[ ] of the latter part of the whole paper can be considered as representing Henry's view or not.' Speculates on the circumstances of the discussion; suggests that it took place at Trumpington, and believes that it should be referred to in any bibliography.

Undertakes to send back 'the number of the N[ ] Review' with the number of the Contemporary [Review] containing the article on "Verification of Beliefs" and one in the Nineteenth Century which should be [consistent] but is...p[ ] [ ] in the Ph[ ]'. Thinks that Henry intended Miss Jones 'to judge whether ethical matter not yet printed should be published or whether printed ethical articles should be republished', but believes that Jones is 'a little too much inclined to publish': she may argue with her about particular papers before a final decision is come to.

Refers to Henry's papers in Mind, to notices of books, and to ethical and philosophical papers, and suggests that they discuss the republication of these various works with regard to the arrangement of volumes. Sets out her idea of the ideal format of a volume 'of Philosophical and Ethical Fragments', and lists the titles or subjects of articles, lectures and other works, and the publications in which they appeared.

The Home Office - Thanks WW for a copy of the third volume of his Platonic Dialogues. Further to WW's remarks on Grote's pamphlet [possibly John Grote, 'A Few Words of Criticism: Being an Examination of the Article in the Saturday Review of April 20, 1861, upon Dr. Whewell's Platonic Dialogues for English Readers', 1861] GCL 'cannot believe that Plato was ignorant of so simple and geometrical a truth as that two concentric spheres revolving uniformly together are relatively at rest - but it is very difficult to comprehend how Aristotle could have mistaken the meaning of so important a passage in the Timaeus'.

At top: Privately printed on June 2, 1858, and now reprinted. The pages are numbered 21-23.

Reports that she has received another letter from Arthur, dated 29 August, from Chiavenna, Lombardy. He was making his way with William, and Roche and Graham Dakyns, to Bellagio, then to Zermatt, and finally homewards. He enjoyed his time in Pontresina, and does not mention William. Remarks on the beneficial effects of mountain air. Wishes for fresher air in Bedford, where it has been very humid for the past several days. Explains that she has stayed there longer than she had expected to, as she has had a repetition of the invitation to Captain [Cheese]'s, and since no one is at home, she has accepted it. She intends to return to meet Arthur and William about 17 September.

Announces that she goes to Aylesford on 6 November. Regrets to hear of the death of Professor [John] Grote of Trumpington, and also of one of Sir George Young's brothers, who died as a result of a fall from Mont Blanc. Reports that Mr James Wilson has also had an accident at Oban. Claims to have been very amused by The Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus]. Discusses her views on the proper behaviour of young women towards young men, with reference to the book, and one of its characters, Hildegarde. Reports that Mr Francis Ward [brother of Henry's aunt by marriage, Mary Jane Sidgwick] has lost his eldest son to diptheria, with which he was taken ill in Switzerland. States that his parents have only one other son 'who is going to Oxford.'

Refers to the abundance of rain in Bedford in the previous few days. Announces that there is a 'School Regatta' that day. Reports that Edward and Minnie stay until the following week at Llanfairfechan, then bring their children home and go to see a friend at Winchester. Announces that Eleanor and Ada 'begin their term with two pupils of 16 and 17, nieces of Mr. Gaythorne Hardy.' Adds that both the Dakyns are with Arthur and William, and will come home with them.

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.

Refers to a paper 'in which John Grote criticised his brother's view of the Republic of Plato in a sort of imaginary conversation', and the second part thereof, which 'alludes to some intermediate paper written in the name of Glaucon'. Guesses that it was Sidgwick who had been the author of the latter, and asks him to allow him to have the paper and print it in the Classical Review with Grote's two papers. Claims that he would have printed them before, but was afraid that Mrs George Grote would probably not have approved. Refers to the rumour that Sidgwick might be invited to 'fix' himself there, and expresses his happiness about the matter.

Expresses his gratitude for Ward's having called his attention 'to the dialogue between Henry Sidgwick and John Grote in the C[lassical] R[eview] for March 1889' [“A Discussion Between Professor Henry Sidgwick and the Late Professor John Grote, on the Utilitarian Basis of Plato's Republic.” (1889) 3 Classical Review 97], and hopes that he will see his way to publishing it. Refers to the fact that Sidgwick always had an interest in the subject and 'always comes to this question from the point of view of ancient ethics.' Finds it surprising that he never read that 'curious paper', and reports that he 'read with great care [ ] Wilson's mendacious attack upon Archer Hind.' Explains that at the time, however, he had been very busy, and had completely forgotten that the paper had appeared. Remarks that 'anything of Sidgwick's about ancient ethics ought to be considered', since it always seemed to him that the subject 'had an especial fascination for him, and brought out in full force his critical quality.' Returns with the letter the copy of the Classical Review [not included]. Also expresses his gratitude to Ward for his having given him his paper 'on the [ ] of psychology', which he 'shall read with all the more interest' because he is lecturing on [Aristotle's?] De Anima and believes that the paper will very directly bear upon that subject.

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.