Assures her that he has no prejudice against the commemoration of New Year's Day, but owns to be 'not...very susceptible to the influence of conventional divisions of time...' Glad to hear that her stay at Hastings was a success and that she has been better; all his associations with Hastings are connected with the long illness and funeral of a good friend of his [John Jermyn Cowell]. Reports that he had a delightful visit at Clifton, and believes that Symonds was 'better than usual'. Remarks, however, that Mrs Symonds 'does not look very well', but that the children 'were thiving'. Spent three days at Wellington College, and judged Mary to be 'as well as could be expected'. Refers briefly to her baby (Robert Hugh Benson). Reports that two Miss Wordsworths [probably daughters of Christopher Wordsworth, including Elizabeth Wordsworth] were there, whom he thought 'remarkably pleasant and interesting'. Observes that Edward seemed overworked, but in good form. In relation to 'the Rugby news', does not know whether to be sorry or glad, and says that 'Basil Hammond...says "glad".' With regard to Frank Horton, declares that he has fair abilities, and hopes that he will take second class honours. Observes that he is 'very well disposed and industrious', and reports that his tutor 'thinks that he ought to get a first class in the College Examination at the end of the year, which will secure him a sizarship.' Sends his love to his aunt Henrietta, and hopes that his mother enjoys her visit to Brighton.
Typewritten copy. Has not neglected the letter and enclosures Browning sent him from Adelboden: after considering the enclosures he is doubtful as to whether it is desirable that he should try to 'mix up' his ideas with Browning's. It is his belief that 'the matter of Political Science should be systematized on a more clearly evolutionary plan', which should be mainly confined within the limits of European development. Discusses the way in which Browning's lectures are laid out, and gives his suggestions as to their content, with reference to the city-states of ancient Greek and Rome, oligarchy, democracy, 'Tyrannis', federalism, medieval institutions, theocracy, absolute monarchy and so on. Says what he gives is a 'rough sketch', and remarks that it would probably not suit Browning's plan of lecturing. Also notes that Browning will 'have some trouble to effect a compromise between [his] ideas and [Basil?Hammond's'.
Will be in Cambridge on the following Friday; suggests that they might meet there and talk over the matter. If Browning is inclined to bring in Henry's ideas to some extent, he will be glad to frame a scheme that will be a kind of combination of both men's ideas. Is glad Browning has enjoyed his 'Kur [cure]'.
After writing his letter the previous night [105/28] he began to think that he had better work out his own syllabus for Browning: encloses a rough sketch of it [included]. Adds that he still adheres to the view expressed in his letter that if Browning does not agree with Sidgwick he had better not try to make compromise with him, as he will have enough to do in compromising with Hammond 'and other historical lecturers.'
Typewritten copy of Sidgwick's 'syllabus' in relation to Browning's lectures in Political Science. Lays out in point form his suggested subject matter, beginning with 'Object and method of Political Science. Definition of State, Political Society, Government' and so on Other subjects include 'Development of the city-state in Greece.', 'The gradual formation of West-European nations.', 'Mediaeval representative institutions.', modern democracy and institutions. Concludes with 'Final comparison and classification of different forms of polity.'
Asks Sidgwick what he wants him to lecture about that term. Expresses his determination to complete his Life [and Times] of Stein. Claims to have been hard at work during the summer, and to be looking forward to 'an easy course of lectures.' Suggests the history of Prussia and Germany in the Napoleonic age. Adds that '[i]f the ladies want some quite different subject' he had better hand it over again to Hammond or P[aschew?].
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