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Pension Palumbo, Ravello, presso Amalfi. - Has received the "Descent of the Primates" from Professor [Ambrosius] Hubrecht and found it very interesting; a long time since he read Darwin and 'tried to imagine [his] hairy, long-eard, tail-bearing, tree-haunting ancestors' and the paper has 'quite revived' the old fascination; never thought the hedgehog was 'so comparatively near a relation'. He and [Roger] Fry used to have one in London to kill black-beetles, which they called Hochi-Weechi, the Romany for hedgehog. Obviously Hubrecht's work is 'of great importance and value'. Had forgotten to send him the address of his own spectacle shop, and will do so when he writes to thank him. Had also forgotten to tell Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan; about their engagement]; will write at once. Hopes Gredel [Guije] gets through [her exam].

Continues the letter next day. Has got on 'fairly well' with his play recently; the sirocco is blowing today so he cannot do much except copy out what he has done so far, translate some Sophocles, and deal with correspondence. Old Palumbo is about the same; his wife does not want Bob to go unless absolutely necessary. Has not yet had a letter, or rings from which to choose one for her, from the Frys, but has written to them. Has had a 'charming' letter from Tommy Phelps [17/156], whom he calls 'almost my eldest friend' and had jokingly warned him against Dutch ladies when he would not tell him why he was going to Holland again so soon; it was also Phelps who originated the Vondel / fondle pun. Also returns C [Charles Trevelyan?]'s letter. Copies out some lines from "Troilus and Cressida", which he discusses briefly.

Sends her 'a brief note' of Henry Sidgwick's reviews [not included], the first of which was 'a critique of Professor [Fraser]'s edition of Berkeley, which appeared in the numbers of the Athenæum for June 17 + 24 1871.' Refers also to his reviews of Dr Leifchild's, Lord [ ]waite's, and Mr Monck's works, and to a review of Dr [Joseph Georg?] Beer's 'onslaught on Darwinism', as well as an article entitled Ethics for Undenominational schools. Sidgwick's that his last article was 'a review of Dr. Tuke's volume on the Influence of the Mind on the Body in the number for July 12, 1873.'

Confirms that Sir Leslie Stephen's information was correct: Henry Sidgwick contributed 'highly important articles to the Athenæum in the early seventies'; all those articles were anonymous; thinks that Sidgwick began to contribute them 'much about the same time as the late Professor Cowell'. Relates that when Sidgwick retired 'he was good enough to say that he had enjoyed his connection with the paper', but that other pressures of time forced him to break it. Regrets to say that his notes have not been preserved. Recalls a review Sidgwick wrote of a book by 'a Mr. Leifchild'. Believes that the late Dr. Gray of the British Museum wrote most of the articles, and that when he [MacColl] took over the editorship of the paper, he found that it was 'committed to strong opposition to [Darwin]'. At that time Dr Gray was dead and Mr Leifchild 'continued in the same strain'. MacColl asked Sidgwick to review a book by Leifchild on the origins of man, without telling Sidgwick the latter's connection with the paper. Reports that the result was 'an antagonistic but quite courteous criticism that much surprised both Mr. L. and his publishers.' Claims that after that there was never any doubt of the paper's attitude towards Darwin's views. Offers to make out a list of Henry's reviews.

12 Upper Gower St. - Thanks him for the wedding gift (Herman and Dorothea), and expresses his admiration for the clarity of Whewell's History of the Inductive Sciences, at the risk of appearing "exceedingly presumptuous".

Writes in relation to Sidgwick's review of his last book in Mind that month. Clarifies the audience at whom it is aimed, and declares that he would have no hesitation in recommending the book to candidates reading for the two examinations with which he has 'most acquaintance', i.e., 'Lit. Hum. and Mod. Hist. at Oxford.' Laments the fact that the subject of Political Science is not recognised in Scotland. Explains that the book grew out of a popular lecture, but that it is based on many years' study of the American and French Declarations of Rights. Claims that '[i]n treating the idea of "natural rights" as "an element of current thought"' he believed that it was as important to deal with popular writers, such as Henry George, as with 'an exposition of Les Naturalis like Father Rickaby or of the doctrine of Naturrecht like Prof Lorimer [or] of his own special views like [W.] Spencer.' In relation to the latter refers to his criticism of his fundamental formula of justice in the book, and claims that he has written much about him in a book called Principles of State-Interferences. With reference to two examples of Ritchie's 'inaccuracy' in his historical statements given by Sidgwick, he does not acknowledge any error, but does concede that the statements 'might certainly be improved and made fuller and less ambiguous.' Refers to the passage 'from [Filmer]', and to the theory of natural rights, which he traces to the Protestant revolt against authority. Admits that it can be traced further back, to medieval writers 'on the ecclesiastical side' who asserted the sovereignty of the people and the right of resistance to tyrants 'when the Church (or the Pope) declared them such.' Claims that Protestantism is 'the logical parent of the French Revolution', but emphasises that he does not assert this claim because Hegel said so. Refers to Locke and Rousseau, and their theories on the sovereignty of the people. Claims not to have ignored the differences between the two, and that he referred to the matter more fully in 'Darwin and Hegel etc. [Essays on 'Social Contract' and 'Sovereignty']', in Principles of State-Interference, and in the translation of [Bluntschli's] Theory of the State. Assures Sidgwick that he does not ask for a reply to his letter, but asks that he or any of his pupils or his friends who have read his book could send him notes on passages that contain inaccuracies or are in need of revision.

12 Upper Gower St. - Reports on Mr Jukes' plans [to go to Newfoundland]; asks him to pass on his regrets to Henslow that he cannot visit, though he likes Cambridge; he is house hunting preparatory to getting married.

Refers to Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she has read. Reports that she has heard 'a rumoured criticism that it does not sufficiently bring out Dr. Sidgwick's brilliancy', but claims that she did not notice whether this is true or not, 'so engrossing is the intense interest of his character....' Claims that the book illuminated and realised what she 'dimly saw and firmly believed' of Henry's character, and had the effect of increasing her admiration, reverence and affection for him. States also that the book increased her awareness of Henry's simplicity, which she compares to that of her father and Mr. Darwin. Thanks Nora for having let her know so much.

Cambridge - Charles Darwin's 'discoveries in fossil zoology' are 'of the greatest interest and value. His Toxodon, as Mr Owen proves, supplies a most desirable step connecting the rodentia with the [paetry dermete] pretty nearly, and with the cetacea more remotely. He contributes therefore to the completion of the zoological scale fast in the parts where it is weakest and most imperfect'.

12 Upper Gower St. - Asks Whewell to tone down his remarks criticising the delay in publishing Darwin's book, as it might annoy Captain FitzRoy, which he would not wish. Thanks Whewell for his kindness, not only his flattering notice in his Address [to the Geological Society] but also "to the manner of your whole intercourse with me, since my return to England."

Accompanied by a list by Isaac Todhunter of poetry not in Whewell's handwriting or not identified as written by him. Includes printed poems, a clipping headed "For the Lancaster Gazette. Melancholy", another poem tentatively identified by Todhunter as by Martha Statter, beginning "We wish thee joy as pure and bright", a poem headed "Darwin on Species", with other poems, and riddles, including a rhyming "Imaginary conversation between a Freshman & Messrs. Herschell & Whewell". Two of the riddles carry later initials in pencil C. W., Cordelia Whewell? A copy of a poem by Jakob Lenz, "Die Liebe auf dem Lande" may have originally accompanied a letter from Eduard Wilke dated 31 Mar. 1853 [Add.MS.a.81/415].

Combe Bank, Sevenoaks.—Gives an account of visits to the Darwins and Lady Lubbock. Will be able to return home with the Moultons, who arrive today. Looks forward to seeing her and the ‘dear little kid’. Contrasts Daniel Deronda with the writing of Mallock.

(Dated Wednesday.)

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Transcript

Combe Bank, Sevenoaks
Wednesday—

My own darling child—we had such a nice day yesterday: breakfasted lightly in our rooms and then ate déjeuner at 12, so as to start early for an expedition in the afternoon, to the Darwins, who live about six miles off. {1} We partly walked and partly went in a fly. The object was to persuade George Darwin to lecture at the Royal Institution on the figure of the Earth. {2} He was very unwilling but I think he may come round. The grand old man talked beautifully and they were all very kind. They are reading the Symposium, but have only got as far as Martineau; Darwin says that M. is too flowery for him. I thought in this case he was more matter-of-fact than usual, but I suppose there remains a certain amount of clerical haze. {3} I told Darwin I should now regard myself as a Hadji, having made pilgrimage to my Mecca. In coming home the flyman insisted on going a long way round to avoid hills, and we suddenly found ourselves at Sir John Lubbock’s gates {4}. He is at his antics at Biarritz, but Lady Lubbock gave us some tea and was much wickeder than usual because the Archbishopess of Canterbury {5} was there—a most respectable stout party in a gorgeous black silk gown. She (L.L.) {6} told us all about her daughter’s marriage, and how the young man paints in water colours, and of such is the kingdom of heaven. {7} The next girl but one, {8} with whom I went bird’snesting at Grant Duff’s, {9} is grown very lovely, with a really splendid figure (only 14). The Moulton’s† are coming today to stay till Friday, so that I can go back with them. I will tell you all about the train. How good it will be to see my own sweet wife and the dear little kid again. Nobody can tell how fond I am of you, darling. I am reading Daniel Deronda {10} and have got through ⅓ of it. I don’t see the least falling-off in it; it is quite as interesting quâ story as any of the novels we have been reading, and one feels that one is looking at things with a large-minded sympathetic companion who is great enough to take in the best side of all the people she describes. It is exactly opposite to that poor creature Mallock, who catches superficial traits of men one knows to be great, and makes them mean. {11}

It is blowing great guns, but I must manage to go out a little before lunch. 10000 kisses to my own darling wife from her loving old man

Willi.

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{1} Charles Darwin and his family lived at Down House, near Downe.

{2} George Darwin had read his first major scientific paper ‘On the influence of geological changes on the earth’s axis of rotation’ before the Royal Society the previous year. He returned to Cambridge by 19 April, probably about the beginning of Easter term, 6 April. See Calendar of the Correspondence of Charles Darwin, No. 10933.

{3} ‘A Modern Symposium’ was the general title of two series of essays, each by various hands, published in the Nineteenth Century in 1877 and 1878. The subjects were respectively ‘The Soul and Future Life’ and ‘The Influence upon Morality of a Decline in Religious Belief’. The reference here is to the latter series, comprising eleven essays in all, of which James Martineau contributed the third and Clifford the seventh. Clifford’s essay appeared in the April number.

{4} Sir John Lubbock’s country home was at High Elms, near Bromley.

{5} Catharine Tait.

{6} ‘L.L.’ interlined; brackets supplied.

{7} The Lubbocks’ eldest daughter, Amy Harriet, married Andrew Walter Mulholland on 15 March 1877, but he died less than three months later, on 2 June (Burke’s Peerage). It is unclear from the reference here whether the marriage had yet taken place.

{8} Gertrude Lubbock (born 1863), the Lubbocks’ youngest daughter.

{9} Possibly Sir Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant-Duff (1829-1906).

{10} George Eliot’s final novel, published the previous year.

{11} W. H. Mallock had satirised various prominent figures, including Clifford himself, in his novel The New Republic, first published in monthly parts in the magazine Belgravia between June and December 1876, and issued in a single volume in 1877.

† Sic.

Speculates on earthquake waves through fluid and solid rock and asks Whewell's opinion; has received Whewell's signature on his request for funds to pay for engravings of Zoology.

Hotel Lutetia, Paris - Refers to Lilly's recovery from illness; his distaste for [Godfrey Harold] Hardy, then leaving for Cambridge for Oxford; discusses Darwin's theories, having just read 'The Origin of Species'; has also read Einstein's explanation of his theories in an article and finds his arguments 'cloudy and confused'.

Wychfield, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge. Dated [28 April 1889] - Wonders if he knows of any drawings of the sacred tree mentioned in his father's Voyage; wonders whether the golden bough is Loranthus europeans.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Thanks his father for his letter [12/265], for arranging to pay £50 pounds into Robert's account, and for sending back the [Samuel] Butler] books. He and Bessie were reading Charles Darwin's autobiography in his Life and Letters [edited by Francis Darwin] and thought the account there of Shrewsbury and Dr Butler, 'though quite short, might be of interest'.

The Annual [of New Poetry] already seems to be selling well; if they 'get some good reviews, it may prove quite a success'. Expects the 'relative dearth of new books' helps. Robert's name was mentioned in the Supplement to the Nation as the editor [see 20/64], a 'bad mistake on somebody's part', and he had to ensure that it was corrected in last week's Nation. Has 'had to do all the business with Constables' and 'get the contributions out of the contributors, which was sometimes not an easy task', but has 'no right to reject' anything submitted by anyone asked to contribute, so does not have 'in that sense an editor's responsibility'.

Bessie and Julian are both well. The Russian Revolution 'seems to have been proceeding very satisfactorily so far'; it is 'the most hopeful event' that has occurred in his lifetime, and 'completely good in itself', quite apart from the fact that it 'ought to make the right kind of peace easier', even if it delays peace a little, which is not certain.

43 Gt. Marlbro' St. - Cannot accept the position of Secretary of the Geological Society, as he has to write the third volume of the expedition, in addition to his ignorance of English geology, thanks him for the compliment of consideration.

152 Robert'shaus, Yonkers, N.Y. - Sent Trevelyan a message in her last letter to Bessie to explain her delay in thanking him for "Thamyris": has spent the summer on research and fears when she returns home she will only be able to talk about the therapeutic action of sunlight. "Thamyris" interested her very much": she enjoyed the chapter on technique, which reminded her of an afternoon spent with Trevelyan at the Shiffolds; has always liked to analyse rhythm in poetry. Is lucky to be working with probably 'the only scientist in this country' who cares about poetry [Samuel Clausen?], and has lent him the book. Hopes that Trevelyan's suggestion that the rise of science inevitably means the death of poetry is not true, even if Darwin says his science spoiled his appreciation of poetry: 'common ground between poets and scientists' is needed. Apologises for only half answering Bessie's last letter; hopes she will send her manuscript if she has not made other plans. Gordon hopes to come home next spring with his wife and children.

Strafford House, Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Dated 30/9/06 - Thanks him for 'Adonis, Attis and Osiris', and makes suggestions for further sources to consult, concerning examples of dismembered gods and the propitiation of slain animals; quotes a letter from Edwin Pears about Rhodes; remarks on the interpretation of data in and through the processes of spiritual Evolution; [Henry Thomas?] Buckle had glimmerings but was 'just pre-Darwinian, and there lies the dividing line marking the profound Revolution'; found [E. B.] Tylor in broken health two months back.

Declares that he was very glad to get news of Mary [Minnie], as the latter does not write to him. States that he has not heard from William either. Claims to be very busy with correspondence. Refers to developments at Rugby, and remarks that 'things keep dragging on'. Reports that he has asked about the governess, but without success. Asks his mother if she has applied to Mrs [Frances?] Kitchener, who has 'a sort of calendar of the women who pass and take honours in the July examination: in case they want any post of an educational kind. Reports that his old friend Tawney is in England, but that he has not seen him yet because of his [Tawney's] wife's illness. The latter 'was a Miss Fox daughter of the Dr. at Clifton'. Refers to the 'matter of young Meyer', which he declares to be 'a horrible puzzle'. Presumes that his mother hears enough from Rugby to know that 'the crisis seems to have come.' Speculates on the likely outcome.

States that he has read very little in the recent past, 'except Plato and Greek History', and reports that he has been writing 'an erudite paper on the Sophists for [their] Philological Journal.' Reports that he has 'only managed to read Macmillan and Miss Thackeray's story in Cornhill and Middlemarch: and O. W. Holmes's new book [Poet at the Breakfast Table]' which he thinks is 'a falling off but still enjoyable'. Has heard that the new Darwin [Expression of the Emotions] 'is very entertaining'. Sends his love to all, and adds that '[Strange] Adventures of a Phaeton in Macmillan [by William Black] seems to [him] excellent'.

Refers to 'the remodelled review', which, he claims, is all that he should desire or deserve. Claims that he is keeping it a few days to see if his wife can find time to read it, but explains that the latter is much distracted at present with Newnham affairs. Doubts that desirability of answering the review in the American Journal of Psychology, 'as the writer makes so much of the [Creevys], and claims that nothing that they could say 'would be particularly effective...' Suggests that if Myers has some time on his hands now, that he might write a review of The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin [published in 1887; edited by Francis Darwin]. Remarks that 'Frank D. does not want the reviewing to be entirely done from the scientific point of view', and think that the latter would be glad to hear that Myers were thinking of reviewing the work.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking [pre-printed]; sent to 'Mrs Trevelyan, The Shiffolds, near Dorking'. - Is off for the weekend; will ring when he gets back hoping to arrange a convenient time. They [he and his mother?] went to Down House yesterday and 'brooded very pleasantly amongst Darwins Wedgwoods and all that. The house is beautifully and even impressively presented'; recommends it, but perhaps she has been already. Adds postscript to say Mrs Reeves has provided him with 'two quite wearable though rather sloppy costumes [for the pageant?] '.

Re memorial to Charles Darwin.

Pitlochry, N.B. - JDF 'heard that Huxley's [Thomas Huxley] attack on the Bishop of Oxford in re Darwin [Charles Darwin]', at the BAAS meeting in Oxford, 'was most indecent'. What is JDF to do regarding John Tyndall's recently published book on glaciers? JT has implied that JDF suppressed Rendu's glacier theory in a way which 'is so cunningly constructed to mislead that I fear it will be inevitable for me to notice it'.

Leonard Horner was at Manchester when WW's letter arrived and he gives the answer CL thought he would [attached to CL's letter is Horner's reply, in which he expresses his desire to be President of the Geological Society but unfortunately has not got the time]. CL has produced a list with Horner concerning possible candidates - Michael Faraday, George Poulett Scrope, William Buckland. CL wishes Egerton [Philip de Malpas Grey Egerton] had been ready - other 'vigorous and fresh men' include Richard Owen and Charles Darwin.

Expresses his eagerness to write in honour of Darwin [on the occasion of the publication of Francis Darwin's Life and Letters of Charles Darwin], but envisages some difficulties, viz., the papers, including the Times, being so full of Darwin 'from every point of view' that it will be difficult 'to make one's voice heard.' Presumes that [J. T. ?] Knowles and others have already arranged for reviews. Refers to Darwin's own autobiography, and suggests that any review should merely say 'read it'. Remarks that F[rancis] Darwin 'may be quite sure that the book has intrinsic interest enough to dispense with any [puffing] or interpreting.' Undertakes to read the book at once, and consider what he can do. Complains of '[t]hat accursed dictionary [of National Biography]', which he describes as a treadmill, but claims that he is getting into a sort of routine, which will give him time to do other things. Claims that he is always trying to get to Cambridge to see his boy [his step-son George Duckworth] there, but doesn't often succeed; hopes to be there one day during the term, and promises to make an effort to see Sidgwick. Expresses his [and Mrs Stephen's) gladness that [Arthur?] Balfour is convalescing.