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Urges HS to complete his 'Essay' as quickly as possible, as the collection [Essays on a Liberal Education, edited by Farrar] 'ought to come out this publishing season'. Warns that 'changes are now going on in some schools, and the attention of school and University authorities is aroused.' Tells Sidgwick to send his essay, when finished, to Messers Clay. Informs him that he shall be 'here' till the end of August, at which time he shall return to Harrow.

With regard to Sidgwick's essay, declares it to be well-reasoned, and expresses his supreme satisfaction with it. Asks for Sidgwick's criticisms of his [Farrar's] essay, on which [Charles Stuart?] Parker had given him 'some very valuable hints'. Is pleased that Sidgwick praises his friend Mr Joseph Payne, and informs him that Payne and Dr [William?] Hodgson are two very leading men at the College of [Preceptors]. Refers to a book on education by Mr [ ], which he declares to be 'thoroughly shallow'. Refers to a conversation with [William] Johnson [Cory], in which the latter mentioned a conference with Sidgwick, and asks him to explain a reference Johnson made to it. Expresses his hopes in relation to the latter's essay. Predicts the volume of essays [Essays on a Liberal Education, edited by Farrar] to be a valuable one, speaks favourably of the writings of Wilson, Seeley and Sidgwick, and judges Bowen's to be 'a little disappointing.' Reports that Lytton cannot contribute because of an illness. Expresses his intention of returning to Harrow on 27 August. Includes a list of queries about, and suggested changes to, Sidgwick's essay.

Edinburgh - Thanks WW for his volume on the philosophy of discovery: 'I have looked (though imperfectly) into the theological part of your volume; and am pleased to see, as usual, the manly expression of Religious Thought, which so many so-called strong minded men seem to regard as an expression of weakness'. JDF is glad that WW referred him for the interpretation of WW's remarks on public schools to 'Tom Brown' and 'Eric' [by Thomas Hughes and Frederic Farrar, see JDF to WW, 5 February 1860]: 'My own judgment of Tom Brown as a book to be put into the hands of young people was not favourable, but I found I could not well keep it out of the hands of my boys. But when Eric was given to them in a present by an intimate friend, I fairly rebelled and locked it up. You, of course object still more to the thing, than to the telling of it. Yet I cannot conceive that a premature acquaintance with the ways of vice can be a safeguard to its attractions. I consider Eric to be an indefensible book'. They have had to appoint a new President to the Edinburgh Royal Society due to the death of Thomas Brisbane. JDF would have easily been elected but decided not to stand. Consequently it has gone to the Duke of Argyll - who 'was elected as a Scottish nobleman fond of science'.

Refers to letter he sent that morning. Expresses his satisfaction with the progress of the Essays [on a Liberal Education, edited by Farrar], and praises those of Wilson, Seeley and Sidgwick as being 'most weighty and excellent'. Expresses the hope that he can secure some reviews, and asks Sidgwick to use his influence in that direction also, with, for example, Lord Houghton. Declares his intention of writing to Dr William Smith, and of trying 'to get the Quarterly [Review] to speak.' Asks Sidgwick for suggestions with regard to the preface. States his intention to try 'to get up a gathering at my home before the end of September.'

Thanks Sidgwick for his criticisms of his essay, and explains some of the references therein. Gives directions as to how Sidgwick may receive further proofs, and reminds him that corrections at the final stage are very expensive. With reference to his [Farrar's] Greek Syntax, which is in its second edition, states his intention of sending a copy of it to Sidgwick the following term, if he has not yet come across it, and asks for his criticisms.

Writes in relation to the volume of Essays to which they both are contributors [Essays on a Liberal Education, edited by Farrar]. Sends his idea of what the order of authors should be, and asks for Sidgwick's opinion. Declares Johnson's essay to be 'unluckily conservative' but 'of interest to all schoolmasters.' Invites Sidgwick to dine at his house on Saturday 5 October. Informs him that only one or two of the contributors shall be there.

Dunkeld. Description of highland games, deputising for Farrar in examining the sixth form at Marlborough, enjoying Homer more than ever.

Castleton. Has heard from Farrar regarding Marlborough, Arthur Butler in Dresden, siege of Sebastapol.

Cambridge. In the midst of the fellowship exams, does not think that he will get a fellowship, but thinks Farrar will get one.

Cannot come to Cambridge to vote, but heartily approves of the proposed change in the Previous Examination. States that he is aware that many parents have been anxiously awaiting the day when modern languages 'shall be accepted in lieu of Greek at the Universities in the case of boys destined for commercial or similar pursuits.' Believes that the proposed change may induce some parents who would not other wise have done so to send their sons to college. In relation to the proposed scheme of the inspection of schools by the universities, states that he believes it to be 'undesirable and dangerous.'

Harrow. - Seeks recommendation for Headmastership at Haileybury: 'I have excited strong opposition in some paedagogic & clerical circles by the editing of the Essays on a Liberal Education, & by my Lecture before the Royal Institution'; ought not to be barred for pursuing cause of educational reform; requests testimonial; several other Apostles are aiding him.

Expresses regret at being able to 'come up' neither the following day, nor during the remainder of the term; he must go to Marlborough. Enquires as to when 'Donne's and Smith's' dinners might be. Asks Sidgwick to write 'a line or two to explain what the state of the case is' in relation to a book that he is revising. Asks HS to tell [ ] that he got leave to write 'the Macaulay article' should he want to, and that he would like to know whether '[ ] will have it or not'. Asks Sidgwick to return some books to the Varsity Library. Enquires as to whether he has seen Farrar's book on Language [Farrer (1868), An Essay on the Origins of Language]. States that he is writing a [laudation] of long sermons. Refers to Odd People, a book by [ ] Reid, which he has drawn on.

Harrow. - Acknowledges testimonial.

Essays on a Liberal Education, edited by Frederic William Farrar, published in 1867.

Regrets to hear of the unfavourable circumstances under which she made her visit to London [see Mary Sidgwick's letter, ADD.MS.c/101/179]. Reports that he has made himself rather ill 'by knocking about to Oxford and London from 13th to 15th' and has been keeping very quiet in Cambridge ever since. Intends to go to London for a few days before he goes to Rugby.

Reports that he just saw the Royal Academy, referring to the work of Leighton, Millais and Brett, and declaring it on the whole to be a bad exhibition. Announces that his friend Charles Bernard and his wife are now in England, and asks his mother if she would like him to ask him 'to run down to Rugby' while Henry is there and stay for a day or so. Reports that he saw William in Oxford on 13 June, and that he seemed very well. Indicates that they may meet in Switzerland. States that he is working now, and is very well. Tells her to keep the MSS as long as she likes; does not know if they will interest her, though he finds them interesting 'as all details of one's own mental life are. One grows old in Cambridge very fast...' Comments on the fact that [Jex]-Blake has been elected principle of Cheltenham [College]. Remarks that he will prosper, and states that he does not feel quite sure that Farrar would, although he would have felt more interested in trying the experiment with Farrar.