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One letter dated 17 April 1896 and three undated.

On the contents of Sidgwick's proposed chapter in the Cambridge Modern History. Expresses desire that 'the history of human thought is not to be dissociated from the history of human action.' Discusses the importance of the chapter, and the necessity of its writing.

Acton's requirements of Sidgwick in relation to his chapter in the Cambridge Modern History.

Letter and enclosed typescript draft of list of contents for planned volumes of modern history. Discusses plans for its publication, possible problems in relation to the division of categories and Sidgwick's own chapter. 'First List of Contents' accompanies the letter, in which are laid out the titles of each chapter in the twelve volumes of the work. (2 docs)

accepts invitation to Trinity Lodge

Plans for the writing and publishing of a general modern history ['in many volumes'] to be entitled the Cambridge Modern History. Asks Sidgwick to contribute a chapter on the philosophers of the seventeenth century, and gives details of its desired structure. Asks for recommendations for an author of a chapter on the scientific ideas 'of the present age'.

Thanks Nora for 'the somewhat more hopeful view' [about Henry's health], which she conveyed in her letter. Asks her to give him news of Henry when she can, and to thank him for his note of the previous day about 'the meeting'. His own thoughts and hopes will be with both of them at this time; prays that God may give them help. Trusts that Henry will not trouble himself 'about this Academy matter.' Offers to make any arrangements that are needed, and states that he will do so with Mr Jebb and Lord Acton.

Writes to decline graciously an invitation given by Sidgwick and others. Cites pressures of work as reason for inability to accept.

Mechanically reproduced letter signed by Lord Acton and R. C. Jebb addressing the question of founding a new Society or an additional section of the existing Royal Society of 'Literary Science'; with three enclosures: a mechanically reproduced copy of a letter from the Secretaries of the Royal Society dated 21 Nov. 1899 (Item 47), a printed proposal of statutes for an International Association of Academies (Item 46), and a printed letter from Dillon on behalf of a committee considering the proposal (Item 46).

Informs him that he has been offered the Seeley Chair at Cambridge.

Refers to a letter to the Royal Society from Lord Dillon on behalf of several interested gentlemen, including Arthur Balfour, James Bryce, Lord Acton, HS, Professor Jebb, W.E. Lecky, Leslie Stephen, and others, in relation to the formation of a British Academy.

Also refers to Henry Sidgwick's plan for the the institution of a new academy or section. Lays out plan, including the ways in which the Royal Society might aid in the project. Refers to its proposed scope in terms of subject-related sections. Refers to the participation of the Royal Society in the foundation of an International Association of the principal Scientific and Literary Academies of the world, and to a scheme drawn up for the organisation of the Association, which provides for the division of the Association into two sections - ' "Scientific" ' and ' "Literary" '. Points out that there is no existing institution 'competent to represent the United Kingdom in the Philosophico-Historical [Literary] section', and this fact is used as an argument for the foundation of a new Academy.

Includes proposals 'submitted to the Committee' on ways in which the demand for the representation of Philosophico-Historical studies in an Academy might be dealt with, including the creations of an organisation independent of the Royal Society; the creation of two ' "Academies" ' within the Royal Society; the creation of two or three ' "Sections" ' of the Royal Society; and the creation of twenty-five to fifty Fellows 'representing the Philosophico-Historical subjects, to serve as a nucleus, and creation of three or four committees, similar to those already existing, viz., one for Ethnography and Archaeology, one for Philology, one for Statistics and Political Economy, and one for Psychology...'.

Reports that the above schemes were discussed at an interview with a number of representatives of the Philosophico-Historical Sciences, and that the general opinion of these gentlemen was in favour of the creation of two or three sections of the Royal Society. Refers to the issue of whether the Royal Society 'will be more useful if the area of its interests is enlarged.' Discusses the divisions between the Natural Sciences and the Philosophico-Historical group of sciences, and the manner in which each group is treated in other European countries. Raises the question of Government grants, and suggests that if new subjects were to share in these grants it might have the effect of dividing the Royal Society into sections with comparatively weak common interests. Refers also to the effect of the scheme on expenditure and on the organisation of the staff.

Thanks her for the letters, which he claims remind him of 'some of the steps connected with the establishment of the British Academy' that he had forgotten. Confirms that the statement Nora sent to him is quite correct, and states that he has added a few words, 'which explain the thing a little more fully to those who may not know the facts.' Believes that it is very possible that he has some of Henry Sidgwick's letters about the [British] Academy, but had not found them before leaving London. States that Henry and Lord Acton were the two who had most faith in the idea, but that his [Bryce']s correspondence was chiefly with Henry. Adds that the other letters reached him safely, and thanks her for them. States that he [and his wife] will be in Sussex until about 25 August, and then they plan to go abroad for five or six weeks. Asks her to let them know if she should be at T[remans]. Adds that they hope to be back [in Sussex] in October.

Written before his [Acton's] departure for Rome with his son. Discusses writings of Fouillee, Hahler and Heinze, in relation to Socrates' philosophy. Comments on Sidgwick's own attitude to Socrates and ethics. Explanation of Probabilism; role of the latter in the philosophies of the Jesuits and Ultramontaines [who adhered to its principles], and of the centralised orders of Benedictines, Oratorians and Dominicans [who were against it].

Critique of Sidgwick's treatise on medieval Ethics, for which Acton had recommended certain authors. Discusses a possible title. Points out certain shortcomings in the work, such as HS's failure to acknowledge that Christianity did triumph over Eastern paganism, and his [HS's] insularity as reflected in the work.

Mentions Lord Acton's Letters to Mrs Drew [Letters of Lord Acton to Mary, daughter of the Right Hon. W.E. Gladstone].

In relation to the length of Sidgwick's papers to be submitted for publication in the Fortnightly Review, Morley advises between fifteen and twenty pages. Tells him to send his MS. to Virtue and Co., London. States his intention of directing his energies the following Spring to bringing Sidgwick into the [Athenaeum] Club. Assumes that P[ ] will again propose him. Promises to send him a list of the Committee 'when the time comes'. Expresses regret that Lord Acton has retired, as he voted for Sidgwick the previous year. Claims to be in bad spirits, on account of his fortieth birthday. Claims that he has not yet made his choice 'among the reasons for right and wrong with which [Sidgwick] bewildered' him some years previously.

Thanks him for the biography of Lord Acton.

Letter accompanying books on early Florence [not included]. Refers to an essay by Hopf on Venice in the [Historisches?] Taschenbuch, and Webster's work.

His reactions as a 'mere historian' to the 'annals' and Durkheim's Revue. Discusses Sidgwick's chapter in the Cambridge Modern History; their disagreement in relation to Bacon and Descartes and the development of modern politics. Also mentions Locke and Hobbes.

Sends Vol III [not included] of 'The Life' [George Eliot's Life as related in her Letters and Journals] which he asks Sidgwick to read. Refers to 'the old association' between the latter and Eliot. Intends to send the volume off to press as soon as possible. States that no one outside his own family, aside from Lord Acton, has yet seen it. Claims that he shall feel it 'greatly strengthened by [Sidgwick's] revision' and does not know anyone 'whose judgment [his] wife wd. have trusted more.'

Informs Sidgwick that the holidays have given him time to read the E[ncyclopedia Britannica?], which he had sent to him. Remarks that his analysis of 'Public Morality' 'clears up several matters'. Discusses the principles on which a historian ought to judge the actions of a statesman, claims that Acton 'does not face the difference...between the principles on which a statesman may act and those aforementioned historian's principles', and warns against the critic introducing his own presuppositions. Remarks that Sidgwick had not touched on the moral influence on the historian's generation of a public war, and uses Bismarck to illustrate his point. Agrees with Sidgwick about 'clerical veracity', and remarks that it is 'curious how the moral sense of the community has practically ruled out Rashdall's view.' States that he is enjoying 'this place' very much.