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Additional Manuscripts c Sidgwick, Henry (1838–1900), philosopher
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Three black and white photographs of Henry Sidgwick

One oval portrait, wearing a long jacket and trousers, bow tie and watch and chain, seated in an ornate chair, with one arm resting on a table, with his hand on a book. Two cartes de visite: one of Henry Sidgwick, wearing a long dark jacket and light-coloured trousers, seated on a chair in front of a wall ornamented with plaster-work, with his hand resting on two books, which lie on a covered table; the second is of the head and shoulders of Henry, with a long beard and wearing a dark jacket. According to Henry Jackson [103/59], one of the cartes de visite was taken by [Jules] Guggenheim in Oxford.

Also a blank card with 'Newnham College, Cambridge' printed on it, and an envelope addressed to Nora Sidgwick, postmarked 1907-07-10.

Proof of [letter] by J.R. Seeley to Henry Sidgwick

Refers to a paper he wrote on the proposed reform in the Classical Tripos, in which he urged the introduction of philosophy 'on the ground that the subjects with which philosophy is occupied are far more directly useful in after life than those with which philology is occupied.' Refers to Mr Vansittart's answer to his argument, and claims to feel somewhat hurt at the tone of the latter's sentences. It never occurred to him in writing his paper 'that useful pursuits could be taken to mean lucrative pursuits'; thinks that it is a pity it occurred to Mr Vansittart in reading it.

To clear himself from suspicion he proposes to give 'the desired definition of usefulness in after life', in order to counter his detractor's arguments. Disputes the opinion that he should adopt 'the doctrine of Mr Mozley' in relation to the matter, and puts forward the view that Cambridge studies 'ought to be such as will be useful in after life' and that they are not sufficiently so. Adds however that he does not maintain 'that they ought to be just such studies and no others, as will be most useful in after life'. Contends that the way in which a study can best help a man forward in his occupation is by furnishing him with the general principles which apply to it.'

Applies his theory to the case of the study of theology, referring to the fact that a great number of Cambridge students become clergymen. Suggests that the introduction of Greek philosophy into the Tripos examination would be of benefit to such students. Also refers to the benefit of the study of philosophy for English lawyers. Makes reference to Aristotle, and Plato's Republic, and to a treatise by Rousseau on education. Adds that he does not question that the study of philology has its uses. Quotes 'Mr Mill', who claimed that every sentence analysed 'is a lesson in logic', and regrets that grammar 'is not at present taught very rationally at Cambridge.' Believes that the introduction of Sanskrit into the examination in place of history would ruin it. States that if a third dead language is added to the two difficult ones already required he will not have any objection to the examination as such but will 'hope to see it sink decidedly below the level of the Moral Sciences Examination, as dealing with less important subjects, and deprived of the power of conferring a degreee, as an insufficient test of a high education.'

Printed single sheet/circular: 'On Degrees in Science', by Henry Sidgwick

Argues that the grounds on which opposition to the appointment of a Syndicate to consider Degrees in Science are based 'are in each case untenable.' States that the Master of Downing [Alexander Hill] and three other resident members of the Senate base their opposition 'on a narrow interpretation of the term "Science", which they understand to mean "Natural Science" only to the exclusion of Mathematics.' Claims that this is an 'unwarranted interpretation'.

Refers also to the assertion by the Master of Clare [Edward Atkinson] and eleven other resident members of the Senate that the matter in hand raises again the issue decided in the previous October. Refers to five of these eleven men - Swete, Mayor, Mollison, Neil and Bateson - who also signed the circular issued at that time by the Committee formed to oppose the proposal to remove the obligation to study both classical languages as a prerequisite for sitting the Previous Examination. Argues that the matter decided at that time was relevant to Degrees in Arts only. Adds that Professor Browne, who signed the above-mentioned circular, authorises Sidgwick to state that he always understood that the question of Degrees in Science was left open. Concludes that it is 'unreasonable to contend that the issue now raised is one on which the opinion of the Senate has been already given.'

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