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Incomplete. They have got summer at last 'and are even inclined to think it too hot' that day; hopes that Mary has nice weather also. Is particularly glad they have got a fine day since 'the Lewes'' [George Eliot and G. H. Lewes] have been with them since Thursday, as the guests of both Gurney and the Sidgwicks. Remarks on the difference the sun makes to Cambridge, and describes the effect of a summer sunset.

Was rather alarmed at the prospect of having Eliot there: '[o]ne feels beforehand as if she had such a terrible power of analysing ones character - that all ones defects would be more obvious to her than to oneself or anyone else'. However, she is not in reality at all alarming, and 'has an almost exaggerated gentleness of voice and considerateness of manner, and succeeds very quickly in putting one at ones ease'. She talks well, but not so brilliantly as one would expect, 'though she occasionally says good things'. Mr Lewes is an extremely good talker and 'can keep up a conversation for any length of time, and he tells stories well and has a great many of them, and mimics well, but he is not always quite in good taste.' It has been very pleasant having them there, and hopes that they will come again some day.

Admits that she and Henry feel a certain relief to have the house to themselves again after so many visitors. They intend going up to London on the following Thursday, and to stay there for three nights, as Henry's engagements make that necessary, though they may stay at home if he does not finish his book. From London they propose to go to Broadstairs if Isabel is still there. After this their plans become vague.

Writes to enquire 'whether such droppages from [her] travelling-bag and writing-case as a silver pencil-casee, two penholders...and small pair of nail scissors may be found lurking in the rooms [she and Mr Lewes] occupied.' Reports that they are getting 'quietly settled' in their country home, and refers to some delightful walks that they have had. Refers to the kindness shown to them by the Sidgwicks in Cambridge. Adds that they 'had the advantage of seeing more of Mr. Stuart as a fellow-passenger on the way to London. Refers to the pleasant weather they are experiencing, and to her view of 'a hazy line of distant hills.' Hopes that Nora has been resting well, and that the hay fever has abated.

Refers to Nora's invitation to her to come to Cambridge towards the end of May, and hopes that her health will permit such a visit. States that she and her husband would both value the opportunity of being with Henry and Nora 'more quietly and continuously than [they] could do under other conditions' than those offered to them. Remarks that it seems a long while since she saw them both at Six Mile, when their talk 'was too interrupted' and their stay together 'too soon at an end.'

Thanks Myers for his verses, which impressed him very much, apart from the third one, from which, he claims, he does not seem to derive any idea 'except of the girl's complexion'. Longs to see Myers. Reports that he has 'simply vegetated brooded and written a page a day of a stupid book [The Methods of Ethics]', which will appear the following year.

Announces Arthur's intended marriage to James Wilson of Rugby's sister [Charlotte], who is described by their mother as 'simpleminded and intelligent'; is curious to see her. Sidney Colvin told him that the Lewes' 'were not [to be] in the Chiselhurst house till October', and so Sidgwick has decided to defer his visit; mentions 28 September as a possible date. Is going to Rugby from 22 to 27 September inclusive; asks Myers to send him a line as to his movements as soon as he arrives. Will stay [in Cambridge] until Monday 22 September, and asks Myers if he will go there, and/or meet him in London on 28 September. Encloses 'AS's Communication' [announcing Arthur's impending marriage; not included], and states that he will never forgive him for not putting it on a postcard.

The Priory, 21 North Bank, Regents Park -- Suggests that Clark should print the two versions of Hamlet with commentary which he would find instructive, as he has never seen the whole of the first version except in Hugo's French translation; is sending him the new edition of his life of Goethe in part because Clark liked the original, and in part to show he is not unmindful of Clark's kindness.

Asks her to send the enclosed [introductions] [not included] to William. States that he acquired them from an acquaintance of his [Lewes]'who on Wednesday morning was totally ignorant of W's existence', and who had been mistaken for Henry by a lady, who congratulated him on his brother's marriage [to Isabel]. Having 'conceived immediately a lively interest in W. and hearing that he was gone to Sicily offered [Henry] the introduction to Signor Th[ ]', which Henry 'had not the heart to refuse'. He also received an introduction to Signor Salinas, [Professor of Archaeology at Palermo]. Asks her to write when her plans about going to Exeter are settled.

Admits that he should have suggested precisely what Myers proposes when he [HS] wrote last, 'only [he] thought there might be a party at 23 [H] Sq.' Declares that '[Leweses] in same week with Ghosts...would be an outrage.' Reports that Gurney is getting 'all right', and has played tennis. Announces that he dined in hall.

Including correspondence re Fortnightly Review.
197: enclosing copy of printed letter to Henry Danby Seymour, 13 Jan. 1865

Writes on philosophy in Cambridge. States that the correspondence of Hare and Whewell gives him the impression 'that there was very little mental philosophy read at Cambridge in their younger days'. Whewell's lectures were very well attended in the early years after he was appointed professor, but the numbers attending declined after he began to develop his new system. Refers to the paper set on philosophy for the Trinity Fellowships, and to Trinity lecturers Thompson and Cope. Refers to his own undergraduate days from 1844 to 1848, and mentions the works on philosophy which were influential at that time: an article of ancient philosophy by [Maurice], and Lewes' Biographical History of Philosophy. Believes that Lewes led him and many of his contemporaries to read J.S. Mill.

States that in St. John's College in his time 'a meagre abridgement of Locke used to be read in the first year, which 'finally disappeared under Roby's zealous efforts to reform [the students].' In relation to mental philosophy in those days, remarks that there 'must have been persons who were fond of [it]', and reports that he say a copy of the French translation of some of Sir W. Hamilton's essays in the private room of the mathematical tutor Mr Hopkins. Relates that Herschel's [Preliminary Discourse on [the Study of] Natural Philosophy 'was a book much read at Cambridge'. Mentions the absence of any account of the Greek Philosophy in Thirlwall's History [of Greece], and the political activity in England consequent on the Reform Bill and its results, as possible causes of the lack of interest in [mental philosophy].

Refers to a perceived 'taste for philosophy' arising in the previous thirty years at Cambridge, and cites theological influences as the possible cause, e.g., Butler's Analogy [of Religion], the sermons of Harvey Goodwin, and Dr Mill's contact with Hare and his Christian Advocate publications. Relates having, with others, admired the Sermons of Archer Butler, and having encouraged Macmillan to buy Butler's manuscripts, and publish the Lectures on Ancient Philosophy. Thinks that they appeared in 1856. Refers to Sir W. Hamilton, who 'became first known to most Cambridge men for his attacks on mathematics and on the Universities', and to W. Walton 'of Trinity Hall formerly of Trin. Coll.'. Adds that in 1834 'Sterling and J.C. Hare and others wanted to found a prize for Essays on the Philosophy of Christianity in honour of Coleridge', but the H[eads] would not allow it. Announces that he shall publish two letters from Whewell to Hare on the subject.

36 Wilton Crescent, S.W. (on Wallington headed paper). - Is pleased that Lady Trevelyan likes his book ["Atalanta in Calydon"]; it was finished just after Landor's death which he much regrets. Much enjoyed the composition of the poem, which 'was very rapid and pleasant'; thinks it is 'pure Greek, and the first poem of the sort in modern times': feels that Shelley's "Prometheus [Unbound]", though 'magnificent', is 'un-Hellenic', and gathers from Lewes's life of Goethe that his "Iphigenia in Tauris" is also 'impregnated with modern morals and feeling"; also dismisses [Matthew] Arnold's "Merope". Is 'raging in silence' about the delayed publication of [Thomas] Carlyle's volumes: the subject [Frederick the Great] 'was always a hero' of Swinburne's who is impressed by his 'clear cold purity of pluck', which is not inspired by faith. Frederick seems free of 'perverse Puritan Christianity' on the one hand, and 'the knaveries and cutpurse rascalities' of the Buonapartes on the other; Swinburne can almost forgive him his bad poetry. Is very glad to hear good news of Sir Walter and the building projects; wishes she were in London for [Ford] Madox Brown's exhibition, which is 'superb'. Is currently staying at the house his father has taken in London for the winter, and is looking for rooms for himself; his father has completed the purchase of Holm Wood [Holmwood] in Oxfordshire. Feels that Tennyson should have made a better choice of his "Selections": feels that "Boadicea" should have 'served as prelude to the book'; thought Tennyson's 'volume of last summer' ["Enoch Arden"] a 'new triumph'.

Reports that her illness is preventing her from seeing any of her friends. Expresses her desire to 'institute some sort of Educational instrumentality which will be a help to poor students of the subjects in which [her] husband was most interested...to be called by his name.' Seeks advice on this project from Sidgwick and Professor [James?] Stuart. Refers to a report in the Times on the meeting on University Teaching at the Mansion House, and concludes that a greater knowledge of the work of the London Society for the Extension of University Teaching would assist her in her plans. She intends to devote four or five thousand pounds to the purpose. Asks Sidgwick to discuss the matter with Professor Stuart, and with 'any Cambridge man' whom he thinks likely to 'aid with ideas'; mentions Michael Foster as an example. Refers with affection to a letter she received from Sidgwick. Sends her 'best love' to Mrs Sidgwick, and expresses the desire to carry out the project during her lifetime, and not as a matter of bequest.

Refers to her writing and regrets the 'imperfection of [her] experience, and of [her] knowledge generally'. Asks Sidgwick of his own experiences in writing. Had planned to leave leave town on 4 [June], but a problem with the house prevents them. Reports that she has been 'so much of an invalid lately' and that she is looking forward to the peace of the country.' A compensation for staying in town an extra week, she says, would be the pleasure of seeing friends.

Quotes an extract from a missive to him [from George Eliot], including an invitation to Sidgwick and Myers to lunch in Blackbrook, Southborough on 'Saturday the 4th', and gives directions as to arrive at Chislehurst by train. Sidgwick states that he shall very likely join the train at London Bridge, coming from Cambridge.

Reminds him that they are in town, and invites him to come and lunch with them. Refers to Sidgwick's work and expresses hope that 'it is making progress.'