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Reports that nothing fresh has happened, but declares that 'what has happened...seems to [him] to furnish adequate matter for a Dialogue between a Poet and a Philosopher.' Arranges to meet 'at the Restaurant' to talk.

Asks for clarification on the meaning of 'Experimental Psychology', and expresses the wish that his name not appear on the reception committee if the phrase is intended to be associated with telepathy at the 'proceedings of the Congress'. Mentions Gurney and Myers as being active 'in connexion with the inquiries indicated'. States that, on the other hand, the phrase is associated with physio-psychology, he should be very happy to have his name joined with those of 'Bain, [Sills], Croom Robertson' and others named by Sidgwick.

Express their heartfelt sympathy with Henry and Nora Sidgwick, and their wish that Henry may soon recover from his illness, of which they learned from F.W.H. Myers. As his pupils, they wish to assure Henry of the honour and respectful affection in which they hold him.

Tells of how much he is enjoying 'the prospect of work opening out' at the post which Sidgwick appointed him to. Foresees ' a chance of putting many of [his] long cherished schemes into a sort of practice', thanks in part to their system of 'local government'. Fears that Myers regards him as a 'back-slider', but doesn't feel like one. Has got 'university and other developments on the brain' and is 'concocting many documents', of which he promises to send copies to Sidgwick in due course. Announces that there will be a research laboratory provided, where he will work. Has 'plenty of energy', and is in need of a holiday, and reports that he has just '"bought" a house in B[irming]ham.' Explains that he does not say anything about Sidgwick's illness because nothing he can say, he believes, is of use. Sends his regards to Mrs Sidgwick.

Thanks Sidgwick for his letter of 24 December etc. Mentions writing to Myers.

Reports his recent return from Rome, where his wife was nursing her sister Nelly. Expresses his delight (and that of his wife) at the news of Sidgwick's [honorary] fellowship at Trinity College. Explains that they are staying at Eton until the end of August and asks him whether he could come to see them at the end of his term. States that two things 'have given [him] great pleasure lately', one being 'the unmasking of Fremde in the papers, and the other being [Myers?]'s Wordsworth, which he just read, and which seems to him 'admirable as a piece of criticism'.

Tells Sidgwick that it is very good of him 'to attend to [his] paradoxes.' Admits that his 'Psychics' are very unpopular, 'but Tyler [E. B. Tylor?] brought them in, and left them hanging in the air, and did little to the civilised side of them.' Informs him that he will find [fire walls] in his Modern Mythology. Reports that he has published more in the Westminster Gazette, and that the New Zealand [observations] 'will appear at length in the proceedings of their scientific society.' States that the performances 'were well tested, and quite unexplained.' Claims to know no competent anthropologist 'in the line of beliefs' apart from Frazer and Tyler. The latter has not been well and his wife has not allowed him Lang's book, '"for fear it might injure the brain".' Believes that [Sir Alfred?] Lyall has read it, and thinks that 'part II holds water'. Would correct the points in relation to 'S.P.R.' [the Society for Psychical Research] and hopes Myers had kept him straight.' States that he may 'correct in the French.' Refers to a comment made by Sidgwick on Hume and claims that he [Hume] 'certainly advised absolute disregard of evidence'.

Wishes that he could more adequately have expressed in his last letter 'something of the affection and reverence [he has] always felt' for Henry Sidgwick. Refers to the keen interest he took in all things, and his wonderful humour. Remarks that his writings 'had comparatively little of that charm [of] humour and felicitous phrasing which made his conversation so fascinating.' Refers to his 'clear, unbiased vision'. Declares that his memory will not soon pass away, and that apart from the work he has done, Henry will live as a noble memory with all who knew him, among whom Podmore numbers himself and his wife. Encloses a letter [67/2], which he wrote to the Daily Chronicle. States that there was no time to contact [F.W.H.] Myers, and that he was reluctant to disturb Nora, so he has written it on his own responsibility. Refers to a reference she made to an article on telepathy.

In relation to Easter, states that his plans are uncertain. Is glad that she is interested in [William] Lecky. Gives his thoughts on reading and thinking; believes that 'it is not so easy as people think to choose reading that really sets the mind to work and makes it grow'; however, since everyone is 'always... much "involved in matter' as Aristotle says', the world and our 'little petty interests are "too much with us", and anything that lifts us out of them is a gain'. The ability to be thus lifted is something he much values in people; it is not proportionate to talent - intellect viewed as an instrument'. Arthur Butler has it, and it is one of the things Henry likes in [E. A?]. Scott.

Remarks that his mother has not written to him lately, and that they have 'in a sort of way dropped out of correspondence'. Claims that it was not he who objects to gossip; asserts that he has always maintained that 'it was the only way most people [had] of exercising their minds really, originally, on moral and social questions'. Says he is certainly interested in the Ritchies [the family of William Ritchie]; wishes that his mother could see them 'and ascertain whether the interest is due to [his] very limited acquaintance with (feminine) human nature'; has met many families but 'never... with one that took [his] fancy like this'. Asks what she thinks of Mrs Gretton; thinks that she must be livelier than most Rugby people, but that 'she is to be taken "cum grano" '.

Reports that Macmillan won't say who wrote Ecce Homo [recently published anonymously by J. R. Seeley], but has promised sometime to ask twenty people to dinner including Henry and the author. Reports that Gladstone wrote to Macmillan 'a letter acknowledging a presented copy and calling it a "noble book".' Relates that some of the 'younger men', such as Myers, are 'tremendously stirred by it', but that Henry is 'not quite in the same way'; quotes Carlyle saying that 'man and his universe are eternally divine', and adds that the author of Ecce Homo 'means us to go further and credit what is now to us incredible. He may be right'.

Expresses surprise at Mrs Gretton preferring the eldest Miss Ritchie [Augusta], and declares that he does also, although he does not think most people would. Refers also to the second Miss Ritchie [Blanche], 'Cornish's betrothed', as 'more unworldly perhaps.' Declares that when he comes across girls who interest him he uses his opportunities with considerable eagerness, 'because they are necessarily so few.'

Reports that he went up to London on the previous Saturday to lecture on Psychical Research to a 'College for Men and Women', and called to see her on Sunday, but found that they had gone to Ramsgate. Is delighted by her haunted house story, and wishes to begin making further inquiries. Enquires if she can find out for them where Mrs Tilghmans H[ ] is to be found in London. Asks her if she thinks his colleague Frank Podmore might call and ask her questions, or if Minnie would undertake the task herself. Lays out the main questions that he would like to have answered; wishes to know if the sisters Anna and Henrietta will write an account of their experiences, if the servants could be persuaded to testify, 'expecially Hannah Lilley and Minnie Forbes, and if it would be found out from Miss Hastings the names of the other persons who have lived in the house. Thinks that they certainly ought to take the house, if it is to be taken year by year. Remarks that a seven year lease 'would be rather a high price to pay for apparitions that may never come.' Encloses one of their slips 'of Phantasms of the Living '[book in preparation by Podmore, Myers and Gurney, published in 1886] not included], which Minnie may be able to help them in. Asks her if she could find out whether 'Rev.d James Walker' is alive, and if not whether he has left relations 'who know anything of the story.'

Announces that they shall probably be up in London again for the General Meeting of the Society of Psychical Research on Friday 28 March, and hopes to see her. Nora sends her love and hopes that 'nothing worse than transient colds' drove [them] to Ramsgate. Trust that Edward 'bears the sh[ ] of work prosperously'.

Typewritten copy of letter. Refers to 'some rough memoranda [included] about the share which Henry Sidgwick took in College and University business.' Adds that he is not writing anything 'with a view to its incorporation, solid, in [Stephen's] article', and that he is merely putting down a few facts, and that Stephen may use them how he wishes.

Memoranda including information on awards and scholarships, appointment and resignation as fellow, etc., taken from the Trinity College admissions book, the university calendar, the ' "Bursar's Minutes" '. Also contains Jackson's own recollections of Sidgwick, with reference to himself and others. Refers to Sidgwick's membership of the 'governing body' [of Trinity College], and his promotion of the abolition of tests in the University and his campaign for the repeal of all religious restrictions on the election and conditions of tenure of Fellows as then contained in the statutes.

Relates Sidgwick's' involvement in the campaign for women's education. Remarks, however, that he was not 'at first one of the active promoters' of the plan for examinations for women. States that the prime mover was F.W.H. Myers, 'inspired by Mrs Butler, and refers to a meeting held in London in December 1866 or 1867 to discuss the establishment of a private association to examine women, which Sidgwick did not attend. Claims that after the University had taken up the project and instituted the Higher Local Examination, and a demand arose for teaching in Cambridge to prepare women for it, Sidgwick 'threw himself with unexpected energy into the work of organizing lectures, and from that time forward his zeal for the cause never flagged.'

Refers to 'the abortive College statutes of 13 December 1872', in which Sidgwick had no part because he was not at the time a fellow; and to the Burn-Morgan memorial of 5 December 1872, which Sidgwick signed, and which specified 'four reforms which "would increase the educational efficiency of the University, and at the same time promote the advancement of science and learning." ' Claims that the matter was settled at his [Jackson's] rooms. States that Sidgwick was not a fellow when the existing codes of college statutes were made under the powers of the Commission of 1877-1881, but that in December 1879 and January 1880 he was 'one of a group of academic liberals who met at Trotter's rooms to discuss the Commissioners' tentative scheme of University and College legislation.' Relates that Sidgwick was nominated in 1882 by the Special Board for Moral Science to be its representative on the General Board of Studies, and that he supported the argument for the money derived from the colleges to be spent in the partial endowment of many posts, rather that in the complete endowment of a few.

Speaks of his admiration for Sidgwick during the debates on the duties of professors, and claims that, despite being a professor himself, Sidgwick took 'a large and generous view' of the work that they should be expected to do. Refers to his [Jackson's] regret at HS' departure from the General Board of Studies. Refers to Sidgwick's interest in the difficulties that the colleges faced in relation to the payment of taxes to the University, and claims that his scheme of relaxation failed 'by reason of its excessive subtlety and elaboration.' Refers to his membership of the Council of the Senate from 1890 to 1898, and states that he attended regularly, and took an active and lively part in discussion. Remarks that he seemed to him 'to have conservatized, and he had little sympathy with uneducated people.' States that he was 'a frequent, ready, and singularly effective speaker in our little parliament held in the Arts School', and adds that it would not have surprised him if he had stood for Parliament.

Refers to his fairness in regard to debates, and his impartial treatment of opposing views. Defends him against the charge that he ' "sat on the fence" ' on certain issues, and claims that he held very strongly the view that he took, but 'was apt to change his point of view.' In relation to Sidgwick's 'munificent benefactions to the University', states that he is continually grateful for the gift which brought Maitland back to the University. Concludes by saying that he does not know how to write about the years between 1862 and 1872, 'when his astonishing maturity made him potent among the younger Trinity men', and claims that during the previous summer he [Jackson] has been 'living perpetually in that time.'

Thanks her for writing to him 'in the midst of [her] anxiety.' Reports that [F.W.H.] Myers telegraphed him after Henry Sidgwick's operation. Claims to have been thinking about her a great deal, and declares he was 'utterly dumbfounded' by the news of Henry's illness, which was 'so entirely unexpected.' Expresses the hope that 'a life so useful and admirable and helpful to others may be prolonged to a reasonable length'.

Encloses 'a very small cheque for the F.W.H. Myers Memorial' [not included]. States that he has just been reading carefully through Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir 'with very unusual pleasure, and some inspiration and gratitude.' Announces that he is reviewing it for 'the British Friend'. Claims that it is 'full of matters of the deepest interest' to him, and states that he feels much obliged to Nora and Arthur for it. States that he is in frequent correspondence with Miss Johnson on psychical matters.

In Nora Sidgwick's hand. Myers declares that he has been reading Henry's review of [J. R. Seeley's] Ecce Homo 'with very great interest'; believes that it is one of the most brilliant things Henry has done. It makes him wish that Henry would write some other similar essays. Adds that his mother also greatly admires it.

Asks if Sidgwick is going to ask Constables for us or are you waiting for [ n burk?]? He understands from [ ] would have sent it from [ ] [ ]. H. encloses a cheque for it [ ] Myers which [ ] many thanks and regrets that [ ] did it [ ]. He asks Sidgwick [ ] for [ ]

Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick to express his sympathy with Nora. Reports that he learned from the Times 'the sad news for which [F.W.H.] Myers had already prepared' him some days previously. Claims that he had wished to write a word of farewell to Henry, but did not know just in what mental condition it would find him. Remarks that everything seems left undone in the world, and expresses his regret that Henry's final opinions in philosophy were left unpublished. Suggest that Nora will be able to edit those works which were written and publishable. Refers to the 'impression of flawlessness in quality', which Henry left on all those who knew him. Suggests that to have had such a man 'is surely for a woman the completest vital experience.' Prays that she may be enabled to endure his loss, and that she may 'rise through it to still higher regions of life'.

Thanks Lodge for a packet and two letters: will answer these in the order in which they arrived. He and Nora were both much impressed by Lodge's having found conviction in the matter of Eusapia [Palladino]; they did not hesitate to alter their plans and accept Richet's invitation to the 'Isle Roubaud'. Concedes that they 'shall have to accept as a "working hypothesis" the reality of "telekinetic" phenomena', and admits that although he doesn't like the incidents of the investigation, he likes 'the excitement which the new departure will give to the business of Psychical Research.' In relation to a complaint made by Lodge in one of his letters regarding a 'confession which removed all doubts as to "Mr Z.", attempts to explain why there was a delay in informing Lodge of the circumstances, referring to to Frederick Myers and Richet. Refers also to 'Mrs Myers [sic] letter, and explains that it never occurred to him that he would wish to have his name brought forward in relation to the matter. Offers to introduce a reference to him and his instruments 'in the next Journal' [of the Society for Psychical Research]. States that Page H[opps] has written a letter which will give Sidgwick an opportunity of returning to the subject. He and Nora have read Lodge's account of the seances in the Île Roubaud left with them by Myers; feels that had he been there he would have been 'absolutely convinced'. They propose to leave London for the island on Thursday 16 August.

MS note by Nora explains that the letter did not reach her until after the biography of Henry was printed, and that Lodge sent her other letters, but this one seemed to her the only one of any biographical importance.

Explains that he had hesitated to write to him before because he did not know whether he would mind being disturbed, but Myers told him that he may do so. Informs him that he and his wife have been thinking about Sidgwick and his wife much during the last few weeks. Refers to the London Psychical Congress, which both couples attended, and at which Sidgwick come to sit down beside the Podmores at lunch. Expresses the admiration and affection he feels towards Sidgwick. Declares that he doesn't very much care 'whether or not there is a personal individual immortality', but that he is sure that there is a unity and a purpose in the cosmos; that the lives and conscious force of individuals persist in some form after death. Thanks Sidgwick for reading his books, and for 'the wise counsel' that he has given him.

Typewritten copy. Nora hoped to have had an opportunity yesterday to explain to Bryce the sudden change in their foreign travel plans. There is a crisis impending in the affairs of the Society for Psychical Research: three chief members of their group of investigators, F.W.H. Myers, O. J. Lodge and Richet, 'have convinced themselves of the truth of the physical phenomena of Spiritualism', and have been experimenting with an Italian medium called Eusapia Palladino on a small island in the Mediterranean. The Society has for some years had a reputation for 'comparative sanity', and fears for it now if its most representative men 'come forward as believers.' He and Nora, therefore, feel bound to accept Richet's invitation to go to the Île Roubaud and, if possible, obtain personal experience. The length of their stay is indefinite, but they hope to have time to go to Switzerland afterwards. Suggests that Bryce send him a postcard when his plans are fixed. Gives his address on the island, and undertakes to write to Bryce from there. They intend to return to Cambridge on the following Saturday.

Tells Nora to do whatever she likes with what she wrote about Nora. Explains that it was originally 'a kind of protest...against some of Mr. Myers' words.' States that the '[ ]field time was certainly first after the vacation at Oban', and recalls C.H. Tawney bringing another man, when Tawney first came home from Oban, and Henry [Sidgwick] coming a little later. Admits that she cannot recall how the tableau vivant question came up, but states that 'the Afghan costume wasnt [sic] the only time Mr. Sidgwick dressed himself up', and recalls having seen him walking about in the garden of a house they lived in in Glamorganshire in an enormous sun hat. Adds that she has not [touched] the [proofs?] because she agrees to whatever Nora thinks.

Typewritten copy. Wants Bryce's aid 'in reforming mankind - especially the University of Cambridge'. They have at present 'no examination in History', and he and others think they should, and that it should be incorporated into the Law Tripos, 'after the Oxford model.' As an examiner in his Law and Modern History school, he would like Bryce to write him a letter on the subject. Adds that they shall probably make International Law as prominent as they can, because they have just founded a professorship and several scholarships in this subject. Asks if he has seen [F. W. H. Myer's poem] St Paul, which, he remarks, is 'very fine poetical rhetoric - consummate except for excess of artifice, and occasional lapses into bad taste and into startling vulgarity...which reminds one of Ebenezer.' Does not think 'any man living could have written it except Myers'. Has heard that Conington 'is writing a "Numquamne reponam" on classical education in the Contemporary [Review]', and they 'expect to be withered.'

Sends Nora some of Henry's' letters to him [see 105/31-39]. Two or three of them relate to the University Tests Repeal movement, in which Henry took an active part. One letter, relating to F.W.H. Myers' poem St Paul when it first appeared', is interesting. Another about history in Cambridge was a reply to Bryce for advice on whom he should ask to join in starting the English Historical Review. Remarks on Henry's modesty in disclaiming historical knowledge for himself; comments on how admirably he handled it in The Development of European Polity. May find more letters, as he is certain that he has had many more. He and his wife are going down to Sussex for a little before they go abroad. Refers to proof sheets of a notice to appear in the Transactions of the British Academy [not included].

Report of seances with Rossi-Pagnoni at Pesaro, 11 Nov 1888; partly in Italian.

Announces that he yields to Myers' and Barrett's arguments, and undertakes to write to the latter 'to accept unconditionally.' Explains their possible travel plans from Newcastle to Cambridge, and on to Oxford. Asks Myers to breakfast at North Hill on the following Wednesday. States that they shall both be very busy, 'especially Nora', and he wishes to hear all Myers has to say. Reports that Barrett has written asking her to join [the] Committee. Undertakes to telegraph if they stay in Newcastle, in which case they plan to pass through Cambridge on their way to Terling [home of Lord Rayleigh], and would like Myers to come to lunch. States that Arthur Balfour will be Vice-President. Enquires about John Hollond and Roden Noel. Reports that Jebb is flourishing, but involved in an educational controversy.

Will go to Buxton on 29 [January] 'if desirable', but cannot go before then. Wishes that Myers and Gurney would go also. Is glad that Tyler is interested. Relates the problems that he has had with a medium Mrs [Linehan], whom Theobald and [Coffin] went to see, reporting 'danger of D.T.' States that he is now trying Miss Barnes - a new medium. Refers also to his prospects at Oxford.

He and Nora intend to go to Whittinghame on the following Friday, the funeral [of his brother-in-law, Francis Maitland Balfour] being on Saturday. Asks Myers to let him know whether he has had success, and whether 'both Miss Mason and the children stay over Monday.' Refers to C. Cunningham's letter in the Times in relation to Balfour's accident.