Showing 4 results

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.'

Reply to 'Mr Heitland's paper'of 26 October 1891. Argues in defence of his own paper on the issue of the proposal to remove the obligation to study both Greek and Latin in order to take the Previous Examination. Refers to the arguments put forward by those who oppose any enquiry into the matter, including the contention that 'it is impossible to impart literary culture without two ancient languages', and also that the removal of the obligation to study Greek will lead to its abandonment in English schools.

Includes Mr Page as a proponent of the latter argument, which he refutes by pointing to the attitude of a large number of school-masters to the proposed change. Refers to 'the counsels of despair which Mr Bateson propheticaly offers in reference to the training of "Natural Science men" ', in relation to their lack of classical education. Clarifies the statement that 'Previous Examination Greek is comparatively useless' by explaining that what was meant was that 'it does not adequately promote culture....' Also makes reference to Professor Stanford's attitude to the requirement of classical knowledge by candidates for musical degrees.

Admits that he would be happy if 'Grace 1 should be allowed to pass and Grace 2 be non placeted', as he would then 'with a clear conscience avoid a difficult and laborious piece of work....' Amendments in ink.

British Museum, London: W.C.1. - Has not written before as he did not know where Bob was; but 'Mrs Riviere says Mrs Sickert says' Bob is near them, so he thinks this may well reach him [in Spain?]. The newspapers lead him to believe that Bob must be 'starving', but if he has flour 'there are all manner of amusing things' he could make. Binyon's adaptation of "Shakuntala" was acted at two matinées, but 'received rather gloomily'; he himself found it 'hopelessly boring', though Bateson and Ricketts were 'separately & independently enraptured'. [Alfred] Cortot has been performing a great deal; Waley now likes him less, and thinks it is only really the 'moderns' he plays well, while his performances of Beethoven, Chopin and so on are 'quite silly'; he will not play early music though he 'does it very well', but 'rams vulgarities like the worst sort of Liszt fireworks into his programs'. Forgot it 'infuriates' Bob when he talks about music. Expects Bessie and Julian are at the Shiffolds. Seems 'no prospect of Francis [Birrell] appearing in London' soon, which is 'very depressing'; hears that G Franklin has arrived, but 'not in this district, happily'.

Savile Club, 107 Piccadilly W. - Asks him to check the 'Latinity' of a plaque for the Linnaean Society [not present]; [William?] Bateson thinks it bad Latin.