Thanks him for his 'able and discriminating review' of his book on Kant. Thanks him for reading it. Announces that he is off to shoot partridge, and has 'no time to write new criticisms and emendations', but 'shall not fail to take them into full account as soon as possible.' Thinks that his notes to Kuno Fischer's Commentary on Kant's Critick of the Pure Reason [?] 'might have afforded at least a [presumption]' to Sidgwick that Mahaffy 'understood the analytic'. States that he has been prevented 'by illness, by other literary work and by salmon fishing from doing anything at it yet', but hopes to 'begin with next term'. Informs Sidgwick that he will be asking him his advice 'on some difficult points when the time comes.' Wishes that Sidgwick would explain 'how [one] can get a notion of fractions from time, and how you could teach a child arithmetic from time.' Refers to Kant and his love of symmetry. Apologises for 'this intrusion' and thanks him again.
[Draft] MS letter. Writes to express his opinion 'of the high qualifications of Professor Adamson for the chair of Logic in the University of Aberdeen.' Refers to his abilities, his learning and his experience as an academic teacher, and also to his contributions to the Encyclopaedia Britannica on philosophical subjects. Mentions especially his article on Logic. Refers to his book On the Philosophy of Kant, 'which no English student of Kant can afford to neglect.' Praises his volume on Fichte in Blackwood's Philosophical Classics series. On Adamson's work as an academic teacher, Sidgwick states that he believes his university fortunate in having been able to secure Adamson's aid as an examiner in the Moral Sciences Tripos.
Thanks Mayor for returning his MS. Claims that if he had been confident enough in his memory to serve Mayor's or Nora Sidgwick's purpose regarding 'the philosophical discussions at Trumpington' he would have answered him before. Is confused about dates, but states that he has little doubt that he first went to Professor Grote's house to listen to, and occasionally read, philosophical papers in the October term of 1863. States that the only other people who attended these meetings at this time were Henry Sidgwick, 'John Venn of Caius, and Pearson of St John's'. Describes the attributes of each of those who attended, and remarks that Sidgwick obviously preferred ethics to metaphysics, and recalls [Professor] Alfred Marshall emphasising his admiration of this side of Sidgwick very soon after he made his acquaintance. Refers to Sidgwick's opinion of Kant and Hegel, and to the intuitionalism 'which in the end he united with his utilitarianism'. Is uncertain as to whether he gave any measure of assent to the first fundametal proposition of 'Ferrier's Institutes of Metaphysics'
Wishes that he could remember more of the actual papers that Sidgwick read to the Philosophical Society, which was, after Grote's death, called the Grote Society, but has the impression that 'they were tentatives towards the kind of line which he afterwards took in the Methods of Ethics'. Refers also to Sidgwick's attitude to metaphysics. Believes that J.S. Mill was the philosopher whom he always admired and trusted the most. Holds, however, that he changed his view of Mill between 1863 and 1873, citing his reaction to Mill's Examination of Sir William Hamilton's Philosophy, and to Fitzjames Stephen's attack on Mill in Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
Refers to Grote's view of ethics and metaphysics, and to his Treatise on the Moral Ideals, and to the similarities between him and Sidgwick. Refers also to other members of the society, such as Henry Jackson and Maurice. Recalls Sidgwick's good opinion of Venn, who was a great admirer of Mill, and names other members of the society, such as W. K. Clifford and T. W. Levin. Recalls also that when he [Mozley] went to Clifton in September 1864, Sidgwick wrote to somebody, referring to him as 'the first original a priori philosopher that has trod the streets of Cambridge for many a day'. Does not think that Herbert Spencer was ever a great favourite in the society, but had himself a great respect for him 'as the founder of the theory of evolution.' Adds that when 'the old crow, who could count up to five, but not beyond, once came before the Grote Society', Sidgwick 'was unkind enough to doubt his existence' and none of the rest of them could give evidence for him.
Mozley, John Rickards (1840-1931), educator and mathematiciancontaining notes from Ross Aristotle's Ethics (cont), Stephen Psychoanalysis of Medicine, Bergson The Two sources of Morality and Religion, Price Review of the Principle Questions and Difficulties in Morals, Hutcheson Enquiry concerning moral good and evil, Williams Concept of Justice in British Moralists, Rickaby Moral Philosophy, Carritt Moral Positivism and Moral Aestheticism, Ewing Paradoxes of Kant's Ethics, Taylor The Ethical Doctrine of Hobbes, Freedom and Personality and Freedom and Personality Again, Campbell Psychology of Effort of Will, L J Russell Ought implies Can, A K Stuart Free Will and Responsibility, Hobart Free Will as involving Determinism, Stevenson Ethical Judgements and Avoidability, Emotive Meaning and Ethical Terms and Persuasive Definities and Carritt Hegel's Sittlickheit
Has 'read and re read many parts of' Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir, and found it extremely interesting. States that it fills him with regret that Henry is gone, and that he can not know raise the questions that he wishes to discuss with him. Refers to Henry's scepticism and his attitude to ethics. Claims to have found the book 'admirably done and highly stimulating'. Quotes a passage in German from Kant, and states that 'in Ethics one requires a series of injunctions not merely the avoidance of speculative errors...' Announces that his mother came with him to Rome, and that they intend to return in ten days.
Brown, Horatio Robert Forbes (1854-1926), historianWishes to alter the note on Kant after discussion with C. D Broad and Rosenbaum [re edition of Hume's Abstract of a treatise on human nature?].
Includes the words that Henry would like to have said over his grave 'if it is decided not to have the Church of England service': 'Let us commend to the love of God with silent prayer the soul of a sinful man who partly tried to do his duty. It is by his wish that I say over his grave these words and no more'. Note that this was 'written down May 17 1900'.
Verses 'adopted by Henry Sidgwick. from Tennyson's Palace of Art when he left the Church of England in 1869', beginning with the lines: 'Yet pull not down my minster towers that were/So gravely gloriously wrought'. Page headed 'Henry's Texts', including [biblical] quotations.
Page headed 'Re new edition of Ethics'. Henry's desire is that, if he is not able to finish the revision, The Methods of Ethics 'be put through the press by Miss [E..E. C.] Jones without excerpts [he has] clearly indicated in the book itself or [his] MS notes of lectures that an alteration is required'. Suggests also the addition of a brief explanatory preface.
Additional notes relate to his works and the possibility of their publication. Believes that some of his philosophical works in which he attempts to define the scope of philosophy and its relation to, for example, psychology, logic, history and sociology, are most suitable for publication and study. Refers to a course of lectures on Kant, Green and Spencer 'which will be [more] easily brought out'. Refers also to a course of lectures on epistemology, which was delivered with Sigwart's Logic as a text book, and believes that part of it might be worth publishing. Suggests that [James] Ward might recommend someone who would read these works in order to select the portions he thought worth publishing. Insists, however, that Ward should not spend time on the matter that could be more profitably devoted to his own work. Discusses the difficulties that might be encountered in the publishing of his philosophical lectures, and refers to the part concerned with the relation of metaphysics and epistemology. Refers also to 'a discussion of Külpe's use of the terms and another discussion on idealism and realism, 'which will be found in the bundle relating to Külpe. List of some of Henry's works.
Sidgwick, Henry (1838-1900), philosopherReports that he has been reading and re-reading Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; says that it deepens and extends his influence, and is the best assurance that those who knew Henry can have 'of his continued presence and unfailing sympathy.' Recalls that he first became acquainted with Henry in the late 1860s, and states that he writes to draw attention to 'a phase of his work which is not noticed' in the book. States that about that time Henry and others introduced a system of inter-collegiate lectures 'which were of inestimable value to impecunious students.' Refers to his own experience of this arrangement and to the benefits that he derived from it. Mentions the names of several men from whom he received tuition, including Mr Beatson at Pembroke, Henry, Mr Levine, Mr Percy Gardner, Mr [Henry?] Jackson and Mr Marshall. Claims that he owed his first class to Henry's lectures and the papers that he did for him. Refers to The Methods of Ethics, and also to Henry's lectures on metaphysics, Whewell, Hamilton, Bentham, Mill and Kant, and relates how he convinced him on the question of Utilitarianism. Refers also to Henry's stammer, without which, he claims' 'note-taking would have been impossible.'
Goodhart, Charles Alfred (1844-1919) clergymanIn Nora Sidgwick's hand. Refers to his lectures on philosophical subjects, some of which he believes should be published. Suggests that a young man might be employed to work on some of them and that [James] Ward might read the proofs through 'and give advice on any point of difficulty.' Refers also to a number of lectures that he had intended to make into a book on Kant and Kantism in England, and also to works on [T. H. ] Green, agnosticism and relativism and two lectures on [Herbert] Spencer. Does not believe that the lectures on Epistemology 'in connection with [Christoph von] Sigwart' are worth publishing as a continuous whole, but thinks certain parts of them might be published as fragments. Suggests Ward's involvement, so long as he would not undertake too much work.
Refers also to his articles on ethics, printed and unprinted. Expresses his wish that the question of 'the usefulness to mankind' be the '[ ] principle for deciding on publication', and that the volume of the labour required should be taken into account also. Would like lectures that are not published to be handed over to anyone who may be lecturing on that particular subject, and mentions in particular some fragmentary lectures on his book on The Elements of Politics, which he would like to be offered to Th[ ] or Dickinson or divided between them.
Has done a good deal of reading for a book, The Development of European Polity, for which the plan is sketched 'in the first lecture of a pamphlet containing 3 printed lectures.' Has been his view 'more and more of late years that a three fold treatment of Political Science is desirable for [ ]', and lays out his theory. Would like the teachers of Political Science to be consulted on the possibility of working out his plans with the aid of his material. Again suggests that a young man might be paid to work on this matter. Expresses concern over expense, and states that he believes his work to be 'too sketchy and amateurish for it to be desirable to use it otherwise than as material.' Was comtemplating giving up the idea of publication so long as he held his chair 'feeling that the time and labour required to make it an adequately scholarly work would not be given [ ]' with his duty as a Professor of Moral Philosophy.'
Sidgwick, Henry (1838-1900), philosopherSays that his association with Henry Sidgwick in 1870 was 'so unusual, and place[s Sidgwick's] kindness in so striking a light', that he [Gardner] is tempted briefly to record it. Relates that as an undergraduate he had not met Sidgwick, nor attended any of his lectures, but that, when resident after his degree, he wrote two papers on philosophical subjects, which were shown to Sidgwick by Gardner's tutor, Mr Peile. Sidgwick must have seen some promise in them, and consequently arranged that Gardner should lecture Sidgwick' undergraduate students on Kant and Hamilton for one half of the term, and Sidgwick take them for the other half. Wonders whether this arrangement might not have been very fair on the students, but states that it was 'a kindly and generous act' on the part of Sidgwick. Refers also to the long talks he had with Sidgwick at that time, but does not trust his memory to repeat them. Says that Sidgwick's 'fearless honesty [and] his transparent sincerity' deeply impressed him, and made him feel afterwards that 'these were especially the qualities which an English philosopher was bound to exhibit in the world of thought....'
Gardner, Percy (1846-1937), classical archaeologist and numismatistWrites in relation to certain aspects of Kant's philosophy. Decided to send in some questions, since the next lecture is to be the last lecture on Kant. In relation to the latter's arguments against suicide, he doesn't understand why they are not conclusive, and refers to the optimistic and pessimistic views of life in this regard. Annotation [in Sidgwick's hand]: 'I do not say that prohibition of suidide cannot be deduced from acceptance of perfection and happiness as [ ] ends, but that it cannot be deduced from fundamental Law.' Pease does not understand why benevolence 'does not follow as a duty from Kant's doctrine. Maintains that 'as [far] as such man acts rationally he is part of a universal whole [which] can only have one tendency - i.e. Towards Happiness. Asks if Kant would never allow that the end justifies the means, and suggests that he appears not to when he says "the moral worth of an action is 'without regard to any object of desire'". Believes that the test of duty should be applied to the action taken 'in connection with the intention', and asks if in this second proposition is Kant not assuming as elsewhere that society is in a stable condition.
Refers to Myers' visit to him, which was 'delightful and salutary'; says Myers always does him good, though he makes him 'feel more deeply the perplexities of conduct'. Wishes that he had 'more wisdom to impart to those whom' he loves. Sometimes 'console[s]' himself 'for fundamental scepticism' by feeling that it is 'necessary, if we are to choose Good per se; disagrees with Kant's view that this 'noble choice is the only good thing in man, but does himself think it 'a great good.'
States that Myers' narrative 'is of thrilling interest', and declares that he has no doubt that Myers was 'the right man for the situation'; refers to the 'Testimonial' [not included; note in Myers' hand explaining that this concerned 'a Schoolmistress who had got into a mess.'] Admits to being impressed 'at the thought of the amount of emotional electricity generated by [Myers'] passage through these feminine atmospheres', and offers to idealise him 'into a sort of Genius of Flirtation'.
Quotes from an unpublished poem of Myers'. [Myers quotes more extensively from the poem, beginning with the lines: 'Few are the Friends of Women; and they see On many a cheek the rose of amity,...'] Thanks him for his generous gift, and promises to tell of 'it's [sic] ultimate destination.' Sends greetings to Myers' mother, to whom he sends circulars [not included].
Berlin - wishes Thompson to tell Wiseman the bookbinder that he is sending him some books, has visited Hamburg, qualities of Miss O'Neill as an actress, impressed with Berlin, single-mindedness of the Germans, popularity of spurs, Kant not regarded highly
Continues discussion on concepts and passages in Kant, including the debate as to whether 'der' or 'den' Begriff should be read, and the meaning of 'als a priori gegeben'. Also refers to the concept of space.
Discusses Kant's work. Believes that he wrote 'den not der'. Claims that he 'is going to shew that space is a priori gegeben, not what space, as a priori gegeben is.' Discusses the concept of space, and the terms Begriff and [Versharung]. Thanks Sidgwick 'for the reports returned.'
Ward, James (1843-1925), philosopher and psychologistWith annotations
91 Adelaide Road NW - He has come across a notion in Heywood's Analysis of Kant (1844) which occurred to him some ten years ago: 'I was considering a syllogism in which a term is a class of which the individuals are the subject at different moments of its existence'. ADM reflects upon the multipresence of consciousness and the idea of the ego knowing himself for himself in all the different parts of a space, without being able to say I am one person here (or now) and another there (or then). This supposes a faculty beyond our comprehension 'of what is what - which ties spaces together just as memory ties time together. All this I found in Kant' [Heywood p.109]. In his examination of ontological and religious works about the Almighty: 'I think I see a very great tendency to confuse omnipresent personality with infinite extent'. ADM is now writing on the subject of infinity.
Refers to a passage in Kant's Critik, where, he claims, by employing the actual, he might have avoided the repetition of real. Unsure as to whether Sidgwick had referred to 'the two categories of Realität and Dasein', and asks him to let him know where he thinks the alteration should be made. Refers to the fact that he had 'made it a rule not to improve on Kant, but to give his text as it stands, if only it construes and can be made readable in English.' Sends Sidgwick a paper of [Ludgwig] Noiré's [not included], and asks him to look at it.
Müller, Friedrich Max (1823–1900), Sanskritist and philologist