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Agrees with him that 'W.F.B[arrett?] cannot be allowed to use [Gurney's] experiments otherwise than in Report of Committee', and believes that he should not repeat at length in the Report what has already appeared in the Proceedings of the Society [for Psychical Research]. Offers to write to him. In relation to 'the barrister', states that he is quite willing to agree to him being taken on 'if he will do it gratis for love of science or if any one else will pay...' Adds that he may ask Smith to stay with him during the 'Mesmeric Experiments', and that 'it would not be much of a bore for Nora...' Asks Gurney if he thought 'anything [instructive] apropos of World's attack', and asks if the eminent scientist is their asinine friend.

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.

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'.

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.

Thanks her for her enclosures. Asks who Mrs F[ ] was, and whether he knows her personally, as he wishes to write to her 'in a proper tone'. Also thanks her for her and Edward's congratulations, and admits that he is very happy to have a stable position [as Knightbridge Professor of Moral Philosophy at Cambridge], and explains that his work involves a great deal of organisation. Claims to feel that he has got too old for 'the pleasure' of that degree of professional success.

States that he and Nora are very glad that there is no reason to be alarmed about Edward. Regrets that 'he has not been able to sleep as much as Mr Gladstone', who, he heard, used to sleep for nine or ten hours when he was confined to bed as a result of an accident. Asks if she ever heard from Mrs Offley [Carey] about her story, and if not, asks her if she could 'mildly stir her up to write what she promised'.

Nora adds that Henry asked her to explain 'the situation about the "[Birch]" '. States that the Gurneys [Edmund or Frederick and family?] 'have offered themselves for the Friday in that week over the Sunday', and that if Minnie did not think Tuesday would be her [especial] day, Henry would ask Arthur [Benson or Sidgwick?]'s friend for that night, 'leaving Wednesday and Thursday free.' Suggest that if it is only Minnie and Maggie that are coming, there is nothing to prevent them from being there 'with either or both sets of people'. [Incomplete]

Assures Sidgwick that he understands that he can do nothing 'with or for Gizycki', and thanks him for all he said in reference to[ Edmund] Gurney. Explains that he 'had no thought of [ ] or insinuating a judgment on the whole work of the S[ociety] [for] P[sychical] R[esearch]' in the Mind notice. States that 'Telepathy' was specially referred to because Gurney, 'besides being so peculiarly identified with it in P. of the L., had himself brought it forward [in] [the] Mind articles on Hypnotism'. Admits that a presidential address of Sidgwick's that spoke of the degree of proof which he thought had been obtained on that particular subject came into his head when writing. In relation to the University of London Commission, he believes that Selborne is 'drawing something up, but he is said to be ill and not getting forward.' Claims that the Commission 'had the merit of impartiality, but it was the impartiality of ignorance as to the facts and conditions of the London question'. Remarks on the absurdity of the Commission attempting to get 'real hold of the question' in just nine sittings. Reports that he heard that S[ ] 'broke off after the first day', and that he himself had 'a good deal to say, both as U.C. teacher and L.U. examiner'. States that the 'door was shut on the 4th of August, not to open any more.'

Refers to Sidgwick's intention to writing a piece for Mind 'on a subject inclining to the sociological'. Asks if he would be willing to write a short notice of Gizycki's Moralphilosophie for the April issue. Also asks him for his impressions on his [Robertson's] notice of E. Gurney. Reports that he has promised L. Stephen to write Gurney's biographical notice for the National Dictionary [Dictionary of National Biography], and that the latter's friend, N[orman?] Grosvenor, is to come to him to give further information on his musical development. Reports that Gurney's elder brother [Rev. Frederick Gurney?] has taken exception to his having connected Gurney's physical breakdown 'with the ardour of his psychical research.' States his intention of writing to the brother 'to learn from him directly what is on his mind.'

Thanks Nora for her copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which she read 'with the deepest interest'. Remarks that it seems 'almost breathlessly simple in the way it is told.' Refers to the rareness of Henry's personality and character, and to the 'delicious remark' he made about biographies. Also refers to 'that remark George Elliot made about him', which always seemed to Kate and Edmund [Gurney, her first husband] 'so extraordinarily to express him as he was'. It pains her to think of all Nora suffered during Henry's illness, and that she [Grove] knew nothing of her suffering at the time.

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.

Refers to 'the dreadful news', which he had just heard from Th[ ] S[ ], and expresses his sympathies for both Myers and Gurney. Announces that he altered his plans again, finding that he 'should really sacrifice nothing of Nora's society and thinking [he] might be of more use in London.' Announces that he shall be dining at the Albemarle on Tuesday. Asks Myers to thank his mother and brother [Ernest or Arthur?] for their congratulations [on the announcement of his engagement].

Discusses the séance referred to in a previous letter [100/267], and refers to the weight in the hammock, and to Miss Wood having gone into the cabinet with a chair. Announces that he goes to Newcastle the following day. States that he and the Balfours [Arthur and Eleanor?] think that he [Sidgwick] ought to explain to Blake, Armstrong and the mediums that they must have the right of search 'à discretion, and break off if refused'. Wishes to know Myers' and Gurney's opinion on the matter. Announces that he goes on Thursday 5 August to stay with 'JEX [Blake?]' in Grasmere, and then on to Oldchurch, where he is to meet Myers. Refers to the cost of the media, which he declares was 'not dear.' Adds that the Hollands will come to Cambridge 'for about 4 days', and that St. George Mivart would like to come 'for a day or two'.

Fears that he will be engaged on Friday. Announces that there is to be a meeting on Saturday, and that 'George D[arwin] is constructing, and planning ligatures'. Reports that there are lots of applications for admission [to séances with the Newcastle mediums], and believes that 'people are beginning to think it is a part of the Cambridge Festivities, and want to know who gives tickets'. Claims that they are full, however, except for Sundays, and suggests that if Yorke comes 'it had better be for the Sunday. Asks whether Gurney will come.

Relates the problems he has had with a female medium, who was 'fatigued and unwell, anxious to rest on Sunday'. Discusses the fact that there had been no formal exception of [her conducting séances] on Sundays in the contract, and refers to her manager, and other problems relating to her services. Tells Myers to show the letter to Gurney. Announces that he goes to London again on Monday, then probably to Cambridge, when he shall have to see Clay about his book. Confesses to feeling bad about Macmillan having taken the book on half-profits. States that Macmillan is going to send the proof sheets to John Morley. Reports that he met Mrs Montagu Cookson [Blanche, wife of Montagu Cookson - later Crackanthorpe?] at dinner at his cousin's, 'and liked her - tho' not so well as Mrs F. H'.

Declares Myers' news to be 'excellent'. Asks how long Miss Bibby [a medium] is to stay, and hopes that 'the thing does not act injuriously on her nerves...' Wishes that he were there. Reports that he has seen Crookes and is 'much impressed.' Announces that Herne comes to him the following night. Announces also that his decisive interview with Morley about his book [The Method of Ethics] is to take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. States that he has forwarded Myers' letter to G[urney]. Asks if he [Sidgwick] could go to Myers early the following week 'if this seemed best as regards Terling [home of Lord Rayleigh]'.

States that he is quite willing to enter into negotiations with the Newcastle medium. Asks for more information about her. Confesses that he does not quite like what Myers told him about Mrs Fay, and says she told Gurney at Brighton that Sidgwick 'had behaved to her "like a perfect gentleman" or something of that sort.' Claims also that she is not as frank as she seems. States that he still has perfect faith in her, but that this now depends merely on personal impression, supported by Myers', and Gurney's and Crooke's. Feels that he must now drop her and Mrs Jencken out of his ' "Case for Spiritualism" '. Complains about their disagreeableness and 'their persistent and singular frustrations'. Announces that he intends to have some more séances with Herne in December, and will join with Myers in the negotiations with Newcastle, 'especially since the Never-failing Crookes is not to appear in the rôle of Triumphant Liberator till the end of January'. Send his regards to Myers' mother, and declares that he shall be very glad to go to Brandon House [Myers' house at Cheltenham] some time during the F[ ] Season.

Refers to Gurney's attitude to Sidgwick and Myers' 'spiritualistic investigations': for the moment, he will give them 'his warmest sympathies (but no more)'. He himself intends to 'take the plunge', but needs a few days' consideration. Claims that he would take, 'as a pis aller, an immortality averaging about as high as the last two days in respect of happiness'.

Refers to a séance, which he attended the previous night. Reports that the two last sittings were nearly failures and that there were 'only faint appearances at the entrance of cabinet.' Mentions two [spirits]: Cissy and Sammy. States that he 'proposed same terms as other media' in relation to Petty, and announces that he is about to sign the agreement. Refers to another sitting that he attended, involving a box [containing horsehairs] being placed in a drawer. Announces that Gurney is to meet 'the girls' that day, and that they go to Mrs [Whitticks], '[on] Hill Street Rutland Gate till Thursday.'

Hopes to meet Myers on Thursday in Queen Anne Street. Reports that [Hensleigh] Wedgwood 'is seriously concerned about [their] proposed seance in Cambridge' and thinks that the Master [of Trinity College: W. H. Thompson] would be supported by public opinion if he were to dismiss Sidgwick. Thanks Myers for Arthur's letter.

States that the 'Newcastle business' is 'rather complicated.' Sends three items [not included]: 'a copy of the agreement, marking a new clause that was never submitted to [him]', Blake's letter explaining the agreement, and a letter from Bell, the magistrate. Explains that the day he parted from Myers a letter arrived from Bell, asking him to defer signing the agreement until he had seen him in town, but that it was too late to see him and so he telegraphed to him to write, and Bell sent 'the enclosed'. Gurney and Sidgwick have decided to defer the final settlement until they go to Newcastle again, 'but meanwhile make a provisional arrangement for February, sending a cheque for the month.' States that he has secured the mediums for three dates. Asks Myers to send him his views on the matter. Does not think they can possibly accept the new clause.

Hopes that Myers' 'T. will stir the Glasgow people to the core of their [ ] hearts. Refers to the arrangements for 'the seances with the girls', and asks Myers to inform them, Gurney and the Marshalls. In relation to Mrs Hardy, asks Myers to arrange as he likes for the following week. With regard to [Parkes], states that he is 'not much disposed to go in, unless [they] can secure an amateur photographer who is [also] zealous investigator.'

Apologises for not writing before; explains that he has been rather unwell - 'dyspeptic and hypochondriacal' - ever since he has been in Rome . Declares that the ancient remains and the works of art have impressed him as much as he expected; however, 'all that is connected with the form of Christianity centralised here is antipathetic' to him, 'partly, no doubt, because one almost never finds the Ages of Faith conveyed', instead the 'expression of them is almost always "restored" and plastered over by the later ages of make believe.'

States that he and Nora are glad to hear that Myers got results of value, and are sorry about the delay of the article, which Nora has read and finds very interesting. Adds that he sees one or two points that he would like to alter, but 'will think them over and write to Gurney.' Reports that he has been trying to find out something about Spiritualistic movement in Rome, and is considering spreading Myers' circular. Asks him to send 'the writer of the letter' their proceedings, and a copy of Myers' circular, asking him to circulate it in Austria. Reports that they tried in vain to see Leg[ ] in Paris, and so have not yet gone to Livorno. Annouces that they are to go and try to see Signor Coen. In relation to ' "corresponding members" ', he thinks the idea a good one, 'as applied to foreigners', but thinks that it is, 'by usage, so suggestive of foreigners that [he] should prefer some other term for people like Mrs Walwyn.' Suggest the term ' "local correspondents" '. Reports that Nora is sightseeing much more effectively than he is, and that she sends her love.

Announces that it is '[a]ll right about Graham', and that they can regard it as a delegation, but they must let [Oscar?] Browning have the names. Reports that he has been reading Myers' proof, which seems to him 'quite the right thing', but suggests some additions and emendations. Claims that 'the previous Report of the Literary Committee affirmed unhesitatingly the existence of telepathic impressions', whereas [Myers' report] apparently treats this question as open.' States the necessity of reconciling the position of the former report with that of the new one. Also suggests some alterations to certain phrases used within the report. Reports that the lecture was 'fairly successful: so far as [Sidgwick] and Gurney [could] judge.' States that he [sent] [Gurney] Podmore's proposal, which he approves.

States that he cannot agree with Gurney's view. Believes that 'if Bishop were to turn round and say he had tricked [them], he would have to say also how the trick was done, in order to discredit [them].' In the event of it not being a trick, Sidgwick believes, Bishop 'cannot invent a plausible fiction of a trick, if [they] take due precautions'. Approves of Barrett writing about their results 'and offering a cautious challenge to Bishop'. In this way the Society for Psychical Research would be making clear to to the public that they 'are not at present supporting Bishop, but only prepared to investigate him.' Fears that Myers' letter (which Sidgwick signed), and Labouchère's reply may have caused the Society to be associated with Bishop in the public mind. In relation to the proposal to let a room to the Theosophic Society, claims to have no strong view. States that they [Henry and Nora] 'are much pleased at the Darwinian matrimonial engagement' [that of Francis Darwin and Sidgwick's cousin Ellen Wordsworth Crofts?]

Thinks the stanzas 'very impressive and decidedly such as should be published.' Remarks, however, that he finds them 'a little too deliberate', and that in the last stanza 'the ingenuity seems...somewhat to refrigerate the pathos. Also refers to 'the accent of Promethean'. Reports that Myers' letter has come; states that he 'joy[s] in [Myers'] joy and in the wonderful fashioning of destiny to this harmonious result.' Expresses a desire to see Myers' 'betrothed'. Announces that he shall be in London on 13 January, 'and shall talk things over...with E[dmund] G[urney]' Asks when he shall be back. States that they shall pass through on 20 and 24 January.

Lists those present as Myers, Gurney, Mr Mould, 'and 4 other members of the Newcastle Association'. Lists the mediums as Miss Fairlamb and Miss Wood. Describes how the mediums were tied, and reports that they lay down in the cabinet. Describes the appearance of a spirit named 'Pocky' 'and her utterances and actions, and also describes the rapping of three other spirits named 'B[ ]', 'Geordie' and 'Cissy'. Describes the dematerialisation of ' "Pocky" '; she sunk away 'into a slight white mark on the ground in about half a minute.' Reports that when the mediums had recovered those present at the séance entered the cabinet in which they were tied and examined seals and knots. States that '[a]ll is unbroken though the nails had been driven so thoroughly through the substance of the silk that a slight push severed the silk from nails and seals'. Names of Myers and Gurney appended to the report. Diagram of room in which séance took place also on page.

(Transcript by Henry SIdgwick. The)

Invites him to dinner that evening at 7.30, or after dinner if he would prefer. Reports that Nora is anxious 'to hear all about Miss Sibley' [Kate Sara Sibley, who married Edmund Gurney in Jun 1877?].

States that they have taken note of his addendum to the story, but is unsure if it will appear in the following number. Reports that 'E[dmund] G[urney?] and F.P[?] had sent more than a sheetful: but it will be equallly impressive in the September No.' In relation to the introduction, thinks that Myers is quite right to act on his own opinion. Claims that he would not have expressed any opinion 'the other way' had Myers not put the 'Irish Question' to him. Suggests an alternative word to a line in [Myers'] sonnet.