Item 118 - Letter from M. A. Lewes (George Eliot) to Henry Sidgwick

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Refers to the letter she received from him as 'a precious light'. Claims that it assisted her with her plans for the institution of a scheme to benefit to poor students. Agrees the 'condition of the Laboratory' to be all-important, and that consideration of the Land in Society should be excluded. Asks Sidgwick for further advice, now that the 'right path' has been struck out. Reports that she is not yet seeing even intimate friends, but is prepared to meet those who can aid her with her project. Refers to the question of which university or college offers the best machinery for the purpose, and also what conditions should be fixed 'as checks on the idle abuse of the studentship'. Expresses the hope that Sidgwick, Professor Stuart, Dr Foster or Frank Balfour will give her some advice when they come to town, and gives details of her availability.