Item 43 - Letter from William James to Nora Sidgwick

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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everything seems left undone in the world, and expresses his regret that Henry's final opinions in philosophy were left unpublished.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'.