From H. E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin [2 May 1875]

Dear Geo.

Laura tells me to tell you that her German Books is "practically translated— The materials were all used first in what Brentano frequently alludes to in the German Ed^t., his "Introduction to Toulmin's Smiths Hist of English Guilds" pub. Trübner"

I am sorry to hear you've been baddish—so have I rather & have felt very good for nothing all this nice weather wh. must have been delightful in Camb.

What bad news abt Ithel Ruck. Mother seems to think it much better his having written all this to his Mother but I cant say I see that it shows anything but that the delusion is more firmly fixed in his head. I wonder if he'll let you see him again.

We are much flabberghasted here at what you say abt Ld Rayleigh—It seems to me Sidgwicks results will have very much less value if he takes no notes of the times that fails. It destroys the chance of coming to any result such as that the success of the mediums varies in proportion to the carefulness & stringency of the precautions & that, I sh^d say was very likely to be the only result thy might be able to give the world, tho' possibly in their own minds it may be certainty. That result w^d. be a very telling one for the world.

I shall hate to believe in it but I think I still more hate to be in uncertainty.

Do you now if Hints for the Evidences of Spiritualism is by Butler? Uncle Ras wants to know & if you know send word to him per $\frac{1}{2}$ ^d.

Richard has been working away at vivisection this morning. They seem to think now that the bill will be introduced this Session. Burdon Sanderson has been seeg the Cruelty Soc People & has found that their bill is very much the same as ours. I am vexed at the fine weather being gone. It is our first Sunday walk wh. I am barely shirking partly cos I'm not v. well & partly cos it is so damp.

If you want another night or so in London. will you give us the offer before you apply to Uncle Ras— I suppose you are not up to Play going. but Merchant of Venice is delightful & the air v. good for a play.

your affect | H.E.L.

Aunt Eliz is just home from Bournemouth & gives quite as incompatible an account of Lena's goings on in her mild way as you do in yours—

Jemmy has been home these three days not v. well. He seems v. languid today—

Goodbye again