Correspondence of George Henry Lewes, English Philosopher and Critic, and James Frederick Ferrier, Scottish Metaphysical Philosopher.
Scope and Contents
The collection comprises seven letters, 1841 – 1846, between George Henry Lewes (1817 – 1878), English Philosopher and Critic of English Literature and Theatre, and James Frederick Ferrier (1808 – 1864), Scottish Metaphysical Philosopher, instigated by the appearance in October 1841 of an article by Ferrier in Blackwood’s Magazine entitled ‘ The Crisis of Modern Speculation’. The collection is an important and unique parcel of correspondence between the two Philosophers in which mutual respect is accompanied by serious differences of viewpoint on a crucial detail of Ferrier`s published argument. Challenged by Lewes on his expression concerning the relation between cause and effect in the process of human perception, Ferrier responds with detailed clarifications of his position that only serve to amplify Lewes` misgivings. The collection consists of Lewes` original letters and Ferrier`s original manuscript copies of his written responses. It also includes the original drafts and preliminary notes of Ferrier`s final unsent letter in which his confidence appears to falter.
Dates
- Creation: 1841-1846.
Conditions Governing Access
Normal access conditions apply.
Extent
0.01 Linear metres (7 letters.)
Language of Materials
English
Other Finding Aids
An inventory is available.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Bought, 2010, from A.R. Heath Rare Books and Manuscripts, Bristol.8 March 2010
Appraisal
All letters have been retained.
Subject
Genre / Form
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared Using Local Descriptive Rules
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk