Sons- & daughters-in-law of Edward and Jane Richardson

DISPENSARY AND COTTAGE HOSPITAL [Bournemouth].—Dr. Gregory White has been elected honorary surgeon to this institution in the room of Mr. W. Allis Smith, recently appointed honorary consulting surgeon. The contest lay between Mr. T. Garrett Horder and the elected. The contest was most exciting, 26 votes being recorded for each candidate, the chairman's casting vote deciding the matter. It is stated, however, that a scrutiny has been demanded on Mr. Horder's behalf.

I HEAR that an excellent portrait of Dr. Gregory White has recently been painted by Mr. Walter Hutton, R.A. The likeness is so faithful that rumour speaks of other residents who wish to avail themselves of the services of the gifted artist. I believe I am not incorrect in saying that the picture, which is destined for the next Academy, may possibly be seen in Bournemouth at the next local Art Exhibition.

En route from Surrey Theo and I went for a day visit to Wednesden Aspley Guise Gregorys new and charming house. When finished and the garden laid out it will be a delightful Bedfordshire home. If only health is granted the dear ones—but this end of May Gregory is laid low with pleurisy and pneumonia.

The new bowling green prepared in connection with the War Memorial Scheme was opened on Saturday afternoon by Dr. Gregory White, by whom it has been so generously provided. Dr. G.H. Fowler, O.B.E., expressed thanks to Dr. White and Mr. W.S. Wells (Chairman of Parish Council) also spoke. Dr. White, who is one of the oldest residents, signalised the opening by sending down a jack. The greens which are very fit and very pleasantly situated, were in use most of the Bank Holiday.

The stucco and slate detached dwelling stood in 1.334 acres. The valuer commented: "Was old Cottage 300 years old. Only 3 beds with fireplaces. Miss Orlebar had it at £45 rent. Present owner has added a Bath room. Says he thinks worth £65. Old house in lovely spot with good garden".

Downstairs accommodation comprised three reception rooms, a kitchen, larder and pantry. Three bedrooms, a dressing room and a bathroom and w.c. lay upstairs with two attics above that. A brick and slate potting shed, coal house and store lay outside. Two glasshouses measured 11 feet 6 inches by 20 feet and 11 feet by 23 feet respectively. The valuer noted that mains water, drainage and gas were all laid on.

ASPLEY GUISE

THE LATE DR. WHITE

The death of Dr. Gregory White took place at his residence in The Avenue early on Tuesday morning. The deceased gentleman was 92 years of age, and came to the village on retirement from his practice at Bournemouth a long time ago. He acquired the Ellis estate and built "Wednesden" as a residence. Dr. Gregory White came from an old Ampthill family with Quaker leanings, and his two sisters, who lived in the village in earlier days and who, because of their picturesque dress, were spoken of as Sisters of Mercy, were well-known residents in the district. The gift of a large and valuable piece of land to the village Bowling Club a few years ago enabled the local bowlers to lay out what is now one of the prettiest greens in the neighbourhood.

The death of Dr. White will be very deeply regretted by a large circle of friends at Aspley Guise and elsewhere. Born in 1838, he studied medicine at Edinburgh, took his M.R.C.S. Eng., in 1862, and M.D. Edin. in 1864. After a few years of practice at Woodstock, he settled in Bournemouth, then quite a small place and at the beginning of its reputation as a health resort; besides forming a large practice there, he acted as consulting surgeon to the Royal Victoria Hospital, retiring in 1907 to Aspley Guise, where he had built a house for himself.

Coming from Quaker stock, he had an innate courtesy and old-fashioned thoughtfulness for others which endeared him to all who knew him; a great reader, he retained his interest in current movements and events to the very last. He represented the oldest Aspley family, being fifth in descent from Thomas How, who acquired by marriage a considerable property there in 1680.

Dr. White leaves several children, of whom Dr. Edward How White, M.D. Oxon, succeeded to his father's practice at Bournemouth.

He bequeathed to his son Edward How White "the old How furniture books, pictures and plates he wishes to take". He also instructed that one or more of his daughters should be permitted to occupy the Avenue House and premises during their spinsterhood free of rent [HN10/372/White1].

During the troubles of 1848 they travelled to Basel in Switzerland, and it so happened that the murderers of Count Lichnoffski were escaping in the very same steamer on board of which the Merz family were going to Mannheim . . . .

Merz soon mastered the processes at Townsend's works, and he so impressed his uncle with his talents and his grasp of affairs that he was sent to the Hebburn works of the great Tharsis company. The Hebburn works had been erected with all the appliances of that day and were supposed to be thoroughly up to date. They were not, however, paying, and it was with the hope of his making some suggestions that his uncle induced Merz to live for a while at Hebburn. After he had been there some time, more or less than a year I think, I received a visit from Merz about 9 or 10 o'clock one evening. He was rather excited and proposed to me to read aloud a report. I dimly grasped that this was to refer to the management of the Hebburn works and composed myself to listen as best I could. I was unable to follow all, or indeed any of the details, but the concluding paragraph was clear enough. It was to the effect that, if his directors would see fit to follow his recommendations, the result in the next year would be a profit of £32,000 in place of a loss of £8000! This was sufficiently startling, and I urged Merz not to indulge in prophecy. He said, however, that he was certain of his figures, and the report was sent to Glasgow. His directors not unnaturally gave him leave to carry out his policy. The luck of the markets was in his favour, and his policy was more successful than even he himself had anticipated, and I believe there was a profit of some £43,000.

It was in 1868 that a young man came over to call on me from the Tharsis works on the other side of the Tyne, and sent in a card, "Mr. Theodore Merz," with a letter of introduction from Frau Curtius. I asked him to lunch on Sunday. We then lived at Wingrove House and, as he arrived a little early and we were out, the servant invited him to walk into the garden. There, in the north-east corner, he saw the old tool-house, which was ornamented by some carved grotesques in stone, and jokingly affected to believe that it was the Quaker chapel with the gods on the sky line.

I do not think I had much talk with him on this occasion. He talked principally to his hostess, but from time to time we saw him and were much struck by his abilities.

The result was that he was appointed general manager of all the works—in fact, practically of the whole company. This was the first of those celebrated reports for which Merz became so famous in after years. Up to that time, a report was like an annual report of a company, or if it were anything special it was generally of an exculpatory character. Merz's reports, on the contrary, were always constructive. He put his finger on the sore spot, and he not only suggested the cure, but he made it quite clear how the said cure could be carried out, and, if he were allowed, he would himself see that this was done.

The wedding, which took place at the meeting house in Pilgrim Street, was extremely quiet, the only guests beyond the family at the wedding breakfast at South Ashfield being my uncle, Louis Leisler, and my cousin, Franz v. Rottenburg, who came from Glasgow for the occasion. After the wedding we proceeded on our wedding-tour to the Continent . . . .

I do not think he got on very well with his Scotch directors. They could not but feel jealous of his greater talents. Not long after he had married my sister, it was intimated to him that he must reside in Glasgow, whereupon he resigned his position. He never cared about making money. He was ambitious of success, of the success, if you will, of making a concern profitable, but he himself never seemed to care whether he were paid or not. Before his resignation, the Tharsis directors had proposed to pay him a retaining fee of £500 a year, so that they might freely consult him. It was said that they had heard he was being applied to by a rival company—a rumour without any foundation. With Merz's conscientious thoroughness, this appointment soon meant as much work as if he had continued to be general manager, so much so that his friends remonstrated and he finally severed his connexion with the company.

About this time Merz very kindly undertook to manage the Blaydon chemical works. What he did is a standing marvel. The alkali trade had gone to pot (to use a vulgar phrase), and the manure trade was not much better, and yet he managed to secure to the Richardson family a steady 5 per cent. on their invested capital. It was an arduous task and specially distasteful, as being on such a small scale, to one who had directed the huge Tharsis company, but he patiently set to work and succeeded. The remuneration was insignificant, and, indeed, when it is considered that he started the unfortunate Hebburn colour works largely with the view of benefitting the Blaydon company, it may be said that his remuneration was almost a minus quantity.

Left Nov. 15, 95, for Vevey on account of Theodore's very poor health—4 months of quiet and joy in his restoration at the Hotel Monnet where we lived en pension at 8 frs a day each—one after another of his nervous symptoms left and we turned our faces homewards on Feb. 15th [ . . . ]

Vol. 1 of Theo's "History of European Thought in the XIX Century" arrived yesterday. A great joy and satisfaction—nicely got up by "Blackwood"—red back—good prints and paper. Letters of congratulations already pouring in. Theo's better health a cause for daily thankfulness.

In May we all crossed via Hook of Holland to Amsterdam—Charles joining us—then we stopped in Hanover and then went on to Oderhaus The Harz [ . . . ] a very merry month at the primitive forester's house—ascended The "Brocken" and those who were able took many long walks. The pine woods glorious: Norbert photographed some vistas of these very successfully. Teresa and Ernest afterwards went to Worms—Theo and I to Frankfurt and Thaun.

Then we all went to Dawlish Devonshire to celebrate our Silver Wedding—Caro with us. It was a most delightful month at the Inn close to station the only disappointment that Charles could not be spared from Cork to join us. We read Sir Charles Lyell's life aloud and had many enchanting walks and excursions in the beautiful neighbourhood.

After that went on to Bournemouth and took up our abode at the Weston Hall Hotel—Theo and I and Teresa, Norbert and Ernest returned to Newcastle to work and Aunt Car stayed at West Knoll."

Had an exquisite time in North Wales—first at the Waterloo Hotel Bettws y Coed where we read the Life of David Cox. Norbert, Teresa and Ernest climbed Moel Siabod and we took many lovely shorter walks. Charles and Norbert with us for Easter. From Bettws we went to Barmough for 1 week. Then Teresa Ernest and I home by Chester and Manchester. Theo to London: he and Charles kept there by parliamentary Bills connected with Electric Lighting.

Theo resigns his position at Blaydon Chemical Works—remains Director—Norbert appointed Director of Co. also George B.R.

Had a delightful 3 weeks at Vevey—Teresa and Ernest with us 2 weeks—then returned to Cambridge and the rest of us came home via Germany Rothenburg an der Tauber and Colmar and Bonn very enjoyable.

Theo well this winter, in spite of increased responsible work connected with Electrical Supply Co. of which he is Chairman: he has resigned his Directorship of British Thomson Houston Co. so his monthly journies to London cease.

My Beloved Theo complaining of his eyesight—The study and work in winter taxes it too much.

A happy holiday in Cornwall. Ernest with us most of time. Charles for 2 days and Caro the whole. Mullion, Lands End, Penzance, Malvern were our stopping places. The week in London as we went to Cornwall most interesting—hearing the "Power Bill" opposed in Com: Room of House of Commons. Charles astonished Counsel and general public who listened to his answers to cross-examination. Stayed at Metropole with R.S.W. and others—a fascinating time.

Theo having his arm and hand medically rubbed to see if feeling of cramp will be cured. This hamper to his writing power a trial to him.

Just returned from our 6 weeks holiday—first 3 weeks in Isle of White (Daish's Hotel Shanklin) then 2 weeks at Grand Hotel Lyndhurst. The New Forest a wonderful one—Caro with us all the time—Ernest one week at Lyndhurst [ . . . ]"

The Whites came over to see us while we were at Lyndhurst Gregory in a motor car!

Theo and I had a delicious week at Lugano—ten days of enchantment in Venice and then to Worms and Ems for the cure. Dr. Schantz very skilful specialist operated on jaw and thus a "canal" was made which can be washed out daily and the catarrh in the nose we hope cured thereby with patience. Theo upset by this treatment but recovering nicely now.

Came home after 8 weeks absence via "Hook" [ . . . ]

Went to Braid Hills Hotel Edinburgh on Friday Dec. 22, Theo and I—Teresa and Caro [ . . . ]

Beloved Theo better for the rest and change to Edin^bro but taking it easily for a while.

Theo and I had a splendid rest at Sidmouth (Fortfield Hotel) Caro, Mabel and Molly being in lodgings near. Theo better in health than for 2 years. After 3 weeks stay we had a very happy week at West Knoll—then to London—visiting Dora in her new home at Chobham.

King and Queen came to open College Hall.

Theo was presented and made a low bow—a stately function.

Theo and I set off for our continental holiday—stopped at the cozy D⁶ The Albany and entertained very friends at Restaurants—Ernest much with us.

Crossed via Dover and Calais to Aix la Chapelle—lost both big and small luggage en route but got it back in time.

From Aachen to Works—a very nice visit there then via Strassburg and Lausanne to Milan through Simplon Tunnel. Met Nelly in Milan and next day proceeded to Perugia. A glorious week there, visiting Assisi for the day. After that to Vevey where we spent a most happy 2 weeks—Charles with us for the last 4 days—a great joy. Dr. and Madame Curtius also came as our guests to the Hotel Mounnet from Sunday to Friday. We travelled home via Paris and met pleasant people and altogether had a beautiful time. Theo very well and walking much round Vevey.

Dr. Ousten performed the perforation of the antrum on Theo's left side of mouth—Dr. Ruxton in attendance—done here ("The Quarries").

A great anxiety—but safely over and his general health after 1 week's care much restored.

Theo and I left for our tour abroad. Slept 3 nights at The Albany—crossed via Dover and Calais with Ernest on the 8th right through to Dijon—had good brilliant Easter there "Hotel de la Cloche" with Helen and Robin who were visiting the Samages.

From there to Vevey—3 weeks stay at Hotel Monnet. Curtiuses came for 3 days and later Charles Caro Mrs. R. and Edith. From Vevey to Innsbruck via Zurich—fine weather all the time—then via Wurzburg Darmstadt to Worms—Home via Brussels and Ostend—to Charing X Hotel—Ernest with us every evening.

Home on 18th to find Rachel here—she is lovely and good.

Mr Percy Bigland and his son arrived as our guests and stayed 3 nights. Much interesting talk with him and the first sitting to him for the painting of Theo's portrait is arranged for May 4th at the studio 29 Tite Street Chelsea. The artist told me these days with Theo will be a very big help when he begins to paint—having become acquainted with the varied expressions.

Lit. and Phil. Com. asked Theo to be "President" in a very gratifyingly worded letter—a great honour for him—nevertheless he as declined it—fearing he would not be an active one—owing to his other occupations which are sufficient for his strength.

He is pushing on with the final Volume—writing an Epilogue.

Dr. Percival kindly called to look at Theo's eye to see if cataract is ripe for operation: he says no a year more will probably be needed. In most ways one feels thankful to have the ordeal postponed—meanwhile Theo uses his marred sight very heroically and unstintingly.

Theo been in bed a fortnight with real Influenza. Doctor Ruxton insisted on a nurse for the night as I was scarcely up to it. A very competent Miss Brown is a great comfort and I have quiet refreshing sleep in Spare Room. Depression and cough trying symptoms—but we trust progress is made though it must be slow the Doctor says.

[ . . . ] Theo delegates all Elec. Supply meetings and business connected therewith to Mr. J. H. Armstrong—it will be the first time that he has missed making his long speech before the shareholders since he was made Chairman of the Company.

This week Theo has resigned his Chairmanship of the Electric Supply Co. All the Directors made nice speeches about his powers and zeal for the Company: he remains a Director: we have £150 less yearly: it will be a relief to him not to have the onus of the Annual Meeting in March.

Dr. Drummond came to advise (by Ruxton's wish) he fears the pain is caused by a calculus in the bladder and further investigations and tests must be gone through. Meanwhile bed is ordered. It may mean much suffering for Theo in the near future, but he is heroic, and we have countless blessings and helps.

[ . . . ] Theo wrote to one of his friends lately "we are all on the brink of a precipice." I think he has felt something serious internally hanging over him.

Theo was moved into the Nursing Home Gresham Place—a nice room. I with him all the day—prizing every minute of his precious company—he is patient and unselfish and keen in interest for everything surrounding literary and business matters.

A very serious operation over—a large stone taken from the bladder.

The next few days will be fearfully anxious.

Theo progressing very favourably—a great blessing to have the first critical week over.

Mr. Rutherford Morison the skilful surgeon is very satisfied with the conditions and hopes the wound will be healed in 2 weeks time.

The wound heals well, but his cough and temperature at night has made us anxious. Doctors are watching these symptoms with care and not allowing him to be on sofa while the bed is made, just now.

Theo steadily improved and now has Doctor's leave to come home tomorrow—he is very weak—but can walk about the room: he longs to be home: he has been in the one room at Gresham House 5 weeks. A merciful and wonderful restoration. If only he can avoid chill and get his strength up again. We have engaged Mrs. Staples a semi-trained nurse to help him for a short time as Theo will need great care and some nursing for a week or two. Gresham House is well managed—Sisters and Nurses very efficient and nice.

This afternoon Father consulted Dr. Wardale Oculist about his eye—the verdict quite decisive that it is not nearly ready for operation yet. He is somewhat disappointed as he is eager to study and read for his further philosophical writings. I cannot but feel relieved fearing the effects of operation on his general health.

My Beloved confessing that it is now an effort to get up at 7 o'clock: the cold tries him sorely, various rugs and bottles and gaiters and mits fail to keep him really warm. He is progressing with his "Fragment" [ . . . ]

Three most delightful letters from South Africa—good and intensely interesting news—especially about Charles' conversation with General Smuts when he was asked if any relation of the Author of "History of European Thought"—and Smuts' remark, "I am more glad to meet you as the son of your Father than as an Engineer"—he had also read "Religion and Science," an unexpected encouragement to beloved Theo this eulogy.

No sleep till after 4, when we made tea with the electric kettle. Dr. Ruxton orders quiet and warmth and trusts there will be no further attack—but I feel very anxious for at the age of 79 there is not much strength to resist: he had a busy week of meetings and we went out to have tea with Jane Sturge one evening and quite lately he said he was "very well." The completion of his "Fragment" has been accomplished and "Blackwood" told to whom copies of it are to be sent.

He is perfect in patience.

Theo much "set up" (tho' he is always humble and modest) to have reviews and notices and letters in high praise of "The Fragment." He is now busy selecting his philosophical books which in March are to be given to Armstrong College a liberal and valuable addition to its library: about 1500 Vols.

Our 2 weeks at Blanchland successful and refreshing and the quiet days with my Beloved very good. He began to dictate again "A Crisis in Thought" his marvellous memory clear as ever on deep philosophical subjects

Beloved Theo at Blaydon Works this day—his men friends Mr. Sisson, Prof. Hoernlé, Prof. Gilchrist often come in to talk with him and our Vicar Canon Newsom occasionally with eager interest in listening to Theo's views and wisdom and learning. These talks of course a great boon for Theo—as reading with his own dear eyes impossible.

Theodore's eyesight is worse—it is a pain for him that he cannot distinguish the flowers and plants now. We have made an appointment with Mr. Wardale the Oculist in the hope that he can remove the cataract soon.

Theo and I had a very quiet rest at Saltburn in mostly fine weather. We both had colds which rather marred our ten days stay.

[ . . . ] Now Theo has acute neuralgia to contend against and is very suffering and low down—in bed—Dr. orders rest and warmth and hot fomentations on his forehead: As Theo says, "at my age I do not bob up again so quickly."

DEATH OF DR. J.T. MERZ.

Pioneer of the Electrical Industry.

Services to Tyneside.

His Contributions to Philosophy

It is with much regret that we have to announce the death in his 82nd year of Dr. John Theodore Merz, which occurred at his residence, The Quarries, Grainger Park Road, Newcastle, this morning.

Dr. John Theodore Merz was born in Manchester in 1840. His father, Dr. Philip Merz, was headmaster of Chorlton High School, one of the pioneer institutions in higher education in Manchester.

After spending some years at German universities and taking the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Bonn, Dr. Merz went to Townsend's chemical works at Glasgow in 1867, and in the following year he was sent to the great works of the Tharsis Sulphur and Copper Company at Hebburn.

He afterwards became general manager of the Tharsis Works at Birmingham, Glasgow, Hebburn, and South Wales, and his annual reports became noteworthy statements of constructive policy. He further undertook the management of the Blaydon Chemical Works, where his practical knowledge and skill in organisation soon told favourably on the Company's undertaking.

It is, however, by the work that he did as a pioneer of the industrial application of electricity for lighting, power, and transport that Dr. Merz was most widely known in business circles. In conjunction with his brother-in-law, the late Dr. Robert Spence Watson, he was associated with the Swan Electric Light Company as a director in 1881, which was the first electric lamp manufacturing company founded in England. He was one of the founders of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply Co., Ltd., of which he became the second chairman, and his services to which, especially in the early stages of its history, were invaluable. He was chairman of the Tyneside Tramways and Tramroads Company, and was also actively connected with the County of Durham Electric Power and Electric Power Distribution Companies.

He thus rendered services of a high order to the great industrial community of Tyneside and the counties of Northumberland and Durham.

A mathematician of the highest rank he presented a rare combination of applied science in industry coupled with clear thinking and sound business judgment. His mastery over, and lucid marshalling of, statistics proved of the highest value to all the companies with which he was connected.

His business undertakings alone would have taxed the strength and abilities of most men, but side by side with all these activities, Dr. Merz's literary output was of the highest order. His publishing period extending over 35 years, it may truly be said that the period of preparation and study was lifelong.

In 1884 he published "Leibnitz," one of Messrs. Blackwood's philosophical classics. There appeared in 1896 the first volume of his truly monumental work entitled "History of European Thought in the Nineteenth Century." The second volume appeared in 1906, the third in 1912 and the fourth and concluding volume in 1914. His brother-in-law the late Mr. John Wigham Richardson, writing in the Press said: "The inner circle of his friends know to some extent how great are his intellectual powers, but how few of the citizens of Newcastle-upon-Tyne realise that an author has for more than 20 years been producing in their midst the most original and the most important work which has been written in our time, a work which sums up all the scientific work and all the philosophic thought of the Nineteenth Century." This colossal undertaking was followed by "Religion and Science" in 1915 and "A Fragment on the Human Mind" in 1919, published when the author was in his eightieth year.

Dr. Merz was connected with Armstrong College almost since its foundation. He was a much valued member of its Council and its principal Committees. He represented the College on the Senate of the University of Durham for several years. He enriched the College Library by the presentation of the "Merz Mathematical Library," and he rendered valuable service to the city as a member of the Free Library Committee.

He received the honorary degree of LL.D. from Aberdeen University, and D.C.L. from Durham University in recognition of his distinguished literary work.

Dr. Merz was a regular attender at the meeting of the Society of Friends.

He married Alice Mary, daughter of the late Mr. Edward Richardson, of Beech Grove, Newcastle, who survives him, together with two sons, Mr. Charles H. Merz and Mr. Norbert Merz, and one daughter, Miss Teresa Merz.

LATE DR. THEODORE MERZ.

Striking Tribute from the Vicar of Newcastle.

Continuing his series of Lenten addresses on "Religion and the Higher Life" at St. Nicholas' Cathedral, Newcastle, last night, the Vicar (the Rev. Canon G.E. Newsom) made sympathetic reference to the death of Dr. Theodore Merz.

Dr. Merz, he said, was an example of both the great aspects of science. In his dealings with electricity he was an illustration of progress, by his able organisation bringing light to the town and to the household, making a demand for labour, and thereby providing a livelihood for many.

At the same time, Dr. Merz, devoted an immense amount of toil to the theoretical side of science, carrying out the great impulse towards truth and the ultimate meaning of the universe. He was a man of considerable learning and his labours were a fine example to us.

At 11:30 my glorious and beloved Theo entered the "Better Land" after a nearly 3 weeks' illness, unconsciousness for 3 days. He was nearly 82 and we have been married 48½ years—blessed years. Now a great light has gone out: he said to me during his illness, "I am ready to depart." He was patient and saintly in his sufferings. The 2 nurses were very efficient.

Our children's presence an unspeakable comfort and the many letters of understanding sympathy speaking of his rarely noble intellectual gifts.

The Burial was carried out with great solemnity. A hand Bier covered with most beautiful flowers bore the beloved body to the grave where Ernest is laid. I did not go—but a large assembly gathered of relatives and friends and wide is the sympathy shown—and the love and respect and admiration shown to him: his literary and scientific friends were there also.

Professor Hoernlé often here searching material from Theo's papers &c. for the Article he means to print in the Durham Philosophical Journal in appreciation of Theo. He is very sympathetic. Glad to have two photographs—one for the College Room where the Books Theo presented to it are housed—the other for his own home when he possesses one.

Blackwood has read "The Reminiscences" and would like to publish them—but we all think they were only meant for private family circulation so he is going to print 50 copies.

Charles and Stella are Theo's literary executors—so do the correspondence with Blackwood and with Whitaker.

Prof. Hoernlé's Paper on Theo's philosophical work very full and critical though appreciative—Prof. Gilchrist adding his impressions and Prof. Sampson asked for his. Charles with usual generosity contributing to the cost of printing these: he also helps with binding of some of the books at College in the "Merz library."

Charles here 3 nights beginning of this week—full of interests and talk.

A lunch with Lord Haldane on Electricity connected with the North Eastern Railway, he met Viscount Grey: after lunch the Viscountess "Pamela" came in—who spoke to Charles of Theo's having been at "The Glen."

Lord Haldane asked her if she knew "The History of European Thought." She said, "No." Lord H. said, "I can lend it to you"—at which Viscount Grey said, "Oh yes, Pamela, we can then definitely refuse my being leader of the Liberal party in the House of Lords—instead retire to the country and you will read aloud to me Dr. Merz's History."

Prof. Sampson's "Appreciation" of my Beloved which Hoernlé asked for is very fine and beautiful and true. Professor Gilchrist's delightful also.

Another notable figure finds a well-deserved place in these pages—Dr. Theodore Merz, an unusual combination of man of affairs and philosopher. Dr. Merz is still remembered on Tyneside as having been prominent in the chemical industry, and also as Chairman of the Newcastle Electric Supply Company from 1901 to 1916. Yet he found time to compose a standard work in four volumes—"European Thought in the Nineteenth Century," an exhaustive treatise on scientific and philosophical developments in England, Germany and France. The amount of labour involved must have been stupendous; and his four volumes, besides being indispensable to the student, are highly readable.