William James (New York, 1842 - 1910, Tamworth, New Hampshire)
Letter to Isabella Stewart Gardner from 95 Irving St., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 14 December 1890
Ink on paper , 17.5 x 35.9 cm (6 7/8 x 14 1/8 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
Blue Room
Commentary
Philosopher and psychologist William James devoted significant attention to the study of human consciousness. He was also active in the American Society for Psychical Research. This Boston-based group had roots in the Spiritualist movement and sought means of communication with the dead. In this letter, he solicits Isabella Stewart Gardner’s financial support for the Society with a sense of humor, asking that she might make a donation “if ‘the spirit moves’ you.”