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.)
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.”