CAMBRIDGE, Mar. 16, 1909.
Dear Münsterberg,—Witmer has sent me the corpus delicti, and I find myself curiously unmoved. In fact he takes so much trouble over me, and goes at the job with such zest that I feel like "sicking him on," as they say to dogs. Perhaps the honor of so many pages devoted to one makes up for the dishonor of their content. It is really a great compliment to have anyone take so much trouble about one. Think of copying all Wundt's notes!
But, dear Münsterberg, I hope you'll withdraw a second time your protest. I think it undignified to take such an attack seriously. Its excessive dimensions (in my case at any rate), and the smallness and remoteness of the provocation, stamp it as simply eccentric, and to show sensitiveness only gives it importance in the eyes of readers who otherwise would only smile at its extravagance. Besides, since these temperamental antipathies exist—why isn't it healthy that they should express themselves? For my part, I feel rather glad than otherwise that psychology is so live a subject that psychologists should "go for" each other in this way, and I think it all ought to happen inside of our Association. We ought to cultivate tough hides there, so I hope that you will withdraw the protest. I have mentioned it only to Royce, and will mention it to no one else. I don't like the notion of Harvard people seeming "touchy"! Your fellow victim,
W. J.
To John Jay Chapman.
Cambridge, Apr. 30, 1909.
Dear Jack C.,—I'm not expecting you to read my book, but only to "give me a thought" when you look at the cover. A certain witness at a poisoning case was asked how the corpse looked. "Pleasant-like and foaming at the mouth," was the reply. A good description of you, describing philosophy, in your letter. All that you say is true, and yet the conspiracy has to be carried on by us professors. Reality has to be returned to, after this long circumbendibus, though Gavroche has it already. There are concepts, anyhow. I am glad you lost the volume. It makes one less in existence and ought to send up the price of the remainder.
Blessed spring! blessed spring! Love to you both from yours,
WM. JAMES.
The next post-card was written in acknowledgment of Professor Palmer's comments on "A Pluralistic Universe."