“I was amazed afterwards to receive letters from two men of character and position describing similar cases in their families.”

Showing his surprise when anecdotal reports appeared to support an unusual hypothesis · Conversation concerning Elsie Venner

• Evidence
• Psychology
• Science

“The critics of the magazines are the proper persons to apply to, and they are commonly fair enough.”

Deflecting requests for literary criticism towards professional reviewers · Letter, December 4, 1886

• Criticism
• Professionalism
• Writing

“I am always delighted to hear from you — there is not a living person, except my brother John, who recalls my college life to me as you do.”

Showing how friendship can preserve a living connection with the distant past · Letter to John O. Sargent, February 10, 1889

• Friendship
• Memory
• Youth