In conclusion, my acknowledgments are due to David Laing, Esq., who
has kindly suggested some corrections in the list of Hume’s works, in
addition to what is noted above.

London, February, 1865.

* * * * *


To the maest excellent
in all princelie wisdom,
learning, and heroical
artes, JAMES,
of Great Britan,
France, and
Ireland,
King,
Defender of the faeth,
grace, mercie, peace,
honoure here and
glorie hereafter.


May it please your maest excellent M_ajestie_, I, your grace’s humble
servant, seeing sik uncertentie in our men’s wryting, as if a man wald
indyte one letter to tuentie of our best wryteres, nae tuae of the
tuentie, without conference, wald agree; and that they quhae might
perhapes agree, met rather be custom then knawlege, set my selfe, about
a yeer syne, to seek a remedie for that maladie. Quhen I had done,