My dear Sir

The enclosed torn off a letter I have just received may interest you. The writer is a M^r. Gibson one of the most accomplished members of the Scotch Bar.¹ The “Pat” referred to is P. P. Alexander author of various books notably of one “Mill & Carlyle” who is my assistant as Secretary of the Scotch Law Amendment Society & whom I left in charge of my letters;² & the reference to MacMillan is explanatory of my losing the chance—at a moment when I was free—of being able to review y^r. book in “Nature” which I gladly undertook to do but regret to say was unable to do.³ There was a delay in sending me either MacMillan’s copy or that you had kindly sent to me. When the book came I was absorbed in other work as you may judge from the fact that I have not yet succeeded in getting half-way through the first volume. I have been delighted with what I have read & am eager to push through with it. But usually it is late in the morning when I can take it up & then I am fagged.

Excuse this intrusion & believe me with great respect, | Y^rs. | J F. M’Lennan.