is so prone to error that the
best men have their failings as well as their virtues; but while it is
not desirable to extenuate the former, the biographer is still less
warranted in setting them down in malice. Hence the writer has
endeavoured to criticise in a kindly and temperate spirit, and to hold
up virtues for imitation rather than errors for avoidance.

When these Sketches originally appeared in the columns of the journal
with which the writer is connected, it was never intended that they
should assume a more permanent form. It was only after witnessing the
great amount of interest which they evoked, that he was induced to yield
to pressing solicitations by trying to convert what was only a
terminable lease into one renewable for ever.

One word more. Since the sketch of Dr. Norman Macleod was in print, that
genial, versatile, and accomplished Divine has gone over to the Great
Majority. On Sunday forenoon, the 16th of June, he died rather suddenly,
although, as he had been ailing for some time previously, his end was
not altogether unexpected. In the public prints of both England and
Scotland, the tributes paid to his worth and ability have more than
justified all that will be found in these pages. From Royalty downwards,
his demise has produced a sadness "that passeth show." _Requiescat in
pace!_

J. S. J.
_Glasgow, June 20, 1872._

_CONTENTS._

PAGE

The Duke of Argyll, 9

The Right Hon. H. A. Bruce, 16

Sheriff H. G. Bell, 23

Mr. Robert Dalglish, M.P., 36

Mr. William Graham, M.P., 42

Mr. George Anderson, M.P., 47

Sir James Campbell, 57

Mr. James Young, 63

Mr. George Burns, 71

Mr. James Baird, 79

Sir William Thomson, 88

Principal Barclay, 95

Professor Rankine, 101

Professor Allen Thomson, 109

Professor John Caird, 117

Rev. Dr. N