Seton I am now on the same shelf with her nephew. Remember me
to the Misses Leith and all friends, Miss Johnstone and Mrs Wemyss,
and all your not very extensive circle.... Write me soon; and I
remain, my dear mother, your affectionate and dutiful son, J. HILL
BURTON.

[Footnote 7: Dr Burton's youngest brother and sister.]

"_P.S._--I understand that should I 'kick' before passing advocate,
the money will be returned. This would not be the case, however,
were I to prove fickle, so I must consider my steps taken, and all
thoughts of the Aberdeen law as ended; however, I shall finish my
apprenticeship in summer. Had I time, I should like to go a week or
two to the Continent (Norway or so). J.H.B."

CHAPTER III.

BEGINNING OF LITERARY LIFE.

_Particulars regarding passing of Civil Law trial--Letters containing
account of first years in Edinburgh and beginning of literary
life--First marriage--Wife's death--Publications during married life and
widowhood--Political Economy._

If genius is to be defined as the power of taking a great deal of
trouble, Dr Burton certainly possessed genius. His most remarkable power
was that of mental labour. It did not seem to fatigue or excite him. In
his best years his capability for mental work was limited only by the
need of food and sleep, and he could reduce these needs to a minimum,
and apparently without any future reaction.

He has told the writer that he did not go to bed at all during the
fortnight's preparation for his Civil Law trial, described in the last
chapter, but worked continuously, day and night, living almost entirely
on strong tea and coffee. After his examination was over, he felt no
actual fatigue or discomfort. He went to bed at his usual hour, but
slept till the night of the second day was falling, a period of wellnigh
forty-eight hours. He sustained no injury to health, and became entitled
to style himself Advocate.

He never had much practice at the bar; and the need of earning a
livelihood first led him to literary publication.

The two letters next offered refer to the following years of his life,
when the little family was reunited in Edinburgh. Their mother's absence
on a visit to relations in Aberdeen gave occasion for the letters.

"3 HOWARD PLACE, SOUTH,
_14th July 1833_.

"MY DEAR MOTHER,--I take the opportunity of Spalding's[8] going to
Aberdeen to write you a