PREFACE. 



T.MS biography is the work of three writers, each 

 working separately and, in a great measure, inde- 

 pendently of the other two. This subdivision of labour 

 has, I am aware, serious drawbacks, and would not 

 huve been resorted to, had any one person been found 

 who could have undertaken adequately to describe the 



<>us aspects of Forbes 1 life and work. But, in 



ult of a writer who could do this, it was thought 

 better to portion out the work to three writers, 

 than to have it inadequately done by one. No doubt 



book has in this way lost something in symmetry, 

 but it is hoped that it may have gained more in 

 thoroughness and com]l< Kness. 



In thinking over Forbes' life and work, these natu- 



v appeared in several aspects, all harmoniously com- 

 i distinct in itself. There was his work- 

 as a sci'-utiti'- in\ .ml li><-ovcrer ; his \\<>rk 



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