88 



Causes of the Wealth of Nations " (1776), only needs mention, as 

 he is so well known. 



The same may be said of James Hutton, whose great book, 

 " The Theory of the Earth," appeared in 1795. 



Many of his conclusions have been disproved by later 

 investigation, but he was the first who systematically stated the 

 theory of the Earth, founded on observation and developed by 

 logical deduction from the observed facts. 



David Hume, the Historian, also only requires mention. 

 His History of England was long a standard, but is not free from 

 prejudice and inaccuracy, and is not now quoted as authoritative. 



John Clerk of Eldin, was the inventor of the system of 

 Naval Tactics known as '' breaking the enemy's line," first put in 

 action by Kodney in his famous victory over De Grasse in 1782, 

 though Clerk had himself never ventured further to sea than a 

 sail to Arran. This manoeuvre was afterwards used with complete 

 success by Howe, St. Vincent, Duncan, Nelson and others. 



Many others might be mentioned, such as John Home, 

 author of Douglas ; Hugh Blair, w^hose treatise on Ehetoric was 

 long a favourite study of Scotch divines ; Dr. Alexander Carlyle, 

 and many more for which there is no space. It is sufficient to 

 say that all the most eminent men in Scotland were proud to 

 reckon themselves among the friends of Joseph Black. 



