Dr Reid on the Family of Sir Isaac Newton. 5293 
inequality corresponds with the compression 
can. Celeste., tome iii. pp. I 765 & 174. 
These two inequalities merit the attention of observers; 
since they possess an advantage over the measures of the degrees 
of the meridian, and the observations of the lengths of the seconds’ 
pendulum, inasmuch as they give the oblateness of the earth, in 
a manner less dependent on the irregularities of its figure. 
Penzance, Yith June 1820. 
Art. XIII. — Account of the Family of Sir Isaac Newton, in 
a Letter from the late Thomas Reid, D.D. Professor of 
Moral Philosophy, Glasgow, to the late John Robison, 
LL. D. F. R. S. E. Professor of Natural Philosophy in the 
University of Edinburgh 
Dear Sir, 
I AM very glad to learn by yours of April 4, that a Mr Bar- 
ron, a near relation of Sir Isaac Newton, is anxious to enquire 
into the descent of that great man, as the family cannot trace it 
farther, with any certainty, than his grandfather. I therefore 
as yon desire, send you a precise account of all I know, and 
am glad to have this opportunity, before I die, of putting this 
information in hands that will make the proper use of it, if it 
shall be found of any use. 
Several years before I left Aberdeen, (which I did in 1764), 
Mr Douglas of Fechel, the father of Sylvester Douglas, now 
a barrister at London, told me, that having been lately at Edin- 
burgh, he was often in company with Mr Hepburn of Keith, a 
gentleman of whom I had some acquaintance, by his lodging a 
night at my house, at New Machar, when he was in the rebel 
army, in 1745. That Mr Hepburn told him, that he had 
heard Mr James Gregory, professor of mathematics, Edin- 
burgh, say, that being one day in familiar conversation with Sir 
Isaac Newton at London, Sir Isaac said, Gregory, I believe 
you do’nt know that I am a Scotchman.” Pray, how is that 
* This interesting letter, which we have copied from the original, has been 
li^indly transmitted to us by John Robison, Esq. F. R, S. E. who fonnd it among 
|iis father’s MSS.— Ed. 
