[Macvey Napier, editor of Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Edinburgh Reiew.] Autograph Letter Signed to his former pupil Robert MacFarlane (the future Lord Ormidale), regarding his book on the 'Practice of the Jury Court'.

4pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged and worn, folded twice, with traces of glue from mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. Signed 'Macvey Napier' and addressed to 'Robert Macfarlane Esq'. After thanking him for sending a copy of his work on the 'Practice of the Jury Court', he explains that, although the subject 'is of great importance', it 'lies out of that department of the Law' to which Macvey finds it necessary, 'under the pressure of other avocations', to limit his studies. He continues: 'The interest however which I always have taken in your professional progress, from the distinguished figure you made when a student in my class, will induce me to peruse it, as soon as my health, which is being indifferent, and other necessary circumstances'. He ends in the expectation that with his publication MacFarlane will confer 'a valuable present upon [his] professional brethren'.