I was very sorry not to have the pleasure of seeing you when you visited this place last autumn. I was then in Fife, where I should have been most happy to receive a visit from you; and indeed had I known you were to stay so long in Edinburgh, I should have crossed the water to meet you.
I lately purchased a small but beautiful property on the
reef of Largs Bay, and have been labouring earnestly in improving and
decorating it. Things are succeeding to my wishes: but then I have laid out a
great deal of money, which I must endeavour to replace by literary exertion.
Nothing seems to answer now but the cheap popular volumes. I have therefore
been projecting two or three of that nature which I am confident would answer;
and I prefer applying to yourself, not only as a liberal and spirited
publisher, but as the son of an old friend for whose memory I cherish a tender
regard. What I would propose in the first place is a ‘History of Natural
Philosophy, or General Physical Science.’ I could make it interesting,
and at once amusing and instructive. But then I shall expect a handsome
premium. I would exert all my
| 376 | MEMOIRS OF JOHN MURRAY |
There is another matter that I have to mention at the express desire of some members of the Bannatyne Club. You reserved the right of bringing out an edition of Sir James Melville’s ‘Memoirs.’ Only 80 copies were printed, and the later members are anxious to have the work. They think that an octavo edition would sell readily and come out with great effect under your name.
