A graphic sketch of this lamentable state of affairs is given in James Watson’s _History of Printing_, published in Edinburgh in 1713,[523] a work which, while professing to give a general history of the art, derives its chief interest from the brief account of printing in Scotland given in the preface. That the art was derived in that country from Holland the author entertains no doubt, {258} and that it was indebted for its maintenance and any measure of excellence it might claim to the same foreign source, he boldly asserts. It was the intervention of Dutch workmen that mainly contributed to relieve the deadlock into which the monopolies and patents of the 17th century had brought the trade generally, and it was only by a continuous supply of Dutch workmen, Dutch presses, and Dutch type that printing in Scotland was to be raised from its present low condition. And, as a crowning argument, he exhibits with some pride a selection of indifferent Dutch types and “Bloomers,” with which his own office is provided, as a suggestion of the excellence to which Scotch Typography might yet attain.[524] This avowal of entire dependence on foreign labour and workmanship is significant; and the absence of any suggestion for remedying the evil by the establishment of a foundry in Scotland itself only emphasises the helpless condition into which the art had sunk. But although such a notion was too wild a dream for James Watson, others of his countrymen were bold enough to entertain it, and we find that in 1725 a Scotch printer clearly represented to William Ged the disadvantage under which the country laboured from having no foundry nearer than London or Holland, and urged him to undertake the business. Of Ged’s career we have spoken elsewhere.[525] He failed, and Scotch typography, despite the rising fame of Caslon, might have remained many years longer in its depressed condition, but for the accident which directed the genius of Alexander Wilson to letter-founding. Born at St. Andrews in 1714, young Wilson was originally intended for the medical profession, and it was with a view to push his fortunes in that direction that he came up to London in 1737 and took employment as assistant to a surgeon and apothecary in the great city. While thus engaged he obtained an introduction to Dr. Stewart, physician to Lord Isla, afterwards Duke of Argyle, and in this way came under the notice of his lordship. A common interest in scientific pursuits, particularly astronomy, served to interest Lord Isla in the young doctor’s assistant, and during the term of his service in London Wilson devoted much of his leisure to scientific study under the encouragement and favour of his new patron. [Illustration: 68. From _Hansard_.] Of his first introduction to typography, we quote the following account given by Hansard on the authority of Alexander Wilson’s son and grandson:[526]― {259}