Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed. Words printed in italics are noted with underscores: _italics_. HUGH MILLER BY W. KEITH LEASK FAMOUS SCOTS SERIES PUBLISHED BY OLIPHANT ANDERSON & FERRIER EDINBURGH AND LONDON The designs and ornaments of this volume are by Mr. Joseph Brown, and the printing from the press of Messrs. T. and A. Constable, Edinburgh. PREFACE In the absence of material dealing especially with his last years in Edinburgh a complete _Life_ of Hugh Miller will probably never be attempted. I am informed by his daughter, Mrs. Miller Mackay, F. C. Manse, Lochinver, that the letters and materials sent out to Australia to form the basis of a projected biography by his son-in-law and daughter disappeared, and have never been recovered. The recent deaths of his son and of others who knew Hugh Miller in Cromarty and in Edinburgh still more preclude the appearance of a full and authentic presentation. To the scientist the works of Miller will ever form the best biography; to the general reader and to those who, from various causes, regard biography as made for man and not man for biography some such sketch as the following may, it is believed, not be unacceptable. To treat Hugh Miller apart from his surroundings of Church and State would be as impossible as it would be unjust. Accordingly the presentation deliberately adopted has been from his own standpoint--the unhesitating and undeviating traditions of Scotland. Geology has moved since his day. In the last chapter I have accordingly followed largely in the steps of Agassiz in the selection of material for a succinct account of Miller's main scientific and theological standpoints or contributions. My best thanks are due to Principal Donaldson of the University of St. Andrews for looking over the proof-sheets; to Sir Archibald Geikie, Director-General of the Geological Survey, London, for his admirable reminiscence of his early friend contained in the last pages of this work; and to my friend J. D. Symon, M.A., for the bibliography of Miller in the closing appendix. W. K. L. ABERDEEN, _April_ 1896. CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER I EARLY DAYS--IN CROMARTY 9 CHAPTER II IN EDINBURGH--THE CROMARTY BANK 37 CHAPTER III THE SCOTTISH CHURCH, 1560-1843--'THE WITNESS' 68 CHAPTER IV IN EDINBURGH--LAST YEARS 96 CHAPTER V IN SCIENCE 119 APPENDIX: BIBLIOGRAPHY 154 HUGH MILLER CHAPTER I EARLY DAYS--IN CROMARTY 'A wet sheet and a flowing sea, A wind that follows fast.' ALLAN CUNNINGHAM