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PREFACE.

WHEN Professor Fleming's private papers were entrusted to me, my first design was to incorporate several of them in a review and criticism of the History of Natural Science during the last fifty years. In this case my sketch would have been purely scientific. But, however congenial the task, I felt there would be the risk of giving greater prominence to my own views, than to the works of him whose biography I had undertaken to sketch briefly. This consideration led me to adopt a plan in which, I trust, the lineaments of Dr Fleming have been drawn with a more decided hand, and his scientific attainments set in stronger relief than could otherwise have been done.

I have selected such passages for quotation as seemed to me fitted to illustrate Dr Fleming's literary attainments, and to shew, especially, the great influence which he exercised on the progress of the different departments of Natural Science, with which his name will ever be associated.

It was Dr Fleming's intention to have inscribed The Lithology to the Students of the New College. I have carried out his intention in this respect. The name of Principal

Cunningham has been added, as an expression, on my part, of gratitude for all the kindness and instruction received from him, when, as a student, I enjoyed the privilege of waiting on his ministry in the College Church.

J. D.

FREE CHURCH MANSE, TORPHICHEN,

15th December 1858.

CONTENTS OF MEMOIR

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