Lectures of William Law of Elvingston (d. 1729)

The material consists of: dictates on Ethics, 1696; dictates Physica taken down 1701; Annotationes in ontologgiam Gerrardi de Vries and Annotationes in pneumatologiam Gerrardi de Vries, 1703-1704; and, Annotationes in physicam generalem D. Joannis Clerici, 1705.

William Law of Elvingston was the son of John Law, Minister of Campsie and Antermony, near Glasgow, and also Minister in Edinburgh. Law (according to City records) was appointed Regent (or Professor) of Philosophy in 1690. By 1708, he was the Senior Regent and occupant of the Chair of Moral Philosophy. William Law died in 1729.

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Grant, Sir Alexander. The story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. Vol.2. London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1884. (2) Dalzel, Andrew. History of the University of Edinburgh from its foundation. Vol.2. Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1862.

Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.

The local Indexes show other references to Law related material in the Laing Collection (check the Indexes for more details): dictates on ethics, 1696, at La.III.152; and, a power of attorney, 1719, at La.III.232. The local Indexes also show reference to notes by Rev. W. Robertson of receipt of stipend from William Law of Elvingston, 1752-1754, 1756-1758 at Dk.6.19/2, but since William Law of Elvingston (Professor of Moral Philosophy) died in 1729, the latter Law may be a son.