Robert Dick, Baker of Thurso, Geologist and Botanist with letter by Samuel Smiles - 1878

London: John Murray, 1878. First edition. Hardcover. Good. 20 x 14 cm. Octavo. 436 pages plus ads. Green cloth. Illustrated. Portrait frontispiece. Foxing to title page. Gouge to spine and some wear to the edges of the spine. Previous owner's bookplate. Pasted down photograph on Robert Dick on back side of title page. Bound in are two hand written letters, 8 pages+1 map, and 2 pages from David Stephen, Match Maker & Jewler, to a T. U. Brocklehurst (likely the author of the work Mexico To-Day, John Murray 1883). Dated 1882 and 1884 respecively. The letters concern the untimely dimise of his friend Captain A. M. Slater and his fall from "Slater's Monument" visible on an etching opposite page 146. The fate of Slater is discussed briefly in the book (page 124 footnote) which states "It is said that the monument is a sham... Slater was afterwards seen in Australia. Jealousy was at the bottom of the affair". In the letter, Stephen vehemently argues against this portrayal of Slater "...universally esteemed as a gentleman and a Christian of the most blameless sort" and describes in the incident in detail. He additionally gives an account of Slater's anxious mental state leading up to his fall which he considers a tragic accident prophesised by a horoscope Slater heard. Also discussed is Stephen sending a cheque in favor of Annie MacKay, servant of Robert Dick. An interesting piece.