Sir William Forbes to James Beattie from Edinburgh Russell [James Russell], Professor of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh, has died. Post reckoned at £300 p.a. Several gentlemen interested. Forbes remembers Beattie was averse to becoming a member of Edinburgh University in the past. Wonders if Beattie's view is still the same. If so, please tell him at once. Forbers uncertain what the outcome would be. Meanwhile Forbes will mention it to no one, not even Arbuthnot 19 October 1773