A Man of Independent Mind

Alexander MacDonald M.A. (Edinburgh), takes ‘the finest sight a Scotsman ever sees’, the road to London. Political views: radical. Philosophical tendency: Utilitarian.  Private inclinations: towards his own sex. Favourite poet: Robert Burns.  Fortune: none. Influential friends: none. Social graces: minimal. Intellect: superior. He anticipates finding friends and comrades – maybe even, since a man may hope, a lover – among those of similar kind. He is going to be surprised. Very surprised.