MAN, JAMES, an
antagonist of Ruddiman, was born at Whitewreath, in Elginshire,
about 1700. He studied at King’s College, Aberdeen, where he
obtained the degree of M.A. in 1721. soon after leaving college
he became schoolmaster of the parish of Tough in Aberdeenshire,
but though licensed to preach, it never was his fortune to
obtain a church. In 1742 he was appointed Master of the Poor’s
Hospital in Aberdeen. In 1751 he published at Aberdeen an octavo
work, entitled ‘A Censure and Examination of Mr. Thomas
Ruddiman’s Philological Notes on the Works of the Great
Buchanan, more particularly on the History of Scotland; in which
also most of the Chronological and Geographical, and many of the
Historical and Political Notes are taken into consideration. In
a Letter to a Friend. Necessary for restoring the true readings,
the graces, and beauties, and for understanding the true meaning
of a vast number of passages of Buchanan’s writings, which have
been so foully corrupted, so miserably defaced, so grossly
perverted and misunderstood. Containing many curious particulars
of his life, and a Vindication of his Character from many gross
calumnies.’ This work was answered by Ruddiman the following
year, in a publication entitled ‘Anticrisis, or a Discussion of
the Scurrilous and Malicious Libel, published by one James Man
of Aberdeen.’ Among other literary projects, Mr. Man made
collections for an edition of Dr. Arthur Johnston’s Poems, and
contemplated a ‘History of the Church of Scotland,’ which he was
prevented from accomplishing by his death in October 1761. He
had some time previous sent his edition of Buchanan’s History to
the press, the last sheets of which were corrected by Professor
Gerard, and it was published in 1762. By frugality he had saved
about £155, of which he bequeathed £60 to his relations, and
settled the remainder on the Poor’s Hospital for apprentice fees
to the boys educated in that useful institution.