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The 'Memoir' does not
exceed fifty-six octavo pages; but within these limits the author has
condensed a vast amount of valuable information regarding the history of
Pillans and some of his celebrated contemporaries on both sides of the
Tweed. The style of this little work is always clear, accurate, and
scholarly; while the analysis, alike of personal character and of
educational systems, shows great perspicacity of intellect and equity of
judgment. Pillans is here vividly pourtrayed as Francis Horner's
favourite playmate; as one of Dr Alexander Adam's prize-boys; as Dugald
Stewart's devoted student and admirer; as a resident tutor in Ayrshire,
Northumberland, and Eton; as rector of our Metropolitan Grammar School;
as our Metropolitan professor of Latin; as a well-employed 'Edinburgh
Reviewer;' as the champion of classical learning against the vulgar
sciolism of Materialistic quacks; as the advocate of national
instruction; as the scholastic Nestor who taught and survived whole
generations of pupils; and, finally, as the cherished friend and
constant correspondent of many, ranking among the greatest Englishmen
and foreigners of his time."— Edinburgh Courant.
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