Monboddo

Monboddo, Lord (James Burnett), (1714-99), a Scottish lawyer, was born at the family seat of Monboddo, in Kincardineshire. He was educated at Aberdeen and Groningen, and, after practising at the bar, was raised to the bench of the Court of Session in 1767. He was much given to philosophical studies, but was eccentric and whimsical in views and manners. His principal works are Origin and Progress of Language (3 vols.), Ancient Metaphysics (3 vols.). He believed, or professed to believe, in satyrs, mermaids, and the like, and is noted for his theory of the close relationship that exists between man and the monkey.