My apology in publishing these little studies of a mediaeval and apparently remote philosopher may be given in a few words. Since I began to work at this subject I have been repeatedly struck by the want of familiarity on the part of the reading public with the very name of John the Scot, whom many educated people still confuse with his namesake Duns of unhappy reputation. At the same time I have noticed how all students of philosophy, who have made even a slight acquaintance with him, have felt the impression of a deep thinker and an original character.