The present work on the Scottish Staple was projected by the late Professor John Davidson. The notes left by him consisted, firstly, of an accumulation of facts in regard to the Staple; secondly, of an account of various aspects of Scottish economic history; and thirdly, of a sketch of the history of the Staple to about the middle of the eighteenth century. In addition to this, in a fourth volume, bearing the title The Organisation of the Staple, a few pages only were written.<br><br>To complete a work thus outlined by another writer is a task of peculiar difficulty, as perhaps can be realised only by those who have attempted it. I have endeavoured, as far as possible, to expand the book on the lines which I think Professor Davidson would have adopted. In the first part, in the subjects dealt with in the various introductory chapters, I have followed closely the order indicated in Professor Davidson's notes, and the chapters, as completed, embody all that he wrote on these general questions. It is not, I think, improbable that Professor Davidson may have intended to expand this part into an economic history of Scotland.