its success can be judged from the fact that it has never been out of print - though always revised - since its publication in 1773. It had, and has, its critics - there are places where its posthumous publication is all too apparent, and many felt it was far too academical (with a poor feel for the daily practice of law) but it quickly gained a reputation as a reliable reference point and, probably, no book has been cited as frequently in Scottish courts. Family Erskine was twice married. He married as his first wife Margaret, daughter of James Melville, in 1719. Their son was the influential theologian John Erskine. He married as his second wife Anne, daughter of James Sterling of Keir, in 1729. Several descendants of his son from this marriage, James Erskine, gained distinction, including John Erskine, Sir David Erskine, Sir Arthur Erskine, Sir James Erskine and Sir George Erskine. Erskine died in March 1768, aged 72. References Sources 1695 births 1768 deaths Scottish legal writers Scottish legal scholars Members of the Faculty of Advocates John Academics of the University of Edinburgh