This volume along with the second provide a unique insight into the life and thoughts of a young and developing genius in mid-nineteenth-century Scotland. This work is a wonderful history not only of one of the greatest physicists of all time, but of a humble Christian. Flashes of a humor, personal struggle, tragedy are intertwined between notes of mathematical proofs, and researches. An amazing and truly inspiring complilation. I look forward to the release of the third volume with anticipation.