An interesting letter giving an insight into the relationship between Murray and the political economist John Ramsay McCulloch (1789'-1864), who imbued him with 'a taste for political economy' (ODNB). In his letter Murray explains that his friends had recently presented him with a piece of plate in thanks for a course of lectures at Edinburgh on history and political economy ('the science of which you are the ornament'). Murray is sure that McCulloch 'would have been delighted to learn that any attempt, however feeble, were being made here or elsewhere to extend or maintain the knowledge of a science in support of which you have done so much, & which is calculated, when properly understood, to be productive of the most essential service to the public'. Murray goes on to express his pleasure that matters have improved at the University and that McCulloch's course has begun 'under more promising circumstances than usual'. Murray then mentions the second edition of McCulloch's Dictionary, practical, theoretical, and historical of commerce and commercial navigation, which first appeared in 1832 and which McCulloch revised, expanded and updated nine times: 'I am longing to see the second edition of your Dictionary; which really is equivalent in information to a moderate-sized library'. The letter ends with best wishes 'from my better half & myself.