Scottish minister and writer
James Esdaile (1775–1854) was a Scottish minister and writer who spent his working life mainly at the East Church, Perth, Scotland.
Life.
Esdaile began as a tutor in the family of James Christie of Durie. He then studied at the University of St Andrews. He was licensed by the presbytery of Kirkcaldy on 15 June 1803; and was ordained to Montrose, on 14 August 1805. He was admitted as minister in Perth in November 1810.
Esdaile was awarded the degree of D.D. by the University of Edinburgh, 4 January
1838. He resigned his position 15 June 1844; and died 8 January 1854.
Works.
Esdaile wrote the prominent article "Logic" in the "Edinburgh Encyclopædia", divided as Part I pneumatology, part II dialectics. Here "pneumatology" is what now would be called psychology, and was handled in line with the natural theology of the Enlightenment. It proved a source of controversy with Thomas Brown, whom Esdaile accused of plagiarism, based largely on the use of the term "Relationist". It also gave the author's opinion that Francis Bacon's influence on the advances of two centuries in natural philosophy was largely restricted to chemistry. Esdaile was considered a candidate for the Chair of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh in 1820, on Brown's death, at least in the eyes of some supporters of the Church of Scotland. In the event John Wilson was elected over the claims of Sir William Hamilton.
Esdaile's theological works were:
Two local controversies generated pamphlet wars:
Perth Savings Bank.
James Esdaile was one of the founding directors of the Perth Savings Bank and its unpaid Secretary from its formation in 1815 to his retirement in 1839. 
Family.
Esdaile married, at Borgue, on 3 December 1805, Margaret Blair (died at Rescobie, Angus, Scotland, 24 May 1843), daughter of David Blair of Borgue. Their children were:
Notes.
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