Scattered about these pages are instances of wills, &c., gathered from newspapers from time to time. This source, also, is gratefully recognised. Lastly, I have to express my thanks to Mr. Fincham, of Somerset House, for affording me facilities to introduce two or three excellent illustrations of my theme.
Other references are mentioned in the text. If any work to which I am indebted in any respect has not been acknowledged, I trust I may be accorded a ready pardon.
E. VINE HALL.
Wimbledon.
CONTENTS
| chapter | page | |
| PREFACE | [ 7] | |
| I. | THE ROMANCE OF WILLS | [13] |
| II. | WILLS NOT FULFILLED | [59] |
| III. | DR. JOHNSON’S WILL | [69] |
| IV. | DEATH-BED DISPOSITIONS | [82] |
| V. | WILLS BY WORD OF MOUTH | [93] |
| VI. | THE POLYCODICILLIC WILL | [106] |
| VII. | EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY PIETY | [113] |
| VIII. | THE DEAD HAND | [123] |
| IX. | WILLS OF FANCY AND OF FANTASY | [134] |
| X. | STRIFE | [148] |
| XI. | LOVE AND GRATITUDE | [159] |
| XII. | THE SERVANT PROBLEM | [169] |
| XIII. | ANIMALS AND PETS | [178] |
| XIV. | THE WAY OF ALL FLESH | [187] |
| XV. | BURIALS AND FUNERALS | [197] |
| XVI. | WILLS AND GHOSTS | [230] |