In
his correspondences, Hume left an interesting paper trail
pertaining to the composition and ultimate publication of the
Dialogues. The first indication of the manuscript is in the
following letter to Gilbert Elliot of Minto, in which Hume asks
Elliot to review some "sample" parts of the manuscript (probably
Parts 1-4 from the final 12 sections):
You wou'd perceive by the Sample I have given you, that I
make Cleanthes the Hero of the Dialogue. Whatever you can
think of, to strengthen that Side of the Argument, will be
most acceptable to me. Any Propensity you imagine I have to
the other Side, crept in upon me against my Will ... I have
often thought, that the best way of composing a Dialogue,
wou'd be for two Persons that are of different Opinions
about any Question of Importance, to write alternately the
different Parts of the Discourse, & reply to each other. By
this Means, that vulgar Error woud be avoided, of putting
nothing but Nonsense into the Mouth of the Adversary: And at
the same time, a Variety of Character & Genius being upheld,
woud make the whole look more natural & unaffected. Had it
been my good Fortune to live near you, I shou'd have taken
on me the Character of Philo, in the Dialogue, which you'll
own I coud have supported naturally enough: And you woud not
have been averse to that of Cleanthes.
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