This genealogical source book, part of a series devoted to ancient Scottish burghs, identifies many of the inhabitants of Dumfries of the 17th and 18th centuries and is overwhelmingly based on primary sources. It is designed to provide information that would enhance the basic data of baptisms, marriages, and sometimes deaths found in the Old Parish Registers of the Church of Scotland for this burgh. A range of documentary sources have been located, including testaments, deeds, sasines [property], marriage contracts, bonds, court records, customs references, letter-books, and others, all of which provide a useful insight into the lives of the people of the period. Dr. Dobson identifies each inhabitant of Dumfries by name, occupation, a date, and the source. In many instances he has also dredged up additional facts, such as the name(s) of family members, if/when traveled to the Americas, contestants in civil suits, and so on.