The article in the _Dictionary of National Biography_, on Joanna Baillie says that when the first volume of _Plays on the Passions_ was published anonymously in 1798, Walter Scott was at first suspected of being the author.

But as Scott had done nothing to give him a literary reputation in 1798, the assertion is incredible.

It seems to be based on the following very inexact statement in _Chambers's Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen._ (Vol.

V, Art.

_Joanna Baillie_.) "Rich though the period was in poetry, this work made a great impression, and a new edition of it was soon required.