Melville, James (1556–1614)

Scottish reformer. He took an active part in church controversy from 1586, and was moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1589. He was a nephew of Andrew Melville.

He was summoned to London with his uncle in 1606, and on the latter's imprisonment was forbidden to return north beyond Newcastle. Negotiations for his return to Scotland were in progress when he died.

Melville was born near Montrose. He became tutor under his uncle at Glasgow University about 1575 and professor of oriental languages at St Andrews in 1580.

Melville, James (c. 1535–1617)

Scottish historical writer and diplomat. He was a member of the household of Mary Queen of Scots and accomplished various missions for her. His Memoirs throw much light on the diplomatic history of the period.