The last entry in his diary is made on the 16th of December, 1752.

He was then in Oxford for a few days, but shortly afterwards returned to Naples.

The accident of his having just completed a second volume, induced him, no doubt, to leave it behind him in the secret cupboard.

It is probable that he commenced a third, but if so it was never found.
In reading the manuscript I was struck with the author's clear and easy style, and found the interest of the narrative increase rather than diminish.

At the same time its study was inexpressibly painful to me.
Nothing could have supported me in my determination to thoroughly master it but the conviction that if I was to be of any real assistance to my poor friend Maltravers, I must know as far as possible every circumstance connected with his malady.