Craig, after some weeks had passed, did so, and Neper then showed him a rude draught of what he called Canon mirabilis logarithmorum.
His usual signature was "Jhone Neper," but in a letter written in 1608, and in all deeds signed after that date, he wrote "Jhone Nepair."
Napier frequently signed his name "Jhone Neper, Fear of Merchiston."
Neper being solicitous to know farther of him concerning this matter, he could give no other account of it than that it was by proportional numbers.
Neper, Baron of Mercheston, near Edinburgh, and told him, among other discourses, of a new invention in Denmark (by Longomontanus, as 'tis said), to save the tedious multiplication and division in astronomical calculations.
Of this singular contract, which is signed, "Robert Logane of Restalrige" and "Jhone Neper, Fear of Merchiston," and is dated July 1594, a facsimile is given in Mark Napier's Memoirs.
The form "Neper" is the oldest, as John, third Napier of Merchiston, so spelt it in the 15th century.
Which hint Neper taking, he desired him at his return to call upon him again.