HOLDER (William)

, a learned and philosophical Englishman, was born in Nottinghamshire, educated at Cambridge, and in 1642 became rector of Blechingdon in Oxfordshire. In 1660 he proceeded D. D. he became afterwards canon of Ely, Fellow of the Royal Society, canon of St. Paul's, sub-dean of the royal chapel, and sub-almoner to the king. He was a general scholar, a very accomplished person, and a great virtuoso.

Dr. Holder greatly distinguished himself, by giving speech to a young gentleman of the name of Popham, who was born deaf. This was effected at his own house at Blechingdon in 1659; but the young man losing what he had been taught by Holder after he was called home to his friends, he was sent to Dr. Wallis, who brought him to his speech again. Holder published a book, intitled “the Elements of Speech; an essay or inquiry into the natural Production of Letters: with an appendix, concerning persons that are deaf and dumb, 1669,” 8vo. In the appendix he relates how soon, and by what methods, he brought young Popham to speak. In the Philos. Trans. for July 1670, was inserted a letter from Dr. Wallis, in which he claims to himself the honour of bringing that gentleman to speak. By way of answer to which, in 1678, Dr. Holder published in 4to, “A Supplement to the Philos. Trans. of July 1670, with some reffections on Dr. Wallis's letter there inserted.” Upon which the latter soon after published “A Defence of the Royal Society, and the Philosophical Transactions, particularly those of July 1670, in answer to the cavils of Dr. William Holder, 1678,” 4to.

Dr. Holder's accomplishments were very general. He was skilled in the theory and practice of music, and wrote “A Treatise of the Natural Grounds and Principles of Harmony, 1694,” 8vo. He wrote also “A Treatise concerning Time, with applications of the Natural Day, Lunar Month, and Solar Year, &c, 1694,” 8vo. He died at Amen Corner in London, Jan. 24, 1697, and was buried in St. Paul's.