ls. It is not well known what the original title of it was, but supposed to be “A Dialogue between a scholar, a gentleman, and a lawyer;” though it was afterwards called
In 1576 happened the death of Walter, earl of Essex,
which drew upon lord Leicester many suspicions, after his
marriage with the countess of Essex took place, which,
however, was not until two years after. In 1578, when
the duke of Anjou pressed the match that had been proposed between himself and the queen, his agent, believing
lord Leicester to be the greatest bar to the duke’s pretensions, informed the queen of his marriage with lady Essex;
upon which her majesty was so enraged, that, as Camden
relates, she commanded him not to stir from the castle of
Greenwich, and would have committed him to the Tower,
if she had not been dissuaded from it by the earl of Sussex.
Lord Leicester being now in the very height of power and
influence, many attempts were made upon his character,
in order to take him down: and in 1584 came out a most
virulent book against him, commonly called “Leicester’s
Commonwealth,
” the purpose of which was to shew, that
the English constitution was subverted, and a new form
imperceptibly introduced, to which no name could be so
properly given, as that of a “Leicestrian Commonwealth.
”
In proof of this, the earl was represented as an atheist in
point of religion, a secret traitor to the queen, an oppressor of her people 1 an inveterate enemy to the nobility, a
complete monster with regard to ambition, cruelty, and
Just; and not only so, but as having thrown all offices of
trust into the hands of his creatures, and usurped all the
power of the kingdom. The queen, however, did not fail
to countenance and protect her favourite; and to remove
as much as possible the impression this performance made
upon the vulgar, caused letters to be issued from the privycouncil, in which all the facts contained therein were declared to he absolutely false, not only to the knowledge of
those who signed them, but also of the queen herself.
Nevertheless, this book was universally read, and the contents of it generally received for true: and the great
secrecy with which it was written, printed, and published,
induced a suspicion, that some very able heads were concerned either in drawing it up, or at least in furnishing the
materials. It is not well known what the original title of
it was, but supposed to be “A Dialogue between a scholar, a gentleman, and a lawyer;
” though it was afterwards
called “Leicester’s Commonwealth.
” It has been several
times reprinted, particularly in 1600, 8vo; in 1631, 8vo,
the running-title being “A letter of state to a scholar of
Cambridge;
” in Leicester’s Ghost;
” and again in Secret Memoirs of Robert Dudley earl of Leicester,
” with a preface by Dr. Drake, (see Drake) who
pretended it to be printed from an old manuscript. The
design of reprinting it in 1641, was, to give a bad impression of the government of Charles I.; and the same was
supposed to be the design of Dr. Drake in his publication.
In Dec. 1585, lord Leicester embarked for the protestant Low Countries, whither he arrived in quality of governor. At this time the affairs of those countries were in
a perplexed situation; and the States thought that nothing
could contribute so much to their recovery, as prevailing
upon queen Elizabeth to send over some person of great
distinction, whom they might set at the head of their concerns civil and military: which proposition, says Camden,
so much flattered the ambition of this potent earl, that he
willingly consented to pass the seas upon this occasion, as
being well assured of most ample powers. Before his departure, the queen admonished him to have a special regard to her honour, and to attempt nothing inconsistent
with the great employment to which he was advanced:
yet, she was so displeased with some proceedings of his
and the States, that the year after she sent over very severe
letters to them, which drew explanations from the former,
and deep submissions from the latter. The purport of the
queen’s letter was, to reprimand the States “for having
conferred the absolute government of the confederate provinces upon Leicester, her subject, though she had refused
it herself;
” and Leicester, for having presumed to take it
upon him. He returned to England Nov. 1585; and,
notwithstanding what was past, was well received by the
queen. What contributed to make her majesty forget his
offence in the Low Countries, was the pleasure of having
him near her, at a time when she very much wanted his
counsel: for now the affair of Mary queen of Scots was
upon the carpet, and the point was, how to have her taken
off with the least discredit to the queen. The earl according to report, which we could wish to be able to contradict, thought it best to have her poisoned; but that scheme
was not found practicable, so that they were obliged to
have recourse to violence. The earl set out for the Low
Countries in June 1587; but, great discontents arising on
all sides, he was recalled in November. Camden relates,
that on his return, finding an accusation preparing against
him for mal-administration there, and that he w^as summoned to appear before the council, he privately implored
the queen’s protection, and besought her “not to receive
him with disgrace upon his return, whom at his first departure she had sent out with honour; nor bring down
alive to the grave, whom her former goodness had raised
from the dust.
” Which expressions of humility and sorrow wrought so far upon her, that he was admitted into
her former grace and favour.
mulated by emulation to an exertion of his talents; and, by a close application, he became the first scholar, as well as captain of the school, and gained the highest reputation;
, was born 1730, and when a child,
was of an amiable disposition, had an uncommon capacity
for learning, and discovered, very early, a genius for poetry. After some years passed at a school at Romford, in
Essex, under the care of his relation, the rev. Philip
Fletcher, afterwards dean of Kildare, and younger brother
to the bishop of that see, he was removed to a more eminent one at Felsted, in the same county. At this school
he was stimulated by emulation to an exertion of his talents; and, by a close application, he became the first
scholar, as well as captain of the school, and gained the
highest reputation; and by the sweetness of his temper
and manners, and by a disposition to friendship, he acquired and preserved the love of all his companions, and
the esteem of his master and family. He has, on some
particular occasions, been heard modestly to declare, that
he was never punished, during hib whole residence at
either school, for negligence in his lessons or exercise, or
for any other misdemeanor. He was very early qualified
for the university, and constantly improved himself, when
at home, by his private studies, and the assistance or his
father, happy in the companionship of such a son, who
was always dutiful and affectionate to him; and the first
literary characters of that time associated with a father and
son, whose polished taste and amiable manners rendered
them universally acceptable. He was entered, at the age
of sixteen, at Bene‘t-college, Cambridge, where Mr. Castle,
afterwards dean of Hereford, was then master: and he
was recommended to that college by archbishop Herring,
whom we have mentioned as his father’s particular friend.
The archbishop baptised his son, and promised to patronize him, if educated for the church, and therefore sent
him to the college where he had completed his own education. At the university he continued to rise in reputation as a scholar and a poet, and was always irreproachable
in his moral character: he had the happiness of forming
some connections there with men of genius an ’< virtue,
which lasted through life; but the first and strongest
attachment, in which he most delighted, end which reflected honour on his own merit, was the uninterrupted
friendship, and constant correspondence, which com.uued
to the last, with Mr. Greene, a very respectable clergyman of the diocese of Norwich, a man whose character for
learning and abilities, goodness and virtue, justly gained
him the esteem and love of all who had the happiness of his
acquaintance, whose testimony is real praise, who acknowledged the worth of his valuable friend, “and loved his
amiable and benevolent spirit.
”
te, that Voltaire, being asked his opinion of his abilities as a magistrate, answered, “He is a good scholar.” And, when he was urged to give his sentiments on his talents
, at first advocate-general, and afterwards
president à mortier in the parliament of Bourdeaux, was
born at Rochelle, and died at Paris in 1788, at no very
advanced age, with the character of an upright, enlightened,
and eloquent magistrate. He acquired considerable honour, by his inflexible constancy in the revolution of the
magistracy in 1771, and still more, by delivering from
punishment three poor wretches of Chaumont, condemned
to be broke alive upon the wheel. The statement he published in his defence does credit to his talents and humanity, which may likewise be said of his “Historical
reflections on Penal Laws.
” The president Du Paty employed himself for a length of time in endeavouring to
reform these laws; and displayed no less sagacity than zeal
in combating the obstacles he met with from inveterate
prejudices. As a literary man, we have by him, “Academical Discourses,
” and “Letters on Italy,
” He is a good scholar.
”
And, when he was urged to give his sentiments on his talents for literature and the arts, he said, “He is a good
magistrate.
”
, D. D. a learned Greek scholar, was born in 1606, in Jesus college, Cambridge, of which college
, D. D. a learned Greek scholar,
was born in 1606, in Jesus college, Cambridge, of which
college his father was master from 1590 to 1617; and, after
a classical education at Westminster, was admitted in
1622, of Trinity college in that university, under the tuition of Dr. Robert Hitch, afterwards dean of York, to whom
he gratefully addressed a Latin poem in his “Sylvse,
”
where he calls him “tutorem suurn colendissimum.
” He
regularly became a fellow of his college; and his knowledge of Greek was so extensive, that he was appointed
regius professor of that language at Cambridge in 1632-.'
He was collated to the prebend of Langford Ecclesia, in
the cathedral of Lincoln, Aug. 14, 1641; and to the archdeaconry of Stow in that diocese, Sept. 13 of that year,
being then B. D.; and on the 13th of November in the
same year exchanged his prebend for that of Leighton
Buzzard in the same cathedral; but in 1656 he was ejected
from his professorship at Cambridge, for refusing the engagement. On the 20th of May, 1660, on the eve of the
restoration, he preached a sermon at St. Paul’s cathedral;
and his loyalty on that occasion was rewarded by an appointment to the office of chaplain in ordinary to Charles II.
He was also restored to the professorship; which he resigned the same year in favour of Dr. Barrow; and on the
5th of September following he was, by royal mandate, with
many other learned divines, created D. D. He was installed dean of Peterborough July 27, 1664, by Mr. William Towers, prebendary; and elected master of Magdalen college, Cambridge, 1668. When he obtained the
rectories of Aston Flamvile and Burbach, we cannot exactly
say; but it was probably in 1672, and owing to the patronage
of Anthony the eleventh earl of Kent. In 167G, he preached
three different sermons upon public occasions, all which
were printed, Jan. 30, May 29, and Nov. 5. He died
July 17, 1679, and was buried in Peterborough cathedral,
to which, and to the school there, he had been a considerable benefactor. Against a pillar on the north side of the
choir, behind the pulpit, is a handsome white marble tablet,
with his arms and a Latin inscription commemorating his
learning and virtues.
to that of the Savoy in London, where he died Jan. 16, 1763. His character was that of an universal scholar, a deep divine, a devotee to truth, and a most benevolent and
, D. D. a very eloquent French
protcstant preacher at the Savoy in London, and a fellow of
the royal society, was born about 1679 at St. Pargoire in
Lower Languedoc, and was the son and brother of two
distinguished protestant clergymen. Of his history, however, our memoirs are very scanty. It appears that he had
a congregation first at Amsterdam, whence he was invited
to that of the Savoy in London, where he died Jan. 16,
1763. His character was that of an universal scholar, a
deep divine, a devotee to truth, and a most benevolent
and disinterested man. Among: his works are, 1. “La Vie
et les Sentimens de Lucilio Vanini,
” Rotterdam, Histoire
de la Peinture ancienne,
” from Pliny’s Natural History,
with the Latin text, and notes, Lond. 1725, fol. without
his name. [3. “A volume of Sermons in French,
” Lond.
Hist, naturelle del‘Oretde l’Argent,
” edited
in the same manner, C. Plinii historiae naturalis ad Titum imperatorem pra?fatio,
” collated
with ancient Mss. &c. Lond. 1728, 8vo. 6. An edition
of Telemachus, with notes and illustrations, and a life of
Fenelon, Hamburgh, 1731, 2 vols. 12mo, and revised by
Dr. Durand for Watts of London, 1745. 7. “Histoire du
XVI Siecle,
” Lond. 1725 29, 6 vols. 8vo, on the plan of
Perizonius. 8. “Onzieme et douzieme volumes de l‘Hist.
d’Angleterre par Rapin,
” Hague, Academica, sive de judicio erga verum,
in ipsis primis fontibus, opera P. Valentiae Zafrensis, editio
jiova emendatior,
” Lond. Exercices Francais et
Anglais,
” Lond. Dissertation en forme
cTentretien sur la Prosodie Francaise,
” prefixed to Boyer’s Dictionary. 12. “Eclaircissemens sur le toi et sur le
vous,
” ibid.
him, all which preferments he obtained, partly through his own qualifications, being not only a good scholar, but also “a perfect courtier, skilful in the arts of getting
, a learned divine in the seventeenth
century, who wrote several pieces in vindication of the
Church of England, was born at St. Helier’s in the Isle of
Jersey, in 1625. About the end of 1640, he was entered
of Merton-college in Oxford; but when that city came
to be garrisoned for king Charles I. he retired into France:
and, having studied for some time at Caen in Normandy,
took the degree of master of arts, in the Sylvanian college
of that place, on the 8th of July 1664. Then he applied
himself to the study of divinity, for above two years, at
Saumur, under the celebrated Amyrault, divinity reader in
that Protestant university. In 1647 he returned to Jersey,
and continued for some time until the reduction of that
island by the parliament-forces in 1651, when on account of his being in the defence of it for the king, he was
forced to withdraw, or rather was expelled thence. He
then went to Paris, and received episcopal ordination in
the chapel of sir Richard Browne, knt. his majesty’s resident in France, from the hands of Thomas, bishop of Galloway. From Paris, he removed to St. Malo’s, whence the
reformed church of Caen invited him to be one of their
ministers, in the absence of the learned Samuel Bochart,
who was going into Sweden. Not long after, the landgrave of Hesse having written to the ministers of Paris, to
send him a minister to preach in French at his highness’s
court, he was by them recommended to that prince, but
preferred being chaplain to the duke de la Force, father to
the princess of Turenne; in which station he continued
above eight years. Upon the restoration he came over to
England, and was very instrumental in setting up the new
episcopal French church at the Savoy in London, in which
he officiated first on Sunday, 14 July, 1661, and continued
there for some years after, much to the satisfaction of his
hearers. In April 1663, he was made prebendary of North
Auiton, in the cathedral of Salisbury, being then chaplain
in ordinary to his majesty; and, the llth of February following, succeeded to a canonry of Windsor. On the 1st
of July, 1668, he was installed into the fourth prebend of
Durham, and had a rich donative conferred on him. The
28th of February, 1669-70, he was actually created doctor
of divinity, by virtue of the chancellor’s letters. In 1677,
king Charles II. gave him the deanery of Windsor, vacant
by the death of Dr. Bruno Ryves, into which he was installed July 27. He had also the great living of Witney in
Oxfordshire conferred on him, all which preferments he
obtained, partly through his own qualifications, being not
only a good scholar, but also “a perfect courtier, skilful
in the arts of getting into the favour of great men;
” and
partly through his great interest with king Charles II., to
whom he was personally known both in Jersey and France.
Mr. Wood thinks, that, had he lived some years longer,
he would undoubtedly have been promoted to a bishopric.
He published several things; and, among the rest, 1. “The
Liturgy of the Church of England asserted, in a Sermon,
preached [in French] at the chapel of the Savov, before
the French Congregation, which usually assembles in that
place, upon the first day that divine service was there celebrated according to the Liturgy of the Church of England.
” Translated into English by G. B. doctor in physic,
Lond. 1662, 4to. 2. “A View of the Government and
public Worship of God in the reformed churches of England, as it is established by the act of uniformity,
” Lond.
Apologia
pro ministris trt Anglia (vulgo) noneonformistis,
” by an
anonymous author, supposed to be Henry Hickman, he
published, 3. “Sanctae Ecclesise Anglicanao ad versus iniquas atque inverecundas Schismaticorum Criminationes,
Vindiciae.
” The presbyterians, taking great offence at it,
published these answers: 1. “Bonasus Vapulans or some
castigations given to Mr. John Durel for fouling himself
and others in his English and Latin book,
” Loud. The Nonconformists
vindicated from the Abuses put upon them by Mr. Durel
and Mr. Scrivner.
” 2. Dr. Lewis Du Moulin published
also this answer thereto: “Patronus bonre fidei, in causa
Puritanorum,
” &c Lond. Theoremata philosophise,
” consisting of some theses maintained at the university of Caen;
a French and Latin edition of the Common Prayer Book;
and a French translation of the Whole Duty of Man,
partly written by his wife.
the advice of Dr. Chandler, to Leyden, where he remained two years. He became an excellent classical scholar, a great mathematician and natural philosopher, was well versed
, a man of great learning, and the friend
and associate of the literati of the last age, was born about
1725, and educated at Northampton, under Dr. Doddridge,
and for some time had the additional benefit of being instructed by the learned Dr. John Ward, professor of rhetoric in Gresham -college. He afterwards studied under professor Hutcheson at Glasgow, and to complete his education,
his father, an eminent jeweller in London, sent him, by the
advice of Dr. Chandler, to Leyden, where he remained two
years. He became an excellent classical scholar, a great
mathematician and natural philosopher, was well versed iti
the Hebrew, and a master of the Latin, Italian, and French
languages. Added to these endowments, he was of a
temper so mild, and in his conversation so modest and unassuming, that he gained the attention and affection of all
around him. In all questions of science, Dr. Johnson
looked up to him; and in his life of Dr. Watts (where he calls him “the late learned Mr. Dyer
”) has cited an observation of his, that Watts had confounded the idea of
space with that of empty space, and did not consider, that
though space might be without matter, yet matter, being
extended, could not be without space.
ament,” 1707, 8vo, and a small collection of poems, in Latin and English. His chief excellence, as a scholar, was in classical learning. When he was above ninety years old,
, a dissenting minister of considerable
note, was born about 1676, and educated among the dissenters. Of his personal history we have little information.
He officiated in the meetings in London between sixty and
seventy years, and died in 1768. During this long life, he
had never experienced a moment’s ill health. He would
scarcely have known what pain was, had he not once broke
his arm. He preached to the last Sunday of his life, and
died suddenly in his chair, without a ^roan or sigh. All
his faculties continued in great perfection, excepting his
eye-sight, which failed him some time before his death.
He was remarkable for a vivacity and cheerfulness of temper, which never forsook him to his latest breath; and he
abounded in pleasant stories. He had published in his
earlier days several occasional sermons, some of them
preached at Sailers’-hall meeting, a “Treatise on the Sacrament,
”
isposition, and the excellence of his talents. He had begun to favour learning before he was a great scholar himself, and to be acquainted with it before he could make use
Many authors have preserved accounts of this prince’s
writings. Cardan talks much of his parts and learning.
Holland affirms that he not only wrote notes from the lectures or sermons he heard, but composed a comedy, entitled “The Whore of Babylon,
” in Latin. It is more
certain, howevar, that he wrote “The Sum of a conference
with the Lord Admiral,
” which, in his own hand, is extant
among the Ashmolean Mss.; “A method for the proceedings in the council,
” in the Cottonian library; and
“King Edward VIth’s own arguments against the pope’s
supremacy, &c.
” translated out of the original, written
with the king’s own hand in French, and still preserved.
To which are added some remarks upon his life and reign,
in vindication of his memory from Dr. Heylin’s severe and
unjust censure, Lond. 1682. He drew himself the rough
draught of a sumptuary law, which is preserved by Strype;
and an account of a progress he made, which he sent to
one of his particular favourites, called Barnahy Fiupatrick,
then in France. The same author has given some specimens of his Latin epistles and orations, and an account of
two books written by him; the first before he was twelve
years of age, called “L'Encontre les Abus du Monde,
” a
tract of thirty-seven leaves in French, against the abuses
of popery; it is dedicated to the protector, his uncle; is
corrected by his French tutor, and attested by him to be of
the king’s own composition. An original copy of this
tract is noiv in the British Museum. The other, preserved
in the library of Trinity college, Cambridge, is, “A Translation into French of several passages of Scripture, which
forbid idolatry, or worshipping of false gods.
” Tanner
giresa list of Edward’s letters that are extant; and there is
a large folio ms. in the British Museum, containing his
exercises in Greek, Latin, and English, with his signature
to each of them, as king of England. Cardan says that at
die age of fifteen, our prince had learned seven languages,
and was perfect in English, French, and Latin. Cardan
adds, " he spoke Latin with as much readiness and elegance as myself. He was a pretty good logician; he understood natural philosophy and music, and played upon
the lute. The good and the learned had formed the highest
expectations of him, from the sweetness of his disposition,
and the excellence of his talents. He had begun to favour
learning before he was a great scholar himself, and to be
acquainted with it before he could make use of it. Alas!
how prophetically did he once repeat to me,
languages. Mr. Teale had been master of a free grammar school, and beside being a most accomplished scholar, possessed an exquisite taste for poetry, of which the reader
In 1759, a younger, and the only brother of his good
uncle, came to England, and settling in London, took him
to reside with him, in a high and elegant style of life. He
was a representative in parliament for Abingdon, and
afterward for his native town. This gentleman, in the
latter end of the same year, sent him to Jamaica; which
proved the happiest and most fortunate change in his life,
as his uncle, to the most enlarged and enlightened mind,
added the sweetest temper, and the most generous disposition. His tenderness toward Mr. Edwards was excessive,
and he in return regarded him with more than filial affection
and veneration. Observing his passion for books, and
thinking favourably of his capacity, his uncle engaged a
clergyman, a Mr. Teale, to reside in his family, chiefly to
supply by his instructions Mr. Edwards’s deficiency in the
learned languages. Mr. Teale had been master of a free
grammar school, and beside being a most accomplished
scholar, possessed an exquisite taste for poetry, of which
the reader will be convinced by referring to the Gentleman’s Magazine for August 1771, the beautiful copy of
verses, there first published, called “The Compliment of
the Day,
” being of his composition. Mr. Edwards, however, according to his own account, did not make any great
progress in the languages under his tuition. He acquired
“small Latin, and less Greek;
” and never found it easy to
read the Roman poets in their own language. Not having
been grounded in the Latin grammar at an early period of
life, he found the study of it insupportably disgusting,
after he had acquired a taste for the beauties of fine writing. Poetry, however, was their chief amusement; for
Mr. Teale, as well as himself, preferred the charms of
Dryden and Pope, to the dull drudgery of poring over
syntax and prosody. They preferred belles lettres; and
laughed away many an hour over the plays of Moliere, and
wrote verses on local and temporary subjects, which thev
sometimes published in the Colonial newspapers. Yet the
Latin classics were not altogether neglected; Mr. Teale
delighted to point out to his pupil the beauties of Horace,
and would frequently impose on him the task of translating
an ode into English verse, which, with his assistance in
construing the words, he sometimes accomplished.
for the wise and exact discipline of his college. Mr. Edwards, soon after his admission, was chosen scholar of the house, and was quickly taken notice of for his exercises,
, an eminent English divine and
voluminous writer, the son of the preceding Thomas Edwards, was born at Hertford, February 26, 1637. His
father, as we have already noticed, died in 1647, and by
his wife, who was an heiress of a very considerable fortune,
he left one daughter and four sons, the second of whom
was John, the subject of the present narrative. After
having received his grammatical education at Merchanttaylors’ school, in London, he was removed in 1653 to the
university of Cambridge, and was admitted of St. John’s
college, then under the government of Dr. Anthony Tuckney, a presbyterian divine of acknowledged character and
learning, and particularly distinguished for the wise and
exact discipline of his college. Mr. Edwards, soon after
his admission, was chosen scholar of the house, and was
quickly taken notice of for his exercises, both in his tutor’s
chamber, and in his college-hall. Towards the close of
his undergraduateship, the senior proctor being then of
the college, he was appointed one of the moderators for
the year. Whe: he was middle bachelor, he was elected
a fellow of his college, for which he was principally indebted to the exertions of Dr. Tuckney in his behalf.
During the time of his senior bachelorship he was again
chosen moderator in the schools, and his performances
were long remembered with esteem and praise. In 1661
he was admitted to the degree of M. A.; and soon after sir
Robert Carr presented him to Dr. Sanderson, bishop cf
Lincoln, who conferred upon him the order of deacon.
That learned prelate engaged him, at the same time, to
preach a sermon at the next ordination, when with the
other candidates, he was ordained priest. In 1664, he
undertook the duty of Trinity-church, in Cambridge, and
went through the whole both parts of the day. In his
preaching, without affecting eloquence, he studied to
be plain, intelligible, and practical; and his church was
much frequented by the gown, and by persons of considerable standing in the university. Dr. Sparrow, master of
Queen’s, Dr. Beaumont, master of Peterhouse, and Dr.
Pearson, master of Trinity-college, were often heard to
applaud his pulpit performances. In 1665, during the
time of the plague, he quitted his residence in the college,
and dwelt all that year, and part of the next, in the town,
that he might devote himself entirely to the edification and
comfort of the parishioners of Trinity church, in that
season of calamity. A little after this, sir Edward Atkins
offered him a good living near Cirencester, in Gloucestershire, but he chose to continue in his station at Cambridge.
In 1668 he was admitted to the degree of B. D. About
the same time, through the interest of sir Robert Carr
with sir Thomas Harvey, Mr. Edwards was unanimously
chosen lecturer at St. Edmund’s Bury, with a salary of
loo/, a year. This office he discharged with great reputation and acceptance, notwithstanding which, after a period of twelve months, he resigned it, and returned to his
college, where, however, his situation was uneasy to him.
He had not been upon the best terms with Dr. Peter Gunning, the former master of St. John’s, and being still more
dissatisfied with Dr. Francis Turner, Gunning’s successor,
who had somehow offended him, he determined to resign
his fellowship. On quitting his college, he was presented
by the fellows with a testimonial of his worthy and laudable
behaviour among them. From St. John’s he removed to
Trinity-hall, where he entered himself as a fellow-commoner, and performed the regular exercises in the civil
Jaw. Being willing to be employed in the offices of jits
clerical function, he accepted of the invitation of the parishioners of St. Sepulchre, in Cambridge, to be their minister; and his sermons there were as much attended by
persons of consequence in the university as they had formerly been at Trinity church. In 1676 Mr. Edwards married Mrs. Lane, the widow of Mr. Lane, who had been ati
alderman, a justice of peace, and an eminent attomey in
the town. “This gentlewoman,
” says his biographer,
“was an extraordinary person, of unusual accomplishments
and singular graces but had the unhappiness (as some others of that sex) to be misrepresented to the world. She
being naturally of a high and generous spirit, and not
framed to low observances and vulgar compliances, incurred thereby the imputation of pride and superciliousness
among vulgar minds. But those who were no strangers to
good breeding, and knew how to make distinction of persons, admired the agreeableness of her conversation, and
saw those excellent and worthy things in her deportment
which they could find but in very few of her sex. She
understood herself and her duty, and all the rules of civil
and religious behaviour.
”
, one of our ancient English poets, was born in Somersetshire in 1523, and admitted scholar of Corpus Christi college, Oxford, under the tuition of George
, one of our ancient English
poets, was born in Somersetshire in 1523, and admitted
scholar of Corpus Christi college, Oxford, under the tuition
of George Etheridge, May 11, 1540, and probationer fellow Aug. 11, 1514. In 1547, when Christ church was
founded by Henry VIII. he was admitted student of the
upper table, and the same year took his master’s degree.
Warton cites a passage from his poems to prove that in his
early years, he was employed in some department about
the court. In the British Museum there is a small set of
manuscript sonnets, signed with his initials, addressed to
some of the beauties of the courts of queen Mary and
queen Elizabeth. He therefore probably did not remain
long at the university. In the beginning of Elizabeth’s
reign, he was made one of the gentlemen of her chapel, and
master of the children there, having the character of not
only being an excellent musician, but an exact poet, as
many of his compositions in music and poetry testify. For
these he was highly valued, by those who knew him, especially his associates in Lincoln’s- Inn (of which he was a member), and much lamented by them when he died.
This event, according to sir John Hawkins, happened Oct.
31, 1556, but others say in 1566. He wrote “Damon
and Pythias,
” a comedy, acted at court and in the university, first printed in 1570, or perhaps’ in 1565, and “Palamon and Arcyte,
” another comedy in two parts, probably never printed, but acted in Christ-church hall, 1566,
before queen Elizabeth, of which performance Wood gives
a curious account. Warton thinks it probable that he
wrote many other dramatic pieces now lost. He is mentioned by Puttenham, as gaining the prize for comedy and
interlude. Besides being a writer of regular dramas, he
appears to have been a contriver of masques, and a composer of poetry for pageants. In a word, he united all
those arts and accomplishments which ministered to popular pleasantry, in an age when the taste of the courtiers
was not of a much higher order than that of the vulgar in
our time. His English poems, for he wrote also Latin
poetry, are for the most part extant in “The Paradise of
Dainty Devises,
” Lond. Bibliographer,
” where, as well as in our other authorities, are some farther notices of Edwards. It is justly observed by Warton, that his popularity seems to have altogether arisen from those pleasing talents, of which no specimens could be transmitted to posterity, and which prejudiced his partial contemporaries in favour of his poetry.
The fame of John Williams, fellow of St. John’s college, in Cambridge, as an able scholar and accomplished preacher, came to the ear of the lord chancellor,
The fame of John Williams, fellow of St. John’s college, in Cambridge, as an able scholar and accomplished preacher, came to the ear of the lord chancellor, who sent for him, and about Midsummer 1611, made him his chapJain (the first chancellor since the reformation who had a domestic chaplain); and to this promotion, and the subsequent friendship of his patron, this great prelate, afterwards archbishop of York, was indebted for all his future success. The lord chancellor, indeed, employed on all occasions the ablest servants and coadjutors, and his affection made choice of the most honourable and valuable friends. Besides the archbishop Williams, sir Francis Bacon lord Verulam was honoured by his friendship, and promoted by his favour.
disinterested affection. Though he was ever disinclined to write for the public, yet his merit as a scholar was, however, well known, and properly estimated, by such of
It is not always that men distinguished in public appear
to advantage in their private characters. We shall consider the life of our prelate in both these views, and each
will throw a lustre upon the other. In the following sketch
we mean to delineate such select traits only as are not
common to all other men, but were more peculiar in him.
His person was tall and well formed, it had both elegance
and strength; his countenance was ingenuous, animated,
and engaging. By nature he was endowed with strong and
lively parts, a good temper, “and an active disposition.
Descended from noble ancestors, and initiated from his birth
in the most honourable connections, his manners and sentiments were cast from an early age in the happiest mould,
and gave all the advantages of that ease and propriety of
behaviour, which were so very observable even in the most
indifferent actions of his life. In his address there was a
peculiar mixture of dignity and affability, by which he
had the remarkable art both of encouraging those who were
diffident, and checking those who were presumptuous.
The vivacity of his spirits and conversation, and the peculiar propriety of his manners, made him universally admired and caressed. His memory was accurate and extensive. In describing the characters, and in relating the
anecdotes and transactions with which he had been acquainted, he took particular delight; and this, when his
health permitted, he did with much spirit, and often with
the utmost pleasantry and humour; but scrupulously taking
care that the desire of ornamenting any narrative should
never in the smallest degree induce him to depart from
the truth of it. With so rare and happy a talent for description, with a mind stored with much information, and
a memory very retentive, he was one of the most instructive and entertaining of companions; his conversation was
enriched with pertinent and useful observations, and enlivened by genuine wit and humorous anecdote. He had
a very peculiar art of extricating himself with much immediate address from those little embarrassments which perplex and confound many, and which often occur in society from thf awkwardness of others, or from a concurrence
of singular and unexpected circumstances. When pressed
by improper questions, instead of being offended with
them himself, or giving offence by his replies, be had a
talent of returning very ready and very dextrous answers.
In every sort of emergency, as well in personal danger as
in difficulties of an inferior nature, he shewed an uncommon presence of mind. He possessed a great reach of
understanding, and was singularly gifted with a quick and
ready judgment, deciding rightly upon the instant when it
was necessary. No man was better qualified, or at the
same time more averse to give his opinion; which, upon
many occasions, he found a difficulty in avoiding, its value
being so well known, that it was often solicited by his
friends; and, when he was prevailed upon, he delivered
it rather with the humility of one who asked, than with
the authority of one who gave advice. In forming his
friendships, he was as cautious as he was steady and uniform in adhering to them. He was extremely partial to
the friendships of his youth, and made a particular point
of being useful to those with whom he had been thus early
connected. In all the domestic relations of life he was
exemplary, as a husband, a master, and a parent. Instead of holding over his children an authority founded
upon interest, during his life he put them into possession
of a great part of such fortunes as they would have inherited from him upon his death, willing to have their obedience proceed not merely from a sense of duty, but from
gratitude, and from pure disinterested affection. Though
he was ever disinclined to write for the public, yet his
merit as a scholar was, however, well known, and properly
estimated, by such of his private friends as were them
”
selves distinguished by their erudition, particularly by
archbishop Seeker, Benson bishop of Gloucester, Butler
bishop of Durham, the late lord Lyttelton, the late lord
Egremont, the late Mr. George Grenville, Mr. William
Gerard Hamilton, Mr. Ansty, Mr. Richard Owen Cambridge, Mr. Garrick, Mr. Stillingfleet, Mr. J. Nourse, author of several pieces of poetry in Dodsley’s collection, Dr.
Croxall, sir William Draper, &c. &c. His only publications were three sermons one preached before the lords,
the llth of February, 1757, being a general fast another
before the lords, the 30th of January, 1761 and a third
before the society for the propagation of the gospel, on the
18th of February, 1763.
In the early part of his life he was fond of those manly
exercises which give strength and vigour both to the body
and mind, without suffering them to interrupt his studies;
a practice, which thus regulated, instead of being injurious, is serviceable to learning, and which men eminent
for their judgment have lamented was not more cultivated
and improved. His usual relaxations were such as exercised the understanding; chess was his favourite amusement, and he played well at that game. The Greek and
Latin tongues were familiar to him. He spoke the French
and Italian languages; and wrote, and spoke his own with
purity and precision. Of books he had a competent knowledge, and collected a good library. In every thing he
had a pure taste. In history, anecdotes, and memoirs, in
the belles-lettres, in the arts and sciences, and in whatever
else may be supposed to fall within the circle of polite education, he was by no means uninstructed.
im to school, where he was taught the languages, and he himself taught him to draw and to paint. The scholar surpassed his fellow-students: he acquired the esteem of the
, an eminent painter, was born in the village of Peene, near Cassel, in 1658, of parents extremely poor, and seemed destined to rise in the world by slow degrees. His mother, who was a widow, lived in the country on what she earned by washing linen; her whole wealth consisted in a cow, which her little boy used to lead to pick up its pasture by the side of the ditches. One day Corben, a famous painter of landscapes and history, going to put up some pictures which he had made for Cassel, as he went along the road, took notice of this lad, who had made a fortification of mud, and little clay" figures that were attacking it. Corbéen was immediately struck with the regularity and taste that was evident in the work. He stopped his chaise, and put several questions to the lad, whose answers increased his astonishment. His figure and countenance added to the impression; and the painter asked him whether he would go and live with him, and he would endeavour to put him in a way of getting his bread; the boy said he would willingly accept of his offer, if his mother would but agree to it. Elias failed not to be at the same place on the day appointed, accompanied by his mother; he ran before the chaise, and Corbéen told the woman to bring her son to him at Dunkirk, where he lived. The boy was received, and the master put him to school, where he was taught the languages, and he himself taught him to draw and to paint. The scholar surpassed his fellow-students: he acquired the esteem of the public, and gained the favour of his master to such a degree, that he sent him to Paris at the age of twenty; whence Elias transmitted his works to his master and benefactor. With great gentleness of character, he possessed the good quality of being always grateful; he thus repaid his master for his kindness to him, as Corbéen frequently confessed. Elias, after having been some while at Paris, married. He made a journey to Dunkirk for the purpose of visiting his master, and it was while there that he painted a picture for the altar of St. Barbara’s chapel, in which he represented the martyrdom of that saint; a fine composition. On his return to Paris, he was appointed professor at St. Luke, and successively obtained several other posts. He was much employed, and composed several subjects taken from the life of St. John Baptist de la Barriere, author of the reform of the Feuillants. All these subjects were painted on glass, by Simpi and Michu, and are in the windows of the cloister. Elias, now become a widower, took a journey to Flanders, in hopes of dispelling his grief. Being arrived at Dunkirk, the brotherhood of St. Sebastian engaged him to paint their principal brethren in one piece; he executed this great picture, with a number of figures as large as life, and some in smaller dimensions. The company of taylors having built a chapel in the principal church, Elias was employed to paint the picture for the altar, in which he represented the baptism of Christ; in the fore-ground is St. Lewis at prayers, for obtaining the cure of the sick. Being now on the point of returning to Paris, he was so earnestly solicited to remain in his native country, that at length he yielded to the entreaties of his numerous friends. He now executed a grand picture for the high altar of the Carmelites; it was a votive piece of the city to the Virgin Mary. This picture is a fine composition, and of a style of colouring: more true and warm than was usual with him the artist, as is often the practice, has introduced his own portrait. Elias was complimented on this alteration in his colouring; by which he was encouraged to redouble his care. He executed for the parish church of Dunkirk art altar-piece of the chapel of St. Croix; a Transfiguration for the altar of the parish church of Bailleul, and in that of the Jesuits at Cassel, a miracle of St. Francis Xavier, &c. The abbot of Bergues, St. Winox, employed our artist a long time in ornamenting the refectory of his house. Among his great works he made some portraits in a capital manner. In his greatest successes, Elias never made any change in his conduct, but always continued to lead the same regular life; he was seen no where but at church and in his work-room, into which he rarely admitted visitors. He was much esteemed for the mildness of his disposition. Detesting those malicious reports which are but too common among rival artists, he minded only his business. Not desirous of having pupils, he rather dissuaded young men from cultivating an art that was attended with so much trouble, than encouraged them to enter upon it; those that knew him best, always spoke of this artist as a model of good conduct. He continued working to the end of his days, which happened at Dunkirk the 22d of April 1741, in the eighty -second year of his age. He had but one son, who died at Paris, doctor of the Sorbonne. Neither had he more than one pupil, Carlier, who was living at Paris in 1760.
reated a privy counsellor, the greatest honour to which he could possibly arrive, in his career as a scholar; and the same year he was appointed director of the academy
, a physician of Prussia, was born at Pletzaw, in the principality
of Anhalt-Bernburgh, in 1689. He received the first rudiments of education at home under a private tutor, and
was then sent to the university of Quedlinburgh, and
thence to Jena, in 1709. His father intended him for the
law; but a passion which he expressed for mathematical
and physical researches, soon altered that design, and determined young Eller to follow the profession of physic.
As Jena afforded no opportunity for the study of anatomy,
he was removed to Halle, and soon after to Ley den, to
finish his education under the celebrated Albinus, and the
learned Sengerd and Boerhaave. Thence he passed to
Amsterdam for the advantage of hearing the lectures of
Rau, and examining the preparations of iluysch, and he
followed Rau to Leyden, on the latter being appointed to
succeed professor Bidloe. Having quitted Leyden, he
spent some time in the mines of Saxony and Hartz, where
he completed his chemical studies, and made astonishing
progress in metallurgy and other parts of natural knowledge. On his visiting Paris, he attended several new
courses in chemistry, under Lemery and Homberg, while
he was pursuing his anatomical studies under the direction
of Pecquet, du Verney, Winslow, and acquiring physiological and practical knowledge by the assistance of Astruc,
Helvetius, Jussieu, &c. Though every branch of medical
knowledge, and particularly surgery, was successfully
practised in Paris, the reputation of Cheselden’s operation
for the stone, and the ambition of being known to the immortal Newton, drew Mr. Eller to England, where he arrived in company with the earl of Peterborough, and
remained five months. Leaving London in 1721, he
returned to his own country, and was immediately honoured with the place of first physician to his sovereign
the prince of Anhalt-Bernburgh; but he afterwards removed to Magdeburgh, where he soon attracted the notice
of the king of Prussia, Frederick I. by whom he was made
physician in ordinary, counsellor of the court, professor of
the royal college of physic and surgery at Berlin, physician to the army, and perpetual dean of the superior
college of medicine; employments equally honourable and
lucrative. On the accession of Frederick II. he was farther promoted, and in 1755 was created a privy counsellor,
the greatest honour to which he could possibly arrive, in
his career as a scholar; and the same year he was appointed director of the academy called “Curieux de la
nature,
” where, according to the custom of the society, he
was introduced by the name of Euphorbio. These employments and dignities he retained to his death in 1759.
After his death was published a work by him, entitled
“Observationes de cognoscendis et curandis morbis, praescrtim acutis, 1762, 8vo, which was translated into French
by Le Roy, 1774, 12mo. This work is chiefly founded on
the results of his long practice. He wrote also various
papers in the Transactions of the Academy of Berlin, for
the years 1748, 1749, and 1752, which with other pieces
by him were collected and published, in German, under
the title of
” Physical, chemical, and medical treatises,"
Berlin, 1764, 2 vols. 8vo.
aken, and in 1632 by Weyermann’s account. Ottomar’s father centred all his views in making his son a scholar, and he therefore put him to study the languages under the most
, an artist, was the son of an able
physician, and was born at Gottemburg the I 8th of September 1633, according to Houbraken, and in 1632 by
Weyermann’s account. Ottomar’s father centred all his
views in making his son a scholar, and he therefore put
him to study the languages under the most famous professors. It was soon perceived that he relaxed in his progress in every other of his lessons, in proportion as his
taste for painting was unfolded: and that in the very classes
and school-hours he was secretly practising with the crayon.
Chastisements were even found ineffectual to his correction, notwithstanding the obstinacy of his mother in not
altering her purpose. A lucky accident delivered our
young man from this disagreeable situation. One day a
poor person desired to speak in private with the physician:
the beggar displayed to him his extreme distress in several
languages. The wife of the physician, who was present
at this conversation, said to her husband, “Since I see
that there are men of learning in indigence as well as
painters, I think it altogether indifferent to which profession my son applies; let him satisfy his own inclination.
”
Elliger was then placed at Antwerp in the school of Daniel
Segers, the Jesuit; where he learnt to paint flowers and
fruit, and at length equalled his master. He was called to
the court of Berlin, where he was highly honoured for his
talents, and the elector Frederic William appointed him
his principal painter. This prince found great amusement
in conversing with Elliger, and his smart replies on all
occasions pleased him so much, that he made frequent
visits to his lodgings. This agreeable life, in which he
found much profit as well as pleasure, continued till his
death, the year of which is not known. Elliger’s works,
which are as much sought after as those of his master,
are principally in Germany, where they are preserved
with the utmost care.
sentiments, accompanied, as they generally are, with the pert ignorance that is ever disgusting to a scholar.
The preceding account of Mr. Ellis was written by Mr.
Isaac Reed, for the European Magazine. The executor
to whom Mr. Ellis left his Mss. w.as the late Mr. Sewell,
bookseller in Cornhill, and proprietor of that Magazine,
who gave many of these Mss. to Mr. Reed, with whose curious library they were sold in 1807. Among these was
a volume of Fables, the Translation of Dr. King’s “Ternplum Libertatis,
” the “Squire of Dames,
” and “The
Gospel of the Infancy, or the Apocryphal Book of the
Infancy of our Saviour, translated from the Latin version
of Henry Sike, from the Arabic ms.
” On this last, Mr.
Heed wrote the following note: “Ellis was a determined
unbeliever in the Scriptures, which, I suppose, was his
inducement to this translation.
” Mr. Ellis, however, must
have taken some pains to conceal his sentiments from Dr.
Johnson, who appears to have been once intimate with
him, and who resented no insult to company with more
indignation than the intrusion of infidel sentiments, accompanied, as they generally are, with the pert ignorance
that is ever disgusting to a scholar.
erary, and that he collected a curious and valuable library . The only work by which his merits as a scholar and critic can now be ascertained, was published at Rotterdam,
Besides his literary friends at home, sir Richard appears
to have corresponded with, and to have been highly
respected by many eminent scholars on the continent. He
was a munificent patron of men of learning, and frequently
contributed to the publication of their works, at a time
when the risks of publication were more terrible than in
our days. It was not unfrequent, therefore, to honour him
by dedications. The Weuteins dedicated to him the best
edition of Suicer’s “Thesaurus Ecclesiast.
” to which he
bad contributed the use of a manuscript of Suicer’s in his
own possession, and Ab. Gronovius dedicated to him his
edition of Ælian (Leyden, 1731). Horsley’s “Britannia
Romana
” was also dedicated to him. He was the steady
friend and patron of Michael Maittaire, who, in his “Seoilia,
” addresses many verses to him, from some of which
we learn that sir Richard had travelled much abroad, that
his pursuits were literary, and that he collected a curious
and valuable library . The only work by which his merits
as a scholar and critic can now be ascertained, was published at Rotterdam, in 1728, 8vo, under the title “Fortuita Sacra, quibus subjicitur Commentarius de Cymbalis.
” The epithet fortuita is used as denoting that the
explanation of the several passages in the New Testament,
of which the volume partly consists, casually offered themselves. The whole indeed was written in the course of
his private studies, and without any view to publication,
until some friends, conceiving that they would form an
acceptable present to the literary world, prevailed on him
to allow a selection to be made, which was probably done
by the anonymous editor of the volume; and they are
written in Latin with a view to appear on the continent,
where biblical criticism, although not perhaps at that lime
more an object of curiosity than at home, required to be
conveyed in a language common to the learned. Subjoined
to these critical essays on various difficult texts, which the
author illustrates from the Misnah and other books of Jewish
traditions, is a curious dissertation on the cymbals of the
ancients, which not being noticed by Dr. Burney in his
History of Music, has probably escaped the researches of
that able writer. In all these sir Richard Ellys shows a
vast compass of ancient learning, and a coolness of judgment in criticism, which very considerably advanced his
fame abroad. We know but of one answer to any of his
positions, entitled “A Dissertation on 1 Cor. xv. 29; or
an Inquiry into the Apostle’s meaning there, of being
`baptized for the dead,' occasioned by the honourable and
learned author of the Fortuita Sacra his interpretation
thereof.
” This Inquiry is conveyed in a letter to the author
ef the Republic of Letters, vol. V. (1730).
traordinary women of her age, the first, and as far as we know, the last of her sex, who was a Saxon scholar. A more particular account of her Mss. and other productions
, sister of Mr. William Elstob,
and engaged in the same learned pursuits, was born at
Newcastle, Sept. 29, 1683. It is said, that she owed the
rudiments of her extraordinary education to her mother;
of which advantage, however, she was soon deprived; for
at the age of eight years she had the misfortune of losing
this intelligent parent. Her guardians, who entertained
different sentiments, discouraged as much as they were
able her progress in literature, as improper for her sex;
but she had contracted too great a fondness for literary
studies to be diverted from the prosecution of them.
During her brother’s continuance at Oxford, she appears to
have resided in that city, where she was esteemed and
respected by Dr. Hudson and other Oxonians. Upon her
brother’s removal to London, she probably removed with
him; and, it is certain, that she assisted him in his antiquarian undertakings. The first public proof which she
gave of it was in 1709, when, upon Mr. Elstob’s printing
the homily on St. Gregory’s day, she accompanied it with
an English translation. The preface, too, was written by
her, in which she answers the objections made to female
learning, by producing that glory of her sex, as she calls
her, Mrs. Anna Maria Schurman. Mrs. Elstob’s next publication was a translation of madame Seudery’s “t-ssay on
Glory.
” She assisted, also, her brother in an edition of
Gregory’s pastoral, which was probably intended to have
included both the original and Saxon version; and she had
transcribed all the hymns, from an ancient manuscript in
Salisbury cathedral. By the encouragement of Dr. Hickes,
she undertook a Saxon Homilarium, with an English translation, notes, and various readings. To promote this design, Mr. Bowyer printed for her, in 1713, “Some testimonies of learned men, in favour of the intended edition
of the Saxon Homilies, concerning the learning of the
author of those homilies, and the advantages to be hoped
for from an edition of them. In a letter from the publisher to a doctor in divinity.
” About the same time she
wrote three letters to the lord treasurer, from which it
appears, that he solicited and obtained for her queen
Anne’s bounty towards printing the homilies in question.
Her majesty’s decease soon deprived Mrs. Elstob of this
benefit; and she was not otherwise sufficiently patronized,
so as to be able to complete the work. A lew only of the
homilies were actually printed at Oxford, in folio. Mrs.
Elstob’s portrait was given in the initial letter G of
“The English. Saxon Homily on the Birth-day of St,
George.
” In
of a rich man, unless he possessed some eminent qualities of the mind. He was a very good classical scholar, and a tolerable physician, so far as it could be combined with
, a very eminent mathematician,
was born May 14, 1701, at Hurvvorth, a village about
three miles south of Darlington, on the borders of the
county of Durham, at least it is certain he resided here
from his childhood. His father, Dutlly Emerson, taught
a school, and was a tolerable proficient in the mathematics; and without his books and instructions perhaps his
son’s genius might might never have been unfolded. Besides his father’s instructions, our author was assisted in
the learned languages by a young clergyman, then curate
of Hurworth, who was boarded at his father’s house. In
the early part of his life, he attempted to teach a few
scholars; but whether from his concise method (for he was not happy in expressing his ideas), or the warmth of
his natural temper, he made no progress in his school; he
therefore Sood left it oft', and satisfied with a small paternal estate of about 60l. or 70l. a year, devoted himself to
study, which he closely pursued in his native place through
the course of a long life, being mostly very healthy, till
towards the latter part of his days, when he was much
afflicted with the stone: towards the close of the year 1781,
being sensible of his approaching dissolution, he disposed
of the whole of his mathematical library to a bookseller at
York, and on May the 26th, 1782, his lingering and painful disorder put an end to his life at his native village, in
the eighty-first year of his age. In his person he was rather short, but strong and well-made, with an open countenance and ruddy complexion. He was never known to
ask a favour, or seek the acquaintance of a rich man, unless he possessed some eminent qualities of the mind. He
was a very good classical scholar, and a tolerable physician,
so far as it could be combined with mathematical principles,
according to the plan of Keil and Morton. The latter he
esteemed above all others as a physician the former as
the best anatomist. He was very singular in his behaviour,
dress, and conversation. His manners and appearance
were that of a rude and rather boorish countryman, he wasof very plain conversation, and indeed seemingly rude,
commonly mixing oaths in his sentences. He had strong
natural parts, and could discourse sensibly on any subject;
but was always positive and impatient of any contradiction.
He spent his whole life in close study and writing books;
with the profits of which he redeemed his little patrimony
from some original incumbrance. He had but one coat,
which he always wore open before, except the lower button no waistcoat; his shirt quite the reverse of one in.
common use, no opening before, but buttoned close at the
collar behind; a kind of flaxen wig which had not a crooked
hair in it; and probably had never been tortured with a
comb from the time of its being made. This was his dress
when he went into company. One hat he made to last
him the best part of his lifetime, gradually lessening the
flaps, bit by bit, as it lost its elasticity and hung down, till
little or nothing but the crown remained. He never rode
although he kept a horse, but was frequently seen to lead
the horse, with a kind of wallet stuffed with the provisions he
had bought at the market. He always walked up to London when he had any thing to publish, revising sheet by
sheet himself; trusting no eyes but his own, which was
always a favourite maxim with him. He never advanced
any mathematical proposition that he had not first tried in
practice, constantly making all the different parts himself
on a small scale, so that his house was filled with all kinds
of mechanical instruments together or disjointed. He
would frequently stand up to his middle in water while
fishing; a diversion he was remarkably fond of. He used
to study incessantly for some time, and then for relaxation
take a ramble to any pot ale-house where he could get any
body to drink with and talk to. The duke of Manchester was
highly pleased with his company, and used often to come
to him in the fields and accompany him home, but could
never persuade him to get into a carriage. When he wrote
his sinall treatise on navigation, he and some of his scholars
took a small vessel from Hurworth, and the whole crew
soon gotswampt; when Emerson, smiling and alluding to
his treatise, said “They must not do as I do, but as I say.
”
He was a married man; and his wife used to spin on an
old-fashioned wheel, of which a very accurate drawing is
given in his mechanics. He was deeply skilled in the
science of music, the theory of sounds, and the various
scales both ancient and modern, but was a very poor performer. He carried that singularity which marked all his
actions even into this science. He had, if we may be
allowed the expression, two first strings to his violin,
which, he said, made the E more melodious when they
were drawn up to a perfect unison. His virginal, which is
a species of instrument like the modern spinnet, he had
cut and twisted into various shapes in the keys, by adding
some occasional half-tones in order to regulate the present
scale, and to rectify some fraction of discord that will
always remain in the tuning. He never could get this regulated to his fancy, and generally concluded by saying,
4< It was a bad instrument, and a foolish thing to be vexed
with."
, named the Scholastic, a native of Italy, and an eminent Greek and Latin scholar, was born about the year 510. At the request of Cassiodorus
, named the Scholastic, a native of Italy,
and an eminent Greek and Latin scholar, was born about
the year 510. At the request of Cassiodorus he translated
into the Latin language the ecclesiastical histories of Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodcret, a version more entitled
to commendation for its fidelity than its elegance. Cassiodorus was also indebted to Epiphanius for the improved
version of the “Codex encyclicus,
” or collection of synodal letters of the year
terer;” a dialogue of Lucian, called “Somnium, sive Gallus,” to Dr. Christopher Ursewick, an eminent scholar and statesman; the Hecuba of Euripides, to Warham, archhishop
He had now spent three years in close application to
the Greek tongue, which -he looked upon as so necessary,
that he could not fancy himself a tolerable divine without
it. Having rather neglected it when he was young, he
after wards studied it at Oxford, under Grocyn and Linacer,
but did not stay long enough there to reap any considerable
benefit from their assistance; so that, though he attained
a perfect knowledge of it, it was in a great measure owing
to his own application; and he might truly be called, in
respect to Greek, what indeed he calls himself, “prorsus
autodidactus;
” altogether self-taught. His way of acquiring this language was by translating; and hence it is
that we come to have in his works such a number of pieces
translated from Lucian, Plutarch, and others. These
translations likewise furnished him with opportunities of writing
dedications to his patrons. Thus he dedicated to our king
Henry VIII. a piece of Plutarch, entitled “How to distinguish a friend from a flatterer;
” a dialogue of Lucian,
called “Somnium, sive Gallus,
” to Dr. Christopher Ursewick, an eminent scholar and statesman; the Hecuba of
Euripides, to Warham, archhishop of Canterbury, which
he presented to him at Lambeth, after he had been introduced by his friend Grocyn; another dialogue of Lucian,
called “Toxaris, sive de arnicitia,
” to Dr. Richard Fox,
bishop of Winchester; and a great number of other pieces
from different authors to as many different patrons, both
in England and upon the continent. The example which
Erasmus had set in studying the Greek tongue was eagerly
and successfully followed; and he had the pleasure of seeing in a very short time Grecian learning cultivated by the
greater part of Europe.
hew, an archbishop, came in to us, he ordered me to keep my seat, saying, it was but decent that the scholar should stand before the master. In the course of our conversation,
Not enjoying a very good state of health at Padua, he
went to Sienna, where he drew up some pieces of eloquence for the use of his royal pupil; and soon after to
Rome, leaving Alexander at Sienna. He was received at
Rome, as Rhenanus tells us, with the greatest joy and welcome by all the learned, and presently sought by persons of
the first rank and quality. Thus we find that the cardinal
John de Medicis, afterwards Leo X. the cardinal Raphael of
St. George, the cardinal Gritnani, and Giles of Viterbo, general of the Augustines, and afterwards a cardinal, had a generous contention among themselves who should be foremost in civility to Erasmus, and have the most of his company.
There is something interesting in the manner he was introduced to cardinal Gritnani, as related by himself in one of
his letters, dated March 17, 1531: “When I was at Rome,
”
says he, “Peter Bembus often brought me invitations from
Grimani, that I would come and see him. I never was fond
of such company; but at last, that I might not seem to
slight what is usually deemed a very great honour, 1 went.
On arriving at his palace, not a soul could I perceive,
either in or about it. It was after dinner; so, leaving the
horse with my servant, I boldly ventured by myself into
the house. I found all the doors open; but nobody was
to be seen, though I had passed through three or four
rooms. At last I happened upon a Greek, as I supposed,
and asked him whether the cardinal was engaged He
replied, that he bad company but asking what was my
business Nothing, said I, but to pay iny compliments,
which I can do as well at any other time. I was going;
but halting a moment at one of the windows to observe
the situation and prospect, the Greek ran up to me, and
asked my name; and without my knowledge carried it to
the cardinal, who ordered me to be introduced immediately.
He received me with the utmost courtesy, as if I had been
a cardinal conversed with me for two hours upon literary
subjects and would not suffer me all the time to uncover
my head ^ and upon my offering to rise, when his nephew,
an archbishop, came in to us, he ordered me to keep my
seat, saying, it was but decent that the scholar should
stand before the master. In the course of our conversation, he earnestly entreated me not to think of leaving
Rome, and offered to make me partaker of his house and
fortunes. At length he shewed me his library, which was
full of books in all languages, and was esteemed the best
iti Italy, except the Vatican. If I had known Grimani
sooner, I certainly should never have left Rome; but I
was then under such engagements to return to England,
as it was not in my power to break. The cardinal said no
more upon this point, when I told him that I had been
invited by the king of England himself; but begged me to
believe him very sincere, and not like the common tribe of
courtiers, who have no meaning in what they say. It was
not without some difficulty that I got away from him; nor
before I promised him, that I would certainly wait on him
again before I left Rome. I did not perform my promise;
for I was afraid the cardinal by his eloquence would tempt
me to break my engagements with my English friends. I
never was more wrong in my life but what can a man do,
when fate drives him on
”
, an eminent scholar of the middle age, was born in an early part of the ninth century.
, an eminent scholar of the
middle age, was born in an early part of the ninth century.
The most common account of him is, that he was a native
of Ayr, in Scotland, though some writers have said that
the place of his birth was Ergene, on the borders of Wales,
and others have contended that he was an Irishman. It is,
we apprehend, most probable that he was a Scotchman.
However this may have been, he was animated, in a very
dark period, with a most uncommon desire of literature.
Seeing his country involved in great confusion and ignorance, and that it afforded no means of acquiring the knowledge after which he thirsted, he travelled into foreign,
parts; and it is even asserted, by several authors, that he
went to Athens, and spent some years in studying the
Greek, Chaldaic, and Arabic languages. In whatever
place he obtained his learning, it is certain that in philosophy he had no superior, and in languages no equal, in.
the age during which he flourished. These extraordinary
accomplishments, together with his wit and pleasantry,
which rendered his conversation as agreeable as it was instructive, procured him an invitation from Charles the
Bald, king of France, the greatest patron of literature in
that period, to reside with him. Of this invitation Erigena
accepted, and Jived a number of years in the court of that
prince, on a footing of the most intimate acquaintance and
familiarity. He slept often in the royal apartments, and
dined daily at the royal table. From the following repartee, which is preserved by one of our ancient historians, we may judge of the freedom which Scotus used
with the monarch. As they were sitting one day at table
opposite to each other, after dinner, the philosopher having said something that was not quite agreeable to the rules
of politeness, the king, in a merry humour, asked him,
“Pray what is between a Scot and a sot
” To which he
answered, “Nothing but the table.
” Charles, says the
historian, laughed heartily, and was not in the least offended, as he made it- a rule never to be angry with his
master, as he always called Erigena; yet, in order to assist our belief in the above joke, it has been observed, that
we ought to know in what language Charles and Scotus
conversed. Charles, however, valued this great man for
his wisdom and learning, still more than for his wit, and
retained him about his person, not merely as an agreeable
companion, but as his preceptor in the sciences, and his
best counsellor in the most arduous affairs of governnfenf.
While Scotus resided in the court of France, he composed,
at the desire of his royal patron, a number of works, which
procured him many admirers on the one hand, and many
adversaries on the other. The clergy, in particular, were
dissatisfied with some of his notions, as not being perfectly
orthodox. One of the subjects which employed his pen
was the doctrine of predestination. In his treatise on this
subject, which was addressed to Hincmar, archbishop of
Rheims, and Pardulus, bishop of Laon, the position he
begins with is, that every question may be resolved by four
general rules of philosophy, viz. division, definition, demonstration, and analysis. By these rules he endeavours
to prove, that there cannot be a double predestination, of
one to glory, and another to damnation; and that predestination does not impose any necessity, but that man is
absolutely free; and that, although he cannot do good
without the grace of Jesus Christ, yet he does it, without
being constrained or forced to do it by the will of God, by
his own free choice. Sin, and the consequences of it, and
the punishments with which it is attended, are, says Erigena, mere privations, that are neither foreseen nor predestinated by God; and predestination hath no place but
in those things which God hath pre-ordained in order to
eternal happiness; for our predestination arises from the
foresight of the good use of our free-will. Sentiments so
bold, and delivered in such an age, could not fail of exciting great indignation. Wemlo, or Ganelo, archbishop
of Sens, having read the work, collected out of it several
propositions, which he arranged under nineteen heads,
according to the number and order of the chapters of Scotus’s treatise, and sent them to Prudentius, bishop of
Troyes. This prelate, having examined them, found in
them, as he thought, not only the errors of Pelagius, but
the impiety of the Collyridians. He employed himself,
therefore, in answering Erigena and another answer to
him was written by Florus, a deacon of the church of
Lyons. It does not appear that Scotus engaged any farther in the controversy.
is earliest years he shewed a peculiar disposition for learning, which induced his father, though no scholar himself, to send him to Leyden, where he began his studies,
, or, as he was called in Dutch, Thomas van Erpe, a very learned writer, and eminently skilled in the oriental tongues, was descended, both by his father and mother’s side, from noble families at Boisleduc in Brabant, which place his parents had quitted on account of their adherence to the protestant religion, and was born, at Gorcum in Holland, Sept. 11, 1584. Prom his earliest years he shewed a peculiar disposition for learning, which induced his father, though no scholar himself, to send him to Leyden, where he began his studies, and prosecuted them with such success, as to excite the admiration of his masters. In 1608, at the age of eighteen, he was admitted into the university of that city, where he took the degree of doctor in philosophy. Vossius informs us, that, soon after he became a student in that place, he grew so diffident of succeeding in his labours, as to have thoughts of laying them entirely aside; but that, being encouraged to persevere, and inspired with fresh courage, be made himself master of several branches of literature, and particularly metaphysics, in the pursuit of which last, his patience appears to have been invincible. He is said to have read over not only Aristotle, but likewise a great number of his interpreters, with all the commentaries of Suarez; in which he was so conversant, that, several years after he had gone through his course of philosophy, and was engaged in other studies, he could give a distinct account of the contents of almost every page of that vast work.
te the highest eulogiums upon him, as indeed he well deserved, for he was not only most eminent as a scholar, but as a man of great piety and benevolence. Besides the advantageous
After four years spent in his travels, he returned to
Leyden in July 1612, about which time there was a design to invite him to England, and to settle a liberal stipend on him; but in the February following, he was chosen
by the curators of that university, professor of the Arabic.
and other oriental tongues, except the Hebrew, of which
there was already a professor. He filled this chair with,
great applause, and soon after set up, at an extraordinary
expence, a press for the eastern languages, at which he
printed a great many excellent works. October 1616, he
married a daughter of a counsellor in the court of Holland,
by whom he had seven children, three of whom survived
him. In 1619 the curators of the university erected a second chair for the Hebrew language, of which they appointed him professor. In 1620 he was sent by the prince
of Orange and the states of Holland into France, to solicit
Peter du Moulin, or Andrew Rivet, to undertake the professorship of divinity at Leyden but, not prevailing then,
he was sent again the year following, and after six months
stay in France, procured Rivet, with the consent of the
French churches, to remove to Leyden. Some time after his
return the states of Holland appointed him their interpreter,
and employed him to translate the letters they received
from the several princes of Africa and Asia, and also to
write letters in the -oriental languages; and the emperor of
Morocco was so pleased with the purity of his Arabic style,
that he shewed his letters to his nobles, as a great curiosity, for their elegance and propriety. In the midst, of
these employments, he was seized with a contagious disease, then epidemical, of which he died Nov. 13, 1621,
aged only forty years. The learned of his time lamented
him, and wrote the highest eulogiums upon him, as indeed he well deserved, for he was not only most eminent
as a scholar, but as a man of great piety and benevolence.
Besides the advantageous ofler made him in Italy, he rejected another from the king of Spain and the archbishop
of Seville, who invited him into that kingdom to explain
certain Arabic inscriptions. Gerard John Vossius made
his funeral oration in Latin, which was printed at Leyden,
1625, in 4to; and the same year were published at the
same place, in 4to, Peter Scriverius’s “Manes Erpeniani,
cum epicediis variorum.
”
he officiated to a very numerous congregation, and where he died, June 2, 1754. As a gentleman and a scholar, few ever equalled him; and, although but in low circumstances,
, son of the above, was
born in the prison of the Bass, June 22, 1680, and in 1701
took his degree of M. A. in the university of Edinburgh.
lu 1703 he was ordained minister of Portmoak in the
county of Fife, where he discharged the pastoral duty
with great integrity till 1731, when he was made choice of
to be one of the ministers of Stirling. In April 1732, being
chosen moderator of the synod of Perth and Stirling, it
was his turn to preach at the opening of that synod at
Perth, and in his sermon he took occasion to censure some
late proceedings of the general assembly of the church of
Scotland, respecting patronage; and this brought on a
prosecution against him, which was conducted with so
little judgment or moderation on the part of the assembly,
as eventually to occasion a schism in the church of great
extent. This is usually known by the name of the secession, and its adherents by that of Seceders, now a very
numerous body in Scotland, for whose history we may refer
to a very impartial and well-written account under the
article Seceders, in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, or to
a tract, where their history is more minutely detailed,
entitled “An historical account of the rise and progress
of the Secession,
” by John Brown, minister of the gospel
at Hadclington. Mr. Erskine, however, experienced by
this no falling off in his popularity, being still beloved by
his hearers, and esteemed even by those who were his professed enemies, A meeting was built for him at Stirling,
where he officiated to a very numerous congregation, and
where he died, June 2, 1754. As a gentleman and a
scholar, few ever equalled him; and, although but in low
circumstances, his charity was unbounded. Four volumes
of his sermons were printed at Glasgow in 8vo, 1762, and
a fifth volume at Edinburgh, 1765, under the patronage
of the late duchess of Northumberland, in whose family
one of his sons lived as a gardener.
t Paris, Dec, 28, 1737, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, equally lamented by the citizen, the scholar, and the philosopher. He left no issue by his wife, Lucia Felicia
, born in 1660, succeeded John, count d'Estrees, his father, in the post of vice-admiral of France, which he filled with great reputation in the maritime parts of the Levant. He bombarded Barcelona and Alicant in 1691, and commanded in 1G97 the fleet at the siege of Barcelona; being appointed in 1701 lieutenant-general of the naval forces of Spain by Philip V. a station which he held together with that of vice-admiral of France, and thus had the command of the Spanish and French fleets. Two years afterwards, in 1703, he was made marshal of France, and took the name of marechal des Cceuvres. This dignity was followed by those of grandee of Spain, and knight of the golden fleece; all which he merited by his heroic but prudent courage. Though the abb de St. Pierre describes him as a man of a capricious temper, he had an excellent disposition, and was capable of strong attachments. The French academy, that of sciences, and that of inscriptions, admitted him of their societies. Amidst the tumultuous occupations of war, he never forgot the cultivation of letters. He died at Paris, Dec, 28, 1737, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, equally lamented by the citizen, the scholar, and the philosopher. He left no issue by his wife, Lucia Felicia de Noailles.
a genius, the vivacity of which had littlecultivation; for there are no proofs of his having been a scholar. Though the “Comical Revenge” succeeded very well upon the stage,
Rehearsal
” had been
hatching, by the duke of Buckingham, before it appeared:
but we meet with nothing more of our author’s writing for
the stage. There are extant some other letters of his in
prose, which were written also from Ratisbon; two of
which he sent to the duke of Buckingham when he was in
his recess. As for his other compositions, such as have
been printed, they consist, for the greatest part, of little
airy sonnets, lampoons, and panegyrics, of no great
poetical merit, although suited to the gay and careless taste
of the times. All that we have met with, of his prose, is a
short piece, entitled “An Account of the rejoycing at the
diet of Ratisbonne, performed by sir George Etherege,
knight, residing therefrom his majesty of Great Britain;
upon occasion of the birth of the prince of Wales. In a
letter from himself.
” Printed in the Savoy, Comical Revenge
” succeeded very
well upon the stage, and met with general approbation for
a considerable time, it is now justly laid aside on account
of its immorality. This is the case, likewise, with regard
to sir George’s other plays. Of the “She would if she
could,
” the critic Dennis says, that though it was esteemed by men of sense for the trueness of some of its characters, and the purity, freeness, and easy grace of its dialogue, yet, on its first appearance, it was barbarously treated by the audience. If the auditors were offended with
the licentiousness of the comedy, their barbarity did them
honour; but it is probable that, at that period, they were
influenced by some other consideration. Exclusively of
its loose tendency, the play is pronounced to be undoubtedly a very good one; and it was esteemed as one of the
first rank at the time in which it was written. However,
ShadwelPs encomium upon it will be judged to be too extravagant.
did!” This illustrious conqueror lived to a great age, and being tam Mercurio quam Marte, “as much a scholar as a captain,” amused himself with making a fine collection
As to a general character of prince Eugene, it may easily
be collected from what has already been said of him. He
was always remarkable for his liberality; one instance of
which he shewed, while he was here in England, to Mrs.
Centlivre, the poetess; who, having addressed to him a
trifling poem on his visiting England, received from him a
gold snuff-box, valued at about 35 pistoles. He was also a
man of great and unaffected modesty, so that he could
scarcely bear, with any tolerable grace, the just acknowledgments that were paid him by all the world. Burnet,
who was admitted several times to much discourse with
him, says, that “he descended to an easy equality with
those who conversed with him, and seemed to assume nothing to himself, while he reasoned with others.
” He said
jokingly one day, when the duke of Marlborough
talking of his attachment to his queen, Regina pecunia,
“Money is his queen.
” This great general was a man of
letters; he was intended for the church, and was known at
the court of France by the name of the abbé de Savrie.
Having made too free in a letter with some of old Louis the
Fourteenth’s gallantries, he fled out of France, and served
as a volunteer in the emperor’s service in Hungary against
the Turks, where he soon distinguished himself by his
talents for the military art. He was presented by the emperor with a regiment, and a few years afterwards made
commander in chief of his armies. Louvois, the insolent
war-minister of the insolent Louis XIV. had written to him
to tell him, that he must never think of returning to his
country: his reply was, “Eugene entrera un jour en
France en dépit de Louvois & de Louis.
” In all his military expeditions, he carried with him Thomas a Kempis
“de Imitatione.
” He seemed to be of the opinion of the
great Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, “that a good
Christian always made a good soldier.
” Being constantly
busy, he held the passion of love very cheap, as a mere
amusement, that served only to enlarge the power of women, and to abridge that of men. He used to say, “Les
amoureux sont dans la société ce que les fanatiques sont en
religion.
” His amusement was war, and in the Memoirs
written by himself, and lately published, he speaks of some
of its horrors with too little feeling. It is said that he was
observed to be one day very pensive, and was asked by his
favourite aid-de-camp on what he was meditating so
deeply? “My good friend,
” replied he, “I am thinking,
that if Alexander the Great had been obliged to wait for
the approbation of the deputies of Holland before he attacked the enemy, how impossible it would have been for
him to have made half the conquests that he did!
” This
illustrious conqueror lived to a great age, and being tam
Mercurio quam Marte, “as much a scholar as a captain,
”
amused himself with making a fine collection of books,
pictures, and prints, which are now in the emperor’s collection at Vienna. The celebrated cardinal Passionei, then
nuncio at Vienna, preached his funeral sermon, from the
following text of apocryphal Scripture: “Alexander, son,
of Philip the Macedonian, made many wars, took many
strong holds, went through the ends of the earth, took
spoils of many nations: the earth was quiet before him.
After these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should
die.
”—Maccabees.
d perhaps secretly encouraged by John Bernoulli, who easily discovered that he would be the greatest scholar he should ever educate, soon declared his intention of devoting
, a very eminent mathematician,
was born at Basil, on the 14th of April, 1707: he was the
son of Paul Euler and of Margaret Brucker (of a family illustrious in literature), and spent the first year of his life
at the village of Richen, of which place his father was protestant minister. Being intended for the church, his father,
who had himself studied under James Bernoulli!, taught
him mathematics, as a ground-work of his other studies, or
at least a noble and useful secondary occupation. But
Euler, assisted and perhaps secretly encouraged by John
Bernoulli, who easily discovered that he would be the
greatest scholar he should ever educate, soon declared his
intention of devoting his life to that pursuit. This intention the wise father did not thwart, but the son did not so
blindly adhere to it, as not to connect with it a more than
common improvement in every other kind of useful learn-,
ing, insomuch that in his latter days men often wondered
how with such a superiority in one branch, he could have
been so near to eminence in all the rest. Upon the foundation of the academy of sciences at St. Petersburgh, in,
1723, by Catherine I. the two younger Bernouillis, NichoJas and Daniel, had gone thither, promising, when they
set out, to endeavour to procure Euler a place in it: they
accordingly wrote to him soon after, to apply his mathetics to physiology, which he did, and studied under the
best naturalists at Basil, but at the same time, i. e. in 1727,
published a dissertation on the nature and propagation of
sound; and an answer to the question on the masting of
ships, which the academy of sciences at Paris judged
worthy of the accessit. Soon after this, he was called to
St. Petersburgh, and declared adjutant to the mathematical
class in the academy, a class, in which, from the circumstances of the times (Newton, Leibnitz, and so many other eminent scholars being just dead), no easy laurels were to
be gathered. Nature, however, who had organized so
many mathematical heads at one time, was not yet tired
of her miracles and she added Euler to the number. He
indeed was much wanted the science of the calculus integralis, hardly come out of the hands of its creators, was
still too near the stage of its infancy not to want to be made
more perfect. Mechanics, dynamics, and especially hydrodynamics, and the science of the motion of the heavenly bodies, felt the imperfection. The application of
the differential calculus, to them, had been sufficiently
successful; but there were difficulties whenever it was necessary to go from the fluxional quantity to the fluent.
With regard to the nature and properties of numbers, the
writings of Fermat (who had been so successful in them),
and together with these all his profound researches, were
lost. Engineering and navigation were reduced to vague
principles, and were founded on a heap of often contradictory observations, rather than a regular theory. The
irregularities in the motions of the celestial bodies, and
especially the complication of forces whitfh influence that
of the moon, were still the disgrace of geometers. Practical astronomy had jet to wrestle with the imperfection of
telescopes, insomuch, that it could hardly be said that any
rule for making them existed. Euler turned his eyes to
all these objects he perfected the calculus integralis he
was the inventor of a new kind of calculus, that of sines
he simplified analytical operations and, aided by these
powerful help-mates, and the astonishing facility with
which he knew how to subdue expressions the most intractable, he threw a new light on all the branches of the mathematics. But at Catherine’s death the academy was
threatened with extinction, by men who knew not the connection which arts and sciences have with the happiness of
a people. Euler was offered and accepted a lieutenancy
on board one of the empress’s ships, with the promise of
speedy advancement. Luckily things changed, and the
learned captain again found his own element, and was
named Professor of Natural Philosophy in 1733, in the
room of his friend John Bernouilli. The number of memoirs which Euler produced, prior to this period, is astonishing, but what he did in 1735 is almost incredible,
An important calculation was to be made, without loss of
time; the other academicians had demanded some months
to do it. Euler asked three days—in three days he did it;
but the fatigne threw him into a fever, and the fever left
him not without the loss of an eye, an admonition which
would have made an ordinary man more sparing of the
other. The great revolution, produced by the discovery
of fluxions, had entirely changed the face of mechanics;
still, however, there was no complete work on the science
of motion, two or three only excepted, of which Euler felt
the insufficiency. He saw, with pain, that the best works
on the subject, viz. “Newton’s Principia,
” and “Herman’s Phoronomia,
” concealed the method by which these
great men had come at so many wonderful discoveries,
under a synthetic veil. In order to lift this up, Euler
employed all the resources of that analysis which had
served him so well on so many other occasions; and thus
uniting his own discoveries to those of other geometers, had
them published by the academy in 1736. To say that
clearness, precision, and order, are the characters of this
work, would be barely to say, that it is, what without these
qualities no work can be, classical of its kind. It placed
Euler in the rank of the first geometricians then existing,
and this at a time when John Bernouilli was still living.
Such labours demanded some relaxation; the only one
which Euler admitted was music, but even to this he could
not go without the spirit of geometry with him. They
produced together the essay on a new theory of music,
which was published in 1739, but not very well received,
probably, because it contains too much geometry for a
musician, and too much music for a geometrician. Independently, however, of the theory, which is built on Pythagorean principles, there are many things in it which
may be of service, both to composers, and to makers of
instruments. The doctrine, likewise, of the genera and
the modes of music is here cleared up with all the clearness and precision which mark the works of Euler. Dr.
Burney remarks, that upon the whole, Euler seems not to
have invented much in this treatise; and to have done little
more than arrange and methodize former discoveries in a
scientific and geometric manner. He may, indeed, not
have known what antecedent writers had discovered before; and though not the first, yet to have imagined himself an inventor. In 1740, his genius was again called
forth by the academy of Paris (who, in 1738, had adjudged the prize to his paper on the nature and properties of fire)
to discuss the nature of the tides, an important question,
which demanded a prodigious extent of calculations, aud
an entire new system of the world. This prize Euler did
not gain alone; but he divided it with Maclaurin and D.
Bernouilli, forming with them a triumvirate of candidates,
which the realms of science had not often beheld. The
agreement of the several memoirs of Euler and Bernouilli,
on this occasion, is very remarkable. Though the one
philosopher had set out on the principle of admitting vortices, which the other rejected, they not only arrived at
the same end of the journey, but met several times on the
road; for instance, in the determination of the tides under
the frozen zone. Philosophy, indeed, led these two great
men by different paths; Bernouilli, who had more patience
than his friend, sanctioned every physical hypothesis he
was obliged to make, by painful and laborious experiment.
These Euler’s impetuous genius scorned; and, though his
natural sagacity did not always supply the loss, he made
amends by his superiority in analysis, as often as there was
any occasion to simplify expressions, to adapt them to
practice, and to recognize, by final formulae, the nature
of the result. In 1741, Euler received some very advantageous propositions from Frederic the Second (who had just ascended the Prussian throne), to go and assist him in
forming an academy of sciences, out of the wrecks of the
Royal Society founded by Leibnitz. With these offers the
tottering state of the St. Petersburgh academy, under the
regency, made it necessary for the philosopher to comply.
He accordingly illumined the last volume of the “Melanges de Berlin,
” with five essays, which are, perhaps,
the best things in it, and contributed largely to the academical volumes, the first of which was published in 1744.
No part of his multifarious labours is, perhaps, a more
wonderful proof of the extensiveness and facility of his
genius, than what he executed at Berlin, at a time when
he contrived also that the Petersburgh acts should not
suffer from the loss of him. In 1744, Euler published a
complete treatise of isoperimetrical curves. The same
year beheld the theory of the motions of tb.e planets and
comets; the well-known theory of magnetism, which gained the Paris prize; and the much-amended translation of
Robins’ s “Treatise on Gunnery.
” In Theory
of Light and Colours
” overturned Newton’s “System of
Emanations;
” as did another work, at that time triumphant,
the “Monads of Wolfe and Leibnitz.
” Navigation was
now the only branch of useful knowledge, for which the
labours of analysis and geometry had done nothing. The
hydrographical part alone, and that which relates to the
direction of the course of ships, had been treated by geometricians conjointly with nautical astronomy. Euler was
the first who conceived and executed the project of making
this a complete science. A memoir on the motion of floating bodies, communicated to the academy of St. Petersburgh, in 1735, by M. le Croix, first gave him this idea.
His researches on the equilibrium of ships furnished him
with the means of bringing the stability to a determined
measure. His success encouraged him to go on, and produced the great work which the academy published in
1749, in which we find, in systematic order, the most
sublime notions on the theory of the equilibrium and mo.
tion of floating bodies, and on the resistance of fluids.
This was followed by a second part, which left nothing to
be desired on the subject, except the turning it into a
language easy of access, and divesting it of the calculations which prevented its being of general use. Accordingly in 1773, from a conversation with admiral Knowles,
and other assistance, out of the “Scientia Navalis,
” 2 vols.
4to, was produced, the “Theorie complette de la Construction et de la Manoeuvre des Vaisseaux.
” This work
was instantly translated into all languages, and the author
received a present of 6000 livres from the French king: he
had before had 300l. from the English parliament, for the
theorems, by the assistance of which Meyer made his lunar
tables .
And now it was time to collect into one systematical and
continued work, all the important discoveries on the infinitesimal analysis, which Euler had been making for
thirty years, and which lay dispersed in the memoirs of the
different academies. This, accordingly, the professor undertook; but he prepared the way by an elementary work,
containing all the previous requisites for this study. This
is called “An Introduction to the analysis of Infinitesimals,
” and is a work in which the author has exhausted
all the doctrine of fractions, whether algebraical or transcendental, by shewing their transformation, their resolution, and their developernent. This introduction was soon,
followed by the author’s several lessons on the “calculus
integralis, and differentialis.
” Having engaged himself
to count Orlow, to furnish the academy with papers sufficient to fill their volumes for twenty years after his death,
the philosopher is likely to keep his word, having presented
seventy papers, through Mr. Golofkin, in the course of his
life, and left two hundred and fifty more behind him; nor
is there one of these that does not contain a discovery, or
something that may lead to one. The most ancient of
these memoirs form the collection then published, under
the title of “Opuscula Analytica.
” Such were Euler’s
labours, and these his titles to immortality His memory
shall endure till science herself is no more! Few men of
letters have written so much as Euler no geometrician,
has ever embraced so many objects at one time or has
equalled him, either in the variety or magnitude of his
discoveries. When we reflect on the good such men do
their fellow-creatures, we cannot help indulging a wish
(vain, alas as it is) for their illustrious course to be prolonged beyond the term allotted to mankind. Euler’s,
though it has had an end, was very long and very honourable; and it affords us some consolation for his loss, to
think that he enjoyed it exempt from the ordinary consequences of extraordinary application, and that his last labours abounded in proofs of that vigour of understanding
which marked his early days, and which he preserved to
his end. Some swimmings in the head, which seized him
on the first days of September, 1783, did not prevent his
laying hold of a few facts, which reached him through the
channel of the public papers, to calculate the motions of
the aerostatical globes; and he even compassed a very difficult integration, in which the calculation had engaged
him . But the decree was gone forth: on the 7th of September he talked with Mr. Lexell, who had come to dine
with him, of the new planet, and discoursed with him upon
other subjects, with his usual penetration. He was playing with one of his grand-children at tea-time, when he
was seized with an apoplectic fit. “I am dying,
” said he,
before he lost his senses; and he ended his glorious life a
few hours after, aged seventy-six years, five months, and
three days. His latter days were tranquil and serene. A
few infirmities excepted, which are the inevitable lot of
an advanced age, he enjoyed a share of health which allowed him to give little time to repose. Euler possessed
to a great degree what is commonly called erudition he
had read all the Latin classics was perfect master of ancient mathematical literature and had the history of all
ages, and all nations, even to the minutest facts, ever present to his mind. Besides this, he knew much more of
physic, botany, and chemistry, than could be expected
from any man who had not made these sciences his peculiar
occupation. “I have seen,
” says his biographer, Mr.
Fuss, “strangers go from him with a kind of surprise mixed
with admiration; they could not conceive how a man,
who for half a century had seemed taken up in making
and publishing discoveries in natural philosophy and mathematics, could have found means to preserve so much
knowledge that seemed useless to himself, and foreign to
the studies in which he was engaged. This was the effect
of a happy memory, that lost nothing of what had ever
been entrusted to it nor was it a wonder that the man
who was able to repeat the whole Æneis, and to point out
to his hearers the first and last verses of every page of his
own edition of it, should not have lost what he had learned,
at an age when the impressions made upon us are the
strongest. Nothing can equal the ease with which, without expressing the least degree of ill-humour, he could
quit his abstruse meditations, and give himself up to the
general amusements of society. The art of not appearing
wise above one’s fellows, of descending to the level of those
with whom one lives, is too rare in these days not to make
it a merit in Euler to have possessed it. A temper ever
equal, a natural and easy chearfulness, a species of satirical wit, tempered with urbane humanity, the art of telling
a story archly, and with simplicity, made his conversation
generally sought. The great fund of vivacity which he
had at all times possessed, and without which, indeed, the
activity we have just been admiring could not have existed,
carried him sometimes away, and he was apt to grow warm,
but his anger left him as quickly as it came on, and there
never has existed a man to whom he bore malice. He
possessed a precious fund of rectitude and probity. The
sworn enemy of injustice, whenever or by whomsoever
committed, he used to censure and attack it, without the
least attention to the rank or riches of the offender. Recent examples of this are in the recollection of all who hear
me.
” As he was filled with respect for religion, his piety
was sincere, and his devotion full of fervour. He went
through all his Christian duties with the greatest attention.
Euler loved all mankind, and if he ever felt a motion of
indignation, it was against the enemy of religion, particularly against the declared apostles of infidelity. He was
of a very religious turn of mind. He published a New Demonstration of the Existence of God, and of the Spirituality
of the Soul, which last has been admitted into several divinity schools as a standard book. With scrupulous exactness he adhered to the religion of his country, that of
Calvinism, and, fortified by its principles, he was a good
husband, a good father, a good friend, a good citizen, a
good member of private society.
ance of a similar duty. His publications having procured him considerable reputation as a divine and scholar, he received in 1789, the degree of D. D. from King’s-college,
, D. D. a dissenting minister of the
baptist persuasion at Bristol, was the son, and successor in
the ministry, of the rev. Hugh Evans, M. A. pastor of a
congregation at Broadmead, in that city, where he was
born, in 1737. Having gone through the usual course of
studies at the dissenting academy^ Mile-end, London, he
was admitted a preacher, and for some time exercised his
function in the metropolis, but afterwards became assistant
to his father in the congregation at Broadmead, Bristol. On
his father’s death he succeeded him, and remained in that
office for about thirty-two years, admired and beloved by his
people, and not less esteemed as the superintendant of a seminary for the education of young men who were designed
for the ministry. He was likewise a man of unwearied benevolence, and liberally promoted the establishment of schools
for the instruction and clothing of destitute children at
Broadmead, Downend, Mangotfield, &c. and himself set
a bright example of personal charity and contributions,
while he stirred up others to the performance of a similar
duty. His publications having procured him considerable
reputation as a divine and scholar, he received in 1789, the
degree of D. D. from King’s-college, Aberdeen. He died
of a paralytic affection, Aug. 9, 1791. Dr. Evans was
twice married; first, in 1762, to miss Sarah Jeffries, the
only daughter of the rev. Joseph Jeffries, of Taunton,
in Somersetshire, by whom he had five children, one of
whom, Joseph Jeffries Evans, esq. a merchant of London,
died very lately. Mrs. Evans died in 1771; and in 1774,
Dr. Evans married miss Sarah Hazle, of Bristol, who survived him. His publications are,1. “Sermons on the
Scripture doctrine of the Son and Holy Spirit,
” A collection of Hymns, adapted to
public Worship,
” An address to the
serious and candid professors of Christianity,
” Christ crucified; or the Scripture doctrine
of the Atonement, in four discourses,
”
good historians, and generally skilled in the best antiquities; such were Raphael, and doubtless his scholar Julio; and, if Polydore arrived not to the glory of letters,
Mr. Evelyn’s next publication was the most important
of all his works: 15. “Sylva; or, a dicourse of Foresttrees, and the propagation of timber in his majesty’s dominions 5 as it was delivered in the royal society the 15th
of October, 1662, Upon occasion of certain queries propounded to that illustrious assembly by the honourable the
principal officers and commissioners of the navy.
” To
which is annexed, “Pomona, or, an appendix concerning
fruit-trees, in relation to cider, the making and several
ways of ordering it: published by express order of the
royal society,
” Lond. 1664, fol. This was the first work
written by the command, and published in virtue of an
order, of the royal society, signed by the lord viscount
Brouncker, their president, and dedicated to the king.
The second edition of it was published in 1669, with a
new dedication to king Charles II. dated from Sayes-court,
Aug. 24; the first paragraph of which deserves the reader’s
notice. “Sir, This second edition of Sylva, after more
than a thousand copies had been bought up and dispersed
of the first impression, in much less than two years space
(which booksellers assure us is a very extraordinary thing in volumes of this bulk), conies now again to pay its homage
to your serene majesty, to whose auspices alone it owes the
favourable acceptance which it has received in the world.
But it is not that alone which it presumes to tell your majesty, but to acquaint you that it has been the sole occasion for furnishing your almost exhausted dominions with
more, I dare say, than two millions of timber-trees, besides infinite others, which have been propagated within
the three nations at the instigation and by the direction
of this work; and that the author of it is able, if need require, to make it out by a competent volume of letters
and acknowledgments, which are come to his hands, from
several persons of the most eminent quality, many of
them illustrious, and divers of them unknoun to him, in
justification of what he asserts; which he the rather preserves with the more care, because they are testimonials
from so many honourable persons ‘of the benefit they have
received from the endeavours of the royal society, which
now-a-days passes through so many censures; but she has
yet your majesty for her founder and patron, and is therefore
the’ less concerned, since no man of worth can lightly speak
ill of an assembly v.hich your majesty has thought fit to dignify by so signal a relation to it.
” The third edition, with
great additions and improvements, was published in 1G79;
the fourth in 1705, and the fifth in 1729, both very incorrect. In 1776 a new edition of the “Sylva
” was published in
4to, by Dr. Andrew Hunter, of York, a gentleman eminently qualified for the undertaking. Under the care of
this gentleman the work appeared with every possible advantage; and was enriched by the judicious editor with
ample and copious notes, and adorned with a set of fine
engravings. A head of Mr. Evelyn is prefixed, drawn and
engraved by Battolozzi. Dr. Hunter’s edition of the Sylva
has been four times reprinted. The edition of 1812 contains the deceased editor’s last corrections . 16. “A
parallel of the antient architecture with the modern, in a
collection of ten principal authors who have written upon
the five orders, viz. Palladio and Scammozzi, Serlio and
Vignola D. Barbaro and Cataneo L. B. Alberti and
Viola, Bullant and De Lorme compared with one another.
The three Greek orders, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian,
comprise the first part of this treatise, and the two Latin,
Tuscan and Composite, the latter written in French by
Roland Freart, sieur de Chambray made English for the
benefit, of builders to which is added, an account of architects and architecture^ in an historical and etymological
explanation of certain terms, particularly affected by architects; with Leon Baptista Alberti’s treatise of statues,
”
London, I know none, indeed,
to whom I could more aptly inscribe a discourse of building, than to so royal a builder, whose august attempts
have already given so great a splendour to our imperial
city, and so illustrious an example to the nation It is
from this contemplation, sir, that after I had, by the commands of the royal society, endeavoured the improvement
of timber and the planting of trees, I have advanced to that
of building, as its proper and mutual consequent, not
with a presumption to incite or instruct your majesty, which
were a vanity unpardonable, but, by it, to take occasion
of celebrating your majesty’s great example, who use your
empire and authority so worthily, as fortune seems to have
consulted her reason, when she poured her favours upon
you; so as I never cast my eyes on that generous designation in the epigram, Ut donem pastor K tedificem, without
immediate reflection on your majesty, who seem only to
value those royal advantages you have above others, that
you may oblige, and that you may build. And certainly,
sir, your majesty has consulted the noblest way of establishing your greatness, and of perpetuating your memory,
since, while stones can preserve inscriptions, your name
will be famous to posterity; and, when those materials
fail, the benefits that are engraven in our hearts will outlast those of marble. It will be no paradox, but a truth,
to affirm, that your majesty has already built and repaired
more in three or four years, notwithstanding the difficulties
and the necessity of an extraordinary ceconomy for the
public concernment, than all your enemies have destroyed
in twenty, nay than all your majesty’s predecessors have
advanced in an hundred, as I could easily make out, not
only by what your majesty has so magnificently designed
and carried on at that your ancient honour of Greenwich,
under the conduct of your most industrious and worthy
surveyor, but in those splendid apartments and other useful reformations for security and delight about your majesty’s palace at Whitehall the chargeable covering first,
then paving and reformation of Westminster-hall care and
preparation for rebuilding St. Paul’s, by the impiety and
iniquity of the late confusions almost dilapidated; what her
majesty the queen-mother has added to her palace at Somerset-house, in a structure becoming her royal grandeur,
and the due veneration of all your majesty’s subjects, for
the lioirnir she has done both this your native city, and the
whole nation. Nor may I here omit, what I so much desire to transmit to posterity, those noble and profitable
amoenities of your majesty’s plantations, wherein you most
resemble the divine architect, because your majesty has
proposed in it such a pattern to your subjects, as merit
their imitation and protoundest acknowledgments, in one
of the most worthy and kingly improvements tbat nature is
capable of. 1 know not what they talk of former ages, and
of the now contemporary princes with your majesty these
things are visible and should I here descend to more particulars, which yet were not foreign to the subject of this
discourse, I would provoke the whole world to produce me
an example parallel with your majesty, for your exact
judgment and marvellous ability in all that belongs to the
naval architecture, both as to its proper terms and more
solid use, in which your majesty is master of one of the
most noble and profitable arts that can be wished, in a
prince to whom God has designed the dominion of the
ocean, which renders your majesty’s empire universal;
where, by exercising your royal talent and knowledge that
way, you can bring even the antipodes to meet, and the
poles to kiss each other; for so likewise, not in a metaphorical but natural sense, your equal and prudent government of this nation has made it good, whilst your majesty
has so prosperously guided this giddy bark, through such
a storm, as no hand, save your majesty’s, could touch the
helm, but at the price of their temerity.
” There is also
another dedication to sir John Denham, knight of the bath,
superintendent and surveyor of all his majesty’s buildings
and works, in which there are several matters of fact worth
knowing, as indeed there are in all Mr. Evelyn’s dedications; for, though no man was naturally more civil, or
more capable of making a compliment handsomely, yet his
merit was always conspicuous in his good manners; and he
never thought that the swelling sound of a well-turned
period could atone for want of sense. It appears from the
dedication of the second edition of the Sylva to king
Charles II. that there was a second edition of this work
also in the same year, viz. 1669, as there was a third in
1697, which was the last in the author’s life-time. In this
third edition, which is very much improved, “the account
of Architects and Architecture,
” which is an original work
of Mr. Evelyn’s, and a most excellent one of its kind, is
dedicated to sir Christopher Wren, surveyor to his majesty’s buildings and works; and there is in it another of
those incidental passages that concern the personal history
of our author. Having said in the first paragraph, that, if
the whole art of building were lost, it might be found
again in the noble works of that great architect, which,
though a very high, is no unjust compliment, more especially, continues our author, St. Paul’s church and the
Monument; he then adds, “I have named St. Paul’s,
and truly not without admiration, as oft as I recall to mind,
as frequently I do, the sad and deplorable condition it was
in, when, after it had been made a stable of horses and a
den of thieves, you, with other gentlemen and myself,
were, by the late king Charles, named commissioners to
survey the dilapidations, and to make report to his majesty,
in order to a speedy reparation. You will not, I am sure,
forget the struggle we had with some who were for patching it up any how, so the steeple might stand, instead of
new-building, which it altogether needed: when, to put
an end to the contest, five days after (August 27, Sept. 1666), that dreadful conflagration happened, out of whose
this phoenix is risen, and was by providence designed
for you. The circumstance is too remarkable, that I could
not pass it over without notice. I will now add no more,
but beg your pardon for this confidence of mine, after I
have acquainted you that the parallel to which this was annexed being out of print, I was importuned by the bookseller to add something to a new impression, but to which
I was no way inclined; till, not long since, going to St.
Paul’s, to contemplate that august pile, and the progress
you have made, some of your chief workmen gratefully acknowledging the assistance it had afforded them, I took
this opportunity of doing myself this honour.
” The fourth
edition of this work, printed long after our author’s death,
viz. in 1733, was in folio, as well as the rest; to which is
added “The Elements of Architecture,
” by sir Henry
Wotton, and some other things, of which, however, hints
were met with in our author’s pieces. 17. “Mwrtyj/ov Tjjj
AvaiMos; that is, another part of the mystery of Jesuitism,
or the new heresy of the Jesuits, publicly maintained at
Paris, in the college of Clermont, the twelfth of December,
1661, declared to all the bishops of France, according to
the copy printed at Paris. Together with the imaginary
heresy, in three letters; with divers other particulars relating to this abominable mystery never before published in
English;
” Lond. 1664, 8vo. This, indeed, has not our
author’s name to it; but that it is really his, and that he
had reasons for not owning it more publicly, appears from
a letter from him to Mr. Boyle. 18. “Kalendarium Hortense, or the gardener’s almanac, directing what he is to
do monthly throughout the year, and what fruits and flowers
are in prime,
” Lond. The Garden.
” This passed through at least nine editions.
The author made many additions as long as he lived and
the best was that printed by way of appendix to the fourth
and last edition of the Sylva in his life-time. 19. “The
history of the three late famous impostors, viz. Padre Ottotnano, pretended son and heir to the late grand signior;
Mahomet Bei, a pretended prince of the Ottoman family,
but, in truth, a Wallachian counterfeit: and Sabbatai Sevi,
the supposed Messiah of the Jews, in the year 1666; with
a brief account of the ground and occasion of tjie present
war between the Turk and the Venetian: together with the
cause of the final extirpation, destruction, and exile, of the
Jews out of the empire of Persia,
” Lond. 1668, 8vo. This
piece is dedicated to Henry earl of Arlington, and the dedication is subscribed J. E. and, if Mr. Wood had seen it,
he would not have said, “I know nothing yet to the contrary but this may be a translation.
” The nature and value
of this little piece were much better known abroad: one of
the best literary journals, “Act. Eruditorum Lipsiensiutn,
”
A. D. Public employment and an active life
preferred to solitude, in a reply to a late ingenious essay
of a contrary title,
” Lond. Sylva,
” Philosoph.
Trans. No. 53; and the reader will find some ingenious
strictures on “Public employment, &c.
” in vol. 1. of the
Censura Literaria, by one who knows well how to improve
solitude. 21. “An idea of the perfection of painting,
demonstrated from the principles of art, and by examples
conformable to the observations which Pliny and Quintilian have made upon the most celebrated pieces of the ancient painters, paralleled with some works of the most famous modern painters, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Julio
Romano, and N. Poussin. Written in French by Roland
Freart, Sieur de Cambray, and rendered English by J. E.
esquire, fellow of the royal society;
” Lond. 1668, 8vo,
This translation is dedicated to Henry Howard, of Norfolk,
heir apparent to that dukedom and the dedication is dated
from Say es-court, June the 24th, 1668, 8vo. This piece,
like most of Mr. Evelyn’s works, is now become exceeding
scarce. In the preface he observes, that the reader will
find in this discourse divers useful, remarks, especially
where the author “treats of costume, which we, continues
he, have interpreted decorum, as the nearest expression
our language would bear to it. And I was glad our author
had reproved it in so many instances, because it not only
grows daily more licentious, but even ridiculous and intolerable. But it is hoped this may universally be reformed! when our modern workmen shall consider, that
neither the exactness of their design, nor skilfulness in
colouring, ha.s been able to defend their greatest predecessors from just reproaches, who have been faulty in this
particular. I could exemplify in many others, whom our
author has omitted; and there is none but takes notice
what injury it has done the fame of some of our best reputed painters, and how indecorous it is to introduce circumstances, wholly improper to the usages and genius of
the places where our histories are supposed to. have beeq
acted.
” Mr. Evelyn then remarks, that this was not only
the fault of Bassano, who would be ever bringing in his
wife, children, and servants, his dog and his cat, and very
kitchen-stuff, after the Paduan mode; but of the great
Titian himself, Georgipn, Tintoret, and the rest; as Paulo
Veronese is observed also to have done, in his story of
Pharaoh’s daughter drawing Moses out of the river, attended with a guard of Swisses. Malvogius likewise, in a
picture then in the king’s gallery at Whitehall, not only
represents our first parents with navels upon their bellies,
but has placed an artificial stone fountain, carved with
imagery, in the midst of his paradise. Nor does that excellent and learned painter, Rubens, escape without censure, not only for making most of his figures of the shapes
of brawny Flemings, but for other sphalmata and circumstances of the like nature, though in some he has acquitted
himself to admiration, in the due observation of costume,
particularly in his crucifixes, &c. Raphael Urbino was,
doubtless, one of the first who reformed these inadvertencies; but it was more conspicuous in his latter than in his
former pieces. “As for Michael Angelo,
” continues Mr.
Evelyn, “though I heartily consent with our critic in reproving that almost idolatrous veneration of his works, who
hath certainly prodigiously abused the art, not only in the
table this discourse arraigns him for, but several more
which I have seen; yet I conceive he might have omitted
some of those embittered reproaches he has reviled him
with, who doubtless was one of the greatest masters of his
time, and however he might succeed as to the decorum,
was hardly exceeded for what he performed in sculpture
and the statuary art by many even of the ancients themselves, and haply by none of the moderns: witness his
Moses, Christus in Gremio, and several other figures at
Rome to say nothing of his talent in architecture, and
the obligation the world has to his memory, for recovering
many of its most useful ornaments and members out of the
neglected fragments, which lay so long buried, and for
vindicating that antique and magnificent manner of building from the trifling of Goths and barbarians.
” He observes next, that the usual reproach of painting has been
the want of judgment in perspective, and bringing more
into history than is justifiable upon one aspect, without
turning the eye to each figure in particular, and multiplying the points of sight, which is a point even monsieur
Freart, for all the pains he has taken to magnify that celebrated Decision of Paris, has failed in. For the knowing
in that art easily perceive, that even Raphael himself has
not so exactly observed it, since, instead of one, as monsieur Freart takes it to be, and as indeed it ought to have
been, there are no less than four or five; as du Bosse hath
well observed in his treatise of “The converted painter,
”
where, by the way also, he judiciously numbers amongst
the faults against costume, those landscapes, grotesque
figures, &c. which we frequently find abroad especially
for, in our country, we have few or none of those graceful
supplements of steeples painted, horizontally and vertically
on the vaults and ceilings of cupolas, since we have no
examples for it from the ancients, who allowed no more
than a frett to the most magnificent and costly of those
which they erected. But, would you know whence this
universal caution in most of their works proceeded, and
that the best of our modern painters and architects have
succeeded better than others of that profession, it must be
considered, that they were learned men, good historians,
and generally skilled in the best antiquities; such were
Raphael, and doubtless his scholar Julio; and, if Polydore
arrived not to the glory of letters, he yet attained to a rare
habit of the ancient gusto, as may be interpreted from most
of his designs and paintings. Leon Baptist Alberti was
skilled in all the politer parts of learning to a prodigy, and
has written several curious things in the Latin tongue. We
know that, of later times, Rubens was a person universally
learned, as may be seen in several Latin epistles of his to
the greatest scholars of his age. And Nicholas Poussin, the
Frenchman, who is so much celebrated and so deservedly,
did, it seems, arrive to this by his indefatigable industry
“as the present famous statuary, Bernini, now living,
”
says Mr. Evelyn, “has also done so universal a mastery,
that, not many years since, he is reported to have built a
theatre at Rome, for the adornment whereof he not only
cut the figures and painted the scenes, but wrote the play,
and composed the music, which was all in recitative. And
I am persuaded, that all this is not yet by far so much as
that miracle and ornament of our age and country, Dr.
Christopher Wren, were able to perform, if he were so
disposed, and so encouraged, because he is master of so
many admirable advantages beyond them. I alledge these
examples partly to incite, and partly to shew the dignity
and vast comprehension of this rare art, and that for a man
to arrive to its utmost perfection, he should be almost as
universal as the orator in Cicero, and the architect in Vitruvius. But, certainly, some tincture in history, the optics and anatomy, are absolutely requisite, and more, iri
the opinion of our author, than to be a steady designer,
and skilled in the tempering and applying of colours,
which, amongst most of our modern workmen, go now for
the only accomplishments of a painter.
”
for the profession of the law; and, when he was nine years of age, he was sent to Paris to be bred a scholar. He was entered in the second form in the college of Ciermont;
, a writer, who distinguished himself by his talents and productions in polite
literature, and who was many years resident in England,.
was born at St. Denis le Guast, in Lower Normandy, April
1, 1613. He was the third son of Charles de St. Denis,
castellan or baron of St. Denis le Guast; and took the
name of St. Evremond from a manor which was part of the
estate of his father, and of which he was sometimes styled
lord. He was intended, by his father, for the profession
of the law; and, when he was nine years of age, he was
sent to Paris to be bred a scholar. He was entered in the
second form in the college of Ciermont; and continued
there four years, during which he went through a course
of grammar learning and rhetoric. He was next sent to
the university of C;ien, in order to study philosophy but
he continued there one year only, and then returned to
Paris, where he pursued the same study a year longer in
the college of Harcourt. He distinguished himself not
only by his application to literature, but by other accomplishments; and he particularly excelled in fencing, so
that “St. Evremond’s pass
” was famous among those who
were skilled in that art. When he had passed through a
course of philosophy, be began to study the law: but
whether his relations had then other views for him, or that
his inclination led him to a military life, he quitted that
study after he had prosecuted it somewhat more than a
jear, and was made an ensign before he hud quite attained
to the age of sixteen. After he had served two or three
campaigns, he obtained a lieutenant’s commission; and,
after the siege of Laiidvecy, in 1637, he had the command
of a company of foot.
time under Jo. Goth. Herrichius, rector of the Nicolaitan school at Leipsic, an able Greek and Latin scholar, whose services Fabricius amply acknowledges in the preface
, one of the most eminenjt
and laborious scholars of his time in Europe, was descended
both by the father’s and mother’s side from a family originally of Holstein. His father, Werner Fabricius, a native
of Itzhoa, in Holstein, was director of the music at St.Paul'p
in Leipsic, organist of the church of St. Nicholas in that
city, and a poet and a man of letters, as appears by a work
be published in 1657, entitled “Delicias Harmonicas.
”
His mother was Martha Corthum, the daughter of John
Corthum, a clergyman of Bergedorff, and the descendant
of a series of protestant clergymen from the time of the
reformation. He was born at Leipsic Nov. 11, 1668. His
mother died in 1674, and his father in 1679; but the latter, while he lived, had begun to instruct him, and on hig
death-bed recommended him to the care of Valentine
Albert, an eminent divine and philosopher, who employed,
as his first master, Wenceslau* Buhl, whom Mayer calls
the common Msecenas of orphans; and he appears to have
been taught by him for about five years. He also received
instructions at the same time under Jo. Goth. Herrichius,
rector of the Nicolaitan school at Leipsic, an able Greek
and Latin scholar, whose services Fabricius amply acknowledges in the preface to Herrichius’s “Poemata Graeca et
Latina,
” which he published in Adversaria,
” and the first edition of Morhoff’s “Polyhistor,
” which he himself informs us, gave the first direction to his mind as to that species of literary history and
research which he afterwards carried beyond all his predecessors, and in which, if we regard the extent and accuracy
of his labours, he has never had an equal. Schmidt had
accidentally shown him Barthius^, and requested him to
look into it; but it seemed to open to him such a wide
field of instruction and pleasure, that he requested to take
it to his room and study it at leisure, and from this he conceived the first thought, although, perhaps, at that timfe,
indistinct, of his celebrated Bibliothecas. After his return,
to Leipsic in 1686, he met with Morhoff, who, he says,
gave his new-formed inclination an additional spur. He
now was matriculated in the college of Leipsic, and was
entirely under the care of his guardian Valentine Albert,
one of the professors, with whom he lodged for seven years.
During this time he attended the lectures of Carpzovius,
Olearius, Feller, Rechenberg, Ittigius, Menckenius, &c.
and other learned professors, and acknowledges hisobligations in particular to Ittigius, who introduced him to a
knowledge of the Christian fathers, and of ecclesiastical
history. It is perhaps unnecessary to add of one who has
given such striking proofs of the fact, that his application
to his various studies was incessant and successful. His
reading was various and extensive, and, like most scholars
of his class, he read with a pen in his hand.
cility in writing; and both enabled him to accomplish labours, at the thought of which many a modern scholar would be appalled. Never, perhaps, was there such an instance
In 1696 he went into Sweden with M. Mayer, who introduced him to Charles XL; and after their return, Mayer
endeavoured to procure for him the professorship of logic
and metaphysics, vacant by the resignation of Gerard Ma'ier.
Fabricius accordingly became a candidate, and sustained
a public cjisputation, without a respondent, the subject of
which was “Specimen elencticum historic logicte, &c.
”
After the other candidates had exhibited their talents, their
number was reduced to Fabricius and another, Sebastian
Edzard. The votes on the election happened to be equal,
and the matter being therefore determined by casting lots,
Edzard was chosen. Fabricius, however, was not long
without a situation befitting his talents. In the same year,
1699, he was unanimously chosen to be professor of eloquence, in the room of Vincent Placcius, who died in April;
and on June 29, Fabricius delivered his inaugural speech
“on the eloquence of Epictetus,
” and he now settled at
Hamburgh for the remainder of his life, having a few
months before taken his degree of doctor in divinity at
Kiel. On this occasion he supported a thesis “De recordatione animae humame post fata superstitis.
” In April
Besides many funeral orations, poems, &c. in honour of Fabricius, Reimar, his scholar and colleague, and afterwards his son-in-law, published a “
Besides many funeral orations, poems, &c. in honour of
Fabricius, Reimar, his scholar and colleague, and afterwards
his son-in-law, published a “Commentarius de Vita et
Scriptis,
” which contains many curious particulars of Fabricius, and a complete list of his writings; extracts from
the correspondence of his friends, &c. Of his separate
publications, although a few have been incidentally mentioned, the following chronological account cannot be uninteresting, as a stupendous monument to his industry and
erudition.
am habens, praeter alia, notitiam diariorum Italiae literariorum, &c.“ibid, 1730, 8vo. Every Italian scholar acknowledges the utility of this volume. 26.” Hydrotheologise
1. “Scriptorum recentiorum Decas,
” Hamburgh, Defensio Decadis, &c.
” 4to,
without place or date. 3. tf Decas Decadum, sive plagiariorum et pseudonymorum centuria,“Leipsic, 1689, 4to.
4.
” Grammatica Graeca Welleri,“ibid. 1689, 8vo, often
reprinted, but Fabricius never put his name to it. 5.
” Bibliotheca Latina, sive notitia auctorum veterum Latinorum, quorumcunque scripta ad nos pervenerunt,“Hamburgh, 1697, 8vo, afterwards enlarged in subsequent editions, the best of which is that of 1728, 2 vols. 4to. An
edition of a part of this work has been more recently published by Ernesti, in 3 vols. 8vo, which is not free from
errors. 6.
” Vita Procli Philosophi Platonici scriptore
Marino Neapolitano, quam alteraparte, de virtutibus Procli
theoreticis ac theurgicis auctiorem et nunc demum integram primus edidit, &c.“Hamburgh, 1700, 4to, dedicated
to Dr. Bentley. 7.
” Codex Apocryphus N. T. collectus,
castigatus, &c.“ibid. 1703, 8vo. 8.
” Bibliotheca Graeca,
sive Notitia Scriptorum Veterum Graecorum, quorumcunque Monumenta integra aut fragmenta edita extant: turn
plerorumqtie ex Manuscripts ac Deperditis.“This consists of 14 vols. in 4to, and gives an exact account of the
Greek authors, their different editions, and of all those who
commented, or written notes upon them, and with
the
” Bibliotheca Latina,“exhibits a very complete history
of Greek and Latin learning. Twelve volumes of a new
edition of the
” Bibliotheca Graeca“have been published
by Hades, with great additions, and a new arrangement of
the original matter. 9.
” Centuria Fabriciorum scriptis
clarorum, qui jam diem suum obierunt,“Hamburgh, 1700,
8vo, and
” Fabriciorum centuria secunda,“ibid. 1727, 8vo.
It was his intention to have added a third and fourth century, including the Fabri, Fabretti, Fabrotti, Le Fevre’s,
&c. but a few names only were found after his death among
his manuscripts. 10.
” Memoriae Hamburgenses, sive Hamburgi et virorum de ecclesia, requepublica et scholastica
Hamburgensi bene meritorum, elogia et vitae,“Hamburgh,
1710 1730, 7 vols. 11.
” Codex pseudepigraphus Veteris Testamenti,“as a companion to his preceding account of the apocryphal writers of the New Testament
times; ibid. 1713, 8vo, reprinted with additions in 1722.
12.
” Menologiunj, sive libellusde mensibus, centum circiter populornm menses recensens, atque inter se conferens, cum triplice indice, gentium, mensium et scriptorum,“ibid. 1712, 8vo. 13.
” Bibliographia Antiquaria,
sive introductio in notitiam scriptorum, qui antiquitates
Hebraicas, Graccas, Romanas et Christianas scriptis illustrarunt. Accedit Mauricii Senonensis de S. Missae ritibus
carmen, nunc primum editum,“1713, 4to, and an enlarged edition, in which Mauricius’s poem is omitted, 1710,
4to. 14.
” Mathematische Remonstration, &c.“Hamburgh,
1714, 8vo, a work in German against Sturmius, on the
institution of the Lord’s Supper. J 5.
” S. Hippolyti Opera,
non antea collecta, et pars nunc primum a Mss. in lucem
edita, Gr. et Lat. &c.“ibid. 1716 and 1718, 2 vols. fol.
16.
” Bibliotheca Ecclesiastica,“ibid. 1718, fol. a very
valuable collection of notices of ecclesiastical writers and
their works from various biographers, beginning with
Jerome, who goes to near the end of the fourth century,
and concluding with Miraeus, who ends in 1650. 17.
” Sexti Empirici Opera,“Gr. and, Lat. Leipsic, 1718, fol.
18.
” Anselmi Bandurii Bibliotheca Nummaria,“Hamburgh, 1719, 4to. 19. S. Philastri de Hicresibus Liber,
cum emendationibus et notis, additisque indicibus, ibid.
1721, 8vo. 20.
” Delectus argumentorum et syllabus
scriptorum, qui veritatem religionis Christianas adversus
Atheos, Epiciireos, Deistas seu Naturalistas, Idolatras,
Judaeos, et Mohammedanos lucubrat;onibus suis
asseruerunt,“Hamb. 1725, 4to. This performance, very valuable
in itself, is yet more so, on account of the Proemium and
first chapters of Eusebius’s
” Demonstratio Evangelica,“which are wanting in all the editions of that work, and
were supposed to be lost; but which are here recovered
by Fabricius, and prefixed to the
” Delectus,“with a Latin translation by himself. 21.
” Imp. Caes. Augusti temporum notatio, genus, et scriptorum fragmenta,“ibid.
1727, 4to. 22.
” Centifolium Lutheranum, sive notitia
literaria scriptorum omnis generis de B. D. Luthero, ej usque vita, scriptis et reformatione ecclesiae, &c. digesta,“ibid. 1728 and 1730, 2 parts or volumes, 8vo. 23. A
German translation of Derham’s
” Astro-theology,“and
” Physico-theology,“1728, 1730, 8vo, by Weiner, to
which Fabricius contributed notes, references, an analysis,
preface, &c. 24.
” Votum Davidicum (cor novum crea in me Deus) a centum quinquaginta amplius metaphrasibus
expressum, carmine Hebraico, Graeco, Latino, Germanico, &c.“ibid. 1729, 4to. 25.
” Conspectus Thesauri Literariae Italiae, premissam habens, praeter alia, notitiam
diariorum Italiae literariorum, &c.“ibid, 1730, 8vo. Every
Italian scholar acknowledges the utility of this volume.
26.
” Hydrotheologise Sciagraphia,“in German, ibid, 1730,
4to. 27.
” Salutaris Lux Evangelii, toti orbi per divinam
gratiam exoriens: sive notitia historico-chronologica, literaria, et geographica, propagatorum per orbern totum
Christianorum. Sacrorum,“Hamb. 1731, 4to. This work
is very curious and interesting to the. historian as well as
divine. It contains some epistles of the emperor Julian,
never before published. 28.
” Bibliotheca Mediae et infitnse Latinitatis,“printed in 5 vols. 8vo, 1734, reprinted
at Padua, in 6 vols. 4to, 1754, a work equal, if not superior, to any of Fabricius’s great undertakings, and one
of those, which, like his
” Bibliotheca Graeca,“seems to
set modern industry at defiance. 29.
” Opusculorum Historico-critico-litterariorum sylloge quse sparsim viderant
lucem, nunc recensita denuo et partim aucta," Hamburgh,
1738, 4to.
, an eminent Italian scholar and biographer, was born Sept. 25, 1732, at Marradi in Tuscany,
, an eminent Italian scholar and
biographer, was born Sept. 25, 1732, at Marradi in Tuscany, of a family once so opulent as to be able to assist the
falling fortunes of the Medici. He was the youngest of
the eleven children of Alexander and Hyacinth Fabroni.
He was educated first at home under able masters, and
afterwards went to Rome, in 1750, to the college founded
by Bandinelli for the youth of Tuscany, who were also required to attend the public schools of the Jesuits. Here
he studied rhetoric, logic, geometry, physics, and metaphysics. After he had been here three years, Peter Francis Foggini, who had acted as a second father to him (for his own died in 1750), introduced him to Bottari, as his
assistant in the duties of a canonicate which he held in the
church of St. Mary; and as Bottari was a great favourer
of the Jansenists, Fabroni thought to please him by translating from the French of Quesnel, and publishing “La
preparazione alia morte;
” and “Principi e regale della
vita Cristiana.
” About the same time he published “Ler
Massime della Marchesa di Sable,
” also translated from the
French, with notes. This, he informs us, was a work of
little consequence, yet served to show that he was at this
time tolerably versed in the reading of ancient authors.
, a very learned lawyer and scholar, was born in 1580, at Aix in Provence, whither his father, a
, a very learned lawyer
and scholar, was born in 1580, at Aix in Provence, whither
his father, a native of Nismes in Languedoc, had retired
during the civil wars. After making very distinguished
progress in Greek and Latin, the belles lettres, and
jurisprudence, he was admitted doctor of laws in 1606, and
then became an advocate in the parliament of Aix. Among
the many friends of distinction to whom his talents recommended him, were M. de Peiresc, a counsellor of that parliament, and William de Vair, first president. By the
interest of this last-mentioned gentleman, he was promoted
to the law-professorship at Aix, which office he filled until
1617, when Du Vair being made keeper of the seals, invited him to Paris. On Du Vair’s death in 1621, Fabrot
resumed his office in the university of Aix, where he was
appointed second professor in 1632, and first professor in
1638. At this time he was absent, having the preceding
year gone to Paris to print his notes on the institutes of
Theophilus, an ancient jurist. This work he dedicated to
the chancellor Seguier, who requested him to remain in
Paris, and undertake the translation of 1 the Basilics, or
Constitutions of the Eastern emperors, and gave him a
pension of 2000 livres. This work, and his editions of
some of the historians of Constantinople, which he published afterwards, procured him from the king the office of
counsellor of the parliamentof Provence, but the intervention
of the civil wars rendered this appointment null. During
his stay at Paris, however, several of the French universities were ambitious to add him to the number of their
teachers, particularly Valence and Bourges, offers which
his engagements prevented his accepting. His death is
said to have been hastened by the rigour of his application
in preparing his new edition of Cujas; but his life had already been lengthened beyond the usual period, as he was
in his seventy-ninth year when he died, Jan. 16, 1659.
His works are: 1. “Antiquite’s de la ville de Marseille,
”
Lyons, Ad tit. Codicis
Theodosiani de Paganis, Sacrificiis, et Templis notae,
”
Paris, Exercitationes duae de tempore
humani partus et de numero puerperii,
” Aix, Car. Ann. Fabroti Exercitationes XII. Accedunt leges XIV. quae in libris digestarum
deerant, Gr. et Lat. mine primum ex Basilicis editnc,
”
Paris, 1639, 4to. 5. rt Thcophili Antecessoris InstituiK-iies,“Gr. et Lat. Paris, 1638 and 1657, 4to. 6.
” Inatiuuiones Justiniani, cum notis Jacobi Cujacii,“ibid.
I, 12mo. 7.
” Epistolae de Mutuo, cum responsionc
Claudii Salmasii ad ^gidium Menagium,“Leyden, 1645,
8vo. 8.
” Replicatio adversus C. Salmasii refutationem,“&c. Paris, 1647, 4to. 9.
” Basilicorum libri sexaginta,“Gr. et Lat. ibid. 1647, 7 vols. folio. The whole of the
translation of this elaborate collection of the laws and constitutions of the Eastern emperors, was performed by Fabrot,
except books 38, 39, and 60, which had been translated
by Cujas, whose version he adopted. 10.
” Nicetae Acominati Choniatoe Historia,“ibid. 1647, fol. 11.
” Georgii
Cedreni Compendium historiarum,“Gr. et Lat. ibid. 1647,
2 vols. fol. 12.
” Theophylacti Simocattse Hist, libri octo,“ibid. 1647, fol. 13.
” Anastasii Bibliothecarii Hist. Ecclesiastica,“ibid. 1649, fol. 14.
” Laonici Chalcondyla? Hist.
de origine ac rebus gestis Turcarum, libri decem,“ibid.
1650. fol. 15.
” Praelectio in tit. Decret. Gregorii IX. de
vitaet honestate Clericorum,“ibid. 1651, 4to. 16.
” Constantini Manassis Breviarium Historicum,“Gr. et Lat. ibid,
1655, fol. 17.
” Cujacii Opera omnia,“ibid. 1658, 10
vols. fol. 15.
” J. P. de Maurize Juris Canonici Selecta,“ibid. 1659, 4to. 19.
” Notae in T. Balsamonis collectionem
constitutionum Ecclesiasticarum." This is inserted in the
second volume of Justel and VoePs Bibliotheca of Canon
law. Ruhnkenius published a supplementary volume to
his edition of Cujas at Leyden in 1765.
apher Fabroni thinks that in this he was not successful. His principal excellence was as a classical scholar and critic, especially in the Latin, and his high fame procured
, a learned Italian orator and
grammarian, was born Jan. 4, 1682, at Toreglia, and studied principally at Padua, where he took his degree of
doctor in divinity in 1704, and taught for some time, and
afterwards was professor of philosophy for three years. He
was then appointed regent of the schools. As the Greek
and Latin languages were now his particular department,
he bestowed much pains in providing his scholars with
suitable assistance, and with that view, reviewed and published new and improved editions of the Lexicons of Calepinus, Nizolius, and Schrevelius. Some years after he
was promoted to be logic professor, and in that as well as
the former situation, endeavoured to introduce a more correct and useful mode of teaching, and published a work on
the subject for the use of his students. In 1739, when the
business of teaching metaphysics was united to that of
logic, Facciolati was desirous of resigning, that he might
return to his original employment; but the magistrates of
Padua would by no means allow that their university should
be deprived of his name, and therefore, allowing him to
retain his title and salary, only wished him to take in hand
the history of the university of Padua, which Papadopoli
had written, and continue it down to the present time.
This appears, from a deficiency of proper records, a very
arduous task, yet by dint of perseverance he accomplished
it in a manner, which although not perfectly satisfactory,
as far as regards the “Fasti Gymnastici,
” yet was entirely
so in the “Syntagmata.
” He wrote also some works in
theology and morals, and had the ambition to be thought a
poet, but his biographer Fabroni thinks that in this he was
not successful. His principal excellence was as a classical
scholar and critic, especially in the Latin, and his high
fame procured him an invitation from the king of Portugal
to superintend a college for the young nobility at Lisbon,
but he excused himself on account of his advanced age.
Fabroni mentions a set of china sent to him by this sovereign, which he says was a very acceptable present, and
corresponded to the elegant furniture of Facciolati’s house.
He had a garden in which he admitted no plants or fruittrees but what were of the most choice and rare kind, and
four or five apples from Facciolati’s garden was thought no
mean present. In every thing he was liberal to his friends,
and most benevolent to the poor. He died in advanced
age of the iliac passion, Aug. 27, 1769.
Fairfax left several children, sons and daughters. William, his eldest son, before mentioned, was a scholar, and of the same temper with his father, but more cynical. He
None of Fairfax’s writings in prose have ever been published. They most of them related to the controversy of
religion with the church of Rome, and are represented as
having afforded signal proofs of his learning and judgment.
The person with whom the controversy was carried on was
one John Dorrell, a Romish priest of no ordinary fame,
at that time a prisoner in the castle of York. Between
him and Mr. Fairfax a variety of letters passed, relative to
the most distinguished tenets of popery. A copy of our
author’s treatise on Dsemonology was in the possession of
Isaac Reed, esq. entitled, “A Discourse of Witchcraft, as
it was acted in the family of Mr. Edward Fairfax, of Fuyistone [Fewston], in the county of York, in the year 1621.
” Fairfax left
several children, sons and daughters. William, his eldest
son, before mentioned, was a scholar, and of the same
temper with his father, but more cynical. He translated
Diogenes Laertius out of Greek into English. This gentleman was grammatical tutor to Mr. Stanley, the celebrated author of the History of Philosophy. It is asserted
by Mrs. Cooper, that the greatest part of that work, as
well as the notes on Euripides, truly belonged to Mr. William Fairfax, though his modesty and friendship declined
the reputation of them. To such vague assertions little
regard, we apprehend, is to be paid; and it was not Euripides, but Æschylus, that was published by Mr. Stanley.
he latter distinguished himself as a poet, used to repeat with some pride, that he had once been his scholar.
It must indeed have been with reluctance that a boy who had begun to taste the sweets of literature, consented to serve an apprenticeship on board a merchant vessel at Leith, which we are told he did when very young. He was afterwards in the capacity of a servant to Campbell, the author of Lexiphanes, when purser of a ship. Campbell is said to have discovered in Falconer talents worthy of cultivation; and when the latter distinguished himself as a poet, used to repeat with some pride, that he had once been his scholar.
arkable for his meekness, sincerity, humanity, and piety; and also was an able statesman and a great scholar, being in particular a complete master of several modern languages,
Sir Richard was preparing for his return to England; when, June 4, 1666, he was seized at Madrid with a violent fever, which put an end to his life the 16th of the same month, the very day he had designed to set out on his return home. Hfts body, being embalmed, was conveyed by his lady, with all his children then living, by land to Calais, and afterwards to All Saints church in Hertford, where it was deposited in the vault of his father-in-law, sir John Harrison, till May 18, 1671, and then was removed into a new vault, made on purpose for him and his family in thl parish-church of Ware. Near the vault there is a handsome monument erected to his memory. He was remarkable for his meekness, sincerity, humanity, and piety; and also was an able statesman and a great scholar, being in particular a complete master of several modern languages, especially Spanish, which was perfectly familiar to him.
, an English divine, was born at Sunning in Berks, 1596. He was admitted scholar of Trinity college, Oxford, in 1612, and elected fellow in 1617.
, an English divine, was born
at Sunning in Berks, 1596. He was admitted scholar of
Trinity college, Oxford, in 1612, and elected fellow in
1617. Three years after, he took a master of arts degree;
about which time entering into orders, he became a celebrated preacher in those parts, an eminent tutor in the college, and, as Wood says, an example fit to be followed by
all. In 1634, being then bachelor of divinity, he was made
vicar of Bray near Maidenhead in Berks, and soon after
divinity-reader in the king’s chapel at Windsor. He con^
tinued at the first of these places, though not without some
trouble, till after the civil commotions broke out; and
then he was ejected, and reduced with his wife and family
to such extremities, as to be very near starving. Lloyd
says that his house was plundered by Ireton, in mean revenge, because Mr. Faringdon had reproved him for some
irregularities when at Trinity college. At length sir John
Robinson, alderman of London, related to archbishop Laud,
and some of the parishioners of Milk-street, London, invited him to be pastor of St. Mary Magdalen in that city,
which he gladly accepted, and preached with great approbation from the loyal party. In Io47, he published a folio
volume of these sermons, and dedicated them to his patron
Robinson, “as a witnesse or manifesto,
” says he to him,
“of my deep apprehension of your many noble favours,
and great charity to me and mine, when the sharpnesse of
the weather, and the roughnesse of the times, had blown
all from us, and well-neer left us naked.
”
, D. D. a learned critic and distinguished scholar, was the descendant of a family long seated at Ratcliffe Culey.
, D. D. a learned critic and distinguished scholar, was the descendant of a family long
seated at Ratcliffe Culey. a hamlet within the parish of
Shepey, in the county of Leicester. His grandfather
(who died in 1727, aged sixty-three) is described on his
tomb in St. Mary’s church at. Leicester as “John Farmer
of Nuneaton, gent.
” His father, who was largely engaged in Leicester in the business of a maltster, married in
1732-3, Hannah Knibb, by whom he had five sons and
four daughters. He died in 1778, at the age of eighty,
and his widow in 1808, at the advanced age of ninetyseven. The subject of this article was their second son,
and was born in Leicester, Aug. 23, 1735. He received
the early part of his education under the rev. Gerrard
Andrewes (father of the present dean of Canterbury) in the
free grammar-school of Leicester, a seminary in which
many eminent persons were his contemporaries. About
1753 he left the school with an excellent character for
temper and talents, and was entered a pensioner at Emamiei college, Cambridge, when Dr. Richardson, the biographer or the English prelates, was master, and Mr,
Bickham and Mr. Hubbard were tutors. Here Mr. Farmer
applied himself chiefly to classical learning and the belles
lettres, with a predilection for the latter, in which, in truth,
he was best qualified to shine. He took his degree of
B. A. in 1757, ranked as a senior optime, and gained the
silver cup given by Ernanuel college to the best graduate
of that year, which honorary reward is still preserved with
great care in his family. His only Cambridge' verses were
a poem on laying the foundation-stone of the public library
in 1755, and a sonnet on the late king’s death in 1760.
now antiquated, stiil preserves graces that recommend it to readers of taste. Pibrac was a classical scholar; and to the taste he drew from that source, his “Quatrains”
, lord of Pibrac, by which name he is
much better known, was born at Toulouse in 1528, and
distinguished himself at the bar in that city. He perfected
his knowledge of jurisprudence in Italy, and then returned
to be advanced to honours in his own country. In 1560 he
was deputed by his native city to the states-general held
at Orleans, and there presented to the king its petition of
grievances, which he had himself drawn up. By Charles
IX. he was sent as one of his ambassadors to the council of
Trent, where he eloquently supported the interests of the
crown, and the liberties of the Gallican church. In 1565
the chancellor de PHopital, appointed him advocate-general in the parliament of Paris, where he revived the influence of reason and eloquence. In 1570, he was, made
a counsellor of state, and two years afterwards, probably
constrained by his superiors, wrote his defence of the massacre of St. Bartholomew, published in 4to, and entitled
“Ornatissimi cujusdam viri, de rebus Gallicis, epistola, et
ad hanc de iisdem rebus responsio
” but this barbarous
measure was too repugnant to the mildness of Pibrac’s character to be approved by him. For this, after the accession of Henry III. he made the best amends in his power,
by proposing and bringing to a conclusion, a treaty of
peace between the court and the protestants. While that
prince was duke of Anjou, and was elected king of Poland, he attended him as minister in that country; but
when the succession to the crown of France, on the death
of his brother, tempted Henry to quit that kingdom
clandestinely, Pibrac was in danger of falling a sacrifice to
the resentment of the people. He afterwards tried in vain
to preserve that crown to his master. His services were
rewarded by being created one of the chief presidents of
the courts of law. He died in 1584, at the age of fifty-six.
The story of his falling in love with Margaret wife of
Henry IV. is supposed to be chiefly owing to the vanity of
that lady, who wished to have the credit of such a conquest. Pibrac published, besides his letter on the massacre, which was in Latin, pleadings and speeches, “Les
plaisirs de la vie rustique,
” Paris, Quatrains,
” or moral
stanzas of four lines, which were first published in 1574.
The last edition we know of, is that of 1746. They have
been extravagantly admired, and translated into almost all
languages, even Greek, Turkish, Arabic, and Persian.
They were rendered into English by Sylvester, the translator of du Bartas, in a manner not likely to give an advantageous notion of the original, which, though now antiquated, stiil preserves graces that recommend it to readers
of taste. Pibrac was a classical scholar; and to the taste
he drew from that source, his “Quatrains
” owe much of
their excellence. The subjects of some of them he took
from the book of Proverbs, which he used to say contained
all the good sense in the world.
s recovery,” which was printed in Dodsley’s Collection. These attentions, and his general merit as a scholar, induced the archbishop to collate him, in 1755, to the vicarage
, a poetical and miscellaneous writer,
was born in Yorkshire about 1721. He was educated at
Leeds, under the care of the rev. Mr. Cookson, vicar of
that parish, from whence he went to Jesus college, Cambridge, and took his bachelor’s degree in 1741, and his
master’s in 1745. After being admitted into holy orders,
he settled at Bramham in Yorkshire, near the elegant seat
of that name belonging to Robert Lane, esq. the beauties
of which afforded him the first subject for his muse. He
published his “Bramham Park,
” in Descriptions of
May and Winter,
” from Gawen Douglas, the former ia
1752, the latter in 1754: these brought him into considerable notice as a poetical antiquary, and it was hoped that
he would have been encouraged to modernize the whole of
that author’s works. About the year last mentioned, he
removed to the curacy of Croydon in Surrey, where he had
an opportunity of courting the notice of archbishop Herring, who resided there at that time, and to whom, among
other complimentary verses, he addressed an “Ode on
his Grace’s recovery,
” which was printed in Dodsley’s Collection. These attentions, and his general merit as a
scholar, induced the archbishop to collate him, in 1755, to
the vicarage of Orpington, with St. Mary Cray in Kent.
In 1757 he had occasion to lament his patron’s death in a
pathetic elegy, styled Aurelius, printed with his grace’s
sermons in 1763, but previously in our author’s volume of
poems in 17-61. About the same time he married miss
Furrier of Leeds. In April 1774, by the late Dr. Plumptre’s favour, he exchanged his vicarage for the rectory of
Hayes, This, except the office of chaplain to the princess
dowager of Wales, was the only ecclesiastical promotion
he obtained.
a social disposition, with much of the imprudence which adheres to it. Although a profound classical scholar, and accounted an excellent translator, he was unable to publish
His translations of Anacreon, Sappho, Bion, Moschus, and Musieus, appeared in 1760, and his Theocritus, encouraged by another liberal subscription, in 1767. His Apollonius Rhodius, a posthumous publication, completed by the rev. Mr. Meen, of Emanuel college, Cambridge, made its appearance in 1780, when Mr. Fawkes’s widow was enabled, by the kindness of the editor, to avail herself of the subscriptions, contributed as usual very liberally. Mr. Fawkes died August 20, 1777. These scanty materials are taken chiefly from Mr. Nichols’s Life of Bowyer, and little can now be added to them. Mr. Fawkes was a man of a social disposition, with much of the imprudence which adheres to it. Although a profound classical scholar, and accounted an excellent translator, he was unable to publish any of his works without the previous aid of a subscription; and his Bible was a paltry job which necessity only could have induced him to undertake. With all his failings, however, it appears that he was held in esteem by many distinguished contemporaries, particularly by Doctors Pearce, Jortin, Johnson, Warton, Plumptre, and Askew, who contributed critical assistance to his translation of Theocritus.
at twelve years old, his Latin and Greek exercises were noted for their excellence, he was admitted scholar of Corpus Christi college, Dec. 13, 1594, and Sept. 20, 1602,
, a learned controversial divine of the church of England, was born at Charlton upon Otmore, near Oxford, March 15, 1582. Fairclough was the name of his ancestors, so spelt by his grandfather, father, and eldest brother, and it appears that he was ordained by the same. Why he afterwards preferred Featley, which is a corruption of Fairclough (or, Faircliff, a place in Lancashire, where the family were originally seated), we know not, nor is it perhaps of much consequence. That the family were reduced, appears from the occupation of his father, who was cook to Dr. Laurence Humphrey, president of Magdalen, and served Corpus Christi college, Oxford, in the same capacity. He had interest enough, however, with his employers, to obtain a good education for the subject of this memoir, who was his second son, and whom we find mentioned first as a chorister of Magdalen college. After having made considerable progress in the school belonging to that college, where, even at twelve years old, his Latin and Greek exercises were noted for their excellence, he was admitted scholar of Corpus Christi college, Dec. 13, 1594, and Sept. 20, 1602, when B. A. was chosen probationer fellow. He commenced M. A. at the usual time, and was always eminent for his academical exercises, nor was he less noted as a disputant and preacher. In 1607 he delivered an oration at the death of Dr. Reinold, president of Corpus, who had been one of his earliest patrons.
his grave, “Depositum S. F. February 1648.” He was a public-spirited man, and had the character of a scholar. Wood, though he supposes there were more, only mentions these
a learned divine, was born in
the parish of St. Clement Danes, London, 1594; elected
student of Christ Church from Westminster school in
1601; took a master of arts degree in 1608, served the
office of proctor in 1614, and the year following was admitted bachelor of divinity; and about that time became
minister of Freshwater in the Isle of Wight. In May 1619,
he was installed canon of Christ Church, and the same
year proceeded doctor in divinity, being about that time
domestic chaplain to James I. In 1626, he was made
Margaret professor of divinity, and consequently had a
prebend of Worcester, which was about that time annexed
to the professorship. He was then a Calvinist, but at
length, renouncing the opinions so called, he was, through
Laud’s interest, made dean of Lichfield in 1637; and the
year following, dean of Christ Church. In 1645, he was
appointed vice-chancellor, which office he served also in
1647, in contempt of the parliamentary visitors, who at
length ejected him from that and his deanery, and their
minions were so exasperated at him for his loyalty to the
king, and zeal for the church, that they actually sought
his life: and being threatened to be murdered, he was
forced to abscond. He died broken-hearted, Feb. 1, 1648-9;
that being the very day he was made acquainted with the
murder of his royal master king Charles. He was buried
in the chancel of Sunning-well church, near Abingdon, in
Berkshire (where he had been rector, and built the front of the parsonage-house) with only this short memorial, on a
small lozenge of marble laid over his grave, “Depositum
S. F. February 1648.
” He was a public-spirited man, and
had the character of a scholar. Wood, though he supposes
there were more, only mentions these two Small productions of his; viz. “Primitiae; sive Oratio habita Oxoniae in
Schola TheologiiE, 9 Nov. 1626,
” and, “Concio Latina
ad Baccalaureos die cinerum in Coloss. ii. 8.
” They were
both printed at Oxford in
he rapid production of some wellwritten publications, which conduced to establish his character as a scholar. After he had thus happily resided several years at Thaxted,
, a dissenting minister of considerable
learning, was born, Aug. 22, 1735, at Cockermouth in
Cumberland, of poor parents, and was at first brought up
to the business of a taylor. He was pursuing this employment in London, when some discerning friends perceived
in him a taste for literature, and an avidity of knowledge,
which they thought worthy of encouragement; and finding
that his principal wish was directed to the means of procuring such education as might qualify him for the ministry
among the dissenters, they stepped forward to his assistance, and placed him at the dissenting academy at Mileend, then superintended by Dr. Conder, Dr. Gibbons, and
Dr. Walker. Mr. Fell was at this time in the nineteenth
year of his age; but, by abridging the hours usually allotted to rest and amusement, and praportionably extending
those of application to his studies, and by the assiduous
exercise of a quick, vigorous, and comprehensive mind, he
made rapid advances in learning, gave his tutors and patrons the utmost satisfaction; and in due time, was appointed to preach to a congregation at Beccles, near Yarmouth. He was afterwards invited to take upon himself
the pastoral office in a congregation of Protestant dissenters, at Thaxted, in Essex, where he was greatly beloved
by his congregation, and his amiable deportment, and diligence in all the duties of his station, attracted the regard
even of his neighbours of the established church. At
Thaxted, Mr. Fell boarded and educated a few young gentlemen, and it was also during his residence there, that he
distinguished himself by the rapid production of some wellwritten publications, which conduced to establish his character as a scholar. After he had thus happily resided several years at Thaxted, he was unfortunately prevailed
upon 'to be the resident tutor at the academy, formerly at
Mile-end, when he was educated there, but now removed
to Homerton, near London. The trustees and supporters
of this academy appear to have been at first very happy
that they had procured a tutor peculiarly calculated for
the situation; but he had not been there long before differences arose between him and the students, of what nature his biographers have not informed us; but they represent that he was dismissed from his situation without a
fair trial and complain that this severity was exerted in
the case of “a character of no common excellence a
genius of no ordinary size a Christian minister, well furnished with gifts and graces for that office a tutor, who
for biblical knowledge, general history, and classic taste,
had no superior, perhaps no equal, among any class of
dissenters.
” This affair happened in 1796, and Mr. Fell’s
friends lost no time in testifying their unaltered regard for
his character. An annuity of 100l. was almost immediately
procured for him, and he was invited to deliver a course
of lectures on the evidences of Christianity, for which he
was to be remunerated by a very liberal subscription. But
these testimonies of affection came too late for his enjoyment of them. Four of his lectures had been delivered to
crowded congregations at the Scotch church at Londonwall, when sickness interrupted him, and on Wednesday
Sept. 6, 1797, death put a period to his labours. The four
lectures he delivered were published in 1798, with eight
by Dr. Henry Hunter, who concluded the course, but who
does not appear well qualified to fill up Mr. FelPs outline.
Mr. Fell’s previous publications, which show that the character given of him by his friends is not overcharged, were
1. “Genuine Protestantism, or the unalienable Rights of
Conscience defended: in opposition to the late and new
mode of Subscription proposed by some dissenting ministers, in three Letters to Mr. Pickard,
” A
Fourth Letter to Mr. Pickard on genuine Protestantism;
being a full Reply to the rev. Mr. Toulmin’s Defence of
the Dissenters’ new mode of Subscription,
” The justice and utility of Penal Laws for the Direction of Conscience examined; in reference to the Dissenters’ late application to parliament. Addressed to a
member of the house of commons,
” Daemoniacs. An enquiry into the Heathen and the Scripture
doctrine of Daemons, in which the hypothesis of the rev.
Mr. Farmer and others on the subject are particularly considered,
” Remarks on
the Appendix of the Editor of Rowley’s Poems, printed at
the end of Observations on the Poem attributed to Rowley
by Rayner Hickford, esq.
” 8vo, no date (1784, 12mo. 7.
” The Idolatry of Greece and Rome distinguished from that of other
Heathen Nations, in a Letter to the rev. Hugh Farmer,"
1785, 8vo. Mr. Fell ranks among the orthodox, or calvinistic dissenters; but how far, or whether this had any
share in the animosity exerted against him, we are unable
to discover, from the obscure manner in which his biographers advert to the disputes in the Homerton academy.
ake a catalogue of the library of Daumius, which had come into their possession by the death of that scholar. Feller was very agreeably employed on this task, when the news
, the son of the preceding, was born at Leipsic, Dec. 26, 1673, and imbibed a similar taste with his father for the belles lettres, bibliography, and general literature. In 1688 he received his degree
of doctor in philosophy, and two years after set out on what
may be called his literary travels. He remained some
time with Kirchmaier at Wittemberg, and with Bayer at
Fribourg, whose library he carefully inspected. Going
thence to Zwickau, the senate of that city appointed him
to make a catalogue of the library of Daumius, which had
come into their possession by the death of that scholar.
Feller was very agreeably employed on this task, when the
news of the death of his father obliged him to pay a visit
to Leipsic, but as soon as he had settled his family affairs,
he returned to Zwickau, and completed the catalogue. He
then went again to Leipsic, and studied law, but in 1696
set out a second time on his travels, and at Wolfenbuttel,
became acquainted with Leibnitz, who conceiving a friendship for him, detained him here for three years, and assisted him in all his literary undertakings, especially his
history of the house of Brunswick, for which Feller was
enabled to collect a number of very curious documents of
the middle ages. At Francfort, we find him assisting Ludolf
in his historical works, but Ludolf is thought to have
availed himself too little of this assistance. After extending his acquaintance among learned men in various parts,
in 1706 the duke of Weimar appointed him his secretary,
and he appears to have died in his service Feb. 15, 1726.
His principal works were, 1. “Monumenta varia inedita,
variisque linguis conscripta, nunc singulis trimestribus prodeuntia; e museo Joach. F. Felleri secretarii Wimariensis,
”
Jena,
, an eminent scholar and translator, was born at Montacute, in Somersetshire in his
, an eminent scholar and translator, was
born at Montacute, in Somersetshire in his youth he was
for some time a chorister, which gave him an opportunity
of being instructed in Latin as well as music. Being
afterwards sent to Winchester school for academical education, he was admitted of New college, Oxford, and
chosen fellow in 1552, studying chiefly the civil law. In
queen Mary’s reign he was made chief master of a noted
free-school at St. Edmundsbury, in Suffolk, where he acquired great reputation as a teacher. This station he retained for some part of queen Elizabeth’s reign, but an
information having been laid against him, as unqualified
by the laws of the reformation, he was obliged to quit it.
Some time after he went to Flanders, and afterwards to
Rome, where he was admitted into the English college,
studied theology for four years, and took orders. Returning afterwards to Flanders, he became confessor to
the English nuns at Louvain, where he lived forty years,
employing his leisure hours in translating several books favourable to the Roman catholic religion. He died at an
advanced age, Dec. 27, 1615, with an excellent character
from those of his persuasion, for learning and piety. His
publications are, 1. “Vitae quorundam martyrum in Anglia,
”
which is inserted in Bridgwater’s “Concertatio Ecclesise Catholicae in Anglia.
” 2. Several of bishop Fisher’s English
works, translated into Latin. 3. “Catechismus Tridentinus,
”
translated into English. 4. Osorius’s treatise against Walter Haddon, translated into English, Louvain, 1568, 8vo.
5. “The Life of St. Catherine of Sienna,
” from the Italian,
A Treatise on Tribulation,
” from the
Italian of Caccia Guerra. 7. “Mysteries of the Rosary,
”
from Caspar Loartes. Fuller says that he proceeded Bachelor of Laws at New college, till (in 1562) for his popish
activity, he was ejected by the queen’s commissioners.
Wood, who mentions this in his Annals, although not in
his “Athens,
” leaves it doubtful whether he did not resign it of his own accord.
In 1598 he was sent to Euborn school, where in Latin, Greek, and logic, he soon became the first scholar of his years. He strengthened his memory by daily exercise;
In 1598 he was sent to Euborn school, where in Latin, Greek, and logic, he soon became the first scholar of his years. He strengthened his memory by daily exercise; he was a great proficient in writing and arithmetic, and attained such excellence in short-hand as to be able to take accurately a sermon or speech on any occasion. He was also well skilled both in the theory and practice of vocal and instrumental music. Thus accomplished, in his fourteenth year, his master, Mr. Brooks, prevailed with his parents to send him to Cambridge, whither he himself attended him, and admitted him of Clare-hall, presenting him, with due commendation of his uncommon abilities, to Mr. Augustin Lindsell, the tutor, and Dr. William Smith, then master of the college. His parents thought proper, notwithstanding the remonstrance of some friends against it, to admit him a pensioner for the first year, as they conceived it more for his good to rise by 'merit gradually to honour. In this situation, by excellent demeanour and diligent application to his studies, he gained the affections and applause of all who knew him, performing all his exercises with distinguished approbation. His attention and diligence were such, that it was observed his chamber might be known by the candle that was last put out at night, and the first lighted in the morning. Nor was he less diligent In his attendance at chapel, so that his piety and learning went on hand in hand together. In his second year he became fellow-commoner. In 1610 he took his degree of B. A. At this time he was appointed to make the speech on the king’s coronation day, (July 25) in the college hall; and the same year he was elected fellow of that society, His constitution was of a feminine delicacy, and he was very subject to aguish disorders; yet he bore them out in a great measure by his temperance, and by a peculiar courageousness of spirit which was natural to him. His favourite sister, married to Mr. Collet, lived at Bourn Bridge, near Cambridge, and as the air of Cambridge was found not well to agree with him, he made frequent exctirsioas to her house, where he passed his time in the pursuit of his studies, and in the instruction of his sister’s children. But his tutor, Mr. Lindsell, Mr. Ruggle (author of the Latin comedy called Ignoramus), and others of the fellows, having now apprehension of his health, carried him to Dr. Butler, the celebrated physician of Cambridge, who conceived a great affection for him, but finding the disorder baffled all his skill, could only recommend a spare diet and great temperance; and upon his relapsing, in the autumn of 1612, the doctor prescribed as the last re^ medy, that in the spring he should travel.
of Valdugia, was born in 1484. He is by Vasari called “Gaudenzio Milanese.” Some have supposed him a scholar of Perugino, but Lomazzo, who was a nurseling of his school,
, an eminent artist of Valdugia,
was born in 1484. He is by Vasari called “Gaudenzio
Milanese.
” Some have supposed him a scholar of Perugino, but Lomazzo, who was a nurseling of his school,
names Scotto and Luini as his masters. His juvenile works
prove what Vasari says, that he had profited by those of
Lionardo da Vinci. He went young to Rome^ and is said
to have been employed in the Vatican by Raffaello; and
there, it is probable, that he acquired that style of design
and tone of colour which eclipsed what before him had
been done in Lombardy. He possessed a portentous feracity of ideas, equal to that of Giulio, but far different;
instead of licentious excursions over the wilds of mythology, he attached himself to sacred lore, to represent the
majesty of Divine Being, the mysteries of religion, and
emotions of piety, and succeeded to a degree which acquired him the name of “eximie pius
” from a Novarese
synod. Strength was his element, which he expressed less
by muscles forcibly marked, than by fierce and terrible
attitudes, as in the Passion of Christ, at the grazie of Mu
Jano, where he had Titian for a competitor; and in the
Fall of Paul, at the conventuals of Vercelli, which approaches that of M. Angelo, at the Paolina; in the expression of character and mind, he is inferior perhaps only to
Raffaelo; and at St. Cristoforo of Vercelli has shewn himself master of angelic grace, With a full and genial vein
of colour, Gaudenzio unites an evidence which admits of no
hesitation, and attracts the eye in the midst of other works.
His tone is determined by the subject, as his carnations by
character; but his draperies and parerga are commended
more by caprice and novelty, than simplicity and grandeur. Whether it were modesty, situation, ignorance, or
envy, that defrauded powers so eminent, of the celebrity
often lavished on minor talents, is not now to be determined. Ferrari was little known, and less favoured by
Vasari, whom the blind herd of dilettanti on either side of
the Alps generally follow in their search of excellence in
art. He is supposed to have died in 1550. There was
another of the name John Andrew Ferrari, or De Ferrara, who was born at Genoa, in 1599, and was a disciple
of Bernard Castelli; but, in order to obtain a more extensive knowledge in his profession, he studied afterwards
for some time under Bernardo Strozzi. His application
was attended with success, for he at last attained to such
a degree of excellence, that he was equally expert in
painting history, landscape, fruit, animals, and flowers;
and those subjects he finished in a small size, but with extraordinary beauty and exactness, so that few of the princes
or nobility of his time were satisfied without possessing
some of his compositions. Benedetto Castiglioue was his
disciple. He died in 1669.
although, like many other learned men of his age, addicted to astrology, was an excellent classical scholar, a good geographer, and well versed in the principles of architecture.
, inventor of the first method of resolving biquadratic equations, was born at Bologna about 1520. He studied mathematics under the celebrated Cardan, who, having had a problem given him lor solution, gave it his pupil as an exercise of his ingenuity; and this led to the discovery of a new method of analysis, which is precisely that of biquadratics. Cardan published this method, and assigned the invention to its real author, who, had it not been for this liberal conduct of the master, would have been unknown to posterity. At the age of eighteen he was appointed a tutor in arithmetic, and was equal to the task of disputing with the most distinguished mathematicians of his own age. He was afterwards appointed professor of mathematics at Bologna, where he died in 1565. Ferrari, although, like many other learned men of his age, addicted to astrology, was an excellent classical scholar, a good geographer, and well versed in the principles of architecture.
an having a juster sense of propriety, or more honourable ideas of the employment of an author and a scholar." Many years after the death of Fielding, the French consul
“It will be an humane and generous office to set down
to the account of slander and defamation, a great part of
that abuse which was discharged against him by his enemies
in his life-time; deducing, however, from the whole, this
useful lesson, that quick and warm passions should be early
controuled, and that dissipation and extravagant pleasures
are the most dangerous palliations that can be found for
disappointments and vexations in the first stages of life.
” We have seen,“adds he,
” how Mr. Fielding very soon
squandered away his small patrimony, which, with oeconomy, might have procured him independence; we have
seen how he ruined, into the bargain, a constitution, which
in its original texture seemed formed to last much longer.
When illness and indigence were once let in upon him,
he no longer remained the master of his own actions; and
that nice delicacy of conduct which alone constitutes and
preserves a character, was occasionally obliged to give
way. When he was not under the immediate urgency of
want, those who were intimate with him are ready to aver,
that he had a mind greatly superior to any thing mean or
little; when his finances were exhausted, he was not the
most elegant in his choice of the means to redress himself,
and he would instantly exhibit a farce or a puppet -shew,
in the Haymarket theatre, which was wholly inconsistent
with the profession he had embarked in. But his intimates
are witness how much his pride suffered wben he was forced
into measures of this kind no man having a juster sense
of propriety, or more honourable ideas of the employment
of an author and a scholar." Many years after the death
of Fielding, the French consul at Lisbon, le Chev. de
Meyrionnet, wrote an elegant epitaph for him, and proposed to have erected a monument; but the English factory, stimulated by this generosity in a foreigner, took the
matter into their own hands.
eughel, of which he had been for a long time president. Besides being an able Greek and mathematical scholar, he was regarded as an intelligent and able physician; and had
, a physician of eminence, was born at Antwerp, March 28, 1567. His father,
who was a physician at Antwerp, and who died at Dort in
1585, was the author of a treatise entitled “Commentarius de flatibus humanum corpus infestantibus,
” Antwerp,
De Cauteriis libri quinque,
”
Louvaine, Libri Chirurgici XII., de praecipuis
Artis Chirurgicre controversiis,
” Francfort, 1602, which
passed through many editions. 3. “De viribus Imaginationis Tractatus,
” Louvaine, De Cometa
anni 1618,
” Antwerp, De vi formatrice foetus liber, in quo ostenditur animam rationalem
infundi tertia die,
” ibid. De formatrice foetus
adversus Ludovicum du Gardin, &c.
” Louvaine, Pro sua de anijnatione fcetds tertia die opinione Apologia, adversus Antonium Ponce Santa Cruz, Regis Hispaniarmn Medicum
Cubicularem, &c.
” Louvaine, Semiotice, sive
de signis medicis Tractatus,
” Leyden,
then intense, and before he was twenty years of age, he was not only an accomplished Greek and Latin scholar, but had made himself intimately acquainted with mathematics,
, a celebrated
Italian political writer, the descendant of a very illustrious
but decayed family at Naples, was born there Aug. 18,
1752. His parents had very early destined him for the
military profession, but the attachment he showed to the
acquisition of literary knowledge, induced them to suffer
him to pursue his own course of study. His application
to general literature became then intense, and before he
was twenty years of age, he was not only an accomplished
Greek and Latin scholar, but had made himself intimately
acquainted with mathematics, ancient history, and the
laws of nature and nations as administered in every country. He had also begun at this time to write two works, the
one on public and private education, and the other on the
duties of princes, as founded on nature and social order,
and although he did not complete his design in either, yet
he incorporated many of the sentiments advanced in his
great work on legislation. He afterwards studied law,
more in compliance with the will of his friends, who considered the bar as the introduction to public honour and
preferment, than from his own inclination; and the case
of an arbitrary decision occurring, he published an excellent work on the subject, entitled “Riflessioni Politiche
sull' ultima legge Sovrana, che riguarda ramministrazione
della giustizia,
” Naples, Scienza della Legislatione,
” at Naples the third and
fourth appeared in Quidquid ex Filangierio amavimus,
quidquid mirati sumus, manet mansurumque est in animis
hominum, in aeternitate temporum, famarerum.
” In
rtions, which the Italians call graticolare, a method which he had learned from Michel Angelo, whose scholar he was at Rome, though unknown to Vasari, at least not mentioned
, of Ferrara, an artist born in 1532,
was nicknamed Gratella by his countrymen, because he was
the first who introduced the method of squaring large pictures, in order to reduce them with exactness to smaller proportions, which the Italians call graticolare, a method which
he had learned from Michel Angelo, whose scholar he was
at Rome, though unknown to Vasari, at least not mentioned in his life. He was the son of Camillo Filippi, who
died in 1574, an artist of uncertain school, but who painted
in a neat and limpid manner and if we may judge from a
half-figure of S. Paul, in an Annunziata of his in S. Maria
in Vado, not without some aim at the style of Michel Angelo. From him therefore Bastiano probably derived that
ardent desire for it which made him secretly leave his
father’s house, and journey to Rome, where he became one
of the most indefatigable copyists and dearest pupils of
Buonarotti. What powers he acquired is evident from the
“Universal Judgment,
” which he painted in three years,
in the hoir of the metropolitan a work nearer to Michel
Angelothau what can be produced by the whole Florentine
school. It possesses grandeur of design with great variety
of imagery, well disposed groupes, and repose for the eye.
It appears incredible that in a subject pre-occupied by
Buonarotti, Filippi should have been able to appear so
novel and so grand. He imitated the genius, but disdained to transcribe the figures of his model. He too, like
Dante and Michel Angelo, made use of that opportunity
to gratify his affections or animosities, by placing his
friends among the elect, and his enemies with*the rejected.
In that hapless host he painted the faithless mistress who
had renounced his nuptials, and drew among the blessed
another whom he had married in her place, casting a look
of insult on her rival. At present it is not easy to decide
on the propriety or intemperance of Barui Taldi and other
Ferrarese writers, who prefer this painting to that of the
Sistina, for decorum and colour, because it has been long
retouched; and already made Barotti, in his description of
Ferrarese pictures, lament " that the figures which formerly
appeared living flesh, now seem to be of wood. 7 ' Of Filippi’s powers, however, as a colourist, other proofs exist
at Ferrara in many an untouched picture: they appear to
advantage, though his flesh-tints are too adust and bronzed,
end his colours too often united into a misty mass.
,or Fizacre (Richard), a learned scholar in the thirteenth century, was, if not of the city of Exeter,
,or Fizacre (Richard), a learned scholar in the thirteenth century, was, if not of the city of Exeter, at least a Devonshire man, and a Dominican friar. He studied at Oxford, first in the college of the great hall of the university, but afterwards taking the cowl, he removed to the Dominican convent, and was the first of the order that was honoured with the theological doctorate. His learning is reported to have been general and extensive, and he made so great a proficiency in every branch, that he was esteemed one of the most learned. Aristotle was his principal favourite, whom he read and admired, and carried about with him. But from these philosophical exercises he passed on to the study of divinity, and became as eminent in this as before he had been in arts, which so endeared him to Robert Bacon (see his article), that the two friends were scarce ever asunder. And for this reason Leland thinks he studied at Paris along with Bacon, and there considerably improved his knowledge; but this may be doubted. Leland observes, that writers generally mention the two Dominican friends together, both in respect of their friendship and learning; and indeed the two Matthews, Paris and Westminster, have joined them, and, therefore, it is probable that Fishacre, as well as Bacon, enjoyed the friendship of bishop Grosseteste. They both died in one year, 1248, and were interred among the Dominicans at Oxford. Bale is severe on the memory of. Fishacre for no reason that can be discovered; but Leland speaks very highly of him in point of personal worth as well as learning. Both Leland and Bale have given a list of his works, consisting of theological questions, postils, and commentaries, some of which may yet be found in the public libraries.
equal or greater zeal against the reformation, is not known. In 1396, when a student in theology, or scholar, we find his name among the other Oxford men who condemned Wicklif
, an English prelate, and the founder of Lincoln college, Oxford, descended from an ancient family, was born at Crofton iti Yorkshire, and educated at University college, Oxford, where his extraordinary proficiency in logic and philosophy procured him higher degrees than were then usually conferred. In 1406 he was presented to the prebend of South Newbold, in the church of York, and next year served the office of proctor in the university. The copy of the statutes belonging to the duties of junior proctor, which he caused to be transcribed, is still preserved among the archives. Soon after taking his master’s degree, he professed a zealous attachment to the principles by which Wickliff was endeavouring to oppose the established religion, and argued with so much ability as to make many converts, some of whom were persons of high distinction. By what means he was induced to change His opinion, and display equal or greater zeal against the reformation, is not known. In 1396, when a student in theology, or scholar, we find his name among the other Oxford men who condemned Wicklif 's doctrines, and it is certain, that when he speculated on the foundation of a college, it was for the express purpose of educating divines who were to exert their talents against the heresy of that reformer.
orfolk, the Parker fellowships being appropriated to the natives of those places. He was, however, a scholar of Trinity college in 1563, where (as he proceeded M. A. and
, bishop of Bristol, Worcester, and London, is generally said to have been a native of Kent, and as such is placed by Fuller among the Worthies of that county, where that name has been very common; otherwise, as he was one of the first fellows of Bene‘t college, Cambridge, upon archbishop Parker’s foundation, there would have been reason to suppose him a native either of Norwich or Norfolk, the Parker fellowships being appropriated to the natives of those places. He was, however, a scholar of Trinity college in 1563, where (as he proceeded M. A. and removed to Bene’t college in 1569) he had probably been admitted the year before. On his removing to Bene't, he entered upon the business of pupils, and other offices of the college; and in 1572 went to Oxford, where he was incorporated A. M. In September of that year, he was instituted to the prebend of Islington in th church of St. Paul, London, upon the presentation of Matthew Parker, gent, son to the archbishop, who probably had the patronage of that turn made over to him by bishop Grindal, in order to carry on his father’s scheme of annexing prebends to the fellowships he had founded. Accordingly he held this with his fellowship; and was made president upon Mr. Norgate’s promotion to the mastership the year following, but seems to have left the college soon after, with a testimonial of his learning and good behaviour, as well as of his having acquitted himself with credit in the offices of the college, in the public schools, and in the pulpit. In 1581 he proceeded D. D. and became chaplain to the queen, to whom he had been rero.nmcMiJed by archbishop Whitgift for the deanry of Windsor, but she chose rather to bestow on him that of Peterborough in 1583. In 1585, the prebend of SuttonLonga in the church of Lincoln was given to him, and he was likewise parson of Aidcrkirke in that diocese, and was presented by sir Thomas Cecil to the church of Barnack. Soon after this, he was appointed to attend upon the execution of Mary queen of Scots, at Fotheringhay castle, in which office some biographers have censured him for his endeavouring to bring that unhappy princess over to the protestant religion. In his speech, however, to her, as preserved by Strype, we see nothing more than an honest zeal, which perhaps men of cautious tempers would have reserved for a more promising opportunity.
Phineas was educated at Eton, and admitted a scholar of King’s-college, Cambridge, in 1600, where, in 1604, he frook
Phineas was educated at Eton, and admitted a scholar
of King’s-college, Cambridge, in 1600, where, in 1604, he
frook his bachelor’s degree, and his master’s in 1608. After
going into the church, he was presented, in 1621, to the
living of Hilgay, in Norfolk, by sir Henry Willoughby,
bart. and according to Elomefield, the historian of Norfolk,
he held this living twenty-nine years. Mr. Ellis conjectures that he was born in 1584, and died about 1650.
Besides the poems which are added to the last edition of
the “English Poets,
” he was the author of a dramatic piece,
entitled “Sicelides,
” which was performed at King’s college, Cambridge, and printed in 1631. A manuscript copy
is in the British Museum. The editor of the Biographm
Dramatica informs us, that “it was intended originally to
be performed before king James the First, on the thirteenth
of March, 1614; but his majesty leaving the university
sooner, it was net then represented. The serious parts of
it are mostly written in rhyme, with choruses between the
acts. Some of the incidents are borrowed from Ovid, and
some from the Orlando Furioso.
” He published also, at
Cambridge, in 1632, some account of the lives of the
founders and other learned men of that university, under
the title of “De Literatis antique Britanniae, praesertim
qui doctrina claruerunt, quique collegia Cantabrigise fundarunt.
”
duties of the place, while he enjoyed the title and emoluments. He died May 31, 1783, regretted as a scholar of great accomplishments, and an amiable man.
In 1742, Foggini refused the professorship of ecclesiastical history at Pisa, which was then vacant; but accepted
an invitation from Bottari, second librarian of the Vatican,
to come to Rome; where his merit being known to pope Benedict XIV. he gave him a place in the pontifical academy of history. Instead, however, of employing himself
on the history of the popes, he devoted his time to a careful examination of the most valuable Mss. and had thus
an opportunity of furnishing the editors of classics with
much important assistance. The same researches enabled
him to publish a Latin translation of a book of St. Epiphanius, addressed to Diodorus, which was printed in 1743,
with a preface and notes; the subject is the twelve precious stones on the breast-plate of the high-priest of the
Hebrews. About this time the pope appointed him coadjutor to Bottari; and in 1750 he drew up the form of
prayers and instructions for the Jubilee. The same year
he printed his Latin translation of St. Epiphnnius’s commentary on the Canticles. In 1752 he published a collection
of passages from the Fathers, occasioned by a homily of
the archbishop of Fermo, on the saying of Jesus Christ,
respecting the small number of the elect. The following
year he published the opinions of St. Charles Borromeo,
and others on the theatre. In 1754 he published the first
of eight volumes of writings of the fathers on the subject
of grace; and in 1758 “The Works of St. Prosper,
” 8vo,
and separately, a poem by that saint, on ingratitude, with
notes. These were followed by his “Treatise on the
clergy of St. John de Lateran,
” and in Fastorum Anni Ronaani
Verrio Flacco ordinatorum reliquiae,
” &c. Rome,
, an eminent English scholar and antiquary, was the eldest son of Martin Folkes, esq. counsellor
, an eminent English scholar and antiquary, was the eldest son of Martin Folkes, esq. counsellor at law, and one of the benchers of Gray’s Inn, and was born in Queen-street, Lincoln’s-hm-fields, Oct. 29, 1690. From the age of nine to that of sixteen, he was under the tuition of the learned Mr. Cappel, son and successor to Mr. Lewis Cappel, Hebrew professor at Saumur, in France, which he quitted when that university was suppressed in 1695. After making great proficiency in the Greek and Roman classics under this master, Mr. Folkes was in 1707 entered of Clare-hall, Cambridge, where his progress in all branches of learning, and particularly in mathematics and philosophy, was such, that when he was scarcely more than twenty-three years of age, he was in 1714 admitted a fellow of the royal society, and two years afterwards had so distinguished himself as to be chosen one of the council. About this time he made his first communication to the society, relative to the eclipse of a fixed star in Gemini by the body of Jupiter. This was followed at various times by other papers, for which it may be sufficient to refer to the Philosophical Transactions. In Oct. 1717 he had the degree of M. A. conferred on him by the university of Cambridge, when that learned body had the honour of a visit from king George I. He was chosen a second time of the council of the royal society, December 14, 1718, and continued to be re-chosen every year till 1727; and in Jan. 1723, had the farther distinction of being appointed by their illustrious president, sir Isaac Newton, one of his vice-presidents nor were these honours unjustly bestowed for Mr. Folkes was not only indefatigable himself in observing the secret operations and astonishing objects of nature, but also studious to excite the same vigilance in others. In February 1720, he was elected a fellow of the society of antiquaries.
church near his (we presume second) wife, Martha Stampe, who died in 1684. He was accounted an able scholar, an elegant Latin poet, and a preacher of great eminence.
About this time he became lecturer of Newington-green, and in 1651, vicar of St. Lawrence’s, Reading, where he was considered as an eminent preacher. In 1653 he married Mrs. Anne Thackham. In July 1659 he was chosen by the corporation of Northampton, the patrons, vicar of All Saints; and, in 1665, he took the degree of D. D. and was appointed chaplain to his majesty. In 1670 he removed to London, became minister of Bridewell chapel, and rector of St. Mary Aldermanbury but finding his health impaired by the air of London, he accepted, in 1677, the rectory of Old Swinford, near Sturbridge, in Worcestershire, on the presentation of Thomas Foley, of Kidderminster. Here he died April 7, 1699, and was buried in the church near his (we presume second) wife, Martha Stampe, who died in 1684. He was accounted an able scholar, an elegant Latin poet, and a preacher of great eminence.
gs. With this, accompanied by an old schoolfellow, he travelled on foot to Oxford, and became a poor scholar of Magdalen college, being partly maintained by a bachelor of
, a celebrated astrologer, was born
at Quidham, near Wilton, in Wiltshire, Dec. 30, 1552,
of a good family, being the grandson of sir Thomas Forman, of Leeds, and great grandson of another sir Thomas
Forman. As an introduction to his astrological history, we
are told that, at six years old and after, he was much
troubled “with strong dreams and visions.
” His education at Salisbury was of a very humble kind, his master
being only able to teach him English, and something of
the accidence. From him he was sent to the free school at
Salisbury, where he continued two years. His next preceptor was one Minterne, a prebendary of the cathedral,
of whom we are only informed that he used to carry his
wood from place to place in winter to warm himself, and
made Simon do the same, “so gaining heat without fire.
”
In 1563 Ford’s father died, a very unfortunate event, for
his mother not caring for him, made him keep sheep, and
plow, and pick up sticks. At the age of fourteen, however, he became apprentice to a dealer in grocery and
drugs at Salisbury, and acquired some knowlege of the
latter, which he endeavoured to improve by books, but his
master would not let him read. Yet such was his avidity
to learn, that his master having a young boarder in the
house who wept to school at Salisbury, Ford learned of
him what he had been taught in school, although that was.
but little. ~At length, in consequence of a quarrel with
his master’s wife, he obtained leave to quit his service,
and went again to school for about eight weeks, applying
very diligently to his books until his “illnatured and
clownish mother
” refused to maintain him. At length,
when in his eighteenth year, he became schoolmaster at
the priory of St. Giles’s, and by teaching thirty boys for
half a year, scraped together forty shillings. With this,
accompanied by an old schoolfellow, he travelled on foot
to Oxford, and became a poor scholar of Magdalen college, being partly maintained by a bachelor of arts; but
this person employed him in so many menial employments
during his college frolics, that he left the university after
two years’ residence.
, an English divine and scholar of eminence in the last ceatury, was born Feb. 3, 1717, at Stadscombe,
, an English divine and scholar of eminence in the last ceatury, was born Feb. 3, 1717, at Stadscombe, in the parish of Plimstock, Devonshire, of which his father, Robert Forster, was then minister. His mother, Elizabeth, was daughter of the rev. John Tindal, vicar of Cornwood, in the same county, and sister of the rev. Nicolas Tindal, translator of Rapin’s History. His father, soon after the birth of this his eldest child, being chosen lecturer to St. Andrew’s church at Plymouth, went thitherto reside, and continued in the same place and office till his death. His son, the subject of this article, having received the rudiments of a grammatical education at home, in which he made an early progress, was put under the tuition of the rev. John Bedford, master of the grammar-school at Plymouth; and of this numerous seminary he had gained the first place before he was thirteen years old. In 1731-2 he was removed to Eton, and at the same time entered at Pembroke college, Oxford, in order to entitle him to an exhibition. After passing about sixteen months at Eton, while Dr. George was head-master, he went to college, and became a pupil of Dr. Radcliffe. On June 13, 1733, he was admitted scholar of Corpus Christi, where Dr. Burton was tutor. In 1729 he became fellow; and afterwards took the care of pupils himself as assistant to Mr. Paget, but was disappointed in his wishes of succeeding that gentleman as the college tutor, Mr. Patten being appointed by the president to that office. He was admitted to the degree of B. A. Oct. 13, 1735; to that f M. A. Feb. 10, 1738, and to that 'of B. D. April 9, 1746, as soon as his standing allowed, in order to preserve hie seniority in college. His degree of D. D. was deferred till 1750, the time of his leaving the university. In 1739 he received deacon’s orders from Dr. Wynne, bishop of Bath and Wells, and priest’s orders from Dr. Hoadly, bishop of Winchester.
, an excellent classic scholar, was born in 1731, at Windsor, the propinquity of which to Eton
, an excellent classic scholar, was born in 1731, at Windsor, the propinquity of which to Eton was, fortunately for him, the motive for sending him to that college for education, where, at a very early age, he manifested great abilities, and, in an uncommon manner, baffled all the hardships which other boys in their progress usually encounter. He, however, had two considerable advantages the first, being received as a pupil by the late rev. Septimius Plumptree, then one of the assistants and the second, that he was -noticed by the reverend and very learned Dr. John Burton, vice-provost of Eton; by the abilities of the former in the Greek language, and of the latter in the Hebrew, Mr. Foster profited exceedingly. It was a matter highly pleasing to them, that they did not throw their seed on a barren soil whatever instruction he received, he cultivated incessantly and it is but justice to add, that he in a great measure excelled his contemporaries. His learning and his sobriety recommended him to many friends while he continued at Eton, which was till 1748, when he was elected to King’s college in Cambridge; a college to which, as Mr. Pote observes in his advertisement to his " Registrum Regale,' 7 Eton annually sendeth forth her ripe fruit. Mr. Foster here improved himself under the provost Dr. Wm. George, an excellent Greek, and general scholar. At the expiration of three years he there (as usual) became a fellow, and shortly afterwards was sent for to Eton by the late Dr. Edward Barnard, to be one of his assistants. Great honour was sure to attend Mr. Foster from this summons, for no man distinguished better, or could form a stronger judgment of his abilities and capacity, than Dr. Barnard: and such was his attention to the school, that he made it his primary consideration, that it should be supplied with assistants the most capable and the most deserving. At the resignation of this great master, which happened Oct. 25, 1765, when he was chosen provost on the death of Dr. Sleech, he exerted his whole interest for Dr. Foster to succeed him in the mastership, and by his weight in the college he carried his point. But it did not prove fortunate for his successor, or for the seminary; the temper, the manner, the persuasion, the politeness, the knowledge of the world, which Dr. Barnard so eminently displayed, did not appear in his successor. His learning justly entitled him to the situation; but learning is not the sole ingredient to constitute the master of such a school; more, much more, is required and Dr. Foster appeared to the greater disadvantage, from immediately succeeding so great a man. Nor could he long support himself in his situation his passions undermined his health and, notwithstanding his abilities as a scholar, his government was defective, his authority insufficient, and he judged it best to resign, that he might not destroy a fabric which he found himself unequal to support. Dr. Foster, however, did not retire unrewarded; his majesty, on the death of Dr. Sumner in 1772, bestowed on him a canonry of Windsor. But this he did not long enjoy; his ill health carried him to the German Spa, where he died in September the year following, and where his remains were interred; but afterwards were removed to Windsor, and deposited near those of his father, who had been mayor of that corporation.
donius, Dr. Gaily, and others.” In this learned Essay, which sufficiently exalted his character as a scholar, not only Bentleian acuteness and variety of learning are conspicuous,
Dr. Foster published “An Essay on the different nature
of Accent and Quantity, with their use and application in
the pronunciation of the English, Latin, and Greek Languages; containing, an account and explanation of the
ancient tones, and a defence of the present system of
Greek accentual marks, against the objections of Isaac
Vossius, Henninius, Sarpedonius, Dr. Gaily, and others.
”
In this learned Essay, which sufficiently exalted his character as a scholar, not only Bentleian acuteness and variety of learning are conspicuous, but justness of composition, elegance united with spirit, and ingenuous and exemplary candour. It was printed for Pote in 1762. Several exercises of the doctor’s are extant in ms. which also
do him peculiar honour.
ng him to publish such a work, and others which were so in reality. Fouriront appears to have been a scholar of vast industry and merit, but perfectly conscious of the rank
His most considerable works are, 1. “The Roots of the
Latin tongue in metre.
” 2. “Critical Reflections upon
Ancient History, to the time of Cyrus,
” 2 vois. 4to.
3. “Meditationes Sinicae,
” fol. 4. “A Chinese Grammar, in Latin,
” fol. 5. “Several Dissertations, printed
in the Memoirs of the Academy of Inscriptions,
” &c.
He left several works in manuscript. In
an, as we are assured by Godwin, who calls him “vir egregie doctus.” Wood also styles him an eminent scholar of his time; and Lloyd represents him as a tine preacher, but
In 1530 he was employed with Stephen Gardiner at
Cambridge, to obtain the university’s determination in the
matter of Henry VIIL's divorce. In 1531 he was promoted
to the archdeaconry of Leicester, and in 1533 to that of
Dorset It was he that apprized the clergy of their having
fallen into a prawunire, and advised them to make their
submission to the king, by acknowledging him supreme
head of the church, and making him a present of 1 -00,0001.
In 1535 he was promoted to the bishopric of HerefordHe was the principal pillar of the reformation, as to the
politic and prudential part of it; being of more activity,
and no less ability, than Cranmer himself: but he acted
more secretly than Cranmer, and therefore did not bring
himself into danger of suffering on that account. A few
months after his consecration he was sent ambassador to
the protestaut princes in Germany, then assembled at
Smalcald; whom he exhorted to unite, in point of doctrine, with the church of England. He spent the winter
at Wirtemberg, and held several conferences with some of
the German divines, endeavouring to conclude a treaty
with them upon many articles of religion: but nothing was
effected. Burnet has given a particular account of this
negociation in his “History of the Reformation.
” He returned to England in vir egregie doctus.
” Wood also
styles him an eminent scholar of his time; and Lloyd represents him as a tine preacher, but adds, that “his inclination to politics brake through all the ignoble restraints
of pedantique studies, to an eminency, more by observation and travel, than by reading and study, that made him
the wonder of the university, and the darling of the court.
” When he was called,“says he,
” to the pulpit or chair,
he came off not ill, so prudential were his parts in divinity;
when advanced to any office of trust in the university, he
came off very well, so incomparable were his parts for
government."
he acknowledges his obligations to Dr. Dunkin, a poet of some celebrity, and an excellent classical scholar.
Of all the classical writers, “Horace
” is by general
consent allowed to be the most difficult to translate, yet
so universal has been the ambition to perform this task,
that scarcely an English poet can be named in whose works
we do not find some part of Horace. These efforts, however, have not so frequently been directed to give the
sense and local meaning of the author, as to transfuse his
satire, and adapt it to modern persons and times. But of
the few who have exhibited the whole of this interesting
poet in an Eirglish dress, Mr. Francis has been supposed
to have succeeded best in that which is most difficult, the
lyric part, and likewise to have conveyed the spirit and
sense of the original in the epistles and satires, with least
injury to the genius of the author. In his preface he acknowledges his obligations to Dr. Dunkin, a poet of some
celebrity, and an excellent classical scholar.
Young Francklin, however, was educated at Westminster school, where he was admitted a scholar in 1735, and whence in 1739 he was elected to Trinity-college,
Young Francklin, however, was educated at Westminster school, where he was admitted a scholar in 1735, and
whence in 1739 he was elected to Trinity-college, Cambridge, of which he became a fellow. He was afterwards
for some time an usher at Westminster-school, and first
appeared as an author, in a translation of “Phalaris’s
Epistles,
” Cicero on the Nature of
the Gods.
” About the same time he is said to have published “An Inquiry into the. Astronomy and Anatomy of
the Ancients,
” which was reprinted in An Authentic Narrative
of the late extraordinary proceedings at Cambridge, against
the Westminster Club,
” Loud.
to have approached it nearer than most of Raphael’s own scholars. He excelled Francia and his fellow- scholar Bagnacavallo in erudition, majesty, and correctness. Subjects
, an historical painter, born at Imola, and known by the name of Innocenzio da Iinola, became a disciple of Francesco Francia, in 1506; then passed some time with Albertinelli at Florence; and from the evidence of his works, and the testimony of Vasari, studied much after Fra. Bartolomeo and Andrea del Sarto: for though the main disposition of his altar-pieces be still gothic, he no longer used the ancient gilding; he placed, the Virgin on high in the centre, and surrounded her with saints and angels, architecture, and back grounds skilfu.lly grouped and arranged with novelty and taste. Such is his style in the surprizing picture of the Duomo at Fagnza, and in another at Pesaro. The aerial perspective and back ground remind us of Leonardo da Vinci. He sometimes placed smaller pictures under his altar-pieces, like that at St. Giacorno of Bologna, which breathes the very spirit of Raphael; that spirit he seems indeed to have aimed at in the greater part of his works, and to have approached it nearer than most of Raphael’s own scholars. He excelled Francia and his fellow-scholar Bagnacavallo in erudition, majesty, and correctness. Subjects of novel combination and fiery fancy he has not produced; nor seem they to have been congenial with that mildness and tranquillity of character which history ascribes to. him. He wks fifty-six: years old at the time of his death, but that is not known.
by reason and precedents;” but Wood does not give this as certain. Dr. Frankland was esteemed a good scholar while at Oxford, but in the subsequent part of his character
, an English physician and
historian of singular character, was born in Lancashire in
1633, and was entered a student in Brasenose college,
Oxford, in 1649. He took a degree in arts, and obtained
a fellowship in 1654. Afterwards studying divinity, he
became a preacher according to the form of ordination
during the usurpation. In 1662 he served the office of
proctor, and the year after, having taken orders regularly,
he was, but with much difficulty, admitted to the reading
of the sentences. He afterwards studied physic, and settled
in London, where he imposed upon the public for some
time, by pretending to have taken his doctor’s degree in
that faculty, and at length offering himself as a candidate
for fellow of the college of physicians, he produced a
forged diploma, was admitted fellow, and afterwards was
censor. His ungracious manners, however, procuring him
enemies, an inquiry was made at Oxford in 1677, which
discovered the fraud, and although by the connivance of
some of the college of physicians, he remained among
them, yet his credit and practice fell off, and being reduced in circumstances, he was imprisoned in the Fleet,
where he died in 1690, and was interred in St. Vedast’s
church, Foster-lane. He wrote, “The Annals of King
James and King Charles I. containing a faithful history
and impartial account of the great affairs of state, and
transactions of parliament in England, from the tenth of
king James, 1612, to the eighteenth of king Charles, 1642.
Wherein several passages relating to the late civil wars
(omitted in former histories) are made known,
” Lond.
The honours of
the Lords Spiritual asserted, and their privileges to vote
in capital cases in parliament maintained by reason and
precedents;
” but Wood does not give this as certain. Dr.
Frankland was esteemed a good scholar while at Oxford,
but in the subsequent part of his character appears deserving of little esteem.
leut paru, a a tnorouf h scholar, and Bolingbroke’s Letter*, by Parke. he read theGulstonian
leut paru, a a tnorouf h scholar, and Bolingbroke’s Letter*, by Parke. he read theGulstonian lecture in the college of physicians; and, in 1720, spoke the Harveian oration, which was afterwards published. In 1722 he was elected into parliament for Launceston in Cornwall; and acting in his station as a senator with that warmth and freedom which was natural to him, he distinguished himself by some able speeches against measures which he disapproved. He was supposed to have a hand in Atterbury’s plot, as it was then called, for the restoration of the Stuart family; and having been also one of the speakers in favour of A tterbury, this drew upon him so much resentment, that the Habeas Corpus act being at that time suspended, he was, March 15, 1722-3, committed to the Tower. He continued a prisoner there till June 21, when he was admitted to bail, his sureties being Dr. Mead, Dr. Hulse, Dr. Levet, and Dr. Hale; and afterwards, in November, was discharged from his recognizance. Dr. Mead’s princely conduct on this occasion must not be forgotten. When called to attend sir Robert Walpole in sickness, he refused to prescribe until Dr. Freind was set at liberty, and afterwards presented Dr. Freind with 5000 guineas, which he had received in fees from his (Dr. Freind’s) patients.
, an eminent scholar, and ingenious philologist, was born 1619, at Wertheim, in Franconia.
, an eminent scholar, and ingenious philologist, was born 1619, at Wertheim, in Franconia. He was teacher and afterwards professor of languages at Jena, in which city he died August 19, 1687, leaving some very excellent explications of several difficult passages in Holy Scripture, and above sixty philological and theological dissertations, all much esteemed; printed at different times at Jena, in 4to.
let him go. But this he refused, with more zeal than prudence. He was, according to all accounts, a scholar of great eminence, and well acquainted with the learned languages.
, a learned preacher and
martyr, was the son of an inn-keeper at Sevenoaks, in
Kent, wher he was born (or as Fuller says, at Westerham, in the same county). He was educated at
King’scollege, Cambridge, where he proceeded B. A. but afterwards went to Oxford, was admitted ad eundem, and upon
account of his extraordinary learning, was chosen one of
the junior canons of cardinal Wolsey’s new college, now
Christ church. About 1525 he was instructed in the principles of the reformation, according to the Lutheran system, by the celebrated Tyndale. These he openly professed, and with some other young men of the same persuasion and boldness, was imprisoned by the commissary
of the university. The hardships of this imprisonment
proved fatal to some of his companions, but he obtained
his release, and about 1528 went abroad, where he remained about two years, and became more seriously coufirmed in his new opinions. On his return, he was narrowly watched by the lord chancellor, sir Thomas More,
whose resentment was said to have been occasioned by a
treatise which Fryth wrote against him. Simon Fish, of
Gray’s-inn, had written his “Supplication of the Beggars,
”
against the begging friars, and against indulgences, &c.
(See art. Fish ) This work was highly acceptable to Henry
VIII. as favouring his quarrel with the pope. The lord
chancellor, however, who was a more consistent catholic
than his majesty, answered it, and Fryth answered More,
denying the doctrine of purgatory. His opinions on the
sacrament were also highly obnoxious, and after a strict
search, he was betrayed into the hands of the civil power
by a treacherous friend, and sent prisoner to the Tower.
He was several times examined by the lord chancellor,
who uniformly treated him with contempt and cruelty, but
refusing to recant, he was ordered to be burnt, which sentence was executed in Smithfield, July 4, 1533, in the
prime of his life. He had a very remarkable opportunity,
some time before, of making his escape, the servants who
were to convey him to the archbishop’s palace at Croydon,
offering to let him go. But this he refused, with more zeal
than prudence. He was, according to all accounts, a scholar of great eminence, and well acquainted with the learned
languages.
ict in that city in 1560, entered as a commoner of St. Alban hall, Oxford, in 1577, and was admitted scholar of Corpus Christi college about two years after. In 1581 he
, an English law-writer, was the
son of Thomas Fulbeck, who was mayor of Lincoln at the
time of his death in J 566. He was born in the parish of
St. Benedict in that city in 1560, entered as a commoner
of St. Alban hall, Oxford, in 1577, and was admitted
scholar of Corpus Christi college about two years after. In
1581 he took his bachelor’s degree, and the next year
became probationer fellow. He then removed to Gloucester-hall (now Worcester college) where he completed
the degree of M. A. in 1584. From Oxford he went to
Gray’s Inn, London, where he applied with great assiduity to the study of the municipal law. Wood says, he
had afterwards the degree of civil law conferred on him,
but where he had not been able to discover, nor is the
place or time of his death known. From an extract from,
bishop Kennet, in the new edition of Wood, it seems not
improbable that he took orders. His works are, 1. “Christian Ethics,
” Lond. An historical collection of the continual factions, tumults, and massacres -of
the Romans before the peaceable empire of Augustus
Caesar,
” ibid. A direction or
preparative to the study of the Law,
” ibid. A parallel or conference of the civil, the canon, and the common law,
” ibid. The Pandects of the Laws of
Nations; or the discourses of the matters in law, wherein
the nations of the world do agree,
” ibid.
onger. Young Fulke, however, trusted to his industry and endowments, and soon became a distinguished scholar in mathematics, languages, and divinity. Having taken orders,
, a celebrated English divine, and master of Pembroke-hal in Cambridge, wns born in London, and educated in St. John’s college, Cambridge, of which he was chosen fellow in 1564. He was a youth of great parts, and of a very high spirit. When a boy at school, he is said to have betrayed great anger and mortification on losing a literary contest for a silver pen, with the celebrated Edmund Campian, and as the latter was educated at Christ’s hospital, this incident seems to prove that t'ulke was of the same school. Before he became fellow of his college, he complied with the wishes of his father, by studying law at Clirtbrd’s-inn, but on his return to the university, his inclinations became averse to that pursuit, and he was unable to conquer them, although his father refused to support him any longer. Young Fulke, however, trusted to his industry and endowments, and soon became a distinguished scholar in mathematics, languages, and divinity. Having taken orders, his early intimacy with some of the puritan divines induced him t< preach in favour of some of their sentiments respecting the ecclesiastical habits and ceremonies. This occurred about 1565, and brought upon him the censure of the chancellor of the university, which, it is said, proceeded to expulsion. On this he took lodgings in the town of Cambridge, and subsisted for some time by reading lectures. His expulsion, however, if it really took place, which seems doubtful, did not lessen his general reputation, as in 1561) there was an intention to choose him master of St. John’s college, had not archbishop Parker interfered but about the same time he found a patron in the earl of Leicester, who was more indulgent to the puritans, and who received Mr. luilke into his house, as his chaplain. It was now also that he fell under the charge of being concerned in some unlawful marriages, and in such circumstances thought it his duty to resign his fellowship, but being honourably acquitted in an examination before the bishop of Ely, he was immediately re-elected by the college.
, an accomplished scholar and Latin poet, was born at Verona, and not at Venice, as Foscarini
, an accomplished
scholar and Latin poet, was born at Verona, and not at
Venice, as Foscarini asserts. He studied Greek and Latin with astonishing progress, under Romulus Amaseus,
and the extensive learning he afterwards acquired made
him known and respected by all the eminent scholars of
his time. On the death pf one of his particular friends,
John Matthew Giberti, bishop of Verona, which happened
in 1544, he composed a funeral oration, which is said to
have been very eloquent, but which he was not able to
deliver without such continual interruption from the tears
and sobs of his audience, as prevented its being heard with
any other effect. At this time he enjoyed a canonry at
Venice, which he kept all his life. Navagero and Valerio,
the two successive bishops of Verona, and both cardinals,
had the highest esteem for Fumani; by the interest of the
former he was appointed secretary to the council of Trent.
He died advanced in age in 1587. He published “D.
Basilii Moralia, et Ascetica,
” translated by him, Leyden,
and great vices, was a Roman catholic, of a good Family in Ireland. He was a very considerable Latin scholar, and editor of Brindley’s beautiful edition of the Classics.
, a very extraordinary character,
of great talents, and great vices, was a Roman catholic,
of a good Family in Ireland. He was a very considerable
Latin scholar, and editor of Brindley’s beautiful edition of
the Classics. He translated Pope’s “Essay on Criticism
”
into Latin verse, and after his confinement in Newgate,
to which he was sent for filing gold, he translated into the
same language the “Temple. of Fame,
” and the “Messiah,
” which he dedicated to the duke of Newcastle, in
hopes of a pardon; he also wrote verses in English on
prince George (our present sovereign), and on Mr. Adams,
the recorder, which were published in the ordinary’s account; with a poetical address to the duchess of Queensbury, by one Conner, who was then in prison for the same
Crime. Gahagan was executed at Tyburn, Feb. 1749.
born in 1636, at Scruton in Yorkshire. He was sent to Westminster-school, and, being admitted king’s- scholar there, was elected to Trinity college, Cambridge, and became
, celebrated for his knowledge of the Greek language and antiquities, and descended from a family considerable in the North and East Riding of Yorkshire , was born in 1636, at Scruton in Yorkshire. He was sent to Westminster-school, and, being admitted king’s-scholar there, was elected to Trinity college, Cambridge, and became fellow of that society He took his degree of B. A. in 1656; of M. A. in 1662. In the prosecution of his studies, he applied himself to classical and polite literature, and his extraordinary proficiency procured him early a seat in the temple of fame. His knowledge of the Greek tongue recommended him, in 1666, to the office of regius professor of that language in the university, which he resigned in 1672; and his majesty’s Choice was approved by the accurate edition which he gave of the ancient mythologic writers, as well physical as moral, in Greek and Latin, published at Cambridge iri 1671, 8vo. This brought his merit into public view; and the following year he was appointed head master of St. Paul’s school in London; soon after which, by his majesty’s direction, he drew up those inscriptions which are to be seen upon the Monument, in memory of the dreadful conflagration in 1666, and was honoured with a present of plate made to him by the city. His excellent conduct and commendable industry in the school abundantly appear, from the great number of persons, eminently learned, who were educated by him: and, notwithstanding the fatigue of that laborious office, he found time to publish new and accurate editions of several ancient Greek authors.
ted the celebrated Halley for their clerkassistant, or under-secretary, who had been a distinguished scholar of our author’s at St. Paul’s school. Dr. Gale continued at
He accumulated the degrees of B. and D. D. in 1675; and June 7, 1676, was collated to the prebend Consumpt. per mare in the cathedral of St. Paul. He was also elected in 1677 into the royal society, of which he became a very constant and useful member, was frequently of the council, and presented them with many curiosities, particularly a Roman urn with the ashes, found near Peckham in Surrey (part of these burnt bones he gave to Mr. Thoresby); and in 1685, the society having resolved to have honorary secretaries, who would act without any view of reward, Dr. Gale was chosen with sir John Hoskyns into that office, when they appointed the celebrated Halley for their clerkassistant, or under-secretary, who had been a distinguished scholar of our author’s at St. Paul’s school. Dr. Gale continued at the head of this school with the greatest reputation for 25 years, till 1697, when he was promoted to the deanry of York; and being admitted into that dignity Sept. 16, that year, he removed thither. This preferment was no more than a just reward of his merit, but he did not live to enjoy it many years. On his admission, finding the dean’s right to be a canon-residentiary called in question, he was at the expence of procuring letters patent in 1699, to annex it to the deanry, which put the matter out of all dispute. On his removal from London,' he presented to the new library, then lately finished at hi9 college in Cambridge, a curious collection of Arabic manuscripts. During the remainder of his life, which was. spent at York, he preserved an hospitality suitable to his station and his good government of that church is mentioned with honour. Nor has that care which he took, to repair and adorn that stately edifice, passed without a just tribute of praise.
The works of this laborious scholar, were, 1. “Opuscula Mythologica Ethica et Physica, Gr. & Lat.”
The works of this laborious scholar, were, 1. “Opuscula
Mythologica Ethica et Physica, Gr. & Lat.
” Cantab.
Historiæ Poeticæ Scriptores antiqui, Greecè & Latinè. Aecessere breves notæ, & indices necessarii,
” Paris, 1675,
8vo. These are, Apollodorus Atheniensis, Conon Grammaticus, Ptolonutus Hephxstion, Parthenius Nicuensis,
& Antoninus Liberalis. 3. “Rhetores Selecti, Gr. & Lat.
viz. Demetrius Phalereus de Elocutione; Tiberius Rhetor
de schematibus Demosthenis; Anonymu* Sophista de Rhetorica; Severi Alexandrini Ethopceisc. Demetrium emendavit, reliquos e Mss. edidit & Latine vertit, omnes notis
illustravit Tho. Gale,
” Oxon. 1676, 8vo. 4. “Jamblicbus
Chalcidensis de Mysteriis. Epistola Porphyrii de eodem
argumento, Gr. & Lat. ex versione T. G.
” Oxon. Psalterium juxta exemplar Alexandrinum,
”
Oxon. Herodoti Halicarnassensis Historiarnin libri X. ejusdem narratio de vita Homeri excerpta
e Ctesia, & H. Stephani Apologia pro Herodoto accedunt
chronologia, tabula geographica, variantes Jectiones, &c.
”
Lond. Cicero’s Works
” was revised by him, Lond. Histories Anglicanoe Scriptores
quinque, &c.
” Oxon. A Discourse concerning the Original of Human Literature with Philology and Philosophy,
” Phil. Trans, vol.
VI. p. 2231. 10. “Historiae Britannicse, Saxonicae, AngloDanicae, Scriptores quindccim, &c.
” Oxon. Gildas de excidio Britannia-, Eddji
vita VVilfridi, Nennii historia, Asserii annales, Higdeni Polychronicon, G. Malmesburiensis de antiquitate Glastoniensis ecclesiae, & libri V. de pontificibus Angliae, Histona
Ramesiensis, Historia Eliensis, Chronica Joh. Wallingford,
Historia Rad. Diceto, Forduni Scotichronicon, Alcuinus
de pontificibus Eboracensibus.
” This is called by Gale
the first volume; and that which contains the Quinque
Scriptores (Ingulphus, Peter Blesensis, Chron. de Mailros, Annales Burtonenses, and the Historia Croylandensis)
though published in 1684 (by Mr. William Fulrnan under the patronage of Bp. Fell) is called the second, as the
authors are of a more modern date. 11. A collection of
“Latin Prayers,
” by dean Gale, in ms. was in the possession of Dr. Ducarel. He left in ms. “Origenis Philocalia, variis manuscriptis collata, emendata, & nova versione donata
” “Jamblichus de vita Pythagoras
” and
“Antonini Itinerarium Britannia
” the latter published
afterwards by his son, as were his Sermons preached on
public occasions in 1704.
er his father at St. Paul’s school, whence he was admitted of Trinity-college, Cambridge, 1691, made scholar of 'that house 1693, and afterwards fellow (being then B. A.)
, esq. F. R. and A. Ss. eldest son of the preceding, was born in 1672, and was educated under his father at St. Paul’s school, whence he was admitted of Trinity-college, Cambridge, 1691, made scholar of 'that house 1693, and afterwards fellow (being then B. A.) in 1697. He was possessed of a considerable estate at Scruten, in Yorkshire, now in the possession of his grandson Henry Gale, esq. and represented North Allerton, in that county, in 1705, 1707, 1706, and 1710. His name was added to the commissioners of stamp duties, Dec. 20, 1714, and was continued in a subsequent commission, May 4, 1715-, and he was appointed a commissioner of excise Dec. 24 of the same year. In this he continued uutii 1735, when he was wantonly displaced by sir Robert Waipole, for which no other reason was assigned than that sir Robert wanted to provide for one of his friends, an act of arbitrary tyranny which cannot be too severely condemned. Mr. Gale was the first vice-president of the society of antiquaries; and when that learned body, in 1721, proposed to collect accounts of all the ancient coins relative to Great Britain and its dominions, Mr. Gale undertook the Reman series, and his brother Samuel the Danish. Though he was considered as one of the most learned men of his fege, he only published the following books:
rished in the sixteenth century, under the pontificate of Gregory XIII. and Sixtus V. He was an able scholar in the ancient languages, and had devoted much of his time to
, of Milan, a
learned ecclesiastical antiquary, and apostolical notary,
flourished in the sixteenth century, under the pontificate
of Gregory XIII. and Sixtus V. He was an able scholar
in the ancient languages, and had devoted much of his
time to researches in ecclesiastical history. He endeavoured to correct and illustrate the “Roman Martyrology,
”
by new-modelling it, and adding a number of new facts
respecting the saints. This he dedicated to pope Gregory XIII. and published it at Milan in 1577, but it never
was approved by the Roman censors, who thought it too
long to be recited in the canonical office; and others have
accused him of many inaccuracies. He wrote also the
“Lives of the Saints of Milan,
” printed there in Commentary on the Pentateuch,
” ib. Theatrum Pontificate;
” “S. Didaci Complutensis Canonizatio,
” Rome, II perfetto Dittionario,
” Latin
and Italian, Venice, 1659, and 1684. We have no further particulars of his life, except that he died about
the year 1590.
ntal, together with the Italian, Spanish, English, and German languages; and was deemed an universal scholar. He is now memorable chiefly for having been the first who published
, a learned Frenchman, was born of
a good family, at Paris, in 1632. He bad studied divinity,
ecclesiastical and profane history, philosophy, mathematics, the Oriental, together with the Italian, Spanish, English, and German languages; and was deemed an universal scholar. He is now memorable chiefly for having been
the first who published the “Journal des Sgavans,
” in
conjunction with M. de Sallo, who had formed the design
of this work. The first journal was published on Jan. 5,
1665; but these gentlemen censured new books with so
much severity, that the whole tribe of authors rose up
against their work, and effectually cried it down. De
Sallo abandoned it entirely, after having published a third
journal, in March following. Gallois was determined to
continue' it, yet did not venture to send out a fourth
journal till Jan. 1666, and then not without an humble
advertisement in the beginning of it, in which it is declared, that the author “will not presume to criticize, but
only simply to give an account of books.
” This, and the
protection shewn by the minister Colbert, who was much
pleased with the work, gradually reconciled the public to
the Journal. Thus began literary journals, which have been
continued from that time to this under various titles, and
by various authors; among whom are the names of Bayle
and Le Clerc. Gallois continued his journal to 1674,
when more important occupations obliged him to drop it,
or rather transfer it to another person. Colbert had taken
him into his house the year before, with a view of being
taught Latin by him; and the minister of state, it is said,
took most of his lessons in his coach, as he journeyed from
Versailles to Paris, Voltaire observes on this occasion,
that “the two men, who have been the greatest patrons
of learning, Louis XIV. and Colbert, neither of them understood Latin.
” ' Gallois had been made member of the
academy of sciences in 1668, and of the French academy
in 1675. He lost his patron by death in 1683; and then,
being at liberty, was first made librarian to the king, and
afterwards Greek professor in the royal college. He died
of the dropsy in 1707; and in 1710 a catalogue of his
books was printed at Paris, consisting of upwards of 12,000
volumes. It is remarkable of this learned man, that though
he had served many friends by his interest with Colbert,
yet he had neglected to make any provision for himself:
whence it happened, that, at the death of that minister,
he was but in poor circumstances, although an abbé.
was admitted pensioner of Bene't college, under the tuition of Mr. Fawcett, May 8, 1714, and became scholar of the house in July following. He took the degree of M. A.
, an English divine, born at Beckenham, in Kent, in August 1696, was admitted pensioner of
Bene't college, under the tuition of Mr. Fawcett, May 8,
1714, and became scholar of the house in July following.
He took the degree of M. A. in 1721, and was upon tbfc
king’s list for that of D. D. (to which he was admitted April 25, 1728) when his majesty honoured the university
of Cambridge with his presence. In 1721 he was chosen
lecturer of St. Paul’s Covent-garden, and instituted the
same year to the rectory of Wavenden, or Wanclen, in
Buckinghamshire. The lord chancellor King appointed
him his domestic chaplain in 1725, preferred him to a prebend in the church of Gloucester in 1728, and to another
in that of Norwich ahout three years after. He presented
him likewise to the rectory of Ashney, alias Ashton, in
Northamptonshire, in 1730; and to that of St. Giles’s in
the fields, in 1732; his majesty made him also one of his
chaplains in ordinary in October 1735. Dr. Gaily died
August 7, 1769. He was the author of, 1. “Two sermons on the Misery of Man, preached at St. Paul’s Covent-garden, 1723,
” 8vo. 2. “The Moral Characters of
Theophrastus, translated from the Greek, with notes, and
a Critical Essay on Characteristic Writing,
” The Reasonableness of Church and College Fines
asserted, and the Rights which Churches and Colleges
have in their Estates defended,
” An Enquiry into the Customary Estates and Tenants of those who hold Lands of
Church and other Foundations by the tenure of three Lives
and twenty-one years. By Everard Fleet wood, esq.
” 8vo.
4. “Sermon before the House of Commons, upon the
Accession, June 11, 1739,
” 4to. 5. “Some Considerations upon Clandestine Marriages,
” A Dissertation against pronouncing the Greek language according to Accents,
” A Second Dissertation,
” on the same subject, 8vo.
liation, setting forth” the reasonableness and extent of religious reverence.“He was not only a good scholar, but a man of great parts, and of singular mechanical ingenuity.
, a pious bishop among the Moravian brethren, was born near Haverford Wes in SouthWales, and became a member of Christ- church, Oxford,
where he took the degree of M. A. May 30, 1734; and
was afterwards vicar of Stanton Harcourt, in Oxfordshire,
to which he was presented by Dr. Seeker, when bishop of
Oxford. At this place, in 1740, he wrote “The Martyrdom of Ignatius, a Tragedy,
” published after his death by
the rev. Benjamin La Trobe with the Life of Ignatius,
drawn from authentic accounts, and from the epistles written by him from Smyrna and Troas in his way to Rome,
1773, 8vo. A sermon, which he preached before the
university of Oxford, was published under the title of
“Christianity, Tidings of Joy,
” Textu per omnia Milliano, cum divisione pericoparum &
interpunctura A. Bengelii,
” 12mo. Joining afterwards the
Church of the Brethren, established by an act of parliament of 1749, and known by the name of “Unitas Fratrum,
” or, the United Brethren; he was, for many years,
the regular minister of the congregation settled at London,
and resided in Neville’s-court, Fetter-lane, where he
preached at the chapel of the society. His connexion with
these sectaries commenced in 1748, when Peter Boehler
visited Oxford, and held frequent meetings with John and
Charles Wesley, for the edification of awakened people,
both learned and unlearned. His discourses were in Latin,
and were interpreted by Mr. Gambold. He was consecrated a bishop at an English provincial synod held at
Lindsey house in Nov. 1754, and was greatly esteemed for
his piety and learning by several English bishops, who had
been his contemporaries in the university of Oxford. In
1765 a congregation was settled by bishop Gatnbold, at
Cootbill, in Ireland. Soon after he had joined the brethren, he published a treatise, written while he was at
Stariton Haiv.ourt, and which proves his steady attachment
to the church of England, entirely consistent with his connexion with, and ministry in, the church of the brethren.
The title of it is, “A short summary of Christian Doctrine,
in the w.iy ol question and answer; the answers being all
made in the sound and venerable words of the Common-?
prayer-book of the church of England. To which are
added, some extracts out of the Homilies. Collected for
the service of a few persons, members of the established
church i but imagined not to be unuseful to others.
” We
know not the exact date of this treatise; but a second edition of it was printed in 1767, 12mo. Mr. Gam-bold also
published in 1751, 8vo, “Maxims and Theological Ideas
and Sentences, collected out of several dissertations and
discourses of count Zinzendorf, from 1738 till 1747*
” His
“Hymns for the use of the Brethren
” were printed in
Essay towards giving
some just ideas of the personal character of count Zinzendorf, the present advocate and ordinary of the brethren’s
churches,
” Sixteen Discourses on the Second Article of the Creed,
preached at Berlin by the ordinary of the Brethren,
” 12mo.
In June The ordinary oi' the Brethren’s
churches his short and peremptory remarks on the way and
manner wherein he has been hitherto treated in controversies, &c. Translated from the High Dutch, with a preface, by John Gambold, minister of the chapel in Fetterlane.
” In the same year he published, “Twenty-one
discourses, or dissertations, upon the Augsburg Confession, which is also the Brethren’s Confession of Faith; delivered by the ordinary of the Brethren’s churches before
the seminary. To which is prefixed a synodical writing
relating to the subject. Translated from fche High Dutch,
by F. Okeley, A. B.
” In A
clest Plea for the Church of the Brethren,
” &c. 8vo with a
preface hy himself. In the same year, in conjunction with
Mr. Hutton, secretary to the brethren, he also drew up
4< The representation of the committee of the English
congregation in union with the Moravian church,“addressed to the archbishop of York; and also
” The plain
case of the representatives of the people known by the name
f the Unitas Fratrum, from the year 1727 till these times,
with regard to their conduct in this country under misrepresentation.“And in 1755 he assisted in the publication
of
” A letter from a minister of the Moravian branch of
the Unitas Fratrum, together with some additional notes
by the English editor, to the author of the Moravians compared and detected;“and also of
” An exposition, or true
state of the matters objected in England to the people
known by the name of Unitas Fratrutn; by the ordinary of
the brethren; the notes and additions by the editor.“In
1756 he preached at Fetter-lane chapel, and printed afterwards, a sermon upon a public fast and humiliation, setting forth
” the reasonableness and extent of religious reverence.“He was not only a good scholar, but a man of
great parts, and of singular mechanical ingenuity. It was.
late in both their lives before the learned Bowyer was acquainted with his merits; but he no sooner knew them,
than he was happy in his acquaintance, and very frequently
applied to him as an occasional assistant in correcting the
press; in which capacity Mr. Gambold superintended
(among many other valuable publications) the beautiful
and very accurate edition of lord chancellor Bacon’s works
in 1765; and in 1767 he was professedly the editor, and
took an active part in the translation from the High Dutch,
of
” The History of Greenland;“containing a
” description of the country and its inhabitants; and particularly a
relation of the mission carried on for above these thirty
years by the Unitas Fratrum at New Herrnhut and Lichtenfels in that country, by David Crantz; illustrated with
maps and other copper-plates: printed for the brethren’s
society for the furtherance of the Gospel among the Heathen," 2 vols. 8vo. In the autumn of 1768 he retired to
his native country, where he died, at Haverford West,
universally respected, Sept. 13, 1771.
d shewed him that he was his good and gracious lord, and admitted and accepted him as his orator and scholar. These were matters of easy management. But the year had not
As this step proved the ruin of Wolsey, in his distress
he applied to his old servant the secretary, who on this
occasion is said by the writer of his life in the Biog. Britannica, to have afforded an eminent proof of his gratitude,
in soliciting his pardon; which was followed in three days
by his restoration to his archbishopric, and 6000l. sent
him, besides plate and furniture for his house and chapel.
It is certain, however, that Gardiner did not interpose before Wolsey had supplicated him more than once in the
most humble manner, to intercede for him, and it is equally
certain that Gardiner did not risk much in applying to the
king, who for some time entertained a considerable regard
for the fallen Wolsey. Gardiner also, at the cardinal’s
recommendation, in 1530, introduced the provost of Beverly to the king, who received him graciously, and shewed
him that he was his good and gracious lord, and admitted
and accepted him as his orator and scholar. These were
matters of easy management. But the year had not expired, when the king’s service called the secretary to a
task of another nature, which was to procure from the university of Cambridge their declaration in favour of his majesty’s cause, after Cranmer’s book should appear in support of it. In this most difficult point his old colleague
Fox was joined with him; and they spared no pains, address, or artifice in accomplishing it. To make amends
for such an unreserved compliance with the royal will, a
door was presently opened in the church, through which,
by one single step (the archdeaconry of Leicester, into which he was installed in the spring of 1531), Gardiner
advanced to the rich see of Winchester, and was there
consecrated the November following. Gardiner was
not, at the time, apprized of the king’s design of conferring on him this rich bishopric; for Henry, in his caprice,
would sometimes rate him soundly, and when he bestowed
it on him said, “I have often squared with you, Gardiner,
but I love you never the worse, as the bishopric I give you
will convince you.
” As bishop of Winchester he now assisted in the court when the sentence, declaring Katharine’s
marriage null and void, was passed by Cranmer, May
22, 1533. The same year he went ambassador to the
French king at Marseilles, to discover the designs of the
pope and that monarch in their interview, of which Henry
was very suspicious; and upon his return home, being
called, as other bishops were, to acknowledge and defend
the king’s supremacy, he readily complied, and published
his defence for it, with this title, “De vera Obedientia.
”
His conduct was very uniform in this point, as well as in
that of the divorce and the subsequent marriage, and he
acquired great reputation by his writings in defence of
them.
l, whence he was admitted of Trinity-college, Cambridge, in 1770, and the following year was elected scholar. In 1774 he was admitted to his degree of B. A. which he obtained
, an English divine,
was born at Bury St. Edmund’s, May 1, 1753, and was
the only surviving child of the rev. Robert G. many years
master of the free grammar-school at Bury, and rector of
Nowton and Hargrave, in Suffolk . His mother was
Mary, daughter of Mr. Benton, and sister of the late Edward Benton, esq. secondary in the court of king’s-bench.
He was educated partly by his father, who supported a
considerable reputation for classical learning, and partly
at Bury school, whence he was admitted of Trinity-college,
Cambridge, in 1770, and the following year was elected
scholar. In 1774 he was admitted to his degree of B. A.
which he obtained with credit to his college and himself;
and was elected fellow in 1775, and proceeded M. A. in
1777. In 1793 he was elected college preacher, and in
November 1797, was advanced into the seniority. He
was ordained deacon March 3, 1776, and afterwards entered
on the curacies of Newton and Great Welivatham, in the
neighbourhood of Bury. On June 15, 1777, he was ordained priest, but having imbibed some scruples as to the
articles of the church, of the Socinian cast, he determined
sever to repeat his subscription to the articles for any preferment which he might become entitled to from the college patronage, or which might be offered to him from any
other quarter. Agreeably to, and consistently with, this
state of mind, be resigned, at Midsummer, 1789, the curacies in which he was then engaged, and resolved thenceforward to decline officiating in the ministry. Mr. Garnham’s health was never robust, and, during the last five or
six years of his life, suffered much from sickness, which
prevented his residing at Cambridge after the death of his
father, in 1798, and indisposed and disqualified him from
pursuing his former application to his studies. His indisposition and infirmities continued to increase; and, in the
summer of 1801, he evidently appeared to be much broken.
For some short time he had complained of an asthma; and,
on the Saturday preceding his death, was attacked with an
inflammation on the lungs and breast. He continued till
the morning of the following Thursday, June 24, 1802,
when he expired in the- 50th year of his age, and was buried in the chancel of Nowtoa church. His writings were
numerous, but all anonymous. 1. “Examination of Mr.
Harrison’s Sermon, preached in the cathedral church of
St. Pawl, London, before the lord mayor, on May 25,
1788, 1789.
” 2. “Letter to the right rev. the bishop of
Norwich (Dr. Bagot), requesting him to name the prelate
to whom he referred as * contending strenuously for the
general excellence of our present authorized translation of
the Bible,' 1789.
” 3. “Letter to the right rev. the bishop
of Chester (Dr. Cleave*), on the subject of two sermons
addressed by him to the clergy of his diocese comprehending also a vindication of the late bishop Hoadly, 1790.
”
4. “Review of Dr. Hay’s sermon, entitled, t Thoughts
on the Athanasian Creed,' preached April 12, 1790, at the
visitation of the archdeacon of Bucks,
” Outline of a Commentary on Revelations xi. 114,
” A Sermon preached in the chapel of Trinity-college,
Cambridge, on Thursday, Dec. 19, 1793, the day appointed for the commemoration of the benefactors to that
society,
” Commentaries and Essays
” signed Synergus: and some in “The
Theological Repository,
” signed Ereunetes, and Idiota.
So much literary merit did not fail to gain him great reputation as a polite scholar, and procured him admittance into the company and friendship
So much literary merit did not fail to gain him great reputation as a polite scholar, and procured him admittance into the company and friendship of most of the nobility and gentry of both sexes who being inclined by his agreeable conversation to try his skill in his profession, were still more pleased to find him answer their wishes and expectations. By such means he came into vast practice, and endeared himself to his patients by his politeness, agreeable conversation, generosity, and great goodnature. It was these last qualities that prompted him in 1701 to provide a suitable interment for the shamefully abandoned corpse of Dryden; which he caused to be brought to the college of physicians, proposed and encouraged by his own example a subscription for defraying the expence of a funeral, pronounced a suitable oration over the remains of the great poet, and afterwards attended the solemnity from Warwick-lane to Westminster-abbey. It is commonly observed, that the making of a man’s fortune is’generally owing to some one lucky incident; and nothing was perhaps of more service in that respect to Dr. Garth, than the opportunity he had of shewing his true character by this memorable act of generosity.
s son in his own way to country business, or farming, as a more profitable employment than that of a scholar, nor would he consent but upon condition that the boy should
, a very eminent mathematician and philosopher, was born Jan. 22, N. S. 1592, at a village called Chantersier, about three miles from Digne in Provence, in France. His father, Antony Gassendi, a Roman catholic, educated him with great piety, and the first words he learned to pronounce were those of his prayers. This practice made such an impression upon his infant mind, that at four years of age he demonstrated the good effects of it in reproving or exhorting his playfellows, as occasion prompted. In these first years of his youth he likewise took particular delight in gazing at the moon and stars, in clear uncloudy weather, and was so intent on these observations in solitary places, that his parents had him often to seek, not without many anxious fears. At a proper age they put him to school at Digne, to Godfrey Wendeline, an excellent master, under whose care he made a quick and extraordinary progress in learning. In a very short time he learned not only the elements of the Latin language, but was so far advanced in rhetoric as to be superior to all the boys in that school; and some friends who had witnessed his proficiency, recommended to have him removed, in order to study philosophy under Fesay, a very learned Minorite friar, then at Aix. This proposal was not much relished by his father, whose design was to breed up his son in his own way to country business, or farming, as a more profitable employment than that of a scholar, nor would he consent but upon condition that the boy should return home in two years at farthest. Young Gassendi accordingly, at the end of his allotted time, repaired to Chantersier; but he did not stay there long, being invited to be a teacher of rhetoric at Digne, before he was full sixteen years of age; and he had been engaged in this not above three years, when his master Fesay dying, he was made professor of philosophy in his room at Aix.
re he was born in 1609. He was educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, whence, in 1625, he was elected scholar of St. John’s college, Oxford, became a fellow of that house,
, or, as he sometimes styled himelf, de Speciosa Villa, one of those authors of the seventeenth century, who contributed somewhat to the
amusement of the republic of letters, without adding much
to its credit, was the son of George Gayton of Little Britain, in London, where he was born in 1609. He was
educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, whence, in 1625,
he was elected scholar of St. John’s college, Oxford, became a fellow of that house, and master of arts. He was
afterwards superior beadle of arts and physic, and took
the degree of M. B. in 1647; but next year the parliamentary visitors ejected him from the beadleship. He
now went to London, married, and maintained himself
and wife by his writings. After the restoration, he was
replaced in his office of beadle; but, according to Wood’s
account, followed more “the vices of poets.
” His residence, however, was still at Oxford, where he died in
Cat-street, Dec. 12, 1666, and was buried in St. Mary’s
church, at the expence of the vice-chancellor, Dr. Fell,
not having “but one farthing in his pocket when he died.
”
Among his works Wood enumerates, 1. “Chartse Scriptae, or a New Game at cards, called Play by the Book,
”
Pleasant notes upon Don Quixote,
” Hymna
de febribus,
” Lond. Will Bagnal’s Ghost,
or the Merry Devil of Gadmunton,
” ibid. The Art of Longevity, or a dietetical institution,
” Lond.
Walk, Knaves, walk,
” a discourse intended
to have been spoken at court; the name of Hodge Turbervil is in the title of this work, but it was written by Gayton, when in the king’s bench prison, and published in
1659. 7. “Wit revived; or a new excellent way of Divertisement, digested into most ingenious questions and
answers,
” Lond. Poem upon Mr. Jacob Bobart’s Yew-men of
the Guards to the Physic garden, &c.
” Oxon.
, a French writer and classical scholar, was born at Orleans June 17, 1667, whence he v/ent to study
, a French writer and classical
scholar, was born at Orleans June 17, 1667, whence he
v/ent to study at Paris, and was a Jesuit for ten years; but
returning back to the world, became one of the friends of
the celebrated Ninon de PEnclos, and figured as a man of
wit and letters, which, however, did not impede his
ecclesiastical career, as in 1701 he was appointed canon of thfe
holy chapel at Paris. In 1711 he was received into tho
academy of belles lettres; in 1719, into the French academy; and 1732, he was named to the abbey of Notredame de Beaugency. He died Aug. 10, 1744. He is
distinguished by two excellent French translations, of Quintilian, 4to, or 4 rols. 8vo, and Pausanias, 2 vols. 4to.
There were also published in 1745, “CEuvres diverses,
”
or a collection of little essays by him upon subjects of morality and literature, edited by the abbé Olivet, with a
life of the author, by Bachaumont. Gedoyn was besides
author of many ingenious dissertations in the memoirs of
the French academy.
he country in which Dodonaeus wrote, not to England. Gerarde is also accused of having been no Latin scholar, and of having made many mistakes in the additional matter which
The great work of our author, is his “Herbal, or General History of Plants,
” printed in Pemptades,
” for which also probably the
same cuts, had been used. Lobel asserts that a translation
of the “Pemptades
” had been made by a Dr. Priest, at
the expence of Mr. Norton; but the translator dying soon
after, the manuscript was used by Gerarde, without acknowledgment. The intelligent reader of the Herbal will
observe that most of the remarks relative to the places in
which certain plants are found, their common uses, &c.
belong to the original work, and refer to the country in
which Dodonaeus wrote, not to England. Gerarde is also
accused of having been no Latin scholar, and of having
made many mistakes in the additional matter which he
translated from the works of Clusius, Lobel, &c. He also
certainly misapplied many of the cuts. Yet he had the
great merit of a practical knowledge of plants, with unbounded zeal, and indefatigable perseverance, and contributed greatly to bring forward the knowledge of plants
in England, and his name will be remembered by botanists with esteem, when the utility of his Herbal is superseded. A second edition of Gerarde’s Herbal was published by Dr. Thomas Johnson, in 1636, who, like many
other editors, censured his author with great freedom, and
undoubtedly made many essential corrections. He was a
man of far more learning than Gerarde, although by no
means so good a botanist.
, an eminent scholar, philosopher, and naturalist, and called the Pliny of Germany,
, an eminent scholar, philosopher, and naturalist, and called the Pliny of Germany, was the son of Vasa Gesner, and Barbara Friccius, and born at Zurich in Switzerland in 1516, where he received the first rudiments of the Latin and Greek languages. His proficiency was such as to give every hope of his becoming an accomplished scholar, but the poverty of his father, who was a worker in hides, and perhaps wanted his son’s assistance in his trade, threatened a total interruption to his studies, when John James Ammian, professor of rhetoric at Zurich, took him to his house, and offered to defray the expence of his education. Gesner accordingly continued three years with Ammian, and applied to his studies with the utmost diligence. In his fifteenth year his father was killed in the civil wars of Switzerland, and his mother was no longer able to maintain him; and, added to these misfortunes, he fell into a dropsical disorder. On his recovery, finding himself destitute of friends, he determined, young as he was, to travel, in hopes of being able to provide a subsistence by his talents in some foreign country. With this view he first went to Strasburgh, where he entered into the service of Wolfgang Fabricius Capito, the learned Lutheran reformer, with whom he resumed the study of the Hebrew language, of which he had acquired some knowledge when at Zurich. After some months’ stay here he returned to Switzerland, and the public tranquillity being restored, he procured a pension from the academy of Zurich, which enabled him to make the tour of France. He passed a year at Bourges, applying to Greek and Latin with great attention; and finding his pension too scanty to maintain him, improved his finances in some degree by teaching school. Next year, he went to Paris, but is said to have made very little progress in study while there, and returned to Strasburgh in hopes of procuring some employment from the friends he had made, but was very soon recalled by the university of Zurich, and placed at the head of a reputable school. Here he might have maintained himself in the comfortable pursuit of his studies, had he not married, a step which, although he had afterwards no reason to repent of his choice, in his present circumstances was highly injudicious, and involved him in many difficulties.
, a profound scholar and acute critic, was born at a village near Newburg, in Germany,
, a profound scholar and acute critic, was born at a village near Newburg, in Germany, in 1691. He was also of the family of Conrad Gesner. He lost his father at a very early age; but, by the kindness of a father-in-law, he was enabled to follow the bent of his natural inclination for learning-, and studied for eight years under Nicolas Keelerus, at Anspach. In consequence of the recommendation of Buddeus, he was ap-. pointed to superintend the public school of Weinheim, in which character he remained eleven years. From Weinheim he was removed to a situation equally honourable, and more lucrative, at Anspach; whence, after some other changes of no great importance in his situation, he finally returned to Gottingen. Here he received the reward of his talents and industry in several advantageous appointments. He was made professor of humanity, public librarian, and inspector of public schools, in the district of Luneburg. He died at Gottingen, universally lamented and esteemed, in. the year 1761.
frustrated. Mr. Francis preferred the pleasures of London to the instruction of his pupils; and our scholar, without farther preparation, was hurried to Oxford, where,
In 1749 he was entered in Westminster-school, of which, within the space of two years, he reached the third form, but his application was so frequently rendered useless by sickness and debility, that it was determined to send him to Bath. Here, and at Putney, he recovered his health so far as to be able to return to his books, and as he approached his sixteenth year, his disorder entirely left him. The frequent interruptions, however, which he had met with, and probably a dread of the confined air of the city of Westminster, had induced his father to place him at Esher, in Surrey, in the house of the rev. Philip Francis, the translator of Horace. But his hopes were again frustrated. Mr. Francis preferred the pleasures of London to the instruction of his pupils; and our scholar, without farther preparation, was hurried to Oxford, where, on April 3, 1752, before he had accomplished his fifteenth year, he was matriculated as a gentleman commoner of Magdalencollege*.
could not divest his mind of its old habits, and therefore endeavoured to unite the soldier and the scholar. He studied the art of war in the Memoires Militaires of Quintus
About the time when this essay appeared, Mr. Gibbon was
induced to embrace the military profession. He was appointed captain of the south battalion of the Hampshire
militia, and for two years and a half endured “a wandering life of military servitude.
” It is seldom that the memoirs of a literary character are enlivened by an incident
like this. Mr. Gibbon, as may be expected, could not
divest his mind of its old habits, and therefore endeavoured
to unite the soldier and the scholar. He studied the art of
war in the Memoires Militaires of Quintus Icilius (M.
Guichardt), while from the discipline and evolutions of a modern battalion, he was acquiring a clearer notion of the
phalanx and the legion, and what he seems to have valued
at its full worth, a more intimate knowledge of the world,
and such an increase of acquaintance as made him better
known than he could have been in a much longer time,
had he regularly passed his summers at Buriton, and his
winters in London. He snatched also some hours from his
military duties for study, and upon the whole, although
he does not look back with much pleasure on this period of
his life, he permits the reader to smile at the advantages
which the historian of the Roman empire derived from
the captain of the Hampshire grenadiers. At the peace in
1762-3, his regiment was disbanded, and he resumed his
studies, the regularity of which had been so much interrupted, that he speaks of now entering on a new plan.
After hesitating, probably not long, between the mathematics and the Greek language, he gave the preference to
the latter, and pursued his reading with vigour. But
whatever he read or studied, he appears to have read and
studied with a view to historical composition, and he aspired to the character of a historian long before he could
fix upon a subject. The time was favourable to Mr. Gibbon’s ambition. He was daily witnessing the triumphs of
Hume and Robertson, and he probably thought that a
subject only was wanting to form his claim to equal honours.
ht his knowledge forwards, and was more ambitious in company to be thought a man of the world than a scholar. In parliament he never ventured to speak, and this probably
Mr. Gibbon was a man of so much candour, or so incapable of disguise, that his real character may be justly appreciated from the Memoirs he left behind him. He discloses his sentiments there without the reserve he has put on in his more laboured compositions, and has detailed his mental failings with an ingenuous minuteness which is seldom met with. He candidly confesses to the vanity of an author, and the pride of a gentleman; and we may allow that it is the vanity of one of the most successful authors of modern times, and the pride of a gentleman of amiable manners and high accomplishments. At the same time, it cannot be denied that his anxiety of fame sometimes obscured the lustre of his social qualities, parted him too widely from his brethren in literature, and led him to speak of his opponents with an arrogance which, although uniformly characteristic of the cause he supported, was yet unworthy of his general cast of character. His conversation is said to have been rich in various information, communicated in a calm and pleasant manner, yet his warmest admirers do not give him the praise of excelling in conversation. He seldom brought his knowledge forwards, and was more ambitious in company to be thought a man of the world than a scholar. In parliament he never ventured to speak, and this probably lessened his value in the eyes of an administration that required the frequent and ready support of eloquence.
ress of his studies, from the first cjuPil perusal of a book, to the completion of his history as no scholar can peruse without interest and admiration. But he has not told
But although he has disclosed much of his character in
his Memoirs, there are some points left unexplained about
which it would be important to be better informed. He
appears to be anxious to exhibit the peculiarities of his
temper, and the petty habits of his life, and he has givetj
such ample details of the progress of his studies, from the
first cjuPil perusal of a book, to the completion of his
history as no scholar can peruse without interest and admiration. But he has not told us much of the progress of
opinions in his mind. His conversion to popery is a boyish
whim, which can never be contemplated in the grave light
in which he has represented it. His returned to protestantism is related with more brevity and obscurity. What
passed in his mind during his first years of maturity, we
know not, but on the publication of his History, we find
him an implacable enemy to Christianity, without the pretence of a quarrel, or any previous declaration of hostilities. It has been justly remarked by professor Porson, that
“he often makes, where he cannot readily find, an occasion
to insult our religion, which he hates so cordially, that be
might seem to revenge some personal injury.
” But by
what train of reading, or interchange of sentiments, he
acquired this inveteracy, he has not thought proper to inform us. Left to conjecture, it is not unreasonable for us
to suppose, that his intimacy with the French writers on
the side of infidelity, and particularly with Helvetius; and
the correspondence he carried on with Hume, to whom he
looked up with the reverence of a pupil, induced him to>
think that the more he departed from the Christian belief,
the nearer he approached to the perfection of the philosophical character.
, an elegant French scholar, was born January 17, 1662, at Aix in Provence. He took a bachelor’s
, an elegant French scholar, was
born January 17, 1662, at Aix in Provence. He took a
bachelor’s degree in divinity, and was appointed professor
of philosophy at Beauvais at the age of twenty-four, and
professor of rhetoric four years after, at the Mazarine
college, in which the exercises began 1688, and were
opened by him with a public speech. He filled this chair
with much credit above fifty years, and formed a great
number of excellent scholars, by whom he had the art of
making himself beloved. He was several times rector of
the university of Paris, and defended its rights with zeal
and firmness. In 1728 he succeeded his friend, the celebrated Pourchot, as syndic of the university; and it was
in this character that he made a requisition in the general
assembly of the university in 1739, by which he formed
an opposition to the revocation of the appeal which the university had made from the bull Unigenitus to a future council; which step occasioned his being banished to Auxerre.
He died in the bishop of Auxerre’s house, October 28,
1741. His principal work is entitled, “Jugement des Savans, sur les Auteurs qui ont traite de la Rhtorique,
”
3 vois. 12mo. He also left “Traite de la veritable Eloquence,
” and “Reflexions sur la Rheiorique,
” in 4 books,
where he answers the objections of P. Lami; “La Rhetorique, ou les Regies de TEloquence,
” 12mo, the best
work the French have upon that subject.
in 1669; and, having laid the foundation of classical learning at a school in that county, entered a scholar of Queen’s-college, Oxford, in 1686. The study of the Northern
, bishop of London, son of Edward
Gibson, of Knipe in Westmorland, was born at Bampton
in the same county, in 1669; and, having laid the foundation of classical learning at a school in that county, entered a scholar of Queen’s-college, Oxford, in 1686. The
study of the Northern languages being then particularly
cultivated in this university, Gibson applied himself vigorously to that branch of literature, in which he was assisted
by Dr. Hickes. The quick proficiency that he made appeared in a new edition of William Drummond’s “PolemoMiddiana,
” and James V. of Scotland’s “Cantilena Rustica:
” which he published at Oxford, Chronicon Saxonicum,
” and
published it, together with the Saxoa original, and his
own notes, at Oxford, 1692, in 4to. This work he undertook by the advice of Dr. Mill, the learned editor of the
“Greek Testament,
” in folio and it is allowed by the
learned to be the best remains extant of Saxon antiquity.
The same year appeared a treatise, entitled, “Librorum
Manuscriptorum in duabus insignibus Bibliothecis, altera
Tenisoniana Londoni, altera Dugdaliana Oxonii, Catalogus.
” Edidit E. G. Oxon, Britannia,
” and other works, no-'
ticed hereafter and he concluded, in thisbranch of learning, with “Reliquiffi Spelmannianae, or the Posthumous
works of sir Henry Spelman, relating to the laws and antiquities of England,
” which, with a life of the author, he
published at Oxford, 1698, folio. This he likewise dedicated to Dr. Tenison, then Abp. of Canterbury; and probably, about that time, he was taken as domestic chaplain
into the archbishop’s family: nor was it long after, that we
find him both rector of Lambeth, and archdeacon of Surrey.
Tenison dying Dec. 14, 1715, Wake, bishop of Lincoln,
succeeded him; and Gibson was appointed to the see of
Lincoln. After this advancement, he went on indefatigably in defence of the government and discipline of
the Church of England: and on the death of Robinson, in
1720, was promoted to the bishopric of London. Gibson’s talents seem to have been perfectly suited to the particular duties of this important station; upon the right
management of which the peace and good order of the
civil, as well as the ecclesiastical, state of the nation so
much depend. He had a particular turn for business,
which he happily transacted, by means of a most exact
method that he used on all occasions: and this he pursued
with great advantage, not only in the affairs of his own
diocese in England, which he governed with the most
precise regularity, but in promoting the spiritual affairs of
the church of England colonies, in the West-Indies. The
ministry, at this time, were so sensible of his great abilities in transacting business, that there was committed to
him a sort of ecclesiastical ministry for several years; and
especially during the long illness of Abp. Wake, almost
every thing that concerned the church was in a great measure left to his care.
, head master of St. Paul’s school, was born in Lincolnshire, Feb. 27, 1564, and admitted scholar of Corpus college, Oxford, in Sept. 1583. He took his master’s
, head master of St. Paul’s school,
was born in Lincolnshire, Feb. 27, 1564, and admitted
scholar of Corpus college, Oxford, in Sept. 1583. He
took his master’s degree in 1590, when he left college,
and is supposed to have taught school at Norwich, as he
was in that city in 1597, and there wrote his “Treatise
concerning the Trinity,
” 8vo, to which Wood gives the
date of Logonomia Anglica,
” Sacred
Philosophy of Holy Scripture; or a Commentary on the
Creed,
” fol.
When usher of St. Paul’s school, he had the honour of having Milton under him, who was his favourite scholar. Three of Milton’s familiar Latin letters to him are extant,
, son and successor to his father,
the subject of the preceding article, was born in London,
in 1597, and entered of Trinity college, Oxford, in 1612,
on an exhibition from the Mercers’ company. When he
had taken his master’s degree, he became usher under his
father in St. Paul’s school, and under Thomas Farnaby, in
his private school, but succeeded his father in 1635, and
next year took the degree of D. D. He held the school
only five years, being dismissed, as Knight thinks, for
excessive severity. An allowance, however, was made to
him of 25l. yearly, with which he set up a private school
in Aldersgate-street, where he died in 1642, and was buried in the church of St. Botolph, Aldersgate. Wood
speaks of his “unsettled and inconstant temper,
” and of
his “many changes, rambles, and some imprisonments,
”
but upon what account he does not inform us. Some light,
however, is thrown upon the circumstance of imprisonments at least, in a late publication of Aubrey’s Lives. In
his account of Chillingworth he says, “Dr. Gill, films
doctorisGill, schoolmaster of Paules school, and Chillingworth, held weekely intelligence one with another for some
years, wherein they used to nibble at state-matters. Dr.
Gill, in one of his letters, calls king James and his sonne,
the old foole and the young one, which letter Chillingworth communicated to W. Laud, A. B. Cant. The poore
young Dr. Gill was seised, and a terrible storme pointed
towards him, which by the eloquent intercession and
advocation of Edward earle of Dorset, together with the teares
of the poore old doctor, his father, and supplication on his
knees to his majestic, was blowne over.
” Most of his Latin
poetry, in which he excelled, is published in a volume
entitled “Poetici Conatus,
” Faerie
Queene,
” Brayton’s “Polyolbion,
” by Selden; and
Bourdelotius’s “Lucian,
” all having poetical mottos from
the classics in his own hand-writing, which shew his taste
and track of reading; and in the “Lucian
” are the arms
of the Gills elegantly tricked with a pen, and coloured by
him. He had two brothers, George and Nathaniel, who
were both of the same college.
, a distinguished scholar and traveller, was born 1490, at Albi. After travelling over
, a distinguished scholar and traveller,
was born 1490, at Albi. After travelling over France, and
into Italy, he spent some time, at his return, with George
d'Armagnac, bishop of Rhodes, afterwards cardinal, who
was his patron; and, at this prelate’s request, wrote his
16 books on the nature of animals, “De vi et natura Animalium,
” Lyons, Elephanti descriptio,
” 8vo; “De
Bosphoro Thracio,
” 24to; “De Topographia Constantinouoleos,
” 24to; and in Banduri’s Imperium Orientate,
editions of Demetrius of Constantinople in “Rei Accipitrariae Auctores,
” Commentary on the Twelve minor Prophets;
” and of the “Hist,
of Ferdinand, king of Arragon,
” by Laurentius Valla.
and studied in their various schools at Verona, Bologna, Padua, &c. where he became an accomplished scholar, particularly in the oriental languages. He afterwards was professor
, an Italian ecclesiastic of considerable learning, was born in 1711 at St. Maur
in the diocese of Rimini. In 1727 he entered the Augustin order, and studied in their various schools at Verona,
Bologna, Padua, &c. where he became an accomplished
scholar, particularly in the oriental languages. He afterwards was professor at various Italian seminaries until 1745,
when pope Benedict XIV. invited him to Rome to the theological chair of La Sapienza, which he filled with great
reputation for some time. The same pontiff also made
him librarian del Angelica, and ordered him to efface from
the Index Expurgatorius of the Spanish inquisition, the
works of cardinal de Novis, which that tribunal had condemned. During the height of his reputation the emperor
Francis I. endeavoured to persuade him to settle at Vienna,
and made him most liberal offers, which he repeatedly declined. When the missionaries were sent by the college de Propaganda to Thibet, they found themselves
much embarrassed to understand the language of that
country, notwithstanding the assistance afforded by Hyde,
Lacroix, Vespiere, and other authors, but were much relieved by a valuable publication of Giorgi’s, which appeared
in 1761, entitled “Alphabetum Thibetanum,
” 4to, enriched with valuable dissertations on the geography, mythology, history and antiquities of Thibet; and in this he
explains with great ability the famous manuscripts found in
1721 near the Caspian sea by some Russian troops, and
sent by Peter I. to M. Bignon. His next publication was
not less important to the learned world, ^ Fragmentum
Evangelii S. Johannis Grseco-Copto Thebaicum sseculi
quarti; additamentum ex vetustissimis membranis lectiortum evangelicarum divinse Missae Cod. Diaconici reliquiae,
et liturgica alia fragmenta, &c." Rome, 1789, 4to. His
other works, enumerated by Fabroni, consist of letters, and
dissertations on subjects of oriental criticism and antiquities, and some polemical treatises. Among his unpublished
writings, was one on the Greek marbles of the temple of
Malatesi at Rimini. Giorgi died May 4, 1797.
it, or the grandeur that stamps his style, was born at Castelfranco, in Frioul, 1477, and became the scholar of Giovanni Bellini. Even then he dismissed the minuteness which
, an eminent artist, whose name was
Gioggio Barbarellj, but was generally known by the
appellation of Giorgione, from loftiness of figure and
gait, or the grandeur that stamps his style, was born at
Castelfranco, in Frioul, 1477, and became the scholar of
Giovanni Bellini. Even then he dismissed the minuteness which chained his master, and substituted that freedom, that disdainful superiority of handling, which, if it
be not the result of manner, is the supreme attainment of
execution. Ample outlines, bold fore-shortening, dignity, and vivacity of aspect and attitude, breadth of drapery, richness of accompaniment, more natural and softer
passages from tint to tint, and forcible effects of chiaroscuro, marked the style of Giorgione. This last, the great
want of the Venetian school, had, indeed, already been
discovered to Upper Italy, by Lionardo da Vinci. To
him, or rather to certain pictures and drawings of his, all
unknown to us, Vasari pretends that Giorgione owes his
chiaroscuro; but neither the line and forms peculiar to
Vipci, nor his system of light and shade, seem to countenance this assertion. Gracility and amenity of aspect characterize the lines and fancy of Lionardo; fulness, roundness, those of Giorgione. Fond of a much wider diffusion
of shades, and gradually diminishing their mass, the Tuscan drives light to a single point of dazzling splendour.
Not so the Venetian; more open, less dark, neither brown
nor ferrugineous in his demi-tints, but transparent and
true; to tell the whole, he is nearer to Corregioi He
may, however, have inspected and profited by the example
of Lionardo, the inventor of chiaroscuro; but so as Corregio did by the fore-shortening of Mantegna. His greatest
works were in fresco, of which little but the ruins remain.
His numerous oil-pictures, by rigorous impasto, and fulness of pencil, st^ll preserve their beauty. Of these, his
portraits have every excellence which mind, air, dignity,
truth, freshness, and contrast, can confer; he sometimes
indulged in ruddy, sanguine tints, but, on the whole, simplicity is their standard. His compositions are few; the
most considerable was, perhaps, that of the “Tempest
allayed,
” in the school of St. Marco at Venice. Some consider as his master-piece “Moses taken from the Nile,
and presented to the daughter of Pharaoh,
” in the archiepiscopal palace at Milan, in which a certain austerity of
tone gives zest to sweetness. One large picture of a holy
family is in possession of the marquis of Stafford, which is
highly laboured as to effect. But, perhaps the most perfect work of his in this country, is a small picture in the
collection of the earl of Carlisle, a portrait of Gaston de
Foix, with a servant putting on his armour. We are not
acquainted with any picture that has more truth or beauty
of colour, and style of character. It is told of Giorgione,
that having a dispute concerning the superiority of sculpture or painting; and it being argued, that sculpture had
the advantage, because the figures it produces may be seen
all around; he took the adverse side, maintaining, that
the necessity of moving, in order to see the different sides,
deprived it of its superiority; whereas the whole figure
might be viewed at one glance, in a minute. To prove
his position, he painted a figure, and surrounded it with
mirrors, in which all the various parts were exhibited, and
obtained great applause for his ingenuity. This artist is
said to have fallen in love with a young beauty at Venice,
who was no less charmed with him, and submitted to be
his mistress. She fell ill with the plague; but, not suspecting it to be so, admitted Giorgione to her bed, where,
the infection seizing him, they both died in 1511, he
being no more than 33.
eet, was born there Feb. 15, 1615. He was educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, and elected thence a scholar of St. John’s college, Oxford, in 1632. He afterwards received
, an eminent classical teacher, the son of
John Goad, of Bishopsgate- street, was born there Feb.
15, 1615. He was educated at Merchant Taylors’ school,
and elected thence a scholar of St. John’s college, Oxford,
in 1632. He afterwards received his master’s degree, became fellow of his college, and took orders. In 1643 he
was made vicar of St. Giles’s, Oxford, and continued to
perform his parochial duties, although at the risk of his
life, during the siege of the city by the parliamentary
forces. In June 1646 he was presented by the university
to the vicarage of Yarnton, and the year following was
created B. D. When the loyalists were turned out by the
parliamentary commissioners, Mr. Goad shared their fate;
and although Dr. Cheyuel, who was one of the parliamentary visitors, gave him an invitation to return to his
college, he refused it upon the terms offered. Yet he appears to have been so far connived at, as to be able to
keep his living at Yarnton until the restoration. He also
taught at Tunbridge school until July 1661, when he was
made head master of Merchant Taylors’ school. Over this
seminary he presided for nearly twenty years, with great
success and approbation, and trained for the college many
youths who did honour to their teacher and to their country; but in 1681 a suspicion was entertained that he inclined towards popery; and it was said that the comment
whicli he made on the Church Catechism savoured strongly
of popish tenets. Some particular passages having been
selected from it, and laid before the grand jury of London,
they on March 4 of the above year, presented a complaint
to the Merchant Taylors’ company, respecting the catechism taught in their school. After he had been heard in
his own defence, it was decided that he was “popishly
and erroneously affected,
” and immediately was discharged
from his office; but such was their sense of his past services,
that they voted him a gratuity of 70l. It soon appeared
that the court of the company had not been deceived in
their opinion of his principles. After being dismissed, he
taught a school in Piccadilly, and in 1686, the reign of James
II. openly professed himself a Roman catholic which,
Wood says, he had long been covertly. He died Oct. 28,
1689, and was buried in the church of Great St. Helen’s,
Bishopsgate-street, his memory being honoured by various
elegies. He published, besides some single sermons, 1.
“Genealogicon Latin um,
” a small dictionary for the use
of Merchant Taylors’ school, 8vo, 1676, second edit. 2.
“Declamation, whether Monarchy be the best form of
government
” printed at the end of Richards’s “English
Orator,
” Astro-Meteorologica, or aphorisms and discourses of the Bodies Celestial, their natures
and influences, &c.
” History of the
Air,
” and Dr. Mead’s book * c De Imperio Solis etJLuna.“4.
” Autodidactica, or a practical vocabulary, &c.“1690,
8vo. After his death was published
” Astro-meteorologia
sana, &c." 1690, 4to.
uncil. This honour they were induced to confer upon him, both in regard to his merit in general as a scholar, and to his particular zeal and abilities in promoting the design
A series of honours and favours bestowed by the usurper,
whose interest he constantly promoted, naturally incurred
the displeasure of Charles II. who removed him from his
wardenship, by a letter dated July 3, 1660; and claiming
the right of nomination, during the vacancy of the see of
Canterbury, appointed another warden in a manner the
most mortifying to our author. The new warden was Dr.
Edw. Reynolds, then king’s chaplain, and soon after bishop
of Norwich, who was appointed successor to sir Nathaniel
Brent, without the least notice being taken of Dr. Goddard. He then removed to Gresham college, where he
had been chosen professor of physic on Nov. 7, 1655, and
continued to frequent those meetings which gave birth to
the royal society; and, upon their establishment by charter in 1663, was nominated one of the first council. This
honour they were induced to confer upon him, both in
regard to his merit in general as a scholar, and to his particular zeal and abilities in promoting the design of their
institution, of which there is full proof in the “Memoirs
”
of that society by Dr. Birch, where there is scarcely a meeting mentioned, in which his name does not occur for some
experiment or observation made by him. At the same time
he carried on his business as a physician, being continued
a fellow of the college by their new charter in 1663. Upon
the conflagration in 1666, which consumed the old Exchange, our professor, with the rest of his brethren, removed from Gresham, to make room for the merchants to
carry on the public affairs of the city; which, however, did
not hinder him from going on with pursuits in natural philosophy and physic. In this last he was not only an able
but a conscientious practitioner; for which reason he continued still to prepare his own medicines. He was so fully
persuaded that this, no less than prescribing them, was
the physician’s duty, that in 1668, whatever offence it
might give the apothecaries, he was not afraid to publish
a treatise, recommending it to general use. This treatise
was received with applause; but as he found the proposal
in it attended with such difficulties and discouragements as
were likely to defeat it, he pursued that subject the follow,
ing year, in “A Discourse, setting forth the unhappy condition of the practice of Physic in London,
”
and when he rose in the church he adorned it by his amiable qualities. Though he was a distinguished scholar, yet he did not publish any of his labours. Among the Parker
The memory of bishop Godwin will ever be respected. His own merit brought him into public notice, and when he rose in the church he adorned it by his amiable qualities. Though he was a distinguished scholar, yet he did not publish any of his labours. Among the Parker Mss. in Bene't college, Cambridge, is a sermon which he preached before the queen at Greenwich in 1566, concerning the authority of the councils and fathers.
ing Jhis father early in life, he was so unfortunate as to have a harsh father-in-law, who, being no scholar himself, would not permit the young man to devote his time to
, an eminent and learned bookseller, was born Dec. 11, 1635, at Middleburg. Losing
Jhis father early in life, he was so unfortunate as to have a
harsh father-in-law, who, being no scholar himself, would
not permit the young man to devote his time to study, but
forced him to choose some business. Goere'e fixed on that
of a bookseller, as one which would not wholly exclude
him from the conversation of the learned, nor from the
pursuit of his studies; and he accordingly found time
enough, notwithstanding his necessary occupations, to cultivate his genius, and even to write several valuable books,
in Flemish, on architecture, sculpture, painting, engraving, botany, physic, and antiquities. He died May 3,
1711, at Amsterdam. His principal works are, “Jewish
Antiquities,
” 2 vols. fol. “History of the Jewish Church,
taken from the Writings of Moses,
” 4 vols. fol. “Sacred
and Prophane History,
” 4to “Introduction to the practice of universal Painting,
” 8yo “Of the Knowledge of
Man with respect to his Nature, and Painting,
” 8vo
“Universal Architecture,
” &c.
Oxford. Here he completed his studies, and, by dint of application and industry, became a very able scholar, obtained the character of a good poet, and, being endowed with
, a divine and dramatic writer, was
born in Essex, about 1592, and was educated at Westminster-school, from which, at the age of eighteen, he
entered as a student of Christ Church college, Oxford.
Here he completed his studies, and, by dint of application and industry, became a very able scholar, obtained
the character of a good poet, and, being endowed with
the powers of oratory, was, after his taking orders, esteemed
an excellent preacher. He had the degree of B. D. conferred on him before he quitted the university, and, in
1623, was preferred to the living of East Clandon, in
Surrey. Here, notwithstanding that he had long been a
professed enemy to the female sex, and even by some
esteemed a woman-hater, he unfortunately tied himself to
a wife, the widow of his predecessor, who was aXantippe,
and he being naturally of a mild disposition, became at
last unable to cope with so turbulent a spirit, backed as
she. was by the children she had by her former husband. It
was believed by many, that the uneasiness he met with in
domestic life shortened his days. He died in July 1629,
being then only thirty -five years of age, and was buried on
the 27th of the same month *at his own parish church. He
wrote several pieces on different subjects, among which
are five tragedies; none of which were published till some
years after his death. Philips and Winstanley have ascribed a comedy to this author, called “Cupid’s Whirligig;
” but with no appearance of probability; since the
gravity of his temper was such, that he does not seem to
have been capable of a performance so ludicrous. In the
latter part of his life he forsook the stage for the pulpit,
and wrote sermons, some of which appeared the year he
died. With the quaintness common to the sermons of
James Ist’s time, they have a portion of fancy and vivacity
peculiar to himself. To these works may be added, his
“Latin Oration at the Funeral of sir Henry Savile,
” spoken and printed at Oxford in
s indolence and irregularities may in part account for this tardy advancement to the reputation of a scholar, but much may likewise be attributed to the unfeeling neglect
In June 1744, when in his fifteenth year, he was sent to Dublin college, and entered as a sizer, under the rev. Mr. Wilder, one of the fellows, but a man of harsh temper and violent passions, and consequently extremely unfit to win the affections and guide the disposition of a youth simple, ingenuous, thoughtless, and unguarded. His pupil, however, made some progress, although slow, in academical studies. In 1747, he was elected one of the exhibitioners on the foundation of Erasmus Smyth; and in 1749, two years after the regular time, he was admitted to the degree of bachelor of arts. His indolence and irregularities may in part account for this tardy advancement to the reputation of a scholar, but much may likewise be attributed to the unfeeling neglect of his tutor, who contended only for the preservation of certain rules of discipline, while he gave himself little trouble with the cultivation of the mind. On one occasion he thought proper to chastise Oliver before a party of young friends of both sexes, whom, with his usual imprudence, he was entertaining with a supper and dance in his rooms. Oliver immediately disposed of his books and cloaths, left college, and commenced a wanderer, without any prospect, without friends, and without money. At length, after suffering such extremity of hunger, that a handtul of grey peas which a girl gave him at a wake, appeared a luxurious meal, he contrived to acquaint his brother with his situation, who immediately clothed him, and carried him back to college, effecting at the same time a reconciliation between him and his tutor, which, it may be supposed, was more convenient than cordial on either side.
h to enjoy the treasure; that professor dying in Nov. 1624, after recommending this his best beloved scholar to the curators of the university for his successor. The request
, professor of Arabic at Leyden, descended from a considerable family in that city, was born
at the Hague, in 1596. At Leyden he made himself
master of all the learned languages, and proceeded to
physic, divinity, and the mathematics. His education
being finished, he took a journey to France with the
duchess de la Tremouille; and was invited to teach the
Greek language at Rochelle, which he continued to do,
until that city was in the following year reduced again to
the dominion of the French king, after which he resolved
to return to Holland. He had early taken a liking to Erpenius, the Arabic professor at Leyden; by the help of
whose lectures he made a great progress in the Arabic
tongue, and having in 1622 an opportunity of attending
the Dutch ambassador to the court of Morocco, he consulted with Erpenius, who directed him to observe carefully every production, either of nature, art, or custom,
which were unknown in Europe; and to describe them,
setting down the proper name of each, and the derivation
of it, if known. He also gave him a letter directed to that
prince, together with a present of a grand atlas, and a
New Testament in Arabic. These procured him a very
gracious reception from Muley Zidan, then king of Morocco, who expressed great satisfaction in the present, and
afterwards read them frequently.
In the mean time Golius made so good use of Erpenius’ s
advice, that tie attained a perfect skill in the Arabic
tongue; and in indulging his curiosity respecting the
customs and learning of that country, contrived to make
himself very agreeable to the doctors and courtiers. By
this means he became particularly serviceable to the ambassador, who growing uneasy because his affairs were not
dispatched, was advised to present to his majesty a petition
written by Golius in the Arabic character and language,
and in the Christian style, both circumstances rather novel
in that country. The king was astonished at the beauty of
the petition, both as to writing and style; and having
learned from the ambassador that it was done by Golius,
desired to see him. At the audience, the king spoke to
him in Arabic, and Golius said in Spanish, that he understood his majesty very well, but could not keep up a conversation in Arabic, by reason of its guttural pronunciation,
to'which his throat was not sufficiently inured. This excuse was accepted by the king, who granted the ambassador’s request, and dispatched him immediately. Before
his departure, Golius had an opportunity of examining the
curiosities of Fez, and took a plan of the royal palace,
which was afterwards communicated to Mr. Windus, and
inserted in his “Journey to Mequinez,
” The Annals of the Ancient
Kingdom of Fez and Morocco,
” which he resolved to
translate. He communicated every thing to Erpenius,
who well knew the value of them, but did not live long
enough to enjoy the treasure; that professor dying in Nov.
1624, after recommending this his best beloved scholar to the
curators of the university for his successor. The request
was complied with, and Golius saw himself immediately
in the Arabic chair, which he filled so ably as to lessen
their sense of the loss of Erpenius. Being, however, still
desirous of cultivating oriental languages and antiquities,
he applied to his superiors for leave to take a journey to
the Levant; and obtained letters patent from the prince of
Orange, dated Nov. 25, 1625. He set out immediately
for Aleppo, where he continued fifteen months; after
which, making excursions into Arabia, towards Mesopotamia, he went by land to Constantinople, in company
with Cornelius Hago, ambassador from Holland to the
Porte. Here the governor of the coast of Propontis gave
him the use of his pleasant gardens and curious library in
which retirement he applied himself wholly to the reading
of the Arabic historians and geographers, whose writings
were till then either unknown to, or had not been perused
by him. Upon his return to the city, discovering occasionally in conversation with the great men there a prodigious memory of what he had read, he excited such admiration, that a principal officer of the empire made him an
offer of a commission from the grand signor to take a survey of the whole empire, in order to describe the situation
of places with more exactness than was done in such maps
as they then had; but he pretended that this would interfere with the oath which he had taken to the States,
although his real fear arose from the danger of such an
undertaking. In this place also he found his skill in physic
of infinite service in procuring him the favour and respect
of the grandees; from whom, as he would take no fees, he
received many valuable and rich presents, and every liberal
offer to induce him to settle among them. But after a residence of four years, having in a great measure satisfied
his thirst of eastern learning, and made himself master of
the Turkish, Persian, and Arabic tongues, he returned in
1629, laden with curious Mss. which have ever since been
valued among the richest treasures of the university library
at Leyden. As soon as he was settled at home, he began
to think of making the best use of some of these manuscripts
by communicating them to the public; but first printed an
“Arabic Lexicon,
” Erpenius’s Grammar, enlarged with notes and additions;
”
to which also he subjoined several pieces of poetry, extracted from the Arabian writers, particularly Tograi and
Ababella. One purpose on which he employed his knowledge and influence cannot be too highly commended. He
had been an eye-witness of the wretched state of Christianity in the Mahometan countries, and with the compassion of a Christian, resolved, therefore, to make his
tfkill in their language serviceable to them. With this
laudable view he procured an edition of the “New Testament
” in the original language, with a translation into
the vulgar Greek by an Archimandrite, which he prevailed
with the States to present to the Greek church, groaning
under the Mahometan tyranny; and, as some of these
Christians use the Arabic tongm? in divine service, he took
care to have dispersed among them an Arabic translation
of the confession of the reformed protestants, together
with the catechism and liturgy .
Although entitled to the character of an universal scholar, his chief excellence lay in philology and the languages; in
Although entitled to the character of an universal scholar,
his chief excellence lay in philology and the languages; in
which his application and skill were such, that though he
did not begin seriously to study the Persian language till
he was fifty-four, he made himself so much a master, as to
write a large dictionary of it, which was printed at London,
in Castell’s “Lexicon Heptaglotton.
” He was not less
acquainted with the Turkish language; and made such a
progress in the Chinese, that he was able to read and
understand their books; though he began late in life to
this study. Besides the books which he finished and
printed, he left several Mss. of others, which would have
been no ways inferior to them, had he lived to complete
them. He had begun a Geographical and Historical Dictionary for the Eastern countries wherein the names of
men and places throughout the east were explained. He
had long given expectations of a new edition of the “Koran,
” with a translation and confutation of it.
a monument was erected to his memory, with a long Latin inscription. He was certainly a considerable scholar, and a learned and eminent divine. In the register at Oxford
, a famous nonconformist of the
independent class, was born in 1600 at Rolesby in Norfolk,
and was sent, when he was thirteen years old, to Christ
Church college, Cambridge, where he took his bachelor’s degree in 1617, and applied himself with so much diligence to
his studies, as to attract much notice in the university. In
1619 he was removed to Catherine-hall, of which he became a fellow. Having taken orders, he was elected lecturer of Trinity church, in Cambridge, in 1628; in 1630
he took his degree of B.D. and in 1632 he was presented
by the king to the vicarage of the same church. In these
employments he was greatly admired and followed by the
puritans, who began to look up to him as a leader, but becoming dissatisfied with the terms of conformity, he relinquished his preferments, and quitted the university in
1634, and to avoid the consequences of his nonconformity, went afterwards to Holland, where he was chosen
pastor to an independent congregation at Arnheim. When
the parliament had usurped all church authority, he returned to London, and became a member of the assembly
of divines, with whom, however, he did not always agree.
But his attachment to the independent party contributed
to render him a favourite with Cromwell, through whose
influence he was, in 1649, made one of the commissioner*
for the approbation of public preachers, and also appointed
president of Magdalen college, Oxford. Here he formed
a meeting upon the independent plan, or rather converted
the college into a meeting of that description, but was not
inattentive to the interests of learning. His intimacy and
favour with Cromwell seems to have been fatal to his good
sense, and probably the usurper’s hypocrisy deceived him.
When he attended Cromwell upon his death-bed, he was
overheard to express himself with presumptuous confidence
on the protector’s recovery; and when the event proved
him mistaken, he exclaimed in a subsequent prayer to
God, “thou hast deceived us, and we are deceived.
” But
he was not the only one of the nonconformists of that
age who fancied themselves endued with extraprdinary
powers. After the restoration he was ejected from Oxford, and retired to London, where he was permitted to
continue in the exercise of the ministry till his death in
1679. He was buried in Bunhill-fields, where a monument
was erected to his memory, with a long Latin inscription.
He was certainly a considerable scholar, and a learned and
eminent divine. In the register at Oxford he is described
“in scriptis in re theologica quamplurimis Orbi notus.
”
He-was a high Calvinist; but, while he zealously enforced
what he conceived to be the doctrines of Christianity, he
did not forget to enforce by every incitement in his power
the necessity of pure moral conduct. He was author of
numerous pious and controversial pieces, sermons, expositions, &c. some of which were printed during his life-time,
and inserted, after his death, in a collection of his works
published in five volumes folio.
, a divine and poet, was born in Kent in 1554, and was admitted scholar of Christ-church, Oxford, in April 1572, but left the university
, a divine and poet, was born in Kent
in 1554, and was admitted scholar of Christ-church, Oxford,
in April 1572, but left the university without completing
his degrees, and came to London, where he commenced
poet, and wrote some dramatic pieces which were never
published. He then retired into the country, as tutor to
a gentleman’s sons, and became by some means a bitter
enemy to the drama and all its concerns. This occasioned
some dispute with the father of his pupils, whose service
he therefore quitted, and took orders. His first promotion,
was to the living of Great Wigborow, in Essex; and his
next in 1600, the rectory of St.Botolph, Bishopsgate-street,
where he died Feb. 13, 1623. He was a contemporary of
Spenser and sir Philip Sidney, whom he imitated, and
was thought to have excelled in pastoral poetry. His unpublished plays were, 1. “Cataline’s Conspiracies.
” 2.
“The Comedy of Captain Mario;
” and the “Praise at
parting.
” In opposition to theatrical amusements he wrote,
“Play confuted in five several actions,
” The
School of Abuse,
” Ephemerides
of Phialo,
” The Trumpet
of War.
”
e of the rev. Roger Pickering, a dissenting minister, a man unfortunate in life, but an accomplished scholar, who. died in 1755*; when Mr. Gough finished his Greek studies
By this lady, who died May 27, 1774, he had an only
son, the subject of this article, who was born Oct. 21, 1735,
in a large house in Winchester-street, on the site of the
monastery of the Austin friars. He received the first rudiments of Latin and Greek under the tuition of one Barnewitz, a Courlander; and afterwards, on his death, was
committed to the care of the rev. Roger Pickering, a dissenting minister, a man unfortunate in life, but an accomplished scholar, who. died in 1755*; when Mr. Gough
finished his Greek studies under Mr. Samuel Dyer, the
friend of Dr. Johnson and of the contemporary literati.
Under these instructors, Mr. Gough has not left us to
question his proficiency, nor that early ambition to know
and to communicate, which forms the instructive editor and
author. At the very early age of eleven he commenced a
task which would have reflected credit on any period of
life, and he completed it with a perseverance of which
there is probably no other instance in our literary annals.
This was “The History of the Bible, translated from the
French,
” (of an Amsterdam edition of by II. G.
junior,
” printed at London in 1747. Of this curious
volume, consisting of 160 sheets in folio, his mother,
delighted at such a display of laudable application, bore
the expence of printing twenty-five copies, as presents
to a few friends; and when completed at the press,
it was marked, by way of colophon, “Done at twelve years
and a half old,
” after which, in the copy now before us,
follows, “A short Chronology of the Holy Scripture,
” in
o witnessed him in his domestic and familiar circle. Though highly and deservedly distinguished as a scholar, the pleasantry and the easy condescension of his convivial
vol. X. n^7; Qn Belatucader, p, 118,- XVII, XXV,
more readily endeavoured to alleviate.“The deep concern which he felt at the dreadful fire that destroyed Mr.
Nichols’s valuable property in 1808, was shewn in a series
of the kindest consolatory letters, which were among the
last he ever wrote. In one, dated September of that year,
he requested Mr. Nichols to execute a confidential commission,
” which,“he emphatically adds,
” may be the
last office you will have to do for your sincere friend.“This was nearly prophetic, for there was little now to be
done that could contribute to his comforts.
” The bright
gem of intellect,“says his affectionate biographer,
” though frequently clouded, had intervals of its former
splendour and the frequent emanations of benevolence
displayed through a long and painful illness, whilst they
comforted and delighted those around him, added poignancy to the regret they experienced for those bitter sufferings which threatened to overwhelm a noble mind with
total imbecility; from which, however, he was mercifully
relieved, without any apparent struggle at the last, on
Feb. 20, 1809, and was buried on the 28th, in the churchyard of Wormley, in Herts, in a vault built for that purpose, on the south side of the chancel, not far from the
altar which for several years he had devoutly frequented.“The funeral, although, in conformity to his own directions,
as little ceremonious as propriety would permit, was followed from Enfield to Wormley by crowds whose lamentations and regrets were unequivocally shown. The poor
and the afflicted had indeed lost in Mr. Gough a father,
protector, and benefactor. Enfield and its neighbourhood
must long cherish a lively and grateful remembrance of his
benevolence, which was at once extensive, judicious, and
unostentatious. It was in him a principle and a system
it began early, and continued to the last it embraced not
only the present, but the future, and he had provided that
his charity should continue to be felt long after the heart
that dictated it had ceased to beat. His faithful domestics,
when unable to continue their services, continued to receive their pay, in the shape of annuities; and as he possessed the attribute ascribed to
” the merciful man," the
generous steed, exempt by age from labour, and the cow
no longer useful in the dairy, were permitted to close their
useful lives in a luxuriant meadow reserved for that express
purpose. The genuine personal character of Mr. Gough
could only be appreciated by those who witnessed him in
his domestic and familiar circle. Though highly and deservedly distinguished as a scholar, the pleasantry and the
easy condescension of his convivial hours still more endeared him, not only to his intimates, hut oven to those
with whom tin- forms and customs of the world rendered it
necessary that he should associate.
. He went accordingly in 1703 to Copenhagen, where he very soon distinguished himself as a classical scholar and critic. In 1705 he took his bachelor’s degree with great
, a learned philologist, antiquary, and
historian of Copenhagen, was born at Aalburg in Jutland,
Oct. 28, 1685. His father, who was a clergyman, carefully
superintended his education until he was fit to go to the
university. He went accordingly in 1703 to Copenhagen,
where he very soon distinguished himself as a classical
scholar and critic. In 1705 he took his bachelor’s degree
with great credit, and in 1707 published the first specimen of his learned researches, entitled “Archytce Tarentini fragmentum ntp vw pafapalucw, cum disquisitione chronologica de aetate Archytse.
” This was followed by other
dissertations, which raised his fame so highly that he was
made professor of Greek at Copenhagen, and was also
appointed counsellor of justice, archivist, historiographer,
and librarian, to the king, whom he had taught when a
youth. In 1745, he was made counsellor of state, and
died March 19, 1748, leaving an elaborate work, “Corpus
diplomatum ad res Danicas facientium.
” This work, which
he undertook by order of Christian VI. is still in ms. and
probably consists of several folio volumes. Gramm laid
the first foundation of the academy at Copenhagen, and
contributed very frequently to the literary journals of his
time. He was a man of very extensive learning, but particularly skilled in Greek and Latin, and in history, and
of such ready memory that he was never consulted on
books or matters of literature without giving immediate
information. He corresponded with many of the literati of
Germany, England, Italy, and France, but was most admired by those who were witnesses of his amiable private
character, his love of literature, and his generous patronage
of young students.
sition which caused no alarm, he died suddenly in 1801. He was upon the whole a retired and taciturn scholar. “His life,” says his biographer, “like that of most other men
, was born at Amiens, June
3, 1737, and was surnamed d'Aussy, because his father
was a native of Auxy-le-Chateau, in the department of
Pas-de-Calais. He received his education in the college
of the Jesuits at Amiens at the age of eighteen entered
into the society of his preceptors and, a few years afterxvards, had the honour of being elected to the rhetorical
chair at Caen. At the age of twenty-six he was thrown on
the world by the dissolution of the order, and was soon
employed in the elaborate work of the French Glossary,
projected by Lacurne de Sainte-Palaye, and in an examination of the very rich library of the marquis de Paulmy.
In 1770 he was appointed secretary in the direction of the
studies of the military school. He afterwards co-operated,
under the marquis de Paulmy, and again with the count
de Tressan, in the “Bibliotheque des Romans;
” after
which he became still deeper engaged in collecting, translating, extracting, and commenting upon the “Fabliaux,
”
or tales of the old French poets of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. In 1782 he published, in three volumes,
8vo, his “Histoire de la Vie privee des Frangais;
” and in
Tour to Auvergne,
” which
province he visited the preceding year, at the entreaty of
his Jesuit brother Peter Theodore Lewis Augustin, who
was then prior of the abbey of Saint Andre, in the town of
Clermont. This Tour he first published in one volume,
ivo; but he afterwards enlarged and republished it in
1795, in three volumes of the same size. His contributions
to the Institute were numerous, and, for the most part,
possessed of merit. For some years before his death, he
had conceived the plan of a complete history of French
poetry, and had even begun to carry it into execution; and
as he stood in need of all the treasures of the national library, he was fortunately nominated, in 1796, conservator
of the French Mss. of this library and he now not only
renewed his intention, but enlarged his scheme he included in it the history of the French tongue that of literature in all its extent, and all its various ramifications as
well as that of science, of arts, and their utility in different
applications a monument too vast for the life and power
of an individual to be able to construct. He had, however,
accomplished some part of his design, when, after a slight
indisposition which caused no alarm, he died suddenly in
1801. He was upon the whole a retired and taciturn scholar. “His life,
” says his biographer, “like that of most
other men of letters, may be comprized in two lines What
were his places of resort The libraries. Among whom did
he live His books. What did he ever produce Books.
What did he ever say? That which appears in his books.
”
years old, which was performed several days successively in the college of Bourdeaux, where he was a scholar; and at sixteen, produced his tragedy of “Jugurtha;” but the
, a French satirist and dramatic poet, was born 1676, in Perigord. He
wrote a little comedy in three acts, when but nine years old,
which was performed several days successively in the college of Bourdeaux, where he was a scholar; and at sixteen, produced his tragedy of “Jugurtha;
” but the work
which has made him most known, is a satire against the
duke of Orleans, then regent, entitled, “The Philippicks,
” in which he accused that nobleman of the most
atrocious crimes. To avoid the punishment this work deserved, he fled to Avignon, in which city was a French
officer, who had taken refuge there in consequence of
having committed a murder, and received a promise of
pardon if he could entice the author of the “Philippicks
”
into the French dominions. His attempt succeeded, and
La Grange was conducted to the isle of St. Margaret; but
6nding means to make friends of his keepers, escaped in a
boat to Villa Franca, notwithstanding a violent storm.
The king of Sardinia gave him a considerable sum of money, and he went from thence into Spain; afterwards into
Holland, where he remained till the duke of Orleans was
dead. He was then permitted to end his days in France,where he died in 1758, at the castle of Antoniat, his family
seat. His works have been collected in 5 vols. small 12mo,
and his tragedies have been as much admired, as his lyric
efforts have been depreciated.
partly at a public school at Abingdon, in Berkshire, whence, at the age of sixteen, he was chosen a scholar of Pembroke college, Oxford. Soon after his arrival he joined
, an English divine and miscellaneous writer, was a younger son of Richard Graves, esq. of Mickleton, in Gloucestershire, where he was born in 1715. His father, who was an able antiquary, died in 1729. His son, Richard, was educated partly at home, under the rev. Mr.Smith, curate of the parish in which his father resided, and partly at a public school at Abingdon, in Berkshire, whence, at the age of sixteen, he was chosen a scholar of Pembroke college, Oxford. Soon after his arrival he joined a party of young men who met in the evening to read Epictetus, Theophrastus, and other Greek authors, seldom read at schools; and a short time after became the associate of his contemporaries, Shenstone the poet, and Anthony Whistler, who used to meet to read poetry, plays, and other light works. In 1736 he was elected a fellow of All Souls college, where he acquired the particular intimacy of sir William Blackstone; but instead of pursuing the study of divinity, according to his original intention, he now devoted his attention to physic, and attended in London two courses of anatomy. A severe illness, however, induced him to resume the study of divinity, and in 1740, after taking his master’s degree, he entered into holy orders. About the same time he removed with Mr. Fitzherbert, fatlier of lord St. Helen’s, to the estate of that gentleman at Tissington, in Derbyshire, where he remained three years enjoying in his house the highest pleasures of refined society. At the end of that period, he set off‘ to make the tour of the north, and while at Scarborough, accidentally met with a distant relation, Dr. Samuel Knight, archdeacon of Berkshire, and the author of the Lives of Colet and Erasmus, by whose recommendation he obtained a curacy near Oxford. This was particularly gratifying to Mr. Graves, who was then coming, by turn, into office in the college, and had been for some time desirous of procuring such a situation. He immediately took possession of his curacy, but as the parsonage-house was out of repair, he took a lodging with a gentleman -farmer in the neighbourhood. The attractions of the farmer’s youngest daughter made such a powerful impression on the heart of Mr. Graves that he resigned his fellowship and married her. After residing about two years on his curacy, he was presented by Mr. Skrine to the rectory of Claverton, where he went to reside in 1750, and till his death, was never absent from it a month at a time. As the narrowness of his circumstances obliged him to superintend in person the education of his children, he likewise -resolved to take other pupils under his tuition; and this practice he continued, with great credit to himself, upwards of thirty years. In 1763, through the interest of Ralph Allen, esq. of Prior-Park, he was presented to the living of Kilmersdon, in addition to tbat of Claverton, and that gentleman likewise procured him the appointment of chaplain to lady Chatham. His conversation was rendered highly agreeable by that epigrammatic turn which points his writings of the lighter kind. His constant good humour rendered him an acceptable companion in every society, his colloquial impromptus being frequently as happy as the jeux d’e^prit of his pen, while both were invariably the unmeditated effusions of a sportive fancy and guileless heart. He died at Claverton, Nov. 23, 1804, at the advanced age of ninety.
, an eminent scholar, and illustrious lawyer of Italy, was born of genteel parents
, an eminent scholar, and
illustrious lawyer of Italy, was born of genteel parents at
Roggiano, February 18, 1664; and educated under Gregory Caloprese, a famous philosopher of that time, and
his cousin-german. He went to Naples at sixteen, and
there applied himself to the Latin and Greek languages,
and to civil law; which application, however, did not
make him neglect to cultivate, with the utmost exactness,
his own native tongue. He was so fond of stu<jy, that he
pursued it ten or twelve hours a day, to the very last years
of his life; and, when his friends remonstrated agakist this
unnecessary labour, he used to tell them that he knew of
nothing which could afford him more pleasure. He went
to Rome in 1689, and some years after was made professor
of canon law, in the college of Sapieozia, by Innocent
XL who esteemed him much; which employment he held
as long as he lived. He does not, however, seem to have
been of an amiable cast; at least he had not the art of
making himself beloved. The free manner in which he
spoke of all mankind, and the contempt with which he
treated the greatest part of the learned, raised him up many
enemies; and among others the famous Settano, who has
made him the subject of some of his satires. It is said that
he missed a cardinal’s hat because of his satirical turn of
mind. When at Rome he used to bow to coach-horses,
“because,
” said he, “were it not for these poor beasts,
these great people would have men, and even philosophers, to draw their coaches.
” There were at one time
doubts of his religious principles, and his pupil Metastasio
seems inclined to justify these, by sinking this part of his
history. Many universities of Germany would have drawn
Gravina to them, and made proposals to him for that purpose; but nothing was able to seduce him from Rome.
That of Turin offered him the first professorship of law, at
the very time that he was attacked by the distemper of
which he died, and which seems to have been a mortification in his bowels. He was troubled with pains in those
parts for many years before; but they did not prove fatal
to him till Jan. 6, 1718. He had made his will in April
1715, in which he ordered his body to be opened and
embalmed.
n of correspondence on amicable terms. About this time Gray became acquainted with Mr. Mason, then a scholar of St. John’s college, whose poetical talents he had noticed,
In 1744 the difference between Walpole and Gray was
adjusted by the interference of a lady who wished well to
both parties. The lapse of years had probably softened
their mutual resentment in a sufficient degree to admit
again of correspondence on amicable terms. About this
time Gray became acquainted with Mr. Mason, then a
scholar of St. John’s college, whose poetical talents he had
noticed, and some of whose poems he revised at the request of a friend. His bequests to Mr. Mason show
that this intimacy was improved into the str.ctest friendship and confidence. He maintained also a
correspondcnce with another friend, Dr. Wharton of Durham, and
seems to have been on familiar terms with the celebrated
Dr. Middleton, whose loss he afterwards laments. “I find
a friend,
” he says, “so uncommon a thing, that I cannot
help regretting even an old acquaintance, which is an indifferent likeness of it.
”
, an Italian scholar and poet of considerable eminence, was born at Florence March
, an Italian scholar and
poet of considerable eminence, was born at Florence
March 22, 1503, of a noble family, which can be traced as
far as the thirteenth century, but was now decayed, as we
find that Grazzini in his youth was brought up as an apothecary. He had, however, studied philosophy and the
belles lettres, and from the timetliathe acquired some reputation in the literary world, gave up his medical business. In 1540 he became one of the founders of the
academy of Florence, which was first called the academy
of the Humides, and each member distinguishing himself
by some appellation relative to the water, Grazzini adopting that of Lasca, which signifies a roach. From the first
establishment of this academy, he was appointed chancellor,
and when, some months after, the grand duke changed its
name to that of the academy of Florence, he was chosen
overseer, or superintendant, an office which he afterwards
filled three times. As the number of members, however,
increased, the juniors began to make new regulations without consulting the founders, and a schism broke out, attended with so many unpleasant circumstances, that Grazzini withdrew, and became the founder of a new academy,
known still by the name of La Crusca. The object of this
society was to polish the Italian language, to fix a standard
for it, to point out such authors as might be always models
for those who chose to improve their style, to oppose the
progress of false taste; and to sift the flour from the bran
of literature, crusca signifying bran. Grazzini was well
qualified to assist an academy instituted for these purposes.
He hail enriched the language with several choice phrases
and new modes of expression, and the academicians have
very justly ranked him among those authors to whom they
have been obliged for examples, in correcting their great
vocabulary. In the mean time his growing fame induced
his friend Leonard Salviati to endeavour his re-introduction
into the academy of Florence, which was successfully accomplished in 1566, twenty years after he had left it; in
return for which he procured admission for Salviati among
the Cruscanti. Grazzini died at Florence in February
1583. He was a man of unquestionable genius, spirit, and
humour, and wrote with great elegance, and although
there are some indelicate passages in his poems, which
was the vice of the times, he was a man of strict morals,
and even, says his biographer, very religious. Many of
his works are lost, and among these some prose tales, and
many pieces of poetry. There remain, however, twentyone tales, six comedies, a great number of capitoli, or
satirical chapters, and various poems, of which the best
edition is that of Florence, 1741, 2 vols. 8vo. His Tales
or Novels were printed at Paris, 1756, 8vo, from which
some copies have been printed in 4to, under the title of
London. An excellent French translation of them appeared
in 1775, 2 vols. 8vo, in which nine histories wanting in the
third evening are said to be inserted from an old French
translation in ms. He wrote also “La guerra di Mostri,
Poema giocoso,
” Florence, Tutti i trionfi, carri, mascherate o canti carnasciaj^schi
dal tempo di Lorenzo de Medici a questoanno 1559,
” 8vo;
s much lamented by his friends, to whom he was particularly endeared by joining the gentleman to the scholar. He was endowed with great firmness of mind, steadiness in friendship,
But the tyrannical violence of the parliamentary visitors
was now above all restraint, and a fresh charge was drawn
up against Greaves. Dr. Walter Pope informs us, that,
considering the violence of the visitors, Greaves saw it
would be of no service to him to make any defence; and,
finding it impossible to keep his professorship, he made it
his business to procure an able and worthy person to succeed him. By the advice of Dr. Charles Scarborough the
physician, having pitched upon Mr. Seth Ward, he opened
the matter to that gentleman, whom he soon met with
there; and at the same time proposed a method of compassing it, by which Ward not only obtained the place,
but the full arrears of the stipend, amounting to 500l. due
to Greaves, and allowed him a considerable part of his
salary. The murder of the king, which happened soon
after, was a shock to Greaves, and lamented by him in
pathetic terms, in a letter to Dr. Pococke: “O my good
friend, my good friend, never was sorrow like our sorrow;
excuse me now, if I am not able to write to you, and to
answer your questions. O Lord God, avert this great sin
and thy judgments from this nation.
” However, he bore
up against his own injuries with admirable fortitude; and,
fixing his residence in London, he married, and, living
upon his patrimonial estate, went on as before, and produced some other curious Arabic and Persic treatises,
translated by him with notes, every year. Besides which,
he had prepared several others for the public view, and was
meditating more when he was seized by a fatal disorder,
which put a period to his life, Octobers, 1652, before he
was full fifty years of age. He was interred in the church
of St. Bennet Sherehog, in London. His loss was much
lamented by his friends, to whom he was particularly endeared by joining the gentleman to the scholar. He was
endowed with great firmness of mind, steadiness in friendship, and ardent zeal in the interest which he espoused,
though, as he declares himself, not at all inclined to
contenlion. He was highly esteemed by the learned in foreign parts, with many of whom he corresponded. Nor
was he less valued at home by all who were judges of his
great worth and abilities. He had no issue by his wife, to
whom he bequeathed his estate for her life; and having
left his cabinet of coins to his friend sir John Marsham,
author of the “Canon Chronicus,
” he appointed the eldest
of his three younger brothers (Dr. Nicolas Greaves),
his executor, who by will bestowed our author’s astronomical instruments on the Savilian library at Oxford, where
they are reposited, together with several of his papers; but
many others were sold by his widow to a bookseller, and
lost or dispersed.
e year following, that of D. D. He was dean of Dromore in Ireland. Dr. Thomas Greaves was admitted a scholar of Corpus Christi college in Oxford March 15th, 1627, and chosen
Mr. Greaves had three brothers, Nicholas, Thomas,
and Edward, all men of distinguished learning. Dr. Nicholas Greaves was a commoner of St. Mary’s Hall, in
Oxford, whence in 1627 he was elected fellow of All-Souls
college. In 1640 he was proctor of that university. November 1st 1642 he took the degree of B. D. and July 6th
the year following, that of D. D. He was dean of Dromore in Ireland. Dr. Thomas Greaves was admitted a
scholar of Corpus Christi college in Oxford March 15th,
1627, and chosen fellow thereof in 1636, and deputy
reader of the Arabic during the absence of Mr. Edward Pocock in 1637. He took the degree of B. D. October 22,
1641, and was rector of Dunsby in Lincolnshire during the
times preceding the Restoration, and of another living near
London. October I Oth, 1661, he had the degree of D. D.
conferred upon him, and a prebend in the church of
Peterborough in 1666, being then rector of Benefield in Northamptonshire, “which benefice he resigned some years
before his death through trouble from his parishioners, who,
because of his slowness of speech and bad utterance, held
him insufficient for it, notwithstanding he was a man of
great learning.
” In the latter part of his life he retired to
Weldon in Northamptonshire, where he had purchased an
estate, and died there May 22, 1676, in the sixty-fifth
year of his age, and was interred in the chancel of the
church there. His writings are, “De Linguae Arabicae
militate et proestantia, oratio Oxonii habita 19 Julii 1637,
”
Oxford, Observationes qusedam in Persicam
Pentateuchi versionem,
” printed in the sixth volume of the
Polyglot Bible; “Annotationes quaedam in Persicatn interpretationem Evangeliorum,
” printed in the same volume. These annotations were translated into Latin by
Mr. Samuel Clarke. It appears likewise, by a letter of his
to the celebrated nonconformist Baxter, that he had made
considerable progress in a refutation of Mahometanism
from the Alcoran, upon a plan that was likely to have been
useful in opening the eyes of the Mahometans to the impostures of their founder. He corresponded much with
the learned men of his time, particularly Selden, and
Wheelocke, the Arabic professor at Cambridge. Dr. Edward Greaves, the youngest brother of Mr. John Greaves,
was born at or near Croydon in Surrey, and admitted probationer fellow of All-Souls college in Oxford in 1634;
and studying physic, took the degree of doctor of that
faculty July 8, 1641, in which year and afterwards he practised with good success about Oxford. In 1643 he was
elected superior lecturer of physic in Merton college, a
chair founded by Dr. Thomas Linacre. Upon the declining of the king’s cause he retired to London, and practised there, and sometimes at Bath. In March 1652 he
was examined for the first time before the college of physicians at London, and October 1, 1657, was elected
fellow. After the Restoration he was appointed physician
in ordinary to king Charles II. and was created a baronet.
Mr. Wood styles him a pretended baronet; but we find
that he takes this title in his oration before the college of
physicians; and in the sixth edition of Guillim’s Heraldry
are his arms in that rank. He died at his house in Covent
Garden, November 11, 1680, and was interred in the parish church there. He wrote and published Morbus
Epideiw'cus, ann. 1643; or, the New Disease, with signs,
causes, remedies,“&c. Oxford, 1643, 4to, written upon
occasion of a disease called
” Morbus Campestris,“which
raged in Oxford while the king and court were there.
” Oratio habita in >dibus Collegii Medicorum Londinensium, 25 July, 1661, die Hurveii memoriae dicato," Lond.
1667, 4to.
t. John’s college, Cambridge; and after taking his degrees in arts, with great credit as a classical scholar, engaged himself as usher to a school at Lichfield, before Dr.
, an English prelate, was born about
1706, at Beverly, in Yorkshire, and received the rudiments of his education at a private school. From this he
was admitted a sizar in St. John’s college, Cambridge;
and after taking his degrees in arts, with great credit as a
classical scholar, engaged himself as usher to a school at
Lichfield, before Dr. Johnson and Mr. Garrick had left
that city, with both of whom he was of course acquainted,
but he continued here only one year. In 1730 he was
elected fellow of St. John’s, and soon after the bishop of
Ely procured him the vicarage of Hingeston from Jesus
college, which was tenable with a fellowship of St. John’s,
but could not be held by any fellow of Jesus. In 1744,
Charles duke of Somerset, chancellor of the university,
appointed Mr. Green (then B. D.) his domestic chaplain.
In January 1747, Green was presented by his noble patron
to the rectory of Borough-green, near New-market, which
he held with his fellowship. He then returned to college,
and was appointed bursar. In December 1748, on the
death of Dr. Whalley, he was elected regius professor of
divinity, with which office he held the living of Barrow in
Suffolk, and sodn after was appointed one of his majesty’s
chaplains. In June 170, on the death of dean Castle,
master of Bene't college, a majority of the fellows (after the headship had been declined by their president, Mr. Scottowe) agreed to apply to archbishop Herring for his
recommendation; and his grace, at the particular request
of the duke of Newcastle, recommended professor Green,
who was immediately elected. Among the writers on the
subject of the new regulations proposed by the chancellor,
and established by the senate, Dr. Green took an active
part, in a pamphlet published in the following winter, 1750,
without his name, entitled “The Academic, or a disputation on the state of the university of Cambridge.
” On
March 22, 1751, whenhis friend Dr. Keene, master of
St. Peter’s college, was promoted to the bishopric of Chester, Dr. Green preached the consecration -sermon in Elyhouse chapel, which, by order of the archbishop of York,
was soon after published. In October 1756, on the death
of Dr. George, he was preferred to the deanery of Lincoln,
and resigned his professorship. Being then eligible to the
office of vice-chancellor, he was chosen in November following. In June 1761, the dean exerted his polemical
talents in two letters (published without his name) “on the
principles and practices of the Methodists,
” the first addressed to Mr. Berridge, and the second to Mr. Whitfield.
On the translation of bishop Thomas to the bishopric of
Salisbury, Green was promoted to the see of Lincoln, the
last mark of favour which the duke of Newcastle had it in
his power to shew him. In 1762, archbishop Seeker (who had always a just esteem for his talents and abilities) being indisposed, the bishop of Lincoln visited as his proxy
the diocese of Canterbury. In 1763 he preached the 30th
of January sermon before the house of lords, which was
printed.
isposition, his lordship died suddenly in his chair at Bath, on Sunday, April 25, 1779. This elegant scholar was one of the writers of the celebrated “Athenian Letters,”
The bishop resigned the mastership of Bene't college in
July 17G4. After the death of lord Willoughby of Parham
in 1765, the literary conversation meetings of the royal
society, &c. which used to be held weekly at his lordship’s
house, were transferred to the bishop of Lincoln’s in Scotland yard, as one of their most accomplished members.
In July 1771, on a representation to his majesty, that, with
distinguished learning and abilities, and a most extensive
diocese, bishop Green (having nocommendam) had a very
inadequate income, he was presented to the
residentiaryship of St. Paul’s, which bishop Egerton vacated on his
translation to the see of Durham. He now removed to his
residentiary-house in Amen-corner, and took a small country-house at Tottenham. It has often been noticed as a
circumstance conducing to our prelate’s honour, that, in
May 1772, when the bill for relief of protestant dissenters,
&c. after having passed the house of commons, was rejected, on the second reading, by the house of lords
(102 to 27), he dissented from his brethren, and was the
only bishop who voted in its favour. Without any particular previous indisposition, his lordship died suddenly in
his chair at Bath, on Sunday, April 25, 1779. This elegant scholar was one of the writers of the celebrated
“Athenian Letters,
” published by the earl of Hardwicke
in
ns of Scarlatti, or the sonatas of Alberti, they gave but little trouble either to the master or the scholar. During the last years of his life he began to collect the services
The compositions of Dr. Greene were very numerous, particularly for the church. Early in his career he set a Te Deum, and part of the Song of Deborah, which were never printed; but the anthems and services which he produced for St. Paul’s and the king’s chapel he collected and published in two vols. folio; and of these the merit is so various as to leave them open to much discrimination and fair criticism. There is considerable merit of various kinds in his catches, canons, and two-part songs; the composition is clear, correct, and masterly; the melodies, for the times when they were produced, are elegant, and designs intelligent and ingenious. The collection of harpsichord lessons, which he published late in his life, though they discovered no great powers of invention, or hand, had its day of favour, as a boarding-school book; for being neither so elaborate as those of Handel, nor so difficult as the lessons of Scarlatti, or the sonatas of Alberti, they gave but little trouble either to the master or the scholar. During the last years of his life he began to collect the services and anthems of our old church composers, from the single parts used in the several cathedrals of the kingdom, in order to correct and publish them in score; a plan which he did not live to accomplish, but as he beueathed his papers to Dr. Boyce, it was afterwards exeuted in a very splendid and ample manner. Dr. Greene ied in 1755.
accumulated by all the tricks of selfishness and narrow prudence. He educated his son, however, as a scholar, at St. John’s college, Cambridge. Here he took the degree of
, an English poet and miscellaneous
iter of the Elizabethan age, and memorable for his tants and imprudence, was a native of Norwich, and born
ubout 1560. His father appears to have been a citizen of
Norwich, the fabricator of his own fortune, which it is
thought he had accumulated by all the tricks of selfishness
and narrow prudence. He educated his son, however, as
a scholar, at St. John’s college, Cambridge. Here he took
the degree of A. B. in 1578, and for some time travelled
into Italy and Spain. Ou his return, he took his master’s
degree at Clare-hall, in 1583, and was incorporated in the
same at Oxford in 1588, no inconsiderable proof that
hiproficiency in his studies had been very conspicuous, and
that there was nothing at this time grossly objectionable in
his moral demeanour. It is supposed that he took orders
after his return from his travels, and that he was the same
Robert Greene who was presented to the village of Tollesbury, in Essex, June 19, 1584. If this be the case, it is
probable that he did not long reside, or was perhaps driven
from Tollesbury, by his irregular life, the greater part of
which was spent in London. Here, from some passages
cited by Mr. Beloe, it would appear that he gave himself
up to writing plays and love pamphlets, and from the date
of his “Myrrour of Modestie,
” The history of genius,
” says one of our authorities, with equal justice and feeling, “is too often a detail of immoral irregularities, followed by indigence and misery. Such, in after
times, was the melancholy tale of Otway and Lee, of Savage, Boyse, Smart, Burns, Dermody, and many others.
Perhaps the writers of the drama have, of all others, been
the most unfortunate in this respect; perhaps there is
something which more immediately seizes all the avenues
of the fancy in the gorgeous exhibitions of the stage;
which leads men away from the real circumstances of their
fortune, to the delusions of hope, and to pursue the fairy
lights so hostile to sober truth.
” In what species of dissipation, and to what degree Greene indulged, it were useless now to inquire his faults were probably exaggerated
by the rival wits of his day and his occupation as a playwriter being in itself at that time looked upon as criminal,
was barely tolerated. Among his errors, about which we
are afraid there is now no doubt, may be mentioned his
marrying an amiable lady, whom he deserted and ill-used.
His career, however, was short. He died Sept. 5, 1592,
at an obscure lodging near Dowgate, not without signs of
contrition, nor indeed without leaving behind him written
testimonies that he was more frequently conscious of an.
ill-spent life than able or willing to amend it. In some of
his works also, he made strenuous exertions to warn the
unthinking, and expose the tricks, frauds, and devices of
his miscreant companions. His works, says one of his
biographers, contain the seeds of virtue, while his acts
display the tares of folly. From such of his writings as
have fallen 'in our way, he appears to possess a rich and
glowing fancy, great command of language, and a perfect
knowledge of the manners of the times. As a poet he has
considerable merit, and few of his contemporaries yield a
more pleasant employment to the collectors of specimens.
His writings attained great popularity in his day, but until
very lately, have been seldom consulted unless by poetical
antiquaries. The following list of his works, by Mr. Haslewood, is probably complete: 1. “The Myrrour of Modestie,
” Monardo the Tritameron of Love,
”
Planetomachia,
” Euphues’s censure to Pbilautus,
” Arcadia
or Menaphon, Camillae’s alarm to slumbering Euphues,
”
Pandosto the Triumph of Time,
” Perimedes
the blackesmith,
” The pleasant and delightful
history of Dorastiis and Favvnia,
” Alcida, Greene’s Metamorphosis,
”
The Spanish Masquerade,
” Orpharion,
” The Royal Exchange, contayning
sundry aphorisms of Philosophic,
” Greene’s
mourning garment, given him by Repentance at the funerals of Love,
” Never too late,
” A notable discovery of
Coosenage,
” The ground work of
Conny Catching,
” 159U 18. “The second and last part
of Conny Catching,
” The third and
last part of Conny Catching,
” Disputation,
between a hee conny-catcher and a shee conny-catcher,
”
Greene’s Groatsworth of wit bought with a
million of repentance,
” Philomela, the lady FitzwalterV
nightingale,
” A quip for an
upstart courtier,
” r$92, 162O, 1625, 1635, and reprinted in 1
the Harleian Miscellany. 24. “Ciceronis amor, Tullie’s
love,
” News
both from heaven and hell,
” The Black
Book’s Messenger, or life and death of Ned Browne,
” The repentance of Robert Greene,
” Greene’s vision at the instant of his death,
” no date.
29. “Mamillia, or the triumph of Pallas,
” Mamillia, or the second part of the triumph of Pallas,
”
Card of Fancy,
” Greene’s
funerals,
” The
honourable history of Fryer Bacon and Fryer Bongay, a
comedy,
” The history of
Orlando Furioso, a play,
” 1S94, 1599. 35. “The comical
historic of Alphonsus king of Arragon, a play,
” A looking-glass for London and England,
” a comedy,
jointly with Lodge, The Scottish Historic of James the Fourthe, si ai ue at Flodden, intermixed
with a pleasant comedie,
” Penelope’s
Webb,
” Historic of Faire Bellora,
” no date,
afterwards published, as “A paire of Turtle doves, or the
tragical history of Bellora and Fidelio,
” The
debate between Follie and Love, translated out'of French,
”
Thieves falling out, true men come by their
goods,
” Greene’s Farewell to Folie,
” Arbasto, the history of Arbasto king of Denmarke,
” FairEmme, a comedy,
” The
history of lobe,
” a play, destroyed, but mentioned in Warburton’s list. A few other things have been ascribed toGreene on doubtful authority.
us doubts not to affirm, that, as ha lived in the most learned age of the church, so he was the be*t scholar of that age. His works consist of sermons, letters, and poems,
He was one of the ablest champions of the orthodox faith
concerning the Trinity, whence he had the title given him
of e SeoAoyes, “The Divine,
” by unanimous consent. His
moral and religious qualities were attended with the natural
graces of a sublime wit, subtle apprehension, clear judgment, and easy and ready elocution, which were all set off
with as great a stock of human learning as the schools of
the East, as Alexandria, or Athens itself, was able to afford.
All these excellences are seen in his works, of which we
have the following character by Erasmus; who, after having enriched the western church with many editions of the
ancient fathers, confesses, that he was altogether discouraged from attempting the translation of Nazianzen, by
the acumen and smartness of his style, the grandeur and
sublimity of his matter, and those somewhat obscure allusions that are frequently interspersed among his writings.
Upon the whole, Erasmus doubts not to affirm, that, as ha
lived in the most learned age of the church, so he was the
be*t scholar of that age. His works consist of sermons,
letters, and poems, the latter evidently imbued with genius, and have been printed in Greek and Latin, Paris,
1609 and 1611, 2 vols. fol. with notes by the learned abbot
de Billi, who was also author of the Latin translation. This
edition is more esteemed than the new one of 1G30. There
are some poems by St. Gregory in “Tollii insignia itinerarii Italici,
” Utrecht,
nd countenance, as well as for the ease and openness of his manners. He was an universal and elegant scholar, an experienced, learned, sagacious, and humane physician a
Dr. Gregory was tall in person, and remarkable for the sweetness of his disposition and countenance, as well as for the ease and openness of his manners. He was an universal and elegant scholar, an experienced, learned, sagacious, and humane physician a professor, who had the happy talent of interesting his pupils, and of directing their attention to subjects of importance, and of explaining difficulties with simplicity and clearness. He entered with great warmth into the interests and conduct of his hearers, and gave such as deserved it every encouragement and assistance in his power: open, frank, social, and undisguised in his life and manners, sincere in his friendships, a tender husband and father: and an unaffected, cheerful, candid, benevolent man.
es in very deed be but trifles and troubles unto me” What reader is not melted with this speech What scholar does not envy Ascham’s felicity at this interview He was indeed
Here she was with her beloved books in 1550, when the
famous Roger Ascham called on a visit to the family in
August; and all the rest of each sex being engaged in a
hunting-party, he went to wait upon lady Jane in her
apartment, and found her reading the “Phaedon
” of Plato
in the original Greek. Astonished at it, after the first
compliments, he asked her, why she lost such pastime as
there needs must be in the park; at which smiling, she
answered, “I wist all their sport in the park is but a shadow to that pleasure that I find in Plato. Alas, good folk,
they never felt what true pleasure meant.
” This naturally
leading him to inquire how a lady of her age had attained
to such a depth of pleasure both in the Platonic language
and philosophy, she made the following very remarkable
reply: “I will tell you, and I will tell you a truth, which
perchance you will marvel at. One of the greatest benefits which ever God gave me is, that he sent me so sharp
and severe parents, and so gentle a schoolmaster. For
when I am in presence either of father or mother, whether
I speak, keep silence, sit, stand, or go, eat, drink, he
merry or sad, be sewing, playing, dancing, or doing any
thing else, I am so sharply taunted, so cruelly threatened,
yea presently sometimes with pinches, rips, and bohs, and
other ways (which I will not name, for the honour I bear them), so without measure misordered, that 1 think myself
in hell, till time come that I must go to Mr. Aylmer, who
teachfcth me so gently, so pleasantly, with such fair allurements to learning, that I think all the time nothing while
I am with him; and, when I am called from him I fall on
weeping, because whatsoever I do else but learning is full
of grief, trouble, fear, and wholly misliking unto me.
And thus my book hath been so much my pleasure, and
bringeth daily to me more pleasure and more, and that in
respect of it all other pleasures in very deed be but trifles
and troubles unto me
” What reader is not melted with
this speech What scholar does not envy Ascham’s felicity
at this interview He was indeed very deeply affected with
it, and to that impression we owe the discovery of some
farther particulars concerning this lovely scholar.
ray’s-inn, esq. 3. “Parabolse evangelical, Lat. redditse carmine paraphrastico varii generis in usum scholar Tunbrigiensis,” Lond. 8vo, no date. Of the second article a
, a learned schoolmaster
of the seventeenth century, was born in London in 1590,
and was educated at Westminster-school, whence he was
elected student of Christ-church, Oxford, in 1606. Here
he made great proficiency under the tuition of Dr. Samuel
Fell, and was considered even at this early period as eminent for his learning in the Greek and Latin languages.
Having taken his degrees in arts, he was in 1614 appointed
first master of the Charter-house, or Sutton’s new foundation of the hospital school; but some years afterwards,
having rendered himself incapable of holding that office by
marriage, the governors gave him the living of Castle
Camps in Cambridgeshire. On the 29th of January 1624,
he was admitted chief master of Merchant Taylors’ school,
on a disputed election, which, however, terminated in hw
favour, and he enjoyed the place with much reputation
until 1631, when he resigned and was elected head master
of Eton school, and a fellow. He was ejected by the
usurping powers from both his mastership and living, and
reduced to much distress. At length he obtained the
mastership of Tunbridge school, in which he continued
until the restoration, when he was re-appointed to his former preferments, but did not long live to enjoy them.
He died very poor at Eton in October 1660, and was.
buried in the choir of the chapel, near the stairs leading to
the. organ-loft. He published 1. “A Dictionary
” in Latin
and English, and English and Latin, an improvement on
Rider’s, but afterwards superseded by Holyoak’s. 2. “Luculenta e sacra scriptura testimonia, ad Hugonis Grotii
baptizatorum puerorum institutionem,
” Lond. Parabolse evangelical, Lat. redditse carmine paraphrastico
varii generis in usum scholar Tunbrigiensis,
” Lond. 8vo,
no date. Of the second article above-mentioned, we have
an edition of 1668, the title of which is, “Hugonis Grotii
Baptizatorum Puerorum Institutio, alternis interrogationibus et responsionibus.
” This contains Wase’s translation
into Greek, with grammatical notes, and other notes by
Barth. Beale, and Gouldsmith’s English version.
us college, Cambridge, April 18, 1704, but afterwards removed to Trinity-ball, where he was admitted scholar of the house, Jan. 6, 1706-7; LL. B. 1709 LL. D. 1720; and though
, LL. D. an English divine, and miscellaneous writer, was of a Yorkshire family, originally
from France. He was born in 1687, and was admitted a
pensioner in Jesus college, Cambridge, April 18, 1704,
but afterwards removed to Trinity-ball, where he was admitted scholar of the house, Jan. 6, 1706-7; LL. B. 1709
LL. D. 1720; and though he was never fellow of that
college, he was elected one of the trustees for Mr. Ayloffe’s benefaction to it. He was rector of Houghton
Conquest in Bedfordshire: and vicar of St. Peter’s and St.
Giles’s parishes in Cambridge, where he usually passed
the winter, and the rest of his time at Ampthill, the neighbouring market-town to his living. He died Nov. 25, 1766,
at Ampthill, and was buried at Houghton Conquest. Very
little of his history has descended to us. How he spent
his life will appear by a list of his works. He is said to
have been of a most amiable, sweet, and communicative
disposition; most friendly to his acquaintance, and never
better pleased than when performing acts of friendship
and benevolence. Being in the commission of the peace,
and a man of reputable character, he was much courted
for his interest in elections. He was not, however, very
active on those occasions, preferring literary retirement.
His works were, 1. “A Vindication of the Church of England, in answer to Mr. Pearce’s Vindication of the Dis^
senters; by a Presbyter of the Church of England.
” Presbyterian Prejudice displayed,
” A pair of clean Shoes and Boots for a Dirty Baronet;
or an answer to Sir Richard Cox,
” The
Knight of Dumbleton foiled at his own weapons, &c. In a
Letter to Sir Richard Cocks, knt. By a Gentleman and
no Knight,
” A Century of eminent Presbyterians: or a Collection of Choice Sayings, from the public sermons before the two houses, from Nov. 1641 to Jan.
31, 1648, the day after the king was beheaded. By a
Lover of Episcopacy,
” A Letter of Thanks to
Mr. Benjamin Bennet,
” A memorial of the Reformation,
” full of gross prejudices
against the established church, and “A defence of it.
”
7. “A Caveat against Mr. Benj. Bennet, a mere pretender to history and criticism. By a lover of history,
” A Defence of our ancient and modern Historians against the frivolous cavils of a late pretender to.
Critical History, in which the false quotations smd unjust
inferences of the anonymous author are confuted and exposed in the manner they deserve, la two parts,
” A Review of Dr. Zachary Grey’s Defence
of our ancient and modern historians. Wherein, instead
of dwelling upon his frivolous cavils, false quotations, unjust inferences, &c it is proved (to his glory be it spoken)
that there is not a book in the English tongue, which contains so many falsehoods in so many pages. Nori vitiosus
homo es, Zachary, sed vitium. By the author,
” &c. y. “An
Appendix by way of Answer to the Critical Historian’s
Review,
” 1725. 11.
” The Ministry of the
Dissenters proved to be null and void from Scripture and
antiquity,“1725. 12. In 1732 he wrote a preface to his
relation dean Moss’s sermons,
” by a learned hand.“Mr.
Masters in his history of C. C. C. C. ascribes this to Dr.
Snape, who might perhaps have been editor of the sermons, but it was written by Dr. Grey. 13.
” The spirit
of Infidelity detected, in answer to Barbeyrac, with a defence of Dr. Waterland,“1735, 8vo. 14.
” English Presbyterian eloquence. By an admirer of monarchy and episcopacy,“1736, 8vo. 15.
” Examination of Dr. Chandler’s
History of Persecution,“1736, 8vo. 16.
” The true picture
of Quakerism,“1736. 17.
” Caveat against the Dissenters,“1736, 8vo. 18.
” An impartial Examination of the
second volume of Mr. Daniel Neal’s History of the Puritans,“1736, 8vo. The first volume of Neal had been examined by Dr. Madox, assisted in some degree by Dr.
Grey, who published his examination of the third volume
in 1737, and that of the fourth in 1739. J 9.
” An examination of the fourteenth chapter of Sir Isaac Newton’s
Observations upon the prophecies of Daniel,“1736, 8vo.
This is in answer to sir Isaac’s notion of the rise of Saintworship. 20.
” An attempt towards the character of the
Royal Martyr, king Charles I.; from authentic vouchers,“1738. 21.
” Schismatics delineated from authentic vouchers, in reply to Neal, with Dowsing' s Journal, &c. By
Philalethes Cantabrigiensis,“1739, 8vo. 22.
” The Quakers and Methodists compared,“&c. 1740. 23.
” A Review of Mr. Daniel Neil’s History of the Puritans, with a
Postscript. In a letter to Mr. David Jennings;“a pamphlet, Cambridge, 174-4. 24.
” Hudibras with large annotations, and a prelate,“&c. 1744, 2 vols. 8vo. 2b.
” A
serious address to Lay Methodists: by a sincere Protestant,“1745, 8vo. 27.
” Popery in its proper colours, with a list
of Saints invocated in England before the Reformation,“17, 8vo. 28,
” Remarks upon a late edition of Shakspeare, with a long string of emendations borrowed by the
celebrated editor from the Oxford edition without acknowledgement. To which is prefixed, a Defence of the late
sir Thomas Hanmer, bart. addressed to the rev. Mr. Warburton, preacher of Lincoln’s-Inn,“8vo, no date, but
about 1745. 29.
” A word or two of Advice to William
Warburton, a dealer in many words; by a friend. With
an Appendix, containing a taste of William’s Spirit of Railing,“1746, 8vo. 30.
” A free and familiar Letter to that
great refiner of Pope and Shakspeare, the rev. William
Warburton, preacher at Lincoln’s-Inn. With Remarks
upon the epistle of friend W. E. (query if not T. E. i. e. Thomas Edwards). In which his unhandsome treatment of
this celebrated writer is exposed in the manner it deserves.
By a Country Curate,“1750, 8vo, 31.
” A Supplement
to Hudibras,“1752, 8vo. 32.
” Critical, historical, and
explanatory notes on Shakspeare, with emendations on the
text and metre,“1755, 2 vols. 8vo. 33.
” Chronological
account of Earthquakes,“1757, 8vo. In 1756 he assisted
iVIr. Whalley in his edition of Shakspeare; he had also contributed to Mr. Peck’s
” Desiderata,“and
” Life of Cromwell," and collected some materials for a Life of Baker,
the Cambridge antiquary, which were afterwards enlarged
and published by the rev. Robert Masters. Dr. Grey left
some other Mss. and a collection of letters, now in Mr.
Nichols’s possession.
printer in Dublin. She died in 1733, at the age of twenty-seven; and was allowed to be an excellent scholar, not only in Greek and Roman literature, but in history, divinity,
, a very extraordinary woman, (whose maiden name is nowhere mentioned), was born
in the county of Kilkenny in Ireland, and married to Mr.
George Grierson, printer in Dublin. She died in 1733,
at the age of twenty-seven; and was allowed to be an excellent scholar, not only in Greek and Roman literature,
but in history, divinity, philosophy, and mathematics. She
gave a proof of her knowledge in the Latin tongue by her
dedication of the Dublin edition of Tacitus to lord Carteret; and by that of Terence to his son, to whom she likewise wrote a Greek epigram. Dr. Harwood esteems her
Tacitus one of the best edited books ever published.
Among the editions of her husband’s press, is a very fine
one of Dupin’s Ecclesiastical History, 1724, 3 vols. folio,
a rare book in this country. Mrs. Grierson composed some
poems in English, several of which are inserted by Mrs.
Barber amongst her own. When lord Carteret was lordlieutenant of Ireland, he obtained a patent for Mr. Grierson, her husband, to be the king’s printer; and, to distinguish and reward her uncommon merit, had her life inserted in it. Besides her parts and learning, she was also
a woman of great virtue and piety. Mrs. Pilkington has
recorded some particulars of her, and tells us, that, “when
about eighteen years of age, she was brought to her father,
to be instructed in midwifery; that she was mistress of
Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and French, and understood the
mathematics as well as most men: and what,
” says Mrs.
Pilkington, “made these extraordinary talents yet more
surprising was, that her parents were poor illiterate country people; so that her learning appeared like the gife
poured out on the apostles, of speaking all the languages
without the pains of study.
” Mrs. Pilkington inquired of
her, where she had gained this prodigious knowledge: to
which Mrs. Grierson sail, that “she had received some
little instruction from the minister of the parish, when she,
could spare time from her needle-work, to which she was
closely kept by her mother.
” Mrs. Pilkington adds, that
“she wrote elegantly both in verse and prose; that her
turn was chiefly to philosophical or divine subjects; that
her piety was not inferior to her learning; and that some
of the most delightful hours she herself had ever passed
were in the conversation of this female philosopher.
” Her
son, who was also his majesty’s printer at Dublin, and instructed by her, was a man of uncommon learning, great
wit, and vivacity. He died in Germany, at the age of
twenty-seven. Dr. Johnson highly respected his abilities,
and often observed, that he possessed more extensive knowledge than any man of his years he had ever known. His
industry was equal to his talents, he particularly excelled
in every species of philological learning, and was perhaps
the best critic of his time.
e purchased, which he bound in a peculiar style, described in our authority. Every library and every scholar has boasted of a book from Grollier’s library since it was dispersed,
, an eminent patron of literature,
was born at Lyons in 1479; and very early displayed a
propensity towards those elegant and solid pursuits, which
afterwards secured him the admiration and esteem of his
contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were
frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his
liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he
advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the
result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he
filled. He was grand treasurer to Francis I. and ambassador from that monarch to pope Clement VII. During his
abode at Rome he employed the Alduses to print for him
an edition of Terence in 1521, 8vo, and another of Budaeus’s work “De Asse,
” I dined
along with Aldus, his son Manutius, and other learned men
at Grollier’s table. After dinner, and just as the dessert
had been placed on the table, our host presented each of
his guests with a pair of gloves filled with ducats.
” De
Thou speaks very highly of his character. During his travels he had secured from Basil, Venice, and Rome, the
most precious copies of books that could be purchased,
which he bound in a peculiar style, described in our authority. Every library and every scholar has boasted of a
book from Grollier’s library since it was dispersed, and
during his life-time it was his pride to accommodate his
friends with the use of them. He died at Paris in 1565.
incredible industry under the eye of his father, who had the greatest desire to make him a complete scholar. In this view he not only read to him the best classic authors,
, son of the preceding, was born October 20, 1645, at Deventer, and learned the elements of the Latin tongue there; but, going with the family in, 1658 to Leyden, he carried on his studies in that university with incredible industry under the eye of his father, who had the greatest desire to make him a complete scholar. In this view he not only read to him the best classic authors, but instructed him in the civil law. About 1670 he made the tour of England, and visited both the universities, consulting their Mss.; and formed an acquaintance with several eminent scholars, particularly Dr. Edward Pocock, Dr. John Pearson, and Dr. Meric Casaubon, which last died in his arms. He was much pleased with the institution of the royal society, and addressed a letter to them in approbation of it. After some months’ stay in England, he returned to Ley den, where he published an edition of Macrobius that year in 8vo, and another of Polybius the same year at Amsterdam, in '2, vols. 8vo. The same year he was also offered the professorship held by Hogersius but, not having finished the plan of his travels, he declined, though the professor, to engage his acceptance, proposed to hold the place till his return.
, an eminent divine and critical scholar, was born at Cobourg in 1723, where his father was aulic counsellor
, an eminent divine and
critical scholar, was born at Cobourg in 1723, where his
father was aulic counsellor to the duke of Saxe-Cobourg.
He was educated in his infancy at home under private
tutors. In his thirteenth year he was sent to Weisenborn,
and placed under the care of John Faccius, an eminent
classical scholar, and after a year’s residence here went to
the university of Casimir, where he enjoyed the instructions and lectures of Berger, Albrecht, and other eminent
professors. In 1742 he removed to Jena, where he pursued his studies with great diligence and success, and took
his degrees in philosophy, In 1764 he was invited to be
professor of theology at Halle, and died there in 1778.
His talents are represented to have been very various, and
his diligence indefatigable. He published a new edition
of “Cselius Sedulius,
” with various commentaries, “An
Introduction to Roman Antiquities,
” “Miscellanea Sacra,
”
“Various critical Remarks on the Classics,
” new editions
of Eutropius, printed at Cobourg in
ature, whidrthey had collected in their first tour, is said to have acted a part, neither becoming a scholar nor an honest man. On the one hand, he affected to hold them
Before they set out for Germany, Isaac Vossius, jealous
at seeing in the hands of Gudius so many valuable monuments of literature, whidrthey had collected in their first
tour, is said to have acted a part, neither becoming a
scholar nor an honest man. On the one hand, he affected
to hold them light when he talked with Gudius; whom
also he did not scruple to treat with an air of contempt,
even in the presence of his friend Gronovius, saying, that
Gudius had never collated any ms. but always used a
copyist for that purpose, and that he did not know the
value of them, but was ready to sell them for a trifle to the
first purchaser. On the other hand, when he talked to
Schas, he represented to him what an estimable treasure
he was in possession of, exhorted him not to be the dupe
of Gudius, but invited him to join his Mss. with his own;
alleging, that they would enjoy them in common during
their lives, and after their deaths bequeath them to the
public; which unusual act of generosity would gain them
great honour. But Vossius did not know that Schas loved
books, and understood Mss. perhaps as well as Gudius: and
Grsevius, in the preface to his edition of “Florus,
” makes
his acknowledgments to Schas, whom he calls rir exiniius,
for having collated three Mss. of that author in the king
of France’s library. Vossius used other ungenerous and
dishonest means to set Gudius and Schas at variance; and
besides causing a quarrel between Schas and his brother,
by insinuating, that Gudius had too great a share in the
possessions as well as the affections of Schas, he did what
he could to ruin Gudius’s character with the States of Holland, although here too he failed.
, an eminent oriental scholar in France, was born at Pointoise, Oct. 19, 1721. He studied
, an eminent oriental scholar in
France, was born at Pointoise, Oct. 19, 1721. He studied
the oriental languages under the celebrated Stephen Fourinont, and was appointed king’s interpreter in 1741, and a
member of the academy of belles lettres in 1753. Having
minutely investigated the Chinese characters, and compared them with those of other languages, he fancied he
had discovered that they were only monograms formed of
three Egyptian letters, and deduced from this that China
had been originally peopled by an Egyptian colony. The
same notion had been adopted before his time by Huet,
Kircher, and Moiran; but other learned men, Deshauteraies, Paw, and the Chinese missionaries, have fully refuted it. De Guignes was for thirty-five years engaged in
the “Journal des Sgavans,
” which, as well as the Memoirs
of the academy of belles lettres, he enriched with a great
number of learned papers on the religion, history, and philosophy, of the Egyptians and Chinese Indians, &c. One
very important service he rendered his country by discovering the punches and matrices of the oriental types which
Savary de Breves, ambassador from Henry IV. at Constantinople, had brought into France, but which were now in
such a state that Guignes was the only person who could
put them in order, and give instructions for using them.
From them he was enabled to cast fonts of the Arabic,
Turkish, Persian, Syriac, Armenian, Hebrew, and Chinese,
acquisitions of great consequence to his inquiries. With
their aid he passed the greater part of his life among his
books, without ambition for more than a competence suited
to his literary wants. In his old age, however, the revolution deprived him even of this, but he still preserved his
cheerful temper and independent spirit. Some help he
derived from a legacy of 3000 livres, which Grosley, his
fellow academician, and a distant relation, bequeathed to
him. He died at Paris March 22, 1800, and was said at
that time to be the only person in Europe perfectly acquainted with the Chinese language. His publications
are, 1. “Abrege de la vie d'Etienne Fourmont,
” Paris,
Histoire generale des Huns, des Turcs,
des Mogols, et des antres Tartares occidentaux,
” Memoire,
” already noticed, in which
he attempts to prove that the Chinese were a colony from
Egypt, 1759, 12mo. 4. “Chou-King,
” 4to. 6.
” Essai historiquf*
sur la typographic orientate et Grecque,“1787, 4to. 7.
” Principes de composition typographique," 1790, 4to, for
the use of the compositors who were employed on the oriental types. He wrote also many notices of Arabian manuscripts for the catalogue preserved in the royal library.
al education, to which end he was placed by Dr. Busby at Westminster-school, where he was admitted a scholar on the foundation, and elected student of Christ-church, Oxford,
, an English mathematician, was of Welsh extraction, from a family at Gunter’s-town, in Brecknockshire but his father being settled in the county of Hereford, had this son born to him there in 1581. As he was a gentleman possessed of a handsome fortune, he thought proper to give him a liberal education, to which end he was placed by Dr. Busby at Westminster-school, where he was admitted a scholar on the foundation, and elected student of Christ-church, Oxford, in 1599. Having taken both his degrees in arts at the regular times, he entered into orders, and became a preacher in 1614, and proceeded B. D. November 23, 1615. But genius and inclination leading him chiefly to mathematics, he applied early to that study; and about 1606, merited the title of an inventor by the new projection of his sector, which he then described, together with its use, in a Latin treatise; and several of the instruments were actually made according to his directions. These being greatly approved, as being more extensively useful than any that had appeared before, on account of the greater number of lines upon them, and those better contrived, spread our author’s fame universally their uses also were more largely and clearly shewn than had been done by others and though he did not print them, yet many copies being transcribed and dispersed abroad, carried his reputation along with them, recommended him to the patronage of the earl of Bridgewater, brought him into the acquaintance of the celebrated Mr. Oughtred, and Mr. Henry Briggs, professor of geometry at Gresham; and thus, his fame daily increasing the more he became known, he was preferred to the astronomy-chair at Gresham-college, on March 6, 1619.
resided in London. His son was educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, whence in 1574 he was elected a scholar of St. John’s college, Oxford, took the degree of B. A. May
, an English physician of considerable eminence in his day, was the son of Edward Gwinne, descended from an ancient family in Wales, who at this time resided in London. His son was educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, whence in 1574 he was elected a scholar of St. John’s college, Oxford, took the degree of B. A. May 14, 1578, and was afterwards perpetual fellow of the college. It was the custom at that time in Oxford for the convocation to appoint a certain number of regent masters, to read each of them upon some one of the liberal arts two years, for which they received a small stipend, levied upon the younger scholars. This provision was made, before the public professorships were settled and supported by fixed salaries. Agreeably to this practice, Mr. Gwinne was made regent-master in July 1582, and appointed to read upon music, and there is extant a manuscript oration of his upon that subject, spoken Oct. 15, of that year, in which he calls himself prelector musica publicus. When he had taken his degrees in arts, he studied physic, and practised in and about Oxford for several years. In 1588 he was chosen junior proctor of the university, and in 1592 distinguished himself in a disputation at Oxford before queen Elizabeth. On July 17, 1593, he was created doctor of physic. He obtained leave of the college in 1595, to attend sir Henry Union, ambassador from queen Elizabeth to the French court, and continued with him during his absence abroad.
, a Lutheran divine, and eminent oriental scholar, was born in 1607, at Weimar. Becoming early attached to the
, a Lutheran divine, and eminent oriental scholar, was born in 1607, at Weimar. Becoming early attached to the study of sacred philology, he endeavoured to acquire a knowledge of the Oriental languages as necessarily connected with it, and therefore, after attending the philosophical and theological schools of Jena for seven years, he went to Altdorf, to profit hy the instructions of Schwenter, who was then esteemed one of the ablest Orientalists. From Altdorf he removed to Helmstadt, where he applied to his theological studies under Calixtus, Horneius, and others, and on his return to Altdorf in 1636 was the first who gave lessons in public on the Oriental languages in that place. In 1654 he became professor of theology, and in both situations evinced great talents and persevering industry. No man in his time was better skilled in the Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldean, and Arabic, and being the first who attempted to teach these languages, he wished to assist his students by proper elementary books, but the German press at that time was so deficient in the requisite types, that he must have abandoned his design if Jodocus Schmidmaier, an advocate at Nuremberg, had not established a printing-office properly supplied with Oriental characters; and at this place Hackspan was enabled to print his valuable works. He died of a decline in 1659. His principal writings are,
, an eminent scholar, and one of the revivers of the learned languages in England,
, an eminent scholar, and one
of the revivers of the learned languages in England, was
descended from a good family in Buckinghamshire, and
born in 1516. He was educated at Eton school, under
Dr. Richard Cox, afterwards bishop of Ely, and was thence
elected to King’s college, in Cambridge; where he greatly
distinguished himself by his parts and learning, and particularly by writing Latin in an elegant, but, as Mr. Warton thinks, not a very pure style. He studied also the civil
law, of which he became doctor; and read public lectures
in it in 1547, and the two years following, and was so much
approved, that upon a vacancy in the professor’s chair in
1550, the university employed the celebrated Ascham to
write to king Edward VI. in his favour. He was accordingly appointed professor, and was also for some time professor of rhetoric and orator of the university. During
king Edward’s reign, he was one of the most illustrious
promoters of the reformation; and therefore, upon the
deprivation of Gardiner, was thought a proper person to
succeed him in the mastership of Trinity-hall. In September 1552, through the earnest recommendation of the
court, though not qualified according to the statutes, he
was chosen president of Magdalen college in Oxford; but,
in October 1553, upon the accession of queen Mary, he
quitted the president’s place for fear of being expelled, or
perhaps worse used, at Gardiner’s visitation of the said
college. He is supposed to have lain concealed in England all this reign; but, on the accession of Elizabeth, was
ordered by the privy council to repair to her majesty at
Hatfield in Hertfordshire, and soon after was constituted
by her one of the masters of the court of requests. Archbishop Parker also made him judge of his prerogative-court. In the royal visitation of the university of Cambridge, performed in the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign,
he was one of her majesty’s commissioners, as appears by
the speech he then made, printed among his works. In
1566 he was one of the three agents sent to Bruges to restore commerce between England and the Netherlands
upon the ancient terms. He died Jan. 21, 1571-2, and
was buried in Christ Church, London, where a monument
was erected to his memory, but was destroyed in the great
fire of London. He was engaged, with sir John Cheke,
in turning into Latin and drawing up that useful code of
ecclesiastical law, published in 1571, by the learned John
Fox, under this title, “Reformatio Legum Ecclesiasticarum,
” in 4to. He published, in Admonitio ad
Elizabetham reginam Angliæ,
” in which the English nation, and the reformation of the church, were treated in a
scurrilous manner. His other works were collected and
published in 1567, 4to, under the title of “Lucubrationes.
” This collection contains ten Latin orations, fourteen letters, besides the above-mentioned to Osorio; and
also poems. Several of his original letters are in the Harleian collection; and his poems, “Poemata,
” containing a
great number of metrical epitaphs, were separately published with his life in 1576. Many of our writers speak in
high terms of Haddon, and not without reason; for, through,
every part of his writings, his piety appears equal to his
learning. When queen Elizabeth was asked whether she
preferred him or Buchanan? she replied, “Buchananum
omnibus antepono, Haddonum nemini postpono.
”
ce, at Halden in Kent, and was liberally educated, although at no university. He became an excellent scholar in the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew tongues, and was well skilled
, a learned Englishman,
was the younger son of Thomas Hales, of Hales’-place, at
Halden in Kent, and was liberally educated, although at
no university. He became an excellent scholar in the
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew tongues, and was well skilled
in the municipal laws and antiquities. In the reign of
Henry VIII. he was clerk of the ha,naper for several years^
and in 1548 was appointed a commissioner to inquire into
inclosures, decayed houses, and the unlawful converting
of arable land into pasture, for the counties of Oxfordj,
Berks, &c. On this occasion he made an excellent charge,
which is printed at length by Strype. He obtained a good
estate in Warwickshire and elsewhere, upon the dissolution
of the monasteries, and founded a free-school at Coventry.
For the use of the scholars there, he wrote “Introductiones ad Grammaticam,
” Latin and English. He was also
the author of the “High way to Nobility,
” Lond. 4to; and
translated into English “Plutarch’s Precepts for the preservation of good health,
” Lond. An Oration to Queen Elizabeth
at her first entrance to her reign,
” which was, however,
not spoken, but delivered in manuscript to the queen.
He also wrote a treatise in favour of the succession of the
house of Suffolk to the crown on the demise of Elizabeth,
who was so displeased with it, as to commit the author to
the Tower. It was answered by Lesley, bishop of Ross.
Mr. Hales, whose imprisonment was probably of no long
duration, died Jan. 28, 1572, and was buried in the church
of St. Peter le Poor, Broad-street, London. Some of his.
Mss. are in the Harleian collection.
edition of St. Chrysostom’s works, and found him a very able coadjutor, as he was an excellent Greek scholar. His reputation indeed for skill in this language was such as
, an eminent divine and critic, usually
distinguished by the appellation of The Ever Memorable,
was the fourth son of John Hales, of High Church, near
Bath, in Somersetshire, by Bridget his wife, one of the
Goldsburghs of Knahill, in Wiltshire. He was born April
19, 1584, at Bath, where his father then resided, but according to his register at Corpus college, Oxford, at Highchurch. His parents, who are stated to have been of
“genteel quality,
” placed him to school at Mells and Killmaston,'in Somersetshire, until fit for the university, in
which he was entered of Corpus college April 16, 1597,
but being then under age, was not sworn till April 17>
1599. He continued at this college until he toolc his bachelor’s degree in arts July 9, 1603, and had distinguished
himself in the interval by equal diligence and proficiency
in his studies. The reputation he thus acquired engaged
the attention of sir Henry Savile, then warden of Mertoncollege, who being always desirous of increasing the number of its learned members, persuaded him to remove;
and accordingly he was chosen probationer of Merton in
September, and admitted fellow Oct. 13, 1606. He proceeded to his master’s degree in 1609. He had not been
long in this station before the warden availed himself of
his assistance in preparing his edition of St. Chrysostom’s
works, and found him a very able coadjutor, as he was an
excellent Greek scholar. His reputation indeed for skill
in this language was such as to procure him the place of
lecturer in Greek in the college.
removed to Cambridge at the age of fifteen, and admitted of Ernanuel college, of which he was chosen scholar, and took the degree of bachelor of arts. His residence, however,
He was accordingly removed to Cambridge at the age of fifteen, and admitted of Ernanuel college, of which he was chosen scholar, and took the degree of bachelor of arts. His residence, however, was not without its difficulties. In 1591, as his expences began to be felt in so large a family, he was recalled to fill the office of schoolmaster at Ashby de la Zouch, and would have been prevented from ever returning to college, had not Mr. Edmund Sleigh of Derby, an uncle by marriage, offered to defray half the expences of his residence at Cambridge, until he should attain the degree of master of arts; and this he liberally performed. Another difficulty still presented itself. In 1395, his rholar&hip exnir*^ a^rj +h Q statutes of the college permitting only one person of a county to become fellow, he was about to leave the university a second time, when the earl of Huntingdon prevailed on his countryman and tutor, Mr. Gilby, to resign his fellowship, on promise of being made his lordship’s chaplain, and receiving higher promotion Mr. Gilby consented, and the days of examination for the fellowship were appointed; but before two of the three days of trial had expired, news was brought of the sudden death of the earl, by which event Mr. Gilby was likely to be deprived of the conditions on which he resigned. Alarmed at this, our author, with very honourable feeling, went to the master of the college, Dr. Chaderton, and stated the case, offering at the same time to leave college, and hoping that Mr. Gilby could be re-admitted. The latter, however, he was told, could not take place, as the fellowship had been declared void, and the election must proceed whether he continued to be a candidate or not. Mr. Hall accordingly went to the third examination, and was unanimously chosen.
from his infancy a great predilection for historic painting, went young to Rome, where he became the scholar of Augustine Massuchi. With the exception of a few occasional
, an excellent painter, descended from the ancient family of the Hamiltons of Murdieston, originally of Fife, but now of Lanarkshire, in Scotland, was born at Lanark, and having discovered from his infancy a great predilection for historic painting, went young to Rome, where he became the scholar of Augustine Massuchi. With the exception of a few occasional visits to Britain, he resided the whole of his life at Rome, where he died in 1797. He had not perhaps the genius of an inventor; but the advantages of liberal education, and of a classic taste in the choice of his subjects, and the style at which he always, and often successfully, aimed, made him at least equal to his most celebrated contemporaries. Some of the subjects which he painted from the Iliad bear ample evidence of this. Achilles grasping the body of Patroclus, and rejecting the consolation of the Grecian chiefs, and Hector tied to his chariot, have something of Homeric sublimity and pathos; the moment chosen is the crisis of the fact, and the test of the hero’s character. But in this last he is not always happy, as in Achilles dismissing Briseis, where the gesticulation of an actor supplants the expression of the man. Of his women the Briseis in the same subject is the most attractive. Neither his Andromache mourning over Hector, nor the Helen in the same, or the scene with Paris, reach our ideas of the former’s dignity and anguish, or the form and graces of the latter. Indeed, what idea can be supposed to reach that beauty, which, in the confession of age itself, deserved the ten years’ struggle of two nations And yet, in the subject of Paris, those graces and that form are to be subordinate to the superior ones of Venus. He would rank with the first names in art, who from such a combination should escape without having provoked the indignation, contempt, or pity of disappointed expectation.
ote many works which established his reputation among his countrymen as an acute critic and profound scholar. His principal performance, and that for which he is most esteemed
, a learned German professor,
was born February 16, 1633, at Breslaw. Some theses
which he maintained did him so much honour, that he
was invited to Gotha, where he was made professor of
morality, politics, and history; and appointed afterwards
professor of history, politics, and rhetoric, at Breslaw,
1661 librarian of the Elizabeth library, in the same city,
1670 - y patron of the college of Elizabeth, 1631 and in
1688, teacher and inspector of all the schools of the Augsburg confession in that country. He died at Breslaw,
April 24, 1709. He wrote many works which established
his reputation among his countrymen as an acute critic and
profound scholar. His principal performance, and that
for which he is most esteemed among scholars, is his book
“De Romanarum rerum Scriptoribus,
” 2 vols. 4to, 1669,
1675, to which was added another, “De By z an tin arum
rerum Scriptoribus Grsecis,
”
sh. Whatever his errors, he was esteemed an exact disputant, and a good preacher; an excellent Greek scholar, and well versed in ecclesiastical and civil history. Besides
, an English divine of a very
mixed character, was son to Thomas Hanmer of Porkington, in Shropshire, where he was born in 1543, though
Fuller says he was born in Flintshire. He became chaplain
of Corpus Christi college, Oxford, where he took a degree
in arts in April 1567. He afterwards was presented to the
living of St. Leonard, Shoreditch, during his holding of
which his conduct was such as to bring great odium on him.
Out of avarice he tore away the brass plates from the gravestones and monuments, and sold them; and he also appears by Fleetwood’s Diary to have paid very little regard to
his oath in a court of justice. In 1581 or 1582, betook
his degrees in divinity, and in Nov. 4th, 1583, was presented to the vicarage of Islington, which he resigned in
1590. Two or three years afterwards he resigned Shoreditch, went to Ireland, and at length became treasurer to
the church of the holy Trinity, in Dublin, which he kept
until his death in 1604. Weever says he committed suicide; and there is still a tradition to this effect among the
inhabitants of Shoreditch parish. Whatever his errors, he
was esteemed an exact disputant, and a good preacher; an
excellent Greek scholar, and well versed in ecclesiastical
and civil history. Besides some tracts against the Jesuits,
he published “A Chronography,
” &c. Lond. The
Ancient Ecclesiastical Histories of the first 600 years after
Christ, originally written by Eusebius, Socrates, and Evagrius,
” The Chronicle of Ireland, in two parts,
” the third
part of which was published in A Sermon on the Baptising of a Turk,
”
preached in the collegiate church of St. Katherine, 1586,
8vo.
, a polite and ingenious scholar, was the younger son of the rev. Gideon Hardinge, and grandson
, a polite and ingenious scholar, was the younger son of the rev. Gideon Hardinge, and grandson of sir Robert Hardinge, of King’s Newton, a small hamlet in the parish of Melbourne in Derbyshire, who was knighted in the civil wars. He was born in 1700, and educated at Eton school, which he left in 17 Is for King’s college, Cambridge, where he took his degree of B. A. in 1722, and that of M. A. in 1726. When he left the university, he studied law, and was called to the bar; but obtained in 1731 the office of chief clerk of the house of commons, which he held until 1752, when he was appointed joint secretary of the treasury, in which post he died April 9, 1758.
At Eton and Cambridge, he had the fame of the most eminent scholar of his time, and wrote Latin verse with great elegance. When
At Eton and Cambridge, he had the fame of the most
eminent scholar of his time, and wrote Latin verse with
great elegance. When at Cambridge he was at the head
of the whig party, which happened to prevail in a contest
respecting the expulsion of a student, who, in one of the
college exercises had offended the tories. In this contest
he made himself master of the law and custom of visitatorial power, which he discussed in a very masterly essay;
but this, although intended for publication, has not yet
appeared. He was a very profound and judicious antiquary, particularly in what concerned English law and history. At the request of William duke of Cumberland (to whom he had been appointed, in Dec. 1732, law-reader, and was afterwards his attorney-general), he wrote a very
learned memorial upon the regency (when that subject was agitated in the last reign), which lord Hardwicke called
“an invaluable work.
” It was by Mr. Hardinge' s advice
and encouragement that Mr. Stuart undertook his journey
to Athens, with a view of illustrating the history of that
city. His diligence, accuracy, knowledge, and skill, in the
office of clerk to the House of commons, were never exceeded. He put the “Journals
” into their present form;
and drew up a very able report of the condition in which
he found them. In his office of secretary he was laborious,
able, and zealous; and so honest, that he had many enemies. He was chosen representative for the borough of
Eye in parliament in 1748 and 1754, and was a very useful
member; but had no talents or courage for eloquence,
though his taste in estimating it was exquisite.
, a learned Greek scholar and teacher, was the son of a father of the same name, who was
, a learned Greek scholar and teacher,
was the son of a father of the same name, who was warden
of Winchester, and died in 1613. He was also an able
Greek scholar, was employed on the translation of the Bible,
and published some of Chrysostom’s homilies from Mss. in
the library of New-college, Oxford. His son was born
about 1594, at Churchdowne, near Gloucester, and educated at Winchester-school. In 1611 he entered as a
demy of Magdalen-college, Oxford, and completed his
master’s degree in 1617, the highest Wood says he took,
“although he was in his latter days called Dr. Harmar.
”
His first employment as a teacher was in Magdalen school,
about which time he took orders. He was afterwards in
succession chief master of the free-school at St. Alban’s, and
under-master of Westminster-school. In 1650, when the
committee for reforming the university had ejected all the
old professors, he was appointed by their authority, Greek
professor, and in 1659 was presented to the rectory of
Ewhurst, in Hampshire. On account of his connexions
with the usurping powers, he was deprived of his professorship and rectory at the restoration, and retired to Steventon, in Hampshire,where he subsisted on his wife’s
jointure. He died there Nov. 1, 1670. As a nonconformist
Calamy has nothing to say for him, and Neal says “he was
an honest, weak man.
” He wrote Latin and Greek panegyrics on the leading men of all parties, and complimented
Charles II. with as much sincerity as he had Cromwell,
and Richard his successor. In the facility of Greek
composition he appears to have excelled, and he translated
some part of Butler’s Hudibras into Latin, retaining much
of the spirit of the original. While engaged as a teacher,
he published a “Praxis Grammatica,
” Lond. Janua Linguarum,
” of which there were six
or seven editions before J 63 1 He published also a “Lexicon Etymologicon Graccum,
” which Wood says is “junctim
cum Scapula,
” Lond. 1637, fol. His other principal works
are, 1. “Eclogse sententiarum et similitudinum, e D.
Chrysostomo decerptae,
” Gr. & Lah with notes, Lond.
Protomartyr Britannus; seu Elogia sacra
in conversionem et rnartyrium S. Albani,
” ibid. Epistola ad D. Lambertum Osbaldestonum, cui intexitur Apologia pro honoratissimo &c. D. Johanne Williams Arch. Eborac.
” ibid. M. T. Ciceronis vita, ex optimis quibusque scriptoribus delibata,
”
Ox. Mirror of Humility;
” from English
into Greek and Latin, the Assembly’s “Shorter Catechism,
” ibid. Treatise concerning Ambassadors.
”
ined. At length he was examined by bishop Barlow, who found him a very accomplished Greek, and Latin scholar, and he had the living of Hanweli given him, near Ban bury,
, president of Trinity-college, Oxford, was born at Broad Campden, in Gloucestershire, in
1578, and sent for education to the free-school of Chipping-Campden, where owing to irregular conduct of the
masters and their frequent changes, he appears to have
profited little. From thence he was removed to the city
of Worcester, and lastly to Magdalen-hall, Oxford, which
was preferred from his relationship to Mr. Robert Lyster,
then principal, a man somewhat popishly inclined. Here,
however, he had a tutor of a different stamp, a reputed
puritan, under whom he studied with great assiduity. Although his parents designed him for the law, as soon as he
took his bachelor’s degree, he determined to make trial of
his talents for the pulpit, and went to Chipping-Campden,
where he preached a sermon which gave satisfaction.
He afterwards officiated for a clergyman in Oxfordshire,
and in both cases without being ordained. At length he
was examined by bishop Barlow, who found him a very
accomplished Greek, and Latin scholar, and he had the
living of Hanweli given him, near Ban bury, in Oxfordshire. During his residence here he was often invited to
London, and preached at St. Paul’s cross, also before the
parliament, and on other public occasions. He had also
considerable offers of preferment in* London, but preserved
his attachment to Hanweli, where he was extremely useful
in confirming the people’s minds, then much unsettled, in
the reformed religion, as well as in attachment to the
church of England, although he afterwards concurred with
those who overthrew it so far as to accept preferment
under them. On the commencement of the civil war,
tjie tranquillity of his part of the country was much disturbed by the march of armies, and himself obliged at last
to repair to London, after his premises were destroyed by
the soldiery. On his arrival in London, he became a
member of the assembly, but appears to have taken no
active part in their proceedings.or some time, Hanwell having now been taken from him, he officiated at the
parish-church of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate-street, until the
rilling powers ordered him to Oxford, as one of the reforming visitors. Here during the visitation of the earl of
Pembroke, the chancellor of the university, he was admitted; D. D. and president of Trinity-college in April
1,648, in the room of Dr. Hannibal Potter, who was ejected
by the visitors. This situation he retained until his death,
Uec. 11, 1658,. in his eightieth year. He was buried in^
Trinity-college chapel, with an inscription from the ele-“gant pen of Dr. Bathurst, one of his successors, and contaming praises of his conduct as a president more than sufficient to answer the charges brought against him by others.
The only words Dr. Bathurst is said to have struck out are
these in Italics,
” per decennium hujus collegii Præses
æternum cdebrandus“nor was this alteration made in the
epitaph itself, but in Wood’s ms. of the
” Hist, et Antiquitates Univ. Oxon.“The only fault of which Dr. Harris
can be accused, and which was very common with other
heads of houses put in by the parliamentary visitors, was
taking exorbitant fines for renewals of college leases, by
which they almost sold out the whole interest of >the college in such estates. On the other hand he appears to have
made some liberal grants of money to the posterity of the
founder, sir Thomas Pope.
” One is surprized,“says
Warton,
” at those donations, under the government of
Dr. Robert Harris, Cromwell’s presbytenan president.
But Harris was a man of candour, and I believe a majority
of the old loyal fellows still remained.“Durham, the author of Harris’s life, gives him the character of
” a man of
admirable prudence, profound judgment, eminent gifts
and graces, and furnished with all qualifications which
might render him a complete man, a wise governor, a
profitable preacher, and a good Christian." He appears
to have very little relished some of the innovations of his
time, particularly that easy and indiscriminate admission
into the pulpits, which filled them with illiterate enthusiasts
of every description. His works, consisting of sermons
and pious treatises, were collected in 1 vol. fol. published
in 1654.
ept. 8, 1576, of King’s college, Cambridge, whence he removed to Pembroke-hall, of which he became a scholar, and was elected fellow Nov. 27, 1583. He took his degree of
, a learned English prelate, successively bishop of Chichester and Norwich, and archbishop
of York, the son of William Harsnet, a baker at Colchester,
was born in that town, and baptised June 20, 1561. He
was probably sent to the free-school of Colchester, but was
admitted Sept. 8, 1576, of King’s college, Cambridge,
whence he removed to Pembroke-hall, of which he became
a scholar, and was elected fellow Nov. 27, 1583. He took
his degree of B.A. in 1580, and that of M. A. in 15'84.
Three years after, in March 1586-7, he was elected master
of the free-school in Colchester, but, preferring the prosecution of his studies at Cambridge, he resigned this office
in November 1588, and returned to Pembrdke-hall, where
he studied divinity, in which indeed he had made great
progress before, and had been admitted into holy orders,
as appears by a sermon preached by him at St. Paul’s cross,
Oct. 27, 1584, on the subject of predestination. In 1592
he served the office of proctor, and five years after became
chaplain to Dr. Bancroft, bishop of London, by whose favour he obtained the rectory of St. Margaret Fish-street,
London, which he resigned in 1604; and the vicarage of
Chigwell in Essex, which he resigned in 1605, but continued to reside at Chigwell, where he had purchased a
house and estate, now the property and residence of his
descendant Mrs. Fisher. In 1598 he was collated to the
prebend of Mapesbury in St. Paul’s, and Jan. 1602 to the
archdeaconry of Essex, all in bishop Bancroft’s disposal.
In April 1604, sir Thomas Lucas of Colchester presented
him to the rectory of Shenfield in that county. The year
following, upon the resignation of bishop Andrews, he
was chosen master of Pembroke-hall, which he held until
1616, when he resigned in consequence of the society
having exhibited to the king an accusation branching into
fifty-seven articles. Many of these, Le Neve says, were
scandalous, and the proof evident; but, as Le Neve was
iiot able to procure a sight of tHem, we are not enabled to
judge. They do not, however, appear to have injured his
interest at court. He had been consecrated bishop of
Chichester in 1609, and was now, in 1619, three years
after he quitted Pembroke-hall, translated to Norwich, on
the death of Dr. Overall. In 1624 we find him again accused in the house of commons of “putting down preaching setting up images praying to the east;
” and other
articles which appear to have involved him with the
puritans of his diocese, but which he answered to the satisfaction of the parliament as well as of the court. On the
death of Dr. Montague, he was translated to the archbishopric of York in 1628, and in Nov. 1629, was sworn of
the privy council. These dignities, however, he did not
enjoy long, dying atMorton-on-the-marsh, Gloucestershire,
while on a journey, May 25, 1631. He was buried at
Chigwell church, agreeably to his own desire, where his
effigies is still to be seen fixed on the north side of the
chancel, against the wall. He left several charitable legacies and a year or two before his death founded and endowed a free school at Chigwell, and some alms-houses
the history of his school may be seen in Lysons’s “Environs.
” He bequeathed his library to the corporation of
Colchester for the use of the clergy. Besides the sermon above noticed, the only other occasion on which Dr.
Harsnet appeared as a writer, was in writing some pamphlets to expose the impostures of one John Darrell, who
pretended to have the power of casting out devils. Bishop
Harsnet’s character, from what we have related, appears to
be equivocal it is said he was equally an enemy to puritanism and to popery and, according to Fuller, was the
first who used the expression conformable puritans, i. e.
those who conformed out of policy, and yet dissented in
their judgments.
ib from Flanders,” 1650, 4to. Dury, Hartlib’s friend, whom Whitlock calls a “German by birth, a good scholar, and a great traveller,” was appointed in 1649 deputylibrarian,
He was consulted in a book called “Chemical, Medicinal, and Chirurgical Addresses to Samuel Hartlib.
”
Lond. On Motion
by Engines,
” Letters to Hartlib from Flanders,
” German by birth, a good scholar,
and a great traveller,
” was appointed in he had nothing to
keep him alive, with two relations more, a daughter and a
nephew, who were attending his sickly condition.
” About
the same time he presented a petition to the house of commons, by the name of Samuel Hartlib, sen. setting forth
his services, and praying relief; in which, among other
things, he says, that for thirty years and upwards he had
exerted himself in procuring “rare collections of Mss. in
all the parts of learning, which he had freely imported,
transcribed, and printed, and sent to such as were most
capable of making use of them; also the best experiments
in husbandry and manufactures, which by printing he hath
published for the benefit of this age and posterity.
” The
event of these applications, and the time of the death of
this ingenious man, is unknown. Sprat, in his history of
the royal society, says nothing of Hartlib, who seems to
have been an active promoter of that institution. Nor is
it less remarkable, that he never mentions Milton’s “Tractate of Education,
” although he discusses the plan of Cowley’s philosophical college. Harte intended to republish
Hartlib’s tracts, and those with which he was concerned;
and Warton had seen his collection.
year, and practised as an advocate in the prerogative court of Canterbury at London. As a poet and a scholar, he had great merit. His beautiful poem, signed Hobbinol, prefixed
, a caustic wit of the Elizabethan
period, and the butt of the wits of his time, was born about
1545. His father, although a rope-maker by trade, was
of a good family, and nearly related to sir Thomas Smith,
the celebrated statesman. He was educated at Christ’s
college, Cambridge, and for some time at Pembroke hall,
and took both his degrees in arts. He afterwards obtained
a fellowship in Trinity-hall, and served the office of proctor in the university. Having studied civil law, he obtained his grace for a degree in that faculty, and in 1585
was admitted doctor of laws at Oxford, which he completed in the following year, and practised as an advocate
in the prerogative court of Canterbury at London. As a
poet and a scholar, he had great merit. His beautiful
poem, signed Hobbinol, prefixed to the “Faerie Queene,
”
bespeaks an elegant and well-turned mind; and among his
works are several productions of great ingenuity and profound research. But he had too much propensity to vulgar abuse; and having once involved himself with his
envious and railing contemporaries Nash and Greene,
came their equal in this species of literary warfare. He
afforded the ai, howe?er, sufficient advantage, by having
turned almanack-maker and a prophetic dealer in earthqu ikes and prodigies, things which must not be altogether
reierred to the credulity of the times, since they were as
aptly ridiculed then by his opponents, as they would be
now, did any man of real knowledge and abilities become
so absurd as to propagate the belief in them. His highest
honour was in having Spenser for his intimate friend; nor
was he less esteemed by sir Philip Sidney, as appears by
the interesting account Mr. Todd has given of Harvey’s
correspondence in his excellent Life of Spenser. For an
equally curious account of Harvey’s literary quarrels with
Nash, &c. the reader may be referred with confidence to
one of the most entertaining chapters in Mr. DTsraeli’s
“Calamities of Authors.
” He is supposed to have died in
Three proper and
wittie letters touching the Earthquake, and our English reformed versifying,
” Lond. 1.080, 4to. 2. “Two other very
commendable Letters touching artificial versifying,
” ibid.
15SO, 4to. Harvey boasted his being the inventor of
English hexameters, which very jnstly exposed him to
ridicule. 3. “Foure Letters, and certain Sonnets, touching Robert Greene and others,
” ibid. and by Mr. Haselwood in his life
of that poet in the
” Censura Literaria.“5.
” Pierce’s
Supererogation, or a new prayse of the old Asse, with an
advertisement for Pap. Hatchet and Martin Marprelate,“ibid. 1593, &c. This war ol scurrility was at length terminated by an order of the archbishop of Canterbury,
” that all Nashe’s books and Dr. Harvey’s bookes be taken
wheresoever they be found, and that none of the said
bookes be ever printed hereafter.“Among his more creditable performances, Tanner has enumerated, 1.
” Rhetor,
sive dtiorutn dterum oratio de natura, arte et exercitatione
rbetorica,“Lond. 1577, 4to. 2.
” Ciceronianus, vel oratio
post reditum habita Cantabrigise ad suos auditores,“ibid.
1577, <Ko. 3.
” Gratulatio Vatdenensium, lib. IV. ad Elizabetham reginam,“ibid. 1578. 4.
” Smithus, vel musarum
lachrymze pro obitu honoratiss. viri Thorn se Smith," ibid.
1578, 4to.
, an architect of considerable note, was born in 1666, and at the age of seventeen became the scholar of sir Christopher Wren, but deviated a little from the lessons
, an architect of considerable note, was born in 1666, and at the age of seventeen
became the scholar of sir Christopher Wren, but deviated
a little from the lessons and practice of his master, at least
he did not improve on them, though his knowledge in
every science connected with his art, is much commended,
and his character remains unblemished. He was deputysurveyor at the building of Chelsea college, clerk of the
works at Greenwich, and was continued in the same posts
by king William, queen Anne, and George I. at Kensington, Whitehall, and St. James’s; surveyor of all the new
churches, and of Westminster-abbey, from the death of
sir Christopher, and designed many that were erected in
pursuance of the statute of queen Anne for building fifty
new churches viz. St. Mary Wool no th, in Lombard-street;
Christ church, in Spitaifields St. George, Middlesex St.
Anne, Limehouse and St. George, Bloomsbury the
steeple of which is a master-stroke of absurdity. It consists of an obelisk topped with the statue of George I.
hugged by the royal supporters: a lion, an unicorn, and a
king, on such an eminence, as Walpole observes, are very
surprizing. He also rebuilt some part of All Souls’ college,
Oxford, and gave the plan for a new front to the street,
which may be seen in Williams’s “Oxonia,
” but has never
been executed. At Blenheim and Castle-Howard he was
associated with Vanbrugh, and was employed in erecting
a magnificent mausoleum there, when he died in March
1736, near seventy years of age. He built several mansions, particularly Easton Neston in Northamptonshire;
restored a defect in Beverley minster by a machine that
screwed up the fabric with extraordinary art repaired, in
a judicious manner, the west end of Westminster-abbey
and gave a design for the Radcliffe library at Oxford.
, an English artist, much celebrated in his day, was born in 1708, at Exeter, and was the scholar of Brown. He appears to have come to London in the early part
, an English artist, much celebrated in his day, was born in 1708, at Exeter, and was the scholar of Brown. He appears to have come to London in the early part of his life, and was much employed by Fleetwood, the proprietor of Drury-lane theatre, for whom he painted many scenes. In the pursuit of his profession, he was not extremely assiduous, being more convivial than studious; yet he acquired a very considerable degree of power in his art, and was the best historical painter in the kingdom, before the arrival of Cipriani. It was this superiority of talent that introduced him to the notice of Mr. Jonathan Tyers, the founder and proprietor of Vauxhall, by whom he was employed in decorating those well-known gardens, and where some of his best historical pictures are still to be seen. He also painted four pictures from subjects taken from Sbakspeare, for what is called the prince’s pavilion in Vauxhall, but Mr. Tyers had such an high opinion of them, as to remove them to his own residence, and place copies in their room. His reputation procured him much employment from the booksellers, whom he furnished with drawings for their editions of Moore’s Fables, Congreve’s Works, Newton’s Milton, Hammer’s Shakspeare, Smcllet’s Don Quixote, Pope’s Works, &c. These drawings have in general great merit.
, a lawyer of eminence of the last century, and recorder of Exeter, was a celebrated scholar and an author. He wrote, 1. “An Essay towards a demonstrative
, a lawyer of eminence of the last
century, and recorder of Exeter, was a celebrated scholar
and an author. He wrote, 1. “An Essay towards a demonstrative proof of the Divine Existence, Unity, and Attributes; to which is premised, a short defence of the argument commonly called a priori,
” 17iO. This pamphlet
was dedicated to Dr. Oliver of Bath, and is to be ranked
amongst the ablest defences of Dr. Clarke’s, or rather Mr.
Howe’s, hypothesis; for it appears to be taken from Howe’s
“Living Temple.
” 2. “The case of the county of Devon with respect to the consequences of the new Excise
Duty on Cyder and Perry. Published by the direction of
the committee appointed at a general meeting of that
county to superintend the application for the repeal of
that duty,
” 1763, 4to. To this representation of the circumstances peculiar to Devonshire, the repeal of the act is
greatly to be ascribed; and very honourable notice was
taken of it at a general meeting or the county. 3. “Notre
sive Lectiones ad Tragicorum Graecorum veterum, JEschyli, &c.
” A Revisal of Shakspeare’s Text, wherein the alterations
introduced into it by the more modern editors and critics
are particularly considered,
” An Essay towards a new Version of Job,
” &c. in
anner of it, to the criticisms of Dr. Patten, who will appear to have been greatly his superior as a scholar and a divine, to any candid reader who shall review that controversy.
On the appearance of lord Bolingbroke’s works, he published in 1755, “A Sketch of lord Bollngbroke’s philosophy,
” the object of which was to vindicate the moral attributes of the Deity. In the latter end of the same year,
came out, “The use of Reason asserted in matters of Religion, in answer to a Sermon preached by Dr Patten at
Oxford, July 13, 1755,
” whom he act used of being a
Hutchinsonian; and, the year after, a Defence of this
against Dr. Patten, who had replied. Dr. Home also, a
friend to Dr. Patten, animadverted on Mr. Ht athcote’s
pamphlet: but it seems not to have been long before all
their sentiments concurred; at least, the Hutchinsonians
could not blame Mr. Heathcote more than he blamed himself. “When,
” says he, “the heat of controversy was
over, I could not look into them (the pamphlets) myself,
without disgust and pain. The spleen of Middleton, and
the petulancy of Warburton, had too much infected me.
”
This candid acknowledgment, however, seems to justify
Mr. Jones’s language in his life of bishop Home. “A Mr.
Heathcote, a very intemperate and unmanly writer, published a pamphlet against Dr. Patten, laying himself open,
both in the matter and the manner of it, to the criticisms
of Dr. Patten, who will appear to have been greatly his
superior as a scholar and a divine, to any candid reader
who shall review that controversy. Dr. Patten could not
with any propriety be said to have written on the Hutchinsonian plan; but Mr. Heathcote found it convenient to
charge him with it, &c.
” Warburton, too, who had complimented Mr. Heathcote to his face, speaks of him in a
letter to Dr. Hurd (in 1757) as one whose “matter is rational, but superficial and thin spread.
” He adds, “he
will prove as great a scribbler as Comber. They are both
sensible, and both have reading. The difference is, that
the one has so much vivacity as to make him ridiculous;
the other so little as to be unentertaining. Comber’s excessive vanity may be matched by H.'s pride; which I
think is a much worse quality.
” In this censure the reader
may perceive somewhat that will recoil upon the writer,
but Heathcote, we see, lived to acknowledge what was
amiss, which Warburton did not.
, an eminent physician and very accomplished scholar, was born in London in 1710, and received the early part of
, an eminent physician and very accomplished scholar, was born in London in 1710, and received the early part of his education in that city. At the close of 1724, he was sent to St. John’s college, Cambridge, where he proceeded A. B. in 1728, and M. A. in 1732. In 1730 he obtained a fellowship, and directed his attention to the study of medicine, which he pursued, partly at Cambridge, and partly in London. Having taken his degree of M. D. in 1739, he practised physic in the university for about ten years. During that time he read every year a course of lectures on the Materia.Medica, and made for that purpose a valuable collection of specimens, which he presented to St. John’s college in 1750, to which society, about ten years after, he presented soirre astronomical instruments. In 1746 he became a fellow of the royal college of physicians, and two years afterwards leaving Cambridge, he settled in London, and was elected into the royal society in 1749. He very soon got into great business, which he followed with unremitting attention above thirty years, till it seemed prudent to withdraw a little from the fatigues of his profession. He therefore purchased a house at Windsor, to which he used ever afterwards to retire during some of the summer months; but returned to London in the winter, and still continued to visit the sick for many years.
quence both as a man of the world and as an author. He figured by turns as a grammarian, a classical scholar, a poet, an antiquary, a preacher, and a writer of romances;
, at first an advocate, afterwards
an ecclesiastic, and abbé of Auhignac and Meimac, was
born at Paris in 1604. Cardinal Richelieu, whose nephew
he educated, bestowed on him his two abbeys, and the
protection of that minister gave him consequence both as
a man of the world and as an author. He figured by turns
as a grammarian, a classical scholar, a poet, an antiquary,
a preacher, and a writer of romances; but he was most
known by his book entitled “Pratique du Theatre,
” and
by the quarrels in which his haughty and presumptuous
temper engaged him, with some of the most eminent
authors of his time. The great Corneille was one of these,
whose disgust first arose from the entire omission of his
name in the celebrated book above mentioned. He was
also embroiled, on different accounts, with madame Scuderi, Menage, and Richelet. The warmth of his temper
exceeded rhat of his imagination, which was considerable;
and yet he lived at court a good deal in the style of a philosopher, rising early to his studies, soliciting no favours,
and associating chiefly with a few friends, as unambitious
as himself, he describes himself as of a slender constitution, not capable of taking much exercise, or even of applying very intensely to study, without suffering from it in
his health; yet not attached to any kind of play. “It is,
”
ays he, “too fatiguing for the feebleness of my body, or
too indolent for the activity of my mind.
” The abbé
d'Aubignac lived to the age of seventy-two, and died at
xnours in 1676. His works are, 1. “Pratique du Theatre,
”
Amsterdam, Zenobie,
” a
tragedy, in prose, composed according to the rules laid
down in his “Pratique,
” and a complete proof of the total
inefficacy of rules to produce an interesting drama, being
the most dull and fatiguing performance that was ever represented. The prince of Condé said, on the subject of
this tragedy, “We give great credit to the abbé d'Aubignac for having so exactly followed the rules of Aristotle,
but owe no thanks to the rules of Aristotle for having made
the abbé produce so vile a tragedy.
” He wrote a few other
other tragedies also, which are worse, if possible, than
Zenobia. 3. “Macaride; or the Queen of the Fortunate
Islands,
” a novel, Paris, Conseils
d'Ariste à Celimene, 12mo. 5.
” Histoire da terns, ou Relation du Royaume de Coqueterie,“12mo, 6.
” Terence
justifié,“inserted in some editions of his
” Pratique.“7.
” Apologie de Spectacles," a work of no value. A curious
book on satyrs, brutes, and monsters, has been attributed
to him; but, though the author’s name was Hedelin, he
does not appear to have been the same.
nd died in 1748. Erncsti says of him, that he was a good man, and very laborious, but not a profound scholar in Greek, nor well qualified for compiling a lexicon for the
, of Haiti,
or Grossen-hayn, in Misnia, was born in 1675. His first
publication was an edition of Empedocles “de Sphsera,
”
xvith his own notes, and the Latin version of Septimius
Florens, in 1711, Dresden, 4to. He then published a
“Notitia Auctorum,
” Greek
Lexicon
” was published, first at Leipsic, in
Venice, when on his tour in 1760, and which displays the feeling, tajte, and sentiment of a refined scholar. At Rome he was elected a member of the Arcadi, and under the
, a native of Groningen, was one of the most elegant Latin poets that part
of Europe has produced for a century past. Of his early
life we have no memorials. In 1760 he went to Italy, and
became acquainted with the most eminent scholars of that
period, and seems to have joined the cultivation of the modern
Italian, with that of the ancient classical taste, which he had
before imbibed, and of which be gave an excellent specimen
in his work “De Valetudine Literatorum,
” Leyden, Satyra de moribus Parhisiorumet FrUiae,
” De Oflicio mectici poema,
dedicated to cardinal Quirini,
” Groningen, Iter Veiietum,
” which he published at Venice, when on
his tour in 1760, and which displays the feeling, tajte, and
sentiment of a refined scholar. At Rome he was elected a
member of the Arcadi, and under the name which he assumed in compliance with the usual practice of that society,
he published in the above-mentioned year “Marii Curulli Groningensia satyræ,
” 8vo. In this his satire is free
and poignant, yet without merciless severity, and his Latin
uncommonly pure. In 1764, after his return home, he
published his “Notabilia,
” 2 books, and two more under
the same title in 1770, containing many anecdotes of the
Italian literati, and notices of his own history and opinions.
His other publications are, “Anni rustici Januarius,
” Groningen, Aves Frisicse,
” Rotterdam,
, a celebrated scholar and critic, professor of politics and history at Leyden, and
, a celebrated scholar and critic,
professor of politics and history at Leyden, and librarian of
the university there, was born at Ghent, in Flanders, May
1SO, of an illustrious family, who had possessed the first
places in the magistracy of that town. He was frequently
removed in the younger part of his life. He began his
studies at the Hague, and afterwards went with his parents
into Zealand, where he was instructed in polite literature
and philosophy. He soon learned the outlines of morality
and politics, but did not relish logic, and had an unconquerable aversion to the niceties of grammar. He discovered
early a strong propensity to poetry, and began to make verses
before he knew any thing of prosody or the rules of art. He
composed a regular elegy at ten years of age, upon the
death of a play-fellow; and there are several epigrams and
little poems of his, written when he was not above twelve,
which shew a great deal of genius and facility. He is represented, however, as having been somewhat indolent,
and not likely to make any progress in Greek Und Latin
learning; on which account his father sent him, at fourteen
years of age, to study the law in the university of Franeker. But from that time, as if he had been influenced
by a spirit of contradK*:on, nothing would please him but
classics; and he applies inmself there to Greek and Latin
authors, as obstinately as he had rejected them in Zealand.
He afterwards removed to Leyden, where he became a
pupil of Joseph Scaliger; and was obliged to the encouragement and care of that great man for the perfection to
which he afterwards arrived in literature, and which at the
beginning of his life there was so little reason to expect.
He published an edition of “Silius Italicus,
” in Crepundia Siliana,
” to shew that
they were written when he was extremely young. This
edition was reprinted at Cambridge, 1646, 12mo. Heinsius was made Greek professor at eighteen, and afterwards
succeeded Scaliger in the professorship of politics and history. When he was chosen librarian to the university, he
pronounced a Latin oration, afterwards published, in which
he described the duties of a librarian, and the good order
and condition in which a library should be kept. Being a
great admirer of the moral doctrine of the stoics, he wrote
an elegant oration in praise of the stoic philosophy. He
died Feb. 25, 1655, after having distinguished himself as a
critic by his labours upon Silius Italicus, Theocritus, Hesiod, Seneca, Homer, Hesychius, Theophrastus, Clemens
Alexandrinus, Ovid, Livy, Terence, Horace, Prudentius,
Maximus Tyrius, &c. He published two treatises “De
Satira Horatiana,
” which Balzac affirms to be masterpieces. He also wrote poems in various languages, which,
have been often printed, and always admired. He was
the author of several prose works, some of which were of
the humourous and satirical cast; as “Laus Asini,
” “Laus
Pediculi,
” &c.
tries, my father died. I, the youngest and least esteemed of all my brothers and sisters, was bred a scholar; and in the year 1594, which was to me the 17th, had finished
“In the year 1580,
” says he, " a most miserable one to
the Low Countries, my father died. I, the youngest and
least esteemed of all my brothers and sisters, was bred a
scholar; and in the year 1594, which was to me the 17th,
had finished the course of philosophy. Upon seeing none
admitted to examinations at Louvain, but in a gown, and
masked with a hood, as though the garment did promise
learning, I began to perceive, that the taking degrees in
arts was a piece of mere mockery; and wondered at the
simplicity of young men, in fancying that they had learned
any thing from their doting professors. I entered, therefore, into a serious and honest examination of myself, that
I might know by my own judgment, how much I was a
philosopher, and whether I had really acquired truth and
knowledge: but found myself altogether destitute, save
that I had learned to wrangle artificially. Then came I
first to perceive, that I knew nothing, or at least that
which was not worth knowing. Natural philosophy seemed
to promise something of knowledge, to which therefore I
joined the study of astronomy. I applied myself also to
logic and the mathematics, by way of recreation, when I
was wearied with other studies; and made myself a master
of Euclid’s Elements, as I did also of Copernicus’s theory
‘ De revolutionibus orbium ccelestium:’ but all these
things were of no account with me, because they contained
Jittle truth and certainty, little but a parade of science
falsely so called. Finding after all, therefore, that nothing
was sound, nothing true, I refused the title of master of
arts, though I had finished my course; unwilling, that
professors should play the fool with me, in declaring me a
master of the seven arts, when I was conscious to myself
that I knew nothing.
ted professor of mathematics and philosophy. In the former of these branches he had been a favourite scholar of the famous John Bernouilli. In 1717, he removed to Franeker,
, or Hemsterhusius, one of
the most famous critics of his country, the son of Francis
Hemsterhuis, a physician, was born at Groningen, Feb. 1,
1635. After obtaining the rudiments of literature from
proper masters, and from his father, he became a member
of his native university in his fourteenth year, 1698. He
there studied for some years, and then removed to Leyden,
for the sake of attending the lectures of the famous James
Perizonius on ancient history. He was here so much noticed by the governors of the university, that it was expected he would succeed James Gronovius as professor of
Greek. Havercamp, however, on the vacancy, was appointed, through the intrigues, as Ruhnkenius asserts, of
some who feared they might be eclipsed by young Hemsterhuis; who in 1705, at the age of nineteen, was called
to Amsterdam, and appointed professor of mathematics and
philosophy. In the former of these branches he had been
a favourite scholar of the famous John Bernouilli. In 1717,
he removed to Franeker, on being chosen to succeed
Lambert Bos as professor of Greek; to which place, in
1738, was added the professorship of history. In 1740 he
removed to Leyden to accept the same two professorships
in that university. It appears that he was married, because his father-in-law, J. Wild, is mentioned; he died
April 7, 1766, having enjoyed to the last the use of all his
faculties. He published, 1. “The three last books of Julius Pollux’s Onomasticon,
” to complete the edition of
which, seven books had been finished by Lederlin. This
was published at Amsterdam in 1706. On the appearance
of this work, he received a letter from Bentley, highly
praising him for the service he had there rendered to his
author. But this very letter was nearly the cause of driving
him entirely from the study of Greek criticism: for in it
Bentley transmitted his own conjectures on the true readings of the passages cited by Pollux from comic writers,
with particular view to the restoration of the metre. Hemsterhuis had himself attempted the same, but, when he
read the criticisms of Bentley, and saw their astonishing
justness and acuteness, he was so hurt at the inferiority
of his own, that he resolved, for the time, never again to
open a Greek book. In a month or two this timidity went
off, and he returned to these studies with redoubled vigour, determined to take Bentley for his model, and to'
qualify himself, if possible, to rival one whom he so greatly
admired. 2. “Select Colloquies of Lucian, and his Timon,
” Amst. The Plutus of Aristophanes,
with the Scholia,
” various readings and notes, Harlingen,
Part of an edition of Lucian,
” as far as
the 521st page of the first volume; it appeared in 1743 in
four volumes quarto, the remaining parts being edited by
J. M. Gesner and Reitzius. The extreme slowness of his
proceeding is much complained of by Gesner and others,
and was the reason why he made no further progress. 5. %
“Notes and emendations on Xenophon Ephesius,
” inserted
in the 36 volumes of the te Miscellanea Critica“of Amsterdam, with the signature T. S. H. S. 6.
” Some observations upon Chrysostom’s Homily on the Epistle to
Philemon,“subjoined to Raphelius’s Annotations on the
New Testament. 7.
” Inaugural Speeches on various occasions.“8. There are also letters from him to J. Matth.
Gesner and others; and he gave considerable aid to J.
St. Bernard, in publishing the ' Eclogae Thomae Magistri,
”
at Leyden, in 1757. His “Philosophical Works
” were
published at Paris in
Henley, says a late judicious reviewer of his life, “was a scholar of great acquirements, and of no mean genius; hardy and inventive;
Henley, says a late judicious reviewer of his life, “was
a scholar of great acquirements, and of no mean genius;
hardy and inventive; eloquent and witty; he might have
been an ornament to literature, which he made ridiculous;
and the pride of the pulpit, which he so egregiously disgraced; but having blunted and worn out that interior
feeling, which is the instinct of the good man, and the
wisdom of the wise, there was no balance in his passions,
and the decorum of life was sacrificed to its selfishness.
He condescended to live on the follies of the people, and
his sordid nature had changed him till he crept ‘ licking
the dust with the serpent’.
”
, a good Hebrew scholar, was born 1692 at Verdun. He was tutor to the son of M. Joly
, a good Hebrew scholar, was born 1692 at Verdun. He was tutor to the son of M. Joly de Fleury, procurator-general to the parliament of Paris, appointed professor of Hebrew at the royal college in 1723, and discharged that office with credit till 1752, when he was killed in the street, February 4, by the fall of an entablature. He left a small abridgement of the Hebrew grammar, folio, which is useful but rather obscure; and a good edition of Vatable’s Bible, 2 vols. fol.
conversant in Greek and Latin than in the Oriental languages and history. He was indeed aa universal scholar; and, what was very valuable in him, his modesty was equal to
He was no less conversant in Greek and Latin than in the Oriental languages and history. He was indeed aa universal scholar; and, what was very valuable in him, his modesty was equal to his erudition, and his uncommon abilities were accompanied with the utmost probity, piety, charity, and other Christian virtues, which he practised uniformly through the course of a long life.
archbishop of York, who placed him at Westminster-school. At the age of fifteen, being then a king’s scholar, he was elerted to Trinity college, Cambridge, and went thither
, an eminent and exemplary divine, younger brother to the preceding, was born April
3, 1593, at Montgomery castle. His father died when he
was very young; and until the age of twelve, he was educated under private tutors in his mother’s house. He was
then put under the care of Dr. Neale, dean of Westminster, and afterwards archbishop of York, who placed him
at Westminster-school. At the age of fifteen, being then
a king’s scholar, he was elerted to Trinity college, Cambridge, and went thither about 1608, during the mastership of that great benefactor to the college, Dr. Nevil, who,
at his mother’s request, took particular notice of him. At
college he was assiduous in his studies, and virtuous in his
conduct. Here he took his bachelor’s degree in 1612, and
that of master in 1616, before which he had obtained a
fellowship. During his studies, his principal relaxation
was music, for which he had a good taste, and in which,
as Walton says, “he became a great master.
” At this
time, however, he betrayed a little of the vanity of youth
and birth, by affecting great finery of dress, and maintaining a reserved behaviour towards his inferiors. In 1619,
he was chosen university orator, which office he held for
eight years, much to the satisfaction of his hearers, and
particularly of those great personages whom he had occasionally to address. The terms of flattery he appears to
have known how to use with great profusion; and in more
than one instance, pleased king James very much with his
liberal offerings of this kind. He gave no less satisfaction
to his majesty also, by his apt and ingenious replies to
Andrew Melville, a Scotch divine, at the Hampton-court
conference. His talents recommended him to the notice
of Dr. Andrews, bishop of Winchester, and of the great
lord Bacon, who is said to have entertained such a high
opinion of Mr. Herbert, as to consult him in his writings,
before they went to press, and dedicated to him his translation of some ef the Psalms into English verse, as the best
judge of divine poetry. Nor was bishop Andrews less enraptured with his character; for Herbert, having, in consequence of a dispute between them on predestination and
sanctity of life, written a letter to the bishop on the subject in Greek, Andrews used to show it to many scholars,
and always carried it about him. Sir Henry Wotton and
Dr. Donne may also be added to the number of those eminent men of his time whose friendship he shared.
, an able Oriental scholar, was born March 15, 1783, and from his earliest years appears
, an able Oriental
scholar, was born March 15, 1783, and from his earliest
years appears to have devoted his attention to the study of
the Oriental languages. From the age of sixteen he began
to compose an Arabic grammar, the first part of which was
published at Paris, 1803, 4to. and folio, under the title
“Developpemens des principes de la Langue Arabe moderne,
” &c. The second part has not yet appeared. In
his twenty-first year, his talents and reputation procured
his admission into the academy of sciences, belles-lettres,
and arts. Besides his knowledge of Oriental languages,
he was ably versed in the best Greek, Latin, Italian, and
English authors. He published also a “Treatise on ancient Music,
” and an account of Hafiz, the Persian poet,
with specimens of his poetry translated. Of this, however,
he printed only a small number, in 1806. He died in his
twenty-third year, Dec. 30, 1806, leaving many Mss. which
prove his death an irreparable loss to the learned world.
r of Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, under the tuition of Mr. Fawcett, Oct. 29, 1711; he was made scholar of the house next year, and proceeded A. B. in 1715. About this
, A. M. an English controversial writer,
was a native of Suffolk, and admitted pensioner of Corpus
Christi college, Cambridge, under the tuition of Mr.
Fawcett, Oct. 29, 1711; he was made scholar of the house
next year, and proceeded A. B. in 1715. About this time
he was recommended to the duchess of Bedford, who took
him into her family, for the instruction of her sons, Wrotthesly, the third, and John, the fourth duke of Bedford;
and the year following he was made fellow of Merton college, Oxford, where he commenced M. A. in 1718. He
was a man of learning, virtue, and spirit, and continued a
batcheior and a layman till the time of his death, which
happened at Woburn about the year 1722. He published
“The False notion of a Christian priesthood, &c.
” in answer to Mr. Law, A Letter to the Prolocutor,
”
jjo answer to one from him to Dr. Tenison, A
Letter to the Rev. Dr. Tenison concerning Citations out of
Arch. Wake’s Preliminary Discourse to the Apostolic Fathers,
” Lond. Under this name he was one of the writers in the Bangorian controversy, of which he began in some measure the
history, by publishing an account of all the considerable
pamphlets to which it gave rise, with a continuation and
occasional observations, to the end of the year 1719, by
the name of Philonagnostes Criticus. He published also,
w An account of all the considerable books and pamphlets
written in the controversy concerning the Trinity,
” from
Vindication
of the Archbishop of Canterbury from being the author of
a Letter on the State of Religion in England, printed at
Zurich,
” Lond. Two letters to Dr. Mangey
on his Sermon upon Christ’s Divinity,
” published about
the same time.
, a celebrated Saxon divine and scholar, was born in September 1690, at Sunderhausen in Thurmgia. He
, a celebrated Saxon
divine and scholar, was born in September 1690, at Sunderhausen in Thurmgia. He studied at home and at Gotha,
when having determined for the clerical profession, he
removed in 1708 to Halle. Hence, after a short stay, he
went to Jena, where he pursued his theologic1 studies
under the celebrated Budcleus, and his philological under
Dauzius. In 1711, he returned to Halle; but, being
obliged by iii Health to change the air, he took a literary
tour to Eisenach, Cassel, Marpurg, and Giessen. At the
latter of these places he settled, and took pupils in 1715;
but in 1722 undertook the care of a school at Laubacb,
In 1730 he was appointed a professor at Gotha, where he
remained till 1738, when, by particular invitation, he g-n-e
up that situation for a similar one of more profit at Eisenach.
Heusinger was married, and had a son and two daughters.
He died in March 1751. This philologer is highly praised
by his biographer for learning, piety, good temper, and
sound judgment. He published seve al editions of classical books as, “Julius Caesar,
” with notes, G >tha, u^sop’s Fables,
” in Greek “Phajdrus;
” “Three Orations of Cirevo;
” “Cornelius Nepos,
” Eisenach,
the stage none of his biographers have informed us. Langbaine observes of him, that he was a general scholar and tolerable linguist, as his translations from Lucian, Erasmus,
, an actor, and a writer of plays,
in the reigns of queen Elizabeth, James I. and Charles I.
has not had the time of his birth and death recorded.
Winstanley says, he was one of the most voluminous writers
ef his age: and, in a preface to one of his plays, he tells
us, that it was one preserved out of 220; of which number only 24 now remain. He displayed much learning in
his “Actor’s Vindication;
” but what rank he held on the
stage none of his biographers have informed us. Langbaine observes of him, that he was a general scholar and
tolerable linguist, as his translations from Lucian, Erasmus,
and from other Latin as well as Italian authors, sufficiently
shew: the wits and poets, however, have always held him
cheap. Besides his “Actor’s Vindication,
” he wrote “A
Life of Merlin
” The Hierarchy of Angels“Life of
queen Elizabeth
” “The Lives of nine Worthies
” “The
Lives of nine Women Worthies;
” “A general History of
Women,
” &c. &c. Notices of some of these may be found
in our authorities.
risti, Mr. Higford was placed under the tuition of Seb. Benefield, and was accounted an accomplished scholar and gentleman. After taking a degree in arts, he went home,
, a polite writer in the seventeenth century, was born in 1580, at or near Alderton,
Gloucestershire, and became a gentleman commoner of
Oriel college, Oxford, in 1595. He was soon, however,
removed to Corpus Christi, where his father William Higford, esq. and his grandfather sir John Higford, had both
studied, the latter under the celebrated bishop Jewell, and
both, as well as the subject of the present article, became
zealous puritans. At Corpus Christi, Mr. Higford was
placed under the tuition of Seb. Benefield, and was accounted an accomplished scholar and gentleman. After
taking a degree in arts, he went home, was admitted into
the commission of the peace, and was much respected by
the lord Chandois, and other persons of quality in his
country. He died at his house at Dixton, near Alderton,
April 6, 1657. He left behind him some things fit for the
press, but which were lost. A manuscript, however, was
preserved, entitled “Institution, or Advice to his Grandson,
” of which an abridgment was published by Barksdale, 1660, 12mo. This sensible volume is amply described in the “Censura Literaria.
” A descendant of the
author’s, the rev. Henry Higford, died at Dixton, aged
eighty-six, March 25, 1795.
as born at Fordingbridge, in Hampshire, Feb. 6, 1613, and educated at Oxford, where he was elected a scholar of Trinity college in 1632, and took his degree of M. D. in
, a physician and anatomist,
mentioned in the preceding lite, was born at Fordingbridge,
in Hampshire, Feb. 6, 1613, and educated at Oxford,
where he was elected a scholar of Trinity college in 1632,
and took his degree of M. D. in 1642. After this he practised at Sherbourne, in Dorsetshire, with a considerable
share of reputation, and died there March 21, 1684. He
was buried at Candle Purse in that county, of which place
his lather had been rector. Though wiih limited opportunities of dissection, he pursued the study of anatomy
with zeal, and his name has been given to some discoveries not strictly his; as that of the ant mm inaxillare, of
which he obtained a view from an extracted tooth, which
suggested the operation of piercing into it from the jaw,
practised by Cowper. Casserius had mentioned the cavity
under the name of ant rum gente. His principal work is,
“Corporis Humani Disquisitio Anatomica,
” printed at the
Hague in Exercitationes cliuc, quanun prior de passione hysterica, altera
de affectione hypochondnaca,
” Oxon. De hysterica et hypochondriaca
passione, Responsio Epistolaris ad Willisium.
” “A History of Generation,
” 8vo, Considerations on the Scarborough Spa,
” and
“Accounts of the Springs at FarinHon r.nd East Chennock,
” both in the Philosophical Transactions.
ngsgate, and after a proper education, was introduced into his business. He was also an accomplished scholar in the Greek, Latin, French, Dutch, and Italian languages, and
, a learned English gentleman, fellow
and treasurer of the royal society, one of the lords of trade,
and comptroller to the archbishop of Canterbury, was descended of an ancient and honourable family of that name,
seated at Shilston, in Devonshire, and was the son of Richard Hill, of Shilston, esq. His father was bred to mercantile business, which he pursued with great success, was
chosen an alderman of London, and v.as much in the
confidence of the Long-parliament, and of Cromwell and his
statesmen. Abraham, his eldest son, was born April 18,
1633, at his father’s house, in St. Botolph’s parish by Billingsgate, and after a proper education, was introduced
into his business. He was also an accomplished scholar in
the Greek, Latin, French, Dutch, and Italian languages,
and was considered as one of very superior literary attainments. On his father’s death in 1659, he became possessed of an ample fortune, and that he might, with more
ease, prosecute his studies, he hired chambers in Gresham
college, where he had an opportunity of conversing with
learned men, and of pursuing natural philosophy, to which
he was much attached. He was one of the first eucouragers of the royal society, and on its first institution became a fellow, and in 1663 their treasurer, which office
he held for two years. His reputation, in the mean time,
was not confined to his native country, but by means of
the correspondence of his learned friends, was known over
most part of Europe. Having, like his father, been biassed
in favour of the republican party from which he recovered
by time and reflection, his merit was in consequence overlooked during the reigns of Charles II. and James II. but
on the accession of king William, he was called to a seat
at the board of trade, where his knowledge of the subject
made his services of great importance; and when Dr. Tillotson was promoted to the see of Canterbury in 1691, he
prevailed on Mr. Hill to take on him the office of his
comptroller, which he accordingly accepted, and lived in
Jiigh favour with that distinguished prelate, who would frequently term him “his learned friend and his instructing
philosopher.
” On the accession of queen Anne, Mr. Hill
resigned his office in the Board of Trade, and retired to
his seat of St. John’s in Sutton, at Hone in the county of
Kent, which he had purchased in 1665, and which was
always his favourite residence. Here he died Feb. 5, 1721.
In 1767 a volume of his “Familiar Letters
” was published,
which gives us a very favourable idea of his learning, public spirit, and character; and although the information
these letters contain is not of such importance now as when
written, there is always an acknowledged charm in unreserved epistolary correspondence, which makes the perusal
of this and all such collections interesting.
t a very poor painter, and the example of his works was little calculated to produce eminence in his scholar. But he was a man of sound judgment and benevolent disposition,
, an ingenious and amiable English artist, was born about the year 1707, at Eye, near Ipswich, in Suftblk. His father was possessed of considerable property, holding a farm of large extent in his own hands. William shewing very early a disposition to study, was sent to a. school at Faringdon in Berkshire, where the master enjoyed a hii;h reputation for classical learning. The pupil eagerly availed himself of every opportunity of improvement, and in the course of a few years attained such a degree of proficiency as to assist his master occasionally in the tuition of the other scholars. To these acquirements he added no indifferent skill in drawing, which was also taught in the school; and he soon distinguished himself above his competitors in the prize exhibitions, which took place once a year. Indulging the bent of his mind to this art, he solicited and obtained his father’s permission to follow his studies in painting with a professional view. For this purpose, after having completed the school courses with great credit to himself, he was removed to London, where he was placed under the care of Grisoni, an Italian painter of history, the best, and perhaps the only one, which that time afforded. Grisoni, however, was at the best a very poor painter, and the example of his works was little calculated to produce eminence in his scholar. But he was a man of sound judgment and benevolent disposition, and it is probable that the sense of his own insufficiency induced him to persuade young William to seek a more satisfactory guidance in the pursuit to which he devoted himself so earnestly. The schools’ of Italy appeared to him the place to which a learner should resort for the means of accomplishment in his art. William caught the suggestion with eagerness, and the father’s permission was again earnestly sought, for visiting the foreign treasures of painting and sculpture, which were then known to the English only through the communications of such of our gentlemen and nobility as travelled on the continent for the purposes of polite accomplishment. William Hoare was the first English painter who visited Rome for professional study.
made him very impatient under this confined instruction, and he was resolved, at all events, to be a scholar. He first gained over his mother to his scheme; but she died
, a physician, was born of a good
family, at Furstenwalde, in the electorate of Brandenbourg, Sept. 20, 1621; and was driven early from his native country by the plague, and also by the war that followed it. His parents, having little idea of letters or
sciences, contented themselves with having him taught
writing and arithmetic; but Hoffman’s taste for books and
study made him very impatient under this confined instruction, and he was resolved, at all events, to be a scholar.
He first gained over his mother to his scheme; but she
died when he was only fifteen. This, however, fortunately
proved no impediment to his purpose; for the schoolmaster
of Furstenwalde, to which place after many removals he
had now returned, was so struck with his talents and laudable ambition, that he instructed him carefully in secret.
His father, convinced at length of his uncommon abilities,
permitted him to follow his inclinations; and, in 1637,
sent him to study in the college of Cologne. Famine and
the plague drove him from hence to Kopnik, where he buried his father; and, in 1638, he went to Altdorf, to an
uncle by his mother’s side, who was a professor of physic.
Here he finished his studies in classical learning and philosophy, and then applied himself, with the utmost ardour,
to physic. In 1641, when he had made some progress,
he went to the university of Padua, which then abounded
with men very learned in all sciences. Anatomy and botany were the great objects of his pursuit; and he became
very deeply skilled in both. Baitholin tells us, that Hoffman, having dissected a turkey-cock, discovered the panacreatic duct, and shewed it to Versungus, a celebrated
anatomist of Padua, with whom he lodged; who, taking
the hint, demonstrated afterwards the same vessel in the
human body. When he had been at Padua about three
years, he returned to Altdorf, to assist his uncle, now
growing infirm, in his business; and taking the degree of
doctor, he applied himself very diligently to practice, in.
which he had abundant success, and acquired great fame.
In 1648, he was made professor extraordinary in anatomy
and surgery; in 1649, professor of physic, and soon after
member of the college of physicians; in 1653, professor
of botany, and director of the physic-garden. He acquitted himself very ably in these various employments, not
neglecting in the mean tiaie the business of his profession;
in which his reputation was so extensive, that many princes of Gtrmany appointed him their physician. He died
of an apoplexy in 1698, after having published several
botanical works, and married three wives, by whom he had
eighteen children. His works are, 1. “Altdorfi deliciae
hortenses,
” Appendix ad Catalogum Plantarum hortensium,
” 16D1, 4to. 3. “Deliciae silvestres,
”
Florilegium Altdorfinum,
”
, a very polite and elegant Scholar, son of the rev. Thomas Holdsworth, rector of North Stoneham,
, a very polite and elegant
Scholar, son of the rev. Thomas Holdsworth, rector of
North Stoneham, in the county of Southampton, was born
Aug. 6, 1688, and trained at Winchester-school. He was
thence elected demy of Magdalen college, Oxford, in
July 1705; took the degree of M. A. in April 1711; became a college tutor, and had many pupils. In 1715,
when he was to be chosen into a fellowship, he resigned
his demyship, and left the college, because unwilling to
swear allegiance to the new government. The remainder
of his life was spent in travelling with young noblemen and
gentlemen as a tutor: in 1741 and 1744 he was at Rome
in this capacity, with Mr. Pitt and with Mr. Drake and Mr.
Townson. He died of a fever at lord Digby’s house at
Coleshill in Warwickshire, Dec. 30, 1746. He was the
author of the “Muscipula,
” a poem, esteemed a masterpiece in its kind, written with the purity of Virgil and the
pleasantry of Lucian, and of which there is a good English
translation by Dr. John Hoadly, in vol. V. of “Dodsley’s
Miscellanies,
” and another among Dr. Cobden’s poems.
He was the author also of a dissertation entitled “Pharsalia
and Philippi; or the two Philippi in Virgil’s Georgics attempted to be explained and reconciled to history, 1741,
”
4to; and of “Remarks and Dissertations on Virgil; with
some other classical observations, published with several
notes and additional remarks by Mr. Spence, 1768,
” 4to.
Mr. Spenoe speaks of him in his Polymetis, as one who
understood Virgil in a more masterly manner than any person he ever knew. The late Charles Jennens, esq. erected
a monument to his memory at Gopsal in Leicestershire.
te for the king, and zealous in the cause of episcopacy. He was devout, charitable, and an excellent scholar. In his “Preelectiones” he shows not only an intimate acquaintance
, sometimes written Oldsworth, and Oldisworth, a learned and loyal English divine,
the youngest son of Richard Holdsworth, a celebrated
preacher at Newcastlerupon-Tyne, was born in 1590, and
after the death of his father was committed to the care of
the rev. William Pearson, a clergyman of the same place,
who had married his sister. He was first educated at Newcastle, and in July 1607 admitted of St. John’s college,
Cambridge. Jn 1610 he took his bachelor’s degree, in
1613 was chosen fellow of his college, in 1614 was made
master of arts, and incorporated at Oxford in the same
degree in 1617, and in. 1620 was chosen one of the twelve
university preachers at Cambridge. While at college he
was tutor, among others, to the famous sir Symond D'Ewes.
After this he was for some time chaplain to sir Henry
Hobart, lord chief justice of the common pleas, and then,
had a living given him in the West Riding of Yorkshire,
which he exchanged for the rectory of St. Peter the Poor,
Broad-street, London. He settled there a little before
the great sickness in 1625, during which he continued to
do the duties of his office, became a very popular preacher,
and was much followed by the puritans. In 1629 he was
chosen professor of divinity at Gresham college, and in
his lectures, afterwards published, he discovered an unusual extent and variety of learning. They were frequented by a great concourse of divines and young scholars.
About 1631 he was made a prebendary of Lincoln, and in
1633 archdeacon of Huntingdon. In the same year he
stood candidate for the mastership of St. John’s college,
but neither he nor his competitor, Dr. Lane, being acceptable at court, the king, by mandate, ordered Dr.
Beale to be chosen. In 1637, however, Mr. Holdsworth
was elected master of Emanuel college, and created doctor
of divinity. In the same year he kept the act at Cambridge,
and in 1639 was elected president of Sion college by the
London clergy. In 1641 he resigned his professorship at
Gresham college, and the rebellion having now begun, he
was marked out as one of the sacrifices to popular prejudice, although he had before suffered somewhat from the
court. While vice-chancellor Dr. Holdsworth had supplied the king with money contributed by the university, a
crime not easily to be forgiven. When, however, the
assembly of divines was called, Dr. Holdsworth was nominated one of the number, but never sat among them.
Soon after in obedience to the king’s mandate, he caused
such of his majesty’s declarations to be printed at Cambridge as were formerly published at York, for which, and,
as Dr. Fuller says, a sermon preached then by him, he
was forced to leave the university before the expiration of
his office as vice-chancellor. After some concealment he
was apprehended near London, and imprisoned, first in
Ely house, and then in the Tower. Such was the regard,
however, in which he was held at Cambridge, that while
under confinement he was elected Margaret professor of
divinity, which he held until his death, although he could
Meither attend the duties of it nor receive the profits; but
his rectory of St. Peter the Poor, and the mastership of
Emanuel, were both taken from him. It seems uncertain
when he was released. We find him attending the king at
Hampton Court in 1647; and in January following, when
the parliament voted that no more addresses should be
made to the king, he preached a bold sermon against that
resolution, for which he was again imprisoned, but being
released, assisted, on the king’s part, at the treaty in the
Isle of Wight. The catastrophe that soon after befell his
royal master is thought to have shortened his life, which
terminated Aug. 29, 1649. He lived unmarried, and left
his property to charitable uses, except his books, part of,
which went to Emanuel college, and part to the public
library at Cambridge. He was buried in the chnrch of St.
Peter the Poor, where is a monument to his memory. He
was of a comely appearance and venerable aspect; warm
in his temper, but soon pacified; a great advocate for the
king, and zealous in the cause of episcopacy. He was
devout, charitable, and an excellent scholar. In his “Preelectiones
” he shows not only an intimate acquaintance with
the fathers and schoolmen, but likewise most of the eminent divines of later ages, popish as well as protestant,
and his style is good. His works are, 1. “A Sermon
preached in St. Mary’s, Cambridge, on his majesty’s inauguration,
” The Valley of Vision; or a clear sight of sundry sacred truths; delivered in twenty-one sermons,
” Lond.
Praelectiones
theologicae,
” Lond.
loss of such a man at this critical time was unquestionably great, and was duly appreciated by every scholar who was a judge of his labours. They felt therefore a proportional
With these encouragements, Dr. Holmes exhibited in 1789 his first annual account, by which it appeared that eleven folio volumes of collations were deposited, at the end of that year, in the Bodleian library; subsequent annual accounts followed, and at the end of 1795, the total number of ms volumes deposited in that library was seventy-three, and the sum received by subscriptions 4445l. which, liberal as it may seem, fell very far short of the expences incurred by the editor. Notwithstanding this he proceeded in the last-mentioned year to submit two folio specimens to the opinion of scholars and critics, the first containing chapters I. and II. of Genesis, and the second, chapter I. according to the Vatican text, the divisions of chapters and verses in which somewhat differs from the Vulgate. He was aware, however, that his original plan was so extensively laborious, that no perseverance or life would have been equal to its execution. He determined, therefore, to contract it, and in this form published in 1798 part of his first volume, containing the book of Genesis, which exhibits a very extraordinary monument of diligence. This was followed in 1801, by another portion of the same volume, containing Exodus and Leviticus; and in 1804 the volume was completed by the addition of Numbers and Deuteronomy, with a valuable preface, giving a history 'of the Septuagint and its various editions. Dr. Holmes then published the prophecy of Daniel, according to Theodotion and the Septuagint, departing from his proposed order, as if by a presentiment of his end. The loss of such a man at this critical time was unquestionably great, and was duly appreciated by every scholar who was a judge of his labours. They felt therefore a proportional gratification, in seeing the work resumed, in an uniform manner, after an interruption of only four years, by the rev. James Parsons, M. A. of Wadhatn college, who in 1810 published the first part of vol. II. containing the book of Joshua, and who appears in every respect qualified to carry on the laborious design with honour to himself and to the university.
, an excellent classical scholar, the son of the rev. Henry Homer, rector of Birdingbury, in
, an excellent classical scholar, the
son of the rev. Henry Homer, rector of Birdingbury, in
Warwickshire, who died a few months after this son, in
1791, was born in 1752, and at the age of seven was sent
to Rugby school, where he remained seven years, and became the head-boy of about sixty. He afterwards went to
Birmingham-school, where he remained three years more.
In November 1768, he was admitted of Emanuel-college,
Cambridge, under Dr. Farmer, where he became acquainted
with Dr. Samuel Parr, and was in some measure directed
in his studies by this eminent scholar. He proceeded regularly to his degree of B. A. in 1773, of M. A. in 1776,
and that of B. D. in 1783. He was elected fellow of his
college in 1778, but had lived in Warwickshire about three
years before he became fellow, and returned to the university soon after his election. He then resided much at
Cambridge, frequently visiting the public library, and making himself acquainted with the history or contents of many
curious books which are noticed only by scholars, and particularly turned his attention to several philological works
of great utility and high 'reputation. He was well versed
in the notes subjoined to some of the best editions of various authors; and of his general erudition the reader will
form no unfavourable opinion from the following account
of the works in which he was engaged. He joined with
Dr. Parr in the republication of Bellenden’s Tracts in 1787,
and about the same year published three books of “Livy,
”
viz. the 1st, 25th, and 31st from Drachenborch’s edition,
with dissertations, &c. This was followed by, 1. “Tractatus varii Latini aCrevier, Brotier,
” &c. Epistles
” ex editione Burman. Sallust. ex
cditione Cortii,
” Pliny, ex editione Cortii et
Longolii,
” Caesar, ex edit. Oudendorp,
” Persius ex edit. Heninii.
” 7. “Tacitus, ex edit,
Brotier,
” complete all but the Index. 8. “Livy
” and
“Quintilian,
” in the press at the time of his death. He
also intended to have published “Quintus Curtius,
” but
no steps were taken towards it. To these, however, may
be added his “Tacitus de Moribus Germanorum et de
Vita Agricolje,
” De Oratoribus,
”
of great probity; and, had it not been for a very laudable ambition in his father to make his son a scholar, the obscurity of a mechanical trade would probably have concealed
, a very celebrated Dutch philologer, was born at Leyden, in the latter end of January 1712. His parents were poor, but of great probity; and, had it not been for a very laudable ambition in his father to make his son a scholar, the obscurity of a mechanical trade would probably have concealed his powers through life. At ten years of age he was sent to school, but for a considerable time gave not the slightest proof of talents for literature, so completely depressed was he by the wanton tyranny of a severe master. When at length he was removed into another class, and was under a milder teacher, his powers began to expand, and he took the lead among those of his standing, instead of holding an inferior place. So early as at fifteen he began the task of teaching others, to alleviate the expences of his parents, being now highly qualified for such an undertaking. He was employed in teaching the inferior classes of the school to which he still belonged. While he was yet employed in his studies, he lost his father; but this misfortune rather redoubled his efforts than subdued his spirit. In 1732, before he had exceeded his twentieth year, he obtained the appointment of co-rector (or under-master) at Gorcum. Within nine months the magistrates of the city of Woerden gave him an appointment there, which induced him to think of matrimony. He married in March 1733, and began the care of this school in May, the same year. By this wife, who died in 1738, he had three sons and two daughters. In the same year he was solicited by the magistrates of Culembourg to undertake the care of their school, to which, with much reluctance in leaving his former situation, he at length consented. Here he took a second wife, who produced him eight children; and here, notwithstanding solicitations from other places, he continued for several years. At length, much fatigued by incessant attention to a great number of scholars, he went in 1745 to Breda, on a more liberal appointment. The very next year, Breda being harassed by a French invasion, Hoogeveen was obliged to send his collection of books to Leyden, and literary pursuits were at a stand. He remained, however, sixteen years at Breda, and had determined there to end his days, but Providence decided otherwise. The malice and turbulence of a person who had taken up some unreasonable cause of offence against him, inclined him to leave Breda. His intention being known, he was liberally invited to Dort, whither he transferred his residence in 1761. From this place, after living there three years, he was in a manner forced away by the importunity and liberality of the city of Delft. On his first arrival there, he encountered some difficulties from calumny and malice, but he weathered the storm, and remained there the remainder of his life in peace and honour. He died about Nov. 1, 1794, leaving some surviving children by both his marriages.
ht him for charity’s sake to look favourably upon a poor nephew of his, whom nature had fitted for a scholar; bill the estate of his parents was so narrow, that they were
, an eminent English divine, and
author of an excellent work, entitled “The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, in eight books,
” was born at Heavytree near Exeter, about the end of March 1554. His
parents, not being rich, intended him for a trade; but his
schoolmaster at Exeter prevailed with them to continue
him at school, assuring them, that his natural endowments
and learning were both so remarkable, that he must of
necessity be taken notice of, and that God would provide
him some patron who would free them from any future care
or charge about him. Accordingly his uncle John Hooker,
the subject of the preceding article, who was then chamberlain of the town, began to notice him; and being known
to Jewell, made a visit to that prelate at Salisbury soon
after, and “besought him for charity’s sake to look favourably upon a poor nephew of his, whom nature had fitted
for a scholar; bill the estate of his parents was so narrow,
that they were unable to give him the advantage of
learning; and that the bishop therefore would become his patron, and prevent him from being a tradesman, for he was
a boy of remarkable hopes.
” The bishop examining into
his merits, found him to be what the uncle had represented him, and took him immediately under his protection. He got him admitted, in 1567, one of the clerks of
Corpus-Christi college in Oxford, and settled a pension
on him; which, with the contributions of his uncle, afforded him a very comfortable subsistence. In 1571,
Hooker had the misfortune to lose his patron, together
with his pension. Providence, however, raised him up
two other patrons, in Dr. Cole, then president of the college, and Dr. Edwyn Sandys, bishop of London, and afterwards archbishop of York. To the latter of these Jewell
had recommended him so effectually before his death, that
though of Cambridge himself, he immediately resolved to
send his son Edwyn to Oxford, to be pupil to Hooker, who
yet was not much older; for, said he, “I will have a tutor
for my son, that shall teach him learning by instruction,
and virtue by example.
” Hooker had also another considerable pupil, namely, George Cranmer, grand nephew
to Cranmer the archbishop and martyr; with whom, as
well as with Sandys, he cultivated a strict and lasting
friendship. In 1573, he was chosen scholar of Corpus,
and in 1577, having taken his master’s degree, was elected
fellow of his college; and about two years after, being
well skilled in the Oriental languages, was appointed deputy-professor of Hebrew, in the room of Kingsmill, who
was disordered in his senses. In 1581, he entered into
orders; and soon after, being appointed to preach at St.
Paul’s-cross in London, was so unhappy as to be drawn
into a most unfortunate marriage; of which, as it is one
of the most memorable circumstances of his life, we shall
give the particulars as they are related by Walton. There
was then belonging to the church of St. Paul’s, a house
called the Shunamites house, set apart for the reception
and entertainment of the preachers at St. Paul’s cross, two
days before, and one day after the sermon. That house
was then kept by Mr. John Churchman, formerly a substantial draper in Watluig-sti'eet, but now reduced to poverty. Walton says, that Churchman was a person of virtue, but that he cannot say quite so much of his wife. To
this house Hooker came from Oxford so wet and weary,
that he was afraid he should not be able to perform his
duty the Sunday following: Mrs. Churchman, however,
nursed him so well, mat he presently recovered from the
ill effects of his journey. For this he was very thankful;
so much indeed that, as Walton expresses it, be thought
himself bound in conscience to believe all she said; so
the good man came to be persuaded by her, “that he
had a very tender constitution; and that it was best for
him to have a wife, that might prove a nurse to him; such
a one as might both prolong his life, and make it more
comfortable; and such a one she could and would provide
for him, if he thought fit to marry.
” Hooker, not considering “that the children of this world are wiser in their
generation than the children of light,
” and fearing no
guile, because he meant none, gave her a power to choose
a wife for him; promising, upon a fair summons, to return
to London, and accept of her choice, which he did in that
or the year following. Now, says Walton, the wife provided for him was her daughter Joan, who brought him
neither beauty nor portion; and for her conditions, they
were too like that wife’s which Solomon compares to a
dripping-house; that is, says Wood, she was “a clownish
silly woman, and withal a mere Xantippe.
”
the reputation of an amiable and estimable man in his private character; a man of taste, and a good scholar. He lived much in habits of friendship with Dr. Johnson, and
In 1773, the first volume of his “Orlando Furioso
” appeared, and was favourably received, but the farther prosecution of the work was interrupted by his appointment
to the office of auditor of Indian accounts to the East India
company, which occupied much of his time and attention.
Ilein ruing again, however, to his task, he completed the
“Orlando Furioso
” in The Orlando, reduced to twenty-four books,
the narrative connected, and the stories disposed in a regular series,
” llinaldo.
” His last production was a more complete collection of Metastasio-'s
“Dramas and other Poems
” in 3 vols. 8vo. In this, if we
mistake not, Mr. Hoole has displayed more poetical energy
and variety than in his translations of Tasso and Ariosto,
in whicjti his chief merit is smooth versification, and his
chief defect a want of variety in his harmony. Mr. Hoole
died at Dorking, Aug. 2, 1803, leaving the reputation of
an amiable and estimable man in his private character; a
man of taste, and a good scholar. He lived much in habits of friendship with Dr. Johnson, and attended that
eminent man in his last illness, of which he left an interesting diary.
classical learning first at St. Paul’s, and afterwards at Westminster-school, where he was a king’s scholar. From thence he was elected to Christ-church in Oxford, in 1657,
, an eminent English divine,
son of George Hooper, gent, was born at Grimley, in
Worcestershire, Nov. 18, 1640, and educated in grammar
and classical learning first at St. Paul’s, and afterwards at
Westminster-school, where he was a king’s scholar. From
thence he was elected to Christ-church in Oxford, in 1657,
where he took his degrees at the regular times and distinguished himself above his contemporaries by his superior knowledge in philosophy, mathematics, Greek and
Roman antiquities, and the oriental languages, in which
last he was assisted by Dr. Pocock. In 1672 he became
chaplain to Morley, bishop of Winchester, who collated
him to the rectory of Havant, in Hampshire, which, the
situation being unhealthy, he resigned for the rectory of
East Woodhay, in the same county. In July 1673 he
took the degree of B. D. and not long afterwards became
chaplain to archbishop Sheldon, who begged that favour
of the bishop of Winchester, and who in 1675 gave him
the rectory of Lambeth, and afterwards the precentorship
of Exeter. In 1677 he commenced D. D. and the same
year, being made almoner to the princess of Orange, he
went over to Holland, where, at the request of her royal
highness, he regulated her chapel according to the usage
of the church of England. After one year’s attendance,
he repassed the sea, in order to complete his marriage to
Abigail, daughter of Richard Guildford, gent, the treaty
for which had been set on foot before his departure. He
then went back to her highness, who had obtained a promise from him to that purpose; but, after a stay of about
eight months, she consented to let him return home. In
1680 he is said to have been offered the divinity-professorship at Oxford, but the succession to that chair had
been secured to Dr. Jane. About the same time, however,
Dr. Hooper was made king’s chaplain. In 1685, by the
king’s command, he attended the duke of Monmouth, and
had much free conversation with him in the Tower, both
the evening before, and the day of his execution, on
which, that unhappy nobleman assured him “be had made
his peace with God,
” the nature of which persuasion Dr.
Hooper solemnly entreated him to consider well, and then
waited on him in his last moments. The following year
he took a share in the popish controversy, and wrote a
treatise, which will be mentioned presently with his works.
In 1691, he succeeded Dr. Sharp in the deanery of Canterbury. As he never made tae least application for preferment, queen Mary surprised him vvitn this offer, when
the king her husband was absent in Holland. With a disinterestedness not very common, he now proposed to resign either of his livings, but the queen observed that
though the king and she never gave two livings to one
man, yet they never took them away,“and ordered him
to keep both. However, he resigned the rectory of Woodhay. He was made chaplain to their majesties the same
year. In 1698, when a preceptor was chosen forttie duke
of Gloucester, though both the royal parents of that prince
pressed earnestly to have Hooper, and no objection was
ever made against him, yet the king named bishop Burnet
for that service. In 1701, he was chosen prolocutor to
the lower house of convocation and the same year was
offered the primacy cf Ireland by the earl of Rochester,
then lord-lieutenant, which he declined. In May 1703,
he was nominated to the bishopric of St. Asaph. This he
accepted, though against his inclination on this occasion
be resigned Lambeth, but retained his other preferments
with this bishopric, in which, indeed, he continued but
a few months, and on that account he generously refused
the usual mortuaries or pensions, then so great a burthen
to the clergy of Wales, saying
” They should never pay
so dear for the sight of him." In March following, being
translated to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, he earnestly requested her majesty to dispense with the order,
not only on account of the sudden charge of such a translation, as well as a reluctance to remove, but aiso in regard to his friend Dr. Ken, the deprived bishop of that
place, for whom he begged the bishopric. The queen,
readily complied vvitb Hooper’s request; but the offer
being declined by Ken, Hooper at his importunity yielded
to become his successor. He now relinquished the deanery
of Canterbury, but wished to have retained the
precentorship of Exeter in commendam, solely for the use of Dr.
Ken. But this was not agreeable to Dr. Trelauney, bishop of Exeter. His intention, however, was supplied by
the bounty of the queen, who conferred an annual pension of 200l. on the deprived prelate. In 1705, bishop
Hooper distinguished himself in the debate on the danger
of the church, which, with many other persons, he apprehended to be more than imaginary. His observation
was candid; he complained with justice of that invidious
distinction which the terms high church and low church occasioned, and of that enmity which they tended to produce. In the debate in 1706, he spoke against the union
between England and Scotland, but grounded his arguments on 'fears which have not been realized. In 1709-10,
when the articles of Sachevereli’s impeachment were
debated, he endeavoured to excuse that divine, and entered his protest against the vote, which he could not
prevent.
Prowse, esq. It had been observed of this prelate by the celebrated Dr. Busby, “that he was the best scholar, the finest gentleman, and would make the completest bishop
Having presided over the see of Bath and Wells twentythree years and six months, and having nearly attained to
the great age of eighty seven, he died at Barkley, in Somersetshire, whither he sometimes retired, Sept. 6, 1727.
His remains were interred, at his own request, in the cathedral of Wells, under a marble monument with a Latin
inscription, and adjoining to it is a monument with an inscription to the memory of his wife, who died the year before him. By this lady he had nine children, one of whom
only, a daughter, survived him, then the widow of
Prowse, esq.
It had been observed of this prelate by the celebrated
Dr. Busby, “that he was the best scholar, the finest gentleman, and would make the completest bishop that ever
was educated at Westminster-school;
” and Dr. Coney,
who knew the bishop well, has proved this testimony to
have been just in every respect. Bishops Burnet and Atterbury are the only writers of any note who have spoken,
evidently from prejudice, against him, as an ambitious
man, a charge which the history of his promotions amply
refutes.