d Cowper says, that in his opinion, Solomon is the best poem, whether we consider the subject of it, or the execution, that Prior ever wrote.
In his private character Prior was licentious, and descended to keep low company. In his “Tales
” we find
much indecency, and his works, collectively, are not a
suitable present from a decent giver. Whatever his opinions, there seems no evidence to contradict the charge
brought against him, that his life was irregular, negligent,
and sensual. For the merit of his poems we may refer to
Dr. Johnson’s criticism, which some have thought rather
severe. As it becomes more attentively considered, however, it seems to harmonize with more recent opinions.
Ease and humour are the principal characteristics of Prior’s
poetry. Invention he had very little; but, although his
stories, and even his points may be traced, he certainly had
the happy art of telling an old story so as to convey new
delight. He appears to have rested his reputation on his
“Solomon,
” which he wrote with great labour. Johnson,
who objects to it chiefly its tediousness, allows that the reader
will be able to mark many passages to which he may recur
for instruction and delight, many from which the poet may
learn to write, and the philosopher to reason: and Cowper
says, that in his opinion, Solomon is the best poem, whether
we consider the subject of it, or the execution, that Prior
ever wrote.
were solemnly condemned. He was then but a layman, but soon after he was ordained bishop of Labina, or Lavila, supposed to be Avila, one of the cities of Galicia,
, a heretic of the fourth century, well known in ecclesiastical history for having revived the errors of the Gnostics and Manicheans, was a Spaniard, of high birth, and great fortune, with considerable talents and eloquence. His opinions first became known in the year 379, and were rapidly diffused in Spain. But in the ensuing year a council was held by the bishops of Aquitaine at Saragossa, in which the Prisciliianists were solemnly condemned. He was then but a layman, but soon after he was ordained bishop of Labina, or Lavila, supposed to be Avila, one of the cities of Galicia, by two bishops of his own party. In the year 384, or, as Baronius in his Annals writes, 387, the ringleaders of this sect were put to death by the emperor Maximus, having been convicted before the magistrates of the grossest immoralities. These were, Priscillian himself, Felicissimus, and Armenus, two ecclesiastics, who had but very lately embraced his doctrine; Asarinus and Aurelius, two deacons Latronianus, or, as Jerome calls him, Matronianus, a layman and Eucrocia, the widow of the orator Delphidius, who had professed eloquence in the city of Bourdeaux a few years before. These were all beheaded at Treves. The rest of Priscillian’s followers, whom they could discover or apprehend, were either banished or confined. The bodies of Priscillian, and those who suffered with him, were conveyed by the friends and adherents into Spain, and there interred with great pomp and solemnity; their names were added to those of other saints and martyrs, their firmness extolled, and their doctrine embraced by such numbers of proselytes that it spread in a short time over all the provinces between the Pyrenees and the ocean. The author of the notes upon Sulpitius Severus tells us that he saw the name of Priscillian in some not very ancient martyrologies. In practice they did not much differ from the Manichees the same, or nearly the same, infamous mysteries being ascribed to both: for, in the trial of Priscillian, before the emperor Maximus, it was alledged that he had countenanced all manner of debauchery, that he had held nocturnal assemblies of lewd women, and that he used to pray naked among them. Others, however, are of opinion that these charges had not much foundation, and that the execution of Priscillian and his followers was rather a disgrace than an advantage to the Christian cause.
, Pritius, or Pritzius, a protestant divine, was born at Leipsic in 1662.
, Pritius, or Pritzius, a protestant divine, was born at Leipsic in 1662. He was chosen in 1707, at Gripswalde, professor of divinity, ecclesiastical counsellor, and minister; which offices he there
held till 1711, when he was called to preside over the ministry at Francfort on the Maine. At that place he died,
much beloved and esteemed, on the 24th of August, 1732.
Besides the works that were published by this learned author, he was, from 1687 to 1698, one of the writers of the
Leipsic Journal. He was the author of many compilations
of various kinds, and wrote, 1. “A learned Introduction to
the reading of the New Testament,
” 8vo; the best edition
is 1724. 2. “De Immortalitate Animac,
” a controversial
book, against an English writer. 3. An edition of the
works of St. Macarius. 4. An edition of the Greek Testament, with various readings, and maps. 5. An edition of
the letters of Milton and some other works.
and the whole together has a certain grandeur and breadth which he either acquired from the Caracci, or like them derived from Corregio. He died in 1626, at the age
He is sometimes equally blameable for extravagance of attitude, as in the executioner of St. Nazario a picture else composed of charms and beauties-. But notwithstanding the number and copiousness of his works, his design is correct, his forms and draperies select, his invention varied, and the whole together has a certain grandeur and breadth which he either acquired from the Caracci, or like them derived from Corregio. He died in 1626, at the age of 78. He had two brothers, both painters, but not of equal merit with himself; Camillo, who practised in history painting, and Carlo Antonio, who adopted landscape. The latter left a son Ercole, called the Young, who painted flower-pieces with considerable skill, and died in 1676, aged 80.
he wars of Persia, Africa, and Italy. He afterwards was admitted into the senate, and became prefect or governor of the city gt Constantinople; where he seems to have
, an ancient Greek historian of the sixth
century, was born at Caesarea in Palestine, and went thence
to Constantinople in the time of the emperor Anastasius
whose esteem he obtained, as well as that of Justin the
first, and Justinian. His profession was that of a rhetorician
and pleader of causes. He was advanced to be secretary to
Belisarius, and attended that renowned general in the wars
of Persia, Africa, and Italy. He afterwards was admitted
into the senate, and became prefect or governor of the
city gt Constantinople; where he seems to have died,
somewhat above sixty, about the year 560. His history
contains eight books; two, of the Persian war, which are
epitomized by Photius, in the sixty-third chapter of his
“Bibliotheca;
” two, of the wars of the Vandals; and
four, of that of the Goths; of all which there is a kind of
abridgment, in the preface of Agathias, who began his
history where Procopius left off. Besides these eight books,
Suidas mentions a ninth, which comprehends matters not
before published, and is therefore called his avExSbra, or indita. Vossius thought that this book was lost but it has
since been published, and gone through many editions.
Many learned men have been of opinion, that this is a spurious work, and falsely ascribed to Procopius; and cannot
be persuaded, that he, who in the eight books represented
Justinian, Theodora, and Belisarius, in a very advantageous
light, should in this ninth have made such a collection of
particulars as amounts to an invective against them and
Le Vayer was so sensibly affected with this argument, that
he declares all Procopius’ s history to be ridiculous, if ever
so little credit be given to the calumnies of this piece. Fabricius, however, sees no reason, why this secret history
tnayhot have been written by Procopius; and he produces
several examples, and that of Cicero amongst them, to shew
that nothing has been more usual, than fur writers to take
greater liberties in their private accounts, than they can
venture to introduce in what was designed for the public.
There is another work of Procopius, still extant, entitled
“KTi<7/xaT<z, sive de sedificiisconditis vel restauratis auspicio
Justiniani Imperatoris Hbri vi.
” which, with his eight books
of history, were first renewed in Greek by Hoeschelius in
1607 for the book of anecdotes, though published in
1624, was not added to these, till the edition of Paris, 1662,
in folio, when they were all accompanied with Latin versions.
t every one therefore believe what he thinks fit, whether he be a priest and tied to divine worship, or a man of a private and secular condition.” Fabricius sees nothing
The learned have been much divided, nor are they yet
agreed, about the religion of Procopius some contending
that he was an Heathen, some that he was a Christian, and
some that he was hoth Heathen and Christian: of which
last opinion was the learned Cave. Le Vayer declares
for the Paganism of Procopius, and quotes the following
passage from his first book of the “Wars of the Goths,
”
which, he says, is sufficient to undeceive those who considered him as a Christian historian. “I will not trouble
myself,
” says he, speaking of the different opinions of
Christians, “to relate the subject of such controversies,
although it is not unknown to rne because I hold it a vain
desire to comprehend the divine nature, and understand
what God is. Human wit knows not the things here below;
how then can it be satisfied in the search after divinity I
omit therefore such vain matter, and which only the credulity of man causes to he respected; content with acknowledging, that there is one God full of bounty, who governs
us, and whose power stretches over the universe. Let
every one therefore believe what he thinks fit, whether he
be a priest and tied to divine worship, or a man of a private
and secular condition.
” Fabricius sees nothing in this inconsistent with the soundness of Christian belief, and therefore is not induced by this declaration, which appeared to
Le Vayer, and other learned men, to decide against Procopius’s Christianity. This, however, whatever the real
case may be, seems to have been allowed on all sides, that
Procopius was at least a Christian by name and profession;
and that, if his private persuasion was not with Christians,
he conformed to the public worship, in order to be well
with the emperor Justinian.
Procopius Rasus, or The Shaven, surnamed the Great, from his valour and military
Procopius Rasus, or The Shaven, surnamed the Great, from his valour and military exploits, was a Bohemian gentleman, who, after travelling into France, Italy, Spain, and the Holy Land, was shaven, and even ordained priest, as is said, against his will, from whence he had the above epithet added to his name. He afterwards quitted the ecclesiastical habit, and attached himself to Zisca, chief of the Hussites, who esteemed him highly, and placed a particular confidence in him. Procopius succeeding Zisca in 1424, committed great ravages in Moravia, Austria, Brandenburg, Silesia, and Saxony, and made himself master of several towns, and great part of Bohemia. He had an interview with Sigismond, but not obtaining any of his demands from that prince, he continued the war. Upon hearing that the council of Basil was summoned in 1431, he wrote a long circular letter in Latin, to all the states in his own name, and that of the Hussites, in the close of which he declared that he and his party were ready to fight in defence of the four following articles: that the public irregularities of the priests should be prevented secondly, that the clergy should return to the state of poverty, in which our Lord’s disciples lived; thirdly, that all who exercise the ministerial office, should be at liberty to preach in what manner, at what time, and on what subjects they chose; fourthly, that the Eucharist should be administered according to Christ’s institution, i. e. in both kinds. Procopius also wrote a letter to the emperor Sigismond, May 22, 1432, requesting him to be present with the Hussites at the council of Basil. He was there himself with his party in 1433 they defended the above-mentioned articles very warmly, but finding that their demands were not granted, withdrew, and continued their incursions and ravages. Procopius died of the wounds he received in a battle in 1434. The Letters before spoken of, and the proposal which he made in the name of the Taborites, may be found in the last volume of the large collection by Fathers Martenne and Durand. He must be distinguished from Procopius, surnamed the Little, head of part of the Hussite army, who accompanied Procopius the Great, and was killed in the same action in which the latter received his mortal wound.
of his time, he was very intimate with Ovid and Tibullus. We have no particular account of his life, or the manner of his death; only he mentions his taking a journey
, an ancient Roman poet, was born at Mevania, a town in Urnbria, as we learn from his own writings, and probably about the year of Rome 700. Some say, his father was a knight, and a man of considerable authority; who, becoming a partizan with Antony, on the capture of Perusia, was made prisoner, and killed by Augustus’s order, at the altar erected to Caesar when his estate was forfeited of course. This which happened when the poet was very young, he alludes to in one of his elegies, and laments the ruin of his family in that early season of his life. His wit and learning soon recommended him to the patronage of Maecenas and Gallus; and among the poets of his time, he was very intimate with Ovid and Tibullus. We have no particular account of his life, or the manner of his death; only he mentions his taking a journey to Athens, probably in company with his patron Maecenas, who attended Augustus in his progress through Greece. Those that make him live the longest carry his age no higher than forty-one. His death is usually placed B. C. 10. The great object of his imitation was Callimachus Mimnermus and Philetas were two others, whom he likewise admired and followed in his elegies. Quintilian tells us, that Propertius disputed the prize with Tibullus, among the critics of his time and the younger Pliny, speaking of Passienus, an eminent and learned elegiac poet of his acquaintance, says, that this talent was hereditary and natural for that he was a descendant and countryman of Propertius. Propertius however was inferior to Tibullus in tenderness, and to Ovid in variety of fancy, and facility of expression still it must be granted that he was equal in harmony of numbers, and certainly gave the first specimen of the poetical epistle, which Ovid afterwards claimed as his invention.
layman but others, with very little foundation, suppose him to have been bishop of Reggio in Italy, or rather of Riez in Provence. The time of his death is not ascertained,
, of Aquitaine, a celebrated, learned
and pious writer, in the 5th century, and one of the greatest
defenders of the grace of Christ, after St. Augustine, was
secretary to St. Leo, and is even supposed by some critics
to have been author of the epistle addressed by that pope
to Flavian against the Eutychian heresy. Prosper had before
zealously defended the books of St. Augustine, to whom he
wrote in the year 429, concerning the errors of the SemiPelagians, which had recently appeared in Gaul and after
St. Augustine’s death, he continued to support his doctrine,
which he did in a candid and argumentative manner. Prosper answered the objections of the priests of Marseilles, refuted the conferences of Cassian, in a book entitled
“Contra Collatorem,
” and composed several other works,
in which he explains the orthodox doctrine, with the skill
of an able divine, against the errors of the Pelagians and
Semi- Pelagians. Many learned men have asserted, with
great appearance of probability, that Prosper was only a
layman but others, with very little foundation, suppose
him to have been bishop of Reggio in Italy, or rather of
Riez in Provence. The time of his death is not ascertained,
but he was alive in 463. The best edition of his works is
that of Paris, 1711, folio, by M. Mangeant, reprinted at
Rome, 1732, 8vo. Prospers poem against the Ungrateful,
i. e. against the enemies of the grace of Christ, is particularly admired. M. le Maistre de Sacy has given an elegant translation of it in French verse, 12mo. Our author
must be distinguished, however, from another Prosper, who
lived about the same time, and went from Africa, his native country, into Italy, to avoid the persecution of the
Vandals. This Prosper, called “the African,
” was author
of a treatise on the Call of the Gentiles, which is esteemed,
and of the “Epistle to the Virgin Demetriade,
” in the
“Appendix Angustiniana,
” Antwerp,
n one of his books with the following impious expressions “I cannot tell whether there are any Gods, or not many circumstances concur to prevent my knowing it, as the
, a celebrated Greek philosopher of
Abdera, is said by some to have been the son of a rich
Thracian, but by others to have been of low birth, and to
have followed the trade of a porter. He was instructed in
philosophy by Democritns, and, though his genius was rather subtle than solid, taught at Athens with great reputation but was at length driven from thence on account of
his impiety, for he questioned the existence of a deity, and
had begun one of his books with the following impious expressions “I cannot tell whether there are any Gods, or
not many circumstances concur to prevent my knowing it,
as the uncertainty of the thing in itself, and the shortness
of human life.
” This book, which was publicly burnt,
having occasioned his banishment from Athens, he then
visited the islands of the Mediterranean, and lived many
years in Epirus. Protagoras is said to have been the first
philosopher who received money for teaching. He flourished about 6 19 B. C. and died at a very advanced age, as
he was going into Sicily. His usual method of reasoning
was by Dilemmas, leaving the mind in suspense concerning
all the questions which he proposed on which subject the
following story is told of a rich young man named Evathlus.
This youth, having been received as his disciple, for a
large sum, half of which he paid at first, and was to pay
the remainder when he had gained his first cause, remained
a long time in our philosopher’s school, without troubling
himself either about pleadiig or paying, which induced
Protagoras to commence a law-suit for his money. When
they came before the judges, the young man defended
himself by saying, that he had not yet gained any cause
upon which Protagoras proposed this dilemma: “If I gain
my cause, thou wilt be sentenced to pay me, and if thou
gainest it, tbou art in my debt, according to our agreement.
” But, Evathlus, well instructed by his master, retorted the dilemma upon him thus “If the judges release
me I owe thee nothing, and if they order me to pay the
money, then I owe thee nothing, according to our agreement, for I shall not have gained my cause.
” The judges,
it is added, were so embarrassed by these quibbles, that
they left the matter undecided. This story has the appearance of a fiction, but Protagoras certainly made it his
business to furnish subtle arguments to dazzle and blind
the judges, nor was he ashamed to profess himself ready to
teach the means of making the worse cause appear the
better.
ncient painter, was a native of Caunus, a city of Caria subject to the Rhodians. Who was his father, or his mother, is not known but it is probable enough that he had
, a famous ancient painter, was a native of Caunus, a city of Caria subject to the Rhodians. Who was his father, or his mother, is not known but it is probable enough that he had no other master than the public pieces that he saw; and perhaps his parents, being poor, could not be at any such expence for his education in the art, as was customary at that time. It is certain that he was obliged at first to paint ships for his livelihood: but his ambition was not be rich; his aim being solely to be master of his profession. He finished his pictures with such anxious care, that Apelles said of him, he never knew when he had done well. The finest of his pieces was the picture of Jalisus, mentioned by several authors without giving any description of it, or telling us who Jalisus was some suppose him to have been a famous hunter, and the founder of Rhodes. It is said that for seven years, while Protogenes worked on this picture, all his food was lupines mixed with a little water, which served him both for meat and drink *. Apelles was so struck with this piece, that he could find no words to express his admiration. It was this same picture that saved the city of Rhodes, when besieged by king Demetrius; for, not being able to attack it but on that side where Protogenes was at work, he chose rather to abandon his hopes of conquest, than to destroy so fine a piece as that of Jalisus.
rms us, that Protogenes was a sculptor as well as a painter. He flourished about the 108th olympiad, or 308 B. C. Quintilian, observing the talent of six famous painters,
Pliny, who tells this story, says that he saw this piece of canvas, before it was consumed in the fire which burnt the emperor’s palace; that there was nothing upon it, but some lines, which could scarcely be distinguished; and yet this fragment was more valued than any of the pictures among which it was placed. The same author informs us that Apelles asking this rival what price he had for his pictures; and Protogenes naming an inconsiderable sum, according to the hard fortune of those who are obliged to work for their bread, Apelles, concerned at the injustice done to the beauty of his productions, gave him fifty talents, equal to 10,000l. for one picture only, declaring publicly, that he would make it pass and sell it for his own. This generosity opened the eyes of the Rhodians as to the merit of Protogenes, and made them purchase this picture at a much greater price than Apelles had given. Pliny also informs us, that Protogenes was a sculptor as well as a painter. He flourished about the 108th olympiad, or 308 B. C. Quintilian, observing the talent of six famous painters, says, Protogenes excelled in exactness, Pamphilius and Melanthus in the disposition, Antiphilus in easiness, Theon the Samian, in fruitfulness of ideas, and Apelles’in grace and ingenious conceptions.
ilty of false quantity. These effusions, to which he chiefly gave Greek titles, are, “Psychoniachia, or The Combat of the Soul” “Cathemerinon, or Poems concerning each
, an ancient
Christian poet, was born in Spain in the year 348 but in
what part is uncertain. He was brought up a lawyer and,
being called to the bar, was afterwards made a judge in
two considerable towns. He was then promoted by the
emperor Honorius to a very high office; but not to the
consulate, as some have imagined. He was fifty-seven
before he employed his mind on religion, and then wrote
his poems on pious subjects, which are neither deficient in
the true poetic spirit, nor much imbued with it. He
often uses harsh expressions, not reconcileable to pure
Latinity, and is even jjuilty of false quantity. These effusions, to which he chiefly gave Greek titles, are, “Psychoniachia, or The Combat of the Soul
” “Cathemerinon, or
Poems concerning each day’s duty
” “Tlegi rspavuv, or
Hymns in Praise of Martyrs
” “Apotheosis, or Treatises
upon divine subjects, against Jews, Infidels, and Heretics;
”
“Hamartigena, or concerning Original Sin, against Marcion
” “Two Books against Symmachus
” “Diptichon,
or some Histories of the Old and New Testament in distichs.
” In the two books against Symmachus, he shews
the original of false deities, gives an account of the conversion of the city of Rome and answers the petition, which
Symmachns presented to the emperors, to obtain the reestablishment of the Altar of Victory, and other ceremonies of the pagan religion. These books were written before the victory gained over Radagaisus in the year 405,
and after that which Stilicho won over Alaric near Pollentia in the year 402 for he mentions the latter, and say*
nothing of the former, though his subject required it.
oy the attorneygeneral. Noy sent for Prynne, and demanded whether the letter was of his hand-writing or not; who desiring to see it, tore it to pieces, and threw the
After the sentence upon Prynne was executed, as it was
rigorously enough in May 1634, he was remitted to prison.
In June following, as soon as he could procure pen, ink,
and paper, he wrote a severe letter to archbishop Laud
concerning his sentence in the Star-chamber, and what the
archbishop in particular had declared against him; who
acquainted the king with this letter, on which his majesty
commanded the archbishop to refer it to Noy the attorneygeneral. Noy sent for Prynne, and demanded whether
the letter was of his hand-writing or not; who desiring to
see it, tore it to pieces, and threw the pieces out of the
window; which prevented a farther prosecution of him.
In 1635, 1636, and 1637, he published several books:
particularly one entitled “News from Ipswich,
” in which
he reflected with great coarseness of language on the archbishop and other prelates. The mildest of his epithets
were “Luciferian lord bishops, execrable traitors, devouring wolves,
” &c. For this he was sentenced in the Starchamber, in June 1637, to be fined 5000l. to the king, to
lose the remainder of his ears in the pillory, to be branded
on both cheeks with the letters S. L. for schismatical
libeller, and to be perpetually imprisoned in Caernarvoncastle. This sentence was executed in July, in Palaceyard, Westminster; but, in January following, he was removed to Mount Orgueil castle in the isle of Jersey, where
he exercised his pen in writing several books. On Nov. 7,
1640, an order was issued by the House of Commons for
his releasement from prison and the same month he entered with great triumph into London. In December
following, he presented a petition representing what he
had suffered from Laud, for which Wood tells us he had a
recompense allowed him; but Prynne positively denies
that he ever received a farthing. He was soon after elected
a member of parliament for Newport in Cornwall, and opposed the bishops, especially the archbishop, with great
vigour, both by his speeches and writings; and was the
chief manager of that prelate’s trial. In 1647, he was one
of the parliamentary visitors of the university of Oxford.
During his sitting in the Long Parliament, he was very
zealous for the presbyterian cause; but when the independents began to gain the ascendant, shewed himself a
warm opposer of them, and promoted the king’s interest.
He made a long speech in the House of Commons, concerning the satisfactoriness of the king’s answers to the
propositions of peace; and for that cause was, two days
after, refused entrance into the House by the army. This
remarkable speech he published in a quarto pamphlet, with
an appendix, in which he informs us, that “being uttered
with much pathetique seriousnesse, and heard with great
attention, it gave such generall satisfaction to the House,
that many members, formerly of a contrary opinion, professed, they were both convinced and converted; others,
who were dubious in the point of satisfaction, that they
were now fully confirmed most of different opinion put
to a stand; and the majority of the House declared, both
by their chearefull countenances and speeches (the Speaker going into the withdrawing-roome to refresh himselfe, so soon as the speech was ended) that they were abundantly
satisfied by what had been thus spoken. After which the
Speaker resuming the chair, this speech was seconded by
many able gentlemen; and the debate continuing Saturday, and all Monday and Monday night, till about nine
of the clock on Tuesday morning, and 244 Members staying quite out to the end, though the House doores were not
shut up (a thing never scene nor knowne before in parliament) the question was at last put: and notwithstanding
the generall’s and whole armie’s march to Westminster, and
menaces against the members, in case they voted for the
treaty, and did not utterly reject it as unsatisfactory, carried it in the affirmative by 140 voices (with the foure tellers) against 104, that the question should be put; and
then, without any division of the House, it was resolved on
the question, That the answers of the king to the propositions of both Houses are a ground for the House to proceed upon for the settlement of the peace of the kingdom.
”
In the course of the speech, he alludes to his services
and sufferings, adding that “he had never yet received
one farthing recompense from the king, or any other,
‘though I have waited,’ says he, ‘above eight years
atyour doors for justice and reparations, and neglecting my
owne private calling and affaires, imployed most of my
time, studyes, and expended many hundred pounds out of
my purse, since my inlargement, to maintain your cause
against the king, his popish and prelatical party. For all
which cost and labour, I never yet demanded, nor received
one farthing from the Houses, nor the least office or preferment whatsoever, though they have bestowed divers
places of honour upon persons of lesse or no desert. Nor
did I ever yet receive so much as your publike thanks for
any publike service done you, (which every preacher usually receives for every sermon preached before you, and most others have received for the meanest services)
though I have brought you off with honour in the cases of
Canterbury and Macguire, when you were at a losse in
both; and cleared the justnesse of your cause, when I
was at the lowest ebb, to most reformed churches abroad
(who received such satisfaction from my books, that they translated them into several languages), and engaged many
thousands for you at home by my writings, who were formerly dubious and unsatisfied.’
”
far from the mark, when he called him “one of the greatest paperworms, that ever crept into a closet or library.” He died at his chambers in Lincoln’s-Iun, Oct. 24,
In 1659, being considered as one of the secluded members of the House of Commons, he was restored to sit
again, and became instrumental in recalling Charles II. in
which he shewed such zeal, that general Monk was obliged
to check his intemperate and irritating language, as being
then unseasonable. In 1660 he was chosen for Bath, to
sit in the healing parliament; and, after the restoration, expected to have been made one of the barons of the Exchequer, but this was not thought proper. When the king was
asked what should be done with Prynne to keep him quiet,
“Why,
” said he, “let him amuse himself with writing
against the Catholics, and in poring over the records in the
Tower.
” Accordingly he was made chief keeper of his
majesty’s records in the Tower, with a salary of 500l. per
annum. He was again elected for Bath in 1661; and,
July that year, being discontented at some proceeding in
the House, he published a paper, entitled “Sundry Reasons tendered to the most honourable House, of Peers by
some citizens and members of London, and other cities,
boroughs, corporations, and ports, against the new-intended Bill for governing and reforming Corporations:
”
of which being discovered to be the author, he was obliged
to beg pardon of the House, in order to escape punishment. After the restoration, he published several books,
altogether, with what he had already published, amounting
to forty volumes, folio and quarto, a copy of all which,
bound together, he presented to the library of Lincoln’sInn: so that March mont Needham was not far from the
mark, when he called him “one of the greatest paperworms, that ever crept into a closet or library.
” He died
at his chambers in Lincoln’s-Iun, Oct. 24, 1669, and was
interred under the chapel there.
of scholars,” says Wood, “are looked upon to be rather rhapsodical and confused, than any way polite or concise: yet for antiquaries, critics, and sometimes for divines,
Prynne has been thought an honest man, for opposing
equally Charles, the army, and Cromwell, when he thought
they were betrayers of the country; and after having accurately observed, and sensibly felt, in his own person,
the violation of law occasioned by each of them, he gave
his most strenuous support to the legal and established
government of his country, effected by the restoration of
Charles II. The earl of Clarendon calls him learned in
the law, as far as mere reading of books could make him
learned. His works are all in English; and, “by the
generality of scholars,
” says Wood, “are looked upon to
be rather rhapsodical and confused, than any way polite
or concise: yet for antiquaries, critics, and sometimes for
divines, they are useful. In most of them he shews greatindustry, but little judgment, especially in his large folios
against the pope’s usurpations. He may be well entitled
‘voluminous Prynne,’ as Tostatus Abulensis was, two hundred years before his time, called ‘ voluminous Tostatus;’
for I verily believe, that, if rightly computed, he wrote a
sheet for every day of his life, reckoning from the time
when he came to the use of reason and the state of man.
”
Many of his works have lately been in request, and have
been purchased at high prices. Whether they are more
read than before, is not so certain; but much curious
matter might be extracted by a patient and laborious reader,
which would throw light on the controversies and characters of the times. He was himself perhaps one of the
most indefatigable students. He read or wrote during the
whole clay, and that he might not be interrupted, had no
regular meals, but took, as he wanted it, the humble refreshment of bread, cheese, and ale, which were at his
elbow.
ith a pass, I began, at all proper places, to beg my way in a fluent Latin accosting only clergymen, or persons of figure, by whom I could be understood: and found
, the assumed name of a
very extraordinary person, was undoubtedly a Frenchman
born; he had his education partly in a free-school, taught
by two Franciscan monks, and afterwards in a college of
Jesuits in an archiepiscopal city; the name of which, as
also of his birth-place and of his parents, remain yet inviolable secrets. Upon leaving the college, he was
recommended as a tutor to a young gentleman, but soon fell
into a mean rambling kind of life, that led him into many
disappointments and misfortunes. The first pretence he
took up with was that of being a sufferer for religion and
he procured a certificate that he was of Irish extraction,
had left the country for the sake of the Roman Catholic
religion, and was going on a pilgrimage to Rome. Not
being in a condition to purchase a pilgrim’s garb, he had
observed, in a chapel dedicated to a miraculous saint, that
such a one had been set up, as a monument of gratitude to
some wandering pilgrim and he contrived to take both
staff and cloak away at noon-day. “Being thus accoutred,
” says he, “and furnished with a pass, I began, at
all proper places, to beg my way in a fluent Latin accosting only clergymen, or persons of figure, by whom I
could be understood: and found them mostly so generous
and credulous, that I might easily have saved money, and
put myself into a much better dress, before I had gone
through a score or two of miles. But so powerful was
my vanity and extravagance, that as soon as I had got
what I thought a sufficient viaticum, I begged no more;
but viewed every thing worth seeing, and then retired to
some inn, where I spent my money as freely as I had obtained it.
”
ng still as ambitious as ever to pass for a Japanese, he now chose to profess himself an unconverted or heathenish one, rather than, what he had hitherto pretended
At Liege he enlisted into the Dutch service, and was earned by his officer to Aix-la-Chapelle. He afterwards entered into the elector of Cologne’s service; but being still as ambitious as ever to pass for a Japanese, he now chose to profess himself an unconverted or heathenish one, rather than, what he had hitherto pretended to be, a convert to Christianity: The last garrison he came to was Sluys, where brigadier Lauder, a Scotch colonel, introduced him to the chaplain, with whom he was permitted to have a conference; and this, at length, ended in the chaplain’s fervent zeal to make a convert of him, by way of recommending himself, as it afterwards turned out, to Compton, bishop of London, whose piety could not fail of rewarding so worthy an action. By this time Psalmanazar, growing tired of the soldier’s life, listened to the chaplain’s proposal of taking him over to England; and he was, accordingly, with great haste, baptized. A letter of invitation from the bishop of London arriving, they set out for Rotterdam. Psalmanazar was, in general, much caressed there; but some there were, who put such shrewd questions to him, as carried the air of not giving all that credit which he could have wished. This threw him upon a whimsical expedient, by way of removing all obstacles, viz. that of living upon raw flesh, roots, and herbs: and he soon habituated himself, he tells us, to this new and strange food, without receiving the least injury to his health; taking care to add a good deal of pepper and spices, by way of concoction.
fin, but only decently laid in what is commonly called a shell, of the lowest value, and without lid or other covering, which may hinder the natural earth from covering
In his last will and testament, dated Jan. 1, 1762, he
declares, that he had long since disclaimed, even publicly,
all but the shame and guilt of his vile imposition, and
orders his body to be buried wherever he happens to die,
in the day-time, and in the lowest and cheapest manner.
“It is my earnest request,
” says he, “that my body be
not inclosed in any kind of coffin, but only decently laid
in what is commonly called a shell, of the lowest value,
and without lid or other covering, which may hinder the
natural earth from covering it all around.
”
und it in solid orbs, whose motions are all directed by one, which Ptolemy called the primum mobile, or first mover, of which he discourses at large. In the first book,
This principal work of the ancient astronomers is founded upon the hypothesis of the earth’s being at rest in the centre of the universe, and that the heavenly bodies, the stars and planets, all move around it in solid orbs, whose motions are all directed by one, which Ptolemy called the primum mobile, or first mover, of which he discourses at large. In the first book, Ptolemy shews, that the earth is in the centre of those orbs, and of the universe itself, as he understood it: he represents the earth as of a spherical figure, and but as a point in comparison of the rest of the heavenly bodies: he treats concerning the several circles of the earth, and their distances from the equator; as also of the right and oblique ascension of the heavenly bodies in a right sphere. In the 2d book, he treats of the habitable parts of the earth; of the elevation of the pole in an oblique sphere, and the various angles which the several circles make with the horizon, according to the different latitude of places; also of the phenomena of the heavenly bodies depending on the same. In the 3d book, he treats of the quantity of the year, and of the unequal motion of the sun through the zodiac: he here gives the method of computing the mean motion of the sun, with tables of the same; and likewise treats of the inequality of days and nights. In the 4th book, he treats of the lunar motions, and their various phenomena: he gives tables for finding the moon’s mean motions, with her latitude and longitude: he discourses largely concerning lunar epicycles; and by comparing the times of a great number of eclipses, mentioned by Hipparchus, Calippus, and others, he has computed the places of the sun and moon, according to their mean motions, from the first year of Nabonazar, king of Egypt, to his own time. In the 5th book, he treats of the instrument called the astrolabe: he treats also of the eccentricity of the. lunar orbit, and the inequality of the moon’s motion, according to her distance from the sun: he also gives tables, and an universal canon for the inequality of the lunar motions: he then treats of the different aspects or phases of the moon, and gives a computation of the diameter of the sun and moon, with the magnitude of the sun, moon, and earth, compared together; he states also the different measures of the distance of the sun and moon, according as they are determined by ancient mathematicians and philosophers. In the 6th book, he treats of the conjunctions and oppositions of the sun and moon, with tables for computing the mean time when they happen; of the boundaries of solar and lunar eclipses; of the tables and methods of computing the eclipses of the sun and moon, with many other particulars. In the seventh book, he treats of the fixed stars; and shews the methods of describing them, in their various constellations, on the surface of an artificial sphere or globe: he rectifies the places of the stars to his own time, and shews how different those places were then, from what they had been in the times of Timocharis, Hipparchus, Aristillus, Calippus, and others: he then lays down a catalogue of the stars in each of the northern constellations, with their latitude, longitude, and magnitudes. In the 8th book, he gives a like catalogue of the stars in the constellations of the southern hemisphere, and in the 12 signs or constellations of the zodiac. This is the first catalogue of the stars now extant, and forms the most valuable part of Ptolemy’s works. He then treats of the galaxy, or milky-way; also of the planetary aspects, with the rising and setting of the sun, moon, and stars. In the 9th book, he treats of the order of the sun, moon, and planets, with the periodical revolutions of the five planets; then he gives tables of the mean motions, beginning with the theory of Mercury, and shewing its various phenomena with respect to the earth. The 10th book begins with the theory of the planet Venus, treating of its greatest distance from the sun of its epicycle, eccentricity, and periodical motions it then treats of the same particulars in the planet Mars. The 11th book treats of the same circumstances in the theory of the planets Jupiter and Saturn. It also corrects all the planetary motions from observations made from the time of Nabonazar to his own. The 12th book treats of the retrogressive motion of the several planets; giving also tables of their stations, and of the greatest distances of Venus and Mercury from the sun. The 13th book treats of the several hypotheses of the latitude of the five planets; of the greatest latitude, or inclination of the orbits of the five planets, which are computed and disposed in tables; of the rising and setting of the planets, with tables of them. Then follows a conclusion or winding up of the whole work.
hence deduce the true quantity of their slow progressive motion according to the order of the signs, or of the precession of the equinoxes.
This great work of Ptolemy will always be valuable oa account of the observations he gives of the places of the stars and planets in former times, and acording to ancient philosophers and astronomers that were then extant; but principally on account of the large and curious catalogue of the stars x which being compared with their places at present, we thence deduce the true quantity of their slow progressive motion according to the order of the signs, or of the precession of the equinoxes.
nion as to say, that Ptolemy ranks as high amongst the great writers of antiquity for his Harmonics, or theory of sound, as for his Almagest and Geography.
Other works of Ptolenty, though less considerable than
these two, are still extant. As, “Libri quatuor de Judiciis Astrorum,
” upon the first two books of which Cardan
wrote a commentary. “Fructus Librorum suorum
” a
kind of supplement to the former work. “Recensio Chronologica Regum
” this, with another work of Ptolemy,
“De Hypothesibus Planetarum,
” was published in this was published
at Paris by Petavius, with a Latin version, 1630, folio but
from a mutilated copy, the defects of which have since been
supplied from a perfect one, which sir Henry Saville had
communicated to archbishop Usher, by Fabricius, in the
3d volume of his
” Bibliotheca Grseca.“” Elementorum
Harmonicorum libri tres" published in Greek and Latin,
with a commentary by Porphyry the philosopher, by Dr.
Wallis at Oxforcl, in 1682, 4to and afterwards reprinted
there, and inserted in the 3d volume of Wallis’s works, in
1699, folio. Of this work Dr. Burney has such an opinion as to say, that Ptolemy ranks as high amongst the
great writers of antiquity for his Harmonics, or theory of
sound, as for his Almagest and Geography.
he telescope was known to Conradus. But this is only matter of mere conjecture, there being no facts or testimonies, nor even probabilities, to support such an opinion.
Mabillon exhibits, in his “German Travels,
” an effigy
of Ptolemy looking at the stars through an optical tube
which effigy, he says, he found in a manuscript of the
thirteenth century, made by Conradus a monk. Hence
some have fancied, that the use of the telescope was
known to Conradus. But this is only matter of mere conjecture, there being no facts or testimonies, nor even probabilities, to support such an opinion. It is rather likely
that the tube was nothing more than a plain open one,
employed to strengthen and defend the eye-sight, when
looking at particular stars, by excluding adventitious rays
from other stars and objects; a contrivance which no observer of the heavens can ever be supposed to have been
without.
and proved so excellent a composer of Mimes, that the Romans preferred him to the best of their own or the Greek dramatic writers. Julius Caesar first established
, an ancient Latin author, who
gained great fame by his comic pieces called “Mimes,
”
is supposed from his name to have been a Syrian by birth.
Having been made a slave and brought to Rome when
young, he there obtained his liberty by his merit; and
proved so excellent a composer of Mimes, that the Romans preferred him to the best of their own or the Greek
dramatic writers. Julius Caesar first established his reputation, and gave him the 1 prize of poetry against Laberius,
who was an eminent writer in that style, and contended
with Syrus for it. He continued to flourish many years
under Augustus. Cassius Severus was a professed admirer
of him, and the two Senecas speak of him with the highest
encomiums. Many moderns, and particularly the Scaligers, have launched out very much in his praise. They
say, he stripped Greece of all her wit, fine turns, and
agreeable raillery and that his “Sentential include the
substance of the doctrine of the wisest philosophers. These
” Sentences“were extracted from his mimic pieces some
time under the Antonines, as the best editors say. They
are generally 'printed with the
” Fables of Phaedrus,“and
are subjoined to thejn by Dr. Bentley, at the end of his
edition of
” Terence," in 1726, 4to. There is also a separate edition of them by Gruter, with copious notes,
Leyden, 1708, 8vo.
tisbon, and died there in 1689. He is the author of a satirical work, entitled” Anecdotes of Sweden, or Secret History of Charles XL"
Other works of Puffendorf are 4. “De officio Hominis
& Civis juxta legem naturalem,
” De jure naturae & gentium.
” 5. “Introduction to the
History of Europe,' 7 1682. With a Continuation, 1686;
and an Addition, 1699, in German; afterwards translated
into Latin, French, and English. 5.
” Commentariorum
de rebus Suecicis libri xxvi. ab expeditione Gustavi Adolphi Regis in Germaniam, ad abdicationem usque Christinae,“1686, folio. Puffendorf, having read the public
papers in the archives of Sweden, with a design of writitig
the history of Charles Gustavus, according to orders received from Charles IX. thought proper to begin with that
of Gustavus Adolphus, and to continue it down to the abdication of queen Christina: and this he has executed in,
the present work, which is very curious and exact. 6.
” De
habitu Religionis Christianas ad vitam civilem,“1687, 4to.
In this work an attempt is made to settle the just bounds
between the ecclesiastical and civil powers. 7.
” Jus
Feciale Divinum, sive de consensu & dissensu Protestantium Exercitatio Posthuma,“1695, 8vo. The author here
proposes a scheme for the re-union of religions and it appears from the zeal with which he recommended the print*
ing of it before his death, that this was his favourite work.
8.
” De rebus gestis Frederici Wilelmi Magni, Electoris
Brandenburgici Commentarii,“1695, in 2 vols. folio; extracted from the archives of the house of Brandenburg.
To this a supplement was published from his ms. by count
Hertsberg in 1783. 9.
” De rebus a Carolo Gustavo
Suecise Rege gestis Commentarii,“1696, in 2 vols. folio;
He likewise published
” An Historical Description of the
Politics of the Papal empire,“in German, and some works
of a smaller kind, which, being chiefly polemical,and
nothing more than defences against envy and personal
abuse, sunk into oblivion with the attacks which occasioned
them. His brother Isaiah, mentioned above, was born in
1628, was educated at Leipsic, where he distinguished
himself, and took the degree of M. A. After various
changes of fortune, he was made governor of the young
count of Koningsmark, and was afterwards chancellor of
the duchy of Bremen. In 1686 he was appointed ambassador of the king of Denmark to the diet of Ratisbon, and
died there in 1689. He is the author of a satirical work,
entitled
” Anecdotes of Sweden, or Secret History of
Charles XL"
freedom and jocularity. His principal work is the “Morgante maggiore,” an epic romance. Whether this or the Orlando Innamorato of Bojardo was first written, has been
, one of the most famous Italian poets,
was born at Florence, Decembers, 1431. He was of a
noble family, and was the most poetical of three brothers
who all assiduously courted the Muses. His two elder
brothers, Bernardo and Luca, appeared as poets earlier
than himself. The first production of the family is probably the Elegy of Bernardo addressed to Lorenzo de'
Jiedici, on the death of his grandfather Cosmo. He also
wrote an elegy on the untimely death of the beautiful Simonetta, mistress of Giuliano de' Medici, the brother of
Lorenzo, which was published at Florence in 1494, though
written much earlier. He produced the first Italian translation of the Eclogues of Virgil, which appears to have
been finished about 1470 and was published in 1481 and
a poem on the Passion of Christ. Luca wrote a celebrated
poem on a tournament held at Florence in which Lorenzo
was victor, in 1468, entitled “Giostra di Lorenzo de'
Medici
” as Politian celebrated the success of Giuliano,
in his “Giostra di. Giuliano de' Medici.
” It is confessed,
however, that the poem of Luca Pulci derives its merit
rather from the minute information it gives respecting the
exhibition, than from its poetical excellence. He produced also “II Ciriffo Calvaneo,
” an epic romance, probably the first that appeared in Italy, being certainly prior
to the Morgante of his brother, and the Orlando Innamorato of Bojardo and the “Driadeo d'Amore,
” a pastoral
romance in ottava rima. There are also eighteen heroic
epistles by him in terza rima, the first from LucretiaDonati to
Lorenzo de Medici, the rest on Greek and Roman subjects.
These were printed in 1481, and do credit to their author.
Luigi appeaps, from many circumstances, to have lived
on terms of the utmost friendship with Lorenzo de Medici,
who, in his poem entitled “La Caccia col Falcone,
” mentions him with great freedom and jocularity. His principal work is the “Morgante maggiore,
” an epic romance.
Whether this or the Orlando Innamorato of Bojardo was
first written, has been a subject of doubt. Certain it is that
the Morgante had the priority in publication, having been
printed at Venice in 1488, after a Florentine edition of
uncertain date whereas Bojardo' s poem did not appear till
1496, and, from some of the concluding lines, appears not
to have been finished in 1494. The Morgante may therefore be justly, as it is generally, regarded as the prototype of the Orlando Furioso of Ariosto. It has been said
without foundation that Ficinus and Politian had a share in
this composition. It was first written at the particular request of Lucretia, mother of Lorenzo de Medici, but it
was not finished till after her death, which happened in
1482. It is said by Crescimbeni that Pulci was accustomed
to recite this poem at the table of Lorenzo, in the manner
of the ancient rhapsodists. This singular offspring of the
wayward genius of Pulci has been as immoderately
commended by its admirers, as it has been unreasonably condemned and degraded by its opponents: and while some
have not scrupled to prefer it to the productions of Ariosto
and Tasso, others have decried it as vulgar, absurd, and
profane. From the solemnity and devotion with which
every canto is introduced, some have judged that the author meant to give a serious narrative, but the improbability of the relation, and the burlesque nature of the incidents, destroy all ideas of this kind. M. de la Monnoye
says that the author, whom he conceives to have been ignorant of rules, has confounded the comic and serious styles,
and made the giant, his hero, die a burlesque death, by
the bite of a sea-crab in his heel, in the twentieth book,
so that in the eight which remain he is not mentioned.
The native simplicity of the narration, he adds, covers all
faults: and the lovers of the Florentine dialect still read it
with delight, especially when they can procure the edition
of Venice, in 1546 or 1550, with the explanations of his
nephew John Pulci. These, however, are no more than
a glossary of a few words subjoined to each canto. There
are also sonnets by Luigi Pulci, published with those of
Matteo Franco, in which the two authors satirize each
other without mercy or delicacy yet it is supposed that
they were very good friends, and only took these liberties
with each other for the sake of amusing the public. They
were published about the fifteenth century, entitled “Sonetti di Misere Mattheo Franco et di Luigi Pulci jocosi et
faceti, cioe da ridere.
” No other poem of this author is
mentioned by Mr. Roscoe, who has given the best account
of him, except “La Beca di Dicomano,
” written in imitatation and emulation of “La Nencio da Barberino,
” by
Lorenzo de Medici, ajid published with it. It is a poem
in the rustic style and language, but instead of the more
chastised and delicate humour of Lorenzo, the poem of
Pulci, says Mr. Roscoe, partakes of the character of his
Morgante, and wanders into the burlesque and extravagant. It has been supposed that this poet died about 1-487,
but it was probably something later. The exact time id
not known.
he times as he prefers the simple authority of reason and scripture to the testimony of the fathers, or the subtlety of metaphysics.
, an English cardinal
who flourished in the twelfth century, was distinguished as
a zealous friend to the interests of literature. He is placed
by Fuller as a native of Oxfordshire, perhaps from his ciditnectioa with the university. In his youth he studied at
1?aris, and about 1130 returned to England, where he
found the university of Oxford ravaged and nearly ruined
by the Danes, under the reign of Harold I. and by his
indefatigable exertions contributed to itsv restoration. The
Chronicle of Osny records him as having begun in the
reign of Henry I. to read the Scriptures at Oxford, which
were grown obsolete, and it is supposed he commented on
Aristotle. Rouse, the Warwick antiquary, mentions his
reading the Holy Scriptures, probably about 1134, about
which time he had a patron in Henry I. who had built his
palace near the university. For some years he taught daily
in the schools, and was rewarded with the archdeaconry
of Rochester. After this he returned to Paris, where he
filled the chair of professor of divinity. He was, however,
recalled by his metropolitan, and the revenues of his benefice sequestered till he obeyed the summons. The archdeacon appealed to the see of Rome, and sentence was
given in his favour. The fame of his learning induced
pope Innocent II. to invite him to Rome, where he was
received with great marks of honour; and in 1144 was
created cardinal by Celestine II. and afterwards chancellor
of the Roman church, by pope Lucius II. He died in
1150. He was author of several works; but the only one
of them now extant is his “Sententiarum Liber,
” which
was published at Paris in
inst pecuniary difficulties with economy, and shielded his peace of mind against bigotry, in himself or others, by looking “through nature, up to nature’s God.” His
, a distinguished botanist and
able physician, was born at Loughborough, Feb. 17, 1730.
He first settled as a surgeon and apothecary at Leicester but having been educated as a Calvinistic dissenter,
the people of that town, who chanced to have different prejudices, of course gave him but little support. He struggled against pecuniary difficulties with economy, and
shielded his peace of mind against bigotry, in himself or
others, by looking “through nature, up to nature’s God.
”
His remarks and discoveries were communicated first to
the Gentleman’s Magazine, in 1750, as well as several subsequent years and he intermixed antiquarian studies with
his other pursuits. His botanical papers printed by the
royal society, on the Sleep of Plants, and the Rare Plants
of Leicestershire, procured him the honour of election into
that learned body in 1762. In 1764 he obtained a diploma of doctor of physic from Edinburgh, even without accomplishing that period of residence, then usually required,
and now indispensable and his thesis on the cinchona officinalis amply justified the indulgence of the university.
the subject of our memoir, becoming at a loss for a situation, hesitated whether to settle at London or elsewhere but he soon, decided in favour of Blandford, in Dorsetshire,
Soon afterwards, Dr. Pulteney was acknowledged as a relation by the earl of Bath, who had imbibed a favourable opinion of his talents which circumstances induced him to attach himself to that nobleman as travelling physician. His lordship unfortunately died soon after, on which the subject of our memoir, becoming at a loss for a situation, hesitated whether to settle at London or elsewhere but he soon, decided in favour of Blandford, in Dorsetshire, where there happened to be a vacancy. Here he continued in great reputation, and extensive practice, till his death, which happened on the 13th of October 1801, to the deep regret of all who knew him, in the 72d year of his age. His disease was an inflammation in the lungs, of only a week’s duration.
; and he provided that it should be at the option of the members, either to keep this museum entire, or to dispose of it, in order to raise a fund, whose interest should
Dr. Pulteney had been associated with the Linnsean society soon after its first institution, and he ever retained a great attachment to that body, as well as to its founder. Several of his papers appear in the Transactions of the Society and he gave a final proof of his regard in the bequest of his valuable museum of natural history. He stipulated that his collections should always be kept separate from any others which the society might possess; and he provided that it should be at the option of the members, either to keep this museum entire, or to dispose of it, in order to raise a fund, whose interest should be expended annually in a medal for the best botanical paper read before the society in the course of the year. It was without hesitation determined, that these treasures should be preserved entire, as the best and most useful memorial of a benefactor to science, to whom a large portion of this corporate body were individually and strongly attached. Few men have enjoyed more entirely the respect and affection of his acquaintance than Dr. Pulteney. An air of urbanity and gaiety was diffused over his countenance and manners, which bespoke the simplicity, candour, and liberality of his mind. His ardour for science was unbounded; and as lively at the close of his life as at the beginning of his literary career. His religion was unaffected, and devoid of bigotry or intolerance, the only feelings which he contemplated without sympathy or indulgence. His conversation, like his morals, was spotless; and his cheerfulness flowed from the never-failing spring of a benevolent and honest heart.
e their tenor and application from the course of the debate, and not be the result of previous study or invariable arrangement. These rules are generally good, but
Being descended from a whig family, and educated in revolution-principles, he warmly espoused that party, and during the whole reign of queen Anne opposed the measures of the tories. His first speech was in support of the place-bill. He had formed a notion, that no young member ought to press into public notice with too much forwardness, and fatigue the House with long orations, until he had acquired the habit of order and precision. He was often heard to declare, that hardly any person ever became a good orator, who began with making a set speech. He conceived that the circumstances of the moment should impel them to the delivery of sentiments, which should derive their tenor and application from the course of the debate, and not be the result of previous study or invariable arrangement. These rules are generally good, but we can recollect at least one splendid exception. On the prosecution of Dr. Sacheverel, Mr. Pulteney distinguished himself in the House of Commons, in defence of the revolution, against the doctrines of passive obedience and nonresistance. When the tories came into power, in 1710, he was so obnoxious to them, thathis uncle, John Pulteney, was removed from the board of trade. He not only took a principal share in the debates of the four last years of queen Anne, while the whigs were in opposition, but was also admitted into the most important secrets of his party, at that critical time, when the succession of the Hanover family being supposed to be in danger, its friends engaged in very bold enterprizes to secure it. He was a liberal subscriber to a very unprofitable and hazardous loan, then secretly negociated by the whig party, for the use of the emperor, to encourage him to refuse co-operating with the tory administration in making the peace of Utrecht.
ses of this unfortunate misunderstanding may be traced from the authority of the parties themselves, or their particular friends. Pulteney was offended because Walpole
On the prosecution of Walpole for high breach of trust
and corruption, Pulteney warmly vindicated his friend, for
such he then was; and, on his commitment to the Tower,
was amongst those who paid frequent visits to the prisoner,
whom he, with the rest of the whigs, considered as a martyr to their cause. He also engaged with Walpole in
defending the whig administration, and wrote the ironical
dedication to the earl of Oxford, prefixed to Walpole' s
account of the parliament. On the accession of George I.
Mr. Pulteney was appointed privy-counsellor and secretary
at war, in opposition to the inclination of the duke of
Marlborough, who, as commander in chief, thought himself entitled to recommend to that post. He was chosen a
member of the committee of secrecy, nominated, by the
House of Commons, to examine and report the substance of
the papers relating to the negociation for peace; and on.
the suppression of the rebellion of 1715, he moved for the
impeachment of lord Widrington, and opposed the motion
to address the king for a proclamation, offering a general
pardon to all who were in arms in Scotland, who should lay
down their arms within a certain time.
He was at this period so much connected with Stanhope
and Walpole, that, in allusion to the triple alliance between
Great Britain, France, and Holland, which was then negociating by general Stanhope, secretary of state, they were
called the three “grand allies;
” and a proverbial saying
was current, “Are you come into the triple alliance?
”
But when Stanhope and Walpole took different sides, on
the schism between the whigs, when Townsend was dismissed and Walpole resigned, Pulteney followed his friend’s
example, and gave up his place of secretary at war. When
Walpole made a reconciliation between the king and the
prince of Wales, and negociated with Sunderland to form
a new administration, in which he and lord Townsend bore
the most conspicuous part, then were first sown those seeds
of disgust and discontent which afterwards burst forth.
The causes of this unfortunate misunderstanding may be
traced from the authority of the parties themselves, or
their particular friends. Pulteney was offended because
Walpole had negociated with the prince of Wales and
Sunderland, without communicating the progress to him,
although he had told it to Mr. Edgcumbe, who indiscreetly
gave a daily account to Pulteney. Another cause of disgust was, that Pulteney, who had hitherto invariably proved
his attachment to Townsend and Walpole, expected to
receive some important employment, whereas he was only
offered a peerage; and, when he declined it, more than
two years elapsed before any farther overtures were made;
and though Pulteney, at length, solicited and obtained
the office of cofferer of the household, he deemed that
place far below his just expectations. Although, therefore, he continued to support the measures of administration for some time, the disdainful manner in which he
conceived he had been treated by Walpole had made too
deep an impression on his mind to be eradicated. Finding
that he did not possess the full confidence of administration, or disapproving those measures which tended, in his
opinion, to raise the power of France on the ruins of the
house of Austria, and which, in his opinion, sacrificed the
interests of Great Britain to those of Hanover, topics on
which he afterwards expatiated with great energy and unusual eloquence in parliament, he became more and more
estranged from his former friends, and expressed his disapprobation of their measures both in public and private.
At length his dissontent arrived at so great a height, that
he declared his resolution of attacking the minister in
parliament.
virulent invectives. For these the reader may be referred to the parliamentary history of the times, or to the excellent Life of Walpole, by Mr. Coxe, to which the
Walpole perceived his error, in disgusting so able an associate; and, with a view to prevent his opposition to the payment of the king’s debts, hinted to him, in the House of Commons, that at the removal of either of the secretaries of state, the ministers designed him for the vacant employment. To this proposal Pulteney made no answer, but bowed and smiled, to let him know he under* stood his meaning. He now came forward as the great opposer of government; and his first exertion on the side of the minority, was on the subject of the civil list, then in arrears. For this he was soon afterwards dismissed from his place of cofferer of the household, and began a systematic opposition to the minister; in which he proved himself so formidable, that Walpole again endeavoured to reconcile him; and about the time of Townsend’s resignation, queen Caroline offered him a peerage, together with the post of secretary of state for foreign affairs; but he declared his fixed resolution never again to act with sir Robert Walpole. The most violent altercations now passed in the House of Commons between them: their heat against each other seemed to increase, in proportion to their former intimacy, and neither was deficient in sarcastic allusions, violent accusations, and virulent invectives. For these the reader may be referred to the parliamentary history of the times, or to the excellent Life of Walpole, by Mr. Coxe, to which the present article is almost solely indebted.
, of Gray’s Inn, esq.;” and introduced a character of sir Robert, which does not yield in scurrility or misrepresentation to that of Pulteney, given in “Sedition and
Pulteney placed himself at the head of the discontented
whigs; and, in conjunction with Bolingbroke, his ancient
antagonist, he became the principal supporter of the
“Craftsman
” to which paper he gave many essays, and
furnished hints and observations. The controversy in
1731, which passed between Pulteney and Walpole' s
friends and pamphleteers, widened the breach, and rendered it irreparable. The “Craftsman
” was full of invectives against Walpole, and the measures of his administration. Jn answer to this paper, a pamphlet was published
under the title of “Sedition and Defamation displayed,
”
which contained a scurrilous abuse of Pulteney and Bolingbroke. Pulteney’s opposition is here wholly attributed,
and surely not very unjustly, to disappointed ambition and
personal pique. In answer to this pamphlet, which
Pulteney supposed to be written by lord Hervey, the great
friend and supporter of sir Robert Walpole, he wrote “A
proper reply to a late scurrilous libel, &c. by Caleb D'Anvers, of Gray’s Inn, esq.;
” and introduced a character of
sir Robert, which does not yield in scurrility or misrepresentation to that of Pulteney, given in “Sedition and Defamation displayed.
” The author also treated lord Hervey (Pope’s lord Hervey) with such contempt and ridicule,
in allusion to his effeminate appearance, as a, species of
half man and half woman, that his lordship was highly
offended: a duel ensued, and Pulteney slightly wounded
his antagonist. Pulteney afterwards acknowledged his mistake, when he found that the pamphlet was not written by
lord Hervey, but appears to have made a similar mistake
in ascribing it to Walpole; for it was the production of sir
William Yonge, secretary at war.
his pretender in physic,“said he,” being consulted, tells the distempered person, there were but two or three ways of treating his disease, and be was afraid that none
The “Craftsman
” involved Pulteney in other controversies, in one of which he wrote his famous pamphlet,
entitled “An Answer to one part of a late infamous libel,
intituled ‘ Remarks on the Craftsman’s vindication of his
two honourable patrons,’ in which the character and conduct of Mr. P. is fully vindicated.
” In this Mr. Pulteney
was so irritated, as to disclose some secret conversation
with Walpole, and some contemptuous expressions which
that statesman uttered against the king, when prince of
Wales; but this, instead of producing the effect which
Pulteney probably expected, only raised his majesty’s
resentment higher against himself. Franklin, the printer
of the pamphlet, was arrested; Pulteney’s name was struck
out of the list of privy-counsellors, and he was put out of
all commissions of the peace; measures which tended to
render the breach irreparable, while they added considerable popularity to Pulteney, It was some time after this
that he made that celebrated speech, in which he compared
the ministry to an empiric, and the constitution of England to his patient. This pretender in physic,“said he,
” being consulted, tells the distempered person, there
were but two or three ways of treating his disease, and be
was afraid that none of them would succeed. A vomit
might throw him into convulsions, that would occasion
immediate death: a purge might bring on a diarrhoea, that
would carry him off in a short time: and he had been
already bled so much, and so often, that he could bear it
no longer. The unfortunate patient, shocked at this decla-,
ration, replies, Sir, you have always pretended to be a
regular doctor, but I now find you are an errant quack,:
I had an excellent constitution when I first fell into your
hands, but you have quite destroyed it; and now, I find,
I have no other chance for saving my life, but by calling
for the help of some regular physician."
f his time, with a power which acquired him the name of the Roman Vandyck; but he is more elaborate, or what the Italians call ‘leccato,’ and preluded to the style
, of Gaeta, born in 1550, was educated in the school of del Conte. Though he died young, he left a great name for excellence in portraitpainting. He made numbers for the popes and the nobility of his time, with a power which acquired him the name of the Roman Vandyck; but he is more elaborate, or what the Italians call ‘leccato,’ and preluded to the style of Seybolt in the extreme finish of hair, and the representation of windows and other objects in the pupil of the eyes. His historic subjects partake of the same minute attention: such is his Crucifix in the Vallicella, and the Assumption in St. Silvestro, on Monte Cavallo; a work of correct design, graceful tints, and sweet effect. The Borghese palace, and the gallery at Florence, possess two paintings of his. His cabinet pictures are as scarce as precious. He died in 1588, in the thirty-eighth year of his age.
he wrote a tract, which he entitled “An Introduction to Arithmetic;” then a treatise on “Gnomonics, or Dialling,” with tables suited to the difference of climates
He then proceeded to other works, and among them
he wrote a tract, which he entitled “An Introduction to
Arithmetic;
” then a treatise on “Gnomonics, or Dialling,
”
with tables suited to the difference of climates or latitudes; likewise a small tract concerning the “Altitudes of
the Sun,
” with a table also, “Astrolabic Canons,
” with
a table of the parallels, proportioned to every degree of
the equinoctial. After this he constructed Solid Spheres,
or Celestial Globes, and composed a new table of fixed
stars, adding the longitude by which every star, since the
time of Ptolemy, had increased. He likewise invented
various other instruments, among which was the gnomon,
or geometrical square, with canons and a table for the use
of it.
efly for the moon, answering to the periods of Melon and Calippus; also an almanack for the planets, or, as Regiomontanus afterwards called it, an Ephemeris, for many
Having prepared the tables of the fixed stars, he next
undertook to reform those of the planets, and constructed
some entirely new ones. Having finished his tables, he
wrote a kind of perpetual almanack, but chiefly for the
moon, answering to the periods of Melon and Calippus;
also an almanack for the planets, or, as Regiomontanus
afterwards called it, an Ephemeris, for many years. But
observing there were some planets in the heavens at a great
distance from the places where they were described to be
in the tables, particularly the sun and moon (the eclipses of which were observed frequently to happen very different from the times predicted), he applied himself to construct
new tables, particularly adapted to eclipses; which were
long after famous for their exactness. To the same time
may be referred his finishing that celebrated work, entitled
“A New Theory of the Planets,
” which Regiomontanus
afterwards published, the first of all the works executed at
his new printing-house.
the work is a very fine print of the author, his age twenty-four, without the name of either painter or engraver, but so little like that prefixed to the “Orpheus
In 1683, he published twelve sonatas for two violins, and
a bass for the organ and harpsichord; in the preface to
which he tells us, that “he has faithfully endeavoured a
just imitation of the most famed Italian masters, principally
to bring the seriousness and gravity of that sort of music
into vogue and reputation among our countrymen, whose
humour it is time now should begin to loath the levity and
balladry of our neighbours.
” From the structure of these
compositions of Purcell, it is not improbable that the sonatas of Bassani, and perhaps other Italians, were the models after which he formed them; for as to Corelli, it is not
clear that any thing of his had been seen so early as 1683.
Before the work is a very fine print of the author, his age
twenty-four, without the name of either painter or engraver, but so little like that prefixed to the “Orpheus
Britannicus,
” after a painting of Closterman, at thirty-seven, that they hardly seem to be representations of the
same person.
composed on a very extraordinary occasion. Upon the pregnancy of James the Second’s queen, supposed or real, in 1687, proclamation was issued for a thanksgiving; and
As Purcell had received his education in the school of a
choir, the natural bent of his studies was towards church
music. Services, however, he seemed to neglect, and to
addict himself to the composition of Anthems. An anthem
of his, “Blessed are they that fear the Lord,
” was composed on a very extraordinary occasion. Upon the pregnancy of James the Second’s queen, supposed or real, in
1687, proclamation was issued for a thanksgiving; and
Purcell, being one of the organists of the Chapel Royal,
was commanded to compose the anthem. The anthem,
“They that go down to the sea in ships,
” was likewise
owing to a singular accident. It was composed at the request of Mr. Gostling, subdean of St. Paul’s, who, being
often in musical parties with the king and the duke of
York, was with them at sea when they were in great danger
of being cast away, but providentially escaped.
e theatre, that neither could properly call him her own. In a pamphlet entitled “Roscius An^licanus, or an Historical View of the Stage,” written by Downes the prompter,
Among the “Letters of Tom Brown from the Dead to the
Living,
” is one from Dr. Blow to Henry Purcell, in which
it is humourously observed, that persons of their profession
are subject to an equal attraction from the church and
the play-house; and are therefore in a situation resembling
that of Mahomet’s tomb, which is said to be suspended
between heaven and earth. This remark so truly applies to
Purcell, that it is more than probable that his particular situation gave occasion to it; for he was scarcely known to
the world, before he became, in the exercise of his calling,
so equally divided between both the church and the
theatre, that neither could properly call him her own. In
a pamphlet entitled “Roscius An^licanus, or an Historical
View of the Stage,
” written by Downes the prompter, and
published in
strument is employed but the organ, and the several parts are constantly moving in fugue, imitation, or plain counterpoint; or, giving way to feeling and imagination,
In 1691, the opera of “Dioclesian
” was published by
Purcell, with a dedication to Charles duke of Somerset, in
which he observes, that “music is yet but in its nonage, a
forward child, which gives hopes of what he may be hereafter in England, when the masters of it shall find more encouragement; and that it is now learning Italian, which is
its best master, and studying a little of the French air to
give it somewhat more of gaiety and fashion.
” The unlimited powers, says Dr. Burney, of this musician’s genius
embraced every species of composition that was then
known, with equal felicity. In writing for the church,
whether he adhered to the elaborate and learned style of
his great predecessors Tallis, Bird, and Gibbons, in which
no instrument is employed but the organ, and the several
parts are constantly moving in fugue, imitation, or plain
counterpoint; or, giving way to feeling and imagination,
adopted the new and more expressive style of which he was
himself one of the principal inventors, accompanying the
voice-parts with instruments, to enrich the harmony, and
enforce the melody and meaning of the words, he manifested equal abilities and resources. In compositions for
the theatre, though the colouring and effects of an orchestra were then but little known, yet as he employed
them more than his predecessors, and gave to the voice a
melody more interesting and impassioned than, during the
seventeenth century, had been heard in this country, or
perhaps in Italy itself, he soon became the darling and delight of the nation. And in the several pieces of chamber
music which he attempted, whether sonatas for instruments,
or odes, cantatas, songs, ballads, and catches, for -the
voice, he so far surpassed whatever our country had produced or imported before, that all other musical productions seem to have been instantly consigned to contempt or
oblivion.
th century, were not blest with sufficient longevity for their genius to expand in all its branches, or to form a school, which would have enabled us to proceed in
It has been extremely unfortunate, says the same author, for our national taste and our national honour, that Orlando Gibbons, Pelham Humphrey, and Henry Purcell, our three best composers during the seventeenth century, were not blest with sufficient longevity for their genius to expand in all its branches, or to form a school, which would have enabled us to proceed in the cultivation of music without foreign assistance. Orlando Gibbons died 1625, at forty-four. Pelham Humphrey died 1674, at 'twentyseven; and Henry Purcell died 1695, at thirty-seven. If these admirable composers had been blest with long life, we might have had a music of our own, at least as good as that of France or Germany; which, without the assistance of the Italians, has long been admired and preferred to all others by the natives at large, though their princes have usually foreigners in their service. As it is, we have no school for composition, no well-digested method of study, nor, indeed, models of our own. Instrumental music, therefore, has never gained much by our own abilities; for though some natives of England have had hands sufficient to execute the productions of the greatest masters on the continent, they have produced but little of their own that has been much esteemed. Handel’s compositions for the organ and harpsichord, with those of Scarlatti and Alberti, were our chief practice and delight for more than fifty years; while those of Corelli, Geminiani, Albinoni, Vivaldi, Tessarini, Veracini, and Tartini, till the arrival of Giardini, supplied all our wants on the violin, during a still longer period. And as for the hautbois, Martini and Fisher, with their scholars and imitators, are all that we have listened to with pleasure. If a parallel were to be drawn between Purcell and any popular composer of a different country, reasons might be assigned for supposing him superior to every great and favourite contemporary musician in Europe.
Purcell died Nov. 21, 1695, of a consumption or lingering distemper, as it should seem; for his will, dated
Purcell died Nov. 21, 1695, of a consumption or lingering distemper, as it should seem; for his will, dated
the 1st, recites, that he was then “very ill in constitution,
but of sound mind
” and his premature death, at the early
age of thirty-seven, was a severe affliction to the lovers of
his art. His friends, in conjunction with his widow, for
whom and his children he had not been able to make any
great provision, were anxious to raise a monument of his
fame for which end they selected, chiefly from his compositions for the theatre, such songs as had been most favourably received, and, by the help of a subscription of
twenty shillings each person, published, in 1698, that wellknown work, the “Orpheus Britannicns,
” with a
dedication to his good friend and patroness lady Howard, who
had been his scholar.
lished the first volume in 1613, and the fifth in 1625, under this title, “Purchas his Pil^ grimage, or Relations of the World, and the Religions observed in all ages
, a learned English divine, and
compiler of a valuable collection of voyages, was born at
Thaxstead in Essex in 1577, and educated at St. John’s
college, Cambridge, where he took his master’s degree in
1600, and afterwards that of bachelor of divinity. Ill
1604 he was instituted to the vicarage of Eastwood in Essex; but, leaving the cure of it to his brother, went and
lived in London, the better to carry on the great work he
had undertaken. He published the first volume in 1613,
and the fifth in 1625, under this title, “Purchas his Pil^
grimage, or Relations of the World, and the Religions observed in all ages and places discovered from the Creation
unto this present.
” In a
man exquisitely skilled in languages, and all arts divine
and human; a very great philosopher, historian, and divine; a faithful presbyter of the church of England; very
famous for many excellent writings, and especially for his
vast volumes of the East and West Indies, written in his native tongue.
” His other works are, “Purchas his Pilgrim or
Microcosmos, or The Historie of Man,
” The King’s Tower and
Triumphal Arch of London,
” A Funeral
Sermon on Psalm xxx. 5.
” is attributed to him, if.it be
not mistaken for the Microcosmos. His son, Samuel,
published “A Theatre to Political flying Insects,
”
Old Testament in numbers at Bristol; but he did not meet with sufficient encouragement; and only two or three numbers were published. In 1758, he removed to Andover,
He was apprenticed to a shoemaker, who, like the master of George Fox, mentioned in this work, employed his
apprentice in keeping sheep. This gave our young student leisure for reading; and he occupied it in the indis-.
criminate perusal of such books as came into his hands
but the Scriptures had the preference in his mind.
Among other books which came'in his way, was one written
by Samuel Fisher, a Quaker, entitled “Rusticus ad Academicos,
” in which some inaccuracies in the translation of
the Bible being pointed out, Purver determined to examine
for himself; and, with the assistance of a Jew, soon acquired a knowledge of the Hebrew language. About the
20th year of his age he kept a school in his native country;
but afterwards, for the sake of more easily acquiring the
means of prosecuting his studies, he came to London,
where he probably resided when he published, in 1727, a
book called “The Youth’s Delight.
” The same year he
returned to his native place, and a second time opened a
school there; but previous to this, in London, he had embraced the principles, and adopted the profession of the
Quakers. He is said to have been convinced of the truth
of their tenets at a meeting held at the Bull and Mouth in
Aldersgate-street; whether by means of the preaching of
any of their ministers, we are not informed; but on the
day month ensuing, he himself appeared as a minister
among them, at the same meeting*house. On his second
settling at Husborn, he began to translate the books of the
Old Testament and applied himself also to the study of
medicine and botany but, believing it his duty to travel
in his ministerial function, he again quitted his school and
his native place; not, however, probably, until after he
had resided there some years; for his course was to London, Essex, and through several counties to Bristol; near
which city, at Hambrook, he was in the latter part of
1738. At this place he took up his abode, at the house of
one Josiah Butcher, a maltster, whose son he instructed
in the classics, and there he translated some of the minor
prophets, having before completed the book of Esther,
and Solomon’s Song. Here he became acquainted with
Rachael Cotterel, who, with a sister, kept a boardingschool for girls, at Frenchay, Gloucestershire; and whom,
in 1738, he married, and soon after himself opened a
boarding-school for boys at Frenchay. During his residence in Gloucestershire, (which was not at Frenchay all the time) he attempted to publish his translation of the
Old Testament in numbers at Bristol; but he did not meet
with sufficient encouragement; and only two or three numbers were published.
In 1758, he removed to Andover, in Hampshire; and
here, in 1764, he completed his translation of all the books
of the Old and New Testament, a work which has not
often been accomplished before by -the labour of a single
individual. It consists of two volumes, folio, published in
1764, at the price of four guineas. It appears, that this
work was originally intended to be printed in occasional
numbers; for, in 1746, the late Dr. Fothergill wrote a
letter to the Gentleman’s Magazine, in which he strongly
recommended the author of a work then under publication,
which was to be continued in numbers if it should meet
with encouragement. This was a translation of the Scriptures, under the title of “Opus in sacra Biblia elaboratum.
” Purver is not named, but that he was intended is
known by private testimony. After speaking in high terms
of his learning, Dr. Fothergill says, “As to his personal
character, he is a man of great simplicity of manners,
regular conduct, and a modest reserve; he is steadily attentive to truth, hates falsehood, and has an unconquerable aversion to vice; and to crown the portrait, he is not
only greatly benevolent to mankind, but has a lively sense
of the divine attributes, and a profound reverence of, and
submission to the Supreme Being.
” The mode of publication in numbers was probably unsuccessful, and soon
dropped; yet he went on with his translation, which he
completed, after the labour of thirty years. He was still
unable to publish it, nor could he find a bookseller who
would run the hazard of assisting him. At length his
friend Dr. Fothergill generously interfered gave him a
thousand pounds for the copy, and published it at his own
expence. Purver afterwards revised the whole, and made
considerable alterations and corrections for a second edition, which has not yet appeared but the ms. remains in
the hands of his grandson. Purver appears, in this great
work, a strenuous advocate for the antiquity, and even the
divine authority, of the Hebrew vowel points. He is also
a warm assertor of the purity and integrity of the Hebrew
text, and treats those who hold the contrary opinion with
great contempt; particularly Dr. Kennicott, of whom,
and his publication on the state of the Hebrew text, he
never speaks but with the greatest asperity. He has taken
very considerable pains with the scriptural chronology, and
furnishes his reader with a variety of chronological tables.
He prefers the Hebrew chronology in all cases, to the
Samaritan and Greek, and has throughout endeavoured to
connect sacred and profane history. His version is very
literal, but does not always prove the judgment or good
taste of the author. Thus, he says, that “The Spirit of
God hovered a top of the waters
” and instead of the majestic simplicity and unaffected grandeur of “Let there be
light, and there was light,
” he gives us, “Let there be
light, which, there was accordingly
” Thus his translation,
though a prodigious work for an individual, will rather be
used for occasional consultation than regular perusal; and
though it may afford many useful hints, will not supply the
place of the established translation.
stion and on these occasions he so far neglected the care of his body, as sometimes to sit alone two or three days and nights.
It is to be recollected, that Purver was a Quaker; and, believing, as he did, in their leading principle of immediate revelation, it was likely that his mind should be turned to look for such assistance, on places to which he found his own knowledge inadequate. He is said, accordingly, when he came to passages which were difficult to adapt to the context, not unfrequently to retire into a room alone, and there to wait for light upon the passage in question and on these occasions he so far neglected the care of his body, as sometimes to sit alone two or three days and nights.
es lettres at Louvain. This office he filled for forty years, although neither with the same success or the same reputation as his predecessor. Puteanus was a man of
, in Flemish Vander Putten, and in French Dupuy, was born at Venlo, in Guelderland, Nov. 4, 1574. His Christian name was Henry. He studied the classics at Dort, philosophy at Cologne, and law at Louvain, under the celebrated Lipsius, with whom he formed a lasting friendship. He afterwards, in pursuit of knowledge, visited the chief academies of Italy, and heard the lectures of the most learned professors. He remained some months at Milan, and at Padua, where John Michael Pinelli gave him an apartment in his house. In 1601 he accepted the professorship of rhetoric at Milan, and nearly about the same time, was nominated historiographer to the king of Spain. Two years afterwards he was honoured with the diploma of a Roman citizen, and the degree of doctor of laws. These flattering marks of distinction made him resolve to settle in Italy; and in 1604 he married Mary Magdalen Catherine Turria, of a considerable family at Milan, a very advantageous alliance. But notwithstanding his resolution, he could not resist the offer made to him in 1606 to succeed the now deceased Lipsius, as professor of the belles lettres at Louvain. This office he filled for forty years, although neither with the same success or the same reputation as his predecessor. Puteanus was a man of vast reading, but of little judgment. He was well acquainted with the manners and customs of the ancients, but had little of the spirit of criticism or philosophy, and was incapable of undertaking any work of great extent. Every year he published some small volumes, and such was his desire to increase their number that he even printed a volume of the attestations he used to give to his scholars.
s life, by explaining an enigmatical writing drawn up in unknown characters, which no man could read or understand, and which contained the scheme of a conspiracy against
Still he was allowed to have accumulated a great fund of
learning. Bullart says, “It was the great learning of Puteanus, which, having won the heart of Urban VIII. deter*
mined that great pope to send him his portrait in a gold
medal, very heavy, with some copies of his works. It was
that same learning, which engaged cardinal Frederic Borromeo to receive him into his palace, when he returned to
Milan. It was also his learning, which made him tenderly
beloved by the count de Fuentes, governor of Milan and
afterwards by the archduke Albert, who, having promoted
him to Justus Lipsius’s chair, admitted him also most honourably into the number of his counsellors. Lastly, it
was his learning; which made him so much esteemed in the
chief courts of Europe, and occasioned almost all the
princes, the learned men, the ambassadors of kings, and
the generals of armies, to give him proofs of their regard
in the letters they wrote to him; of which above sixteen
thousand were found in his library, all placed in a regular
order. He had the glory to save the king of Poland’s life,
by explaining an enigmatical writing drawn up in unknown
characters, which no man could read or understand, and
which contained the scheme of a conspiracy against that
prince.
” He was also, in his private character, a man of
piety, of an obliging disposition, andremarkable not only
for his kindness to his scholars, but for many good offices
to his countrymen in every case of need. The archduke
Albert, as Bullart notices, nominated him one of his
counsellors, and entrusted him with the government of the
castle of Louvain. He died at Louvain Sept. 17, 1646, in
the seventy-second year of his age. Nicolas Vernulaeus
pronounced his funeral oration, and his life was published
by Milser with an engraved portrait.
ophy, history, politics, and mathematics, which, according to Niceron’s list, amount to 98 articles, or volumes. Those on philology have been for the most part inserted
The works of this author are divided into six classes,
eloquence, philology, philosophy, history, politics, and
mathematics, which, according to Niceron’s list, amount
to 98 articles, or volumes. Those on philology have been
for the most part inserted in Graevius’s Antiquities. The
others most worthy of notice in the opinion of his biographers, are, 1. “De usu fructuque Bibliothecae Ambrosianae,
” Milan, Suada Attica, sive orationes
selectee.
” 2. “Comus, sive Phagesiposia Cimmeria, de
luxu somnium,
” Louvain, Comus, ou banquet dissolu des Cimmeriens.
” 3. “Historise insubricae
libri sex, qui irruptiones Barbarorum in Italiam continent,
abanno 157 ad annum 975.
” This has gone through several
editions; one at Louvain, 1630, folio, another at Leipsic.
It is rather superficial, but the archduchess Isabella was so
much pleased with it that she made the author a present of
a gold chain. 4. “Pietatis thaumata in Protheum Parthenicum unius libri versum et unius versus librum, Stella-?
rum numeris sive formis 1022 variatum,
” Antwerp, Tot sibi sunt dotes, Virgo, quot sidera ccelo.
” This poor
verse he has turnedand twisted
s were not of the lowest class. He was educated at Oxford, but in what college, how long he resided, or whether he took a degree, remain unascertained. Wood had made
, an English poet and poetical
critic, flourished in the reign of queen Elizabeth. Very
little is known of his life, and for that little- we are indebted to Mr. Haslewood, whose researches, equally accurate and judicious, have so frequently contributed to illustrate the history of old English poetry. By Ames, Puttenham was called Webster, but his late editor has brought
sufficient proof that his name was George. He appears
to have been born some time between 1529 and 1535.
As his education was liberal, it may be presumed that his
parents were not of the lowest class. He was educated at
Oxford, but in what college, how long he resided, or whether he took a degree, remain unascertained. Wood had
made none of these discoveries when he wrote his
“Athense.
” His career at court might commence at the
age of eighteen, when he sought to gain the attention of
the youthful king Edward VI. by an P^clogue, entitled
“Elpine.
” He made one or two tours on the continent,
and proved himself neither an idle nor inattentive observer.
He visited successively the courts of France, Spain, and
Italy, and was at the Spa nearly about the year 1570. It
is not improbable that he had a diplomatic appointment
under Henry earl of Arundel, an old courtier, who, with
the queen’s licence, visited Italy as he describes himself
a beholder of the feast given by the duchess of Parma, to
this nobleman, at the court of Brussels. His return was
probably early after the above period, but nothing can be
stated with certainty. It may however be inferred from
his numerous adulatory verses addressed to queen Elizabeth, before the time of publishing his “Art of Poesie,
”
that he must have been a courtier of long standing, and was
then one of her gentlemen pensioners.
found a place in those miscellaneous and fashionable repositories, the” Paradise of Dainty Devices,“ or” England’s Helicon.“His own volume however proves the neglect
Of all his numerous pieces, the “Art of Poesie,
” and the
n Partheniades,“are the only ones known to exist, and it
seems unaccountable that not a single poem by this author
found a place in those miscellaneous and fashionable repositories, the
” Paradise of Dainty Devices,“or
” England’s
Helicon.“His own volume however proves the neglect of
the age, for of many poems noticed as the avowed productions of some of our best writers, we have no other
knowledge than the scraps there incidentally preserved.
His
” Partheniades,“lately reprinted, were presented to
queen Elizabeth, as a new year’s gift? probably on Jan. 1,
1579 his
” Art of English Poesie“was published in 1589.
From this last work it appears that he was a candid but
sententious critic. What his observations want in argument is compensated by the soundness of his judgment;
and his conclusions, notwithstanding their brevity, are just
and pertinent. He did not hastily scan his author to indulge in an untimely sneer and his opinions were adopted
by contemporary writers, and have not been dissented from
by moderns. Mr. Gilchrist, in the
” Censura Lit.“has
drawn an able and comprehensive character of this work,
as
” on many accounts one of the most curious and entertaining, and intrinsically one of the most valuable books of
the age of Elizabeth." In 1811, Mr. Haslewood reprinted
this valuable work with his usual accuracy, and in a very
elegant form, prefixing some account of the author, of
which we have availed ourselves in the present sketch.
e hundred and twenty sieges, in which there was an actual cannonade, and in more than thirty battles or skirmishes, yet never received a wound. He died in 1682, at
, lieutenant-general under Louis XIII. and XIV. was of a noble
family in Armagnac, and was born in the year 1600. He
is one of those Frenchmen of distinction who have written
memoirs of their own time, from which so abundant materials are supplied to their history, more than are generally
found in other countries. His memoirs extend from 1617 to
1658. - They were first published at Paris, and at Amsterdam in 1690, under the inspection of Du Chene, historiographer of France, in 2 vols. 12mo, and are now republished in the general collection of memoirs. The life of
iPuy-Segur was that of a very active soldier. He entered
into the army in 1617, and served forty-three years without intermission, rising gradually to the rank of lieutenantgeneral. In 1636, the Spaniards having attempted to pass
the Somme, in order to march to Pans, Puy-Segur was
ordered to oppose them with a small body of troops. The
general, the count de Soissons, fearing afterwards that he
would be cut off, which was but too probable, sent his aidde-camp to tell him that he might retire if he thought proper. “Sir,
”“replied this brave officer,
” a man ordered
upon a dangerous service, like the present, has no opinion
to form about it. I came here by the count’s command,
and shall not retire upon his permission only. If he would
have me return, he must command it." This gallant man
is said to have been at one hundred and twenty sieges, in
which there was an actual cannonade, and in more than
thirty battles or skirmishes, yet never received a wound.
He died in 1682, at his own castle of Bernouille, near
Guise. His memoirs are written with boldness and truth;
contain many remarkable occurrences, in which he was
personally concerned; and conclude with some very useful
military instructions.
glish taste are likely to be benefited by the translation of such poems as “Lenore.” 17. “Naucratia, or Naval dominion, a poem,” 2d edit. 1798. 18. “The Inquisitor,
From his earliest days Mr. Pye was devoted to reading.
When he was about ten years old, his father put Pope’s
Homer into his hand: the rapture which he received from
this exquisite paraphrase of the Grecian bard was never to
be forgotten, and it completely fixed him a rhymer for'
life, as he pleasantly expressed it. To this early love of
reading Mr. Pye was indebted for the various learning he
possessed. His first literary production, probably, was an
“Ode on the birth of the Prince of Wales,
” published in the
Oxford Collection and the following distinct publications
have successively appeared from his prolific pen 1.“Beauty >
a poetical essay,
” 'Elegies on different occasions,
” 1768, 4to. 3. “The Triumph of Fashion, a vision,
”
Faringdon Hill, a poem in two books,
”
Six Olympic Odes of Pindar, being those
omitted by Mr. West, translated into English verse, with
notes,
” The Art of War, a poem, translated from the French of the king of Prussia,
” written and
published in The Progress of Refinement, a
poem, in three parts,
” Shooting, a poem,
” Poems on various
Subjects,
” in two vols. 8vo, in which several of the beforementioned pieces were collected, and a few new ones
added, 1787. 10. “An elegant and very faithful English
Translation of the Song of Harmodius and Aristogeiton, is
to be found, among other excellent pieces, in this collection. 11.
” A Translation of the Poetics of Aristotle,
first published in an octavo volume in 1788, and afterwards
prefixed to a Commentary on that Work, published in a
quarto volume. 12. “Amusement, a poetical essay,
”
The Siege of Meaux, a tragedy, in three
acts,
” acted at Covent-Garden theatre, The War Elegies of Tyrtseus imitated, and addressed to
the people of Great Britain with some Observations on
the Life and Poems of TyrtEeus,
” The Democrat; interspersed with Anecdotes of well-known Characters,
” Lenore, a tale, translated from the German of Gottfried Augustus Burger,
”
Lenore.
”
17. “Naucratia, or Naval dominion, a poem,
” 2d edit.
1798. 18. “The Inquisitor, a tragedy in five acts, altered
from the German by the late James Petit Andrews and
Henry James Pye,
” The Aristocrat, by
the author of the Democrat,
” Carmen Seculare for the year 1800.
” 21. “Adelaide,
a tragedy,
” acted at Drury-lane theatre, Alfred,
an epic poem in six books,
” Verses on
several subjects, written in the vicinity of Stoke Park, in
the summer and autumn of 1801,
” A
second Collection of his Poems, in two octavo volumes,
comprising, besides several of those already mentioned, a
volume of sketches on various subjects and a translation
of Xenophon’s Defence of the Athenian Democracy, with,
notes.
” 25. “A Prior Claim, a comedy,
” acted at Drurylane Theatre, Comments
on the Commentators on Shakspeare with preliminary observations on his genius and writings, and on the labours
of those who have endeavoured to elucidate them,
” A Translation of the Hymns and Epigrams of
Homer,
”
’s Lynn, where he married in 1701, and the same year was appointed by the corporation to be minister or preacher of St. Nicholas’s chapel. Between the years 1708 and
, an English divine, the son of the Rev,
John Pyle, rector of Stodey, in Norfolk, was born there in
1674, and is said by Mr. Masters to have been educated at
Caius-college, Cambridge but his name does not occur
in the printed list of graduates. About 1698, he was examined for ordination by Mr. Whiston (at that time chaplain to bishop Moore), who says, in his own “Life,
” that
“Dr. Sydall and Mr. Pyle were the best scholars among
the many candidates whom it was his office to examine.
”
It is supposed Mr. Pyle was first curate of Sr. Margaret’s
parish in King’s Lynn, where he married in 1701, and the
same year was appointed by the corporation to be minister
or preacher of St. Nicholas’s chapel. Between the years
1708 and 1718 he published six occasional sermons, chiefly
in defence of the principles of the Revolution, and the
succession of the Brunswick family. He also engaged in the
Bangorian controversy, writing two pamphlets in vindication of bishop Hoadly, who rewarded him with a prebend
of Salisbury, and a residentiaryship in that cathedral.
and in the country, he was one of the most admi /ed preachers of his time. His sole aim was to amend or improve his auditors. For this purpose he addressed himself,
His sentiments will further appear by his publishing his
“Paraphrase on the Acts, and all the Epistles,
” in the
manner of Dr. Clarke. This was followed by his “Paraphrase on the Revelation of St. John,
” and on the “Historical books of the Old Testament;
” all which, comprising what was thought necessary for illustration, within a
small compass, and in a plain and perspicuous manner,
were much recommended and much read. His writings
are generally characterised by perspicuity and manly
sense, rather than by any elevation of style yet in the
delivery of his sermons, so impressive was his elocution
that, both in the metropolis and in the country, he was one
of the most admi /ed preachers of his time. His sole aim
was to amend or improve his auditors. For this purpose
he addressed himself, not to their passions, but to their
understandings and consciences. He judiciously preferred
a plainness, united with a force of expression, to all affectation of elegance or rhetorical sublimity, and delivered hi*
discourses with so just and animated a torie of voice, as
never failed to gain universal attention.
Although he lived in friendship and familiar correspondence with many eminent churchmen, as bishop Hoadly,
Dr. Clarke, Dr. Sykes, &c. yet he remained long in a situation of comparative obscurity. This, according to a passage in one of archbishop Herring’s letters to Mr. Duncomb, was, “in some measure, owing to himself; for that
very impetuosity of spirit which, under proper government, renders him the agreeable creature he is, has, in
some circumstances of life, got the better of him, and
hurt his views.
” This probably alludes to his being heterodox with respect to the Trinity, which was common
with most of the divines with whom he associated. He continued to be preacher at St. Nicholas, King’s Lynn, till
1732, when he succeeded to the vicarage of St. Margaret,
which he held till 1755. Being then no Jonger capable of
discharging the duties annexed to it, he gave in his resignation, both to the dean and chapter of Norwich, and also
to the mayor and corporation of Lynn, early in the summer of that year. He then retired to SwafFham, where he
died, Dec. 31, 1756, aged eighty-two > and was buried in
the church of Lynn All Saints.
Lord Clarendon observes, that “his parts were rather acquired by industry, than supplied by nature, or adorned by art; but that, besides his exact knowledge of the
Lord Clarendon observes, that “his parts were rather
acquired by industry, than supplied by nature, or adorned
by art; but that, besides his exact knowledge of the forms
and orders of the House of Commons, he had a very comely
and grave way of expressing himself, with great volubility
of words natural and proper. He understood likewise the
temper and affections of the kingdom as well as any man,
and had observed the errors and mistakes in government,
and knew well how to make them appear greater than they
were. At the first opening of the Long Parliament, though
he was much governed in private designing by Mr. Hampden
and Mr. Oliver St. John, yet he seemed of all men to have
the greatest influence upon the House of Commons and
was at that time, and for some months’ after, the most
popular man in that or any other age. Upon the first design of softening and obliging the most powerful persons
in both Houses, when he received the king’s promise for
the chancellorship of the exchequer, he made in return a
suitable profession of his service to*1iis majesty; and thereupon, the other being no secret, declined from that sharpness in the House, which was more popular than any man’s,
and made some overtures to provide for the glory and
splendour of the crown; in which he had so ill success,
that his interest and reputation there visibly abated, and
he found, that he was much more able to do hurt than
good; which wrought very much upon him to melancholy,
and complaint of the violence nd discomposure of the
people’s affections and inclinations. In the prosecution
of the earl of Strafford, his carriage and language was such,
as expressed much personal animosity; and he was accused of having practised some arts in it unworthy of a
good man; which, if true, might make many other things,
that were confidently reported afterwards of him, to be
believed; as that he received a great sum of money from
the French ambassador, to hinder the transportation of
those regiments of Ireland into Flanders, upon the disbanding that army there, which had been prepared by the
earl of Strafford for the business of Scotland in which, if
his majesty’s directions and commands had not been diverted and contradicted by both Houses, many believed,
that the rebellion in Ireland had not happened. From the
time of his being accused of high treason by the king, he
opposed all overtures of peace and accommodation and
when the earl of Essex was disposed, in the summer of
1643, to a treaty, his power and dexterity wholly changed
the earl’s inclination in that point. He was also wonderfully solicitous for the Scots coming-in to the assistance
of the parliament. In short, his power pf doing shrewd
turns was extraordinary, and no less in doing good offices
for particular persons, whom he preserved from censure,
when they were under the severe displeasure of the Houses
of parliament, and looked upon as eminent delinquents;
and the quality of many of them made it believed, that he
sold that protection for valuable considerations.
”
. The few particulars recorded of his life are chiefly conjectural, as that he was either apprentice or son-in-law to Caxton. Mr. Ames intimates that he was in such
, the third on the list of our early
printers, was born in Normandy, as appears by king Henry’s
patent of naturalization, in which he is styled “Richardus
Pynson in partibus Normand. oriund.
” There were, however, some of the same name in England, about his time.
The few particulars recorded of his life are chiefly conjectural, as that he was either apprentice or son-in-law to
Caxton. Mr. Ames intimates that he was in such esteem
with the lady Margaret, Henry VIIth’s mother, and other
great personages, that he printed for them all his days, and
obtained a patent from the king to be his printer, in 1503,
or before. He appears to have resided in the vicinity of
Temple-bar, for some time on the city side, and for some
time on the Westminster side of that ancient boundary. If
he was made king’s printer so early as 1503, as asserted by
Ames, he did not assume the title till 1503, when he first
added it to his colophon. This honour seems to have been
accompanied with some small salary, and the title of Esquire. Soon after his commencement in business, he employed one William Tailleur, a printer of Roan, to print
Littleton’s Tenures, and some other law pieces for him
because our laws being all made in the Norman French tiJl
the beginning of the reign of Henry VII. and the printers
of that country understanding the language better, were
certainly more capable of printing them correct. Afterwards he, as well as others, had such helps, that the statutes and other law books were all printed at home. About
1525 he began his controversy with Redman, who had
stolen one of his principal devices, and affixed it, without
apology, to a number of the books printed by him. Redman he abuses in very gross terms, and even quibbles upon
his name Redman quasi Rudem&n. Yet, notwithstanding
this dispute, Redman succeeded Pynson, by removing into
the very parish and house of Pynson.
, the founder of the sect of Pyrrhonists, or sceptics, was the son of Plistarchus of the city of Elea, in
, the founder of the sect of Pyrrhonists, or sceptics, was the son of Plistarchus of the city of Elea, in the Peloponnesus. He flourished about the 110th olympiad, or 340 B. C. He applied himself first to painting, and several of his pieces, in which he succeeded well, were long preserved at Elea but, aspiring to philosophy, he became the disciple of Anaxarchus, whom he accompanied to In-? dia. Here he conversed with the Brachmans and Gymnosophists, imbibing from their doctrine whatever might seem favourable to his natural disposition towards doubting, but in general very little satisfied with them. As every advance he afterwards made involved him in more uncertainty, he determined on establishing a new school, in which he taught, that every object of human inquiry is involved in uncertainty, so that it is impossible ever to arrive at the knowledge of truth.
mined with reference to the laws and customs of a particular country; but whether these laws be good or bad, it is impossible to determine.” In this may be found the
Some of his opinions and some of his oddities tend to
remind the reader of certain affectations of wisdom and
philosophy in our own days. “All men,
” he said, “regulate their conduct by received opinions. Every thing is
done by habit; every thing is examined with reference to
the laws and customs of a particular country; but whether
these laws be good or bad, it is impossible to determine.
”
In this may be found the germ of those principles advanced
by modern sceptics, in order to subvert all morality. At
first Pyrrho lived in indigence and obscurity, courting retirement, and seldom appearing in public. He frequently
travelled but never told to what country he intended to
go. Every species of suffering he endured with apparent
insensibility. He never turned aside to avoid a rock or
precipice, and would rather be hurt than get out of the
way of a chariot, and his friends were therefore obliged to
accompany him wherever he went. If this be true, says
Brucker, it was not without reason that he was ranked
among those whose intellects were disturbed by intense
study; and this excellent historian seems to think that
many such reports were calumnies invented by the dogmatists whom he opposed, and he is inclined to be of this
opinign on account of the respect with which he is mentioned by ancient writers. There appears, however, upon
the whole, no great reason to think that his life was much
more consistent than his opinions, and the respect paid to
either in his age seems entitled to little regard as evidence
of excellence.
Pyrrho died about the ninetieth year of his age, probably in the 123d olympiad, or B. C. 288. After his death, the Athenians honoured his memory
Pyrrho died about the ninetieth year of his age, probably in the 123d olympiad, or B. C. 288. After his death, the Athenians honoured his memory with a statue, and a monument to him was erected in his own country.
even then, to talk without bounds and measure; for he often said to them, u Either hold your peace, or utter things more worth than silence,; and say not a little
From Peloponnesus he passed into Italy, and settled at
Croton; where the inhabitants, having suffered great loss
in a battle with the Locrians, degenerated from industry
and courage into softness and effeminacy. Pythagoras
thought it a task worthy of him to reform this city; and
accordingly began to preach to the inhabitants all manner
of virtues; and, though he naturally met at first with great
opposition, yet at length he made such an impression on
his hearers, that the magistrates themselves, astonished at
the solidity and strength of reason with which he spake,
prayed him to interpose in the affairs of the government,
and to give such advice as he should judge expedient for
the good of the state. When Pythagoras had thus reformed
the manners of the citizens by preaching, and established
the city by wise and prudent counsels, he thought it time
to lay some foundation of the wisdom he professed; and,
in order to establish his sect, opened a school. It is not
to be wondered that a crowd of disciples offered themselves
N to a man, of whose wisdom such prodigious effects had
been now seen and heard. They came to him from Greece
and from Italy; but, for fear of pouring the treasures of
wisdom into unsound and corrupt vessels, he received not
indifferently all that presented themselves, but took time
to try them for he used to say, “every soft of wood is
not fit to make a Mercury
” ex quowis ligno nonjit Mercurius that is, all minds are not alike capable of knowledge.
He gave his disciples the rules of the Egyptian priests,
and made them pass through the austerities which he himself had endured. He at first enjoined them a five years*
silence, during which they were only to hear after that,
leave was given them to propose questions, and to state
their doubts. They were not, however, even then, to talk
without bounds and measure; for he often said to them,
u Either hold your peace, or utter things more worth than
silence,; and say not a little in many words, but much in
few.“Having gone through the probation, they were
obliged, before they were admitted, to bring all their
fortune into the common stock, which was managed by
persons chosen on purpose, and called ceconomists and,
if any retired from the society, he often carried away with
him more than he brought in. He was, however, immediately regarded by the rest as a dead person, his obsequies
made, and a tomb raised for him which sort of ceremony
was instituted to deter others from leaving the school, by
shewing, that if a man, after having entered into the ways
of wisdom, turns aside and forsakes them, it is in vain for
him to believe himself living—he is dead .
The Egyptians believed the secrecy they observed to be
recommended to them by the example of their gods, who
would never be seen by mortals but through the obscurity
of shadows. For this reason there was at Sais, a town of
Egypt, a statue of Pallas, who was the same as Isis, with
this inscription
” I am whatever is, has been, or shall be;
and no mortal has ever yet taken off the veil that covers me."
They had invented, therefore, three ways of expressing
their thoughts; the simple, the hieroglyphical, and the
symbolical. In the simple they spoke plainly and intelligibly, as in common conversation; in the hieroglyphical
they concealed their thoughts under certain images and
characters; and in the symbolical they explained them by
short expressions, which, under a sense plain and simple,
included another wholly figurative. Pythagoras principally
imitated the symbolical style of the Egyptians, which, having neither the obscurity of the hieroglyphics, nor the
clearness of ordinary discourse, he thought very proper to
inculcate the greatest and most important truths for a
symbol, by its double sense, the proper and the figurative,
teaches two things at once and nothing pleases the mind
more, than the double image it represents to our view.
n geometry it is said he invented many theorems, particularly these three; 1st, Only three polygons, or regular plane figures, can fill up the space about a point,
In this manner Pythagoras delivered many excellent things concerning God and the human soul, and a vast variety of precepts relating to the conduct of life, political as well as civil; and he made some considerable discoveries and advances in the arts and sciences. In arithmetic, the common multiplication table is, to this day, still called Pythagoras’s table. In geometry it is said he invented many theorems, particularly these three; 1st, Only three polygons, or regular plane figures, can fill up the space about a point, viz. the equilateral triangle, the square, and the hexagon: 2d, The sum of the three angles of every triangle is equal to two right angles: 3d, In any right-angled triangle, the square on the longest side is equal to both the squares on the two shorter sides: for the discovery of this last theorem, some authors say he offered to the gods a hecatomb, or a sacrifice of a hundred oxen; Plutarch, however, says it was only one ox, and even that is questioned by Cicero, as inconsistent with his doctrine, which forbade bloody sacrifices: the more accurate therefore say, he sacrificed an ox made of flour, or of clay; and Plutarch even doubts whether such sacrifice, whatever it was, was made for the said theorem, or for the area of the parabola, which it was said Pythagoras also found out.
In astronomy his inventions were many and great. It is reported he discovered, or maintained the true system of the world, which places the sun
In astronomy his inventions were many and great. It is
reported he discovered, or maintained the true system of
the world, which places the sun in the centre, and makes
all the planets revolve about him; from him it is to this
day called the old or Pythagorean system; and is the same
as that revived by Copernicus. He first discovered that
Lucifer and Hesperus were but one and the same, being
the planet Venus, though formerly thought to be two different stars. The invention of the obliquity of the zodiac
is likewise ascribed tt> him. He first gave to the world the
name Kocr/xoj, Kosmos, from the order and beauty of all
things comprehended in it asserting that it was made according to musical proportion for as he held that the sun,
by him and his followers termed the fiery globe of unity,
was seated in the midst of the universe, and planets
moving around him, so he held that the seven planets had
an harmonious motion, and their distances from the sun
corresponded to the musical intervals or divisions of the
monochord. We may also add, that among the works that
are cited of him, there are not only books of physic, and
books of morality, like that contained in what are called his
“Golden VersesJ
” but treatises of politics and theology.
Ah these works are lost but the vastness of his mind, and
the greatness of his talents, appear from the wonderful
things he performed. He delivered, as antiquity relates,
several cities of Italy and of Sicily from the yoke of slavery
he appeased seditions in others and he softened the manners, and brought to temper the most savage and unruly
humours, of several people and several tyrants. Phalaris,
the tyrant of Sicily, is said to have been the only one who
could withstand the remonstrances of Pythagoras and he,
it seems, was so enraged at his lectures, that he ordered
him to he put to death. But though the reasonings ol the
philosopher could make no impression on the tyrant, yet
they were sufficient to revive the spirit of the Agrigentines,
and Phalaris was killed the very same day that he had fixed
for the death of Pythagoras.
but this opinion is contradicted by others, and Plutarch is supposed to be mistaken. Whether he did or not, it is certain that whatever was written by his first disciples
Pythagoras had a great veneration for marriage; and
therefore at Croton, married Theano, daughter of Brontinus, one of the chief of that city. He had by her two
sons, Arimnestus and Telauges which last succeeded his
father in his school, and was the master of Empedocles.
He had likewise one daughter, named Damo, who was distinguished by her learning as well as her virtues, and wrote
an excellent commentary upon Homer. It is related that
Pythagoras had given her some of his writings, with express commands not to impart them to any but those of
his own family to which Damo was so scrupulously obedient, that even when she was reduced to extreme poverty,
she refused a great sum of money for them. Some have
indeed asserted, and Plutarch among them, that Pythagoras never wrote any thing; but this opinion is contradicted by others, and Plutarch is supposed to be mistaken.
Whether he did or not, it is certain that whatever was written by his first disciples ought to be regarded as the work
of himself; for they wrote only his opinions, and that so
religiously, that they would not change the least syllable;
respecting the words of their master as the oracles of a
god; and alledging in confirmation of the truth of any
doctrine only this, avrog t$a, t “He said so.
” They looked
on him as the most perfect image of the deitv among men.
His house was called the temple of Ceres, and his courtyard the temple of the Muses; and, when he went into
towns it was said he went thither, “not to teach men, but
to heal them.
”
oras were destroyed, and he himself, at the age of above eighty, killed at the tumult of Metapontum, or, as others say, was starved to death in the temple of the Muses,
Pythagoras was persecuted in the last years of his life, and died a tragical death. There was at Croton a young man called Cylon, whom a noble birth and opulence had so puffed up with pride, that he thought he should do honour to Pythagoras in offering to be his disciple. The philosopher did not measure the merit of men by these exterior things; and therefore, finding in him much corruption and wickedness, refused to admit him. This extremely enraged Cylon, who sought nothing but revenge and, having rendered many persons disaffected to Pythagoras, came one day accompanied by a crowd of profligates, and surrounding the house where he was teaching, set it on fire. Pythagoras had the luck to escape, and flying, took the way to Locrisj but the Locrians, fearing the enmity of Cylon, who was a man of power, deputed their chief magistrates to meet him, and to request him to retire elsewhere. He went to Tarentum, where a new persecution soon obliged him to retire to Metapontum. But the sedition of Croton proved as it were the signal of a general insurrection against the Pythagoreans the flame had gained all the cities of Greece the schools of Pythagoras were destroyed, and he himself, at the age of above eighty, killed at the tumult of Metapontum, or, as others say, was starved to death in the temple of the Muses, whither he was fled for refuge.
had such an entire command of himself, that he was never seen to express, in his countenance, grief, or joy, or anger. He refrained from animal food, and confined himself
The sect of Pythagoras subsisted till towards the end of
the reign of Alexander the Great. About that time the
Academy and the Lyceum united to obscure and swallow
up the Italic sect, which till then had held up its head with
so much glory, that Isocrates writes: “We more admire,
at this day, a Pythagorean when he is silent, than others,
even the most eloquent, when they speak.
” However, in
after-ages, there were here and there some disciples of Pythagoras hut they were only particular persons, who never
made any society nor had the Pythagoreans any more a
public school. Notwithstanding the high encomiums bestowed upon this philosopher, Brucker, who has a very
elaborate article on the subject, is of opinion that Pythagoras owed much of his celebrity and authority to imposture. Why did he so studiously court the society of Egyptian priests, so famous in antient times for their arts of
deception; why did he take so much pains to be initiated
in religious mysteries; why did he retire into a
subterraneous cavern in Crete; why did he assume the character
of Apollo, at the Olympic games why did he boast that
his soul had lived in former bodies, and that he had been
first Æthalides the son of Mercury, then Euphorbus, then
Pyrrhus of Delos, and at last Pythagoras, but that he might
the more easily impose upon the credulity of an ignorant
and superstitious people His whole manner of life, as
far as it is known, confirms this opinion. Clothed in a
long white robe, with a flowing beard, and, as some relate,
with a golden crown on his head, he preserved among the
people, and in the presence of his disciples, a commanding
gravity and majesty of aspect. He made use of music to
promote the tranquillity of his mind frequently singing,
for this purpose, hymns of Thales, Hesiod, and Homer.
He had such an entire command of himself, that he was
never seen to express, in his countenance, grief, or joy, or
anger. He refrained from animal food, and confined himself to a frugal vegetable diet, excluding from his simple
bill of fare, for sundry mystical reasons, pulse or beans.
By this artificial demeanour, Pythagoras passed himself
upon the vulgar as a being of an order superior to the
common condition of humanity, and persuaded them that
he had received his doctrine from heaven. We find still
extant a letter of Pythagoras to Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse;
but this letter is certainly supposititious, Pythagoras having
been dead before Hiero was born. “The Golden Verses
of Pythagoras,
” the real author of which is unknown, have
been frequently published, with the f< Commentary of
Hierocles,“and a Latin version and notes. Mr. Dacier
translated them into French, with notes, and- added the
” Lives of Pythagoras and Hierocles“and this work was
published in English, the
” Golden Verses" being translated
from the Greek by N. Rowe, esq. in 1707, 8vo.
he same purpose, in the South. Pytheas explored all the sea-coasts, from Cadiz to the isle of Thule, or Iceland, where he observed that the sun s rose almost as soon
, a celebrated ancient traveller, was born at
Massilia (now Marseilles), a colony of the Phoceans. He
was well acquainted with philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and geography and it is supposed, with reason,
that his fellow-citizens, being prepossessed in favour of
his knowledge and talents, and wishing to extend their
trade, sent him to make new discoveries in the North,
while they employed Euthymenes, for the same purpose,
in the South. Pytheas explored all the sea-coasts, from
Cadiz to the isle of Thule, or Iceland, where he observed
that the sun s rose almost as soon as it was set which is the
case in Iceland, and the northern parts of Norway, during
the summer season. After his return from this first voyage,
he travelled by land through all the maritime provinces of
Europe lying on the ocean and the Baltic, as far as Tanais,
which is supposed to have been the Vistula, where he
embarked for Massilia. Polybius and Strabo have treated
the account of his travels as fabulous but Gassendi, Sanson, and Rudbeck, join with Hipparchus and Eratosthenes
in defending this ancient geographer, whose reputation is
completely established by the modern navigators. We
are indebted to Pytheas for the discovery of the Isle of
Thule, and the distinction of climates, by the different
length of the days and nights. Strabo has also preserved
to us another observation, which was made by him in his
own country, at the time of the solstice. Pytheas must
have lived at the same time with Aristotle and Alexander the
Great; for Polybius, as quoted by Strabo, asserts, that
Dicearchus, Aristotle’s pupil, had read his works. This
ingenious Marseillois is the first and most ancient Gaulish
author we know. His principal work was entitled, “The
Tour of the Earth
” but neither this, nor any other of his
writings, have come down to us, though some of them
were remaining at the end of the fourth century. They
were written in Greek, the language then spoken at
Marseilles.
disciple of the apostles, according to Eusebius and Jerome, and bishop of Athens, where he was born, or at least educated. About the year 125, when the emperor Adrian,
, an early Christian writer and apologist,
was a disciple of the apostles, according to Eusebius and
Jerome, and bishop of Athens, where he was born, or at
least educated. About the year 125, when the emperor
Adrian, then in the sixth year of his reign, wintered at
Athens, and was there initiated into the Eleusinian mysteries, a persecution arose against the Christians. Quadratus, who had succeeded Publius, the martyred bishop,
in order to stop the persecution, composed an “Apology
for the Christian Faith,
” and presented it to the emperor.
This Apology, which happened to be accompanied by
another from Aristides (see Aristides), had the desired
effect, and was extant in Eusebius’ s time; who tells us,
that it shewed the genius of the man, and the true doctrine
of the apostles; but we have only a small fragment preserved by Eusebius, in the fourth book of his history, in
which the author declares, that “none could doubt the
truth of the miracles of Jesus Christ, because the persons
healed and raised from the dead by him had been seen,
not only when he wrought his miracles, or while he was
upon earth, but even a very great while after his death
so that there are many,
” says he, “who were yet living in
our time.
” Valesius, and others upon his authority, will
have the Quadratus who composed the Apology, to be a
different person from Quadratus, the bishop of Athens;
but his arguments do not seem sufficiently grounded, and
are therefore generally rejected. Jerome affirms them to
be the same. Nothing certain can be collected concerning
the death of Quadratus; but it is supposed that he was
banished from Athens, and then put to a variety of torments,
under the reign of Adrian.
evive the memory of Quarles, his various pieces have become lately in much request and the original, or best editions, are sold at high prices. The first, in point
Owing to this and other attempts to revive the memory
of Quarles, his various pieces have become lately in much
request and the original, or best editions, are sold at high
prices. The first, in point of popularity, is his “Emblems,
”
Lond. Had
he been contemporary,
” says our quaint biographer, “with
Plato, that great back-friend to poets, he would not only
have allowed him to live, but advanced him to an office in
his commonwealth. Some poets, if debarred profaneness,
wantonness, and satiricalness, that they may neither abuse
God, themselves, nor their neighbours, have their tongues
cut out in effect. Others only trade in wit at the second
hand; being all for translations, nothing for invention.
Our Quarles was free from the faults of the first, as if he
had drank of Jordan instead of Helicon, and slept on
Mount Olivet for his Parnassus; and was happy in his own
invention. His visible poetry, I mean his ‘Emblems,’ is
excellent, catching therein the eye and fancy at one
draught; so that he hath out-Alciated therein, in some
some men’s judgments. His ‘Verses on Job’ are done to
the life; so that the reader may see his forces, and through
them the anguish of his soul. According to the advice of
St. Hierome, verba vertebat in opera, and practised the
Job he had described.
” Of these Emblems there have been
innumerable editions, and they continue still to be printed.
His other works we shall mention in the order of publication. 2. i“A Feast for Wormes, in a poem of the history
of Jonah,” ibid. 1620, 4to. 3. “Pentalogia, or the Quintessence of Meditation.” 4. “Hadassa, or the History of
Esther,” Lond. 1621. 5. “Job Militant, with meditations
divine and moral,” ibid. 1624, 4to. 6. “Argalus and Parthenia,” a romance, ibid. 1631, 4to. 7. "History of Sampson,” 1631, 4to. 8. “Anniversaries” upon his “Paranete.”
9. “Enchiridion of Meditations, divine and moral,” prose,
ibid. 1654. 1O. “The Loyal Convert.” 11. “The Virgin
Widow,” a comedy, Lond. 1649, 4to. 12. “Divine Fancies: digested into epigrammes, meditations, and observations,” 1633, 4to. 13. “The Shepheard’s Oracles, delivered in certain Eglogues,” 1646, 4to. 14. “Divine
poems containing Jonah, Esther, Job, Sions Sonets, Elegies, &c.” 1630, 8vo; reprinted, with plates, in 1674.
15. “Solomon’s Recantation,” reprinted 1739. This is probably not a perfect list of his pieces, nor have we been able
to see copies of the whole. Some are accurately described
in Messrs. Longman’s “Bibliotheca Anglo-Poetica.”
His works, as enumerated by Wood, are, 1. “Regale Lectum Miseriue or, a kingly bed of misery in which is contained a dreame with
His works, as enumerated by Wood, are, 1. “Regale Lectum Miseriue or, a kingly bed of misery in which is contained a dreame with an Elegie upon the Martyrdome of Charles, late king of England, of blessed memory; and another upon the right hon. the lord Capel, with a curse against the enemies of peace; and the author’s farewell to England. Whereunto is added, England’s Sonnets,” Lond. 1649, 8vo, 2d edit. 2. “Fons Lachrymarum; or, a Fountain of Tears: from when doth flow England’s complaint. Jeremiah’s Lamentations paraphrased, with divine meditations, and an elegy upon that son of valour, sir Charles Lucas,” 1648, 8vo. 3. “The Tyranny of the Dutch against the English,” ibid. 1653, 8vo, a prose narrative. 4. “Continuation of the History of Argalus and Parthenia,” ibid. 1659, 12mo. 5. “Tarquin banished, or the Reward of Lust,” a sequel to Shakspeare’s “Rape of “Lucrece,” ibid. 1655, 8vo. 6. “Divine Meditations upon several subjects,” &c. ibid. 1679, 8vo. 7. “Triumphant Chastity, or Joseph’s self-conflict,” &c. ibid. 1684, 8vo.
it. 3. “Le Code Lyrique, ou reglement pour l‘Opera de Paris/’ 1743, 12mo. 4.” Collection Historique,“ or Memoirs towards the History of the War which terminated in 1748,
His principal works, besides the periodical publications
already mentioned, are, 1. “Les impostures innocentes,
”
a little novel, the production of his youth, but calculated
to make the public regret that he did not more employ
himself in works of imagination. 2. “Le Testament de
l'Abbe des Fontaines,
” Le Code Lyrique, ou reglement pour
l‘Opera de Paris/’ 1743, 12mo. 4.
” Collection Historique,“or Memoirs towards the History of the War
which terminated in 1748, 12mo, 1757. 5. A Continuation of the Abbe Prevot’s
” History of Voyages." 6. A
translation of the Abbe Marsy’s Latin Poem on Painting,
which is executed with fidelity and elegance. Among the
editions which he published was one of Lucretius, 1744,
12mo, with notes, which have been esteemed also Phaedrus
and Anacreon.
instantly replied, “Hoc vinum enervat, debilitatque pedes,” alluding either to the gout in his feet, or to the feet of his verses. After the taking of Rome, he retired
, an Italian poet, was born at Monopolis in the kingdom of Naples; and acquired in his early
years a great facility in extempore verses. He went to
Rome about 1514, with a poem of twenty thousand lines,
called Alexias. Some young gentlemen of that city professed great friendship to him they treated him in the
country, and at a feast crowned him arch-poet so that he
was not known afterwards by any other name. Leo X. who,
upon certain occasions, was not averse to buffoonery, delighted in his company, and caused him to be served with
meat from his own table and Querno, being an excellent
parasite, humoured him very exactly. He was obliged to
make a distich extempore, upon whatever subject was
given him even though he was at the time ill of the gout,
with which he was extremely troubled. Once, when the
fit was on him, he made this verse, “Archipoeta facit versus pro mille poetis,
” and, as he hesitated in composing
the second, the pope readily and wittily added, “Et pro
mille aliis Archipoeta bibit.
” Querno, hastening to repair his fault, cried, “Porrige, quod faciat mihi carmina
docta, Falernum,
” to which the pope instantly replied,
“Hoc vinum enervat, debilitatque pedes,
” alluding either
to the gout in his feet, or to the feet of his verses. After
the taking of Rome, he retired to Naples, where he suffered much during the wars in 1528, and died there in the
hospital. He used to say, “He had found a thousand
wolves, after he had lost one lion.
”
uesnay, called him” son penseur,“his thinker; and, in allusion to that name, gave him three pansies, or” pensees," for his arms.
, a celebrated French physician,
was born at Merey, near Mont fort- Lamaury, a small town
of the isle of France, in the year 1694. He was the son of
a labourer, and worked in the fields till he was sixteen
years of age; though he afterwards became first physician
in ordinary to the king of France, a member of the Academy of Sciences at Paris, and of the Royal Society of
London. He did not even learn to read till the period
above-mentioned, when one of the books in which he first
delighted was the “Maison Rustique.
” The surgeon of
the village gave him a slight knowledge of Greek and Latin, with some of the first principles of his art after which
he repaired to the capital, where he completed his knowledge of it. Having obtained the requisite qualifications,
he first practised his profession at Mantes but M. de la
Peyronie, having discovered his talents, and thinking them
lost in a small town, invited him to Paris, to be secretary to
an academy of surgery, which he was desirous to establish.
To the first collection of memoirs published by this society
Quesnay prefixed a preface, which is considered as one of
the compietest performances of the kind. The gout at
length disqualified him for the practice of surgery, and he
applied himself to medicine, wherein he became no less
eminent. Towards the latter end of life his early taste for
agricultural studies revived, and he became a leading man
in the sect of ceconomists, who afterwards made so bad a
use of their influence, by circulating democratical principles. Quesnay had many good qualities, among which
were humanity and charity, with a strong mind and philosophical equality of temper, under the pains of the gout.
He lived to the age of eighty, and in his very last years
involved himself so deeply in mathematical studies that he
fancied he had discovered at once the two great problems,
of the trisection of an angle, and the quadrature of the
circle. He died in December 1774. Louis XV“. was
much attached to Quesnay, called him
” son penseur,“his thinker; and, in allusion to that name, gave him three
pansies, or
” pensees," for his arms.
ther Quesnel’s book, with 101 propositions extracted from it, and every thing that had been written, or that should be written, in its defence. This bull was received
, a celebrated French ecclesiastic, was born July 14, 1634, at Paris. He entered the
congregation of the Oratory, Nov. 17, 1657, and devoted
himself wholly to the study of Scripture, and the Fathers,
and the composition of works of piety. When scarcely
twenty-eight, he was appointed first director of the Institution of his order, at Paris, under father Jourdain; and
began, in that house, his famous book of “Moral Reflections
” on each verse of the New Testament, for the
use of young pupils of the Oratory. This work originallyconsisted only of some devout meditations on our Saviour’s
words; but M. de Lomenie, who, from being minister and
secretary of state, had entered the Oratory, the marquis de
Laigue, and other pious persons, being pleased with this
beginning, requested father Quesnel to make similar reflections on every part of the four Gospels. Having complied,
M. de Laigue mentioned the book to Felix de Vialart, bishop of Chalons-sur-Marne and that prelate, who was.
much celebrated for his piety, adopted the work in his diocese, and recommended the reading- of it by a mandate of
November 9, 1671, after having had it printed at Paris by
Pralard the same year, with consent of the archbishop Harlai, the royal privilege, and the approbation of the doctors.
Father Quesnel afterwards assisted in a new edition of St.
Leo’s works. When De Harlai banished father De Sainte
Marthe, general of the Oratory, he obliged father Quesnel,
who was much attached to him, to retire to Orleans 1681.
The general assembly of the Oratory having ordered, in
1684, the signature of a form of doctrine, drawn up in
1678, respecting various points of philosophy and theology,
father Quesnel refused to sign it, and withdrew into the
Spanish Netherlands, in February 1685. He took advantage of the absurd mixture of philosophy and theology introduced into this form. After this he went to M. Arnauld
at Brussels, residing with him till his death, and there
finished the “Moral Reflections
” on the whole New Testament; which, thus completed, was first published in 1693
and 1694, and approved in 1695, by cardinal de Noailles,
then bishop of Chalons-sur-Marne, who recommended it
by a mandate to his clergy and people. When the same
prelate became archbishop of Paris, he employed some
divines to examine these “Reflections
” carefully and it
was after this revisal that they were published at Paris, 1699.
This edition is more ample than any other. The celebrated archbishop of Meaux was also engaged on the subject; and “The Justification of the Moral Reflections,
against the Problem,
” appeared under his name Idee generale du
Libelle, public en Latin,
” &c. the other, “Anatomic de
la Sentence de M. l'Archeveque de Malines.
” Several
pieces appeared, soon after, against the book of “Moral
Reflections
” two had been published before one entitled,
“Le Pere Quesnel heretique
” the other, “Le Pere
Quesnel Seditieux.
” These publications induced pope
Clement XI. to condemn it altogether, by a decree of July
15, 1708; but this decree did not appease the contest, and
father Quesnel refuted it with great warmth, 1709, in a
work entitled “Entretiens sur le Décret de Rome, contre
le Nouveau Testament de Chalons, accompagne de reflexions morales.
” In the mean time, the bishops of Lucon, la Rochelle, and Gap, condemned his book by mandates, which were to be followed and supported by a letter
addressed to the king, and signed by the greatest part of
the French bishops. This was sent to them, ready drawn
p but the plan was partly defeated for a packet intended
by the abbe Bochart de Saron for the bishop of Clement,
his uncle, and which contained a copy of the letter to the
king, fell into the hands of cardinal de Noailles, and much
contusion ensued. At length, the disputes on this subject
still continuing, pope Clement XL at the solicitation of
Louis XIV. published, September 8, 1713, the celebrated
bull beginning with the words, “Unigenitus Dei Filius,
”
by which he condemned father Quesnel’s book, with 101
propositions extracted from it, and every thing that had
been written, or that should be written, in its defence.
This bull was received by the assembly of the French
clergy, and registered in parliament, in 17 14, with modifications. Cardinal de Noailles, however, and seven other
prelates refused, and lettres de cachet were issued by Louis
XIV. against them but after his decease, the cardinal and
several other bishops appealed from the bull to a general
council, all which proceedings produced disputes in the
French church that lasted nearly to the time of the revolution.
in 3 vols. 4to, two of which consist of poetry, a third of pieces in prose. The “Parnasso Espagnol, or Spanish Parnassus,” under which general title all his poetry
, an eminent Spanish satirist,
was born at Madrid in 157O; and was a man of quality, as
appears from his being styled knight of the order of St.
James, which is the next in dignity to that of the Golden
Fleece. He was one of the best writers of his age, and
excelled equally in verse and prose. He excelled too inall the different kinds of poetry his heroic pieces, says
Antonio, have great force and sublimity his lyrics great
beauty and sweetness and his humorous pieces a certain
easy air, pleasantry, and ingenuity of tone, which is delightful to a reader. His prose works are of two sorts, serious and comic the former consist of pieces written npon
moral and religious subjects the latter are satirical, full of
wit, vivacity, and humour, but not without a considerable
portion of extravagance. All his printed works, for ie
wrote a great deal which was never printed, are comprised
in 3 vols. 4to, two of which consist of poetry, a third of
pieces in prose. The “Parnasso Espagnol, or Spanish
Parnassus,
” under which general title all his poetry is included, was collected by the care of Joseph Gonzales de
Salas, who, besides short notes interspersed throughout,
prefixed dissertations to each distinct species. It was first
published at Madrid, in 1650, 4to, and has since frequently
been printed in Spain and the Low Countries. The humorous part of his prose-works has been translated into
English, particularly “The Visions,
” a satire upon corruption of manners in all ranks which has gone through.
several editions. The remainder of his comic works, containing, “The Night Adventurer, or the Day-Hater,
”
“The Life of Paul the Spanish Sharper,
” “”The Retentive Knight and his Epistles,“”The Dog and Fever,“”A Proclamation by Old Father Time,“” A Treatise of
allThings whatsoever,“” Fortune in her Wits, or the Hour
of all Men,“were translated from the Spanish, and published at London, in 1707, 8vo. Stevens, the translator,
seems to have thought that he could not speak too highly
of his author; he calls him
” the great Quevedo, his works
a real treasure the Spanish Ovid, from whom wit naturally flowed without study, and to whom it was as easy to
write in verse as in prose." The severity of his satires, however, procured him many enemies, and brought him into
great troubles. The count d'Olivares, favourite and prime
minister to Philip IV. of Spain, imprisoned him for making
too free with his administration and government; nor did
he obtain his liberty till that minister was disgraced. He
died in 1645, according to some; but, as others say, in
1647. He is said to have been very learned; and it is affirmed by his intimate friend, who wrote the preface to his
volume of poems, that he understood the Hebrew, Greek,
Latin, Italian, and French languages.
arry his deceased wife’s sister?” But his most valuable work is his “Synodicon iiS Gallia Reformata, or the Acts, Decisions, Decrees, and Laws of the famous national
, an eminent nonconformist, was born
at Plymouth, in Devonshire, in 1636, and in 1650 entered
of Exeter college, Oxford, where he became servitor in
1653, under the rectorship of Dr. Conant. After taking
his first degreein arts in 1657, he returned to his native
county, and was ordained according to the forms then in
use. He first officiated at Ermington, in Devonshire,
whence he was invited to be minister of Kingsbridge and
Churchstow, in the same county, but afterwards removed
to Brixton, whence he was ejected in 1662. He had some
valuable preferments offered to him, if he would conform,
but his opinions were fixed; for besides having been educated altogether among nonconformists, he had this additional difficulty, that he was one of those whom the law
required to be re-ordained before admission into the
church, their previous ordination being accounted invalid;
but to this few, if any, of his brethren submitted. He continued for some time after his ejection to preach to his
people but, incurring a prosecution, and being frequently
imprisoned, he accepted an offer made in 1679, to be
pastor of the English church at Middleburgh in Zealand.
Here however were some dissensions which rendered his
situation uncomfortable, and induced him to return to
England in 1681, where he preached privately during the
remainder of king Charles II.'s reign, and afterwards,
taking advantage of king James’s indulgence, formed a
congregation in Bartholomew Close. He died April 29,
1706, in the seventieth year of his age. His character for
piety, learning, and usefulness in his ministry, was amply
praised in two funeral sermons preached on occasion of his
death, the one by Dr. Daniel Williams, the other by Mr.
Freke. Besides three funeral Sermons, he published two
tracts, the one, “The young man’s claim to the Sacrament
of the Lord’s Supper,
” An answer to
that case of conscience, Whether it be lawful for a man to
marry his deceased wife’s sister?
” But his most valuable
work is his “Synodicon iiS Gallia Reformata, or the Acts,
Decisions, Decrees, and Laws of the famous national
councils of the reformed Churches in France, &c.
” London,
he same time, as some suppose, to frighten Louis XIII. he thought it not safe to continue at Loudun, or even in France, and therefore immediately retired into Italy.
, an ingenious French writer, whose talent was Latin poetry, was born at Chinon, in Touraine, about 1602. Early in life he studied physic, and practised it for some years. When Mr. De Laubardemont, counsellor of state, and a creature of cardinal Richelieu, was sent to take cognisance of the famous pretended possession of the nuns of Loudun, with secret instructions doubtless to find them real, Quillet was in that town and so everted himself in detecting the imposture, that Laubardemont issued out a warrant against him. On this, as he saw that the whole was a trick carried on by cardinal Richelieu, in order to destroy the unhappy Grandier, and at the same time, as some suppose, to frighten Louis XIII. he thought it not safe to continue at Loudun, or even in France, and therefore immediately retired into Italy. This must have happened about 1634, when Grandier was executed.
he constellations; nor will this critic allow the versification to resemble either that of Lucretius or Virgil. A third edition of the “Callipaedia” was neatly printed
The singular plan of the “Callipgedia,
” the division pf
the subject, the variety of its episodes, and the sprightliness of style, have procured it many readers; but the language is not always pure and correct, and the subject is
certainly treated in a manner too licentious. De la Monnoye very justly thinks the great reception it has met
with, owing principally to the subject; which, he says, is
often treated in a very frivolous way, especially in the second book, where there are many lines concerning the
different influences of the constellations; nor will this
critic allow the versification to resemble either that of Lucretius or Virgil. A third edition of the “Callipaedia
”
was neatly printed at London in Scaevolse Sammarthani Paedotrophiae, sive de
puerorum educatione, libri tres.
” It was translated by
Rowe.
ed crowns for the printing his Latin poem in honour of Henry IV. to Menage but this, on some account or other, was never executed.
Quillet died in 1661, aged 59; and left all his papers, together with five hundred crowns for the printing his Latin poem in honour of Henry IV. to Menage but this, on some account or other, was never executed.
ow, who had been married to a person in the mercantile way, and who left her, to pursue some traffic or particular business in the West-Indies. He had been absent from
The marriage of Mr. Quin’s father, was attended with circumstances which so materially affected the subsequent interest of his son, as probably very much to influence his destination in life. His mother was a reputed widow, who had been married to a person in the mercantile way, and who left her, to pursue some traffic or particular business in the West-Indies. He had been absent from her near seven years, without her having received any letter from, or the least information about him. He was even given out to be dead, which report was universally credited; she went into mourning for him; and some time after Mr. Quin’s father, who is said to have then possessed an estate of 1000l. a-year, paid his addresses to her and married her. The offspring of this marriage was Mr. Quin. His parents continued for some time in an undisturbed state of happiness, when the first husband returned, claimed his wife, and had her. Mr. Quin the elder retired with his son, to whom he is said to have left his property. Another, and more probable account is, that the estate was suffered to descend to the heir at law, and the illegitimacy of Mr. Quin being proved, he was dispossessed of it, and left to provide for himself.
atter. From the evidence given at the trial it appeared, that on the 17th of April, 1718, about four or five o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Quin met aecidentlly
Soon after he quitted Drury-lane, an unfortunate transaction took place, which threatened to interrupt, if not entirely to stop his theatrical pursuits. This was an unlucky
rencounter between him and Mr. Bowen, which ended
fatally to the latter. From the evidence given at the trial
it appeared, that on the 17th of April, 1718, about four
or five o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. Bowen and Mr. Quin
met aecidentlly at the Fleece-tavern in Cornhill. They
drank together in a friendly manner, and jested with each
other for some time, until at length the conversation turned
upon their performances on the stage. Bowen said, that
Quin had acted Tamerlane in a loose sort of a manner;
and Quin, in reply, observed, that his opponent had no
occasion to value himself on his performance, since Mr.
Johnson, who had but seldom acted it, represented Jacomo,
in “The Libertine,
” as well as he who had acted it often.
These observations, probably, irritated them both, and
the conversation changed, but to another subject not better calculated to produce good humour the honesty of
each party. In the course of the altercation, Bowen
asserted, that he was as honest a man as any in the world,
which occasioned a story about his political tenets to be
introduced by Quin and both parties being warm, a
wager was laid on the subject, which was determined in
favour of Quin, on his relating that Bowen sometimes
drank the health of the duke of Ormond, and sometimes
refused it at the same time asking the referee how he
could be as honest a man as any in the world, who acted
upon two different principles. The gentleman who acted
as umpire then told Mr. Bowen, that if he insisted upon his
claim to be as honest a man as any in the world, he must
give it against him. Here the dispute seemed to have
ended, nothing in the rest of the conversation indicating
any remains of resentment in either party. Soon afterwards, however, Mr. Bowen arose, threw down some money
for his reckoning, and left the company. In about a quarter of an hour Mr. Quin was called out by a porter sent by
Bowen, and both Quin and Bowen went together, first to
the Swan tavern, and then to the Pope’s-head tavern, where
a rencounter took place, and Bowen received a wound, of
which he died on the 20th of April following. In the
course of the evidence it was sworn, that Bowen, after he
had received the wound, declared that he had had justice
done him, that there had been nothing but fair play, and
that if he died, he freely forgave his antagonist. On this
evidence Quin was, on the 10th of July, found guilty of
manslaughter only, and soon after returned to his employment on the stage*.
de a very favourable impression on the public. In the season of 1721-22, he performed in Mitchell’s* or rather Hill’s “Fatal Extravagance,” Sturmy’s “Love and Duty,”
companies by drawing his sword on verdict, self-defence,
persons whom, he did not know, came
far from deserving censure. In the season of 1718-19,
Mr. Quin performed in Buckingham’s “Scipio Africanus,
”
and in Sir Walter Raleigh,
” in Dr. Sewell’s
play of that name and in the year had, as it appears, two
benefits, “The Provok'd Wife,
” 31st of January, before
any other performer, and again, “The Squire of Alsatia,
”
on the 17th of April. The succeeding season he performed
in Buckingham’s “Henry the Fourth of France,
” in
“Richard II.
” as altered by Theobald, and in “The Imperial Captives,
” of Mottley. The season of The Merry Wives of Windsor
” was revived,
in which he first played Falstaff, with great increase of
fame. This play, which was well supported by Ryan, in
Ford; Spiller, in Dr. Cains; Boheme, in Justice Shallow;
and Griffin, in Sir Hugh Evans; was acted nineteen times
during the season, a proof that it had made a very favourable impression on the public. In the season of 1721-22,
he performed in Mitchell’s* or rather Hill’s “Fatal Extravagance,
” Sturmy’s “Love and Duty,
” Philips’s “Hibernia freed.
” The season of Mariamne,
” the most successful play that theatre had known, in
which Mr. Quin performed Sohemus. In the next year,
1723-24, he acted in Jefferys’ “Edwin,
” and in Philips’s
“Belisarius.
” The season of Every Man in his Humour,
” he represented Old Knowell and it is not unworthy of observation, that Kitely,
afterwards so admirably performed by Mr. Garrick, was assigned to Mr. Hippesley, the Shuter or Edwin of his day.
In 1726, he performed in Southern’s “Money’s the Mistress
” and, in Dissembled Wanton,
”
and Frowde’s “Fall of Saguntum.
”
For a year or more before this period, Lincoln’s Innfields theatre had, by
For a year or more before this period, Lincoln’s Innfields theatre had, by the assistance of some pantomimes, as
the “Necromancer,
” “Harlequin Sorcerer,
” “Apollo and
Daphne,
” &c. been more frequented than at any time since
it was opened. In the year 1728, was offered to the public
a piece which was so eminently successful, as since to have
introduced a new species of drama, the comic opera, and
therefore deserves particular notice. This was “The Beggar’s Opera,
” first acted on the 29th of January, 1728.
Quin, whose knowledge of the public taste cannot be questioned, was so doubtful of its success before it was acted, that
he refused the part of Macheath, which was therefore
given to Walker. Two years afterwards, 19th of March,
1730, Mr. Quin had the “Beggar’s Opera
” for his benefit,
and performed the part of Macheath himself, and received
the sum of 2061. 9s. 6d. which was several pounds more
than any one night at the common prices had produced at
that theatre. His benefit the preceding year brought him
only 102l. 185. Od. and the succeeding only 129l. 35. Od.
The season of 1728 had been so occupied by “The Beggar’s Opera,
” that no new piece was exhibited in which
Quin performed. In that of 1728-29 he performed in
Barford’s “Virgin Queen,
” in Madden’s Themistocles,“and in Mrs. Heywood’s
” Frederic duke of Brunswick.“In 1729-30 there was no new play in which he performed.
In 1730-31 he assisted in Tracey’s
” Periander,“in
Frowde’s
” Philotas,“in Jeffreys’
” Merope,“and in Theobald’s
” Orestes;“and in the next season, 1731-2, in
Kelly’s
” Married Philosopher."
During Quin’s connection with Mr. Rich, he was employed, or at least consulted, in the conduct of the theatre by his principal,
During Quin’s connection with Mr. Rich, he was employed, or at least consulted, in the conduct of the theatre
by his principal, as a kind of deputy-manager. While he
was in this situation, a circumstance took place which has
been frequently and variously noticed, and which it may
not be improper to relate in the words of the writer last
quoted. “When Mr. James Quin was a managing-actor
under Mr. Rich, at LincolnVInn-fields, he had a whole
heap of plays brought him, which he put in a drawer in
his bureau. An author had given him a play behind the
scenes, which I suppose he might lose or mislay, not
troubling his head about it. Two or three days after, Mr.
Bayes waited on him, to know how he liked his play
Quin told him some excuse for its not being received, and
the author desired to have it returned. ‘ There,’ says
Quin, `there it lies on the table.‘ The author took up a
play that was lying on the table, but on opening, found it
was a comedy, and his was a tragedy, and told Quin of his
mistake. ’ Faith, then, sir,‘ said he, ’ I have lost your
play.‘ ` Lost my play’ cries the bard. `Yes, I have,‘
answered the tragedian but here is a drawer full of both
comedies and tragedies: take any two you will in the room
of it.’ The poet left him in high dudgeon, and the hero
stalked across the room to his Spa water and Rhenish, with
a negligent felicity.
”
Gibber’s “Papal Tyranny.” The next year seems to have been devoted to repose whether from indolence, or inability to obtain the terms he required from the managers,
In the season of 1743-4, Quin, we believe, passed without engagement; but in that of 1744-5 he was at Coventgarclen again, and performed King John, in Gibber’s
“Papal Tyranny.
” The next year seems to have been
devoted to repose whether from indolence, or inability to
obtain the terms he required from the managers, is not very
apparent. Both may have united. It was some of these
periods of relaxation that gave occasion to his friend Thomson, who had been gradually writing the “Castle of Indolence
” for fourteen or fifteen years, to introduce him in
a stanza in the Mansion of Idleness.
parties. Mr. Garrick and Mr. Quin had too much sense and temper to squabble about trifles. After one or two previous and friendly meetings, they selected such characters
He had the next seasoil, 1746-7, occasion to exert himself, being engaged at Covent-garden with Garrick. -.“It
is not, perhaps,
” says Mr. Davies, “more difficult to settle
the covenants of a league between mighty monarchs, than
to adjust the preliminaries of a treaty in which the high and
potent princes of a theatre are the parties. Mr. Garrick
and Mr. Quin had too much sense and temper to squabble
about trifles. After one or two previous and friendly meetings, they selected such characters as they intended to act,
without being obliged to join in the same play. Some parts
were to be acted alternately, particularly Richard III. and
Othello.
” The same writer adds “Mr. Quin soon found
that his competition with Mr. Garrick, whose reputation
was hourly increasing, whilst his own was on the decline,
would soon become ineffectual. His Richard the Third
could scarce draw together a decent appearance of company in the boxes, and he was with some difficulty tolerated
in the part, when Garrick acted the same character to
crowded houses, and with very great applause.
”
er as Jaffier this season. If you think my playing in the farce will be of the least service to you, or any entertainment to the audience, you may command March 25.”
“I am sorry that my present bad state of health makes
me incapable of performing so long and so laborious a character as Jaffier this season. If you think my playing in the
farce will be of the least service to you, or any entertainment to the audience, you may command
March 25.
” Your humble servant, D. Garrick."
ved he was decent and respectful in high company, and had a very proper behaviour, without arrogance or diffidence, which made him more circumspect, and consequently
"Mr. Quin was a man of strong, pointed sense, with strong passions and a bad temper yet in good-humour he was an excellent companion, and better bred than many who valued themselves upon good-manners. It is true, when he drank freely, which was often the case, he forgot himself, and there was a sediment of brutality in him when you shook the bottle; but he made you ample amends by his pleasantry and good sense when he was sober. He told a story admirably and concisely, and his expressions were strongly marked; however, he often had an assumed character, and spoke in blank verse, which procured him respect from some, but exposed him to ridicule from others, who had discernment to see through his pomp and affectation. He was sensual, and loved good eating, but not so much as was generally reported with some exaggeration; and he was luxurious in his descriptions of those turtle and venison feasts to which he was invited. He was in his dealing a very honest fair man, yet he understood his interest, knew how to deal with the managers, and nevef made a bad bargain with them in truth, it was not an easy matter to over-reach a man of his capacity and penetration, united with a knowledge of mankind. He was not so much an ill-natured as an ill-humoured man, and he was capable of friendship. His airs of importance and his gait was absurd so that he might be said to walk in blank verse as well as talk but his good sense corrected him, and he did not continue long in the fits. I have heard him represented as a cringing fawning fellow to lords and great men, bat I could never discover that mean disposition in him. I observed he was decent and respectful in high company, and had a very proper behaviour, without arrogance or diffidence, which made him more circumspect, and consequently less entertaining. He was not a deep scholar, but he seemed well acquainted with the works of Dryden, Milton, and Pope and he made a better figure in company, with his stock of reading, than any of the literary persons I have seen him with.
omy simplicity, cannot b.e sung with any degree of probability, nor mixed with festivals and dances, or be rendered susceptible of that variety, magnificence, show,
, a celebrated French poet, was
born in 1636, and was one of a family that had produced
some dramatic performers. He had but little education,
and is said to have been servant to Tristan D'Hermile,
from whom he imbibed some taste for poetry. The lessons
of Tristan were probably of some use to him, as that author had had long experience in theatrical matters but
Quiuault owed still more to nature. Before he was twenty
years old, he had distinguished himself by several pieces
for the stage, which had considerable success: and before
he was thirty, he produced sixteen dramas, some of which
were well received, but not all equally. It is supposed
that some of these early pieces prejudiced Boileau against
Quinault early in his career. There was neither regularity
in the plan, nor force in the style: romantic lovers and
common-place gallantry, in scenes which required a nervous pencil and vigorous colouring. These were defects
not likely to escape the lash of the French Juvenal. He
covered the young poet with ridicule; reproached him with
the affectedly soft and languishing dialogue of his lovers, by
whom even / hate you was said tenderly.
Quinault, born with great sensibility, was so wounded
by his seventy, that he applied to the magistrates, not only
to silence Boileau, but oblige him to remove his name from
his satires but the attempt was vain and it was not till
after Quinault was inlisted by Lulli to write for the opera,
that he silenced all his enemies, except Boileau and his
party, who envied him his success. The French nation
knew no better music than that of Lulli, and thought it
divine. Quinault’s was thought of secondary merit, till
after his decease and then, in proportion as the glory of
Lulli faded, that of Quinault increased. After this his
writings began to be examined and felt; and of late years,
his name is never mentioned by his countrymen without
commendation. His operas, however, though admirable
to read, are ill-calculated for modern music; and are
obliged to be new written, ere they can be new set, even
in France. Marmontel, who had modernized several of
them for Piccini to set in 1788, gave M. Laborde a dissertation on the dramatic writings of Quinault for music
which is published in the fourth volume of his “Essai sur
la Musique.
” He begins by asserting that Quinault was
the creator of the French opera upon the most beautiful
idea that could be conceived; an idea which he had realized with a superiority of talent, which no writer has
since approached. His design was to form an exhibition,
composed of the prodigies of all the arts; to unite on the
same stage all that can interest the mind, the imagination,
and the senses. For this purpose a species of tragedy is
necessary, that shall be sufficiently touching to move, but
not so austere as to refuse the enchantments of the arts
that are n-ecessary to embellish it. Historical tragedy, in
its majestic and gloomy simplicity, cannot b.e sung with
any degree of probability, nor mixed with festivals and
dances, or be rendered susceptible of that variety, magnificence, show, and decoration, where the painter and
the machinist ought to exhibit their enchantments.
ing his pieces tragedies, and not operas. He would not then have been regarded as a rival of Racine, or have oifended classical hearers or readers with the little resemblance
All the wits of the time tried to write down Quinault. Ignorant of music and its powers, they thought Lulli always right, and the poor, modest, unpretending Quinault always wrong. Posterity has long discovered the converse of this supposition to be the truth. Quinault’s great mistake and misfortune, says La Harpe, was the calling his pieces tragedies, and not operas. He would not then have been regarded as a rival of Racine, or have oifended classical hearers or readers with the little resemblance these compositions had to Greek and Roman dramas, or to the genuine tragedies of the moderns.
e he had bestowed on his operas, and resolved to write no more poetry, unless to celebrate the king, or for the glory of God. His country, men assure us that he died
Quinault, however, was not without his consolations. Louis XIV. gave him a pension of 2000 livres he received 4000 livres from Lulli for each opera, and he married a rich wife. He was also elected into the French academy; and, in the name of that society, addressed the king on his return from the campaigns of 1675 and 1677. He was a man of a mild conciliating temper, and much respected in society. When sickness came on, he lamented the loss of the time he had bestowed on his operas, and resolved to write no more poetry, unless to celebrate the king, or for the glory of God. His country, men assure us that he died with fervent sentiments of religion and piety, Nov. 28, 1688, in the fifty-third year of his age. His works, consisting of his operas, some epigrams and miscellaneous poetry, were printed in 1739, 5 vols. 12mo.
, or, in French, Cinq-Arbres (John), a learned Hebrew scholar, was
, or, in French, Cinq-Arbres (John),
a learned Hebrew scholar, was born at Aurillac in
Auvergne, about the beginning of the sixteenth century.
He studied the Oriental languages under Francis Vatable,
and became professor of Hebrew and Syriac in the college
of France in 1554, and dean of the royal professors, which
high office he held at the time of his death in 1587. In
1546 he published his “Hebrew Grammar,
” to which was
added a short treatise on the Hebrew points. This was
often reprinted both in France and elsewhere in 4to, under
the title “Linguae Hebraicae institutiones absolutissimae.
”
The edition of Targum of Jonathan, son of Uziel, on Jeremiah,
” which
was published in Targum in Osean, Joelem, Amosum,
” &c. He also published in
m Hispanum and Calagurritanum whence it has usually been supposed that he was a native of Calagurra, or Calahorra, in Spain. It is, however, certain that he was sent
, an illustrious rhetorician and critic of antiquity, and a most excellent author,
was born in the beginning of the reign of Claudius Caesar,
about the year of Christ 42: Ausonius calls him Hispanum and Calagurritanum whence it has usually been supposed that he was a native of Calagurra, or Calahorra, in
Spain. It is, however, certain that he was sent to Rome,
even in his childhood, where he was educated, applying
himself particularly to the cultivation of the art of oratory.
In the year 61 Galba was sent by the emperor Nero into
Spain, as governor of one of the provinces there; and
Quintilian, being then nineteen years old, is supposed to
have attended him, and to have taught rhetoric in the city
of Calagurra while Galba continued in Spain. Hence it is,
according to some, that he was called Calagurritanus, and
not from his being born in that city; and they insist that
he was born in Rome, all his kindred and connections belonging to that city, and his whole life from his infancy
being spent there, except the seven years of Galba’s government in Spain but we are not of opinion that the memorable line of Martial, addressing him “Gloria Romanae,
Quintiliane, togse,
” greatly favours such a supposition.
h the whole process necessary to attain eminence in that art. Few books abound more with good sense, or discover a greater degree of just and accurate taste. Almost
In the year 68, upon the death of Nero, Galba returned
to Rome, and took Quintilian with him who there taught
rhetoric at the expence of the government, being allowed
a salary out of the public treasury. His career was attended with the highest reputation, and he formed many
excellent orators, who did him great honour; among whom
was the younger Pliny, who continued in his school to the
year 78. After teaching for twenty years he obtained
leave of Domitian to retire, and applied himself to compose his admirable book called “Institutiones Oratorise.
”
This is the mpst complete work of its kind which antiquity
has left us; and the design of it is to form a perfect orator,
who is accordingly conducted through the whole process
necessary to attain eminence in that art. Few books abound
more with good sense, or discover a greater degree of just
and accurate taste. Almost all the principles of good criticism are to be found in it. He has digested into excellent
order all the ancient ideas concerning rhetoric, and is at
the same time himself an eloquent writer. “Though
some parts of his work,
” says Blair, “contain too much of
the technical and artificial system then in vogue, and for
that reason may be thought dry aiui tedious, yet I would
not advise the omitting to read any part of his ‘ Institutions.’ To pleaders at the bar, even these technical
parts may prove of some use. Seldom has any person of
more sound and distinct judgment than Quintilian, applied
himself to the study of the art of oratory.
” The first entire
copy of the “Institutiones Oratorio,
” for the Quiutilian
then in Italy was much mutilated and imperfect, was
discovered by Poggius, as we have already noticed in his
article, in the monastery of St. Gall, at the time of holding
the council of Constance. The most useful editions of this
work are those of Burman, 1720, 2 vols. 4to of Capperoperius, Paris, fol. 1725; of Gesner, Gottingen, 1738, 4to,
beautifully reprinted in 1805, at Oxford, 2 vols. 8vo.
le, as he himself declares yet the critics are convinced by sufficient arguments, that the dialogue, or rather fragment of a dialogue, now extant, is not that of which
The anonymous dialogue (t De Oratoribus, sive de causis, corrupts eloquentiaj,“has sometimes been printed with Quintilian’s works yet is generally ascribed to Tacitus, and is commonly printed with the works of that historian and the late Mr. Melmoth, in his
” Fitzosborne’s Letters,“seems inclined to give it to the younger Pliny
” because,“says he,
” it exactly coincides with his age, is addressed to one of his particular friends and correspondents, and is
marked with some similar expressions and sentiments. But
as arguments of this kind are always more imposing than
solid,“he wisely leaves it as
” a piece, concerning the.
author of which nothing satisfactory can be collected,“only
” that it is evidently a composition of that period in which
he flourished." It was. ascribed to Quintilianj because he
actually wrote a book upon the same subject, and with the
same title, as he himself declares yet the critics are convinced by sufficient arguments, that the dialogue, or rather
fragment of a dialogue, now extant, is not that of which
Quintilian speaks.
with her than her father’s circumstances would admit. Quintilian lived to be fourscore years of age, or upwards, as is pretty certainly determined although the time
Quintilian spent the latter part of his life with great dignity and honour. Some imagine that he was consul but
the words of Ausonius, on which they ground their supposition, shew that he did not possess the consulship, but
only the consular ornaments“honestamenta nominis potius quam insignia potestatis
” and we may add, that no
mention is made of his name in the “Fasti Consulares.
”
It is certain that he was preceptor to the grandsons of the
emperor Domitian’s sister. Though Quintilian’s outward
condition and circumstances were prosperous and flourishing, yet he laboured under many domestic afflictions. In
his forty-first year he married a wife who was but twelve
years old, and lost her when she was nineteen. He bestows
the highest applauses on her, and was inconsolable for her
loss. She left him two sons, one of whom died at five years
old, and the other at ten, who was the eldest, and possessed extraordinary talents. He soon after, however, married a second wife, and by her he had a daughter, whom
he lived to see married who also, at the time of her marriage, received a handsome dowry from the younger Pliny,
who had been his scholar, in consideration, as we are told,
that she was married to a person of superior rank, who of
course required more with her than her father’s circumstances would admit. Quintilian lived to be fourscore
years of age, or upwards, as is pretty certainly determined
although the time of his death is not recorded. He appears, from his works, and from what we are able to collect
of him, to have been a man of great innocence and integrity
of life. His “Oratorial Institutions
” contain a great number of excellent moral instructions; and it is a main principle inculcated in them, that “none but a good man can
make a good orator.
”
which he always had a strong inclination. He read Columella, Varro, Virgil, and all authors ancient or modern, who had written on the subject and gained new lights
, a famous French gardener,
was born at Poietiers in 1626. After a course of philosophy, he applied himself to the law, and went to Paris in
order to be admitted an advocate. He had much natural
eloquence, improved by learning; and acquitted himself
so well at the bar as to gain the admiration and esteem of
the chief magistrates. Tamboneau, president of the chamber of accounts, being informed of his merit, engaged him
to undertake the preceptorship of his only son, which Quiutinie executed entirely to his satisfaction applying his
leisure hours in the mean time to the study of agriculture,
towards which he always had a strong inclination. He
read Columella, Varro, Virgil, and all authors ancient or
modern, who had written on the subject and gained new
lights by a journey which he made with his pupil into Italy.
All the gardens in Rome and about it were open to him;
and he never failed to make the most useful observations,
constantly joining practice with theory. On his return to
Paris, Tamboneau entirely gave up to him his garden, to
manage as he pleased; and Quintinie applied himself to
so intense a study of the operations of nature in this way,
that he soon became famous all over France. He made
many curious and useful experiments. He was the first
who proved it useless to join fibres to the roots of trees
when transplanted, and discovered a sure and infallible
method of pruning trees, so as to make them not only bear
fruit, but bear it in whatever part the owner chuses, and
even produce it equally throughout all the branches; which
had never before been tried, nor even believed to be possible. The prince of Condé, who is said to have joined
the pacific love of agriculture to a restless spirit for war,
took great pleasure in conversing with Quintinie. He came
to England about 1673; and, during his stay here paid a
visit to Mr.Evelyn, who prevailed on him to communicate
some directions concerning melons, for the cultivation of
which Quintinie was remarkably famous. They were transmitted to Mr. Evelyn from Pans; and afterwards, in 1693,
published by him in the Philosophical Transactions. Charles
II. or, as his biographers say, James II. made Quintinie an
offer of a considerable pension if he would stay and take
upon him the direction of his gardens; but Quintinie chose
to serve his own king, Louis XIV. who erected for him a
new office of director-general of all his majesty’s fruit and
kitchen gardens. The royal gardens, while Quintinie
lived, were the admiration of the curious; and when he
died, the king himself was much affected, and could not
forbear saying to his widow, that “he had as great a loss as
she had, and never expected to have it repaired.
” Quintinie died veryold, but we know not in what year. He
greatly improved the art of gardening, and transplanting
trees and his book, entitled " Directions for the Management of Fruit and Kitchen Gardens, 7 ' 1725, 2 vols. 4to,
contains precepts which have been followed by all Europe.
, or rather Quintus Smyrneus, was a Greek poet, who wrote a supplement
, or rather Quintus Smyrneus, was a Greek poet, who wrote a supplement to Homer’s Iliad, in 14 books, in which a relation is given of the Trojan war from the death of Hector to the destruction of Troy. He is supposed, from the style of his work, to have lived in the fifth century, but nothing certain can be collected concerning his person and country; but some say he was a native of Smyrna, and hence the name of Smyrneus. His poem was first made known by cardinal Bessarion, who discovered it in St. Nicholas’ church, near Otranto in Calabria, from which circumstance the author was named Quintus Calaber. It was published at Venice, by Aldus, but there is no date attached to the title-page; it is supposed to be 1521. The other editions are those of Freigius, Basil, 1569; of Rhodomannus, Hanover, 1604; of De Pauw, Leyden, 1734; and of Bandinius, Gr. Lat. et Ital. Florence, 1765.
, a Venetian cardinal, celebrated as an historian, a philologer, and an antiquary, was born in 1684, or, according to some authors, in 1680. He entered very early into
, a Venetian cardinal, celebrated as an historian, a philologer, and an antiquary, was
born in 1684, or, according to some authors, in 1680. He
entered very early into an abbey of Benedictines at
Florence, and there studied with so much ardour as to lay in a
vast store of literature of every kind, under Salvini, Bellini,
and other eminent instructors. The famous Magliabecchi
introduced to him all foreigners illustrious for their talents,
and it was thus that he became acquainted with sir Isaac
Newton and Montfaucon. Not contented with this confined intercourse with the learned, he began to travel in
1710, and went through Germany to Holland, where he
conversed with Basnage, Le Clerc, Kuster, Gronovius,
and Perizonius. He then crossed into England, where he
was honourably received by Bentley, Newton, the two
Burnets, Cave, Potter, and others. Passing afterwards
into France, he formed an intimate friendship with the
amiable and illustrious Fenelon and became known to all
the principal literati of that country. - The exact account
of the travels of Quirini would contain, in fact, the literary history of Europe at that period. Being raised to the,
dignity of cardinal, he waited on Benedict XIII. to thank
him for that distinction. “It is not for you,
” said that
pope, “to thank me for raising you to this elevation, it is
rather my part to thank you, for having by your merit reduced me to the necessity of making you a cardinal.
” Quirini spread in every part the fame of his learning, and of
his liberality. He was admitted into almost all the learned
societies of Europe, and in various parts built churches,
and contributed largely to other public works. To the library of the Vatican he presented his own collection of.
books, which was so extensive as to require the addition of
a large room to contain it. What is most extraordinary is,
that though a Dominican and a cardinal, he was of a most
tolerant disposition, and was every where beloved by the
Protestants. He died in the 'beginning of January 1755.
oments of that celebrated scholar some of which particulars, Burigny informs us, were misrepresented or misunderstood. Quistorp died May 2, 164S, at the age of sixtyfour.
, a German Lutheran divine and
professor, was born at Rostock in 1584, and studied first at
home, and then at Berlin, and at Frankfort on the Oder.
He afterwards travelled through Holland, Brabant, and
Flanders, as tutor to the son of a patrician of Lubeck. In
1614, his learning and abilities having pointed him out as
a fit person to fill the divinity chair at Rostock, he was
created doctor of divinity, and paid a visit to the universities of Leipsic, Wirtemberg, Jena, &c. He obtained
other preferments in the church, particularly the archdeaconry of St. Mary’s at Rostock. In 1645, he was appointed pastor of the same church, and superintendant of
the churches in the district of that city. During Grotius’s
last fatal illness at Rostock he was called in as a clergyman, and from him we have the particulars of the last moments of that celebrated scholar some of which particulars, Burigny informs us, were misrepresented or misunderstood. Quistorp died May 2, 164S, at the age of sixtyfour. He was the author of “Annotationes in omnes Libros Biblicos;
” “Cornmentarius in Epistolas Sancti Pauli,
”
and several other works. He left a son of the same name,
who was born at Rostock in 1624, and died in 1669. He
became pastor, professor of divinity, and rector of the university of that city, and published some works, “Catechesis Anti-papistica,
” “Pia desideria,
” &c. Another
John Nicholas Quistorp, probably of the same family,
died in 1715, and left some works on controversial subjects.
Mentz, and one of the most learned divines in the ninth century, was born in the year 785 at Mentz, or rather at Fulda, and descended from one of the most noble families
, a celebrated archbishop of Mentz, and one of the most learned divines in
the ninth century, was born in the year 785 at Mentz, or
rather at Fulda, and descended from one of the most noble
families in that country. Mackenzie, however, has inserted him among his Scotch writers, but without much
apparent authority. The parents of Rabanus sent him, at
ten years old, to the monastery of Fulda, where he was instructed in learning and virtue, and afterwards studied
underthe famous Alcuinus, at Tours. In this situation he
made so rapid a progress, as to acquire great reputation
from his writings at the age of thirty. On his return to
Fulda he was chosen abbot there, and reconciled the emperor Louis le Débonnaire to his children. Rabanus wrote a
letter of consolation to this prince when unjustly deposed,
and published a tract on the respect due from children to
their parents, and from subjects to their princes, which
may be found in “Marca de Concordiâ,
” published by
Baluze. He succeeded Orgar, archbishop o Mentz, in
the year 847, but was so much a bigot, as to procure the
condemnation of Godeschalc. He died at his estate of
Winsel, in the year 856, aged sixty-eight, after having
bequeathed his library to the abbeys of Fulda and St. Alban’s, leaving a great number of works printed at Cologn,
1627, 6 vols. in 3 folio. The principal are, 1. “Commentaries on the Holy Scriptures,
” the greatest part of
which are mere extracts from the fathers, as was the usual
method among commentators in his time. 2. A poem in
honour of the holy cross, of which there is a neat edition
printed at Augsburg, 1605, in folio; but the most rare is
that printed at Phorcheim, in ædibus Thomæ Anselim, 1503,
curiously ornamented. Of the frontispiece the first figure
is that of Albinus, abbot of Fulda, who presents Rabanus
to the pope, with a poetical piece entitled “Intercessio
Albini;
” Rabanus appears next, presenting his book to
the pope, with a poetical piece, entitled “Commendatio
Papæ,
” Then follows a kind of dedication to the emperor
Louis le Débonnaire, who is delineated on this dedication
holding a shield in one hand, and a cross in the other, his
head surrounded with glory all the letters comprised in
these ornamented lines, form a discourse foreign to the
dedication. The poem is in the same style on each of
the 28 pages of which it consists, are figures of the cross,
stars, cherubim, seraphim, &c. The last represents a
cross, with the author adoring it; the letters comprised in
this cross form various pious exclamations. 3. A treatise
on “the Instruction of the Clergy.
” 4. A treatise on
“the Ecclesiastical Calendar,
” in which he points out the
method of distinguishing the leap years, and marking the
inductions. 5. A book “on the sight of God, purity of
Jieart, and the manner of doing penance.
” 6. A large
work, entitled “De Universe, sive Etymologiarum Opus.
”
7. “Homilies.
” 8. “A Martyrology,
” &c. But a treatise
on “Vices and Virtues,
” which is attributed to Rabanus
Maurus, was written by Halitgarius bishop of Orleans.
His treatise “against the Jews,
” may be found in Martenne’s “Thesaurus;
” and some other small tracts in the
“Miscellanea
” of Baluze, and Father Sirmond’s works.
Rabanus was unquestionably one of the most learned
men of his age, and his character in this respect has been
highly extolled both by Dupin and Mosheim.
ions, and throughout the whole such a degree of obscurity, where he is supposed to allude to persons or events, that no commentary can easily satisfy the reader’s curiosity
He published several productions but his chef tfteuvre
is “The History of Gacgantua and Pantagruel;
” a most
extravagant satire, in the form of a romance, upon monks,
priests, popes, and fools and knaves of all kinds. Wit and
learning are scattered here in great profusion, but in a
manner so wild and irregular, and with a strong mixture of
obscenity, coarse and puerile jests, profane allusions, and
low raillery, that, while some have regarded it as a firstrate effort of human wit, and, like Homer’s poems, as an
inexhaustible source of learning, science, and knowledge,
others have affirmed it to be nothing but an unintelligible
rhapsody, a heap of foolish conceits, without meaning,
without coherence a collection of gross impieties and obscenities. There seems to be much truth in both these
opinions, and throughout the whole such a degree of obscurity, where he is supposed to allude to persons or
events, that no commentary can easily satisfy the reader’s
curiosity *. The monks, who were supposed to be the
chief object of his satire, gave some opposition to it when
it first began to be published, for it was published by parts
of many of the burlesque tales he in- how are tasle and virtue improved, or
of many of the burlesque tales he in- how are tasle and virtue improved, or
that is, not to be tasted or understood, have “given his days and nights” t
that is, not to be tasted or understood, have “given his days and nights
” t
for his family. He died April 9, 1693, at Autun, aged 75. His works are, 1. “Memoires,” 2 vols, 4to, or 12mo, concerning his adventures at court, and in the army, and
, a distinguished
French officer and wit, was born April 3, 1618, at Epiry
in Nivernois, descended from a family which ranks among
the most noble and ancient of the duchy of Burgundy.
He served in his father’s regiment from twelve years old,
and distinguished himself so much by his prudent conduct
in several sieges and battles, that he would certainly have
risen to the rank of marechal, had he not as much distinguished himself by indiscriminate satire, and hy immoral
conduct. Being left a widower, 1648, he fell violently i
love with Mad. de Miramion, and carried her off, but could
not prevail on her to return his passion. He was admitted
into the French academy in 1665, and the same year a
scandalous history in ms. was circulated under his name,
which is called “The amorous History of the Gauls,
” containing the amours of two ladies (d'Olonne, and de Chatillon) who had great influence at court. It has since been
joined to other novels of that time, and printed in Holland,
2 vols. 12mo, and at Paris, under the title of Holland, 5
vols. 12mo. This ms. being shown to the king, his majesty was extremely angry, and to satisfy the offended
parties, sent De Bussy to the Bastile, April 7, 1665.
From thence he wrote several letters acknowledging that
he was the author of the history, but had entrusted the
original to the marchioness de la Baume, who had betrayed
his confidence by taking a copy; alleging also that the
characters had been changed and spoilt, for the purpose of
raising up enemies to him. The king did not believe one
word of this, but tired with his repeated importunities,
granted his request and De Bussy obtained leave to stop
a month in Paris, after which he retired to his own estate,
where he remained in banishment till 1681. The king
then permitted him to return to Paris, and not only recalled
him to court in 1682, but even suffered him to attend his
levee, at the duke de Saint- Aignan’s earnest solicitation.
He soon perceived, however, that the king showed him no
countenance, and he therefore retired again to his estate.
In 1687, he revisited the court for his children’s interests,
and returned home the year following but ceased not to
offer his services to the king, from whom he obtained several favours for his family. He died April 9, 1693, at
Autun, aged 75. His works are, 1. “Memoires,
” 2 vols,
4to, or 12mo, concerning his adventures at court, and in
the army, and what happened after his disgrace. 2. “Letters,
” 7 vols. 3. A small piece, entitled “Instructions for
the conduct of Life,
” which he gave his sons, when he sent
one to the academy, and the other to college. This
is said to do credit to his principles, which appear to
have been better than his practice. The only work of his
now read in France is that which produced all his misfortunes, the “Histoire amoureuse des Gaules,
” the last
edition of which was printed at Paris in 1754, 5 vols. 12mo.
He has been called very unjustly the French jetronius, for
he has neither the indecency nor the elegance of that
writer. The French critics are very favourable to him, in asserting that although in the above work we may discover
symptoms of malignity, there are none of exaggeration or
falsehood.
in his additions and alterations to his " Remarques sur les Poesies de Malherbe. >T Racan had little or no education, and no learning. On quitting the office of page,
, a French poet, was born at Roche-Racan in Touraine in 1.589. At sixteen, he was made one of the pages to Henry IV. and, as he began to amuse himself with writing verses, he became acquainted with Malherbe, who, amidst his advices, reproached him with being too negligent and incorrect in his versification but Boileau, who has passed the same censure on him, affirms that he had more genius than his master; and was as capable of writing in the Epic as in the Lyric style, in which last he was allowed to excel. Menage has also spoken highly of Racan, in his additions and alterations to his " Remarques sur les Poesies de Malherbe. >T Racan had little or no education, and no learning. On quitting the office of page, he entered into the army but this, more to obligee his father, the marquis of Racan, than out of any inclination of his own and therefore, after two or three campaigns, he returned to Paris, where he married, and devoted himself to poetry. His works, the best edition of which is that of Paris, 1724, 2 vols. 8vo, consist of sacred odes, pastorals, letters, and memoirs of the life of Malherbe, prefixed to many editions of the works of that poet. He was chosen one of the members of the French academy, at the time of its foundation; and died in 1670, aged eighty-one.
s part,” says bishop Burnet, u was universally condemned and her death was imputed to the negligence or unskilfulness of Dr. Radcliffe. He was called for; and it appeared,
After the Revolution, he was often sent for to king William, and the great persons about his court; and this he
must have owed entirely to his reputation, for it does not
appear that he ever inclined to be a courtier. In 1692 he
ventured 5000l. in an interloper, which was bound for the
East Indies, with the prospect of a large return but lost
it, the ship being taken by the French. When the news
was brought him, he said that “he had nothing to do, but
go up so many pair of stairs to make himself whole again/'
In 1693, he entered upon a treaty of marriage with the
only daughter of a wealthy citizen, and was near bringing
the affair to a conclusion, when it was discovered that the
young lady had an intrigue with her father’s book-keeper.
This disappointment in his first love would not suffer him
ever after to think of the sex in that light he even acquired a degree of insensibility, if not aversion for them
and often declared, that
” he wished for an act of parliament, whereby nurses only should be entitled to prescribe
to them.' 7 In 1694, queen Mary caught the small-pox
and died. “The physician’s part,
” says bishop Burnet,
u was universally condemned and her death was imputed
to the negligence or unskilfulness of Dr. Radcliffe. He
was called for; and it appeared, but too evidently, that
his opinion was chiefly considered, and most depended on.
Other physicians were afterwards called, but not till it was
too late."
eath the twenty-eighth of July that Dr. Radcliffe’s name was not once mentioned, either by the queen or “any lord of the council” only that lady Masham sent to him,
In 1713 he was elected into parliament for the town of
Buckingham. In the last illness of queen Anne, he was
sent for to Carshalton, about noon, by order of the council.
He said, “he had taken physic, and could not come.
”
Mr. Ford, from whose letter to Dr. Swift this anecdote is
taken, observes, “In all probability he had saved her life
for I am told the late lord Gower had been often in the
same condition, wtth the gout in his head.
” In the account
that is given of Dr. Radcliffe in the “Biographia Britannica,
” it is said, that the queen was struck with death the
twenty-eighth of July that Dr. Radcliffe’s name was not
once mentioned, either by the queen or “any lord of the
council
” only that lady Masham sent to him, without their
knowledge, two hours before the queen’s death. In this
letter from Mr. Ford to dean Swift, which is dated the
thirty-first of July, it is said, that the queen’s disorder began
between eight and nine the morning before, which was the
thirtieth and that about noon, the same day, Radcliffe
was sent for by an order of council. These accounts being
contradictory, the reader will probably want some assistance
to determine what were the facts. As to the time when
the queen was taken ill, Mr. Ford’s account is most likely
to be true, as he was upon the spot, and in a situation
which insured him the best intelligence. As to the time
when the doctor was sent for, the account in the Biog. Brit,
is manifestly wrong for if the doctor had been sent for
only two hours before the queen’s death, which happened
incontestably on the first of August, Mr. Ford could not
have mentioned the fact on the 31st of July, when his letter
was dated. Whether Radcliffe was sent for by lady Masham,
or by order of council, h therefore the only point to be
determined. That he was generally reported to have been
sent for by order of council is certain but a letter is
printed in the “Biographia,
” said to have been written by
the doctor to one of his friends, which, supposing it to be
genuine, will prove, that the doctor maintained the contrary. On the 5th of August, four days after the queen’s
death, a member of the House of Commons, a friend of
the doctor’s, who was also a member, and one who always
voted on the same side, moved, that he might be summoned
to attend in his place, in order to be censured for not
attending on her majesty. Upon this occasion the doctor
is said to have written the following letter to another of
his friends
ise however, ill as I was, I would have went to the queen in a horse-litter, had either her majesty, or those in commission next to her, commanded me so to do. You
"I could not have thought that so old an acquaintance and so good a friend, as sir J n always professed himself, would have made such a motion against me. God knows my will to do her majesty any service has ever got the start of my ability; and I have nothing that gives me greater anxiety and trouble than the death of that great and glorious princess. I must do that justice to the physicians that attended her in her illness, from a sight of the method that was taken for her preservation by Dr. Mead, as to declare nothing was omitted for her preservation but the people about her (the plagues of Egypt fall on them) put it out of the power of physic to be of any benefit to her. I know the nature of attending crowned heads in their last moments too well to be fond of waiting upon them, without being sent for by a proper authority. You have heard of pardons being signed for physicians, beforea sovereign’s demise however, ill as I was, I would have went to the queen in a horse-litter, had either her majesty, or those in commission next to her, commanded me so to do. You may tell sir J n as much, and assure him from me, that his zeal for her majesty will not excuse his ill usage of a friend, who has drank many a hundred bottles with him, and cannot, even after this breach of a good understanding that ever was preserved between us, but have a very good esteem for him. I must also desire you to thank Tom Chapman for his speech in my behalf, since I hear it is the first he ever made, which is taken more kindly and to acquaint him, that I should be glad to see him at Carshalton, since I fear (for so the gout tells me) that we shall never more sit in the House of Commons together. I am, &c.
d he was avaricious, even to spunging, whenever he any way could, at a tavern reckoning, a sixpence, or shilling, among the rest of the company, under pretence of *
This article shall be closed with an extract from the
Richardsoniana “Dr. Radcliffe told Dr. Mead, ‘ Mead, I
love you, and now I will tell you a sure secret to make your
fortune; use all mankind ill.’ And it certainly was his own
practice. He owned he was avaricious, even to spunging,
whenever he any way could, at a tavern reckoning, a sixpence,
or shilling, among the rest of the company, under pretence
of * hating (as he ever did) to change a guinea, because (said he) it slips away so fast.‘ He could never be brought to
pay bills without much following and importunity nor
then if there appeared any chance of wearying them out.
A paviour, after long and fruitless attempts, caught him
just getting out of his chariot at his own door, in Bloomsbury-square, and set upon him. ’ Why, you rascal,‘ said
the doctor, * do you pretend to be paid for such a piece of
work why you have spoiled my pavement, and then covered it over with earth to hide your bad work.’ ‘ Doctor,’
said the paviour, 4 mine is not the only bad work that the
earth hides’ ‘ You dog you,’ said the doctor, ‘ are you a
wit you must be poor, come in’ and paid him. Nobody,
”
adds Mr. Richardson, “ever practised this rule, * of using
all mankind ill,' kss than Dr. Mead (who told me himself the story, and) who, as I have been informed by great physicians, got as much again by his practice as Dr. Radcliffe did.
”
ther anecdotes are given of this singular character in “Some Memoirs of his Life,” published in 1714 or 1715, chiefly written by William Pittis, of New college, Oxford,
Many other anecdotes are given of this singular character
in “Some Memoirs of his Life,
” published in Letters,
” and the new title of
“Dr. Radcliffe’s Life and Letters.
”
and an able teacher, he died December 22, 1634, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was author or editor of various works connected with his profession, and of
, a learned Jesuit, was born at
Inicbenhen, in the Tyrol, in 1561. He was educated
among, and joined the society of the Jesuits in his twentieth
year. After having, through a long life, borne the reputation of a man of piety and erudition, and an able teacher,
he died December 22, 1634, in the seventy-fourth year of
his age. He was author or editor of various works connected with his profession, and of some of classical criticism. Among these are the “Alexandrian Chronicle,
”
Bavaria Sancta,
” Monac. Bavaria Pia,
” ibid, Martial,
”
Mentz, Quintus Curtius.
”
elongs, it is well known that these two gentlemen never thought it worth while to contest the point, or to exchange a word on the subject, but continued during their
Having prospered in the course of trade, he began early to look round for objects of benevolence, and first found them in the prisons. To relieve such, he employed his pen, his influence, and his property, and discovering that ignorance was the principal cause of those offences which render imprisonment necessary, he formed a plan of giving these unfortunate men moral and religious instruction, and regular employment, which proved highly beneficial and consolatory. But that for which he has been most highly and deservedly praised js the institution of the Sunday schools, which he planned in 1781, and which are now so common as to require no description. He comjnenced this benevolent undertaking in concert with the rev. Mr. Stock, a clergyman of Gloucester, and although some improper disputes have arisen as to whom the right of founder belongs, it is well known that these two gentlemen never thought it worth while to contest the point, or to exchange a word on the subject, but continued during their lives to act in perfect concert and harmony and if there was any difference, it was not in zeal, but in the more extensive range of Mr. Raikes’s acquaintance, and the influence he possessed to induce persons of rank and opulence to assist in the plan.
masters in the art of engraving, was born at Bologna, as is generally supposed, about the year 1487 or 1488. His first master was Francesco Francia, or Raibolini,
, the most celebrated of
the old masters in the art of engraving, was born at Bologna, as is generally supposed, about the year 1487 or
1488. His first master was Francesco Francia, or Raibolini,
(See Francia,) a painter and engraver, from whom he
learned the principles of drawing, and succeeded so well,
that the name of Francia was added to his own. It does
not appear from whom he learned engraving; but it must
have been early, as the print of “Pyramus and Thisbe
” is
dated
ry, and got no redress, unless an order that Marc Antonio should not, for the future, add the cypher or monogram of Albert Durer to any of the copies he might make
Being desirous of improving himself by travelling, he
went to Venice, where he first met with the works of the
German engravers, particularly a set of wood-cuts by Albert Durer, representing “the life and passion of our Saviour.
” Vasari informs us that he copied these with so
much exactness, that they were sold for the originals; that
Albert Durer complained of the injury, and got no redress,
unless an order that Marc Antonio should not, for the future, add the cypher or monogram of Albert Durer to any
of the copies he might make from his engravings. Copying them, it appears, was not thought illegal, the only injury being that of appending the mark of the person whose
works are copied. But what renders the story somewhat
improbable is, that the prints of “the life and passion of
our Saviour
” by Marc Antonio, have no mark of Albert
Durer, but the cypher of Marc Antonio only. Strutt thinks
that Vasari has mistaken one set of prints for another, that
is, for those of “the life of the Virgin,
” which Antonio
also copied, and to the last of which he added his own
cypher, as well as the monogram of Albert Durer, some
proof that his intention could not be to usurp the fame of
the latter.
by the great patron, of his family, sir John Wray, to be master of the free-school at Kirton, three or four miles from Bliton, his native place. Hi* testimonials from
In July 1623, he was entered of Corpus Christi college, Oxford, of which his elder brother was now a member, and afterwards died a fellow. Here he remained until June 1, 1625, when he removed to Magdalen college, Cambridge, in order to enjoy one of the scholarships then founded by the countess dowager of Warwick, who herself nominated him to the same. In 1627 he took his degree of B. A. and that of M. A. in 1630, and soon after was appointed by the great patron, of his family, sir John Wray, to be master of the free-school at Kirton, three or four miles from Bliton, his native place. Hi* testimonials from the university proved that he was more than sufficient foe this situation. He had indeed, while at college, distinguished himself on one or two occasions by an uncommon display of talent, particularly when the Tripos delivered a scurrilous speech, and being interrupted, Mr. Rainbow was ordered, without any preparation, to take his place. On this occasion he delivered an extempore speech with so much delicacy of wit, and chastened satire, as to receive universal approbation.
mitted to a fellowship. After his return to the university, he appears to have resided occasionally, or for some stated time, annually, at London, where, in the year
Kirton school; to which he had now removed, was never much to his liking, and he therefore soon left it, and came to London. When he was admitted to orders does not appear, but we first hear of his preaching at Glentworth in 1632. In London he first took up his residence in Eulier’s Rents, but in three months removed to Sion college for the sake of the library there. He also became a candidate for the preachership of Lincoln’s-inn, but was not successful. In June of that year, however, he was appointed curate at the Savoy, and being invited back to his college by Dr. Smith the master, and some others of the society, he was, in 1634, admitted to a fellowship. After his return to the university, he appears to have resided occasionally, or for some stated time, annually, at London, where, in the year above mentioned, he preached one sermon, printed at the request of his friends, and another in 1639 hut it was at the university that his sermons were most admired, and his hearers most numerous. Here too, as in the case of the tripos, he was suddenly called upon to supply the place of a gentleman who was unexpectedly absent, and acquitted himself with great credit, in an extempore discourse. He does not, however, appear to have reviewed his early sermons with much pleasure, finding that he had indulged too much in a declamatory kind of style, which he did not think becoming in such compositions, nor to be preferred to the plain exposition of the doctrinal parts of the Holy Scriptures. With the same conscientious feeling, when he became a college tutor in 1635, he added to other branches of instruction, a knowledge of the foundation and superstructure of religion and so acceptable was his mode of teaching, that the master of the college recommended to his care, the sons of some noblemen, particularly Theophilus earl of Suffolk. In 1639, he was chosen dean of his college, and the following year attended James earl of Suffolk, son to Theophilus, to the Long parliament. In 1642, on the death of Dr. Smith, he was elected master of Magdalen college, with the concurrence of the earl. In 1646 he took his degree of D. D. and chose for the subject of his thesis a defence of the principles of the church of England, as containing every thing necessary to salvation. For some time he does not appear to have been molested for this attempt to support a church which the majority were endeavouring to pull down. In 1650, however, when he refused to sign a protestation Against the king, he was deprived of the mastership, which he was very willing to give up rather than comply with the party in power. His steady friend, however, the earl of Suffolk, gave him the small living of Little Chesterford near Audley Inn in Essex, in 1652, but this he held only by his lordship’s presentation, as he determined never to submit to an examination by the republican triers, as they were called.
th century, and a strenuous champion against popery, was the fifth son of Richard Rainolds of Pinho, or Penhoe, near Exeter in Devonshire, where he was born in 1549.
, one of the most learned and eminent divines of the sixteenth century, and a strenuous champion against popery, was the fifth son of Richard Rainolds of Pinho, or Penhoe, near Exeter in Devonshire, where he was born in 1549. He became first a student in Merton college, Oxford, in 1562, of which his uncle, Dr. Thomas Rainolds, had been warden in queen Mary’s time, but was ejected in 1559 for his adherence to popery, which appears to have been the religion of the family. In \5GJ he was admitted a scholar of Corpus Christi college, and in October 1566, was chosen probationer fellow. In Oct. 1568, he took his degree of bachelor of arts, and in May 1572, that of master, being then senior of the act, and founder’s Greek 'lecturer in his college, in which last station he acquired great reputation by his lectures on Aristotle.
became an eminent benefactor by restoring their finances, which had been impoverished by the neglect or avarice of some of his predecessors, at the same time that he
In June 1579, he took the degree of bachelor of divinity,
and in June 1585 that of doctor, and on both occasions
maintained theses which had for their subject, the defence
of the church of England in her separation from that of
Rome. This was a point which he had carefully studied
by a perusal of ecclesiastical records and histories. He
held also a controversy with Hart, a champion for popery
and on this, as well as well as every other occasiqn, acquitted himself with so much ability, that in 1586, when a
new divinity lecture watf founded at Oxford by sir Francis
Walsingham, principal secretary of state, he desired that
Dr. Rainolds might be the first lecturer, and he was accordingly chosen. Wood and Collier, whose prejudices
against the reformation are sometimes but thinly disguised,
represent the design of the founder and of others in the
university with whom he consulted, as being “to make
the difference between the churches wide enough
”-*-“to
make the religion of the church of Rome more odious, and
the difference betwixt them and the protestants to appear
more irreconcileable,
” &c. The intention, however, plainly
was, to counteract the industry of the popish party in propagating their opinions and seducing the students of the
university, in which they were too frequently successful.
And Wood allows that the founder o? this lecture, “that
he might not fail of his purpose to rout the papists and
their religion,
” could not have chosen a fitter person, for
Rainolds was a man of infinite reading, and of a vast memory. He accordingly read this lecture in the divinity
school thrice a week in full term, and had a crowded auditory. Wood says erroneously, that when appointed to
this lecture he was dean of Lincoln; but this dignity was
not conferred upon him until 1593, (not 1598 as Wood says). It was the gift of the queen, who was much pleased
with the report of his services in opposing popery, and
offered him a bishopric but he preferred a college life,
where he thought he could do most good by training up a
race of defenders of the reformation, a measure then of
great importance. That he might have no temptation to
relax in this care, he, in 1598, exchanged the deanery of
Lincoln for the presidentship of Corpus Christ! college,
and was elected Dec. 11 of that year, and soon after removed to the president’s lodgings at Corpus, from some
chambers which he had been allowed in Queen’s college.
To Corpus Christ! he became an eminent benefactor by
restoring their finances, which had been impoverished by
the neglect or avarice of some of his predecessors, at the
same time that he made more effectual provision for the
scholars, chaplains, and clerks, that he might retain in
college such as were useful. He also repaired the chapel,
hall, and library; but his more particular attention was
paid to the rules of discipline, and the proficiency of the
students in learning and religion.
God’s Predestination and Election in the 17th Article, both these words might be explained with this or the like addition, “yet neither totally nor finally v and also
In 1603, when the Hampton-court conference took
place, we find him ranged on the puritan side; on this
occasion, he was their spokesman, and it may therefore
be necessary to give some account of what he proposed,
as this will enable the reader in some measure to determine
how far the puritans of the following reign can claim him
as their ancestor. At this conference, he proposed,
1. “That the Doctrine of the Church might be preserved
in purity, according to God’s word.
” 2. “That good
Pastors might be planted in all churches to preach the
same.
” 3. “That the Church*government might be sincerely ministred according to God’s word.
” 4. “That the
book of Common Prayer might be fitted to the more increase of Piety.
” With regard to the first he moved his
majesty, that the book of “Articles of Religion
” concluded
in After we have received
the Holy Ghost, we may depart from Grace;
” notwithstanding the meaning may be sound, yet he desired, that
because they may seem to be contrary to the doctrine of
God’s Predestination and Election in the 17th Article,
both these words might be explained with this or the like
addition, “yet neither totally nor finally v and also that
the nine assertions orthodoxall, as he termed them, i. e.
the Lambeth articles, might be inserted into that book of
articles. Secondly, where it is said in the 23d Article,
that it is not lawful for any man to take upon him the
office of preaching or administering the Sacraments
” in the.
congregation,“before he be. lawfully called, Dr. Rainolds
took exception to these words,
” in the congregation,“as
implying a lawfulness for any whatsoever, * 4 out of the
congregation,
” to preach and administer the Sacraments,
though he had no lawful calling thereunto. Thirdly, in
the 25th Article, these words touching “Confirmation,
grown partly of the corrupt following the Apostles,
” being
opposite to those in the collect of Confirmation in the Communion-book, “upon whom after the example of the
Apostles,
” argue, said he, a contrariety each to other;
the first confessing confirmation to be a depraved imitation of the Apostles; the second grounding it upon their
example, Acts viii. 19, as if the bishop by confirming of
children, did by imposing of hands, as the Apostles in
those places, give the visible Graces of the Holy Ghost.
And therefore he desired, that both the contradiction
might be considered, and this ground of Confirmation examined. Dr. Rainolds afterwards objected to a defect in
the 37th Article, wherein, he said, these words, “The
Bishop of Rome hath no authority in this land,
” were not
sufficient, unless it were added, “nor ought to have.
”
He next moved, that this proposition, “the intention of
the minister is not of the essence of the Sacrament,
” might
be added to the book of Articles, the rather because some
in England had preached it to be essential. And here
again he repeated his request concerning the nine “orthodoxall assertions
” concluded at Lambeth. He then complained, that the Catechism in the Common-Prayer-book
was too brief; for which/reason one by Nowel, late dean
of St. Paul’s, was added, and that too long for young novices to learn by heart. He requested, therefore, that one
uniform Catechism might be made, which, and none other,
might be generally received. He next took notice of the
profanation of the Sabbath, and the contempt of his majesty’s proclamation for reforming that abuse; and desired
some stronger remedy might be applied. His next request
was for a new translation of the Bible, because those which
were allowed in the reign of Henry VIII. and Edward VI.
were corrupt and not answerable to the original of which
he gave three instances. He then desired his majesty,
that unlawful and seditious books might be suppressed, at
least restrained, and imparted to a few. He proceeded
now to the second point, and desired that learned ministers might be planted in every parish. He next went on
to the fourth point relating to the Common -Prayer, and
jcomplained of the imposing Subscription, since it was a
great impediment to a learned ministry; and in treated,
that “it might not be exacted as formerly, for which many
good men were kept ont, others removed, and many disquieted. To subscribe according to the statutes of the
realm, namely, to the articles of religion, and the king’s
supremacy, they were not unwilling. Their reason of
their backwardness to subscribe otherwise was, first, the
books Apocryphal, which the Common-Prayer enjoined to
be read in the church, albeit there are, in some of those
chapters appointed, manifest errors, directly repugnant to
tjie scriptures. . The next scruple against subscription was, that in the Common-Prayer it is twice set down,
‘Jesus said to his Disciples,’ when as by the text original
it is plain, that he spake to the Pharisees. The
third objection against subscription were ‘ Interrogatories
in Baptism,’ propounded to infants.
” Dr. Rainolds owned
“the use of the Cross to have been ever since the Apostles
time; but this was the difficulty, to prove it of that ancient
use in Baptism.
” He afterwards took exceptions at those
words in the Office of Matrimony, “With my body I thee
worship
” and objected against the churching of women
by the name of Purification. Under the third general
head touching Discipline he took exception to the committing of ecclesiastical censures to lay-chancellors. “His
reason was, that the statute made in king Henry’s time for
their authority that way was abrogated in queen Mary’s
time, and not revived in the late queen’s days, and
abridged by the bishops themselves, 1571, ordering that
the said lay-chancellors should not excommunicate in matters of correction, and anno 1584 and 1589, not in matters
of instance, but to be done only by them, who had the
power of the keys.
” He then desired, that according to
certain provincial constitutions, they of the clergy might
have meetings once every three weeks first, in rural
deaneries, and therein to have the liberty of prophesying,
according as archbishop Grindal and other bishops desired
of her late majesty. Secondly, that such things, as
could not be resolved upon there, might be referred from
thence to the episcopal synods, where the bishop with his
Presbyteri should determine all such points as before
could not be decided. Notwithstanding our author’s conduct at this conference, Dr. Simon Patrick observes, that
he professed himself a conformist to the church of
England, and died so. He remarks, that Dr. Richard Crakanthorp tells the archbishop of Spalato, that the doctor was
no Puritan (as the archbishop called him). “For, first,
be professed, that he appeared unwillingly in the cause at
Hampton-court, and merely in obedience to the king’s
command. And then he spoke not one word there against
the hierarchy. Nay, he acknowledged it to be consonant
to the word of God in his conference with Hart. And in an
answer to Sanders’ s book of the ‘ Schism of England 7 (which is in the archbishop’s library) he professes, that he approves
of the book of * consecrating and ordering bishops, priests,
and deacons.’ He was also a strict observer of all the
orders of the church and university both in public and his
own college; wearing tbte square cap and surplice, kneeling at the Sacrament, and he himself commemorating their
benefactors at the times their statutes appointed, and
reading that chapter of Ecclesiasticus, which is on such
occasions used. In a letter also of his to archbishop Bancroft (then in Dr. Crakanthorp’s hands), he professes himself conformable to the church of England, ‘ willingly
and from his heart,’ his conscience admonishing him so to
be. And thus he remained persuaded to his last breath,
desiring to receive absolution according to the manner
prescribed in our liturgy, when he lay on his death-bed
which he did from Dr. Holland, the king’s professor in
Oxford, kissing his hand in token of his love and joy, and
within a few hours after resigned up his soul to God.
”
rs, and histories of the church. He was most excellent in all tongues which might be any way of use, or serve for ornament to a divine. He was of a sharp and nimble
“It must not be forgotten that this year died Dr. John
Rainolds, president of Corpus, Christi college, one of so
prodigious a memory that he might have been called a
walking library; of so virtuous and holy life and conversation (as writers say) that he very well deserved to be redlettered so eminent and conspicuous, that as Nazianzen,
speaketh of Athanasius, it might be said of him 'to name
Rainolds is to commend virtue itself. 7 He had turned
over (as I conceive) all writers, profane, ecclesiastical and
divine, all the councils, fathers, and histories of the
church. He was most excellent in all tongues which
might be any way of use, or serve for ornament to a
divine. He was of a sharp and nimble wit, of a grave
and mature judgment, of indefatigable industry, exceeding
therein Origen surnamed Adamantius. He was so well
seen in all arts and sciences, as if he had speiit his whole
time in each of them. Eminent also was he accounted for
his conference had with king James and others at Hampton
Court, though wronged by the publisher thereof, as he
was often heard to say. A person also so much respected
by the generality of the academicians for his learning and
piety, that happy and honoured did they account themselves that could have discourse with him. At times of
leisure he delighted much to talk with young towardly
scholars, communicating his wisdom to the encouraging
them in their studies, even to the last; A little before his
death, when he could not do such good offices, he ordered
his executors to have his books (except those he gave to his college and certain great persons), to be dispersed
among them. There was no house of learning then in.
Oxford, but certain scholars of each (some to the number of twenty, some less,) received of his bounty in that kind,
as a catalogue of them (with the names of the said scholars)
which I have lying by me sheweth.
” This catalogue Wood
prints in a note. It records the dispersion of a very considerable library among the students of the different colleges, to the amount of two hundred and eighty, many of
whom became afterwards men of great eminence in the
church. He also bequeathed some books to the Bodleian,
and some to his relations. He was interred with great solemnity in the chapel of Corpus Christi college, where a
monument was erected to his memory by his successor in
the presidentship, Dr. Spenser, with the following inscription “Virtuti sacrum. Jo. Rainoldo S. Theol. D.
eruditione, pietate, integritate incomparabile, hujus Coll.
Pxaeses, qui obiit, c. Jo. Spenser auditor, successor,
virtutum et sanctitatisadmirator H. M. amoris ergaposuit.
”
Dr. Rainolds wrote some controversial works published in
his life-time, enumerated by Wood, and sermons on the
prophecies of Obadiah and Haggai, which with some other
pieces appeared after his death that on Jlaggai was published during the rebellion to enlist him on the side of
those who were enemies to the church establishment, to
which he ever appears to have been attached; although
he may be ranked among doctrinal puritans. Motives for
publication like these throw an air of suspicion upon the
works, and incline us to doubt whether they now appear
as he left them.
, or Raleigh, or'Rawlegh, an illustrious Englishman, was the fourth
, or Raleigh, or'Rawlegh,
an illustrious Englishman, was the fourth son, and the
second by a third wife, of Walter Ralegh, esq. of Fardel,
near Plymouth. His father was of an ancient knightly
family, and his mother was Catharine, daughter of sir Philip
Champernoun, of Modbury in Devonshire, relict of Otho
Gilbert, of Compton, the father, by her, of sir Humphrey
Gilbert, the celebrated navigator. Mr. Ralegh, upon his
marriage with this lady, had retired to a farm called Hayes,
in the parish of Budiey, where sir Walter was born in
1552. After a proper education at school, he was sent to
Oriel college, Oxford, about 1568, where he soon distinguished himself by great force of natural parts, and an
uncommon progress in academical learning but Wood is
certainly mistaken in saying he stayed here three years
for in 1569, when only seventeen, he formed one of the
select troop of an hundred gentlemen whom queen Elizabeth permitted Henry Champernoun to transport to
France, to assist the persecuted Protestants. Sir Walter
appears to have been engaged for some years in military
affairs, of which, however, we do not know the particulars.
In 1575 or 1576, he was in London, exercising his poetical talents; for there is a commendatory poem by him
prefixed, among others, to a satire called “The Steel
Glass,
” published by George Gascoigne, a poet of that
age. This is dated from the Middle Temple, at which he
then resided, but with no view of studying the law for he
declared expressly, at his trial, that he had never studied
it. On the contrary, his mind was still bent on military
glory; and accordingly, in 1578, he went to the Netherlands, with the forces which were sent against the Spaniards, commanded by sir John Norris, and it is supposed
he was at the battle of Rimenant, fought on Aug. 1. The
following year, 1579, when sir Humphrey Gilbert, who was
his brother by his mother’s side, had obtained a patent of
the queen to plant and inhabit some Northern parts of
America, he engaged in that adventure; but returned soon
after, the attempt proving unsuccessful. In 1580, the
pope having incited the Irish to rebellion, he had a
captain’s commission under the lord deputy of Ireland,
Arthur Grey, lord Grey de Wilton. Here he distinguished
himself by his skill and bravery. In 1581, the earl of
Ormond departing for England, his government of Munster was given to captain Ralegh, in commission with
sir * William Morgan and captain Piers Ralegh resided
chiefly at Lismore, and spent all this summer in the
woods and country adjacent, in continual action with the
rebels. At his return home, he was introduced to court,
and, as Fuller relates, upon the following occasion. Her
majesty, taking the air in a walk, stopped at a splashy
place, in doubt whether to go on when Ralegh, dressed
in a gay and genteel habit of those tirhes, immediately
cast off and spread his new plush cloak on the ground
n which her majesty gently treading, was conducted
6ver clean and dry. The truth is, Ralegh always made
a very elegant appearance, as well in the splendor of
attire, as the politeness of address; having a commanding figure, and a handsome and well-compacted person a
strong natural wit, and a better judgment and that kind of
courtly address which pleased Elizabeth, and led to herfaTOur. Such encouragement, however, did not reconcile hirn
to an indolent life. In 1583 he set out with his brother sir H.
Gilbert, in his expedition to Newfoundland but within
a few days was obliged to return to Plymouth, his ship’s
company -being seized with an infectious distemper and
sir H. Gilbert was drowned in coming home, after he had
taken possession of that country. These expeditions, however, being much to Ralegh’s taste, he still felt no discouragement; but in 1584 obtaining letters patent for discovering unknown countries, he set sail to America, and
took possession of a place, to which queen Elizabeth gave
the name of Virginia.
ve paid little attention, but constantly attended his public charge and employments, whether in town or country, as occasion required. He was, in 1586, a member of
Sir Walter was now become such a favourite with the queen, that they who had at first been his friends at court began to be alarmed, and to intrigue against him, particularly the earl of Leicester, his former patron, who is said to have grawn jealous of his influence with her majesty, eind ta have set up, in opposition to him, Robert Devereux, the young earl of Essex. To this he appears to have paid little attention, but constantly attended his public charge and employments, whether in town or country, as occasion required. He was, in 1586, a member of that parliament which decided the fate of Mary queen of Scots, in which he probably concurred. But still speculating on the consequences of the discovery of Virginia, he sent three ships upon a fourth voyage thither, in 1587. In 1588 he sent another fleet, upon a fifth voyage, to Virginia and the same year took a brave part in the destruction of the Spanish armada, sent to invade England. About this time he made an assignment to divers gentlemen and merchants of London, of all his rights in the colony of Virginia. This assignment is dated March 7, 1588-9.
of Ralegh has been thought a just model for the reformation of our language, yet is now little read or consulted.
He was however reprieved, and committed prisoner to
the Tower of London, where he lay many years, his lady
living with him, and bringing him a second son, named
Carew, within the year. His estate was at first restored to
him, but taken again, and given to the king’s minion Robert Carr, afterwards earl of Somerset. Ralegh found a
great friend in Henry, the king’s eldest son, who laboured
to procure him his estate, and had nearly effected it; but,
that hopeful and discerning prince dying in 1612, all his
views were at an end. The prince is reported to have said,
that “no king but his father would keep such a bird in a
cage.
” During his confinement, he devoted the greatest
part of his time to reading and writing, and indeed the productions, of his pen at this time are as many, a if original
writing and compilation had been the whole pursuit of his
life. His writings have been divided into poetical, epistolary, military, maritimal, geographical, political, philosophical, and historical. But, however excellent these miscellanies are allowed by others to be written, he considered
them as trivial amusements compared to his grand work “The
History of the World;
” the first volume of which was published in History
” it has been said, that the design was equal to the great-ness of his mind, and the execution to the strength of his parts, and the variety of his
learning. His style is pure, nervous and majestic; and
much better suited to the dignity of history, than that of
lord Bacon. Ralegh seems to have written for posterity,
Bacon for the reign of James I. This admirable work of
Ralegh has been thought a just model for the reformation
of our language, yet is now little read or consulted.
taken out of his bed in a strong fit of a fever, which much weakened him, if any disability of voice or dejection of countenance should appear in him, they would impute
This manner of proceeding was thought extrajudicial
at first; but at length he was brought, October 28, to
the king’s bench bar at Westminster, and there asked,
if he could say any thing why execution should not be
awarded? To this he said, that “he hoped the judgment
he received to die so long since could not now be strained
to take away his life; since, by his majesty’s commission
for his late voyage, it was implied to be restored, in giving
him power as marshal upon the life and death of others:”
repeating the words of sir Francis Bacon. Notwithstanding this, sentence of death was passed upon him; and he
was beheaded the next day, Thursday Oct. 29, 1618, in
Old Palace-yard, when he suffered with great magnanimity.
To some who deplored his misfortunes, he observed, that
“the world itself is but a larger prison, out of which some
are daily selected for execution.
” When brought up for
sentence, he had an ague fit, to which he now alluded,
when on the scaffold, informing the spectators, that as he
was the day before taken out of his bed in a strong fit of a
fever, which much weakened him, if any disability of voice
or dejection of countenance should appear in him, they
would impute it rather to the disorder of his body than any
dismayedness of mind. He concludes his speech with
these words “And now I intreat, that you will all join
with me in prayer to the great God of Heaven, whom
I have grievously offended, being a man full of all vanity,
who has lived a sinful life in such callings as have been
most inducing to it; for I have been a soldier, a sailor, and
a courtier, which are courses of wickedness and vice that
his Almighty Goodness will forgive me; that he will cast
away my sins from me, and that he will receive me into
everlasting life. So I take my leave of you all, making my
peace with God.
”
and manuscript. 3. Military: these discourses relate either to the defence of England in particular, or contain general arguments and examples of the causes of war
His works may be divided into classes, according to
Oldys’s arrangement, 1. “Poetical: including his poems
on Gascoigne’s Steel-Glass; The Excuse; The silent Lover; the Answer to Marloe’s Pastoral; with his poems of
Cynthia, and two more on Spenser’s Fairy-Queen; The
Lover’s Maze; a Farewei to Court; The Advice; which
last three are printed in an old
” Collection of several ingenious Poems and Songs by the wits of the age,“1660,
in 8vo; another little poem, printed in the London Magazine for August 1734; several in the Ashmolean library at
Oxford, namely,
” Erroris Responsio,“and his
” Answer,
to the Lie,“&c. three pieces written just before his death,
viz. his Pilgrim; his
” Epigram in allusion to the Snuff' of
a Candle,“and his Epitaph, printed in his
” Remains.“There is likewise ascribed to him a satirical Elegy upon
the death of the lord treasurer Cecil, earl of Salisbury,
printed by Osborne in his Memoirs of king James, and
said to be our author’s by Shirley in his Life of Ralegh,
p. 179. Of his poems, a beautiful and correct, but limited
edition, has lately been published by sir E. JBrydges, with
a memoir of his life, written with the taste and feeling
which distinguish all the productions of that gentleman’s
pen. 2. Epistolary: viz. Letters, eight-and-twenty of which
Mr. Oldys tells us he has seen in print and manuscript.
3. Military: these discourses relate either to the defence
of England in particular, or contain general arguments
and examples of the causes of war among mankind. On
the former subject he seems to have drawn up several remonstrances, which have but sparingly and slowly come
to light. However, as he had a principal hand in the determinations of the council of war for arming the nation
when it was under immediate apprehensions of the Spanish
invasion, there is reason to believe that he was the author
of a treatise concerning
” Notes of Direction“for such
” Defence of the Kingdom,“written three years before
that invasion. To this treatise was also joined a cc Direction for the best and most orderly retreat of an army,
whether in campaign or straits.
” And these were then
presented in manuscript to the privy-council. One advice
is, that since frontier forces are unlikely to prevent an
enemy from landing, if they should land through the deficiency or absence of our shipping (for this is the force which Ralegh was ever for having first used against such foreign invasions) it were better by driving or clearing the
country of provisions, and temporizing, to endeavour at
growing stronger, and rendering the enemy weaker, than
to hazard all by a confused and disorderly descent of the
populace to oppose the first landing, as their custom was
formerly. But this was one of the chief points, which a
little before the approach of the Spanish armada was opposed by Thomas Digges, esq. muster-master-general of
the queen’s forces in the Low Countries, in a “Discourse
of the best order for repulsing a foreign Force,
” &c. which
he then published. This occasioned an Answer, which
having been found in an old manuscript copy among others
of sir Walter Ralegh’s discourses, and several circumstances agreeing with the orders in the council of war, as
well as some passages in his “History of the World,
” and
his other writings, it was published by Nathaniel Booth, of
Gray’s Inn, esq. at London, 1734, in 8vo, under this title:
“A Military Discourse, whether it be better for England
to give an invader present battle, or to temporize and
defer the same,
” &c. But Ralegh’s opinion upon this
subject is more fully given in his Discourses of the original
and fundamental cause of natural and necessary, arbitrary
and customary, holy and civil wars; which, though published several years after his death, have sufficient marks
of authenticity. 4. Maritimal: viz. his “Discourse of the
invention of shipping,
” &c. printed among his essays in
Observations and Notes concerning
the Royal Navy and Sea-service,
” dedicated to prince
Henry, printed likewise among his essays; his Letter to
that prince concerning the model of a ship, printed among
his Remains; his “Report of the truth of the Fight about
the isles of Azores,
” printed in Memorial touching Dover
Port,
” printed in a pamphlet, entitled “An Essay on
ways and means to maintain the Honour and Safety of
England,
” published by sir Henry Sheers in Observations and
Notes concerningthe Royal Navy and Sea-service,
” men*
tions a “Discourse of a maritimal voyage, with the passages and incidents therein,
” which he bad formerly
written to prince Henry; and in his “History of the World
”
he takes notice of another treatise, written to the same
prince, “Of the art of War by Sea;
” “a subject to my
knowledge,
” says he, “never handled by any man, ancient
or modern; but God has spared me the labour of finishing
it, by the loss of that brave prince; of which, like an
eclipse of the sun, we shall find the effects hereafter.
” 5.
Geographical; viz. several discourses and papers of his
concerning the discovery, planting, and settlement of Virginia, which were formerly in the hands of sir Francis Walsingham “A treatise of the West Indies;
” “Considerations on the Voyage for Guiana,
” a manuscript containing
leaves in 4to, in the library of sir Hans Sloane, bart. and
now in the British Museum “Discovery of the large, rich,
and beautiful empire of Guiana,
” pqblished by himself,
and mentioned above. His “Journal of his second Voyage to Guiana,
” which remains still in manuscript; and his
“Apology
” for the said voyage. 6. Political viz. “The
Seat of Government,
” shewing it to be upheld by the two
great pillars of civil justice and martial policy; “Observations concerning the causes of the magnificency and
o'pulency;
” “The Prince; or Maxims of State,
” printed at
London, Aphorisms of State,
” published by John Milton at London, in The Cabinet-Council, containing the chief arts of Empire, and mysteries of State discabineted,
” &c. published by John Milton, esq. London,
The Arts of Empire and mysteries of State discabineted,
” &c. “The Spaniard’s Cruelties to the English in Havanria
” his “Consultation about the Peace with
Spain
” and our protecting the Netherlands, in manuscript.
“The present state of Spain, with a most accurate account
of his catholic majesty’s power and rights also the names
and worth of the most considerable persons in that kingdom,
” in manuscript; which seems to be a different piece
from “The present state of Things, as they now stand
between the three kingdoms, France, England, and Spain,
”
also in manuscript; “A Discourse on the Match propounded by the Savoyan between the lady Elizabeth and
the prince of Piedmont,
” and another on that “between,
prince Henry of England and a daughter of Savoy,
” both
in manuscript “A Dialogue between a Jesuit and a i\ecusarit shewing how claugv rous their principles are to
Christian Princes,
” published by Philip Ralegh, esq. among
jour author’s genuine Remains, at the end of an Abridgment
of his History of the World, London, 1700, in 8vo; “A
Dialogue between a counsellor of state and a justice of
peace,
” better known in the printed copies by the title of
the “Prerogative of Parliaments,
” dedicated to king James,
and printed at Midelburge, 1628, in 4to, and reprinted in
1643 in 4to A “Discourse of the words Law and Right,
”
jn manuscript in the, Ashmolean library “Observations
touching Trade and Commerce with the Hollander and other
nations, as it was presented to king James; wherein is
prqve.d, that our sea and land commodities serve to enrich
and strengthen other countries against our own
” printed in
A treatise
of the Soul
” in manuscript in the Ashmolean library,
His “Sceptic,
” or Speculations printed among his Remains. “Instructions to his Son and Posterity,
” The dutiful Advice of a
Joving Son to his aged Father:
”. a treatise of “Mines, and
the trial of Minerals;
” and a “Collection of chymical and
medicinal Receipts;
” both which are in manuscript, 8.
Jiistorical: viz. his “History of the World,
” the best edition of which is that by Oldys, Miscellaneous Works,
”
including most of the above,
) rather than follow his own excellent genius.” He is said to have been a believer in the millenium, or reign of Christ on earth for a thousand years, and to have written
, an eminent English divine in the
seventeenth century, was second son of sir Carew Ralegh
(elder brother of the celebrated sir Walter Ralegh.) His
mother was relict of sir John Thynne, of Longleate, in
Wiltshire, and daughter of sir William Wroughton, viceadmiral under sir John Dudley (afterwards duke of Northumberland) in the expedition against the Scots in 1544.
He was born at Downton, in Wiltshire, in 1586, and educated in Winchester-school, whence he was sent to Magdalen college, Oxford, of which he became a commoner in
Michaelmas term, 1602. In June 1605, he took the degree of B. A. and in June 1608, that of master and being
a noted disputant, was made junior of the public act the
same year, in which he distinguished himself to great advantage. About that time he entered into holy orders, and
became chaplain to William earl of Pembroke, in whose
family he spent about two years, when he was collated by
his lordship to the rectory of Chedzoy, near Bridgewater,
in Somersetshire, in the latter end of 1620. Being settled
here, he married Mary, the daughter of sir Richard Gibbs,
and sister of Dr. Charles Gibbs, prebendary of Westminster. He was afterwards collated to a minor prebend in the
church of Wells, and to the rectory of Streat, with the
chapel of Walton in Wiltshire. About the time of the
death of his patron, the earl of Pembroke, which happened
in 1630, he became chaplain in ordinary to king Charles I,
and by that title was created D. D. in 1636. January the
13th, 1641, he was admitted dean of Wells on the death of
Dr. George Warburton. During the rebellion he was sequestered on account of his loyalty, and afterwards treated
with the utmost barbarity. It being his month to wait on
the king as his chaplain, the committee of Somersetshire
raised the rabble, and commissioned the soldiers to plunder his parsonage-house at Chedzoy and in his absence
they seized upon all his estate spiritual and temporal,
drove away his cattle and horses, which they found upon
his ground, and turned his family out of doors. His lady
was forced to lie two nights in the corn-fields, it being a
capital crime for any of the parishioners to afford them
lodging. After this she went to Downton, in Wiltshire,
the seat of sir Carew Ralegh, where her husband met her.
The king’s party having had some success in the West, Dr.
Ralegh had an opportunity to return to his family, and resettle at Chedzoy but the parliament party soon gained
the ascendant by the defeat of the lord Goring, and he was
obliged to take refuge at Bridgewater, then garrisoned by
the king. Here he continued till that town was surrendered to Fairfax and Cromwell, when he was taken prisoner, and after much severe usage set upon a poor horse,
with his legs tied under the belly of it, and so carried to
his house at Chedzoy, which was then the head -quarters of
Fairfax and Cromwell and being extremely sick through
his former ill treatment, obtained the favour of continuing
prisoner in his own house. But as soon as the generals
marched, Henry Jeanes, who was solicitous for his rectory
of Chedzoy, and afterwards succeeded him in it, entered
violently into the house, took the doctor out of his bed,
and carried him away prisoner with all his goods. His
wife and children were exposed to such necessities, that
they must have perished if colonel Ash. had not procured
them the income of some small tenements, which the doctor had purchased at Chedzoy, After this Dr. Ralegh wa&
sent prisoner to Ilchester, the county-gaol; thence to
Banwell-house, and thence to the house belonging to the
deanery in Wells, which was turned into a gaol and here,
while endeavouring to secrete a letter which he had written
to his wife, from impertinent curiosity, he was stabbed by
David Barrett, a shoe-maker of that city, who was his
keeper, and died of the wound October 10, 1646, and was
interred on the 13th of the same month before the dean’s
stall, in the choir of the cathedral of Wells. His papers,
after his death, such as could be preserved, continued for
above thirty years in obscurity, till at last coming into the
hands of Dr. Simon Patrick (afterwards bishop of Ely) he
published them at London, 1679, in 4to, under this title:
“Reliquiae Raleghanae, being Discourses and Sermons on
several subjects, by the reverend Dr. Walter Ralegh, dean
of Wells, and chaplain in ordinary to his late majesty king
Charles the First.
” This editor tells us, that “besides the
quickness of his wit and ready elocution, he was master of
a very strong reason which won him the familiarity and
friendship of those great men -who were the envy of the
last age, and the wonder of this, the lord Falkland, Dr.
Hammond, and Mr. Chillingvvorth the last of which was
wont to say (and no man was a better judge of it than himself) that Dr. Ralegh was the best disputant that ever he
met withal; and indeed there is a very great acuteness
easily to be observed in his writings, which would have appeared more if he had not been led, by the common vice of
those times, to imitate too far a very eminent man (meaning, perhaps, bishop Andrews) rather than follow his own
excellent genius.
” He is said to have been a believer in
the millenium, or reign of Christ on earth for a thousand
years, and to have written a book on that subject, which is
lost. In 1719 the rev. Lawrence Howell published at Lond.
8vo, “Certain Queries proposed by Roman catholics, and
answered by Dr. Walter Ralegh,
” &c. which appears to
be authentic.
l dissolved their friendship, such as it was. In 1728 he published his “Night,” and in 1729, “Zeuma, or the Love of Liberty.”
, a political and poetical writer of considerable note, is said to have been descended of mean
parentage, and was born probably in America. There at
least, from the Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin we learn
that he became acquainted with that eminent man, who
gives a favourable account of him, as being “ingenuous
and shrewd, genteel in his addre3, and extremely eloquent.
” Franklin appears to have considered him, however, as a man who might be imposed on, and acknowledges “that he had a hand in unsettling his principles,
”
The first effect of this was Ralph’s leaving 1 a wife and
children in America, in 1725, and regardless of what became of them, forming another female connexion, by marriage, as it would appear, soon after he arrived with Franklin in England, fie is also said to have assumed Franklin’s
name for some time, until a quarrel dissolved their friendship, such as it was. In 1728 he published his “Night,
”
and in Zeuma, or the Love of Liberty.
”
n income. Whether his paper called “The Remembrancer,” recommended him to Doddington, lord Melcombe, or was written in consequence of his acquaintance with that statesman,
At length he became an attendant on the “levees of
great men,
” and luckily applied himself to political writing, for which he was well qualified. When the duchess
of Marlborough, about 1742, published memoirs of her
life, Ralph was employed to write an answer, which he
called “The other side of the question.
” This, says Davies, was written with so much art, and made so interesting, by the author’s management, that it sold very well.
His pamphlets and political papers at length appeared of
so much importance^ that towards the latter end of the
Walpole administration, it was thought proper to buy him
off with an income. Whether his paper called “The Remembrancer,
” recommended him to Doddington, lord
Melcombe, or was written in consequence of his acquaintance with that statesman, does not appear but from Doddington’s celebrated (< Diary,“we learn that he was much in the confidence of the party assembled round the prince of Wales, and was not only constantly employed to carry messages and propositions to the leaders of the party, but was frequently, consulted as to the subject of such messages. Nor indeed do his talents as a politician seem much inferior to those who employed him. He had like-r wise before this acquired considerable fame by his
” Use and Abuse of Parliaments,“174-4, 2 vols. 8vo, and still
more by his
” History of England, during the reign of William III.; with an introductory review of the reigns of
Charles II. and James II.“1744 6, 2 vols. folio, written
upon principles avowed by his party. This was always
considered as an useful work. Ralph had read a great
deal, and was very conversant in the history and politics
of this country. He applied himself, with great assiduity,
to the study of all writings upon party matters: and had
collected a prodigious number of pamphlets relating to the
contests of whig and tory, the essence of which he incorporated in his work so as to make it a fund of curious information and opinions, of which more regular historians
might afterwards avail themselves. Mr. Fox, in his late
” Historical Work,“pronounces him
” an historian of great
acuteness, as well as diligence, but who falls sometimes
into the common error of judging too much from the
event."
, chevalier de St. Michel, composer to the king of France, and to l'Academic Royale de la Musique, or serious opera at Paris, was born at Dijon in 1683, He went early
, chevalier de St. Michel, composer to the king of France, and to l'Academic Royale de
la Musique, or serious opera at Paris, was born at Dijon in
1683, He went early in his life to Italy, and at his return was appointed organist at Clermout en Auvergne,
where his “Traite
” de la Musique“was written, in 1722.
He was afterwards elected organist of St. Croix de la Bretonnerie at Paris. Here his time was chiefly employed in
teaching; however, he published harpsichord lessons, and
several other theoretical works, without distinguishing himself much as a vocal composer, till 1733, when, at fifty
years of age, he produced his first opera of
” Hippolite et
Aricie." The music of this drama excited professional
envy and national discord. Party rage was now as violent
between the admirers of Lulli and Rameau, as in England
between the friends of Bononcini and Handel, or, in modern times, at Paris, between the Gluckists and the Piccinists. When the French, during the last century, were
so contented with the music of Lulli, it was nearly as good
as that of other countries, and better patronized and supported by the most splendid prince in Europe. But this
nation, so frequently accused of more volatility and caprice
than their neighbours, have manifested a steady persevering constancy in their music, which the strongest ridicule and contempt of other nations could never vanquish.
n; and when that is achieved in any style, it becomes the business of subsequent composers to invent or adopt another, in which something is still left to be done,
Rameau only answered his antagonists by new productions, which were still more successful; and, at length, he
was acknowledged by his countrymen to be not only
superior to all competition at Paris, but sole monarch of the
musical world. From 1733 to 1760 he composed twentyone operas, of which the “names and dates are annually
published in the
” Spectacles de Paris," and in many other
periodical works, Rameau’s style of composition, which
continued in favour almost unmolested for upwards of forty
years, though formed upon that of Lulli, is more rich in
harmony, and varied in melody. The genre, however displeasing to all ears but those of France, which had been
nursed in it, was carried by the learning and genius of
Rameau to its acme of perfection; and when that is
achieved in any style, it becomes the business of subsequent composers to invent or adopt another, in which
something is still left to be done, besides servile imitation.
as well as patriots of other countries, yet Rameau was a great man; nor can the professor of any art or science mount to the summit of fame, and be elected by his countrymen
The opera of “Castor and Pollux
” having been long
regarded in France as the master-piece of this composer,
Dr. Burney has entered into a strict critical examination
of it, for which we refer to his History. He concludes
with observing, that, though the several merits of this musician have been too much magnified by partizans and patriots in France, and too much depreciated by the abettors
of other systems and other styles, as well as patriots of
other countries, yet Rameau was a great man; nor can
the professor of any art or science mount to the summit of
fame, and be elected by his countrymen supreme dictator
in his particular faculty, without a large portion of genius
and abilities.
it often enough.” This beautiful opera,“says M. de la Borde,” without any diminution in the applause or pleasure of the audience, supported a hundred representations,
The successful revival of his opera of tc Castor and Pollux“in 1754, after the victory obtained by his friends
over the Italian burletta singers who had raised such disturbance by their performance of Pergolesi’s intermezzo,
the
” Serva Padrona,“was regarded as the most glorious
event of his life. The partizans for the national honour
could never hear it often enough.
” This beautiful opera,“says M. de la Borde,
” without any diminution in the applause or pleasure of the audience, supported a hundred
representations, charming at once the soul, heart, mind,
eyes, ears, and imagination of all Paris."
hom she had several children. In this situation young Ramsay could not he supposed to have much care or expence bestowed upon him: he had, however, access to all the
When Allan Ramsay was about a year old his father died, and his mother being but ill provided for, soon after married a second husband in the neighbourhood, by whom she had several children. In this situation young Ramsay could not he supposed to have much care or expence bestowed upon him: he had, however, access to all the learning a village-school could afford, and it was during this period, the first fifteen years of his life, that he had an opportunity of storing his mind with those rural images which were afterwards so agreeably exhibited in his writings.
l imagery as will insure it approbation in every country where its language can be either understood or translated.
In 1728, he published a second volume in quarto; and
these two volumes, which have been often reprinted in
octavo, contain all his printed works which he has thought
fit to acknowledge. The longest piece among them, and
the one which has been the most universally read and admired, is a pastoral comedy, called the “Gentle Shepherd,
” which, though it presents only that mode of country life which belongs to the corner of Scotland where he
himself was born, yet is every where filled with such just
sentiments and general imagery as will insure it approbation in every country where its language can be either understood or translated.
st appear very strange that any man should compose so much of it, with so little view either to fame or profit. But the fact is, that writing verse cost Ramsay no trouble
To those who look upon poetry as an affair of labour and
difficulty, it must appear very strange that any man should
compose so much of it, with so little view either to fame
or profit. But the fact is, that writing verse cost Ramsay
no trouble at all, and as it lightly came it lightly went.
In the “Ever Green,
” already mentioned, there is what
is called a “Fragment of Hardiknnte,
” of which almost
one half made its first appearance in that publication.
But this was a forgery which could not be supposed to lie
very heavy upon his conscience, as he knew that the original “Fragment
” so justly admired, was not of above ten
or fifteen years greater antiquity than his own additions to
it. For it had been ushered into the world by a lady Wardlaw, who produced it, by two or three stanzas at a time,
saying she had taken them down in writing from an old
woman, who sung them while she was spinning at her distaff. But as lady Wardlaw had given sufficient proofs of
her poetical genius, by several smaller compositions, and
as this spectre of an old woman had never appeared to any
body but herself, none of her acquaintance ever doubted
of her being the true author. What parts of this pretended fragment, as printed in the “Ever Green,
” were lady
Wardlaw’s, and what were Ramsay’s, his son, from whom we
likewise hud this anecdote, could not precisely remember,
and said, that they were all too much of the same texture
for his critical skill alone to make the distinction: but that
it was a point which might be easily ascertained by comparing what is in the “Ever Green
” with the copies of
“Hardiknute,
” printed before Ever
Green,
” the whole of this poem is printed in the spelling
of the 15th century, which, though the flimsiest of all disguises, has a wonderful effect in imposing upon the bulk
of readers.
As to his person, he was of a middle stature, or somewhat less, but well shaped and active, and enjoyed perpetual
As to his person, he was of a middle stature, or somewhat less, but well shaped and active, and enjoyed perpetual health, except that in his latter years, he was now and then troubled with the gravel. His disposition was cheerful and benevolent; and what is not often the lot of men of lively imaginations, he was blessed with an equality of mind, free from impatience or anxiety, and little elevated or cast down with any thing prosperous or adverse that befell him.
last, his French biographers seem to be of opinion, must have been either falsely attributed to him, or much altered by his editors, as he maintains the doctrine of
His works are, 1. “Discours sur le Poeme Epique;
”
prefixed to the later editions of Telemachus. V 2. “La Vie
de Mr. Fenelon,
” of which there is an English translation.
3. “Essai sur le Gouvernrnent Civil.
” 4. “Le Psychometre, ou Reflexions sur les dirTerens characteres de ressprit, par un Milord Anglois.
” These are remarks upon
lord Shaftesbury’s Characteristics. 5. “Les Voyages de
Cyrus,
” in French and English, the only work of his much
known in this country. It is a professed imitation of Telemachus, and we can remember was once a very popular
book. 6. “L'Histoire de M. de Turenne, in French and
English.
” 7. “Poems,
” somewhat in the mystic and inflated style, printed at Edinburgh, 1728, 4to, seemingly
without his knowledge. 8. “Two Letters in French, to
M. Racine the son, upon the true sentiments of Mr. Pope,
in his Essay on Man.
” These were printed after his decease, in “Les Oeuvres de M. Racine le fils,
” torn. II.
1747, and form a kind of defence of Pope from the charge
of irreiigion in the “Essay.
” This is a subject of which
the chevalier was perhaps a better judge than of philosophy; for in one of these letters he calls Locke gtnia superfci'el, “a superficial genius.
” Two posthumous works of
his were also printed at Glasgow: 9. “A plan of education;
” and, 10. “Philosophical Principles of natural and
revealed Religion, explained and unfolded in a geometrical
order,
”
es necessary for a. clergyman; but the narrowness of his circumstances prevented his going to Oxford or Cambridge, where he might be qualified to enter the English
, justly celebrated for his philanthropy, was born July 25, 1733, at Frasersburgh, a small town in the county of Aberdeen, North Britain. From his earliest years he discovered a serious disposition, and a strong thirst for knowledge, and after his grammatical education, was inclined to pursue the studies necessary for a. clergyman; but the narrowness of his circumstances prevented his going to Oxford or Cambridge, where he might be qualified to enter the English church, in the principles of which he had been educated. Yielding therefore to necessity, he resolved to study surgery and pharmacy, and was with this view bound apprentice to Dr. Findlay, a medical practitioner in Frasersburgh. In the mean time, with the approbation of his master, he entered, in 1750, of King’s college, Aberdeen, and having obtained one of the highest bursaries or exhibitions belonging to that seminary, he was enabled to prosecute his studies with comfort, and for three years had Dr. Reid, then one of the professors^ for his preceptor. To that great and amiable philosopher he so recommended himself by his talents, his industry, and his virtues, that he was honoured with his friendship to the day of his death.
mander of the Guinea ship applied to the English commodore for medical assistance; but not a surgeon or surgeon’s mate in the whole fleet, except Mr. Ramsay, would
In 1755, he went to London, and studied surgery and pharmacy under the auspices of Dr. Macauley; in whose family he lived for two years, much esteemed both by him and his celebrated lady. Afterwards he served in his medical capacity for several years in the royal navy, and by the humane and diligent discharge of his duties, endeared himself to the seamen, and acquired the esteem of his officers. Of his humanity there is indeed one memorable instance, which must not be omitted. Whilst he acted as surgeon of the Arundel, then commanded by captain (afterwards vice-admiral sir Charles) Middleton, a slaveship, on her passage from Africa to the West Indies, fell in with the fleet to which the Arundel belonged. An epidemical distemper, too common in such vessels, had swept away not only a great number of the unfortunate negroes, but also many of the ship’s crew, and among others the surgeon. In this distressed situation the commander of the Guinea ship applied to the English commodore for medical assistance; but not a surgeon or surgeon’s mate in the whole fleet, except Mr. Ramsay, would expose himself to the contagion of so dangerous a distemper. Prompted, however, by his own innate benevolence, and fully authorized by his no less benevolent commander, the surgeon of the Arundel, regardless of personal danger, went on board the infected ship, visited all the patients, and remained long enough to leave behind him written directions for their future treatment. In this enterprise he escaped the contagion, but in his return to his own ship, just as he had got on the deck, he fell, and broke his thigh bone, by which he was confined to his apartment for ten months, and rendered in a small degree lame through the remainder of his life.
gdalen and British Lying-in hospitals, as those of the second and third were to the Maritime-school, or, in the event of its failure, to the Marine society.
Although his serious studies were now theological, he
considered himself as answerable for a proper use of every
branch of knowledge which he possessed. He therefore
took the charge of several plantations around him in the
capacity of a medical practitioner; and attended them with
unremitting diligence, and with great success. Thus he
lived till 1777, when, relinquishing the practice of physic
entirely, he paid a visit to the place of his nativity, which
he had not seen since 1755. After remaining three weeks
in Scotland, and near a year in England, during which
time he was admitted into the confidence of lord George
Germaine, secretary of state for the American department,
he was appointed chaplain to admiral Harrington, then going out to take a command in the West Indies. Under
this gallant officer, and afterwards under lord Rodney, he
was present at several engagements, where he displayed a
fortitude and zeal for the honour of his country which would
not have disgraced the oldest admiral. To the navy, indeed, he seems to have been strongly attached; and he
wrote, at an early period of his life, an “Essay on the
Duty and Qualifications of a Sea-officer,
” with such a
knowledge of the service as would not have discredited the
pen of the most experienced commander. Of the first edition of this essay the profits were by its benevolent author
appropriated, to the Magdalen and British Lying-in hospitals, as those of the second and third were to the Maritime-school, or, in the event of its failure, to the Marine
society.
miles. But in London, being seized with a violent vomiting of blood, he was unable either to proceed or to be removed home; and in the house of sir Charles Middleton
Although caressed by both the admirals under whom he
served, and having such influence with lord Rodney as to
be able to render essential services to the Jews and other
persons whom he thought harshly treated at the capture of
St. Eustatius, Mr. Ramsay once more quitted the sea-service, and retired to his pastoral charge in the island of
St. Christopher’s. There, however, though the former
animosities against him had entirely subsided, and his
friendship was now solicited by every person of consequence in the island, he remained but a little while. Sick
of the life of a planter, and of the prospect of the slavery
around him, he resigned his livings, bade adieu to the
island, and returned to England with his wife and family
in the end of 1781. Immediately on his arrival, he was,
through the interest of his steady friend sir Charles Middleton, presented to the livings of Teston and Nettlestead
in the county of Kent.
Here he was soon determined, by the advice of those
whom he most respected, to publish what had been written
many years before, an “Essay on the Treatment and Conversion of African Slaves in the British Sugar Colonies.
”
The controversy in which this publication involved him, is
probably recent in the memory of many of our readers.
He defended himself with great ability; but they who
could not answer his arguments, could at least invent calumnies: and sorry we are to add, that they were not unsuccessful in removing one powerful advocate for the abolition of that abominable traffic, of which all Europe seems
now ashamed. The agitation given to his mind by these
calumnies, and the fatigues he underwent in his endeavours to rescue from misery the most helpless portion of
the human race, contributed to shorten a life in no common degree useful. He had been for some time afflicted
with a pain in his stomach, for which he was prevailed
upon, though with great reluctance, to try the effects of
air and exercise, by attempting a journey ef 100 miles.
But in London, being seized with a violent vomiting of
blood, he was unable either to proceed or to be removed
home; and in the house of sir Charles Middleton he ended
his days, July 20, 1789. He may be justly accounted one
of the first and most active of those benevolent men who
roused the attention of the nation to the degradation of its
character in continuing the slave-trade, although he did
not live to witness the completion of his wishes. Hif
works, besides those to which we have alluded, consist of
a volume of “Sea-Sermons,
” preached on board his majesty’s ship the Prince of Wales; a “Treatise on Signals,
”
and various pamphlets in answer to his opponents on the
subject of the slave-trade.
approbation of the public, in the same manner as his private worth endeared him to society. In 1763 or 1764 he opened a shop in the Hay-market; but in 1775 he removed
, an excellent optician and mechanist, was born at Halifax, in Yorkshire, in 1735, and after some school-education, served an apprenticeship in his native place to the trade of a hot-presser, after which he came to London, and applied himself to engraving. In the course of this employment, mathematical instruments were often brought to him to be engraved, which induced him to try his genius in that way; and such was his success, that by 1763 he made instruments for several of the best artists. Soon after his coming up to London he married the daughter of Mr. Dollond, the celebrated optician of St. Paul’s church-yard; by which means he was introduced to the knowledge of a profession in which his genius enabled him to excel), and attract the approbation of the public, in the same manner as his private worth endeared him to society. In 1763 or 1764 he opened a shop in the Hay-market; but in 1775 he removed to Piccadilly, where he carried on business till his death.
Mr. Ramsden greatly improved Hadiey’s quadrant, or sextant; and he invented a curious machine for dividing mathematical
Mr. Ramsden greatly improved Hadiey’s quadrant, or sextant; and he invented a curious machine for dividing mathematical instruments; for which discovery he received a premium from the board of longitude. He also improved the construction of the theodolite, as well as the barometer for measuring the heights of mountains. The pyrometer for measuring the dilatation of bodies oy heat, also employed his talents; and he made many important discoveries and improvements in optics. But his astronomical instruments appear to have been the principal of his works. He improved the refracting micrometer, as also the transit instrument and quadrant. He procured a patent for an improved equatorial. His mural quadrants were excellent, and much sought for.
, or La Ramme'E, a celebrated French mathematician and philosopher,
, or La Ramme'E, a celebrated French
mathematician and philosopher, was born in 1515, in a
village of Vermandois, in Picardy, of a family so greatly
reduced by the ravages of war, that his grandfather, having
lost all his possessions, was obliged to turn collier for a livelihood. His father followed husbandry, but appears to
have been unable to give any education to this son, whose
4 arly years were spent in mean occupations. At length he
obtained the place of servant in the college of Navarre, at
Paris, where he picked up the rudiments of learning, and
became acquainted with the logic of Aristotle. All his
leisure time he devoted to study, so that what is related in
the first Scaligerana of his living to nineteen without learning to read, and of his being very dull and stupid, is totally inconsistent with the truth. On the contrary, his
talents and perseverance at last procured him to be regularly educated in the college, and having finished classical
learning and rhetoric, he went through a course of philosophy, which took him up three years and a half. The
thesis which he made for his master’s degree denied the
authority of Aristotle, and this he maintained with great
ability, and very ingeniously replied to the objections of
the professors. This success inclined him to examine the
doctrine of Aristotle more closely, and to combat it vigorously: but he confined himself principally to his logic.
All this, however, was little less than heresy; and the two
first books he published, the one entitled “Institutiones
Dialecticae,
” the other “Aristotelicse Animadversiones,
”
so irritated the professors of the university of Paris, that,
besides many effusions of spleen and calumny, they prosecuted this anti- peripatetic before the civil magistrate, as a
man who was at war with religion and learning. The cause
was then carried before the parliament of Paris, but his
enemies dreading either the delay or the fairness of a
trial there, brought it before the king, Francis I. who
ordered that Ramus, and Antony Govea, who was his principal adversary, should chuse two judges each, to pronounce on the controversy after they should have ended
their disputation; while he himself appointed an umpire.
Ramus, in obedience to the king’s orders, appeared before
the five judges, though three of them were his declared
enemies. The dispute lasted two days; and Govea had all
the advantage he could desire, Ramus’s books being prohibited in all parts of the kingdom, and their author sentenced not to write or teach philosophy any longer. This
sentence, which elated his enemies beyond all bounds of
moderation, was published in Latin and French in all the
streets of Paris, and in all parts of Europe, whither it could
be sent. Plays were acted with great pomp, in which Ramus was ridiculed in various ways amidst the applauses and
acclamations of the Aristotelians. This happened in 1543.
The year after, the plague made great havoc in Paris, and
forced most of the students to quit the university, and cut
off several of the professors. On their return, Ramus,
being prevailed upon to teach in it, soon drew together a
great number of auditors, and through the patronage and
protection of the cardinal of Lorrain he obtained in 1547
from Henry II. the liberty of speaking and writing, and the
royal professorship of philosophy aad eloquence in 1551.
The parliament of Paris had, before this, maintained him
in the liberty of joining philosophical lectures to those of
eloquence; and this arret or decree had put an end to several prosecutions, which Ramus and his pupils had suffered. As soon as he was made regius professor, he was
fired with new zeal for improving the sciences; and was
extremely laborious and active on this occasion, notwithstanding the machinations of his enemies. He bore at that
time a part in a very singular aflair, which deserves to be
mentioned. About 1550 the royal professors corrected,
among other abuses, that which had crept into the pronunciation of the Latin tongue. Some of the clergy followed this regulation; but the Sorbonnists were much
offended at it as an innovation, and defended the old pronunciation with great zeal. Things at length were carried
so far, that a clergyman who had a good living was ejected
from his benefice for having pronounced qm’squis, quanquaw,
according to the new way, instead of kiskis, kankam, according to the old. The clergyman applied to the parliament; and the royal professors, with Ramus among them,
fearing he would fall a victim to the credit and authority
of the faculty of divines, for presuming to pronounce the
Latin tongue according to their regulations, thought it incumbent on them to assist him. Accordingly they went
to the court of justice, and represented in such strong
terms the indignity of the prosecution, that the person accused was acquitted, and the pronunciation of Latin recovered its liberty.
erve to prove any assertion. Of these he enumerates various kinds. Judgments he divides into axioms, or self-evident propositions, and dianoea, or deductions by means
Few persons in the present day will be inclined to doubt whether Ramus did right in attempting to undermine the foundations of that authority which Aristotle had so long possessed in the schools; and no one who will take the trouble to examine the manner in which he laid open the defects and inconsistencies of the Organ on, will hesitate in allowing him considerable merit in this part of his design. In attempting a new logical institute, Ramus was not, however, equally successful. The general outline of his plan, according to Brucker, is this: " Considering dialectics as the art of deducing conclusions from premises, he endeavours to improve this art by uniting it with that of rhetoric. Of the several branches of rhetoric, he considers invention and disposition as belonging equally to logic. Making Cicero his chief guide, he divides his treatise on dialectics into two parts, the first of which treats of the invention of arguments, the second, of judgments. Arguments he derives not only from what the Aristotelians call middle terms, but from any kind of proposition, which, connected with another, may serve to prove any assertion. Of these he enumerates various kinds. Judgments he divides into axioms, or self-evident propositions, and dianoea, or deductions by means of a series of arguments. Both these he divides into various classes; and illustrates the whole by examples from the ancient orators and poets.
clid, containing only the definitions and general enunciations of the propositions, without diagrams or demonstrations, which he thinks it better for the teacher to
In the logic of Ramus many things are borrowed from
Aristotle, and only appear under new names; and many
others are derived from other Grecian sources, particularly
from the dialogues of Plato and the logic of the Stoics.
The author has the merit of turning the art of reasoning
from the futile speculations of the schools to forensic and
common use; but his plan is defective in confining the
whole dialectic art to the single object of disputation, and
in omitting many things which respect the general culture
of the understanding, and the investigation of truth. Notwithstanding the defects of his system, we cannot, however, subscribe to the severe censure which has been
passed upon Ramus by lord Bacon and others; for much is,
we think, due to him, for having with so much firmness
and perseverance asserted the natural freedom of the human understanding. The logic of Ramus obtained great
authority in the schools of Germany, Great Britain, Holland, and France; and long and violent contests arose
between the followers of Ramus and those of the Stagyrite.
These were not, however, sufficiently important in their
consequences to require a distinct relation, and the fame of
Peter Ramus vanished b.efore that of Des Cartes. He published a great many books: the principal of those on mathematics are, 1. “Scholarum Mathematicarum libri 31.
”
2. “Arithmeticae libri duo; Algebrae libri duo; Geometriae
libri 27.
” These were greatly enlarged and explained by
Schoner, and published in 2 volumes 4to, and there were
several editions of them. The geometry, which is chiefly
practical, was translated into English by William Bedwell,
and published at London, 1636, in 4to. He published also
a singular work, Paris 1558, 4to, the 15 books of Euclid,
containing only the definitions and general enunciations of
the propositions, without diagrams or demonstrations, which
he thinks it better for the teacher to suppress.
ance. He was also made secretary of the council of ten at Venice, and was for forty-three years more or less employed in that post, or in embassies. When old and infirm,
, a valuable collector of voyages and travels, the son of Paul Ramusio, a lawyer, was born at Venice in 1486. He made
great proficiency in his classical and philosophical studies,
but had a particular turn for politics, and was thought so
accomplished in the knowledge of public affairs, that he was
frequently deputed by the state to Switzerland, Rome,
and France. He was also made secretary of the council of
ten at Venice, and was for forty-three years more or less
employed in that post, or in embassies. When old and
infirm, he retired to Padua, where he died in July 1557,
in the seventy- second year of his age. His principal work
was entitled “Raccolta delleNavigazioni e de Viaggi,
” and
was published at different periods in three volumes folio.
Of this valuable work complete copies are not easily to be
met with. Brunei recommends the following selection as
forming the best copy: vol. I. of the edition 1563 or 1588;
vol. II. of 1583, and vol.111, of 1565. To this last volume
should be added the supplement to the edition of 1606, p.
386—430, which contains “Viaggio di M. Cesare de Fredrici nelP Inclia-Orientale.
”
ade so rapid a progress that, with some direction from his tutor, he published, at the age of twelve or thirteen years, a new edition of “Anacreon,” in Greek, with
,
the celebrated abbe and reformer of the monastery of La
Trappe, was born January 9, 1626, at Paris. He was nephew of Claudius le Bouthillier de Chavigny, secretary of
state, and superintendant of the finances. In classical
learning he made so rapid a progress that, with some direction from his tutor, he published, at the age of twelve
or thirteen years, a new edition of “Anacreon,
” in Greek,
with notes, Les veritables Motifs
de la Conversion de l'abbé de la Trappe,
” published by
Daniel de la Roque, Cologn, Alas! where should I
have been, had not my God had compassion on me.
” Whichever of these incidents was the cause, it is certain that he
retired from the world, and refused even to be assistant to
his uncle, who was archbishop of Tours. He then founded
a monastery, the fraternity belonging to which practise the
utmost self-denial. Their diet is merely vegetable. They
allow not themselves wine, flesh, fish, nor eggs; they enter
into no conversation with strangers, and for some days are
wholly silent. They have each a separate cell, and used
to pass some part of every day in digging their own graves
in the garden of the convent. De Ranee placed this
new establishment of the monks of La Trappe in the
hands of the fathers of the strict Cistertian observance.
He also sold his estate at Veret for 100,000 crowns,
which sum he gave to the H6tel Dieu at Paris, and took
the monastic habit in the abbey of Notre Dame de Perseigne,
where he made profession, June 6,1664. He afterwards
took possession of the abbey de la Trappe, and introduced
those regulations above mentioned, which long made it the
admiration of all travellers. In this retreat he lived devoted
to his austere observances, until 1695, when he died on his
straw pallet, in presence of the bishop of Seez, and the
whole community, October 26, 1700, aged 74, leaving
many pious works; among which the principal are, a book
“de la Saintété des Devoirs de l'Etat monastique,
” 1683,
2 vols. 4to “Eclaircissemens sur ce Livre,
” Explication sur la Regie de S. BenoSt,
” 12mo; “lieflexions morales sur les quatre Evangiies,
” 4 vols. 12mo;
“Conferences sur les Evangiies,
” 4 vols. 12mo “Instructions et Maximes,
” 12mo; “Concluite Chretienue,
” written for Mad. de Guise, 12mo; a greafnumber of “Spiritual
Letters,
” 2 vols. 12 mo; “Accounts of the Lives and Deaths
of some Monks of la Trappe,
” 4 vols. 12tno, continued to
6 vols.; lastly, “The Constitutions and Rules of the Abbe
of la Trappe,
”
, a native of Perigueux, or, according to Menage, of Bourdeaux, was the son of an advocate
, a native of Perigueux, or,
according to Menage, of Bourdeaux, was the son of an
advocate in the last mentioned city. He was well skilled
in the Roman law, philosophy, mathematics, and antiquities; and was appointed president of the parliament of
Paris, after having been counsellor to that of Bourdeaux.
His mode of life was singular. He seldom read in the daytime; but used to take a light supper, go to rest early, and
rise, after his first sleep, about the time that the monks say
matins; then, covering his head like a capuchin, he spent
four hours in study, and, going to bed again, finished, after
a quiet sleep, what he had meditated upon during the night.
By this plan, he used to say that the most rapid progress
might be made in learning. He was an excellent Greek
and Latin scholar; and, if we may believe M. Pithou, it
was be who composed the Dictionary which goes under the
name of Charles Stephens. Pithou adds, that, when cardinal de Lorraine assembled the parliament of Paris to take
their advice as to the punishment of heretics, Ranconet
was so imprudent as to read that passage in which Sulpitius
Severus touches upon the execution of Priscillian; and the
cardinal being displeased, sent him to the Bastille, where
he died of grief, 1558, aged above 60. Others say that
Ranconet’s confinement proceeded from his having been
falsely accused of a capital crime. He left in ms. “Le
Tresor de la Langue Franchise, taut ancienne que nioderne;
” which was the foundation of the Dictionaries of
Nicot and Monet.
ay, February 23, 1731, when it was performed in action, previous to its having been heard in public, or any where but at Cannons, the magnificent seat of the duke of
, music professor in the university of Cambridge, was probably a native of London, where he was born in 1715. He was brought up in the king’s chapel, and was one of the children of that choir who first performed in Handel’s oratorio of Esther, at the house of Bernard Gates, master of the boys in James-street, Westminster, on Wednesday, February 23, 1731, when it was performed in action, previous to its having been heard in public, or any where but at Cannons, the magnificent seat of the duke of Chandos, for whose chapel it was composed in 1720. Dr. Randal was never rated very high in his profession, but was regarded as a slight organ-player, and had never distinguished himself as a composer. He obtained his degree at the installation of the duke of Grafton in the university of Cambridge, for which he composed the ode written by Gray. To the astonishment of all the musical profession, he undertook to have this composition performed by the musicians resident in the university, without the expence of additional hands and voices from London, as Drs. Greens and Boyce had thought necessary on former occasions at Cambridge, and Dr. William Hayes at Oxford. As Dr. Randal’s professional life was unmarked by talents, his death, which happened March 18, 1799, in the eightyfourth year of his age, was hardly noticed, except by the candidates for the professorship, and his organist’s places.
his critic also recommended the altering his pieces, so as to render them fit for the present stage, or at the least giving the world a correct and critical edition
As a dramatic writer, his turn was entirely to comedy; and Baker pronounces his language elegant, and his sentiments just and forcible; his characters for the most part, strongly drawn, and his satire well chosen and poignant; and this critic also recommended the altering his pieces, so as to render them fit for the present stage, or at the least giving the world a correct and critical edition of them.
xed; his residence, however, still continued at Perham, until he was elected, without his knowledge, or any communication with th e electors, to be president of Corpus
The archbishop, still continuing his patronage to Dr.
Randolph, collated him, in 1746, to the rectory of Saltwood, with the chapel of Hythe annexed; his residence,
however, still continued at Perham, until he was elected,
without his knowledge, or any communication with th e
electors, to be president of Corpus Christ! college. This
election, which took place April 23, 1748, enabled him to
devote the remainder of his life to the place of his education, and the scene of his growing reputation. Oxford became now the principal place of his residence; and the
government of his college, and a share in that of the university, his chief employment and concern. Yet having
naturally an active mind, and being ever vigilant and attentive to all the duties of his station, much of his time was
still devoted to religious studies, which he considered as
included in the proper duties of his station, and as their
highest aim. Many of his sermons preached before the
university were printed by request, and his larger work
upon “The Doctrine of the Trinity,
” in answer to “The
Essay on Spirit,
” was published in Citations from
the Old Testament in the New.
” Repeated attacks at
length brought him to a state of weakness, under which
he laboured for three months, and died March 24, 17 S3.
He was buried in Corpus Christi cloister, where a monument is erected to his memory.
liberality are by no means scrupulous of the terms in which they speak of the doctrines, discipline, or members of our church, that its supporters act from interested
Dr. Randolph’s whole attention was confined to his profession, and his station in the university. Being convinced
that the province allotted to him, if its duties were faithfully discharged, was sufficient for his own employment,
and for the rendering him an useful member of society, he
was not disposed to wander beyond it. He was a zealous
supporter of the doctrines of the church of England, from
a conviction that they were those of the religion of Christ.
It has sometimes been invidiously urged by the enemies of
our religious establishment, who with great professions of
liberality are by no means scrupulous of the terms in which
they speak of the doctrines, discipline, or members of our
church, that its supporters act from interested views. In
answer to this charge thrown out against himself in common
with others, Dr. Randolph says, in a preface to an intended
work, “One of these writers is now near fourscore years of
age, who neither hopes for, nor will solicit for any thing
farther in this world: he fights under no banner but that
of his Lord and Saviour, from whom alone he expects his
reward.
”
e church, of which he was an active member: “Fearless now of being censured for mercenary adulation, or reproved by unconscious merit, a just tribute may be paid to
, the late bishop of London, was
the younger son of the preceding, and was born July 6,
1749. He became a student of Corpus Christi college,
Oxford, and took his degrees at the usual periods that of
M. A. in 1774; B. D. in 1782 D. D. by diploma, in 1783.
In 1776 he was appointed prselector of poetry, and in 1782
regius professor of Greek. In the same year he was
presented to a prebend of Salisbury; and in 1783 became
canon of Christ church, regius professor of divinity, and
rector of Ewelnoe. In the year 1799 he was elevated to
the bishopric of Oxford; translated to that of Bangor in
1807; and thence to London in 1809. He was elected
F. R. S. in 1811. He passed a great part of his life in the
university of Oxford, and it was generally believed that
when he was raised to the see of Oxford, the university
was complimented with the nomination by the crown. His
lordship was author of many single sermons, and charges
delivered on different occasions: also of “De Grsecae Linguae Studio Prselectio habita in Schola Linguarum,
” Concio ad Clerum in Synodo Provinciali Cantuariensis Provincial ad D. Pauli,
” whose
latest employment had been to state, for the information
qf the public, the progress of a work to which he had contributed his time, his labour, and his counsels. The
committee therefore could not fail to entertain a common
sentiment of profound regret for the loss which they have
sustained, and to cherish in their minds the liveliest recollection of the service which has been so successfully fulfilled by him in this second report. They wish, therefore,
to add to this document, designed for general circulation,
their sense of what is due from the public, and themselves,
to the. memory of one who was a constant and assiduous
promoter of this salutary institution, from its first establishment to the last hour of his life. The committee trust,
that this testimony, though limited to a single object in
the large field of pastoral duty in which he was incessantly
engaged, may serve to denote the benefits which have resulted from his prompt, unwearied, and effectual exertions.
” The following is the character drawn of him by
Mr. archdeacon Jefferson, and which alludes to his zeal for
the church, of which he was an active member: “Fearless
now of being censured for mercenary adulation, or reproved by unconscious merit, a just tribute may be paid to
the character of that departed and exalted prelate, who is,
and will be, most lamented where he was best and most
entirely known. This opportunity, therefore, is willingly
embraced of offering a heartfelt condolence to the ministry
of the diocese on the affecting and important loss, which,
in these perilous times of contending sects and unsettled
opinion, has arisen to them, and to the church: To them,
in the premature privation of a diocesan, firm in his support of ecclesiastical authority, but considerate in its application; eminently versed in the letter of ecclesiastical
law, but liberal in its practical construction, reluctant in
interference, but determined in duty, slow in the profes-.
sion of service, but prompt in its execution; disinterested,
in patronage, unwavering in measures, correct in judgment, attentive in council, and kind and compassionate to
distress: To the church, in the premature privation of a
father, diligent in her rites and services, but unostentatious
in piety and devotion; sound and unrelaxing in her doctrines and faith, but discreet in zeal, and comprehensive
in charity; ever vigilant in defending her interests, ever
forward in asserting her privileges, and ever able in the
assertion and the defence.
” This high character, how-,
ever, has been thought capable of abatement. It was
perhaps unfortunate that he succeeded a prelate of the
mild and conciliating temper of Dr. Porteus, and that he
undertook the government of a diocese, which, above all
others, requires such a temper. It was, perhaps, not less
unfortunate that in his first charge to the clergy of this
diocese, he betrayed no little ignorance of the state of
religious opinions, and the creeds of those sectaries against
whom he wished to warn his clergy.
, or Raffaello, whose family name was Sanzio, was born in the city
, or Raffaello, whose family name was Sanzio, was born in the city of Urbino, March 28, 1483. He was the only child of John Sanzio, a painter, who, though of no great professional celebrity, encouraged his son’s inclination for the art, and after having taught him what he could, had the good sense and diffidence in his own talents, to place him under the care of Peter Perugino, when in his thirteenth year. Perugino, who, from his style of design, pronounced that he would be a great man, regarded him with peculiar affection, and Raphael, during the three years that he remained with this artist, so perfectly adopted his manner, that his works were not to be distinguished from those of his master; which was so far from creating any jealousy in the mind of the latter, that on the return of Raphael to Perugia, after his visit to Florence, he was the first to admire his works and proclaim his improvement.
storical subjects from the Bible, and arabesque decorations, which were all painted by his scholars, or with exceptions too doubtful and uncertain to identify any particular
On the death of Julius II. in 1513, Raphael was honoured with the same favour and esteem by his successor Leo X. under whose patronage he continued the great work of the stanze. He painted also in the Vatican in chiaroscuro twelve whole-length figures of the apostles, but which, from various causes, have been since destroyed; and he made designs to ornament one of the arcades in the grand cortile of the palace, now called the loggia, consisting of fifty-two historical subjects from the Bible, and arabesque decorations, which were all painted by his scholars, or with exceptions too doubtful and uncertain to identify any particular part to be of his own hand. For this pontiff he also made a series of large historical cartoons from the sacred writings, representing in thirteen compositions the origin and progress of the Christian religion, to be executed in tapestry, intended as an additional decoration for the hall of Constantine. Seven of these cartoons, from the concurrence of fortunate circumstances, are now in the collection of his Britannic majesty; but the others were most probably mutilated or lost, and the tapestries themselves were dispersed when the Vatican palace was sacked by the French in 1798.
pe’s brief on this occasion, dated August 1515, his salary was fixed at three hundred golden crowns, or 150l. per annum. For so important an undertaking this sum would
Raphael, though possessing pre-eminent powers as a painter, had not suffered that profession alone to absorb his mind; he had studied architecture under Bramante, and in chastity of design was not inferior to that distinguished artist, who in full confidence of his abilities, recommended him as his successor, to conduct the great work of St. Peter’s, to which recommendation his holiness paid due attention. According to the pope’s brief on this occasion, dated August 1515, his salary was fixed at three hundred golden crowns, or 150l. per annum. For so important an undertaking this sum would seem to be a very inadequate remuneration but, as his biographer observes, in our own country, one hundred and sixty years subsequent to this period, sir Christopher Wren did not receive more than 200l. per annum, for the building of St. Paul’s, which included draughts, models, making estimates and contracts, examining and adjusting all bills and accounts, with constant personal superintendance, and giving instructions to the artificers in every department. St. Peter’s, which cost more than a century to complete, underwent so many changes by the various architects employed, that it would be now extremely difficult to particularize with any degree of certainty the different parts of it which were executed by Raphael. It appears, however, that it is to him we are indebted for the general plan of the church as it now exists. In 1515, Raphael went with the pope to Florence, and made a design for the facade of the church of St. Lorenzo: and, according to Vasari, he was also the architect of a magnificent house for the bishop of Troja, which still exists in the street of St. Gallo in that city; but of the different buildings designed or executed by Raphael, that on which his reputation as an artist is thought principally to rest, is the Caffarelli palace at Rome. The other buildings of Raphael still existing are, a palace for M. Giovanni Baptista dell' Aquila, opposite to the church of S. Maria della Vallicella, in Rome; a villa for cardinal Julius de Medici, afterwards pope Clement VII.; and for the prince Ghigi he built a set of stables in the Longara, and a chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo. This prince was a distinguished patron of Raphael, and much employed him. For him he painted in fresco, in one of the rooms of his Casino in the Longara, now called the Farnesina, a picture of Galatea drawn by dolphins, and surrounded with tritons, &c. which would appear to have been much admired and praised by his friend count Castiglione, from a letter still existing by Raphael to that nobleman, which the reader may see in our principal authority. For prince Ghigi he painted in fresco, on the spandrels of an arch in front of the Ghigi chapel in the church of S. Maria della Pace, a large allegorical subject of Sibyls delivering their prophecies for the confirmation of the revealed religion. This work was highly esteemed when finished; but is now unfortunately much injured, and parts are entirely effaced. For his Casino in the Longara, Raphael made a series of designs from Apuleius’s history of Cupid and Psyche, which were painted by himself and his scholars on a ceiling of a spacious hall. What part was painted by himself it would not be easy at this time to ascertain, as the work has suffered much by being originally exposed to the open air, as the loggia of the Vatican is at present, and by being repainted and repaired.
t. We might refer likewise to Opie’s lectures, Barry’s works, and other authors who have professedly or incidentally treated of Raphael. The present professor of painting
In his will, after leaving to his mistress a sufficiency to
live independent, he bequeathed the rest of his property
to a relation at Urbino, and to two of his scholars, Julio
Romano, and Francesco Penni; appointing an intimate
friend Turini da Pescia his executor. His body lay in
state in the tall of his own house, and the celebrated picture of the Transfiguration, which he had just finished,
was placed at the head of the room. His remains were
afterwards removed with great funeral pomp to the Pantheon, where the last ceremonies were performed, and at
the request of Leo X. cardinal Bembo wrote an inscription,
to honour his memory, and mark the place of his interment.
These particulars we have selected from the best life of
this great artist that has appeared in this country, written
by R. Duppa, esq. and prefixed to his splendid publication
of “Heads from the Fresco pictures of Raffaello in the
Vatican,
” Heads of Michael
Angela*
” Mr. Duppa concludes with a critical essay on
the merits of Raphael, too long for our limits, and too
valuable to be injured by abridgment. In Sir Joshua
Reynolds’ lectures are many interesting and important
observations on the same subject, which in truth must
enter deeply into every discussion on the art. We might
refer likewise to Opie’s lectures, Barry’s works, and other
authors who have professedly or incidentally treated of
Raphael. The present professor of painting has a note on
the subject which may not form an improper conclusion to
our article, as he appears to have on this occasion exerted
his highest powers of discriminative criticism.
h his own peculiar excellence all the other parts of the art in an equal degree with him. The drama, or in other words the representation of character in conflict with
“The general opinion,
” says Mr. Fuseli, " has placed
Raphael at the head of his art, not because he possessed a
decided superiority over every other painter in every branch,
but because no other artist ever arrived at uniting with his
own peculiar excellence all the other parts of the art in an
equal degree with him. The drama, or in other words the
representation of character in conflict with passion, was
his sphere; to represent this, his invention in the choice of
the moment, his composition in the arrangement of his
actors, and his expression in the delineation of their emotions, were, and are, and perhaps will be unrivalled. And
to this he added a style of design dictated by the subject
itself, a colour suited to the subject, all the grace which
propriety permitted, or sentiment suggested, and as much
chiaroscuro as was compatible with his supreme desire of
perspicuity and evidence. It is therefore only when he
forsook the drama, to make excursions into the pure epic
or sublime, that his forms become inadequate, and were
inferior to those of M. Angelo: it is only in subjects where
colour from a vehicle becomes the ruling principle, that be
is excelled by Titian; he yields to Correggio only in that
grace and that chiaroscuro which is less the minister of
propriety and sentiment, than its charming abuse or voluptuous excess; and sacrifices to the eye what was claimed
in vain by the mind.
ions and peculiar to certain characters; that such a head, such hands, and such feet, are the stamen or the growth of such a body; and on physiognomy established uniformity
“Michael Angelo appears to have had no infancy; if he had, we are not acquainted with it: his earliest works equal in principle and elements of style the vigorous offsprings of his virility: Raphael we see in his cradle, we hear him stammer; but propriety rocked the cradle, and character formed his lips. Even in the trammels of Pietro Perugino, dry and servile in his style of design, formal and gothic in his composition, he traced what was essential, and separated it from what was accidental, in figure and subject. The works of Lionardo, and the cartoon of Pisa, invigorated his eye, but it was the antique that completed the system which he had begun to establish on nature. From the antique he learned discrimination and propriety of form. He found that in the construction of the body, the articulation of the bones was the true cause of ease and grace in the action of the limbs, and that the knowledge of this was the true cause of the superiority of the ancients. He discovered that certain features were fittest for certain expressions and peculiar to certain characters; that such a head, such hands, and such feet, are the stamen or the growth of such a body; and on physiognomy established uniformity of parts. When he designed, his attention was immediately directed to the primary intention and motive of his figure, next to its general measure, then to the bones and their articulation, 'from them to the principal muscles or the muscles eminently wanted, to their attendant nerves, and at last, to the more or less essential minutiae; but the characteristic part of the subject is infallibly the characteristic part of his design, whether it be a rapid sketch, or a more finished drawing. The strokes of his pen or pencil themselves are characteristic: they follow the direction and texture of the part; flesh in their rounding, tendons in straight, bones in angular lines.
r of humanity not often wielded with success superhuman weapons. His gods never rose above prophetic or patriarchal forms; if the finder of Michael Angelo impressed
“Such was the felicity and propriety of Raphael when employed in the dramatic evolutions of character both suffered when he attempted to abstract the forms of sublimity and beauty; the painter of humanity not often wielded with success superhuman weapons. His gods never rose above prophetic or patriarchal forms; if the finder of Michael Angelo impressed the divine countenance oftener with sternness than awe, the gods of Raphael are sometimes too affable and mild, like him who speaks to Jacob in a ceiling of the Vatican; or too violent, like him who separates light from darkness in the Loggia of the same place. But though, to speak with Mengs, he was ohiefly made to walk with dignity on earth, he soared above it in the conception of Christ on Tabor, and still more in the frown of the angelic countenance that withers the strength of Heliodorus.
and insipidity, compose in general the features and airs of his Madonnas, transcripts of the nursery or some favourite face. The `Madonna del Impanato,‘ the `Madonna
“Of ideal female beauty, though he himself in his letter to count Castiglione tells us, that from its scarcity in life, he made attempts to reach it by an idea formed in his own mind, he certainly wanted that standard which guided him in character; his goddesses and mythologic females are no more than aggravations of the generic forms of Michael Angelo. Roundness, mildness, sanctimony, and insipidity, compose in general the features and airs of his Madonnas, transcripts of the nursery or some favourite face. The `Madonna del Impanato,‘ the `Madonna della Sedia,’ the `Madonna bella,' share more or less of this insipidity, which arises chiefly from the high, rounded, smooth forehead, the shaven vacuity betwec-n the arched semicircular eyebrows, their elevation above the eyes, and the ungraceful division and scanty growth of hair. This indeed might be the result of his desire not to stain the virgin character of sanctity with the most distant hint of coquetry or meretricious charms; for in his Magdalens he throws the hair with luxuriant profusion, and surrounds the breast and shoulders with undulating waves and plaids of gold. The character of Mary Magdalen met his, it was the character of a passion. It is evident from every picture or design, at every period of his art, in which she had a part, that he supposed her enamoured. When she follows the body of the Saviour to the tomb, or throws herself dishevelled over his feet, or addresses him when he bears his cross, the cast of her features, her mode, her action, are the character of love in agony. When the drama inspired Raphael, his women became definitions of grace and pathos at once. Such is the exquisite line and turn of the averted halfkneeling female with two children, among the spectators of the punishment inflicted on Heliodorus; her attitude, the turn of her neck, supplies all face, and intimates more than he ever expressed by features.”
e chambers were courts of judicature erected in several towns of France, in behalf of the Huguenots, or Protestants; the judges of which were half of the Reformed,
, an eminent historian, was
born at Castresin Languedoc, March 25, 1661. His family was
originally from Savoy, and is supposed to have removed into
France upon embracing the Protestant religion. Philibert
de Rapin, his great-grandfather, who was of that persuasion, exposed himself so much to the indignation of the
Roman catholics, and particularly to that of the parliament
of Toulouse, that his head was struck off in 1563 by a
sentence of theirs, at the very time that he came, by the
king’s order, to have the treaty of peace registered there.
Daniel the historian passes over this fact in silence; and
his reason is supposed to have been, that he might exaggerate the disturbances raised by the Huguenots afterwards in the country about Toulouse. What then happened
appears to have been the popular revenge for Philibert’s
death, as the soldiers wrote on the ruins of the houses they
had burned, “Vengeance for Rapin’s death.
” James de
Rapin, lord of Thoyras, was our author’s father. He applied himself to the study of the law, and was an advocate
in the chamber of the edict of Nantes above fifty years.
These chambers were courts of judicature erected in several towns of France, in behalf of the Huguenots, or Protestants; the judges of which were half of the Reformed,
and half of the Roman catholic religion. Jane de Pelisson,
his wife, was daughter to a counsellor of the chamber of
Castres, and sister to George and Paul Pelisson; which
lady, after having been Confined for some time in a convent, was at last sent, by the king’s order, to Geneva,
where she died in 1705.
ad before given what his biographer calls proofs of a military disposition; for he had fought a duel or two, in. which he had acquitted himself very gallantly. His
Rapin was their youngest son. He was educated at first under a tutor in his father’s house, and afterwards sent to Puylaurens, and thence to Saumur. In 1679, he returned to his father, with a design to apply himself closely to the law; but, before he had made any great progress, he was obliged, with other young gentlemen, to commence advocate, upon report of an edict soon after published, in which it was ordered, that no man should have a doctor’s degree without having studied five years in some university. The same year, the chamber of the edict of Nantes was suppressed, which obliged Rapin’s family to remove to Toulouse: and the state of the Reformed growing every day worse, with his father’s leave he quitted the profession of advocate for that of arms. He had before given what his biographer calls proofs of a military disposition; for he had fought a duel or two, in. which he had acquitted himself very gallantly. His father at first did not grant his request, but gave him such an answer, as served to prolong the time. Rapin, however, advanced so far in his legal progress as to plead one cause, and one only; and then applied himself diligently to mathematics and music, in both which he became a good proficient.
to do it in a more full and particular manner than at first he intended. This was Rymer’s “Fœdera,” or “Collection of Public Acts,” which began to be published at
He lived to publish the eighth volume of his history,
which ends with the death of Charles I. The two remaining volumes, which bring the history down to the proclamation of William and Mary, came out in 1724. They
were printed at the Hague in quarto; and have twice been
translated into English; by the Rev. Nicholas Tindal, M. A.
first in octavo, then, much improved in style, in folio;
and by John Kelly of the Inner Temple, esq. in two vols.
folio. Tindal has given a Continuation of Rapin’s history
to 1760, and added useful notes to the whole. When
Rapin first set about this work, it was not his intention
to write a complete history of England; but curiosity and
much leisure led him on from one step to another, till he
came to the reign of Henry II.; and then, when he was
upon the point of stopping, an unexpected assistance
came forth, which not only induced him to continue his
history, but to do it in a more full and particular manner
than at first he intended. This was Rymer’s “Fœdera,
”
or “Collection of Public Acts,
” which began to be published at the expence of government about 1706. In
1708, six volumes in folio were completed, which were
afterwards increased to seventeen, and then to twenty.
Lord Halifax, a great promoter of this noble work, sent
the volumes, as they came out, to Le Clerc, who generously lent them to our author as long as he had occasion
for them. That he did actually use this collection, appears
from the pains he took to abridge the whole seventeen volumes, except the first, which was done by Le Clerc: in
which abridgment we have all the important acts pointed
ut, a well-connected series of events to which they relate,
and the use to be made of them in clearing up the history of England. This abstract lies scattered up and down
in the several volumes of Le Clerc’s “Bibliotheque Choisie;
” and was thence translated and published in English,
in 1727, in four volumes octavo, with portraits. Rapin
also, to let us see what a thorough knowledge he had of our
parties and factions in England, published, in 1717, a little
treatise, entitled “A Dissertation on the Whigs and the
Tories;
” which is subjoined to his history, and has likewise been translated and published in English.
t up the trade of printing, which was then, as Wood adds, “esteemed a profession fit for any scholar or ingenious man.” By whom he was taught the art, or whether he
, one of our early
printers, is said by Bale to have been a citizen of London,
and by Pits a native of that city. Wood says he was educated in grammar and philosophy at Oxford, and that returning to London he set up the trade of printing, which
was then, as Wood adds, “esteemed a profession fit for
any scholar or ingenious man.
” By whom he was taught the
art, or whether he was at first employed only as a corrector,
does not appear. His residence was at the sign of the
Mermaid “at Fowl’s gate,
” next Cheapside. He married
Elizabeth, sister to sir Thomas More, with whom he
became intimate, according to Wood, by his piety and learning. Bale and Pits assign different causes for this intimacy; the one, because he was a bold champion for
popery, which the other terms his great zeal for the glory
of God. Herbert thinks it was most likely that he was at
first introduced to his acquaintance by means of printing
sir Thomas’s “Dialogues,
” and that his acquaintance was
afterwards cemented into friendship, as was natural, by
their mutual principles and opinions. The date, therefore,
of this acquaintance may be 1528 or 1529. Wood says
that Rastall, by frequent conferences with sir Thomas, improved his knowledge in various sorts of learning, which is
probable; but he omits to notice what is more important,
that Rastall became a convert to the reformed religion by
means of a controversy with John Frith. Rastall published
“Three Dialogues,
” the last of which treats on purgatory,
and was answered by Frith. On this Rastall wrote his
“Apology against John Frith,
” which the latter answered
with such strength of argument as to make a convert of his
opponent. Rastall also wrote a book called “The Church
of John Rastall,
” which being in the list of prohibited books
published by bishop Bonner, annexed to his injunctions in
1542, is supposed to have contained some retraction of his
former opinions, at least of what he had written concerning
purgatory. Herbert questions whether this book be not
the same which Bale mentions by the title of “Abrasio
Papismi.
” Both Bale and Pits attribute other works to
Rastall, not now known, except his “Anglorum regnum
Chronicon, or Pastime of the People,
” printed by him in
sometimes called a lawyer, and besides being printer, certainly had a considerable hand in composing or compiling some law books. In 1517, he printed and published
Rastall is sometimes called a lawyer, and besides being
printer, certainly had a considerable hand in composing or
compiling some law books. In 1517, he printed and published his “Tables to Fitzherbert’s Abridgment,
” in folio,
which in Book of Assizes,
” which is printed with the latter editions
of the work. In 1527, we find “An Exposition of Law
Terms and the Nature of Writs, with divers cases and rules
of the Law, collected as well from books of Master Littleton, as other Law Books,
” printed in small octavo by J.
Rastall, and again by him in French and English, folio,
without date. This appears to have been originally composed
as well as printed by Rastall, both in French and English,
notwithstanding the conjecture that has been formed in
favour of his son William, by lord Coke and others, as author or translator of it. John RastalPs other publications
appear to have been, “Tables of the Years of our Lord
God, and of the Kings, in opposite columns,
” printed by
Walley in Entries
of Declarations, Bars, Replications,
” &c. folio, commonly
called “RastalPs Entries,
” and sometimes quoted as the
“New Book of Entries.
” The author, in his preface, tells
the reader that his collection is chiefly compiled from
l.The old Book of Entries: 2. A Book of Precedents
written by Master Edward Stubbes, one of the Prothonotaries in the Common Pleas: 3. A Book of Precedents gathered by John Lucas, secondary to Master William Roper,
prothonotarie of the King’s Bench: 4. A Book of good
Precedents of his grandfather sir John More (father of sir Thomas More), one of the justices of the King’s Bench,
but not of his collection; all which he had incorporated in
this volume.
gree, and entered of Lincoln’s Inn for the study of law. In the first of Edward VI. he became autumn or summer reader of that house; but on the change of religion he
John Rastail died at London in 1536, leaving two sons, William and John. William was born in London in 1508, and about 1525 was sent to Oxford, which he left without taking a degree, and entered of Lincoln’s Inn for the study of law. In the first of Edward VI. he became autumn or summer reader of that house; but on the change of religion he retired with his wife to Louvain, whence he returned on the accession of queen Mary. In 1554 he was made a serjeant at law, one of the commissioners for the prosecution of heretics, and a little before Mary’s death, one of the justices of the common pleas. Queen Elizabeth renewed his patent as justice, but he preferred retiring to Louvain, where he died Aug. 27, 1565, and was buried in the church of St. Peter, on the north side of the altar of the Virgin Mary. His wife, who died in 1553, on their first going to Louvain, at the age of twenty-six, was the daughter of Dr. John Clement, one of the physicians sent by Henry VIII. to Cardinal Wolsey during his last illness. She was a lady of considerable learning, and well acquainted with Greek and Latin.
aming; but, seeing the one is ever delivered to me in the stede of the other, I must leave to serve, or lose my honor; w^h, being continewed so long in my howse, I
“This great man’s conduct,
” says Mr. Lodge, “united
all the splendid qualities of those eminent persons who
jointly rendered Elizabeth’s court an object of admiration
to Europe, and was perfectly free from their faults. Wise
and loyal as Burghley, without his blind attachment to
the monarch; vigilant as Walsingham, but disdaining his
low cunning; magnificent as Leicester, but incapable of
hypocrisy; and brave as Ralegh, with the piety of a primitive Christian; he seemed above the common objects of
human ambition, and wanted, if the expression may be allowed, those dark shades of character which make nien the 1
heroes of history. Hence it is, probably, that our writers
have bestowed so little attention on this admirable person,
who is but slightly mentioned in most historical collections,
unless with regard to his disputes with Leicester, whom he
hated almost to a fault.
” Mr. Lodge justly esteems himself peculiarly fortunate in having been the instrument of disclosing the earl of Sussex’s letters to the public. They form
a very valuable part of the “Historical Illustrations,
” and,
a small number excepted, are the only ones to be met with
in print. These letters display both his integrity and ability in a very striking light, and are written in a clear and
manly style. Four of them are particularly curious two to
the queen, onthe treaty of marriage with the archduke of
Austria; one to sir William Cecil, on the state of parties
in Scotland; and one to her Majesty, concerning the duke of
Alen$on. The letter on the affairs of Scotland is considered
by Mr. Lodge as an inestimable curiosity. Farther light
will be thrown on the earl of Sussex’s character, by transcribing the manly language in which he complains that
his services were neglected, and declares his purpose
of retiring to private life. It is in a letter to sir William Cecil. “I was firste a Lieuten‘te; I was after
little better than a Marshal; I had then nothing left to me
but to direct hanging matters (in the meane tyme all was disposed that was w th in my comission), and nowe I ame
offered to be made a Shreif’s Bayly to deliver over possessions. Blame me not, good Mr. Secretarie, though my
pen utter somewhat of that swell in my stomake, for I see
I ame kepte but for a brome, and when I have done my
office to be throwen out of the dore. I ame the first nobel
man hathe been thus used. Trewe service deserveth honor
and credite, and not reproche and open defaming; but,
seeing the one is ever delivered to me in the stede of the
other, I must leave to serve, or lose my honor; w^h, being
continewed so long in my howse, I wolde be lothe shoolde
take blemishe wth me. These matters I knowe procede not
from lacke of good and honorable meaning in the Q,’ ma 1
towards me, nor from lacke of dewte' and trewthe in me
towards her, which grevethe me the more and, therefore,
seing I shall be still a camelyon, and yelde no other shewe
then as it shall please others to give the couller, I will content my self to live a private lyfe. God send her Mate others
that meane as well as I have done; and so I comitt you to
th* Almightie.
” From the next letter it appears that the
queen had too much wisdom to part with so faithful a counsellor and servant. The earl of Sussex had a high regard
and esteem for Lord Burghley. In one of his letters,
dated June 28, 1580, he expresses himself, to that great
statesman, in the following terms: “The trevve fere of
God w^h yo r actyons have alwayes shewed to be in yo r harte,
the grete and deepe care wch you have always had for the
honor and salfty of the Q‘. Ma*’s most worthy p’son; the
co‘tinual troubell w ch yqu have of long tyme taken for the
benefyting of the com’on-welthe and the upryght course
wich ye have alwaye’s taken, respectying the mattr and not
the p’son, in all causes (wch be the necessary trusts of him that ferethe God trewly, s’rveth his Soverayne faythfully, and lovethe his countrey clerely) have tyed me to yo r L. in
that knotte w cli no worldly fraylty can break; and, therfor,
I wyll never forbere to runne any fortune that may s’rve
you, and further you' godly actyons. And so, my good L.
forberyng to entrobell you w th words, I end; and wysh
unto you as to my self, and better, yf I may.
”
elates in the tenth century, was born at Libya, and embraced a monastic life at the abbey of Lobbes, or Laubes, in Flanders. Here he distinguished himself by his abilities
, one of the very few learned prelates in
the tenth century, was born at Libya, and embraced a monastic life at the abbey of Lobbes, or Laubes, in Flanders.
Here he distinguished himself by his abilities and acquirements. In the year 928, after Hilduin had been driven out
of the see of Liege, he accompanied him into Italy; and in
931 he was, by the express order of the pope, put in possession of the see of Verona; and with this promotion he
commenced a life of vicissitudes and persecutions, an account of which here would perhaps be uninteresting, but
may be found amply detailed in the edition of his works
printed by the brothers Ballerini in 1767. He died at
Namur, about the year 973. His works are numerous, and
divided into three parts the first contain his “Prologues,
”
in six books which form a treatise on the duties of all
classes of men, expressing also their vices and irregularities; the second is a collection of letters; and the third consists of sermons.
, Ratram, or Bertramn, a celebrated monk, and priest of the abbey of Corby,
, Ratram, or Bertramn, a celebrated
monk, and priest of the abbey of Corby, flourished in the
9th century, in the reign of Charles the Bald. He appears
to have been well acquainted with the Greek and Latin
classics, and with the Holy Scriptures. Of all Ratramn’s
works, his treatise “On the Body and Blood of Christ
”
made the most noise. This treatise was written in answer
to Paschasius Radbert, and so much appeared to favour the
protestant opinion respecting the real presence in the Eucharist, that many learned catholics considered it either as
heretical or spurious; but its authenticity was clearly
proved afterwards by Mabillon, M. Boileau, and a doctor of
the Sorbonne, who published an excellent edition in Latin
and French, 1686, 12mo, reprinted with a defence in
Latin only, 1712, 12mo, and according to catholic writers,
has also shewn the work to be orthodox. But this is ably
controverted in the English translation published in
Dublin in 1753. His other works, which are less interesting,
are mostly inserted in D'Acheri’s Spicilegium. The time
of his death is not known.
ich are peculiar to the measure of the lOOdth psalm, the 113th, and 119th, were originally Lutheran, or perhaps of still higher antiquity. And though Ravenscroft has
, an active English musician and publisher, who flourished from the beginning of the 17th century to 1635, was the editor and composer of the best collection of psalm tunes in four parts, which had till then appeared in England. He was a bachelor of music, and a professor not only well acquainted with the practice of the art, but seems to have bestowed much time in the perusal of the best authors, and in meditation on the theory. This book published in small octavo, 1621 and 1633, contains a melody for every one of the hundred and fifty psalms, many of them by the editor himself, of which a considerable number is still in use; as Windsor, St. David’s, Southwell, and Canterbury. There are others, likewise, which are sung by the German, Netherlandish, and French Protestants. To these the base, tenor, and counter-tenor parts have been composed by twenty-one English musicians: among whom we find the names of Tallis, Dowlajid, Morley, Bennet, Stubbs, Farnaby, and John Milton, the father of our great poet. The tunes which are peculiar to the measure of the lOOdth psalm, the 113th, and 119th, were originally Lutheran, or perhaps of still higher antiquity. And though Ravenscroft has affixed the name of Dr. John Dowland to the parts which have been st to the lOOdth psalm, yet, in the index, he has ranked the melody itself with the French tunes; perhaps from having seen it among the melodies that were set to the French version of Clement Marot and Theodore Beza’s Psalms, by Goudimel and Claude le Jeune. Ravenscroft, in imitation of these harmonists, always gives the principal melody, or, as he calls it, the playn-song, to the tenor. His publication is, in some measure, historical: for he tells us not only who composed the parts to old melodies, but who increased the common stock, by the addition of new tunes; as well as which of them were originally English, Welch, Scots, German, Dutch, Italian, French, and imitations of these.
“came thither, without either cloaths befitting him (of which he said he had been robbed in France) or money, or letters of credit to any merchant. He had letters
, a learned
orientalist, was born at Berlin, in 1613, and alter studying
for eight years at Rostock and other foreign schools, he
came to Oxford in 1638, about which time he addressed a
letter to archbishop Usher, who, conceiving a high opinion
of him, gave him an invitation to Dublin, with offers of
preferment. In the mean time becoming likewise known
to Grotius, the latter, unknown to archbishop Usher, introduced him to cardinal Richelieu, who offered to employ
him as his agent in the east. Ravins, however, pleaded
his pre-engagement to the English nation, and especially
to Usher; and the cardinal, with great liberality, admitted
his motive, and dismissed him with a handsome present.
He then, under the patronage of Usher, began his travels
in the East, but fortunately for himself, arrived at Constantinople with a strong recommendation from archbishop
Laud; for, according to Dr. Pocock’s account, who was
then in that city, Ravius “came thither, without either
cloaths befitting him (of which he said he had been robbed in France) or money, or letters of credit to any merchant.
He had letters of recommendation from some of the states
to the Dutch ambassador, who was departed before his
arrival. Sir Sackville Crow, the English ambassador, finding that he brought the archbishop’s recommendation, generously took him into his house and protection, and gave
him all due furtherance; requiring of him that, if occasion
so present itself, England may enjoy the benefit of what
time he shall here employ in the study of the eastern tongues.
His desire,
” Dr. Pocock adds, “seems to be, to be employed in setting forth books in the Arabic language, and to
be overseer of the press in that kind, for which he would
be very fitting.
”
ient original authorities. All Dr. Rawlinson’s collections for the county, chiefly culled from Wood, or picked up from information, and disposed b,y hundreds in separate
, an eminent antiquary, and
great benefactor to the university of Oxford, was the fourth
son of sir Thomas; and was educated at St. John’s college,
Oxford, where he was admitted gentleman commoner, and
proceeded M. A. and grand cornpounder in 1713, and was
admitted to the degree of doctor of civil law by diploma
in 1719. He was F. R. S. and became F. S. A. May 10,
1727. He was greatly accessary to the bringing to light
many descriptions of counties; and, intending one of Oxfordshire, had collected materials from Wood’s papers, &c.
had many plates engraved, and circulated printed queries,
but received accounts only of two parishes, which in some
degree answered the design, and encouraged him to pursue
it. In this work were to be included the antiquities of the
city of Oxford, which Wood promised when the English
copy of his “Historia & Antiquitates Oxon.
” was t.o be
published, and which have since been faithfully transcribed
from his papers, by Mr. Gutch, and much enlarged and
corrected from ancient original authorities. All Dr. Rawlinson’s collections for the county, chiefly culled from
Wood, or picked up from information, and disposed b,y
hundreds in separate books, in each of which several parishes are omitted, would make but one 8vo volume. But
he made large collections for the continuation of Wood’s
“Athena Oxonienses
” and “History of Oxfor.d,
” and for
an account of “Non-compilers
” at the Revolution which,
together with some collections of Hearne’s, and note-books
of his own travels, he bequeathed by his will to the university of Oxford. The Life of Mr. Anthony Wood, historiographer of the most famous university of Oxford, with
an account of his nativity, education, works, &c. collected
and composed from Mss. by Richard Rawlinson, gent,
commoner of St. John’s college, Oxon. was printed at London in 1711. A copy of this life, with ms additions by
the author, is in the Bodleian library. He published proposals for an “History of Eton College,
” Petri Abselardi Abbatis Ruyensis & Heloissae
Abbatissae Paracletensis Epistolae,
” 8vo, dedicated to Dr,
Mead. The books, the publication of which he promoted, are
supposed to be the “History and Antiquities of Winchester,
” History and Antiquities of Hereford,
”
History and Antiquities of Rochester,
” Inscriptions on tombs in Bunhill-fields,
”
History and Antiquities of the Churches of
Salisbury and Bath,
” Aubrey’s History
of Surrey,
” Norden’s Delineation of
Northamptonshire,
” History and Antiquities
of Glastonbury,
” Oxford, New Method of studying
History, with a Catalogue of the chief Historians,
” 2 vols.
8vo. But his principal work was “The English Topographer, or, an Historical Account of all the Pieces that
have been written relating to the antient Natural History
or Topographical Description of any Part of England,
” British Topography.
” In The Deed of Trust and Will of Richard Rawlinson, of
St. John the Baptist college, Oxford, doctor of laws concerning his endowment of an Anglo-Saxon lecture, and
other benefactions to the college and university.
” He
left to Hertford college the estate in F-ulham before mentioned, and to the college of St. John the Baptist the bulk
of his estate, amounting to near 700l. a year, a plate of
archbishop Laud, thirty-one volumes of parliamentary
journals and debates; a set of the “Fo?dera,
” all his
Greek, Roman, and English, coins not given to the BocU
leian library, all his plates engraved at the expence of the
Society of Antiquaries, with the annuity for the prizemedal, and another to the best orator. The produce of
certain rents bequeathed to St. John’s college was, after
40 years’ accumulation, to be laid out in purchase of an
estate, whose profits were to be a salary to a keeper of the
Ashmolean Museum, being a master of arts, or bachelor Ib
civil law; and all legacies refused by the university or
others, to center in this college. To the hospitals of Bridewell and Bethlehem, for the use of the incurables of the latter
he left 200l. and ten guineas as an equivalent for the
monthly coffee which he had received in Bethlehem common room: but, if they did not give up the picture of his
father hanging in their hall, in order to its being put up in
the Mansion-house, they were to forfeit the larger sum,
and receive only the smaller. This picture, after it had
hung up at the Mansion-house for some years, without any
companion, in a forlorn, neglected state, and received
considerable damage, the late sir Walter Rawlinson obtained leave of the court of aldermen (being then himself & member of that body, and president of those hospitals)
to restore to Bridewell. It is one of sir Godfrey Kneller’s
best performances, and well engraved by Vertue. Constanxine, another brother, is mentioned by Richard RawJinson’s will, as then residing at Venice, where he died in
1779. To him he gave the copper-plate of his father’s
portrait, and all family-pictures, except his father’s portrait by Kneller, which was given to the Vintners’ company, of which his father was a member. He left him also
his rents in Paul’s-head court, Fenchurch-street, jointly
with his sisters, Mary Rawlinson, and Anne Andrews, for
life. In the same will is mentioned another brother, John,
to whom he left estates in Devonshire-street, London; and
a nephew Thomas. To St. John’s college he bequeathed
also his diploma, and his heart, which is placed in a beaur
tiful marble urn against the chapel- wall, inscribed
fleet, to belong to Nicolas Rie, who was sheriff of Lincolnshire 5 and 6 Edw. I. 1278, and died 1279 or 80.
d, and received sentence of death. Tindal’s Contin. of Rapin, IV. 666.
Cambridge. He was perpetual curate of Surfleef, of
which he gave an account to the Spalcling Society; and
curate of Cowbitt, which is a chapel to Spalding, in the
gift of trustees. His hermitage of osiers and willows there
was celebrated, by William Jackson of Boston, in a ms
heroic poem. He communicated to the Royal Society an
account of a water-spout raised off the land in Deeping
fen, printed in their “Transactions,
” vol. XLVII. p. 447,
and of an ancient coin, to “Gent. Mag. 1744.
” There
are several dissertations by him in that miscellany. He
was secretary to the Spalding society in 1735. Mr. Pegge,
about 1758, had a consultation with Dr. Taylor, residentiary of St. Paul’s, and a friend of Ray’s, to get him removed to a better situation, and the doctor was inclined to
do it; but, on better information and mature consideration,
it was thought then too late to transplant him. He died a
bachelor at Spalding in 1760. See his communications to
the society, in the Reliquiae Galeanae, pp. 57, 58, 3.
He also communicated, in ms. “The Truth of the Christian Religion demonstrated from the Report that was propagated throughout the Gentile World about the Birth of
Christ, that a Messiah was expected, and from the Authority of Heathen Writers, and from the Coins of the Roman Emperors to the beginning of the second general persecution under Domitian,
” in ten sections, never printed.
Also a ms catalogue of household goods, furniture, and
ten pictures, removed out of the presence-chamber, 26
Charles II. 14 Dec. 1668, from Mr. Brown, and of others
taken out of the cupboard in the chamber, 25 Dec. 1668,
by Mr. Church. These were in number 69. (Percy Church, esq. was some time page of honour and equerry to the queen-mother Henrietta Maria.) A ms catalogue
of Italian princes, palaces, and paintings, 1735, now in
the Society’s Museum. In 1740, a large and well-written
history of the life and writings of the great botanist, his
namesake, by Mr. Dale, which was read, and approved.
John Ray’s account of Cuba, where he was on shore some
months. Mr. Johnson calls him his kinsman, and says, in
honour of him, he finds an inscription on the lower ledge
of an altar-tomb, on which lies a mutilated alabaster knight
in armour and mail in Gosberkirke, alias Gosberton chapel,
now a school at Surfleet, to belong to Nicolas Rie, who
was sheriff of Lincolnshire 5 and 6 Edw. I. 1278, and died
1279 or 80.
us Stirpium in exteris regionibus observatarum” and, about the same time, his “Collection of unusual or local English words,” which he had gathered up in his travels
In 1671 he was afflicted with a feverish disorder, which
terminated in the yellow jaundice; but he was soon cured
of it, and resumed his botanical pursuits. The year after,
his beloved friend Mr. Willoughby died, in his 37th year,
at Middleton-hall, his seat in Yorkshire; “to the infinite
and unspeakable loss and grief,
” says Mr. Ray, “of myself, his friends, and all good men.
” There having been
the sincerest friendship between Mr. Willoughby and Mr.
Ray, who were men of similar dispositions and tastes,
from the time of their being fellow-collegians, Mr. Willoughby not only confided in Mr. Ray in his life-time, but
also at his death; for, he made him one of the executors
of his will, and charged him with the education of his sons,
Francis and Thomas, leaving him also for life 60l. per ann.
The eldest of these young gentlemen not being four years
of age, Mr. Ray, as a faithful trustee, betook himself to
the instruction of them; and for their use composed his
“Nomenclator dassicus,
” which was published in Observations,
Topographical, Moral, &c.
” made in foreign countries;
to which was added his “Catalogus Stirpium in exteris regionibus observatarum
” and, about the same time, his
“Collection of unusual or local English words,
” which he
had gathered up in his travels through the counties of
England. In 1674, Mr. Oldenbufgh, the secretary of the
Royal Society, renewed his correspondence with Mr. Ray^,
which had been some time intermitted, and sent him letters almost every month. Mr. Ray’s accounts in these letters were published by Oldenburgh in the Philosophical
Transactions. Oldenburgh had a farther view in his correspondence with Mr. Ray; it was to engage him with
those leading members, who had agreed to entertain the
society with a philosophical discourse at their meetings, so
that the burthen might not lie among too few of the members. Mr. Ray complied, and accordingly sent him “A
Discourse concerning Seeds, and the Specific Differences
of Plants;
” which, Oldenburgh tells him, was so well received by the president and fellows, that they returned
him their thanks, and requested he would repeat his favours
of that kind.
to think he had brought this new and arduous design to perfection; for whatever he has incidentally or deliberately thrown out, respecting the value of his labours,
The first fruit of our author’s leisure and retirement
here, was his “Met hod us Plantarum Nova,
” published in
Historia Plantarum,
” of which the
first volume, a thick folio, was published in 1686, and the
second in 1687. The third volume of the same work,
which is supplementary, came out in 1704. This vast and
critical compilation is still in use as a book of reference,
being particularly valuable as an epitome of the contents
of various rare and expensive works, which ordinary libraries cannot possess, such as the “Hortus Malabaricus.
”
The description of species is faithful and instructive; the
remarks original, bounded only by the whole circuit of the
botanical learning of that day nor are generic character!
neglected, however vaguely they are assumed. Specific
differences do not enter regularly into the author’s plan,
nor has he followed any uniform rules of nomenclature.
So ample a transcript of the practical knowledge of such
a botanist, cannot but be a treasure; yet it is now njucli
neglected, few persons being learned enough to use it
with facility, for want of figures, and a popular nomenclature; and those who are, seldom requiring its assistance.
A mere catalogue or index, like the works of Tournefort
and Caspar Bauhin, which teach nothing of themselves,
are of readier use. The Species Plantarum of Linnseus
unites the advantages of the clearest most concise specific
definition, and, by the help of Bauhin, of an universal
index. Nor was Mr. Ray less mindful of Mr. Willoughby’s
collections, where there were noble, though rude and indigested, materials; but spent much time and pains in reducing them to order, and fitting them for the press. He
had published his “ObserTations upon Birds
” in History of Fishes:
” and,
though these works were then the completest in their kinds,
yet they lost much of their perfection by the miscarriage
of Mr. Willoughby’s and Mr. Ray’s papers in their travels.
They had very accurately described all the birds, fishes,
&c. which they saw as they passed through Germany,
especially those in and upon the Danube and the Rhine;
but lost their accounts in their return home. This loss
Mr. Ray laments in the philosophical letters above cited.
ca Stirpium Britannicarum.” The learned president of the Linnaean society observes, that if the fame or the utility of Ray’s great botanical works has, neither of them,
Though Mr. Ray’s health began to be impaired by years
and study, yet he continued from time to time to give his
works to the public. He published, in 1688, “Fasciculus
Stirpium Britannicarum;
” and, in Synopsis Methodica Stirpium Britannicarum.
” The learned president
of the Linnaean society observes, that if the fame or the
utility of Ray’s great botanical works has, neither of them,
been commensurate with the expectations that might have
been formed, this “Synopsis
” amply supplied all such
defects, and proved the great corner stone of his reputation
in this department of science. The two editions of his
alphabetical catalogue of English plants being sold off,
and some pettifogging reasons of his bookseller’s standing
in the way of a third, with any improvements, he remodelled the work, throwing it into a systematic form, revising the whole, supplying generic characters, with numerous additions of species, and various emendations and
remarks. The uses and medicinal qualities of the plants
are removed to the alphabetical index at the end. A second edition of this “Synopsis
” was published in Synopsis
” is
the most perfect that ever came under our observation.
He examined every plant recorded in his work, and even
gathered most of them himself. He investigated their
synonyms with consummate accuracy; and if the clearness
and precision of other authors had equalled his, he would
scarcely have committed an error. It is difficult to find
him in a mistake or misconception respecting Nature herself, though he sometimes misapprehends the bad figures,
or lame descriptions, he was obliged to consult. Above a
hundred species are added, in this second edition, and the
cryptogamic plants, in particular, are more amply elucidated. A controversial letter from Rivinus to Ray, and its
answer, with remarks upon Tournefort, are subjoined to
this second edition. Much of the dispute turns upon the
now obsolete distinction of plants, in a methodical system,
into trees, shrubs, herbs, &c. The letters are well written, in Latin: and liberal, though perhaps hypercritical,
in their style. Ray took no delight in controversy.
reprinted with large additions, and continued to be very popular books until within the last thirty or forty years.
Having thus published many books on subjects which he
took to be somewhat foreign to his profession, he at length
resolved to edify the world like a divine. With this view he
completed his Demonstration of the Being and Attributes
of God, which he calls, “The Wisdom of God manifested
in the Works of the Creation.
” The rudiments of this
work were laid in some college-lectures, read in the
chapel, and called common places; which, having much
enlarged, he published in 1691, 8vo. This book is the
basis of all the labours of following divines, who have made
the book of nature a commentary on the book of revelation;
a confirmation of truths, which Nature has not authority,
of herself to establish! In it the author inculcates the
doctrine of a constantly superintending Providence; as
weil as the advantage, and even the duty, of contemplating the works of God. This, he says, is part of the business of a sabbath-day, as it will be, probably, of our employment through that eternal rest, of which the sabbath
is a type. He was next encouraged to publish another of
a similar kind, whose foundation was also laid at Cambridge, in some sermons which he had preached before
the university. This was his “Three Physico-Theologicai
Discourses concerning the Chaos, Deluge, and Dissolution of the World,
”
d to draw it up in a completer form than he had used in his “Methodus Plantarum,” published in 1682, or in his “Historia Plantarum.” He began now to be grievously afflicted
Soon after these theological pieces, his “Synopsis Methodica Animalium Quadrupedum
” was published in Jun6
1693 and he then finished a. “Synopsis of Birds aad
Fishes,
” which was so long neglected by the bookseller,
that it was thought to have been destroyed but, after Mr.
Ray’s death, it was published by Mr. Derham in 1713.
He made a catalogue of Grecian, Syrian, Egyptian, and
Cretan, plants, which was printed with RauwolfTs Travels
in 16!j3 and, the year after, published his “Sylloge
Stirpium Europearum extra Britanniam.
” He had afterwards some little contests with Rivinus and Tournefort,
concerning the method of plants, which occasioned him to
review and amend his own method, and to draw it up in
a completer form than he had used in his “Methodus
Plantarum,
” published in Historia Plantarum.
” He began now to be grievously afflicted with a
continual diarrhoea, and with very painful ulcers in his
legs, which ate deep into the flesh, and kept him waking
whole nights: by which means he was so disabled, that,
as he tells Dr. Tancred Robinson, in a letter of September
30, 1698, he could not so much as walk into the neighbouring fields. He still, however, kept up to the last his
correspondence with his friends, in the vivacity and clearness of style which was natural to him. Latin and English,
it is said, were equally ready to his pen. So indefatigable
was he in the cultivation of the study of Nature, that within
a year or two of his death, he began to collect his scattered
notes for a work on insects, and actually drew up a “Methodus Insectorum,
” which was printed, soon after his decease, in a little octavo of sixteen pages, and republished
in the front of his “Historia Insectorum.
” This last book,
comprising all his own and Mr. Willoughby’s descriptions
of insects, came from the press in 1710, at the expence of
the Royal Society, and under the superintendance of Dr.
Derham. It consists of 375 quarto pages, besides an apdendix of twenty-three more, on British Beetles, by Lister.
This work is a mass of accurate and authentic observation,
but, for want of plates, has never come into popular use.
himself, and in the anticipation of the most glorious manifestations of his Creator, did not disdain or neglect to contemplate him in his least and lowest works. His
The study of insects was probably the last that engaged
the attention of this great and wise man; who, though on
the verge of eternity, in the full possession of himself, and
in the anticipation of the most glorious manifestations of
his Creator, did not disdain or neglect to contemplate him
in his least and lowest works. His last letter to Dr. Derham, who had just been to visit him, is dated August 16,
1704. He speaks of having lately obtained Mr. Willoughby’s entomological papers, and describes himself as then
entering on his History of Insects. How well he employed
his time during the autumn, is evident from what we have
related concerning this work, for he never saw another
spring. He died at Black Notley, in a house of his own
building, Jan. 17, 1705, in the 77th year of his age. His
character is thus concisely given by Derham: In his
dealings, no man more strictly just; in his conversation,
no man more humble, courteous, and affable; towards
God, no man more devout; and towards the poor and
distressed, no man more compassionate and charitable,
according to his abilities.“The friend who wrote this
eulogium, in his
” Life of Mr. Ray," asserts, that he was
buried, according to his own desire, in the church of Black
Notley; but the authors of the Biographia Britannica are
probably more correct, in saying, that he declined the
offer made him by the rector, of a place of interment in the
chancel, choosing rather to repose with his ancestors, in
the church-yard; and this account is confirmed by the
original situation of his monument, erected at the expence,
in part at least, of bishop Compton. The long and elegant Latin epitaph has often been published. Its author
was the rev. William Coyte, M. A., father of the late Dr.
Coyte of Ipswich, and the original manuscript in possession
of sir E. J. Smith, contains the information that Ray was interred in the church-yard. In 1737, the monument in
question, which seems to have been a sort of altar-tomb,
being nearly ruined, was restored at the charge of Dr.
Legge, and removed for shelter into the church; where
therefore it became a cenotaph, as an inscription added on
this occasion terms it. Forty-five years afterwards the
tomb again underwent a repair, by the care of the present
sir Thomas Gery Cullum and others, who subjoined a third
inscription.
at Paris, he appears to have become an author by profession, as we do not find that he had any place or preferment. His first piece, published the same year in which
After his settling at Paris, he appears to have become an
author by profession, as we do not find that he had any
place or preferment. His first piece, published the same
year in which he quitted the society of the Jesuits, was entitled “Histoire du Stadhouderat.
” He next published
“Histoire du Parlement d'Angleterre,
” which gained him
much reputation, though it had little claim to the title of
history, and was tinged with many prejudices, religious
and political. He also composed “Anecdotes Literaires,
”
in three volumes, 12mo; and “Memoires de Ninon de
PEnclos;
” and was much employed in the “Mercure
de France.
” But the work upon which his fame is chiefly
built, is his “Political and Philosophical History of the
European Settlements in the East and West Indies.
”
That this history is written in an animated style, and that
it contains many just reflections, both political and philosophical, is known to all Europe for it has been translated into every European language. Its beauties, however, are deformed by many sentiments that are irreligious,
and by some that are impure. It was followed, about 1780,
by a small tract, entitled “The Revolution of America,
”
in which the author pleads the cause of the revolted colonists with a degree of zeal, censures the conduct of the
British government with a keenness of asperity, and displays
a knowledge of the principles and intrigues of the 'different
factions which at that period divided the English nation,
that surely was not natural to the impartial pen of a philosophic foreigner. Hence he has been supposed to have
been incited to the undertaking, and to have been furnished
with part of his materials, hy some persons who opposed
the measures of the English government, and secretly fomented the American cause. Be this as it may, he propagated, both in this tract and in his history, a number of
licentious opinions respecting government and religion, of
which he lived to regret the consequences.
y ascribe the history of the European settlements to Perrijeat la Roque, Dubreuil, Diderot, Nargion, or Holbach, who were all concerned, as well as the abbe Raynal."
“I am sorry to add,
” says this gentleman, f ' that the
reputation of the abbe Raynal in Paris, where he is personally known, is very different from what he enjoys in
London, where he is only known as an author. That Philosophical history which you ascribe to him, is really, in
no proper sense, his work; but was produced by a combination of the labours of several ingenious men, among
whom I am inclined to think, he contributed the smallest
part. We might indeed give him some credit for lending
his name to a book, which contained so many bold truths,
which it was then dangerous to publish; but even here,
there is need of caution; for under the ancient system,
deceit and fraud were carried to such a pitch of refinement, that it was not uncommon for men of letters to concert stratagems with ministers, to get themselves put into
the Bastile, to raise their reputation, and to make their
fortune in the world. Whatever be in this, you may ascribe the history of the European settlements to Perrijeat
la Roque, Dubreuil, Diderot, Nargion, or Holbach, who
were all concerned, as well as the abbe Raynal."
f bishop Taylor’s “Discourse,” which seemed to favour irregular preaching. 4. “An Evening Sacrifice, or Prayers for a family in these times of calamity.” 5. “Speech
He published several occasional sermons from 1623 to
1663; and 1. “Brief instructions concerning the holy Sacrament,
” Lond. A guide to the holy
City,
” Oxon. An antidote to Anabaptism,
” Discourse,
” which seemed
to favour irregular preaching. 4. “An Evening Sacrifice,
or Prayers for a family in these times of calamity.
” 5.
“Speech made before king Charles II. on the shore, when
he landed at Dover,
” &c. 1660, single sheet, with verses.
Mr, Reading left several manuscripts, partly in the hands
of Basil Kennet, whence they passed to his sen, White
Kennet.
moved round a given curve, and by lines which fall upon a given curve, under a certain angle greater or less than a right angle.
, an eminent French naturalist, was born at Rochelle in 1683. He learned grammar at the place of his birth, and studied philosophy at the Jesuits college at Poitiers. In 1699 he went from thence to Bourges, at the invitation of an uncle, where he studied the civil law. In 1703, he went to Paris, and applied himself wholly to the mathematics and natural philosophy; and in 1708, being then only twenty-four years old, he was chosen a member of the Royal Academy of Sciences; and during that and the following year, he described a general method of finding and ascertaining all curves described by the extremity of a right line, the other end of which is moved round a given curve, and by lines which fall upon a given curve, under a certain angle greater or less than a right angle.
re to solid bodies of various kinds, either by an attachment which continues during their existence, or which they can determine at pleasure; but how this attachment
These are the only geometrical performances that he produced. In the year 1710 he read his observations upon the formation of shells, in which he proved that they grow not like the other parts of the animal body, by expansion, but by the external addition of new parts; he also assigned the cause of the variety of colour, figure, and magnitude which distinguishes one shell from another. During the experiments which this inquiry led him to make upon the snails, he discovered a very singular insect which lives not only upon these animals, but burrows in their bodies, a situation which he never leaves unless he is forced out of it by the snail. This inquiry also gave occasion to M. Reaumur to account for the progressive motion of testaceous animals of different kinds, and to describe and explain an almost endless variety of organs which the author of nature has adapted to that purpose. He produced also the same year the natural history of cobwebs. M. Bon, the first president of the chamber of accounts at Montpellier, had shewn that cobwebs might be spun into a kind of silk, which might be applied to useful purposes; but it was stiil necessary to determine whether spiders could be bred in sufficient numbers, without an expence too great for the undertaking to bear; and Reaumur soon found that M. Bon’s discovery was a mere matter of curiosity, and that the commercial world could derive no advantage from cobwebs. It had been long known, that marine animals adhere to solid bodies of various kinds, either by an attachment which continues during their existence, or which they can determine at pleasure; but how this attachment was formed, remained a secret, till it was discovered by Reaumur, to whose inquiries we are indebted for our knowledge of many organs and materials adapted to that purpose,before unknown. In the course of this inquiry, M. Reaumur discovered a fish different from that which furnished the ancients with their Tyrian dye, but which has the same property in a yet greater degree: upon the sides of this fish there are small grains, like those of a hard roe, which being broken, yield first a fine full yellow colour, that upon being exposed for a few minutes to the air, becomes a beautiful purple.
e Reaumur made a great variety of experiments to discover whether the strength of a cord was greater or less than the sum of the strength of the threads of which it
About the same time Reaumur made a great variety of experiments to discover whether the strength of a cord was greater or less than the sum of the strength of the threads of which it consists. It was generally believed that the strength of the cord was greater, but Reaumur’s experiments proved it to be less; whence it necessarily follows, that the less a cord differs from an assemblage of parallel threads, i. e. the less it is twisted, the stronger it is*.
It had been long asserted by those who lived on the sea coast, or the banks of great rivers, that when craw-fish, crabs, and lobsters,
It had been long asserted by those who lived on the sea coast, or the banks of great rivers, that when craw-fish, crabs, and lobsters, happen to lose a claw, nature produces another in its stead: this, however, was disbelieved by all but the vulgar, till Reaumur put the matter out of dispute, and traced the re-production through all its circumstances, which are even more singular than the thing itself. M. Reaumur also, after many experiments made with the torpedo, or numb-fish, discovered that its effect was not produced by an emission of torporific particles, as some have supposed, but by the great quickness of a stroke given by this fish to the limb that touches it, by muscles of a most admirable structure, which are adapted to that purpose. These discoveries, however, are chiefly matters of curiosity; those which follow are of use.
of the substance necessary to give them their colour, which is taken from a little fish called able, or ablette. He drew up, at the same time, a dissertation upon the
It had long been a received opinion, that Turquoise stones were found only in Persia; but Reaumur discovered mines of them in Languedoc; he ascertained the degree of heat necessary to give them their colour, and the pro* That mode of uniting various threads into a cord, is undoubtedly the best which causes the tensions of the threads to be equal in whatever direction th cord is strained. per form and dimension of the furnace; he proved also that the Turquoise is no more than a fossil bone petrified, coloured by a metallic solution which fire causes to spread; and that the Turquoises of France are at least equal in beauty and size to those of the East. He also discovered the secret of making artificial pearls, and of the substance necessary to give them their colour, which is taken from a little fish called able, or ablette. He drew up, at the same time, a dissertation upon the true pearl, which he supposed to be a morbid concretion in the body of the animal.
or manure called Falun: 2. Upon flints, proving that they are only more penetrated by a stony juice; or, if the expression may be allowed, more stonified than other
Reaumur soon after published the History of the Auriferous rivers of France, in which he has given a very particular account of the manner of separating the grains of gold from the sand with which it is mixed. Among other memoirs he drew up the following: 1. Concerning the vast bank of fossil shells, which, inTouraine, is dug for manure called Falun: 2. Upon flints, proving that they are only more penetrated by a stony juice; or, if the expression may be allowed, more stonified than other stones, though less than rock crystal. 3. Upon the Nostoch, a singular plant, which appears only after hard rains in the summer, under a gelatinous form, and soon after disappears. 4. Upon the light of Dails, a kind of shell fish, which shines in the dark, but loses its lustre as it grows stale. 5. Upon the facility with which iron and steel become magnetic by percussion.
ndering cast Iron ductile.” The use of iron is well known under the three forms of cast iron, forged or bar iron, and steel: iron in the first state is susceptible
In 1722, he published a work under the title of “The
art of converting Iron into Steel, and of rendering cast Iron
ductile.
” The use of iron is well known under the three
forms of cast iron, forged or bar iron, and steel: iron in
the first state is susceptible of fusion, but it is brittle and
hard, and can neither be forged by the hammer, nor cut
by the chissel: in the second state it is malleable, and may
be both filed and cut, but it is no longer fusible without
the addition of a foreign substance: in the third it acquires
a very singular property of becoming hard and brittle, if
after it has been made red hot it is dipped into cold water:
the extreme brittleness of cast iron makes it unfit for the
construction of any thing that is required to be either supple or elastic, and still more for any thing upon which it
will be necessary to employ a tool of any kind after it comes
out of the font, for no tool can touch it. On the other
hand, the manner of converting forged, or bar-iron into
steel, was then wholly unknown in France. But Reaumur
having, in the course of other inquiries, found that steel
differed from iron only in having more sulphur and more
salt in its composition, undertook to discover the method
of giving to iron what was wanting to make it steel, and at
length perfectly succeeded, so as to make steel of what
quality he pleased.
sing a verifiable matter to the action of fire, and withdrawing it before it is perfectly vitrified, or by making a paste of two substances, one of which is verifiable,
M. de Reaumur also discovered the secret of tinning plates of iron, as it was practised in Germany; and his countrymen, instructed in that useful manufacture, no longer imported them from abroad. He has likewise the credit of having invented the art of making porcelain. A few simple observations upon fragments of glass, porcelain, and pottery, convinced him that china was nothing more than a derm-vitrification; now a demi-vitrification may be obtained either by exposing a verifiable matter to the action of fire, and withdrawing it before it is perfectly vitrified, or by making a paste of two substances, one of which is verifiable, and the other not: It was therefore very easy to discover by which of these methods the porcelain of China was made; nothing more was necessary than to urge it with a strong fire: if it consisted wholly of a vitrifiable matter half vitrified, it would be converted into glass; if of two substances, one of which was not vitrifiable, it would come out of the furnace the same as it went in: this experiment being made, the China porcelain suffered no alteration, but all the European porcelain was changed into glass. But when the China porcelain was thus discovered to consist of two distinct substances, it was farther necessary to discover what they were, and whether France produced them. M. Reaumur accomplished these desiderata, and had the satisfaction to find that the materials for making China porcelain were to be had in France, in the same abundance, and in greater perfection, than in India. Reaumur also contrived a new species of porcelain, consisting only of glass, annealed a second time, with certain easy precautions, which, though less beautiful than other porcelain, is yet a useful discovery, considering the great facility and little expence with which it is made.
exactly coincide with each other through all the changes of heat and cold: he fixed the middle term, or zero, of his division of the tube, at the point to which the
M. Reaumur was the first that reduced thermometers to a common standard, so as that the cold indicated by a thermometer in one place, might be compared with the cold indicated by a thermometer in another; in other words, he prescribed rules by which two thermometers might be constructed that would exactly coincide with each other through all the changes of heat and cold: he fixed the middle term, or zero, of his division of the tube, at the point to which the liquor rises when the bulb is plunged in water that is beginning to freeze; he prescribed a method of regulating the divisions in proportion to the quantity of liquor, and not by the aliquot parts of the length of the tube; and he directed how spirits of wine might be reduced to one certain degree of dilatability. Thermometers constructed upon these principles were called after his name, and soon took place of all others.
ight be kept fresh and fit for incubation many years, by washing them with a varnish of oil, grease, or any other substance, that would effectaally stop the pores of
Reaumur also invented the art of preserving eggs, and of hatching them; this art had been long known and practised in Egypt, but to the rest of the world was an impenetrable secret: he found out and described many ways of producing an artificial warmth in which chickens might be hatched, and some by the application of fires used for other purposes; he shewed how chickens might be hatched in a dunghill, he invented long cages in which the callow brood were preserved in their first state, with fur cases to creep iinder instead of the hen, and he prescribed proper food for them of things every where to be procured in great plenty. He found also that eggs might be kept fresh and fit for incubation many years, by washing them with a varnish of oil, grease, or any other substance, that would effectaally stop the pores of the shell, and prevent the contents from evaporating; by this contrivance eggs may not only be preserved for eating or hatching in the hotest climates, but the eggs of birds of every kind may be transported from one climate to another, and the breed of those that could not survive a long voyage, propagated in the most distant part of the world.
From the gall, or gall-nut, properly so called, Reaumur proceeds, in his fourth
From the gall, or gall-nut, properly so called, Reaumur proceeds, in his fourth volume, to the history of those protuberances which, though galls in appearance, are really insects, but condemned by nature to remain forever fixed and unmoveable upon the branches of trees; and he discloses the astonishing mystery of their multiplication. He then proceeds to give an account of flies with two wings, and of the worms in which they pass the first part of their lives; this article includes the very singular history of the gnat. The fifth volume treats of four-winged flies, and among others of the bee, concerning which he refutes many groundless opinions, and establishes others not less extraordinary.
The bee is not the only fly that makes honey, many species of the same genus live separate, or in little societies. The history of these begins the sixth and
The bee is not the only fly that makes honey, many species of the same genus live separate, or in little societies. The history of these begins the sixth and last volume, and contains a description of the recesses in which they deposit and secure their eggs, with proper nourishment for the worms they produce till their transformation. The author then proceeds to the history of wasps, as well those who live separate, as in companies, to that of the lion-pismire, the horse-stinger, and lastly, to the fly called an ephemeron, a very singular insect, which, after having lived in the water three years as a fish, lives as a fly only one day, during which it suffers its metamorphosis, couples, lays its eggs, and leaves its dead carcass upon the surface of the water which it had inhabited. To this volume there is a preface, containing the discovery of the polype, an animal that multiplies without coupling, that moves with equal facility upon its back or its belly, and each part of which, when it is divided, becomes a complete animal, a property then thought singular, but since found to be possessed by several other animals.
It had long been a question amongst anatomists, whether digestion is performed by solution or trituration: M. de Reaumur, by dissecting a great number of
It had long been a question amongst anatomists, whether digestion is performed by solution or trituration: M. de Reaumur, by dissecting a great number of birds of different kinds, and by many singular experiments, discovered that the digestion of carnivorous birds is performed by solution, without any action of the stomach itself upon the aliments received on it; and that, on the contrary, the digestion of granivorous birds is effected wholly by grinding or trituration, which is performed with a force sufficient to break the hardest substances.
ould not therefore be a great man in the opinion of Reboulet. A “History of Louis XIV.” 3 vols. 4to, or 9 vols. 12mo, his best work, is tolerably accurate as to facts,
, a native of Avignon, and exJesuit, was an advocate, but compelled to quit his profession for want of health. He died in 1752. Reboulet wrote
the “Mernoires de Forbin,
” 2 vols. 12mo, and the “Hist,
de l'Enfance,
” 2 vols. compiled from memoirs with which
the Jesuits furnished him, of whom he was too servile a
flatterer to express any doubt concerning what they related.
This work, however, was burnt as calumnious and defamatory, by a sentence of the parliament of Toulouse. His
other works are, “A History of Pope Clement XI.
” in 2
small volumes, 4to, which the king of Sardinia suppressed;
as his father did not love the Jesuits, and could not therefore be a great man in the opinion of Reboulet. A “History of Louis XIV.
” 3 vols. 4to, or 9 vols. 12mo, his best
work, is tolerably accurate as to facts, but the narration is
dry.