t suffer his character as a poet to sink into oblivion, and in 1645, he published his juvenile poems in Latin and English, including, for the first time, the “Allegro”
Though his controversial, and other engagements, had
for some time suspended the exertion of his poetical talents, yet he did not suffer his character as a poet to sink
into oblivion, and in 1645, he published his juvenile poems
in Latin and English, including, for the first time, the
“Allegro
” and “Penseroso.
” in TheTenure of Kings and Magistrates proving, that it is lawful, and hath been held so through all ages, for any
who have the power, to call to account a tyrant or wicked
king: and after due conviction, to depose and put him to
death, if the ordinary magistrate have neglected or denied
to do it.
” Here, therefore, the right to punish kings belongs to any who have the power, and their having the power
makes it lawful, a doctrine so monstrous as to be given up
by his most zealous advocates, as “a fearful opening for
mischief:
” but it was, in truth, at that time, what Milton intended it to be, a justification, not of the people of
England, for they had no hand in the king’s murder, but
of the army under Ireton and Cromwell. That Milton was
also at this time under the strong influence of party-spirit, appears from his attack on the Presbyterians in this
work, the avowed ground of which is their inconsistency.
When, however, we examine their inconsistency, as he
has been pleased to state it, it amounts to only this, that
they contributed in common with the Independents and
other sectaries and parties, to dethrone the king; but r
wished to stop short of his murder. Every species of opposition to what they considered as tyranny in the king, they
could exert, but they thought it sufficient to deprive him of
power, without depriving him of life.
articles, ordination book, and doctrinal points extracted from the homilies, to which he added, also in Latin, a treatise “de politia ecclesiae Anglicanac.” The design
, warden of All Souls college, Oxford, was born in 1578 in Dorsetshire, and educated first
at Brasenose college, whence in 1599 he was elected a
fellow of All Souls, befng then four years standing in the
degree of B. A. Afterwards he took his master’s degree,
and entered into holy orders. He hecame domestic chaplain to archbishop Abbot, and in Dec. 1610 was instituted
to the rectory of St. Clement’s, Eastcheap, which he resigned in December following. In 1611 he was made rector of St. Michael, Crooked-lane, but resigned it in June
1614, in consequence of having been in April preceding,
elected warden of All Souls, on which occasion he took his
degree of D. D. He held afterwards the rectory of Monks
Risborow, in the county of Buckingham, and of Newington, near Dorchester, in Oxfordshire. He was one of the
king' commissioners in ecclesiastical affairs, and died July
5, 1618, in the fortieth year of his age. Wood seems to
insinuate that his death was hastened by the treatment his
work received. This was a folio published at London in
1616, containing a Latin translation of the Liturgy, Catechisms, 39 articles, ordination book, and doctrinal points
extracted from the homilies, to which he added, also in
Latin, a treatise “de politia ecclesiae Anglicanac.
” The design of this publication was to recommend the formularies
and doctrines of the Church of England to foreign nations;
but, according to Wood, there was such a leaning towards
“Calvin’s Platform,
” that the work was not only called in,
but ordered to be publicly burnt. Heylin, who speaks
highly of the author’s character and good intentions, thinks
that the true cause of this work being so disgraced was,
that in translating the 20th article, he omitted the first
clause concerning the power of the church to decree rites
and ceremonies, &c. His treatise “De Politia
” was reprinted at London in
ed sixty-five. His principal works are, Commentaries on the first part of the Summary of St. Thomas, in Latin, a large treatise “De Justitia et Jure,” a book on “The
, born of a noble family at Cuenca,
entered the Jesuits’ order, 1553, at the age of eighteen,
and taught theology with reputation during twenty years in
the university of Ebora. He died October 12, 1660, at
Madrid, aged sixty-five. His principal works are, Commentaries on the first part of the Summary of St. Thomas,
in Latin, a large treatise “De Justitia et Jure,
” a book on
“The Concordance of Grace and Free-will,
” printed at
Lisbon,
rk. Molloy’s other work is entitled “Lucerna Fidelium,” Rome, 1676, 8vo, which although the title is in Latin, is written in Irish, and contains an explanation of the
Harris, in his edition of Ware’s “Writers of Ireland,
”
mentions another Charles Molloy, a native of the King’s
County, and a lawyer pf the Inner Temple, who wrote
“De Jure Maritime et Naval i, or a Treatise of Affairs
Maritime, and of Commerce,
” first published at London in
Sacra Theologia,
” Rome,
Grammatica Latino-Hibernica compendiata,
”
ibid. Archeeologia Britannica,
” says that it
was the most complete Irish grammar then extant, although
imperfect as to syntax, &c. He says also, what is less
credible, that Molloy was not the author of it; although
the latter puts his name to it, and speaks of it in the preface as his own work. Molloy’s other work is entitled
“Lucerna Fidelium,
” Rome,
nour on him than a thousand prizes. He wrote many other successful pieces, and was no less applauded in Latin poetry than in the French. Menage and Bayle have both
, a learned French poet,
was born in Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, June 15, 1641,
He was a man of parts and learning, had a decided taste
for poetry; and, in 1671, had a fair opportunity of displaying his talents. The subject of the prize of poetry,
founded by the members of the French academy at this
time, was, “The Suppressing of Duelling by Lewis XIV.
”
As this was the first contest of the kind, the candidates
were numerous and eager; but la Monnoye succeeded,
and had the honour of being the first who won the prize
Founded by the French academy; by which he gained a
reputation that increased ever after. In 1673, he was a
candidate for the new prize, the subject of which was,
“The protection with which his Gallic majesty honoured
the French academy;
” but his poem came too late. He
won the prize in The glory of arms and learning under Lewis XIV;
” and that also of 1677, on “The
Education of the Dauphin.
” On this occasion, the highest
compliment was made him by the abbe* Regnier; who said,
that “it would be proper for the French academy to elect
Mr. de la Monnoye upon the first vacancy, because, as he
would thereby be disqualified from writing any more, such
as should then be candidates would be encouraged to
write.
” It was indeed said, that he discontinued to write
for these prizes at the solicitation of the academy; a circumstance which, if true, reflects higher honour on him
than a thousand prizes. He wrote many other successful
pieces, and was no less applauded in Latin poetry than in
the French. Menage and Bayle have both bestowed the
highest encomiums on his Latin poetry. His Greek and
Italian poems are likewise much commended by the French
critics.
, and other ancient authors, that occur in his Chronicles, shew that he must have made some progress in Latin literature. He appears to have been resident in Cambray
, an eminent French
historian, was descended of a noble family, but the names
of his parents, and the period of his birth have not been
discovered. The place of his birth was probably Picardy,
and the time, prior to the close of the fourteenth century.
No particulars of his 'early years are known, except that
he evinced, when young, a love for application, and a
dislike to indolence. The quotations also from Sallust,
Livy, Vegetius, and other ancient authors, that occur in
his Chronicles, shew that he must have made some progress
in Latin literature. He appears to have been resident in
Cambray when he composed his history, and passed there
the remainder of his life. In 1436 he was nominated to
the office of lieutenant du Gavenier of the Cambresis; the
gavenier was the collector or receiver of the annual dues
payable to the duke of Burgundy, by the subjects of the
church in the Cambresis, for the protection of them as
earl of Flanders. Monstrelet also held the office of bailiff
to the chapter of Cambray from 1436 to 1440, when another was appointed. The respect and consideration which
he had now acquired, gained him the dignity of governor
of Cambray in 1444, and in the following year he was nominated bailiff of Wallaincourt. He retained both of those
places until his death, which happened about the middle
of July, in 1453. His character in the register of the Cordeliers, and by the abbot of St. Aubert, was that of “a
very honourable and peaceable man;
” expressions, says his
biographer, that appear simple at first sight, but which
contain a real eulogium, if we consider the troublesome
times in which Monstrelet lived, the places he held, the
interest he must have had sometimes to betray the truth in
favour of one of the factions which then divided France,
and caused the revolutions the history of which he has published during the life of the principal actors.
provided him with a German attendant, who did not know French, and who was enjoined to speak to him in Latin, and in consequence young Montaigne is said to have been
, an
eminent French, writer, was born at the castle of Montaigne, in the Perigord, Feb. 8, 1533. His father, seigneur
of Montaigne, and mayor of Bourdeaux, bestowed particular attention on his education, perceiving in him early
proofs of talents that would one day reward his care. His
mode of teaching him languages is mentioned as somewhat
singular at that time, although it has since been frequently
practised. He provided him with a German attendant,
who did not know French, and who was enjoined to speak
to him in Latin, and in consequence young Montaigne is
said to have been a master of that language at the age of
six years. He was taught Greek also as a sort of diversion,
and because his father had heard that the brains of children
may be injured by being roused too suddenly out of sleep,
he caused him to be awakened every morning by soft music.
All this care he repaid by the most tender veneration for
the memory of his father. Filial piety, indeed, is said to
have been one of the most remarkable traits of his character, and he sometimes displayed it rather in a singular
manner. When on horseback he constantly wore a cloak
which had belonged to his father, not, as he said, for convenience, but for the pleasure it gave him. “II me semble
m'envelopper de lui,
” “I seem to be wrapped up in my
father;
” and this, which from any other wit would have
been called the personification of a pun, was considered in
Montaigne as a sublime expression of filial piety.
age of Greek Mss. which the” De re diploir.atica" of Mabillon has done to ascertain the age of those in Latin. At the end of this work, are John Comnenus’s description
In 1706, Montfaucon published in 2 vols. folio, a collection of the ancient Greek ecclesiastical writers, with a
Latin translation, notes, dissertations, &c. The most considerable part of this collection is “Eusebius of Caesarea’s
Commentary upon the Psalms,
” mentioned by St. Jerome,
and which we overlooked in our account of Eusebius.
Here is also Eusebius’s commentary on Isaiah, and some
inedited works of St. Athanasius, for which reason this
ic Collectio nova patrum“(for such is its title) is recommended as a companion to Montfaucon’s edition of Athanasius’s works. A second edition of both was published at
Padua in 1777, 4 vols. folio; but although it professes to
be improved
” curis novissimis,“it does not enjoy the reputation of the originals. In 1708 he published one of
his most important works, and which alone would have
given him strong claims on the learned world, his
” PaltEOgraphia Graeca, sive de ortu et progressu literarum Graecarum, et devariis omnium sasculorum scriptionis Graecye
generibus; itemque de abbreviationibus et notis variarum
artiam et disciplinarum. Additis figuris et schematibus
ad fidem manuscriptorum codicum,“folio. This invaluable work has done the same in reference to the discovery of the age of Greek Mss. which the
” De re diploir.atica" of Mabillon has done to ascertain the age of those
in Latin. At the end of this work, are John Comnenus’s
description of Mount Athos, Gr. and Lat. with a learned
preface; and a dissertation by the president Bouhier on
the ancient Greek and Latin letters.
e congregation of St. Maur, was born 1685, at Rheims, and died 1724, aged 39. He composed some hymns in Latin, which are much admired, and assisted father Constant
, a learned Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, was born 1685, at Rheims, and died
1724, aged 39. He composed some hymns in Latin, which
are much admired, and assisted father Constant in his
“Collection of the Popes’ Letters,
” to which he wrote the
dedication and preface. This preface having displeased
the court of Rome, Mopinot defended it by several letters. He also wrote the epistle dedicatory which is prefixed to the “Thesaurus Anecdotorum;
” and had finished
the second volume of the Collection of the Popes’ letters
before his death.
“The Antiquities of Spain,” folio, in the same language, a curious and very valuable work “Scholia,” in Latin, on the works of Eulogius the “Genealogy of St. Dominick,”
, a pious and learned Spanish
priest, born in 1513 at Cordova, was one of those who
greatly contributed to restore a taste for the belles lettres
in Spain. He taught with reputation in the university of
Alcala, was appointed historiographer to Philip II. king of
Spain, and died 1590, at Alcala, aged 77, leaving several
works relative to Spanish antiquities besides other valuable
books. The principal are, “The general Chronicle of
Spain,
” which had been begun by Florian Ocampo, The Antiquities of
Spain,
” folio, in the same language, a curious and very
valuable work “Scholia,
” in Latin, on the works of Eulogius the “Genealogy of St. Dominick,
” &c. He was
originally a Dominican, but obliged to quit that order in
consequence of having been induced, by a mistaken piety,
to follow Origen’s example. He was unquestionably a
man of learning, and had many of the best qualities of a
historian, but he scarcely rose above the grossest superstitions of his age and religion. A complete edition of his
works was published at Madrid in 1791—92.
t expedient, Morata was called to court; where she was heard, by the astonished Italians, to declaim in Latin, to speak Greek, to explain the paradoxes of Cicero, and
, a learned Italian lady, was born at Ferrara, in 1526. Her father taught the belles lettres in several cities of Italy: and his reputation as a teacher advanced him to be preceptor to the young princes of Ferrara, sons of Alphonsus I. The uncommon parts and turn for literature which he discovered in his daughter, induced him to cultivate them; and she soon made a very extraordinary progress. The princess of Ferrara was at that time studying polite literature, and a companion in the same pursuit being thought expedient, Morata was called to court; where she was heard, by the astonished Italians, to declaim in Latin, to speak Greek, to explain the paradoxes of Cicero, and to answer any questions that were put to her. Her father dying, and her mother being an invalid, she was obliged to return home, in order to tuke upon her the administration of the family affairs, and the education of three sisters and a brother, all which sho conducted with judgment and success. But some have said that the immediate cause of her removal from court, was a dislike which the duchess of Ferrara had conceived against her, by the misrepresentations of some of the courtiers. In the mean time, a young Oerman, named Grunthlcrus, who had studied physic, and taken his doctor’s degree at Ferrara, fell in love with her, and married her. Upon this she went with her hushand to Germany, and took her little brother with her, whom she carefully instructed in the Latin and Greek languages. They arrived at Augsburg in 1548; and, after a short stay there, went to Schweinfurt in Franconia, but had not been long there, before Schweinfurt was besieged and burnt. They escaped, however, with their lives, but remained in great distress until the elector Palatine invited Grunthler to be professor of physic at Heidelburg. He entered upon this new office in 1554, and be'gan to enjoy some degree of repose; when illness, occasioned by the hardships they had undergone, seized upon Morata, and proved fatal Oct. 26, 1555, before she was quite twenty-nine years old. She died in the Protestant religion, which she embraced upon her coming to Germany, and to which she resolutely adhered. Her husband and brother did not long survive her, and were interred in the same grave in the church of St. Peter, where is a Latin epitaph to their memory.
n in our second authority, has the title of “Alexandri Mori Fides publica:” some “Orations and Poems in Latin.”
He published some works among which are a treatise
“De Gratia & Libero Arbitrio
” and another, “De Scriptura Sacra, sive de Causa Dei
” “A Comment on the
fifty-third Chapter of Isaiah
” “Notae ad Loca qusedarn
Novi Fcederis;
” a reply to Milton’s abuse of him in his
“Second Defence of the people of England:
” this reply,
of which much may be seen in our second authority, has the
title of “Alexandri Mori Fides publica:
” some “Orations
and Poems in Latin.
”
hter’s education he was particularly careful. From her earliest infancy he talked to her principally in Latin. She was sent to Rouen, for education, but without the
gered till 1770, when the first volume early minute-books,
offices; but it does not appear that he received ordination
from the bishop of London. Thus much, however, is certain-, that in the letters of administration granted to his
son, on his dying intestate, he is styled “the Reverend
Edward-Rowe Mores, doctor in divinity,
” but, at what
time, or by which of the bishops, he received ordination,
we have not yet discovered. Mr. Nichols was assured by
a very intimate friend of Mr. Mores, that he received the
honorary title of D. D. in consequence of a literary favour
which he had conferred on some foreign Roman catholic
ecclesiastics, who wished to repay him by a pecuniary acknowledgment, which he politely declined accepting. Mr.
Mores was as ambitious of singularity in religion as in other
pursuits and if he could.be said to be a member of any
particular church, it was that of Erasmus, whom he endeavoured to imitate. He thought the Latin language
peculiarly adapted to devotion, and wished, for the sake
of unity, that it was universally in use. He composed a
creed in it, with a kind of mass on the death of his wife,
of which he printed a few copies, in his own house, under
the disguised title of“Ordinale Quotidianum, 1685. Ordo Tngintalis.
” Of his daughter’s education he was particularly careful. From her earliest infancy he talked to
her principally in Latin. She was sent to Rouen, for education, but without the least view to her being a Roman
catholic: on the contrary, he was much displeased when
he found she had been perverted. Two original letters to
the superior of the house under whose care she was placed,
which are printed in the “Anecdotes of Bowyer,
” contain
a sufficient refutation of the report of his being himself a
member of the church of Rome.
published until 1623. It has been ranked among the best performances of that age. He also published, in Latin, a volume of “Opuscula and Epistles” and a narrative in
, a senator of Venice, descended from James Morosini, of a very illustrious family,
was born in the year 1558. He received an excellent education, and rose through the different degrees of nobility
to a place in the council of ten. He was accomplished
in every branch of polite literature, and in 1598 succeeded to the office of historian of the republic, and
was employed in continuing Paruta’s History of Venice,
which he brought down to 1615. He died in 1618, but
as he had not quite finished his work, it was not published
until 1623. It has been ranked among the best performances of that age. He also published, in Latin, a volume
of “Opuscula and Epistles
” and a narrative in Italian of
“Expeditions to the Holy Land, and the Acquisition of
Constantinople by the Venetian Republic.
” His brother
Paul, likewise a Venetian senator, was appointed to the
same post of public historian, and gave an entire history
of the republic from its origin to the year 1487, in 1637,
which was published in the Italian language.
as this was known, the university of Oxford, to which Morton had been a benefactor, sent a petition in Latin to Richard, pleading for his liberty; whether with effect
On this account, however, he was considered in no very
favourable light by the protector, afterwards Richard III.
who had no hopes of alluring him to his interests. When
bishop Morton and others were assembled in the Tower on
June 13, 1483, to consult about the coronation of Edward V. the protector came among them, and after some
general discourse turned to the bishop of Ely, and said,
“My lord, you have very good strawberries in your garden
at Holborn, I require you let me have a mess of them.
”
“Gladly, my lord,
” the bishop answered; “I wish I had
some better thing as ready to your pleasure as that.
” Yet,
notwithstanding this apparent civility, Morton, with archbishop Rotheram, lord Stanley, and others, were the same
day taken into custody, as known enemies to the measures
then in agitation. As soon as this was known, the university of Oxford, to which Morton had been a benefactor,
sent a petition in Latin to Richard, pleading for his liberty;
whether with effect does not appear; but it is certain that
for this or some other reason he was soon released from
prison, and given in ward to the duke of Buckingham, then
a warm partizan of Richard, but completely brought over
to the other side by conversation with the bishop. He was
sent to th.e duke’s castle at Brecknock, whence he escaped
to the isle of Ely, and soon after, disguising himself, went
to the Continent to Henry earl of Richmond; and it was
agreed among the friends of the late king’s family and the
well-wishers to the peace and harmony of the kingdom,
that king Edward’s eldest daughter, Elizabeth, should be
pnited to Henry by marriage; and thus, by joining the interests of the white and red rose in one, a coalition might
be formed between the jarring parties of York and Lancaster. All this is said to have been the plan recommended
by Morton, and he lived to see it happily accomplished.
It is indeed that transactiou of his life which gives him a
very honourable place in English history. Horace Walpole
only, in his “Historic Doubts,
” has obliquely accused him.
of violating his allegiance to Richard III.; but to Richard
III. no allegiance was either due, or paid. As Morton
was imprisoned before Richard was crowned, and never set
at liberty until he made his escape, it seems highly probable that no oath of allegiance was ever tendered to him.
by the usurper.
ears travels through the twelve dominions of Germany,” &c. Lond. 1617, folio. This was first written in Latin, but afterwards translated by himself into English. He
, a native of Lincolnshire, was born
in 1566, and educated in the university of Cambridge, of
which he became a fellow, and studied civil law. Obtaining from the master and fellows of his house a licence to
travel, he set out, and spent about ten years abroad. He
had previously been incorporated M. A. in the university
of Oxford. Soon after his return he went to Ireland in
1598, where his brother, sir Richard Moryson, was vicepresident of Minister, and was there made secretary to the
lord deputy, sir Charles Blount, lord Mountjoy. He died
about 1614, and three years after, his travels appeared
under the title of “An Itineraty, containing ten years travels through the twelve dominions of Germany,
” &c.
Lond. An History of Ireland from 1599 to 1603;
with a short narration of the state of the kingdom from the
year 1169,
” 2 vok. 8vo. The only copy we have seen of
this work (to which Harris gives no date) is dated Dublin,
1735.
st upon religion and philosophy, appear in many volumes of sacred and prophane literature. He wrote, in Latin, 1. “Observationes sacra?, et historico- critic^,” Amst.
, an illustrious German
divine, was born at Lubeck, in 1695, of a noble family,
which might seem to open to his ambition a fair path to
civil promotion; but his zeal for the interests of religion,
his thirst after knowledge, and particularly his taste for
sacred literature, induced him to consecrate his talents to
the service of the church. Where he was educated we have
Dot learned; fcut he is said to have given early indications
of a promising capacity, and of a strong desire of mental
and literary improvement; and, when his parents proposed
to him the choice of a profession, the church suggested
itself to him as a proper department for the exercise of that
zeal which disposed him to be useful to society. Being
ordained a minister in the Lutheran church, he soon distinguished himself as an eloquent and useful preacher.
His reputation in this character, however, was local and
confined, but the fame of his literary ability diffused itself
among all the nations of Christendom. The German universities loaded him with literary honours the king of
Denmark invited him to settle at Copenhagen the duke
of Brunswick called him thence to Helmstadt, where he
filled the academical chair was honoured with the character of ecclesiastical counsellor to the court an,d presided over the seminaries of learning in the duchy of Wolfembuttle and the principality of Blakenburg. When a
design was formed of giving an uncommon degree of lustre
to the university of Gottingen, by filling it with men of
the first rank in letters, king George II. considered Dr.
Mosheim as worthy to appear at the head of it, in quality
of chancellor; and he discharged the duties of that station
with zeal and propriety, and his conduct gave general satisfaction. Here he died, universally lamented, in 1755.
In depth of judgment, in extent of learning, in purity of
taste, in the powers of eloquence, and in a laborious application to all the various branches of erudition and philosophy, he is said to have had very few superiors. His
Latin translation of Cud worth’s “Intellectual System,
”
enriched with large annotations, discovered a profound
acquaintance with ancient learning and philosophy. His
illustrations of the Scriptures, his labours in defence of
Christianity, and the light he cast upon religion and philosophy, appear in many volumes of sacred and prophane
literature. He wrote, in Latin, 1. “Observationes sacra?,
et historico- critic^,
” Amst. Vindicise antiquae Cnristianorum discipline, adv. J, Tolandi Nazarenum,
” Hamb. De aetate apologetici Tertulliani et initio persecutionis Christianorum sub Severo,
commentatio,
” Helm. Gallus glorias J.
Christi, Spiritusque Sancti obtrectator, publicae contemtioni expositus,
” Helm. Historia Tartarorum ecclesiastica,
” Helm. De rebus
Christianorum ante Constantinum Magnum commentarii,
”
ibid. 1753, 4to. 7. “Historia Mich. Served,
” &c. But
that by which he is best known in this country is his
church-history. This was at first a small work, which appeared under the title of “Institutiones Historic Christiana?,
” and passed through several editions. He was repeatedly urged by his learned friends to extend a work
which they represented as too meagre for the importance
of the subject. He acknowledged the objection, but alleged various avocations as an excuse for non-compliance.
At length, however, he acceded to the wish of the public,
and having employed two years in the augmentation and
improvement of his history, he published it in 1755, before the end of which year he died. This was soon after
translated into English by Dr. Maclaine, of whom we have
recently given some account, and is now a standard book
in our libraries. The best edition, as we have noticed in
Maclaine’s article, is that of which Dr. Charles Coote was
the editor and contimlator, in 1811, 6 vols. 8vo. This
edition is also enriched by a masterly dissertation from the
pen of Dr. Gteig, of Stirling, on the primitive form of the
church, calculated to obviate certain prejudices which
Mosheim had discovered in various parts of his otherwise
Valuable history.
, in Latin Molinæus, a celebrated lawyer, was born at Paris in 1500.
, in Latin Molinæus, a celebrated lawyer, was born at Paris in 1500. His family was
noble, and Papyrius mentions “that those of the family of
Moulin were related to Elizabeth queen of England;
”
which she acknowledged herself in 1572, when conversing
with Francis duke of Montmorency, marshal of France and
ambassador to England. This relation probably came by
Thomas Bullen, or Boleyn, viscount of Rochefort, the
queen’s grandfather by the mother’s side; for Sanderus
and others say, “that this Rochefort being ambassador to
France, gave his daughter Anne of Bulloigne to a gentleman of Brie, a friend and relation of his, to take care of
her education; and this gentleman is supposed to be the
lord of Fontenay in Brie, of the family of du Moulin.
”
This branch came from Denys du Moulin, lord of Fontenay in Brie, archbishop of Thoulouse, patriarch of Antioch,
and bishop of Paris, where he died in 1447. The subject
of our memoir was at first educated at the university of
Paris, and afterwards studied law at Poitiers and Orleans,
at the latter of which cities he gave lectures on the subject
in 1521. In the following year he was received as an
advocate of parliament; but, owing to a defect in his speech,
was obliged to give up pleading, and confine himself to
chamber practice, and the composition of those works
which gained him so much reputation. He was an indefatigable student, and set such a value on time, that, contrary to the custom of his age, he had his beard close
shaven, that he might not lose any precious moments in
dressing it; but in his latter days he permitted it again to
grow. From the same love of study, he refused some valuable employments, and even took the resolution never to
marry; and that he might be equally free from every other
incumbrance, he gave the whole of his property to <rn
elder brother, reserving only for his maintenance the profits of his studies. It was not long, however, before he
had cause to repent of this uncommon liberality, as his
brother behaved to him in a brutal and unnatural way. To
revenge himself, he had recourse to an expedient suggested by his professional knowledge. He married, and
having children, he resumed, according to the law, the
possession of that property with which he had parted so
freely when a bachelor. It was in 1538 that he married
Louise de Beldon, daughter of the king’s secretary, a lady
of a most amiable and affectionate temper, who, instead of
being an incumbrance, as he once foolishly thought, proved
the great comfort of his life, and in some respect, the promoter of his studies, by her prudent care of those domestic
affairs of which literary men are generally very bad managers. She was also his consolation in the many difficulties in which he soon became embroiled. He was a man of
an ardent mind and warm temper, totally incapable of concealing his sentiments, particularly in the cause of truth
and justice, or regard to his country. Like many other
eminent men of that age, he embraced the principles of
the reformed religion, first according to the system of Calvin, but afterwards he adopted that of Luther, as contained
in the Augsburgh confession. On this account it is said
that the Calvinists endeavoured to make him feel their resentment, and even suspended their animosity against the
Roman catholics, that they might join with the latter in
attacking Du Moulin.
he Church before Christ incarnate,” 1642, fol. with the singularity of a dedication to Jesus Christ, in Latin, which he had himself prepared. In 1651 also was published
With the bishopric of Chichester, he was allowed to
hold the rectory of Petworth, and having now a protection
from his enemies, he applied himself closely to his favourite study of ecclesiastical history; and first published
his “Originum Ecclesiasticarum Apparatus,
” at Oxford,
Originum Ecclesiasticarum, Tomus Primus,
” Lond. fol. In Theanthropicon; seu de vita
Jesu Christi originum ecclesiasticarum libri duo. Accedit
Groecorum versio, et index utriusque partis,
” Lond. The Acts and Monuments of the Church
before Christ incarnate,
” Versio
et notae in Photii epistolas,
” Gr. Lat. fol.
was once in high esteem. Among the letters at Penshurst, is one from Mulcaster to sir Philip Sidney, in Latin, dated Nov. 3, 1575, the year sir Philip went upon his
His separate works were his “Positions, wherein those
primitive circumstances be examined which are necessarie
for the training up of children, either for skill in theire
book, or health in their bodie,
” Lond. the first
part of the Elementarie, which entreateth chefely of the
right writing of the English Tung.
” These contain some
peculiarities of spelling, and innumerable quaintnesses of
writing, joined to many judicious crsticisms on the English
language. By the spelling he seems frequently anxious to
fix the pronounciation of his words, and in some parts we
may be inclined to think he was desirous that his words
should be written as they are spoken. In 1601, he published his “Catechismus Paulinus, in usum scholas Paulinae conscriptus, ad formam parvi illius Anglici catechismi
qui pueris in comruuni precum Anglicarum libro ediscendus proponitur,
” 8vo. This is in long and short verse,
sometimes closely, and at others diffusely, translated; and,
though now forgotten, was once in high esteem. Among
the letters at Penshurst, is one from Mulcaster to sir Philip
Sidney, in Latin, dated Nov. 3, 1575, the year sir Philip
went upon his travels. In the Harleian Mss No. 6996, is
a letter from Edward Heyborn to the lord-keeper, in behalf
of Richard Mulcaster, who begged his interest to secure
to him the prebend of Gatesbury, which, we have already
noticed, he received. And in ms. Smith, in the Bodleian
library, No. Ixxvii. p. 397, is one from Mulcaster to Peter
Junius, in Latin, dated May 13, 1604.
s already noticed, published under the title of tf Juvenilia," at Paris, in 1552, and were reprinted in Latin and French, in 1682. He was the editor of several of the
His works were collected, and printed in 5 vols. 8vo, at Verona, in 1727 30; a selection from them by Checotius, in 1741 but the best edition is that of the learned Ruhnkenius, printed at Leyden, in 1789, 4 vols. 8vo. They consist of orations, poems, epistles, various readings, and translations of Greek authors, Aristotle in particular. He composed with great purity and elegance; and he pronounced his orations with a grace which charmed his hearers. His poems, which have been highly applauded, were, as already noticed, published under the title of tf Juvenilia," at Paris, in 1552, and were reprinted in Latin and French, in 1682. He was the editor of several of the classics, which he enriched with notes. All his works are written in elegant Latin, but they are now thought to be more creditable to his judgment than his genius.
nd, on the death of king George I. he was amongst those who contributed their poetical compositions, in Latin, on that event.
, an eminent English lawyer, was fourth son of David, earl of Stormont, and was born March 2, 1705, at Perth, in Scotland. He was brought to England at the age of three years, for his education, which accounts for his always being free from the accent so peculiar in the natives of that country. He was educated at Westminster-school, being admitted a king’s scholar at the age of fourteen years. During the time of his being at school, he afforded proofs of his ability, not so much in poetry, as in declamation, and other exercises, which gave promise of the eloquence that grew up to such perfection when at the bar, and in parliament. At the election in May 1723, he stood first on the list of those scholars who were to go to Oxford, and was entered of Christ church June 18 of that year, where in 1727, he appears to have taken the degree of bachelor of arts; and, on the death of king George I. he was amongst those who contributed their poetical compositions, in Latin, on that event.
not used at the time of the Septuagint and St Jerome.“He was the author of some original works, both in Latin and German, particularly his” Loci Communes,“or” Common
He was a man of great application and deep learning,
and a considerable master of the Greek and Hebrew languages, although he was at the least thirty-two when he
began to study the latter, and forty when he first applied
to the former. He published several books, the first of
which were translations from the Greek into Latin, particularly the “Comment of St. Chrysostom upon St. Paul’s
Epistles to the
” Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians,“printed at Basil in 1536 the
second volume of the
” Works of St. Basil“the
” Scholia
of -the same father upon the Psalms;“several
” Treatises
of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril;“and the
” Ecclesiastical
History of Eusehius, Socrates, Sozomen, Theodoret, Evagrius, and Polybius.“He published
” Comments upon
some parts of both the Old and New Testament;“and
father Simon says, that
” he was acquainted with the true
way of explaining the Scriptures, but had not all the necessary accomplishments to enable him to succeed perfectly in it, because he was not sufficiently exercised in
the study of the languages and of critical learning. However,“he adds,
” Musculus examines the ancient Greek
and Latin translations without prejudice; and he has shewn
well enough, that the points which are now printed in the
Hebrew text, were not used at the time of the Septuagint
and St Jerome.“He was the author of some original
works, both in Latin and German, particularly his
” Loci
Communes,“or
” Common Places," which, with other
tracts by him, were published in English during the reign
of queen Elizabeth, along with the writings of the principal
foreign reformers, and contributed not a little to strengthen,
the principles of the reformation.
ignorii, &c. additis aliis rerum Tarvisianarum et Patavinarum scriptoribus.” This history is written in Latin, and with much judgment and regard to truth. Had his style
During his exile he employed his time in writing his
history, which was printed at Venice, 1636, fol. under the
title “Historia Augusta Henrici VII. Imp. et alia quse extant opera, cum notis Laur. Pignorii, &c. additis aliis rerum Tarvisianarum et Patavinarum scriptoribus.
” This
history is written in Latin, and with much judgment
and regard to truth. Had his style been equal, he would
have deserved the appellation which some bestowed upon
him, that of being the second Livy of Padua. Of this
history there are three books written in heroic verse,
on the subject of the siege of Padua. His prose style,
although, as we have just hinted, not unexceptionable on.
the score of purity, was yet the best that had appeared
since the decline of letters; and Scipio Maffei goes so far
as to say that the restoration of the purity of the Latin
language was not so much owing to Petrarch, which is the
general opinion, as to Mussato, who died thirty-five years
before Petrarch. Mussato’s poetical works consist of
eclogues, elegies, epistles in verse, and an Ovidian Cento.
He also wrote two tragedies in Latin, the first that had
appeared in Italy, the one entitled “Eccerinis,
” the other
“Achilles.
” Jn these he imitates the manner of Seneca,
and with success, but some critics object to the model.
They are, with his other works, reprinted in the “Thesaurus Histor. Ital.
” vol. VI. part II. Muratori, in his “Script.
Rer. Ital.
” vol. X. has given only his historical writings, and
the tragedy of “Eccerinis.
” Scardonius, in his “Antiquities of Padua,
” p.
heir dominions; but he preferred his native place, where he died in 1761. He published several works in Latin, all of them demonstrating his great penetration and accuracy:
, an eminent mathematician and natural philosopher, was born at Leyden in
1692. He appears first to have studied medicine, as he
took his doctor’s degree in that faculty in 1715, but natural philosophy afterwards occupied most of his attention.
After visiting London, where he became acquainted with
Newton and Desaguliers, probably about 1734, when he
was chosen a fellow of the royal society, he returned home,
and was appointed professor of mathematics and natural
philosophy at Utrecht, which he rendered as celebrated for
those sciences as it had long been for law studies. He was
afterwards placed in the same chair at Leyden, and obtained great and deserved reputation throughout all Europe. Besides being elected a member of the Paris academy and other learned bodies, the kings of England,
Prussia, and Denmark, made him tempting offers to reside
in their dominions; but he preferred his native place, where
he died in 1761. He published several works in Latin, all
of them demonstrating his great penetration and accuracy:
1. “Disputatio de Aeris praesentia in humoribus animalibus,
” Leyd. Epitome Elementorum Pbysico-mathematicorum,
” ib. Physicx, experimentales, et geometries Dissertationes: ut et Ephemerides meteorologicae Utrajectenses,
” ibid. Tentamina Experinientorurn naturalium, in academia del
Cimento, ex Ital. in Lat. conversa,
” ibid. Elementa Physicsc,
” Introduction to Natural
Philosophy,
” which he began to print in Memoirs of the Academy of
Sciences
” for
cordingly, he prosecuted that art with great diligence, and gave the first specimen of a heroic poem in Latin, in a description of the first Punic war, and the Iliad
, of Campania, an ancient Latin poet, was bred a soldier, but quitted the profession of arms, in order to apply himself with more leisure to poetry. Accordingly, he prosecuted that art with great diligence, and gave the first specimen of a heroic poem in Latin, in a description of the first Punic war, and the Iliad of Cyprus, mentioned by Cicero. He wrote also some tragedies, a few fragments of which are extant with Livius Andronicus, and somje comedies, the first of which appeared in the year 235 B.C., but this, it is said, when played at Rome, so highly incensed Metellus by the satirical strokes in it, that this nobleman, who wus then very powerful, procured him to be banished from the city. In this condition, he retired to Utica in Africa, where he died in the year 203 B. C. We have only some fragments of his works; unless his epitaph, which is said to have been composed by himself, may be ranked among them. Of these fragments there is an edition by Henry Stephens, Paris, 1569, 8vo.
es at the admission of licentiates, which he performed entirely to their satisfaction. One of these, in Latin, on the origin and dignity of the medical school at Paris,
While at Padua he lost his father, which obliged him to
return to Paris to settle his affairs. In 1628, the faculty of
medicine chose him to make the ordinary harangues at the
admission of licentiates, which he performed entirely to
their satisfaction. One of these, in Latin, on the origin
and dignity of the medical school at Paris, was printed
there in 1628, in octavo. He was then recommended by
one of his friends to cardinal Bagni, who appointed him
his librarian and Latin secretary. He took him also to
Rome in 1631, and Naud had an opportunity of forming
an acquaintance with the celebrated Peiresc, as the cardinal
travelled by the way of Beaugensier, on purpose to see his
old friend, who complimented him very warmly on having
acquired for a librarian a young man of Naude’s extensive
knowledge of books. While on this journey, Naude went
to Padua, where, in 1633, he received the degree of
doctor of philosophy and medicine, in order to support
the character of physician to Louis XIII. with which he
had been honoured. On the death of cardinal Bagni, in
1640, he intended to return to France, but had so many
liberal offers to remain in Italy, that he changed his mincl,
and determined to attach himself to cardinal Barberini.
There is much difference of dates amongst his biographers
respecting his return from Paris. All we can decide is,
that he acted there as librarian to cardinal Mazarine, and
that he collected for him a library of 40,OO0 volumes, the
greatest that had then appeared in France. But the cardinal died in 1642, and he consequently could not have
long been in his service. Perhaps he was employed to
make purchases for this library when in Italy, &c. The
cardinal appears not to have rewarded him with much liberality, and in 1648 we find him complaining of being
neglected. He had, however, a greater mortification to
undergo in 1652, when this fine collection was sold by order of the parliament. He is said to have been greatly irritated on this occasion, and bought all the medical books
it contained for 3500 livres Isaac Vossius now recommended him to Christina queen of Sweden, with whom
he resided a few months as librarian, or rather to fill up
that station in the absence of Vossius, who was at this time
in disgrace. Isiaude, however, neither liked the employment nor the people, and took an early opportunity to give
in his resignation; on which occasion the queen, and some
other persons of rank, testified their regard for him by various presents. The fatigue of his journey on returning
brought on a fever, which obliged him to stop at Abbeville,
where he died July 29, 1653. Naude was a man of great
learning, and in his private conduct, correct, prudent, and
friendly. His sentiments, as we have noticed, were on
some subjects, very liberal, but on others he deserves less
praise. While he played the freethinker so far as to despise
some parts of the belief of his church, he could gravely
vindicate the massacres of St. Bartholomew, as a measure
of political expedience. His works are very numerous.
To the few already mentioned we may add, 1. “Le Marfore, ou Discours contre les libelles.
” Paris, Instruction & la France sur la verit de l'histoire des
freres de la Rose-croix,
” ibid. Addition a Thistoire de
Louis XI.
” ibid. 1630. 4. “Consideration politique sur
les coups d'Etat, par G. N. P.
” Rome, (i. e. Paris), Bibliographia Politica,
”
Leyden, Hieronymi Cardani vita,
” Paris, Jugement de tout ce qui a ete imprim6 contre le
cardinal Mazarin depuis Jan. 6, jusqu'au 1 Avril, 1649,
”
Paris, 1641, 4to. This curious work, which is of great rarity,
is sometimes called “Mascurat,
” and consists of a dialogue
between St. Ange, a librarian, L e. Naude, and Mascurat,
a printer, i. e. Camusat. 7. “Avis a Nosseigneurs du
pariement sur la vente de la Bibliotheque du cardinal Mazarin,
” 1G52, 4to. 8. “Nundaeana et Patiniana,
” Paris,
ned Italian scholar and poet, was born at Venice, of a patrician family, in 1483, and was instructed in Latin and Greek at Venice and Padua, under Sabellicus and Marcus
a learned Italian scholar and poet, was born at Venice, of a patrician family, in 1483, and was instructed in Latin and Greek at Venice and Padua, under Sabellicus and Marcus Musurus. In the Latin language and composition he acquired great facility and taste, as appeared by his subsequent productions; and also cultivated Italian poetry, in his youth, with equal success. He appears to have embarked both in military and political life. He attended his friend Livanius, the Venetian general, in some of his expeditions and one of his most elegant Latin poems was a funeral elogy on that officer. His political talents recommended him t6 the office of Venetian ambassador at the court of Charles V. when the Italian States began to take the alarm at that monarch’s apparent projects of aggrandizement. He was afterwards deputed on a similar mission to Francis I.; but too great solicitude on this occasion is supposed to have been fatal to him. After travelling with great speed to France, he had scarce paid his respects to the monarch when he was seized with a fever, at Blois, and died in 1529, in his forty-sixth year.
consequence of the fatigues attending the visitation of his churches. This prelate left three tracts in Latin, the first “On reading of the Holy Scriptures;” to which
, a celebrated bishop of the
catholics in Holland, known by the title of bishop of Castoria, was born at Gorcum in 1626. He entered the congregation of the oratory at Paris, and, having finished his
plan of education there, went to be professor of philosophy
at Saumur, then of divinity at Mechlin, and was afterwards
archdeacon of Utrecht, and apostolical provincial. James
de la Torre, archbishop of Utrecht, being dead, M. de
Neercassel was elected in his place by the chapter of that
city; but, Alexander VII. preferring M. Catz, dean of the
chapter of Harlem, they agreed between them, as a means
to preserve peace, that M. Catz should govern the diocese
of Harlem under the title of archbishop of Philippi, and
M. de Neercassel that of Utrecht, under that of bishop of
Castoria. This agreement being approved by the nuncio
of Brussels, they were both consecrated in the same day at
Cologn, September 9, 1662; but, M. Catz dying a year
after, M. de Neercassel remained sole bishop of all the
catholics in Holland, of which there were above four hundred thousand. He governed them with great prudence,
and, after having discharged the duties of his office in the
most exemplary manner, died June 8, 1686, aged sixty,
in consequence of the fatigues attending the visitation of
his churches. This prelate left three tracts in Latin, the
first “On reading of the Holy Scriptures;
” to which he
has added a dissertation “On the Interpretation of Scripture;
” the second “On the worship of the Saints and the
Holy Virgin;
” the third, enticed “Amor Prerii tens.
” This
last is a treatise on the necessity of the love of God in the
sacrament of penitence. The two first have been translated into French by M. le Roy, abbot of Haute- Fontaine,
2 vols. 8vo, and the third by Peter Gilbert, a Parisian,
1741, 3 vols. 12mo. The best Latin edition of “Amor
Pcenitens
” is that of Amor Prenitens
” condemned at Rome
but pope Innocent XL to whom the application was addressed, declared that “the book contained sound doctrine, and the author was a holy man.
”
The title is, “Kettus, sive de furoribus Norfolciensium Ketto duce,” Lond. 1575, 4to. reprinted both in Latin and English the same year, in Latin in 1582, and in English
, an English poetical writer, was a native of Kent, descended from the
ancient and honourable family of Nevil, was the son of
Richard Nevil of the county of Nottingham, esq. by Anne
Mantel, daughter of sir Walter Mantel, of Heyford in
Northamptonshire, knight. He was born in 1544. If not
educated at Cambridge, his name occurs as having received
the degree of M. A. there, along with Robert earl of Essex,
July 6, 1581. He was one of the learned men whom archbishop Parker retained in his family, and was his secretary
at his grace’s death in 1575. It is no small testimony of
his merit and virtues that he was retained in the same of-,
fice by the succeeding archbishop, Grindal, to whom, as
well as to archbishop Parker, he dedicated his Latin narrative of the Norfolk insurrection under Kett. To this
he added a Latin account of Norwich, accompanied by an
engraved map of the Saxon and British kings. These
were both written in archbishop Parker’s time, who assisted
Nevile in the latter. The title is, “Kettus, sive de furoribus Norfolciensium Ketto duce,
” Lond. Norvicus,
” published with the preceding, is
the first printed account of Norwich; the plates are by
R. Lyne and Rem. Hogenbergius, both attached to the
household of the learned and munificent Parker. There
are copies of almost all the preceding editions in Mr.
Cough’s library at Oxford. Strype has published, in the
appendix to his Life of Parker, an elegant Latin letter from
Nevile to Parker, which is prefixed to the “Kettus.
”
The first Latin edition, printed in Sed enim Kettiani
rati,
” &c, to “Nam prosterquam quod,
” &c. p.
yage, which he commenced from Liverpool in August 1750^ as commander, he made still greater progress in Latin; providing himself with a dictionary, and adding to Horace,
It is remarkable, that in all his miseries and wretchedness, and even when most profligate and apparently
thoughtless in his conduct on board of ship, he preserved
an anxiety to learn, and at his leisure hours, acquired a
considerable knowledge of the mathematics. In his later
voyages, he endeavoured to revive his acquaintance with
the Latin language. How scanty his means were, appears
from his own account. “He had seen an imitation of one
of Horace’s odes in a magazine, and wished to be able to
read that poet, but had no other help than an old English
translation, with Castalio’s Latin Bible. He had the DeU
phin edition of Horace, and by comparing the odes with
the interpretation, and tracing such words as he understood from place to place by the index, together with what
assistance he could get from the Latin Bible, he thus, by
dint of hard industry, made some progress. He not only
understood the sense of many odes, and some of the
epistles, but
” I began,“he says,
” 4o relish the beauties
of the composition; acquired a spice of what Mr. Law calls
classical enthusiasm; and, indeed, by this means, I had
Horace more ad unguem, than some who are masters of
the Latin tongue. For my helps were so few, that I generally had the passage fixed in my memory before I could
fully understand its meaning." In a future voyage, which
he commenced from Liverpool in August 1750^ as commander, he made still greater progress in Latin; providing
himself with a dictionary, and adding to Horace, Juvenal,
Livy, Caesar, &c. His conduct in all respects was now
become regular. He allotted about eight hours for sleep
and meals, eight hours for exercise and devotion, and eight
hours to his books. In a Guinea trader, such a life perhaps has no parallel.
al “Funeral Orations upon the death of Gregory Nazianzen;” as also a “Commentary,” which is inserted in Latin among the works of that father. There is ascribed to him
, deacon of the church
of Constantinople, and contemporary with Theophylact in
the eleventh century, and afterwards bishop of Heraclea,
composed several “Funeral Orations upon the death of
Gregory Nazianzen;
” as also a “Commentary,
” which is
inserted in Latin among the works of that father. There
is ascribed to him a “Catena upon the Book of Job,
” compiled of passages taken from several of the fathers, which
was printed by Junius at London, 1637, in folio. We
have also, by the same author, several “Catenx upon the
Psalms and Canticles,
” printed at Basil in Commentary upon the Poems of Gregory
Nazianzen,
” printed at Venice, under the name of Nicetas of Paphlagonia, which is apparently the same author.
nd,“1712, fol. 39.” A Defence of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England; first written in Latin, for the use of foreigners, by William Nichols, D. D.
That he deserved more attention, will appear from the
following list of his useful publications. 1. “An Answer
to an Heretical Book called `The naked Gospel,' which
was condemned and ordered to be publicly burnt by the
Convocation of the University of Oxon, Aug. 19, 1690,
with some Reflections on Dr. Bury’s new edition of that
book,
” A short History of Socinianism,
”
printed with the answer before-mentioned; and dedicated
to his patron the earl of Montague. 3, “A Practical
Essay on the Contempt of the World,
” sir John Trevor, master of the rolls,
” to whom
the author acknowledges his obligations for “a considerable preferment, bestowed in a most obliging and generous
manner.
” 4. “The Advantages of a learned Education,
”
a sermon preached at a school-feast, The
Duty of Inferiors towards their Superiors, in five practical
discourses; shewing, I. The Duty of Subjects to their
Princes. II. The Duty of Children to their Parents.
III. The Duty of Servants to their Masters. IV. The
Duty of Wives to their Husbands. V. The Duty of Parishioners and the Laity to their Pastors and Clergy. To
which is prefixed a dissertation concerning the divine
right of Princes,
” 1701, 8vo. 6. “An Introduction to a
Devout Life, by Francis Sales, bishop and prince of Geneva; translated and reformed from the Errors of the
Romish edition. To which is prefixed, a Discourse of the
Rise and Progress of the Spiritual Books in the Romish.
Church,
” A Treatise of Consolation to
Parents for the Death of theirChildren written upon the
occasion of the Death of the Duke of Gloucester and addressed to the most illustrious Princess Anue of Denmark,
”
God’s Blessing on Mineral Waters;
” a
Sermon preached at the chapel at Tunbridge Wells,“1702,
4to. 9.
” A Conference with a Theist, in five parts; dedicated to the Queen’s most excellent Majesty,“1703,
8vo; of which a third edition, with the addition of two
Conferences, the one with a Machiavelian, the other with
an Atheist, all carefully revised and prepared for the pres$
by the author, was published in 1723, 2 vols. 8vo. This
was particularly designed, says Leland, by the learned and
ingenious author, in opposition to the
” Oracles of Reason,“published by Blount; and he has not left any material part of that work unanswered. 10.
” A Practical Essayon the Contempt of the World; to which is prefixed, a Preface to the Deists and vicious Libertines of the
Age,“1704, 2d edit. 8vo. 11.
” The Religion of a Princes
shewing that the Precepts of the Holy Scriptures are the
best maxims of Government,“1704, 8vo, in opposition to
Machiavel, Hobbes, c. and written when the queen gave
up the tenths and first fruits to the inferior clergy. 12.
” Defensio Ecclesiae Anglicanae,“1707, 12mo. 13.
” A
Paraphrase on the Common Prayer, with Notes on the
Sundays and Holidays,“1708, 8vo. 14.
” Afflictions the
lot of God’s children, a Sermon on the Death of Prince
George,“1709, 8vo. 15.
” A Comment on the Book of
Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments,“&c. 1710, folio. This volume has the royal licence prefixed, and a list of more than 900 subscribers. In his
dedication to the queen, he notices, as what never happened before, that all the copies were bespoke or paid for
before the day of publication. It still continues to be
printed in 8vo. The late sir James Stonhouse, in a letter
to the rev. Thomas Stedman, dated 1793, says of this
work,
” I would have you recommend it to every family
in your parish as it will shew them the use of the common
prayer and psalms, as read in our churches, and be a
standard book from father to son.“16.
” A Supplement
to the Commentary on the Book of Common Prayer,“1711, folio. In the preface to this supplement, Dr. Nichols mentions
” a long fit of illness with which God had
pleased to visit him, and a very unestablished state of
health both before and after it.“This illness appears soon
to have ended in his death. 17.
” Historic Sacroe Libri
VII. Ex Antonii Cocceii Sabellici Eneadibus concinnatum,
in usum Scholarurn et Juventutis Christianae,“1711, 12mo.
18
” A Commentary on the first fifteen, and part of the
sixteenth Articles of the Church of England,“1712, fol.
39.
” A Defence of the Doctrine and Discipline of the
Church of England; first written in Latin, for the use of
foreigners, by William Nichols, D. D. and translated into
English by himself,“1715, 12mo. Dr. Nichols was
reckoned a very excellent scholar, and was known abroad as
well as at home by the learned correspondence he kept
with foreigners of eminence. A volume of such correspondence with JaUlonski, Osterwald, Wetstein, &c. was
presented by his widow Catharine Nichols to the archbishop
of Canterbury, Oct. 28,* 1712, to be deposited either in
Lambeth or St. Martin’s library, and is now among the
valuable Mss. at Lambeth, No. 676. He died in the end
of April 1712, and was buried in St. Swithin’s church
May 5. It may not be improper to distinguish this pious
divine from his name-sake William Nichols, M. A. and
rector of Stockport, in Cheshire, who was a student
of Christ church, Oxford, and. published, 1.
” De Literis
jnventis Libri sex ad illustrissinuum Principem Thomam,
Herbertum, Pembrokiae Comitem,“&c. 1711, 8vo. 2.
” Oratio corarn venerabili Spcietate promovenda Religione
Christiana habita Londini, Dec. 29, 171.&,“12mo; and,
3.
” Περι Αρχων Libri Septem. Accedunt Liturgica,"
1717, 12mo.
to Mr. Seof, bishop of Chartres. The abbé de Marolles says that he had several times received verses in Latin and French from our advocate, who died at Chartres in
, father of the celebrated Peter Nicole, was descended of a reputable family, and born at Chartres, in Get, 1600. He applied himself to the law, and made a good proficiency in it; so that he became an advocate in parliament, and judge official to the bishop of Chartres. As a pleader, however, he is said to have been more flowery than solid, and he injured his reputation by interspersing his pleadings with verses and scraps of romances, which his son took care afterwards to burn. It does not appear that he published much, unless part if not the whole of a French translation of Quintilian, printed at Paris, in 1642, and dedicated to Mr. Seof, bishop of Chartres. The abbé de Marolles says that he had several times received verses in Latin and French from our advocate, who died at Chartres in 1678.
1545, and dead in 1550, and that he was above seventy at the time of his death. He left Commentaries in Latin on Aristotle and Averroes, 14 vols. fol.; some smaller
a learned Italian, was born at
Sessa, in the kingdom of Naples, in 1473. About 1500,
he was appointed professor of philosophy at Padua, where
he composed a treatise “De Intellectu et Duemonibus,
” in
which he maintained that there is but one soul, which animates all nature. This raised many opponents, and he was
forced to publish his treatise with amendments in 1492,
fol. reprinted 1503 and 1527. He afterwards gained so
much reputation by his other works, however insignificant
they may now appear, that the most celebrated universities
of Italy offered him professorships with large stipends; and
he had a salary of a thousand crowns in gold, when professor at Pisa, about 1520. Pope Leo X. had such a
value for Niphus, that he made him count palatine, permitted him to quarter his arms with those of the Medici
family, and granted him power to create masters of arts,
bachelors, licentiates, doctors of divinity, civil and canon
law, to legitimate bastards, and to ennoble three persons.
The letters patent which conveyed these singular privileges,
are dated June 15, 1521. Niphus was a philosopher in
theory only, being remarkable even in old age for levity
and intrigue. He also loved high living; and such were
the charms of his conversation, that he had easy access to
the nobility and ladies of rank. The year in which he died
is not exactly known, but it is certain that he was living in
1545, and dead in 1550, and that he was above seventy
at the time of his death. He left Commentaries in Latin
on Aristotle and Averroes, 14 vols. fol.; some smaller
works on subjects of morality and politics, Paris, 1645,
4to a treatise “on the Immortality of the Soul,
” against
Pomponatius, Venice, 1518, fol. “De amore, de pulchro,
Veneris et Cupidinis venales,
” Leydae,
work contains 341 pages in the Antwerp edition of 1567, in 8vo. The catalogue of his works, chiefly in Latin, is as follows: 1. “De Arte Navigandi, libri duo,” 1530.
In 1542 he published a treatise on the twilight, which
he dedicated to John III. king of Portugal; to which he
added what Alhazen, an Arabian author, has composed on
the same subject. In this work he describes the method
or instrument erroneously called, from him, a Nonius.
He corrected several mathematical mistakes of Orontius
Finasus. But the most celebrated of all his works, or that
at least he appeared most to value, was his “Treatise of
Algebra,
” which he had composed in Portuguese, but
translated it into the Castilian tongue when he resolved
upon making it public, which he thought would render
his book more useful, as this language was more
generally known than the Portuguese. The dedication to
his former pupil, prince Henry, was dated from Lisbon,
Dec. 1, 1564. This work contains 341 pages in the Antwerp edition of 1567, in 8vo. The catalogue of his works,
chiefly in Latin, is as follows: 1. “De Arte Navigandi,
libri duo,
” De Crepusculis,
” Annotationes in Aristotelem.
” 4. “Problema Mechanicum
de Motu Navigii ex Remis.
” 5. “Annotationes in Planetarum Theorias Georgii Purbachii,
” &c. 6. “Libro
de Algebra en Arithmetica y Geometra,
” De Crepusculis,
” consists in describing within the same
quadrant, 45 concentric circles, dividing the outermost
into 90 equal parts, the next within into 89, the next into
88, and so on, till the innermost was divided into 46 only.
By this means, in most observations, the plumb-line or index must cross one or other of those circles in or very near
a point of division: whence by calculation the degrees and
minutes of the arch might easily be obtained. This method is also described by him in his treatise “De Arte
Navigandi,
” where he imagines it was not unknown to
Ptolomy. But as the degrees are thus divided unequally,
and it is very difficult to attain exactness in the division,
especially when the numbers, into which the arches are
to be divided, are incomposite, of which there are no less
than uine, the method of diagonals, first published by
Thomas Digges, esq. in his treatise “Alae seu Scaloe Mathematicae,
” printed at Lond. in
h is included in seven centuries, was printed by Rigault at Lyons in 1568, 8vo. He prefixed his name in Latin, but gave to his son Caesar the name as it is pronounced,
In 1546, Aix being afflicted with the plague, he went thither, at the solicitation of the inhabitants, and was of so great service, by a powder of his own invention, that the town gave him a considerable pension for several years after the contagion ceased. He appears to have been equally successful in 1547, when the city of Lyons, being visited with the same distemper, had recourse to him; but upon his return to Salon, found that his popularity had decreased. This occasioned his having more leisure to apply to his studies; and now he began to think himself inspired, and miraculously illuminated with a prospect into futurity, notions which he had partially entertained for some time. When these pretended illuminations discovered to him any future evenl, he entered it in writing, in prose, but he afterwards thought the sentences would savour more of a prophetic spirit, if they were expressed in verse. This opinion determined him to throw them all into quatrains, and he afterwards ranged them into centuries. When this was done, he resolved to print them, with a dedication addressed to his son Caesar, an infant only some months old, in the form of a letter, or preface. This first edition, which is included in seven centuries, was printed by Rigault at Lyons in 1568, 8vo. He prefixed his name in Latin, but gave to his son Caesar the name as it is pronounced, Notradame. This work was reprinted twice in the same year, and while some considered him as an impostor, there were others, and among them persons of considerable rank aud influence, who believed him to be really endued with the supernatural gift of prophecy. However, Henry II. and queen Catharine of Medicis, his mother, very graciously received him at court; and, besides other marks of respect paid to him, he received a present of 200 crowns. He was sent afterwards to Blois, to visit his majesty’s children there, and report what he should be able to discover concerning their destinies; and thence he returned to Salon loaded with honours and presents. Animated with this success, he augmented his work from 300 quatrains to the number of a complete miliiade, and published it with adedication to the king in 1558. That prince dying the next year of a wound which he received, as is well known, at a tournament, the book of our prophet was immediately consulted; and this unfortunate event was found in the 35th quatrain of the first century, in these lines:
a shorter compass, as soon as possible. The abridgment accordingly came out the same year, and both in Latin. They were soon after, for the sake of more extensive
The principal remaining monument of Nowell’s fame is
his celebrated “Catechism,
” of the history of which and of
catechisms in general, his biographer has given a very interesting detail. The precise time when he wrote it has
not been discovered; nor whether, as is not improbable,
he first devised it (or some such summary) for the use of
his pupils in Westminster-school, It is, however, certain that it was composed, and in readiness for publication,
before the convocation sat in 1562, for, among the minutes of matters to be moved in that synod, we find two
memorable papers, both of them noted by the archbishop
of Canterbury’s hand (Parker), and one of them drawn up
by one of his secretaries, in both of which there is express
mention of Nowell’s catechism. For the proceedings of
the convocation on the subject, we must refer to his excellent biographer. The work was not published until
June 1570, 4to. This is what is called his “Larger Catechism,
” and in the preface it is announced that he intended to publish it, reduced into a shorter compass, as
soon as possible. The abridgment accordingly came out
the same year, and both in Latin. They were soon after,
for the sake of more extensive usefulness, translated into
English, by Thomas Norton, of whom we have lately taken
notice, and into Greek by the Dean’s nephew, Whitaker,
but the Greek translation of the larger, which was first
printed (along with the Latin) did not appear until 1573,
and that of the smaller in 1575. His biographer gives
some account of a third Catechism, attributed to Nowell,
but its history seems involved in some obscurity. There
seems reason to think that this was, in whole or in part,
what is now called “The Church Catechism.
” Nowell’s
other catechisms were in such request as to go through a
great many impressions, and long continued to be used in
schools, and the use of them appears to have been frequently enjoined by the founders of schools, and mentioned expressly in the statutes drawn up for such seminaries. What public authority and private influence could
do, was not wanting to recommend these catechisms as
the foundation of religious knowledge. In fact, the church
catechism, the homilies, and Nowell’s catechisms, appear
to have long been the standard books, which were quoted
as authorities for all that the church of England believed and taught; and Nowell’s were within these few
years reprinted in the “Enchiridion Theologicum,
” by
Dr. Randolph, late bishop of London, and by Dr. Cleaver,
late bishop of St. Asaph.
e restorers of literature in Spain, flourished in the sixteenth century, and was born at Vailadolid, in Latin Pinciuniy whence he was sometimes called Pingianus. His
, one of the restorers of literature in Spain, flourished in the sixteenth
century, and was born at Vailadolid, in Latin Pinciuniy
whence he was sometimes called Pingianus. His father,
of the illustrious family of Guzman, was superintendant of
the finances, or treasurer to Ferdinand the catholic. As
entitled by birth, he received, when of proper age, the
honour of knighthood of St. Jago; but his earliest taste
being decidedly for literature, he put himself under a
regular course of instruction for that purpose, and having
a particular desire to become acquainted with the Greek
language, then little known in Spain, after some elementary instruction in grammar under Antonio Lebrixa, he
went to Bologna, and applied with the greatest ardour to
Greek and Latin under Jovian of Peloponesus, and Philip
Beroaldus. Having learned what these celebrated masters
were able to teach, he determined to improve himself by
every means, and laid out large sums in the purchase of
Greek books and Mss. with which he returned to Spain,
and devoted the whole of his time and attention to the
studies he had begun with so much success. He appears
to have been first employed by cardinal Ximenes on his
celebrated Polyglot, and executed the greater part of the
Latin version. He then succeeded Demetrius Luca of
Crete, as Greek professor in the university of Alcala, then
founded by the cardinal; but some disputes which occurred in this university obliged him to seek a situation of
more tranquillity. This he found at Salamanca, the most
famous university of Spain, where he was appointed Greek
professor, and also taught rhetoric, and lectured on Pliny’s
natural history. Here he formed many distinguished scholars, acquired the esteem of the learned men of his time,
and was for many years the great patron and teacher of
classical studies. He assisted likewise in the correction
and revision of some of the ancient authors. He died
about the age of eighty, in 1553, according to Antonio, or
1552, according to Thuanus and others, bequeathing his
valuable library to the university of Salamanca, and his
other property to the poor. His private character appears
to have been estimable; he kept a plain but hospitable
table, at which he loved to see his friends and scholars,
whom he delighted and edified by his conversation. Among
his works are, 1. “Annotationes in Senecae Philosophi
Opera,
” Venice, Observationes in Pomponium Melam,
” Salamanca, Observationes in loca obscura
et depravata Hist. Nat. C. Plinii, cum retractationibus
quorundam locorum Geographiae Pomponii Melae, locisque
aliis non paucis in diversis utriusque linguae authoribus
castigatis et exposuis,
” Antwerp,Glosa
sobre las obras de Juan de Mena,
” Saville, Refranes, o Proverbios en
Romance,
” Salamanca, fol.
oodshed. He published also a great many translations from the Fathers; and his own works, originally in Latin, were translated by his friends into German. He left several
His writings evince a vast compass of learning. Among
the principal are, “Annotations on many books of the
Holy Scriptures.
” His controversial treatises “on the real
presence.
” An exhortation to the reading of God’s
word.“” Of the dignity of the Eucharist.' 1 “Of the joy
of the Resurrection.
” “A speech to the Senate of Basil.
”
t A Catechism.“” Annotations on Chrysostom.“” Enchiridion to the Greek tongue.“” Of Alms-deeds.“”Against Julian the Apostate.“” Of tnle faith in Christ.“”Of the praises of Cyprian.“” Of the life of Moses.“”Against usury" with many controversies against the
Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Anabaptists, who appeared in his time under Stork and Muncer, and created
not only a controversy, but a rebellion attended with desolation and bloodshed. He published also a great many
translations from the Fathers; and his own works, originally
in Latin, were translated by his friends into German. He
left several manuscripts behind him, which are probably in
some of the German libraries. His exposition of Daniel,
and two or three small tracts, were translated into English
in the sixteenth century. He appears to have been held
in high estimation even by some of his adversaries, as he
had the proper temper as well as the abilities and zeal of a
reformer.
s addressed to the parliament of England.” At the end of the first book he wrote some monkish rhymes in Latin, which Bale has preserved, and which, he says, “were copyed
He wrote, “Twelve Conclusions addressed to the parliament of England.
” At the end of the first book he wrote
some monkish rhymes in Latin, which Bale has preserved,
and which, he says, “were copyed out by dyverse men,
and set upon theyr wyndowes, gates, and dores, which
were then knowen for obstynate hypocrytes and fleshlye
livers, which made the prelates madde.
” Bale published
“A brefe Chronycle concernynge the Examynacyon and
death of the blessed martyr of Christ, syr Johan Oldecastell
the lorde Cobham,
” which was reprinted under the care
of Mr. Lewis, of Margate, in 1729. His life has been
since elegantly written by Mr. Gilpin. “Lord Cobham,
says this biographer,
” had been much conversant in the
world; and had probably been engaged in the early part
of his life, in the licence of it. His religion, however,
put a thorough restraint upon a disposition naturally inclined to the allurements of pleasure. He was a man of a
very high spirit, and warm temper; neither of which his
sufferings could subdue. With very little temporizing he
might have escaped the indignities he received from the
clergy, who always considered him as an object beyond
them; but the greatness of his soul could not brook concession. In all his examinations, and through the whole
of his behaviour, we see an authority and dignity in his
manner, which speak him the great man in all his afflictions. He was a person of uncommon parts, and very
extensive talents; well qualified either for the cabinet or
the field. In conversation he was remarkable for his ready
and poignant wit. His acquirements were equal to his
parts. No species of learning which was at that time in
esteem had escaped his attention. It was his thirst of
knowledge, indeed, which first brought him acquainted
with the opinions of Wickliff.' The novelty of them engaged his curiosity. He examined them as a philosopher,
and in the course of his examination became a Christian."
f mourner, who soon after erected a monument to his memory, with an inscription expressing his eloge in Latin, to this effect: “No poet was more inspired with the sacred
But what turned to his greater advantage was, his being
made known to the earl of Kingston, who became his patron, and entertained him with great respect at his seat
at Holme-Pierpoint; apparently in the view of making
him his chaplain, if he would qualify himself for it by entering into orders. But he had the utmost aversion for
that office, as appears from his “Satire,
” addressed to a
friend, who was about to leave the university, and come
abroad into the world; in which he lets him know, that he
was deterred from the thought of such an office by the
servility too often expected from it. He remained, however, an inmate in the earPs house, till his death, which
was occasioned by the small-pox, Dec. 9, 1683, in his 30th
year. He was buried in the church of Holme-Pierpoint,
the earl attending as chief mourner, who soon after erected
a monument to his memory, with an inscription expressing his eloge in Latin, to this effect: “No poet was more
inspired with the sacred furor, none more sublime in
sentiments, none more happily bold in expression, than he.
”
In his person, he was tall of stature, very thin, long-visaged,
with a high nose and prominent; his aspect unpromising,
but satire was in his eye. His constitution was tender, and
inclined to a consumption; and not a little injured by apJication to learned authors, in whom he was well versed.
His genius lay chiefly to satire, where, however, he did
not always keep within the bounds of decency.
, at Paris. He translated the abbe Fleury’s “Tr. des Etudes,” into Italian, and left a dissertation, in Latin, “On the necessity of joining the study of ancient medals
, an Italian antiquary, was born July 11,
1689, at Rovigo, in the Venetian state. Having been ordained priest in 1711, he became professor of ethics at
Azzoio, which office he filled for eight years, and went to
Rome in 1715, where Clement XI. received him very kindly.
After this pontiff’s decease, Oliva being made secretary
to the conclave, obtained the notice of cardinal de Rohan,
who patronized him, and in 1722 appointed him his librarian, which he held till his death, March 19, 1757, at Paris.
He translated the abbe Fleury’s “Tr. des Etudes,
” into
Italian, and left a dissertation, in Latin, “On the necessity of joining the study of ancient medals to that of history;
” another, “On the progress and decay of learning
among the Romans;
” and a third, “On a monument of
the goddess Isis.
” These three, under the title of “CEuvres
diverses,
” were printed at Paris,
, in Latin Opitius, reckoned the father of German poetry, was born
, in Latin Opitius, reckoned the father of German poetry, was born at Bunzlau, in Silesia,
1597. His parents had but a moderate fortune; but his
father, observing his genius, educated him carefully in
grammar, in which he soon made great proficiency: and,
after some time, went to Breslaw for farther improvement,
and thence to Francfort upon the Oder. He spent a year
in that university, and then removed to Heidelberg, where
fce studied with remarkable assiduity: but the fame of the
celebrated Bernegger drew him, after some time, to Strasbourg and Bernegger was so struck with the learning and
wit of Opits, that he pronounced he would one day become the Virgil of Germany. At length be returned, by
the way of Tubingen, to Heidelberg; but, the plague beginning to appear in the Palatinate, this, together with
the troubles in Bohemia, disposed our. student to travel
with a Danish gentleman into the Low Countries; and
thence he went to Holstein, where he wrote his books of
“Constancy.
” As soon as the troubles of Bohemia were
a little calmed, he returned to his own country and, that
he might not live in obscurity, he frequented the cour$.
Bethlem Gabor, prince of Transilvania, having founded a
school at Weissenberg, Opits was recommended by Gaspar
Conrade, a famous physician and poet at Breslaw, to that
prince, who appointed him the school-master or professor;
and there he read lectures upon Horace and Seneca.
; Puring his residence in Transilvania, he inquired into
the original of the Daci, and the Roman antiquities there.
He made also exact researches after the ancient Roman
inscriptions, which he sometimes recovered, and sent them
to Gruter, Grotius, and Bernegger. Some time after his
return home, he was meditating a journey to France, when
a burgrave, who was in the emperor’s service, made him
his secretary, in which office he contrived to keep up a regular correspondence with Grotius, Heinsius, Salmasius,
Rigaltius, and other learned men; and his employer having not only consented to, but furnished him with all the
necessaries for his journey to France, he became intimate
with Grotius, who then resided at Paris, and in this journey also he collected a good number of manuscripts and
curious medals.
e none of the “Scholia” remaining, nor hardly any of the “Homilies” in Greek and those which we have in Latin, are ^translated by Ruffinus, and others, with so much
Though what we have at present of the works of Origen
made several considerable volumes, yet they are but an
inconsiderable part of what he wrote. Jerom, speaking
of Origen, says, “Who is there among you that can read
as many books as he has composed?
” We may distinguish
his works into two kinds; the one upon the sacred Scriptures, the other into separate treatises upon different subjects. Not to mention his “Tetrapla
” and“Hexapla,
”
which were rather a collection than a work of his own, he
composed three sorts of books upon the Scriptures; and
these were “Commentaries,
” “Scholia,
” and “Homilies.
” In his “Commentaries,
” he gave himself wholly
up to all that heat and fire, all that genius and force of
fancy, which was natural to him; the better, as he thought,
to reach the height and depth of the Scriptures, and their
most recondite and mysterious interpretation. His “Scholia
” were, on the contrary, only short notes, to explain the
difficult places. These two kinds of works were rather for
jthe use of the learned than of the people; but the “Homilies,
” which the Latins call Treatises, and we Sermons,
were moral lectures upon the holy Scriptures. We have
none of the “Scholia
” remaining, nor hardly any of the
“Homilies
” in Greek and those which we have in Latin,
are ^translated by Ruffinus, and others, with so much licence, that it is difficult, if not impossible, to discern
Origen’s own from what has been foisted in by his interpreters. A great part likewise of his “Commentaries
”
are lost. The other Treatises of Origen are not near so
many in number as his works upon the Scriptures, and yet
they were very considerable; for, not to mention his “Commentaries upon the
” Philosophers,“which Eusebius speaks
of, he wrote two books upon the
” Resurrection;“a treatise
” -De Principiis,“in four books; ten of
” Stromata;“an
” Exhortation to Martyrdom;“eight books against
” Celsus;“”A Treatise upon Prayer;“'
” A Letter to
Africanus concerning the History of Susannah," &c.
All Origen’s works, which remain only in Latin, were collected by Merlinus, and afterwards by Erasmus,
All Origen’s works, which remain only in Latin, were
collected by Merlinus, and afterwards by Erasmus, and
printed at Paris, in 1512, and at Basil in 1536, in 2 vols.
folio. Genebrard has since made a larger collection, which
was printed at Paris, in 1574, 1604, 1619, 2 vols. folio.
All the Greek fragments of Origen upon the Scriptures
were published, with a Latin translation by Huetius, and
printed in 1668, 1679, and 1685, 2 vols, folio; to which
are prefixed by the editor large Prolegomena, under the
title of “Origeniana,
” in which are given, in three books,
a very copious and learned account of the life, the doctrines, and the writings of Origen. The eight books against
U Oelsus,“an Epicurean philosopher, which are by far the
most valuable of his works, were published in Greek, with
the
” Translation of Gelenius,“and the
” Notes of Hoeschelius,“in 1605, 4to; and afterwards very correctly at
Cambridge, in 1658, 4to, by William Spencer, fellow of
Trinity-college, who corrected the translation, and also
added notes of his own. To this edition are subjoined the
” Philocalia, sive de obscuris sacrse scripturae locis,“of
Origen. Wetstein, Greek-professor at Basil, caused to be
printed there, with a Latin version and notes, in 1674, 4to,
” The Dialogue against Marcion“(which, by the way, is supposed by Huetius to be a spurious piece), the
” Exhortation to Martyrdom,“and the
” Letters of Africanus
and Origen, concerning the “History of Susannah and
lastly, the book
” De Oratione,“was published at London,
in 1718, 4to, with notes by Dr. Ashton and Mr. Reading.
An edition of all Origen’s works was undertaken by Charles
Delarue, a Benedictine monk, who began to publish it at
Paris, in 1733, folio; and though the four volumes he has
given us do not complete his plan, yet they contain the
best, and indeed the only part of Origen’s works wprth any
attention. This was reprinted by Oberthur, in 1780, 15
vols. 8vo. The celebrated Montfaucon has published in 2
vols, folio, some remains and fragments of his
” Hexapla,"
and more recently Bahrdt published at Leipsic the Hexapla, 1769, in 2 vols. 8vo.
He was a member of the academy of the Ricovrati, and has left a great number of valuable works, some in Latin, others in Italian: the principal among the former are,
, or Ursatus, a celebrated antiquary, historian, grammarian, and poet, was born February 1, 1617, at Padua, of one of the most illustrious families in that city. He applied diligently to the study of
antiquities and ancient inscriptions, which occasioned his
taking several journies into different parts of Italy. When
advanced in life, he was appointed to teach natural philosophy in the university of Padua, and acquitted himself
with great success in that office. He died at Venice July
3, 1678. He was a member of the academy of the Ricovrati, and has left a great number of valuable works, some
in Latin, others in Italian: the principal among the former
are, “Sertum Philosophicum ex variis scientise naturaiis
floribus consertum,
” Padua, Monumenta
Patavina,
” Padua,“1652, folio. 3.
” Commentarius de
Dotis Romanorum,“Padua, 1672, folio, a useful work, and
much esteemed. It has been inserted in torn. XI. of the
” Thesaurus“of Groevius, and is printed separately, Paris,
1723, 12mo, and at the Hague, 1736. The following are
his principal Italian works 4.
” A Hist, of Padua, in two
parts,“1678, folio. 5.
” I Marmi eruditi,“1669, and 1719,
2 vols. 4to; a curious work, in two parts also. 6.
” Chronologia di Reggimenti di Padoua;“revised, with notes,
1666, 4to. 7. Several
” Lyric Poems,“1637, 12mo;
” Comedies," andother poetical pieces, &c.
the title of “Lachrymae,” by Francis Svveerts, who annexed an account of his life. All his works are in Latin.
, a celebrated geographer, was
descended from a family originally seated at Augsburg:
but his grandfather William Ortelius settled, in 1460, at
Antwerp, and dying there in 1511, left Leonard, the father of Abraham, who was born in that city April 1527. In
the course of a learned education, he particularly distinguished himself in the languages and mathematics; and
afterwards he became so famous for his knowledge in geography, that he was called the Ptolemy of his time. He
travelled a great deal in England, Ireland, France, Italy,
and Germany, suffering no curiosity to escape his inquiries. In England he became acquainted with Camden (see Camden). When he had finished his travels, he fixed at
Antwerp, where he first published his “Theatrum orbis
terrse.
” This work procured him the honour of being
appointed geographer to Philip II. of Spain; and he afterwards published the following pieces: “Thesaurus Geographicus;
” “Deorum dearumque capita ex veteribus
numismatibus;
” “Aurei seculi imago, sive Gtrr manor urn
veterum mores, vita, ritus, et religio;
” “Itinerarium per
nonnuJlas Belgiue partes.
” He was possessed of many
rarities, in antique statues, medals, and shells. The greatest
men of that age were friends to him to his death, which
happened in June 1598. Justus Lipsius wrote his epitaph;
and several funeral eloges were made of him, which were
published, under the title of “Lachrymae,
” by Francis
Svveerts, who annexed an account of his life. All his works
are in Latin.
of them, without either his knowledge or consent. In this way his “Ethica Christiana” was published in Latin, at London, in 1727, and often reprinted both in Dutch
In 1700, the clergy of Neufchatel chose Mr. Ostervald
for their dean, an annual office to which he was frequently
re-elected, and held it at one time for three successive
years. In 1700, also, the London society for the propagation of the Gospel chose him a member, and had before
so far honoured him as to cause his “Abridgment of the
Sacred History
” prefixed to his Catechism, to be translated
into Arabic, in order to be sent to the East Indies. The
year that he was first chosen dean was distinguished by the
introduction of a new version of the Psalms in the churches,
and various regulations of great utility in the modes of
theological study and discipline, in all which he took an
active part. He began also from this time to give a complete course of instructions to divinity students, which he
carried on for forty-five years with great success and approbation. Such indeed was the fame of his lectures, that
some of his pupils, eager to diffuse their usefulness more
extensively, published some part of them, without either
his knowledge or consent. In this way his “Ethica Christiana
” was published in Latin, at London, in Compendium Theologiae,
” and “Trait4 du Ministere Sacre,
” were
also published in the same manner. Against all these
Ostervald advertised, that they were published without his
knowledge, and that he would not be responsible for their
errors. Even this, however, had very little effect on the
sale, so highly was every thing valued of which he was the
reputed author; and, after all, there were not any errors
faund in them which could affect his reputation. The last
mentioned treatise was published in English in 1781, by
the rev. Thomas Stevens, who considered it as the most
complete that had then appeared, under the title of “Lectures on the exercise of the Sacred Ministry.
”
ich indicate great learning and acquaintance with ecclesiastical history. Of these which are written in Latin, the principal are, a treatise “On the Grandeur of the
, a learned Swiss divine, was born
in the canton of Zurich in 1617, where he was first educated, but in 1635 was sent to study at Lausanne, Geneva,
and Groningen, and afterwards at Leyden and Amsterdam.
After this he visited England and France; and upon his
return to his native country, obtained the living of Dietlickon, which he held for twenty-five years. In 1651 he
was nominated to the professorship of eloquence at Zurich
in 1655, to that of Hebrew and in 1668, to that of ecclesiastical history. He died in 1682, leaving behind him several works which indicate great learning and acquaintance
with ecclesiastical history. Of these which are written in
Latin, the principal are, a treatise “On the Grandeur of
the Church of Rome;
” “Annals relating to the History of
the Anabaptists;
” “A Latin Discourse in favour of the
Study of the Hebrew Language;
” “A Latin Treatise oh
”
Alphabets, and the Manner of Writing in all Nations.“He
had a son, John Baptist Ott, born in 1661, who acquired
great celebrity by his knowledge of the oriental languages
and antiquities. He was pastor of a church at Zollicken,
and afterwards professor of Hebrew at Zurich. In 1715 he
was promoted to the archdeaconry of the cathedral in that
city. He was the author of several works of considerable
reputation: as,
” A Dissertation on Vows;“” A Letter on
Samaritan Medals, addressed to Adrian Reland:“both
these are written in the Latin language; a treatise in German,
” On the manuscript and printed Versions of the
Bible before the era of the reformation;“and
” A Dissertation on certain Antiquities discovered at Klothen, in 1724."
Thus far we learn from Moreri and the Dictionnaire Historique, but we suspect that this John Baptist was either
the John Henry Ott, librarian to archbishop Wake, or his
brother. Of this last we are told, that archbishop Wake
had received many civilities from his father in the early
part of his life, and recollecting this, and that he had many
children, appointed his son John Henry, whom he found in
England, to be Dr. Wilkins’s successor, as librarian at Lambeth. He also ordained him deacon and priest, and in.
June 1721, collated him to the rectory of Blackmanston, Kent. Mr. Ott obtained other promotions, the last
of which, in 1730, was a prebend of Peterborough. He
continued librarian till archbishop Wake’s death, in 1737.
The time of his own death we have not been able to ascertain.
28, 1752, aged seventy-nine. The principal among his printed works are, 1. An excellent little poem in Latin, which he wrote at the age of twenty-two, entitled “Somnia,”
, a learned French Jesuit, was born
November 1, 1673, at Vignory, in Champagne. He was
carefully educated at Langres, by an uncle, who was an
ecclesiastic, and began his noviciate among the Jesuits
in 1691, His uncle bequeathed him an annuity of 400
livres on condition of his residing either at Paris or
Dijon. Accordingly he settled at Dijon, where he taught
rhetoric fifteen years, and theology fifteen years more,
with great applause. Besides Greek and Latin, he understood Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and English, and
had particularly studied antiquities, both sacred and profane. Father Oudin undertook to write commentaries on
the whole Bible, but could not finish them, being employed
by father Francis Retz, general of his order, in a general
history, or Bibliotheque of authors belonging to the Jesuits.
This important work had been begun by father Ribadeneira, and carried on to 1618. Alegambe continued it to
1643, and Sotwel to 1673. Other Jesuits were afterwards
successively employed to carry it on; but as they had published nothing, and only collected some undigested materials, it was thought that father Oudin would acquit himself better in the undertaking. The learned Jesuit did
indeed apply himself to it with indefatigable ardour during
the rest of his life, and drew up 1928 articles, but they
still remain in ms. He died at Dijon, of a dropsy in his
breast, April 28, 1752, aged seventy-nine. The principal
among his printed works are, 1. An excellent little poem
in Latin, which he wrote at the age of twenty-two, entitled “Somnia,
” 8vo and 12mo; and some other poems
in the same language, most of which are in “Poemata
Didascalica,
” 3 vols. 12mo; 2. Harangues in Latin, and
several Dissertations on different literary subjects, printed in
the abbe le Boeuf 's “Dissertations,
” 3 vols. 12mo; 3. Some
of the Lives of learned men in* Niceron’s “Memoires;
”
4. A Memoir, 4to, “in answer to the Ordinance of M. the
bishop of Auxerre,
” September 18, 1725, against some
propositions dictated by father le Moyne, a Jesuit; 5. “A
Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans,
” Publius Syrus,
” with
notes, Dijon,
, in Latin called Audoenus, an English epigrammatist, was born at
, in Latin called Audoenus, an English epigrammatist, was born at Armon, in Caernarvonshire; and being bred at Winchester-school, under Dr. Bilson, was chosen thence a scholar of New-college, in Oxford, of which he became probationer fellow in 1582, and actual fellow in 1584. He proceeded LL. B. in 1690, but quitting his fellowship the next year, taught school atTrylegh, near Monmouth; and about 1594 was chosen master of the free-school founded by Henry VIII. at Warwick. He generally laboured under necessitous circumstances, owing to indolence or imprudence. He had a rich uncle, upon whom lay his chief dependence, who was either a papist, or at least popishly inclined; yet, Owen’s genius being peculiarly turned for epigrams, he was not able to resist the charm of the following satirical distich upon that religion:
At an act, when one of Trinity-college was Terrae-filius, before he began, the doctor stood up, and in Latin told him, he should have liberty to say what he pleased,
Granger remarks, that “Supposing it necessary for one
of his persuasion to be placed at the head of the university,
none was so proper as this person; who governed it several years with much prudence and moderation, when faction and animosity seemed to be a part of every religion.
”
It is certain that Dr. Owen’s administration was distinguished
for moderation, arising doubtless from his natural temper;
and that he was impartial in his patronage. At this time
the presbyterians had considerably the ascendancy, and it
was with such he most of all conversed in the university,
and, in the disposition of several vacant livings, he generally gave them to presbyterians: nor was he ever wanting
to oblige even the episcopal party, whom he suffered to
meet quietly, about three hundred every Sunday, at the
house of Dr. Willis, near Christ-church, where they celebrated divine service according to the liturgy of the church
of England; and though he was often urged to it, yet he
would never give them the least disturbance and if at any
time they met with opposition or trouble on that account,
it was from other hands, and always against his mind. In
his office also of commissioner for ejecting “scandalous
ministers,
” as the royalists were generally called, he frequently took the part of men of merit, and particularly in
the case of Dr. Edward Pococke. This moderation of temper in the exercise of power, gained him the love and
respect of the most; yet we must observe also, that he
would not suffer authority to be slighted, when there was
occasion to assert it. At an act, when one of Trinity-college was Terrae-filius, before he began, the doctor stood
up, and in Latin told him, he should have liberty to say
what he pleased, provided he would avoid profaneness,
obscenity, and personal reflections. The Terrse-filius began, and in a little time transgressed in all these particulars, and the doctor endeavoured to check him, but finding
that he paid no attention to his remonstrances, he sent his
beadles to pull him down, on which the scholars interposed,
and would not suffer them to come near him. Dr. Owen
then resolved to pull him down himself, and when his
friends dissuaded him lest the scholars should do him some
mischief, he exclaimed, “I will not see authority thus
trampled on,
” and actually seized on the offender and sent
him to prison. Dr. Owen was never deficient in personal
courage, for in 1654, having heard of some disturbances
in Wiltshire, which threatened to reach Oxford, he ordered
a troop of scholars to be raised and armed for the protection of the university; and Wood informs us that he often
appeared at the head of them, well mounted, with a sword
by his side and a case of pistols.
, or in Latin Pavius, a physician and anatomist, born at Amsterdam in
, or in Latin Pavius, a physician and
anatomist, born at Amsterdam in 1564, was educated in
medical studies at Leyden, whence he proceeded to Paris
for farther improvement. He afterwards spent some time
in Denmark, and at Rostock, where he received the degree
of doctor in 1587, and at Padua. On his return to Leyden,
he was appointed professor of medicine in 15S9, in which
office he acquired the approbation and esteem both of the
public and his colleagues, and died universally regretted,
in August 1617, at the age of fifty-four. Anatomy and
botany were the departments which he most ardently cultivated; and he was the founder of the botanic garden of
Leyden. His works are, 1. “Tractatus de Exercitiis, Lacticim'is, et Bellariis.
” Rost. 2. “Notse in Galen urn, de
cibis boni et mali succi,
” ibid. These two pieces appear
to. have been his inaugural exercises. 3. “Hortus publi-,
cus Academiae Lugduno-Batavae, ejus Ichnographia, descriptio, usus, &c.
” Lugd. Bat. Primitioe Anatomicae de humani corporis Ossibus,
” ibid. Succenturiatus Anatomicus, continens Commentaria in Hip-.
pocratem de Capitis Vulneribus. Additae sunt Anuotationes in aliquot Capita Librioctavi C. Celsi,
” ibid. Notae et Commentarii in Epitomen Anatomicum Aridresa
Vesalii, ibid, 1616. To these we may add some works
which appeared after his death. 7.
” De Valvula Intestini
Epistolaa du33.“Oppenheim, 1619, together with the first
century of the Epistles of Fabric-ills Hildanus. 3.
” De
Peste Tractatus, cum Henrici Florentii additamentis.“Lug.
Bat. 1636. 9.
” Anatomicae Observationes selectiores.“Hafniae, 1657, inserted in the third and fourth centuries
of the anatomical and medical histories of T. Bartholin. He
also left in ms. a
” Methodus Anatomica," which was in
the library of M. de Vick of Amsterdam.
wing: “Archiepiscopale Bonnoniense” “De imagiriibus Sacris, et Profanis,” 1582, 4to, in Italian; and in Latin, 1594; “De Sacri Consistorii Consultationibus” “De Nothis,
, a learned Italian cardinal,
descended from an illustrious family, was born at Bologna,
Oct. 4, 1524. He was intended for the profession of the
civil and canon law, in which some of his family had acquired fame, and he made great progress in that and other
studies. His talents very early procured him a canonry of
Bologna; after which he was appointed professor of civil
law, and obtained the title of the new Alciatus from his
emulating the judgment and taste of that learned writer.
Some business requiring his presence at Rome, he was appointed by ca'rdinal Alexander Farnese, who had been his
fellow-student at Bologna, and who was then perpetual
legate of Avignon, governor of Vaisson, in the county of
Venaissin, but hearing of the death of his mother, he made
that a pretence for declining the office, and therefore returned to his professorship at Bologna. The Farnese family
were, however, determined to serve him in spite of his
modesty, and in 1557 obtained for him the post of auditor
of the rota. When Pope Pius IV. opened the council of
Trent, Paleotti was made proctor and counsellor to his legates, who, in truth, did nothing of importance without
his advice. Of this council Paleotti wrote a history, which
still remains in ms. and of which Pallavicini is said to have
availed himself in his history. After this council broke up
he resumed his functions at Rome, where in 1565 he was
raised to the dignity of the purple by Pius IV. and by
Pius V. he was created bishop of Bologna, but the see
upon this occasion was erected into an archbishopric to do
honour both to Paleotti and his native country. Being a
conscientious man, he was always so assiduous in the duties
of his diocese, that it was with the greatest reluctance
the popes summoned him to attend the consistories and
other business at Rome. He died at Rome, July 23, 1597,
aged seventy-three. He was author of several works of
considerable merit, on subjects in antiquities, jurisprudence, and morals. Of these the most considerable are
the following: “Archiepiscopale Bonnoniense
” “De imagiriibus Sacris, et Profanis,
” De Sacri Consistorii Consultationibus
”
“De Nothis, Spuriisque Filiis,
” Francfort, De
Bono Senectutis
” Pastoral Letters, &c.
what year is not known. His “History” was published in Greek by Meursius, at Amsterdam, in 1619, and in Latin in the “Bibliotheca Patrum” but he seems not to have been
, bishop of Helenopolis in Bithynia, and
afterwards of Aspona, was by nation a Galatian, and born
about the year 368 at Cappadocia. He became an anchoret in the mountain of Nebria in the year 388, and was
made a bishop in the year 401. This prelate was a steady
friend to St. John Chrysostom, whom he never forsook
during the time of his persecution, nor even in his exile.
He went to Rome, some time after the death of that saint;
and at the request of Lausus, governor of Cappadocia,
composed the history of the Anchorets, or Hermits, and
entitled it “Lausiaca,
” after the name of that lord, to
whom he dedicated it in the year 420, when it was written;
being then in the 20th year of his episcopacy, and 53d of
his age. Palladius was accused of being an Origenist,
because he does not speak very favourably of St. Jerome,
and was intimately connected with Ruffinus; but perhaps
no good proof can be drawn thence of his Origenism. He
had been the disciple of Evagrias of Pontus, and was even
suspected to adhere to the sentiments of Pelagius. He
died in the fifth century, but what year is not known.
His “History
” was published in Greek by Meursius, at
Amsterdam, in 1619, and in Latin in the “Bibliotheca
Patrum
” but he seems not to have been the writer of the
“Life of St. John Chrysostom, in Greek and Latin, by
M. Bigot,
” printed in
Besides his “Chronicle,” Matthew, or Matteo, Palmieri wrote in Latin the life of Nicolas Acciajuoli, grandseneschal of the
Besides his “Chronicle,
” Matthew, or Matteo, Palmieri wrote in Latin the life of Nicolas Acciajuoli, grandseneschal of the kingdom of Naples, which is printed in
the thirteenth volume of Muratori’s “Script. Rer. Ital.;
” a
work on the taking of Pisa by the Florentines, “De captivitate Pisarum,
” printed in Muratori’s nineteenth volume,
and, in Italian, “Libro della vita civile,
” written in the
form of dialogues, and printed at Florence in 1529, 8vo.
It was translated into French by Claude des Hosiers, Paris,
1557, 5vo. Palmieri was also a poet. He composed in
the terza rima, in imitation of Dante, a philosophical, or
rather a theological, poem, which had great celebrity in
his day: its title was “Citta di Vita,
” and was divided
into three books, and an hundred chapters. But having
advanced, among other singular opinions, that human souls
were formerly those angels who remained neuter during
the rebellion in heaven against their Creator, and were
sent to the world below as a punishment, the Inquisition,
after his death, ordered his poem to be burnt, although it
had never been published, but read in manuscript. Some
assert, that he was burnt along with his poem but Apostolo Zeno has proved that he died peaceably in 1475, and
was honoured with a public funeral, by order of the state
of Florence, that Rinuccini pronounced his funeral oration, and that, during the ceremony, his poem was laid on
his breast, as his highest honour.
veterum selectorum in universa Biblia,” Antwerp, 1566, 8vo; “Conciliorum Paralipomena,” a discourse in Latin, addressed to the Flemish States; “De non admittendis
A new edition of Rabanus, which he was preparing at
the time of his decease, has been since published at
Cologn, and includes Commentaries by Pamelius on Judith, and St. Paul’s “Epistle to the Hebrews.
” His other
works are, “Catalogus Commentar. veterum selectorum
in universa Biblia,
” Antwerp, Conciliorum
Paralipomena,
” a discourse in Latin, addressed to the
Flemish States; “De non admittendis una in Republica
diversorum Religionum exercitiis,
” Micrologus de Ecclesiasticis observationibus;
” an edition of Cassiodorus “De Divinis nominibus
” and two books of the
“Liturgies of the Latins,
”
, in the seventy-third year of his age. He composed various works both in medicine and history, some in Latin and some in German, and translated certain authors into
, a learned physician and historian, was born at Basil June 13, 1522. In his early education he made very considerable proficiency, but it ap
pears that his friends differed in their opinions as to his
profession, some intending him for a learned profession,
and some for a printer, which they conceived to be connected with it. At length after a due course of the languages and polite literature, he studied divinity according
to the principles of the reformed religion, but changing
that design, he taught dialectics and natural philosophy at
Basil for about forty years. He then, at an advanced age,
studied medicine, took the degree of doctor in that faculty,
and practised with much reputation until his death, March
3, 1595, in the seventy-third year of his age. He composed various works both in medicine and history, some in
Latin and some in German, and translated certain authors
into the latter language. His most useful work, nowscarce, was an account of the eminent men of Germany,
published at Basil in 1565, fol. under the title of “Posographia heroum et illustrium virorum Germanise,
” dedicated to the emperor Maximilian II. who honoured him
with the title of Count Palatin. He published also a Latin
history of the order of St. John of Jerusalem, 1581, folio.
' Historia Militaris ordinis Johannitarum, Rhodiorum aut
Melitensium Equitum;“” Chronographia Ecclesiae Christi,“ibid, 1568;
” Diarium Historicum,“1572; and, in
his youth,
” Comoedia de Zaccheo publicanorum principe,"
1546, 8vo.
y of Aristseus, respecting the version of the Pentateuch,” 4 to. 2. “Historia sui temporis,” written in Latin, but best known by a French version which was published
, a French historian, and laborious writer of the sixteenth century, was still living in
1581, and was then turned fourscore. He was the author
of many works, among which the following are remarkable: 1. “The History of Aristseus, respecting the version
of the Pentateuch,
” 4 to. 2. “Historia sui temporis,
”
written in Latin, but best known by a French version which
was published in 1558. 3. “Annales de Bourgogne,
”
De moribus
Gallic, Historia,
” 4to. 5. “Memoires de l'Histoire de
Lyon,
” De rehus in Beigio, anno 1543
gestis,
”l:>4:i, 8vo. 7. “LaChroniquede Savoie,
” Histuna Galliae, a Fraiu isci I. coronatione ad annum
1550.
” 9. “Historia Ecclesiae Gallicanae.
” 10. “Memoralia insignium Francis Famiiiarum.
” He was an ecclesias.ic, and became dean of Beaujeu.
rchbishopp of Canterbury, presently settinge. Englished, and to be added to the 69 lately sett forth in Latin. This number of seventy is so complete a number as it
It seems probable therefore that Parker planned this
work, and supplied his assistants with materials from his
own collections respecting ecclesiastical antiquities. It
was printed probably at Lambeth, where the archbishop
had an establishment of printers, engravers, and illuminators, in a folio volume, in 1572. The number of
copies printed appears to have been very small, some
think not more than four or five, for private distribution; but this must be a mistake; for Dr. Drake mentions his having consulted twenty-one copies, most of
which, he adds, were imperfect. The copies extant,
however, in a perfect state, are very few: Strype mentions
only five, and one of these, which he calls the choicest of
all, belonged to archbishop Sancroft, came afterwards into
the hands of Mr. Wharton, and appears to be the one
now at Lambeth. There is a very fine copy in the British
Museum, bound in green velvet embroidered, which appears to have been the presentation-copy to queen Elizabeth. A bad edition of the work was published at Hanover
in 1605; and a very elegant one by Dr. Drake in 1729,
folio. In 1574, a short life of archbishop Parker was published abroad, most probably by one of his enemies among
the puritans, under the title “The Life of the 70
Archbishopp of Canterbury, presently settinge. Englished, and
to be added to the 69 lately sett forth in Latin. This
number of seventy is so complete a number as it is great
pitie ther should be one more: but that as Augustin was
the first, so Matthew might be the last.
” Of this scurrilous publication an account may be seen in the “Restituta,
” vol. I.
ed a fellow of the royal society, and published about the same time some physico-theological essays, in Latin, with the title “Tentamina Physico-Theologica de Deo;
In 1665 he was elected a fellow of the royal society, and
published about the same time some physico-theological
essays, in Latin, with the title “Tentamina Physico-Theologica de Deo; sive Theologia Scholastica, ad normarn
novae et reformats philosophise concinnata,
” Lond. The Bulk and Selvedge of the World.
”
In A free and impartial Censure of
the Platonic Philosophy;
” and shortly after “An account
of the nature and extent of the Divine Dominion and Goodness, especially as they refer to the Origenian hypothesis
concerning the pre-existence of souls, together with a
special account of the vanity and groundlessness of the hypothesis itself,
” Oxon. 166o, 4to. About Michaelmas, 1667,
archbishop Sheldon appointed him one of his chaplains, a
proof that at this time he was in estimation; and this seems
to have led the way to higher preferment. He now left
Oxford, and resided at Lambeth, under the eye of his patron; who, in June 1670, collated him to the archdeaconry of Canterbury, in the room of Dr. Sancroft, afterwards archbishop. On Nov. 26, the same year, having accompanied William prince of Orange on his visit to Cambridge,
he bad the degree of D. D. conferred upon him. On Nov. 18,
1672, he was installed prebendary of Canterbury and had
the rectories of Ickham and Chartham, in Kent, conferred
upon him by the archbishop about the same time. About
this time he published some of those writings against the
presbyterians which involved him in a controversy. The
first of these was his “Discourse of Ecclesiastical Polity,
wherein the authority of the civil magistrate over the consciences of subjects in matters of external religion is asserted.
” This was first answered by the anonymous author
of “Insolence and Impudence triumphant,
” &c. Truth and Innocence vindicated.
”
He then published “A Defence and Continuation of Ecclesiastical Polity (against Dr. Owen),
” Lond. Toleration discussed,
” &c. A Discourse in
Vindication of bishop Bramhall and the Church of England, from the fanatic charge of Popery,
” &c. This was
prefixed to a “Treatise
” of the said bishop, written in his
own defence, &c. our author, in the same humourous taste, wrote
” A Reproof to the Rehearsal Transprosed,“1673, 8vo. Wood, however, observes, that,
” finding himself beaten in this cudgelling way, his high spirit
was abated for ever after, and though Marvell replied to
his ‘ Reproof,’ yet he judged it more prudent to lay down
the cudgels. It put him upon a more sober, serious, and
moderate way of writing.“(See Marvell.) Parker’s last
publication in this controversy was
” A free and impartial
Inquiry into the causes of that very great esteem and honour the Nonconformist Ministers are in with their followers,“1673, 8vo. In 1678 he published his
” Disputationes de Deo et providentia divina,“&c. 4to, which is
highly commended by Dr. Henry More in the general preface to his works. This was followed by other works, entitled
” Demonstration of the divine authority of the Law
of Nature, and of the Christian Religion,“1681, 4to
” The Case of the Church of England briefly stated in the
three first and fundamental principles of a Christian Church.
I. The Obligation of Christianity by Divine Right. II.
The Jurisdiction of the Church by Divine Right. III. The
institution of Episcopal Superiority by Divine Right,“London, 8vo;
” An account of the Government of the
Christian Church, in the first six hundred years; particularly shewing, I. The Apostolical practice of Diocesan
and Metropolitical Episcopacy. II. The usurpation of patriarchal and papal authority. III. The war of two hundred
years between the bishops of Rome and Constantinople, of
universal supremacy,“London, 1683, 8vo;
” Religion
and Loyalty, or, a demonstration of the power of the
Christian Church within itself, supremacy of sovereign
powers over it, and duty of passive obedience and nonresistance to all their commands, exemplified out of records,“&c. 8vo and the year following, the second part
of the same work, containing
” the history of the concurrence of the imperial and ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the
Government of the Church, from the beginning of the
reign of Jovian to the end of Justinian," 1685, 8vo.
posed to have been buried in the Temple church. He wrote, in Norman French (but Wood gives the title in Latin), “Perutilis Tractatus; sive explanatio quorundam capitulorum
, one of our early law-writers, was
born of a genteel family, and educated at Oxford, but
left it without a degree, and became a student of the Inner
Temple, where, Wood says, he made wonderful proficiency
in the common law. After being called to the bar, he
became eminent in his profession, and had great practice
as a chamber-counsel. Whether he was ever a reader of
his inn, or a bencher, seems doubtful, tie died, according to Pits, in 1544, but according to Bale, in 1545, and
is supposed to have been buried in the Temple church.
He wrote, in Norman French (but Wood gives the title in Latin), “Perutilis Tractatus; sive explanatio quorundam
capitulorum valde necessaria,
” Lond.
Addition of an Account of the War of Cyprus:” written also in Italian, but he had begun to write it in Latin, in imitation of the style of Sallust, and had finished
, a noble Venetian, born in 1540,
was made historiographer of the republic in 1579, and
afterwards was employed in several embassies, was made
governor of Brescia, and finally elected a procurator of
St. Mark. Such was his character for wisdom, integrity,
and zeal for the public welfare, that he was called the
Cato of Venice. He died in 1598, at the age of 58. He
cultivated the sciences and general literature, and was the
author of several works of merit. Among these are:
“Delia Perfezione della vita Politica;
” “Discorsi Politici,
” published by his sons in A History of Venice, from 1513 to 1551, with the Addition of an Account
of the War of Cyprus:
” written also in Italian, but he had
begun to write it in Latin, in imitation of the style of
Sallust, and had finished four books in that language. A
new edition of this history was given by Apostolo Zeno in
1703.
ratu He died at Padua Oct. 2, 1693. He was a man of extensive learning, and a voluminous writer both in Latin, French, and Italian. Such of his works as relate to medicine
He then visited Germany, Holland, England, Swisserland, and Italy, and finally settled at Padua, where he was,
in Sept. 1676, appointed professor extraordinary, in 1681
first professor of chemistry, and in 1683, professor of the
practice of physic. In all these appointments he acquitted
himself with such credit and ability, that the Venetian
state honoured him with knighthood of the order of St.
Mark; the academy “naturae curiosorum
” also admitted
him a member, under the title of Galen L, and he was a
long time chief director of the academy of the Ricovratu
He died at Padua Oct. 2, 1693. He was a man of extensive learning, and a voluminous writer both in Latin,
French, and Italian.
Such of his works as relate to medicine are only inaugural orations; but those by which he is best known, relate
to the medallic science, in which he was a great proficient.
These are, 1. “Familiae Romans ex antiquis numismatibus ah urbe condita ad tempera D. Augusti,
” Introduction a l'Histoire par la Connoissance des Medailles,
” Imperatorum Romanorum
Numismata,
” Thesaurus Numismatum,
”
Practica delle Medaglie,
” Suetonius ex Numismatibus illustratus,
” and some other pieces. He published also the lives of the
professors of Padua, with the title of
” Lycseum Patavinum, sive Icones et Vitae Professorum Patavi, anno 1682,
docentium,“Pat. 1682, 4to. His wife and two daughters
were learned women, and members of the Academy of Ricovrati at Padua, in which they distinguished themselves.
Charlotte-Catherine, the eldest daughter, pronounced a
Latin oration on the raising of the siege of Vienna, and
published
” Tabellse Selectae," which contained an explanation of forty-one engravings from the most celebrated
painters. Gabrielle-Charlotte, the youngest daughter,
published a panegyrical oration on Louis XIV., and a Latin dissertation on the phoenix on a medal of Caracalla, Venice, 1683. His wife was author of a collection of moral
and Christian reflections.
o several foreign languages, and has been inserted in various collections. The best editions are one in Latin, published by Andrew Miiller at Cologne in 1671, and one
, a celebrated traveller, was the son of
Nicholas Paulo, a Venetian, who went with his brother
Matthew, about 1225, to Constantinople, in the reign of
Baudoin. While they were on this expedition Marco was
born. On their return through the deserts they arrived at
the city where Kublai, grand khan of the Tartars, resided.
This prince was highly entertained with the account which
they gave him of the European manners and customs, and
appointed them his ambassadors to the pope, in order to
demand of his holiness a hundred missionaries. They
accordingly came to Italy, obtained from the Roman pontiff two Dominicans, the one an Italian, and the other an
Asiatic, and carried with them young Marco, for whom the
Tartar prince expressed a singular affection. This youth
was at an early period taught the different dialects of Tartary, and was afterwards employed in embassies which gave
him the opportunity of traversing Tartary, China, and
other eastern countries. After a residence of seventeen
years at the court of the great khan, the three Venetians
came back to their own country in 1295, with immense
wealth. A short time after his return, Marco served his
country at sea against the Genoese, his galley in a naval
engagement was sunk, and himself taken prisoner and
carried to Genoa. He remained there many years in confinement; and, as well to amuse his melancholy, as to
gratify those who desired it of him, sent for his notes from
Venice, and composed the history of his own and his
father’s voyages in Italian, under this title, “Delle maraviglie del mondo da lui vidute,
” &c. of which the first
edition appeared at Venice in 1496, 8vo. This work has
been translated into several foreign languages, and has
been inserted in various collections. The best editions are
one in Latin, published by Andrew Miiller at Cologne in
1671, and one in French, to be found in the collection of
voyages published by Bergeron, at the Hague in 1735, in
two vols. In the narrative there are many things not easily
believed, but the greater part of his accounts has been
verified by succeeding travellers. He not only gave better
accounts of China than had been before received; but
likewise furnished a description of Japan, of several islands
of the East Indies, of Madagascar, and the coasts of Africa,
so that from his work it might be easily collected that a direct passage by sea to the East Indies was not only possible, but practicable.
“Memoirs of the life and actions of Oliver Cromwell, as delivered in three Panegyrics of him written in Latin; the first, as said, by Don Juan Roderiguez de Saa Meneses,
The first work discovered of his writing is “Το ὕϕος ἄγιον;
or an Exercise on the Creation, and an Hymn to the Creator
of the World; written in the express words of the Sacred
Text; as an attempt to shew the Beauty and Sublimity of
Holy Scripture,
” 1716, 8vo. This was followed by a poem,
entitled “Sighs on the Death of Queen Anne,
” published
in Paraphrase on part of the cxxxixth Psalm.
” 2. “The Choice.
”
3. “Verses to Lady Elizabeth Cecil, on her Birth-day,
Nov. 23, 1717.
” At the end of this work he mentions, as
preparing for the press, “The History of the two last
Months of King Charles I.
” and solicits assistance; but
this never was published. He also mentions a poem on
Saul and Jonathan, not then published. During his residence at the university, and perhaps in the early part of
it, he wrote a comedy called the “Humours of the University; or the Merry Wives of Cambridge.
” The ms. of
this comedy is now in the possession of Octavius Gilchrist,
esq. of Stamford, who has obliged the editor with a transcript of the preface .
In August 1719, he occurs curate of King’s Cliff, in
Northamptonshire, and in 1721 he offered to the world
proposals for printing the history and antiquities of his native town. In 1723, he obtained the rectory of Godeby
Maureward, by purchase, from Samuel Lowe, esq. who at
that time was lord of the manor, and patron of the advowson. In 1727, he drew up a poetical description of
Belvoir and its neighbourhood, which is printed in Mr.
Nichols’s History of Leicestershire; and in that year his
first considerable work appeared, under the title of “Academia Tertia Anglicana; or, The Antiquarian Annals of
Stanford, in Lincoln, Rutland, and Northampton Shires;
containing the History of the University, Monasteries,
Gilds, Churches, Chapels, Hospitals, and Schools there,
”
&c. ornamented with XLI plates; and inscribed to John
duke of Rutland, in an elaborate dedication, which contains a tolerably complete history of the principal events of
that illustrious family, from the founder of it at the Conquest. This publication was evidently hastened by “An Essay
on the ancient and present State of Stamford, 1726,
” 4to,
by Francis Hargrave, who, in the preface to his pamphlet,
mentions a difference which had arisen between him and
Mr. Peck, because his publication forestalled that intended
by the latter. Mr. Peck is also rather roughly treated, on
account of a small work he had formerly printed, entitled
“The History of the Stamford Bull-running.
” In Queries concerning the Natural History and Antiquities of Leicestershire
and Rutland,
” which were afterwards reprinted in 174O.
He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries,
March 9, 1732, and in that year he published the first volume of “Desiderata Curiosa; or, A Collection of divers
scarce and curious Pieces, relating chiefly to matters of
English History 5 consisting of choice Tracts, Memoirs,
Letters, Wills, Epitaphs, &c. Transcribed, many of
them, from the originals themselves, and the rest from divers ancient ms Copies, or the ms Collations of sundry
famous Antiquaries, and other eminent Persons, both of the
last and present age: the whole, as nearly as possible, digested into order of time, and illustrated with ample Notes,
Contents, additional Discourses, and a complete Index.
”
This volume was dedicated to lord William Manners; and
was followed, in 1735, by a second volume, dedicated to
Dr. Reynolds, bishop of Lincoln. There being only 250
copies of these volumes printed, they soon became scarce
and high-priced, and were reprinted in one volume, 4to, by
subscription, by the late Mr. Thomas Evans, in 1779,
without, however, any improvements, or any attempt,
which might perhaps have been dangerous by an unskilful
hand, at a better arrangement. In 1735, Mr. Peck printed,
in a quarto pamphlet, “A complete Catalogue of all the
Discourses written both for and against Popery, in the
time of King James the Second; containing in the whole
an account of four hundred and fifty-seven Books and
Pamphlets, a great number of them not mentioned in the
three former Catalogues; with references after each title,
for the more speedy finding a further Account of the said
Discourses and their Authors in sundry Writers, and an
Alphabetical List of the Writers on each side.
” In Nineteen Letters of the truly reverend and learned Henry
Hammond, D. D. (author of the Annotations on the New Testament, &c.) written to Mi*. Peter Stainnough and Dr.
Nathaniel Angelo, many of them on curious subjects,
”
&c. These were printed from the originals, communicated by Mr. Robert Marsden, archdeacon of Nottingham,
and Mr. John Worthington. The next year, 1740, produced two volumes in quarto; one of them entitled “Memoirs of the life and actions of Oliver Cromwell, as delivered in three Panegyrics of him written in Latin; the
first, as said, by Don Juan Roderiguez de Saa Meneses,
Conde de Penguiao, the Portugal Ambassador; the second, as affirmed by a certain Jesuit, the lord ambassador’s
Chaplain; yet both, it is thought, composed by Mr. John
Milton (Latin Secretary to Oliver Cromwell), as was the
third with an English version of each. The whole illustrated with a large Historical Preface many similar passages from the Paradise Lost, and other works of Mr. John
Milton, and Notes from the best historians. To all which
is added, a Collection of divers curious Historical Pieces
relating to Cromwell, and a great number of other remarkable persons (after the manner of Desiderata Curiosa, vol. I. and II.)
” The other, “New Memoirs of the Life and
Poetical Works of Mr. John Milton; with, first, an Examination of Milton’s Style; and, secondly, Explanatory
and Critical Notes on divers passages in Milton and Shakspeare, by the Editor. Thirdly, Baptistes; a sacred Dramatic Poem in Defence of Liberty, as written in Latin by
Mr. George Buchanan, translated into English by Mr.
John Milton, and first published in 1641, by order of the
House of Commons. Fourthly, The Parallel) or archbishop Laud and cardinal Wolsey compared, a vision, by
Milton. Fifthly, The Legend of sir Nicholas Throckmorton, knt. Chief Butler of England, who died of poison,
anno 1570, an Historical Poem, by his nephew sir Thomas
Throckmorton, knt. Sixth, Herod the Great, by the Editor. Seventh, The Resurrection, a Poem, in imitation of
Milton, by a Friend. And eighth, a Discourse on the
Harmony of the Spheres, by Milton; with Prefaces and
Notes.
” Of these his “Explanatory and Critical Notes
on divers passages of Shakspeare
” seem to prove that
the mode of illustrating Shakspeare by extracts from contemporary writers, was not entirely reserved for the modern commentators on our illustrious bard, but had occurred to Mr. Peck. The worst circumstance respecting
this volume is the portrait of Milton, engraved from a
painting which Peck got from sir John Meres of KirkbyBeler in Leicestershire. He was not a little proud to possess this painting, which is certainly not genuine and what
is worse, he appears to have known that it was not genuine. Having asked Vertue whether he thought it a picture
of Milton, and Vertue peremptorily answering in the negative, Peck replied, “I'll have a scraping from it, however: and let posterity settle the difference.
”
ifying in the Celtic languages sea born, from A/or, sea, and gan born, was translated into risXayw;, in Latin I'elagius. For the greater part of his life, he Whs d
, was born in Great Britain in the fourth century, and is said to have been abbot
of the monastery uf Banger. His real name is said to be
Morgan, which signifying in the Celtic languages sea born,
from A/or, sea, and gan born, was translated into risXayw;,
in Latin I'elagius. For the greater part of his life, he Whs
distinguished among his brethren both for piety and learning, but towards the close of his life, he went to Rome,
and began to teach certain doctrines in that city about the
year 400, which occasioned no small disturbance in the
church He absolutely denied all original sin, which he
held to be the mere invention of St. Augustine and taught
that men are entire masters of their actions, and perfectly
free creatures; in opposition to all predestination, reprobation, election, &c. He owned, indeed, that the natural
power of man needed to be assisted by the grace of God,
to enable him to work out his own salvation; but, by this
grace, he only meant outward assistance, viz. the doctrines of the law, and of the gospel. Though, when pressed by those words of St. Paul, “Deus est enim, qui operatur in nobis,
” &c. he owned that it is God, in effect, that
makes us will what is good, when he warns and excites us
by the greatness of the glory we are to obtain, and by the
promises of rewards; when he makes us love him by revealing his wisdom, &c. These are Pelagius’ s own words,
as cited by St. Augustine; who confutes him, and shews,
that, besides these exterior graces, there are required
other real and interior ones. He owned, that the will of
man is indeed aided by a real grace; but he added, that
this grace is not absolutely necessary in order to live well;
but that it only helps us to do well with the more ease.
Julian, one of his adherents, went farther yet; and owned
that the assistance of grace was absolutely necessary to
enable us to do perfect works. In effect, the grand doctrine of the Pelagians was, that a man might accomplish
all the commands of God by the mere power of nature;
and that the gifts of grace were only necessary to enable
him to act well more easily, and more perfectly.
stant cantons in Switzerland, his instructions being dated March 30th of that year. His first speech in Latin to the deputies of Zurich was on the 13th of June; and
Mr. Pell’s eminence, however, in mathematical knowledge, was now so great, that he was thought worthy of a
professor’s chair in that science; and, i.pon the vacancy
of one at Amsterdam in 1639, sir William Bos -ell, the
English resident with the States-general, used his interest,
that he might succeed in that professorship; which was not
filled up till above four years after, 1643, when Pell was
chosen to it. The year following he published, in two
pages 4to, “A Refutation of Longomontamis’s Discourse,
De vera circuli mensura,
” printed at Amsterdam in Idea Matheseos,
” which he had addressed to Mr. Hartlib, who in
An
Idea of Mathematics,
” at the end of Mr. John Dury’s
“Reformed Library-keeper.
” On the death of the prince
of Orange, in to be made a dean; but being not a person of activity, as others who mind not learning are, could
never rise higher than a rector.
” The truth is, adds
Wood, “he was a helpless man as to worldly affairs; and
his tenants and relations dealt so unkindly by him, that
they defrauded him of the profits of his rectory, and kept
him so indigent, that he was in want of necessaries, even
ink and paper, to his dying day.
” He was for some time
confined to the King’s-bench prison for debt; but, in
March 1682, was invited by Dr. Whistler to live in the
college of physicians. Here he continued till June following, when he was obliged, by his ill state of health, to
remove to the house of a grandchild of his in St. Margaret’s
church-yard, Westminster. From this too he was again
removed, for we find that he died at the house (in Dyot street) of Mr. Cothorne, reader of the church of St. Giles’s
in the Fields, Dec. the 12th, 1685, and was intecred by
the charity of Busby, master of Westminster school, and
Sharp, rector of, St. Giles’s, in the rector’s vault under
that church. Besides what have been mentioned, Dr. Pell
was the author of, 1. “An Exercitation concerning Easter,
”
A Table of 10,000 square numbers,
”
&c. Rhonius’s Algebra,
” printed
at London An Introduction to Algebra; translated out of the High Dutch into
English by Thomas Branker, much altered and augmented
by D. P. (Dr. Pell).
” Also a Table of odd numbers, less
than
u, consist chiefly of the thoughts of various authors. 5. The best edition of the Body of Canon Law, in Latin, with the notes of Peter and Francis Pithou, in 2 vols,
, one of the few who have
been able to unite attention to business, with the love and
cultivation of letters, was born at Paris in 1630, and bred
to the law, but always in strict intimacy with Boileau,
Bignon, Lamoignon, and the other great men of his time.
He was first counsellor of the Châtelet, then in the parliament, afterwards president of the fourth chamber of requests, and next Prévôt des Marchands. To this place he
was nominated in 1668, and signalized his situation there
by building a quay at Paris, which still retains his name.
Being much approved in this office, be was appointed in
1683 to succeed the famous Colbert in that of controllergeneral of the finances. He held this place only six years,
after which he resigned it, and in 1697 retired from court
entirely, to lead a life of meditation and devotion. He
died in August 1711, at the age of eighty-one. Though
the life of Pelletier was so much occupied by business, he
either produced or was concerned in several publications.
1. Extracts and Collections from the fathers, the ecclesiastical writers, and from scripture, made with great judgment, in several volumes, 12mo. 2. Editions of the “Comes
Theologus,
” and “Comes Juridicus,
” of Peter Pithou, who
was his maternal great grandfather. 3. “Comes Senectutis,
”
and 4. “Comes Rusticus,
” both in 12mo, and written in
imitation of the former works of Pithou, consist chiefly of
the thoughts of various authors. 5. The best edition of the
Body of Canon Law, in Latin, with the notes of Peter and
Francis Pithou, in 2 vols, fol. 6. An edition of the Observations of Peter Pithou on the Code and on the Novellae.
timation which they possessed in his time; but they are numerous. 1. Commentaries on Euclid, written in Latin, 8vo. 2. “De dimensione circuli,” Basil. 1563, fol. 3.
, a celebrated French physician,
born at Mans in 1517, was eminent also as a scholar, and
became principal of the colleges of Bayeux and Mans at
Paris, where he died in 1582. His writings have not retained all the estimation which they possessed in his time;
but they are numerous. 1. Commentaries on Euclid, written
in Latin, 8vo. 2. “De dimensione circuli,
” Basil. Disquisitiones Geometricae,
” Lugd. Dialogue de
POrtografe e prononciacion Frangoase,
” Lyon,
Alsatia. His family name was Kursiner, or Kirsner, but the name Pellican, which means the same thing in Latin as Kirsner in German, and is in neither very significant,
, a learned German divine and reformer, was born Jan. 8, 1478, at Ruffach, in Alsatia. His family name was Kursiner, or Kirsner, but the name Pellican, which means the same thing in Latin as Kirsner in German, and is in neither very significant, was given him by his maternal uncle. Pellican began his studies at Ruffach in his sixth year, and under an excellent master, who inspired him with a love for literature; yet his difficulties were many, as, among other hindrances, he was obliged to write down every thing taught him, printing being then in its infancy, and no elementary treatise had issued from the press. His maternal uncle already mentioned, who lived at Heidelberg, and had often been rector of the university, hearing of the progress his nephew made in his studies, sent for him to that seminary, where he applied to the belles lettres and logic for about sixteen months, which was probably as long as his uncle could afford to maintain him. He returned therefore in Sept. 1492 to his parents, who were poor, and could give him little support, but got some employment as assistant to a schoolmaster, and had, what was then of great importance to him, the power of borrowing books from the convent of the Cordeliers. His frequent visits for this purpose brought on an acquaintance with those holy fathers, who conceived a very high opinion of Pellican, now in his sixteenth year, and appear to have found little difficulty in persuading him to enter their order, which accordingly he did in January 1493, but against the consent of his relations. He then commenced his theological studies, and in the following year was admitted to the order of subdeacon. In 1496, at the request of his uncle, he was sent to Tubingen, and recommended to Paul Scriptor, a very learned professor of philosophy and mathematics, under whom he profited much, and who conceived a great affection for his pupil. In 1499, meeting with a converted Jew, who was now one of his own order, Pellican expressed his wish to learn Hebrew, and with the assistance of this Jew accomplished the elementary part, although not without great difficulty. Melchior Adam mentions his enthusiastic joy on receiving the loan of a part of the Bible in Hebrew. Reuchlin, who came to Tubingen in 1500, gave Pellican some assistance in this language; and with this, and other helps, certainly very difficult to be procured at that time, and by indefatigable industry, he at length acquired such knowledge of it, as to be accounted, after Reuchlin, the first Hebrew scholar in Germany.
had already made considerable progress, and in particular had attained, great facility and elegance in Latin composition, The study of ethics, however, appears to
, an eminent physician, was
born at Warrington, September 29, 1740. Having lost
both his parents in one day, he was placed at the age of
four years under the protection of his uncle, Dr. Thomas
Percival, a learned physician, resident at the same place;
but of his parental guidance he was also deprived at the
age of ten, after which his education was directed with the
most kind and judicious attention by his eldest sister. His
literary pursuits commenced at a private school in the
neighbourhood of Warrington, whence he was removed,
at the age of eleven, to the free grammar-school of that
town, where he exhibited great promise of talent, and
much industry. In 1757 he became one of the first pupils
of a dissenting academy then established at Warrington,
where he pursued with unabating diligence the classical
studies in which he had already made considerable progress, and in particular had attained, great facility and elegance in Latin composition, The study of ethics, however,
appears to have principally engaged his attention here, as
it did afterwards throughout the whole of -his life, and
formed the basis of all his works, except those on professional subjects. It appears that before Mr. Perceval
went to Warrington academy, his family was induced to
quit communion with the church of England, and to espouse the tenets of protestant dissent. This was in one
respect peculiarly unfortunate for him who had thoughts of
entering the university of Oxford; but now, after studying
the thirty-nine articles, he determined against subscription, and consequently relinquished the advantages of academical study at either English university. He therefore
went in 1761 to Edinburgh, and commenced his studies in
medical science, which he also carried on for a year in
London. In 1765 he removed to the university of Leyden,
with a view to complete his medical course, and to be admitted to the degree of doctor of physic. Having accordingly defended in the public schools his inaugural
dissertation “De Frigore,
” he was presented with the diploma of
M. D. July 6, 1765. On his return, which was through
France and Holland, at the close of the same year, he
joined his family at Warrington, and soon after married
Elizabeth, the daughter and only surviving child of Nathaniel Bassnett, esq. merchant, of London. In 1767 ho
removed with his family to Manchester, and commenced
his professional career with an uncommon degree of success,
his name, 1517, and died there about 1559, aged near sixty. Among his writings are four “Dialogues,” in Latin, on the origin of the French language, and its resemblance
, a learned doctor of the Sorbonne,
was born at Cormery, in Touraine, in 1500. He took the
Benedictine habit in the abbey of this name, 1517, and
died there about 1559, aged near sixty. Among his writings are four “Dialogues,
” in Latin, on the origin of the
French language, and its resemblance to the Greek, Paris,
1555, 8vo; some tracts in defence of Aristotle and Cicero,
against Peter Ranius, 8vo Latin translations of some books
of Plato, Aristotle, St. John Damascenus, &c. “Loci
Theologici,
” Paris,
He published a great many works in Latin relating to history, antiquities, and classical literature,
He published a great many works in Latin relating to
history, antiquities, and classical literature, among which
are, 1. “M. T. Ciceronis eruditio,
” an inaugural oration,
at his being installed professor of Franeker in 1681. 2.
“Animadversiones Historicse, 1685,
” 8vo, a valuable mis-,
cellany of remarks on the mistakes of historians and critics.
3. “Q,. Curtius in integrum restitutus, et vindicatus ab
immodica atque acerba nimis crisi viri ciarissimi Joannis
Clerici,
” Bibliotheque Choisee.
” 4. “Rerum
per Europam saeculo sexto-decirno maxime gestarum Commentarii Historici,
” Origines Ægyptiacae
et Babylonicas,
” Chronological Systems
” of Usher, Capellus, Pezron,
but especially of sir John Marsham. Duker reprinted this
work with additions in 1736. Perizonius wrote also several
dissertations upon particular points of antiquity, which
would have done no small credit to the collections of Groevius and Gronovius. Perizonius published an edition of
“Ælian’s Various History,
” corrected from the manuscripts, and illustrated with notes, in 1701, 2 vols. “8vo.
James Gronovius having attacked a passage in his notes, a
controversy ensued, which degenerated at length into such
personal abuse, that the curators of the university of Leyden thought proper to put a stop to it by their authority.
The edition, however, was reckoned the best until that of
Gronovius appeared in 1731. He wrote also large notes
upon
” Sanctii Minerva, sive de causis linguae Latinae
Commentarius; M the best edition of which is that of
1714, 8vo.
He wrote much, both in verse and prose, but in Latin only. His first production seems to have been, 1. “An
He wrote much, both in verse and prose, but in Latin
only. His first production seems to have been, 1. “An
Elegy upon the Death of Gabriel Naude, in 1653.
” In
De motu animalium spontaneo liber unus.
” Petit was a great partisan for the Peripatetic philosophy; and, in this as well as some other
works of the same kind, he has strenuously supported the
principles of Aristotle, and combated those of Des Cartes.
3. “Epistolse Apologeticse A. Menjoti de variis sectis amplectendis examen: ad medicos Parisienses, autore Adriano Scauro, D. M. 1666,
” 4to. Menjot had maintained
that a man should attach himself to no particular sect, but
take from each whatever he found good. This sentiment did
not please Petit, and he opposed it in this work under the
fictitious name of Scaurus. He published the same year, in
8vo, under the feigned name of Marinus Statileus, 4.
tf Apologia pro genuitate fragment! Satyrici Petroniani“which Hadrian Valesius then, and the best critics since,
have agreed to reject as spurious. Euthyphron was another assumed name, under which he published, 5.
” De
nova curandorum morborum ratione per transfusionem sanguinis,“in 1667, 4to. He there rejects this method of
cure, which was approved by many physicians of his time,
and supports his own opinion with much elegance and
learning. In 1683, were published at Utrecht, in 8vo,
6.
” Miscellanearum Observationum, libri iv.“These are
verbal criticisms upon various authors, and shew great accuracy as well as profound erudition. The same year at
Paris came out in 8vo, 7.
” Selectorum Poematum, libri ii.
Accessit Dissertatio de Furore Poetico.“The dissertation
is curious, and the poems have merit enough to rank him
with Rapin, Menage, and the best writers of modern Latin
poetry. 8.
” De Amazonibus Dissertatio,“Paris, 1685,
12mo. The edition of Amsterdam, 1687, 12mo, is preferable, there being additions by the author, and critical
observations by M. de la Monnoye. 9.
” De natura et
moribus Anthropophagorum Dissertatio,“at Utrecht, 1688,
8vo. A curious and learned work. 10.
” In tres priores
Aretaei libros Commentarii: Una cum dissertatiuncula de
Petiti vita, et copioso in eosdem Commentarios indice,
1726," 4to. It was Maittaire, who published this posthumous work, and placed the life of Petit at the head of
it. There are several works of this author, but we have
mentioned the most important. Care must be taken, in
the mean time, not to confound him with the preceding
Peter Petit, who was his contemporary.
, 1747, aged 82, leaving a large number of well-written works, the greatest part in French, the rest in Latin, in which he strongly opposes the constitution Unigenitus.
, nephew of the preceding,
and a celebrated doctor of the Sorbonne, was born Aug. 4,
1665, at Paris. He was appointed professor in the Sorbonne 1701; but, having signed the famous “Case of
Conscience
” the same year, with thirty-nine other doctors,
he lost his professorship, and was banished to Beaune in
1703. Some time after this he retired into Holland with
father Quesnel and M. Fouillon, but obtained leave to return to Paris in 1718, where the faculty of theology, and
the house of Sorbonne, restored him to his privileges as
doctor in June 1719. This, however, was of no avail, as the
king annulled what had been done in his favour the July
following. M. Petit-Pied became afterwards theologian
to M. de Lorraine, bishop of Bayeux, which prelate dying
June 9, 1728, he narrowly escaped being arrested, and
retired again into Holland. In 1734, however, he was
recalled; passed the remainder of life quietly at Paris,
and died January 7, 1747, aged 82, leaving a large number of well-written works, the greatest part in French, the
rest in Latin, in which he strongly opposes the constitution Unigenitus.
hat most remarkable accident that he meant. Here he learned the French tongue, and perfected himself in Latin, and had Greeke enough to serve his turne. At Caen he
, a singular instance of an almost
universal genius, and of learning, mechanical ingenuity,
and ceconomy, applied to useful purposes, was the eldest
son of Anthony Petty, a clothier at Rumsey, in Hampshire,
and was born May 16, 1623. It does not appear that his
father was a man of much property, as he left this son none
at his death, in 1641, and contributed very little to his
maintenance. When young, the boy took extraordinary
pleasure in viewing various mechanics at their work, and
so readily conceived the natjure of their employment, and
the use of their tools, that he was, at the age of twelve,
able to iiandle the latter with dexterity not much inferior
to that of the most expert workmen in any trade which he
had ever seen. What education he had was first at the
grammar-school at Rum?ey, where, according to his own
account, he acquired, before the age of fifteen, a competent
knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and French languages,
and became master of the common rules of arithmetic,
geometry, dialling, and the astronomical part of navigation.
With this uncommon fund of various knowledge he removed, at the above age of fifteen, to the university of
Caen in Normandy. This circumstance is mentioned among
those particulars of his early life which he has given in
his will, although, by a blunder of the transcriber, Oxford is put for Caen in Collir.s’s Peerage. Wood says
that, when he went to Caen, “with a little stock of merchandizing which he then improved, he maintained himself there, learning the French tongue, and at eighteen
years of age, the arts and mathematics.
” Mr. Aubrey’s
account is in these not very perspicuous words: “He has
told me, there happened to him the most remarkable accident of life (which he did not tell me), and which was the
foundation of all the rest of his greatness and acquiring
riches. He informed me that about fifteen, in March, he
went over to Caen, in Normandy, in a vessel that went
hence, with a little stock, and began to play the merchant,
and had so good successe that he maintained himselfe, and
also educated himselfe: this I guesse was that most remarkable accident that he meant. Here he learned the
French tongue, and perfected himself in Latin, and had
Greeke enough to serve his turne. At Caen he studyed
the arts. At eighteen, he was (I have heard him say) a
better mathematician than he is now; but when occasion
is, he knows how to recurre to more mathematical knowledge.
” These accounts agree in the main points, and we
may learn from both that he had at a very early period begun that money-making system which enabled him to realize a vast fortune. He appears to have been of opinion,
that “there are few ways in which a man can be more
harmlessly employed than in making money.
”
On his return to his native country, he speaks of being 1
preferred to^the king’s navy, but in what capacity is not
known. This he attributes to the knowledge he had acquired, and his “having been at the university of Caen.
”
In the navy, however, before he was twenty years of age,
he got together about 60l. and the civil war raging at this
time, he determined to set out on his travels, for further improvement in his studies. He had now chosen medicine
as a profession, and in the year 1643, visited Leyden,
Utrecht, Amsterdam, and Paris, at which last city he studied anatomy, and read Vesalixis with the celebrated
Hobbes, who was partial to him. Hobbes was then writing
on optics, and Mr. Petty, who had a turn that way, drew
his diagrams, &c. for him. While at Paris, he informed
Aubrey that “at one time he was driven to a great streight
for money, and told him, that he lived a week or two on
three pennyworths of walnuts.
” Aubrey likewise queries
whether he was not some time a prisoner there. His ingenuity and industry, however, appear to have extricated
him from his difficulties, for we have his own authority that;
he returned home in 1646, a richer man by IQl. than he
set out, and yet had maintained his brother Anthony as
well as himself.
s;“” A dissertation on the passages of the Old Testament that are quoted in the New;“and other works in Latin, which are esteemed. Christopher Matthew Pfaff, one of
, an eminent Lutheran
divine, was born May 28, 165), at Pfullingen, in the
duchy of Wirtemberg. He taught theology with reputation at Tubingen, and died there February 6, 1720,“leaving
” A collection of Controversies;“” A dissertation on
the passages of the Old Testament that are quoted in the
New;“and other works in Latin, which are esteemed.
Christopher Matthew Pfaff, one of his sons, was professor
of divinity, and chancellor of the university of Tubingen,
and has also written several learned works in Latin; among
others,
” Institutiones Theologicx,“1719 and 1721, 8vo;
and
” S. Irenaei fragmenta anecdota,“8vo, Greek and Latin, with many doctrinal and critical works; hut the most
valuable of all is his
” Introductio in Historiam Theologiae
Literariam," 1724, 3 vols. 4to. This is a complete system
of theological bibliography, and particularly accurate in
what relates to English authors and English books.
e Theology of the Pagans.” 5. “A Treatise on the Principle of historic Faith.” All these are written in Latin, not so much with elegance, as with strict care and exactness.
, the son of a counsellor at Augsburg, born in 1641, was secretary of the archives to the
duke of Saxe Gotha, and instructor of the princes Ernest,
and John-Ernest, in history and politics. He so well fulfilled his duties in these situations, that he was promoted
to a higher place, of secretary to the Ernestine branch of the
family; and was so deeply learned in matters of record,
that he was called the living archives of the house of Saxony. His manners were pure, but his temper inclined to
melancholy, which was thought to be increased by too intense application to study. He died at Gotha in 1717.
His principal works are; 1. “The History of the Peace of
Westphalia,
” 8vo, the best edition is The
History of the Assemblies of 1652 4,
” Weimar, The Treaties of the German Princes.
” 4.
“The Theology of the Pagans.
” 5. “A Treatise on the
Principle of historic Faith.
” All these are written in
Latin, not so much with elegance, as with strict care and
exactness.
sters and studentes of universities, and such as be teachers of children and readers of this auctour in Latin, will not be to muche offended, though every verse answere
He died soon after the 12th of August, 1560, on which
day his will was dated. His translation of Virgil is written,
like the preceding specimen, in long Alexandrines of seven
feet. The translation was completed, with the addition of
Maphaeus’s thirteenth book, by Thomas Twyne, a young
physician, afterwards author of other works: his part is
deemed by Warton evidently inferior to that of his predecessor, though Phaer has omitted, misrepresented, and
paraphrased, many passages. Of what he did of this nature Phaer himself has given an account, in his postscript to the seven books: “Trusting that you, my right
worshipful maisters and studentes of universities, and
such as be teachers of children and readers of this auctour in Latin, will not be to muche offended, though every
verse answere not to your expectation. For (besides the diversitie between a construction and a translation) you
know there be many mistical secretes in this writer, which
uttered in English would shewe little pleasour, and in mine
opinion are better to be untouched than to diminish the
grace of the rest with tediousnes and darknes. I have
therefore followed the counsel of Horace, teaching the
duety of a good interpretour, * qui quae desperat nitescere
posse relinquit;' by which occasion, somwhat I have in
places omitted, somwhat altered, and some things I have
expounded, and al to the ease of inferior readers; for you
that are learned nede not to be instructed.
” A ridiculous
error of the press stands in the opening of the second
Æneid, as reprinted by Twyne, Phaer had translated
“conticuere omnes
” by “they whusted all,
” for “they
whisted,
” or kept silence but Twyne has printed it “they
whistled all.
” Sir Thomas Chaloner, in his Encomia,
printed at London, 1579, 4to, p. 356, has pathetically
lamented Phaer 7 as a most skilful physician. As to his
name, it is written Phayer by Wood, and Phaier by Warton; but as we find it Phaer in every part of the translation
of Virgil, and in the “Mirror for Magistrates,
” we have
so given it. His story of Owen Glendour is in stanzas of
seven lines, the same as Sackville’s Induction, and the
greater part of those narratives.
ul prose “Lauda Sion Salvatorem;” and an equally elegant “Censura Commentariorum Cornelii a Lapide,” in Latin, printed on a single sheet.
He had a sister Elizabeth, who became abbess of the
BeneJictine nuns at Ghent, to whom he addressed some
elegant and spirited poetry, which may be seen in our
principal authority. Besides the pieces already mentioned, Mr. Cole attributes to him “Reasons for the repeal of the Laws against the Papists;
” and his biographer
adds that he was the author of an elegant translation in
metre, of the beautiful prose “Lauda Sion Salvatorem;
”
and an equally elegant “Censura Commentariorum Cornelii a Lapide,
” in Latin, printed on a single sheet.
reginae Ang. &c. in Synodo Ecclesiastico, Londini, in comitiis regni ad 18 Oct. anno 1553;” printed in Latin, at Rome, 1554, and in English at Basil.
While archdeacon of Winchester he was a frequent
preacher, and active in promoting the reformed religion in
the county of Hampshire; and considering the doctrine of
the Trinity as of fundamental importance, was a decided
enemy both in word and writing to the Arian opinions which
appeared first in that reign. He and Ridley were reckoned
two of the most learned men of their time, yet Philpot‘ s
zeal was sometimes too ardent for the prudent discharge of
his duty, and the tract he wrote against the Arians has the
air of a coarse invective in the title of it. On the accession
of queen Mary he disdained to temporize, or conceal his
sentiments, but publicly wept in the first convocation held
in her reign, when he saw it composed of men who were
determined to restore popery. He wrote a report of this
convocation, which fell into bishop Bonner’ s hands among
other of Philpot' s books, which Bonner had seized. It was
not long, therefore, before he was apprehended, and after
various examinations before Bonner, and a most cruel and
rigorous imprisonment of eighteen months, was condemned
to be burnt in Smithfield. This was accordingly executed
December 18, 1555, and was suffered by the martyr with
the greatest constancy. He wrote “Epistolue Hebraicæ
”
and “De proprietate linguarum,
” which are supposed to
be in manuscript; “An Apology for Spitting upon an
Arian, with an invective against the Arians,
” &c. Lond.
Supplication to king Philip and
queen Mary;
” “Letters to lady Vane;
” “Letters to the
Christian Congregation, that they abstain from Mass;
”
“Exhortation to his Sister;
” and “Oration.
” These are
all printed by Fox, except the last, which is in the Bodleian. He also wrote translations of “Calvin’s Homilies
”
“Chrysostome against Heresies;
” and Crelius Secundus Curio’s “Defence of the old and ancient anthority of Christ’s
Church:
” and his account of the convocation above mentioned, or what appears to be so, under the title of “Vera
Expositio Disputationis institute mandate D. Mame reginae
Ang. &c. in Synodo Ecclesiastico, Londini, in comitiis regni
ad 18 Oct. anno 1553;
” printed in Latin, at Rome,
translated into English by Thomas Stanley, 1651, in 8vo. 12. “Elegia in laudem Hieronymi Benivieni;” in Latin and Italian.
The works of Picus were printed together at Bologna,
in 1496; at Venice, 1498; at Strasburg, 1504; at Basil,
1557, 1573, 1601, all in folio. The edition of 1601 contains the following works: 1. “Heptaplus, id est, de Dei
Creatoris opere sex dierum, libri septem,
” which seems
to have been written chiefly with a view to authorize and
support those Platonic ideas, with which his warm imagination was not a little inebriated. 2. “Conclusiones 900,
quas olim Roma? disputandas exhibuit.
” But the editors
have omitted the advertisement subjoined at their first pubJication, which runs thus: “Conclusiones non disputabuntur nisi post Epiphaniam, interim publicabuntur in
omnibus Italiae gymnasiis & si quis philosophus aut theologus ab extrema Italia arguendi gratia Romam venire
voluerit, ipse pollicetur dominus disputaturus, se viatici
expensas illi soluturum de suo.
” 3. “Apologia adversus
eos, qni aliquot propositiones theologicas carpebant.
” 4.
“De ente & uno, opus in quo plurimi loci in Moise, in
Platone & Aristotele explicantur.
” 5. “De hominis dignitate oratio.
” Mirandula discovers here many secrets of
the Jewish Cabala, of the Chaldean and Persian philosophers. 6. “Regulse XII. partim excitantes, partim dirigentes hominem in pugna spiritual!.
” 7. “In Psalmum
XV. commentarius.
” 8. “In orationem Dominicam expositio.
” 9. “Aureae & familiares epistola?,
” which are perhaps, at present, the most useful and entertaining part of
his works: on which account the public is much obliged
to the learned Christopher Cellarius, for giving a correct
edition of them with notes, 1682, in 8vo. 10. “Disputationum in astrologiam libri XII.
” the most solid and argumentative of all his works. 11. “Commento sopra una
canzone de amore, composta da Girolamo Benivieni, secundo la mente & opinione de' Platonici
” translated into
English by Thomas Stanley, Elegia
in laudem Hieronymi Benivieni;
” in Latin and Italian.
love of studious retirement and his country made him decline. He wrote much, in Italian, as well as in Latin. G. Vossius has left a short but honourable testimony
, another learned Italian,
was born at Padua Oct. 12, 1571, and after being educated among the Jesuits, became confessor to a nunnery,
and parish priest of St. Lawrence, to which a canonry of
Treviso was added by cardinal Barberini. He was in habits of intimacy with many of the most illustrious men of
his time, and collected a valuable library and cabinet of antiquities. He died of the plague in 1631. He distinguished
himself by deep researches into antiquity, and published
the “Mensa Isiaca,
” and some other pieces, which illustrate
the antiquities and hieroglyphics of the Egyptians, and
gained him the reputation of a man accurately as well as
profoundly learned. He was also skilled in writing verses,
consisting of panegyrics, epitaphs, and a long poem inscribed to pope Urbao VIII. It must be remembered to
the honour of Pignorius, that the great Galileo procured
an offer to be made to him, of the professorship of polite
literature and eloquence in the university of Pisa; which
his love of studious retirement and his country made him
decline. He wrote much, in Italian, as well as in Latin.
G. Vossius has left a short but honourable testimony of
him and says, that he was “ob eximiam eruditionem
atque humanitatem mini charissimus vir.
”
s killed by lightning. Notwithstanding his knowledge of Greek, he was thought but moderately skilled in Latin.
, or Leo Pilatus, a monk of Calabria, who flourished about the middle of the fourteenth century, is considered as one of the most industrious of those eminent scholars who contributed to the revival of literature and taste in Europe, and was the first who taught Greek in Italy, where he had Petrarch and Boccaccio for his scholars. He was on his return from a journey through Greece, in search of manuscripts in that language, when he was killed by lightning. Notwithstanding his knowledge of Greek, he was thought but moderately skilled in Latin.
the point in dispute was considered as decided. He died Oct. 15, 1644, aged 71. His works are, Notes in Latin, against those of du Moulin on the canon law, printed
, a celebrated lawyer, was born
in 1573, of a good family at Angers. He attended the
bar with a degree of reputation superior to his age; and
going afterwards to Paris, distinguished himself both in the
parliament and grand council, by his eloquent pleadings.
In 1600 he married Frances Ladvocat, daughter of Amauri
Ladvocat, seigneur de Fougeres, and counsellor to the
presidial of Angers, and at his return to his native place,
was appointed counsellor to the same presidial. Mary de
Medicis becoming acquainted with him in 1619, conceived
the highest esteem for his merit, created him master of the
requests in her palace, and endeavoured to support herself
in her disgrace by his credit and advice; but M. du
Pineau’s whole aim was to inspire her with resignation, in
which he at last succeeded. Louis XIII. in return
appointed him mayor and captain-general of the city of AngerSj June 2, 1632, in which situation he gained the flattering title of “Father of the People.
” His house became
also a kind of academy, in which every one freely proposed
his difficulties on the most intricate points of law or history,
and when du Pineau had spoken, the point in dispute was
considered as decided. He died Oct. 15, 1644, aged 71.
His works are, Notes in Latin, against those of du Moulin
on the canon law, printed under the inspection of Francis
Pinsson, with du Moulin' s works; “Comm. des observations et consultations surlaContume d'Anjou,
” reprinted,
This must certainly be right, for
Pineau has confirmed the opinion of Menage.
” His house
was so much frequented, that the street in which he lived
was called “Rue Pineau.
”
he eightieth year of his age. Besides a translation of the Bible into German, he wrote commentaries, in Latin, on the Bible, first printed in 8vo, afterwards in 4 vols.
, a protestant German divine, was born at Strasburgh in 1546. In his early studies he acquired the character of an able philosopher, but was most approved as a commentator on the scriptures. He inclined at first to the Lutheran opinions, but afterwards embraced those of Calvin, and lastly endeavoured to give an Arminian modification of some of the Calvinistic opinions respecting original sin, grace, and predestination, which, as usual, pleased neither party. He was for some time professor of divinity in the newly-established university of Herborn, where he died in 1626, in the eightieth year of his age. Besides a translation of the Bible into German, he wrote commentaries, in Latin, on the Bible, first printed in 8vo, afterwards in 4 vols. fol. 1643, &c. and many controversial treatises.
, in Latin Plateanus, a learned French writer, was born at Angoulême
, in Latin Plateanus, a learned
French writer, was born at Angoulême in 1526. He applied with success to the study of jurisprudence, and in
1548 published a Latin paraphrase on the titles of the
Imperial institutes, “De Actionibus, Exceptionibus et
Interdictis,
” in 4to. After this he was called to the bar of
the parliament of Paris, and acquired the character of a
learned, eloquent, and virtuous counsellor. Francis I.
appointed him advocate of his court of aids at Paris, and
he discharged the duties of that office with so much talent
and integrity, that Henry II. nominated him his first president in the same court. He became, in consequence of
hearing Calvin, a convert to the protestant religion in 1554,
and made an open profession of it on the death of Francis
II. On the breaking out of the civil war he retired to one
of his houses in Picardy; but at the peace in 1562 vindicated himself before the king from the several charges
which had been preferred against him. He was now appointed by the prince of Condé superintendant of the
household, and accompanied his highness to the castle of
Vè in the Valois, where he continued till Charles IX.
granted the protestants advantageous terms of peace in
1569, that he might the more easily extirpate them. La
Place, deceived by this treachery, returned to Paris, and
was executing the office of president to the court of aids,
when he was put to death in the most treacherous as well
as barbarous manner in the general massacre of the protestants on St. Bartholomew’s day, in 1572, at the age of
forty-six. His clear judgment and discrimination admirably
qualified him for the office of magistrate. His chief works
are, “Commentaries on the state of Religion, and of the
Commonwealth, from 1556 to 1561;
” “A Treatise on the
right use of Moral Philosophy in connection with the Christian Doctrine;
” and “A Treatise on the excellence of the
Christian Man.
”
, so called, a learned Italian, and author of a “History of the Popes,” was born in 1421 at Piadena, in Latin Platina, a village between Cremona and Mantua; whence
, so called, a learned
Italian, and author of a “History of the Popes,
” was born
in Is it thus,
” said he, looking at him sternly, “is it thus,
that you summon us before your judges, as if you knew
riot that all laws were centered in our breast Such is our
decree they shall all go hence, whithersoever they please
I am pope, and have a right to ratify or cancel the acts of
others at pleasure.
” These abbreviators, thus divested of
their employments, used their utmost endeavours, for some
days, to obtain audience of the pope, but were repulsed
with contempt. Upon this, Platina wrote to him in bolder
language “If you had a right to dispossess us, without a
hearing, of the employments we lawfully purchased; we,
on the other side, may surely be permitted to complain of
the injustice we suffer, and the ignominy with which we
are branded. As you have repulsed us so contumeliousjy,
we will go to all the courts of princes, and intreat them to
call a council; whose principal business shall be, to oblige
you to shew cause, why you have divested us of our lawful possessions.
” This letter being considered as an act of
rebellion, the writer was imprisoned, and endured great hardships. At the end of four months he had his liberty, with
orders not to leave Rome, and continued in quiet for some
time; but afterwards, being suspected of a plot, was again
imprisoned, and, with many others, put to the rack. The
plot being found imaginary, the charge was turned to heresy, which also came to nothing; and Platina was set at
liberty some time after. The pope then flattered him with
a prospect of preferment, but died before he could perform
his promises, if ever he meant to do so. On the accession,
however, of Sixtus IV. to the pontificate, he recompensed
Platina in some measure by appointing him in 1475, keeper
of the Vatican library, which was established by this pope.
It was a place of moderate income then, but was highly acceptable to Platina, who enjoyed it with great contentment
until 1481, when he was snatched away by the plague. He
bequeathed to Pomponius Laetus the house which he built
on the Mons Quirinalis, with the laurel grove, out of which
the poetical crowns were taken. He was the author of several works, the most considerable of which is, “De Vitis
ac Gestis Summorum Pontificum
” or, History of the
Popes from St. Peter to Sixtus IV. to whom he dedicated
it. This work is written with an elegance of style, and
discovers powers of research and discrimination which
were then unknown in biographical works. He seems
always desirous of stating the truth, and does this with as
much boldness as could be expected in that age. The
best proof of this, perhaps, is that all the editions after
1500 were mutilated by the licensers of the press. The
Account he gives of his sufferings under Paul II. has been
objected to him as a breach of the impartiality to be observed by a historian but it was at the same time no inconsiderable proof of his courage. This work was first
printed at Venice in 1479, folio, and reprinted once or
twice before 1500. Platina wrote also, 2. “A History of
Mantua,
” in Latin, which was first published by Lambecius, with notes, at Vienna, 1675, in 4to. 3. “De Naturis rerum.
” 4. “Epistolae ad diversos.
” 5. “De honesta voluptate et valetutiine.
” 6. “De falso et vero
bono.
” 7. “Contra amores.
” 8. “De vera nobilitate.
”
9. “De optimo cive.
” 10.“Panegyricus in Bessarionem.
”
11. “Oratio ad Paulum II.
” 12. “De pace Italiae componenda et bello Turcico indicendo.
” 13. “De flosculis
lingua? Latin.
” Sannazarius wrote an humorous epigram
on the treatise “de honesta voluptate,
” including directions for the kitchen, de Obsoniis, which Mr. Gresswell has.
thus translated:
at this time preparing for the press, with no very liberal design, some part of Eutychius’s annals, in Latin and Arabic, which he published the year following, under
His journey home was attended with many melancholy
circumstances. While at Paris, and on the road, he heard
of the commotions in England, and on his arrival, he
found his liberal patron, Laud, a prisoner in the Tower.
Here he immediately visited the archbishop, and their interview was affecting on both sides. The archbishop
thanked him for the care he had taken in executing his
commissions, and for his interesting correspondence while
abroad, adding that it was no small aggravation of his present misfortunes that he no longer had it in his power tp
reward such important services to the cause of literature.
Mr. Pocock then went to Oxford, to dissipate his grief,
and in hopes of enjoying some tranquillity in a place
which had not yet become the scene of confusion and
there he found that the archbishop had settled the Arabic
professorship in perpetuity by a grant of lands. He now
resumed his lecture, and his private studies. In 1641 he
became acquainted with the celebrated John Selden, who
was at this time preparing for the press, with no very liberal design, some part of Eutychius’s annals, in Latin and
Arabic, which he published the year following, under
the title of “Origines Alexandrine,
” and Mr. Pocock
assisted him in collating and extracting from the Arabic
books in Oxford. Selden’s friendship was afterwards of
great importance to him, as he had considerable influence
with the republican party. In 1642 Oxford became the
seat of war, and was that of learning only in a secondary
degree. Mr. Pocock was however removed from a constant residence for some time, by the society of Corpus Christi, who bestowed on him the vacant living of Childrey in Berkshire, about twelve miles from Oxford, which
of course he could easily visit during term time, when he
was to read his lecture. As a parish priest, his biographer
informs us, that “he set himself with his utinost diligence
to a conscientious performance of all the duties of his cure,
preaching twice every Sunday; and his Sermons were so
contrived by him, as to be most useful to the persons who
were to hear him. For though such as he preached in the
university were very elaborate, and full of critical and
other learning, the discourses he delivered in his parish
were plain and easy, having nothing in them which he
conceived to be above the capacities even of the meanest of his auditors. And as he carefully avoided all
ostentation of learning , so he would not indulge
himself in the practice of those arts, which at that
time were very common, and much admired by ordinary
people such as distortions of the countenance, and strange
gestures, a violent and unnatural way of speaking, and
affected words and phrases, which being out of the ordinary way were therefore supposed to express somewhat
very mysterious, and in an high degree spiritual. His
conversation too was one continued sermon, powerfully recommending to all, who were acquainted with him, the
several duties of Christianity.
”
h the usurpers. Dr. Gerard Langbaine also, the provost of Queen’s college, drew up a long instrument in Latin, stating the legal course taken by the archbishop in the
But all this found no protection against the violence of the times. Immediately after the execution of archbishop Laud, the profits of his professorship were seized by the sequestrators, as part of that prelate’s estate, although Mr. Pocock, in a letter to these sequestrators, endeavoured to shew the utility of this foundation to the interests of learning, and his own right to the settlement of the founder, which was made with all the forms of law. This for some time had no effect, but at last men were found even in those days who were ashamed of such a proceeding, and had the courage to expose its cruelty and absurdity and in 1647 the salary of the lecture was restored by the interposition of Selden, who had considerable interest with the usurpers. Dr. Gerard Langbaine also, the provost of Queen’s college, drew up a long instrument in Latin, stating the legal course taken by the archbishop in the foundation of the Arabic lecture, and the grant the university had made to Mr. Pocock of its profits. This he and some others proposed in congregation, and the seal of the university was affixed to it with unanimous consent. About the same time, Mr. Pocock obtained a protection from the hand and seal of general Fairfax, against the outrage of the soldiery, who would else have plundered his house without mercy.
and intimately conversant with the works of the Roman classic authors. In selecting, as his exemplar in Latin composition, the style of Cicero, he manifested the discernment
Although Poggio held the office of apostolic secretary
under seven pontiffs, he had never reached any of the superior departments of the Roman chancery. But when
Nicholas V. ascended the pontifical throne, his prospects
were brightened and he indulged the hope of spending
the remainder of his days in a state of independence, if
not of affluence. With a viewof improving his interest
with the new pontiff, he addressed to him a congratulatory
oration, which was recompensed by very liberal presents.
This was succeeded by a dedicatory epistle, introducing
to his patronage a dialogue “On the Vicissitudes of Fortune,
” the most interesting of Poggio’s works, and inculcating maxims of sublime philosophy, enforced by a detail
of splendid and striking events. Confiding in the pontiff,
he also published the dialogue “On Hypocrisy,
” already
mentioned. At the request, and under the patronage of
Nicolas, he also contributed to the illustration of Grecian
literature, by a Latin translation of the works of Diodorus
Siculus, and the “Cyropaedia
” of Xenophon. During
the plague, which raged in various parts of Italy, in 1450,
Poggio visited the place of his nativity; and availing himself of this interval of relaxation from the duties of his
office, he published his “Liber Facetiarum,
” or collection
of jocose tales, containing anecdotes of several eminent
persons who flourished during the fourteenth and fifteenth
centuries. This work acquired a considerable degree of
popularity, and was read, not only in the native country
of its author, but also in France, Spain, Germany, and
Britain, very little indeed to the credit of the readers, as it
abounds with gross and abominable indecencies. In 1451
he dedicated to the cardinal Prospero Colonna, his “Historia disceptativa convivialis.
” In Priori degli arti,
” or presidents of the trading companies; both which offices he
held till his death, which happened October 30, 1459.
Notwithstanding the multiplicity of his business, and the
advances of age, he prosecuted his studies with his accustomed ardour, and published a dialogue “De miseria hurnanae conditionis,
” and a version of Lucian’s “Ass,
” with
a view of establishing a point of literary history, which
seems to nave been till that time unknown namely, that
Apuleius was indebted to Lucian for the stamina of his
“Asinus aureus.
” The last literary work in which he engaged, was his “History of Florence,
” divided into eight
books, and comprehending the events in which the Florentines were concerned from 1350 to the peace of Naples
in 1455. This history was translated into Italian by Jacopo,
the son of Poggio but the original was published by Recanati, and has been republished in the collections of
Graevius and Muratori. Poggio concluded his career in
the possession of universal respect, and in the tranquil
enjoyment of social and domestic comforts. His remains
were interred with solemn magnificence in the church of
Santa Croce at Florence and his fellow-citizens testified
thek respect for his talents and virtues, by erecting a statue to his memory on the front of the church of Santa
Maria del Fiore. As the citizeu of a free state, which he
deemed a high honour, he improved every opportunity
that occurred for increasing and displaying the glory of the
Tuscan republic. Although he was honoured by the favour of the great, he never sacrificed his independence at
the shrine of power, but uniformly maintained the ingenuous sentiments of freedom. Such was the state of morals in his time, that the licentiousness which disgraced the
early period of his life, and the indecent levity which occurs in some of his writings, did not deprive him of the countenance of the greatest ecclesiastical dignitaries, or cause him
to forfeit the favour of the pious Eugenius, or of the moral
and accomplished Nicolas V. To those with whom he
maintained a personal intercourse, he recommended himself by the urbanity of his manners, the strength of his
judgment, and the sportiveness of his wit. “As a scholar,
Poggio is entitled to distinguished praise. By assiduous
study, he became a considerable proficient in the Greek
language, and intimately conversant with the works of the
Roman classic authors. In selecting, as his exemplar in
Latin composition, the style of Cicero, he manifested the
discernment of true taste and his endeavours to imitate
this exquisite model, were far from being unsuccessful. His
diction is flowing, and his periods are well balanced. But
by the occasional admission of barbarous words and unauthorized phraseology, he reminds his readers that at the
time when he wrote, the iron age of literature was but
lately terminated. His striking fault is diffuseness a diffuseness which seems to arise, not so much from the copiousness of his thoughts, as from the difficulty which he
experienced in clearly expressing his ideas. It must, however, be observed, that he did not, like many modern
authors who are celebrated for their Latinity, slavishly
confine himself to the compilation of centos from the works
of the ancients. In the prosecution of his literary labours,
he drew from his own stores and those frequent allusions
to the customs and transactions of his own times, which
render his writings so interesting, must, at a period when
the Latin language was just rescued from the grossest barbarism, have rendered their composition peculiarly difficult.
” When compared with the works of his immediate predecessors, the writings of Poggio are truly astonishing. Rising
to a degree of elegance, to be sought for in vain in the
rugged Latinity of Petrarca and Coluccio Salutati, he
prepared the way for the correctness of Politian, and of
the other eminent scholars whose gratitude has reflected
such splendid lustre on the character of Lorenzo de
Medici."
The works of Poggio were published together at Basil,
in 1538, which is reckoned the most complete edition.
earned Italian, was born July 14, 1454, at Monte Pulciano in Tuscany and from the name of this town, in Latin Mons Politianus, he derived the surname of Politian. His
, a most ingenious and learned Italian, was born July 14, 1454, at Monte Pulciano in Tuscany and from the name of this town, in Latin Mons Politianus, he derived the surname of Politian. His father was a doctor of the civil law. His name, according to M. Baillet, was Benedictus de Cinis, or, de Ambroginis, for he considers the former as a corruption of the latter. Politian, who gave early proofs of an extraordinary genius; had the advantage of Christophero Landino’s instructions in the Latin language. His preceptors in the Greek were Andronicus of Thessalonica and John Argyropylus. His abilities, at a very early period of his life, attracted the notice of Lorenzo and Julius de Medici. An Italian poem, the production of his juvenile pen, in which he celebrated an equestrian spectacle, or Giostra, wherein the latter bore away the prize, greatly contributed to establish his reputation. He was thence honoured with the peculiar patronage of the Medicean family; and, among other persons remarkable for genius and learning, whom the munificence of Lorenzo attracted to Florence, Politian was seen to shinq as a star of the first magnitude. Lorenzo confided to him the education of his own children and in this honourable employment he passed a great part of his life, favoured with the peculiar friendship of his patron, and the society and correspondence of men of letters. Among the more intimate associates of Poiitian, was Picus of Mi ran dula, and between these eminent scholars there was a strict attachment, and a friendly communication of studies. The Platonic philosopher, Marsilius Ficinus, completed this literary triumvirate.
in 1662, and therefore incurred an ejectment from his rectory upon which occasion he printed a piece in Latin, entitled “Vop clamantis in deserto” He then submitted
However Mr. Pool might vindicate himself against the
misrepresentations of this sermon, he refused to comply
with the act of uniformity in 1662, and therefore incurred
an ejectment from his rectory upon which occasion he
printed a piece in Latin, entitled “Vop clamantis in deserto
” He then submitted to the law with a commendable resignation, and enjoying a paternal estate of one
hundred pounds per annum, sat down to his studies, resolving to employ his pen in the service of religion in general, without interfering with the controversies of the
times. With this view, he formed the design of a very
laborious and useful work, which procured him much
credit at the time, and entitles him to the regard of posterity. This was his “Synopsis Criticorum,
” published
in the friends of religion and learning
” to the “Synopsis,
”
which was to consist of three volumes folio, of
, and perhaps in every collection of English songs. Vincent Bourne wrote a beautiful imitation of it in Latin. This wish seems to have been in some measure accomplished
Dr. Pope was a man of humour and a satirist, and in
both characters had published in 1670 the “Memoirs of
Mons. Du Vail, with his last speech and epitaph.
” Du
Vail was a notorious highwayman, who was hanged in 1669
at Tyburn, and having been much admired and bewailed
by the ladies, our author by this piece of biography endeavoured to cure them of such weakness or affectation,
and to direct their esteem to more worthy objects. In
1693, he published his well-known song called “The
Wish,
” or “The Old Man’s Wish,
” which may be seen in
Mr. Nichols’s collection of Miscellany Poems, and perhaps
in every collection of English songs. Vincent Bourne
wrote a beautiful imitation of it in Latin. This wish seems
to have been in some measure accomplished in his own
case, for in his life of bishop Ward, published in 1697, he
says, “I thank God, I am arriv‘d to a good old age without
gout, or stone, with my external senses but little decayed;
and my intellectuals, tho’ none of the best, yet as good as
ever they were.
” In the following year he was involved in
a tedious law-suit, which gave him much uneasiness, but
what the subject was, his biographer has not discovered.
In 1699 he withdrew from the Royal Society, designing
Yery probably to retire into the country, and enjoy himself
in some respects agreeably to his “Wish.
” Accordingly
he spent much of his time afterwards at Epsom, but at last
settled in Bunhill fields, then a suburb of London, where
he died, in a very advanced age, in June 1714, and was
buried in the church of St. Giles’s Cripplegate.
, in Latin Possinus, a learned Jesuit, of Narbonne, in the 17th century,
, in Latin Possinus, a learned Jesuit, of Narbonne, in the 17th century, resided a considerable time at Rome, where he was much esteemed by Christina, queen of Sweden, cardinal Barberini, and several
other illustrious persons. He understood Greek well, had
very carefully studied the fathers, and has left translations
of a great number of Greek authors, with notes a
“Catena of the Greek Fathers on St. Mark,
” Rome,
, in Latin Pricæus, a learned writer, originally of a Welsh family,
, in Latin Pricæus, a learned writer,
originally of a Welsh family, was born in 1600 at London.
He was brought up at Westminster-school, whence in,
1617 he was elected to Christ-church, Oxford. He made
>grcat proficiency in learning, and was esteemed one of the
ablest critics of his day, but espoused the Roman catholic
religion which for some time he appears to have concealed.
On leaving college he was entertained in the earl of Arundel’s family, with which he travelled into Italy, and there
was made doctor of law?. On his return to England, he
became acquainted with the earl of Strafford, who 'being
pleased with his talents and learning, took him with him to
Ireland, where he likewise became acquainted with archbishop Usher, and was one of his correspondents, their
biblical studies forming a bond of union. When his noble
patron was prosecuted, Dr. Price shared in his misfortunes,
and returned to England in 1640. During the rebellion
he endeavoured to support the royal cause by his pen, and
wrote several pamphlets, for which he was imprisoned for
a considerable time. After his release he went abroad, and
took up his residence in Florence, where the grand duke
made him superintendant of his museum, which was then
One of the finest in Europe. By the interest of this prince,
he was appointed Greek professor at Pisa, and filled that
office with great reputation. Resigning it, however, probably owing to bad health, he went to Venice, with a view
to publish Hesychius’s Lexicon, but not succeeding in the
design, he went to Rome, and was entertained by cardinal
Francis Barberini. When advanced in years, he retired to
St. Augustine’s convent at Rome, where he died in 1676,
aged seventy-six. His works are 1. “Notoe et observationes in apologiam L. Apuleii Madaurensis, philosophi
Platonici,
” Paris, Matthaeus, ex sacra pagina, sanctis
patribus, &c. illustratus,
” Paris, Annotationes in epist. Jacobi,
” Paris, Acta
Apostolorum, ex sacra pagina, sanctis patribus, &c. illustrata,
” Paris, Index Scriptorum, qui in
Hesychii Graeco vocabulario laudantur, confectus et alphabetico ordine dispositus,
” Comment, in varios Novi Test. Hbros,
”
inserted in the 5th vol. of the “Critici Sacri.
” Dr. Price is
praised by Sarravius, in his letters by archbishop Usher
on St. Ignatius’s epistles by Heinsius, in an epistle to
Carlo Dati by Selden more than once, in the second
book “de Synedriis Ebraeorum
” by Vossius, in his “Harmonia Evangelica
” by Morus, in his notes on the New
Testament by Redi, in his treatise on the Generation of
Insects but especially by Axenius on Phaedrus.
, in Latin Priolus, author of an History of France from the death
, in Latin Priolus, author of an
History of France from the death of Louis XIII. in 1643 to
1664, was born in 1602. He was descended from the
Prioli, an illustrious family, some of whom had been doges
of Venice. He underwent some difficulties from losing
his father and mother, when young; but these did not
abate his passion for learning, which he indulged day and
night. He studied first at Orthez, next at Montauban,
and afterwards at Leyden in which last city he profited by
the lectures of Heinsius and Vossius. He went to Paris,
for the sake of seeing and consulting Grotius and afterwards to Padua, where he learned the opinions of Aristotle
and other ancient philosophers, under Cremoninus and
Licetus. After returning to France, he went again into
Italy, in order to be recognized by the house of Prioli, as
one of their relations. He devoted himself to the duke
of Rohan, then in the Venetian service, and became one
of his most intimate confidents; but, uncertain what his
fate would be after this duke’s death, he retired to Geneva,
having married, three months before, a lady of a very
noble family. The duke de Longueville drew him from
this retirement, upon his being appointed plenipotentiary
from the court of France for the treaty of Munster, as a
person whose talents might be of service to him and
Priolo resided with him a year at Munster, where he
contracted a very intimate friendship with Chigi the nuncio, %
who was afterwards pope Alexander VII. From Munster
he returned to Geneva; whence he went to France, in
order to settle at Paris. He stayed six months in Lyons,
and there had frequent conferences with cardinal Francis
Barberini the effect of which was, that himself and his
whole family abjured the Protestant religion, and immediately received the communion from the hands of the
cardinal. He was not, however, long easy at Paris for, the
civil war breaking out soon after, he joined with the malecontents, which proved the ruin of his fortune. He was
obliged to retire to Flanders, his estate was confiscated,
and his family banished. Being afterwards restored to the
favour of his sovereign, he resolved to lead a private life,
and to devote himself to study. It was at this time, and
to divert his melancholy, that he wrote, without the least
flattery or partiality, his “History of France,
” in Latin.
It has gone through several impressions but the best edition is that of Leipsic, 1686, 8vo. He was again employed in negociations; and set out, in 1667, upon a
secret affair to Venice; but did not arrive at the end of his
journey, being seized with an apoplectic fit, of which he
died in the archbishop’s palace at Lyons. He left seven
children; who, by virtue of his name, and their own accomplishments and merit, rose to very flourishing circumstances.
n of the Greek and Latin Fathers on the Octateuch” i. e. the first eight books of the Bible, printed in Latin, fol. Photius praises the style and accuracy of Procopius
, a Greek rhetorician and sophist,
lived about the year 560, and has left Commentaries on the
books of Kings and Chronicles, published by Meursius in
Greek and Latin, Leyden, 1620, 4to; Commentaries on
Isaiah, printed at Paris, 1580, fol. Greek and Latin “A
Chain of the Greek and Latin Fathers on the Octateuch
”
i. e. the first eight books of the Bible, printed in Latin, fol.
Photius praises the style and accuracy of Procopius Gazaeus,
but justly blames him for his too long digressions.
he 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,
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.
s of them at the press of Plantin. He published in 1551 Arator’s History of the Acts of the Apostles in Latin hexameters, with his own corrections of the text. Virgil,
, properly Poelman, a Dutch commentator on the classics, was born at Cranenbourg, in the Dutchy of Cleves, about 1510. He was bred a fuller, but by diligent application became an able scholar, critic, and grammarian. He principally applied himself to the correction of the Latin poets from ancient manuscripts, and superintended some good editions of them at the press of Plantin. He published in 1551 Arator’s History of the Acts of the Apostles in Latin hexameters, with his own corrections of the text. Virgil, Lucan, Juvenal, Horace, Ausonius, Claudian, Terence, Suetonius, and Esop’s Fables, were also edited by him, and the works of St. Paulinus. He is supposed to have died about 1580, at Salamanca, but the cause which led him so far from home we cannot assign.
, a poet of Italy, who wrote both in his own language and in Latin, was born at Padua in 1546, and manifested a very early
, a poet of Italy, who wrote both in his own language and in Latin, was born at Padua in 1546, and manifested a very early genius. By means of a ready conception and vast memory, he soon made himself master of several languages, and of no small store of other knowledge. He was confidentially employed bjr several popes, and was secretary of the sacred college under no less than five. Clement VIII. made him a canon of Padua; but Paul V. recalled him to Rome, where he loaded him with honourable offices. Querenghi continued to hold his employments under the succeeding popes, till he died at Rome, Sept. 1, 1633, at the age of eightyseven. There is a volume of his Latin poems, which was printed at Rome in 1629; and Italian poetry, published also at Rome in 1616.
at Chauny. He completed his studies at the Mazarine college at Paris, where he acquired great skill in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and ecclesiastical history, and was sent
, a French ecclesiastical historian, was born November 25, 1708, at Chauny. He
completed his studies at the Mazarine college at Paris,
where he acquired great skill in Latin, Greek, Hebrew,
and ecclesiastical history, and was sent for by M. de la
Croix-Castries, archbishop of Albi, in 1729, to re-establish the college at Rabastens. Here he remained two
years, and under his care the college became flourishing
but, being afterwards banished by the intrigues of the Jesuits, for his attachment to the anti-constitutionists, retired
to M. Colbert at Montpellier, who employed him in
superintending the college of Lunel. This situation he privately quitted in a short time, to avoid some rigorous orders and, going to Paris, undertook the education of
some young men at the college of Harcourt but this place
too he was obliged to quit in 1734, by cardinal Fleury’s
order; from which time he lived sequestered from the
world, wholly occupied in his retreat in study and devotion. M. de Caylus, bishop of Auxerre, being determined
to attach M.Racine to himself, gave him a canonryat
Auxerre, and admitted him to sacred orders, all which,
however, occasioned no change in. his way of life. He
died at Paris, worn out by application, May 15, 1755,
aged 47, and was buried at St. Severin. His principal
works are, four tracts relative to the dispute which had
arisen concerning “Fear and Confidence,
” written with
so much moderation, that they pleased all parties; and an
“Abridgment of Ecclesiastical History,
” 13 vols. 12mo
and 4to. This work has been extremely admired, particularly by the opponents of the bull Unigenitus, and of
the Jesuits, who are treated in it with great severity, as
they had been the cause of all his troubles. He intended
to have continued his Abridgment down to the year 1750
at least, had he lived longer; and a history of the first 33
years of the eighteenth century has been published by one
of his friends, 2 vols. 12mo; and some Reflections, by M.
Racine, on Ecclesiastical History, have also appeared, 2
vols. 12mo, which are a summary of his Abridgment.
in 1724, there are two pieces of his own, one of them called “The Vision,” said to have been written in Latin, about 1300, and translated in 1524, and which has for
Before he left Leadhills he had no opportunity of reading any books but such as were in the hands of the country
people all over Scotland. Amongst those were the hktory
in verse of king Robert the Bruce, the exploits of sir William Wallace, and the poems of sir David Lindsey , a favourite of king James V. which coming at an early period
to one not distracted by a variety of studies, made a deep
impression upon his mind, and gave a cast to all his after
sentiments, particularly with regard to the dignity and independence of Scotland, in the history and antiquities of
which he became very knowing. In the “Ever Green,
”
a collection of old Scottish poems, published by him in
1724, there are two pieces of his own, one of them called
“The Vision,
” said to have been written in Latin, about
The Tale of the Three
Bonnets,
” in which the manner of bringing about that treaty
is handled with a great dea4 of satirical humour: but his
good sense and observation getting, at length, the better
of those early prejudices, this poem never obtained a place
in any of his two volumes, and is now difficult to he met
with.
y 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
, 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.
e, at the charge of sir Christopher (afterwards lord) Hatton, of Kirby, with an inscription upon it, in Latin and English verse, written by our author’s intimate friend
The dramatic pieces he has left behind him, five in number, were published in 1638, by his brother, Mr. Thomas
Randolph, of Christ-church college, Oxford, along with
his poems, some of which have considerable merit. Of
his dramatic pieces, the “Muses’ Looking-glass
” is the
most generally admired; in it there is great variety of
characters of the passions and vices, drawn with much
truth, and interspersed with many strokes of natural humour. A late critic thinks he has discovered in it the
ground-work of the “Rehearsal,
” and similar satires. “The
Looking-Glass
” was about fifty years ago revived at Covent-garden theatre, and is reprinted in Dodsley’s Collection of Old Plays. Had Randolph lived, it is thought he
would have produced many more valuable pieces; hut, as
Antony Wood says, being somewhat addicted to libertine
indulgences, in consequence of keeping too much company, and running into fashionable excesses with greater
freedom than his constitution could bear, he assisted in
shortening his own days, and died March 17, 1634, before he had completed the age of twenty-nine years, at
the house of William Stafford, esq. of Blatherwyke in
Northamptonshire. He was buried, with the ancestors of
the family of Stafford, in an aile adjoining to the church of
that place, soon after which a monument of white marble
was erected over his grave, at the charge of sir Christopher (afterwards lord) Hatton, of Kirby, with an inscription upon it, in Latin and English verse, written by our
author’s intimate friend Peter Hausted.
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
, 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.
tion 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.
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.
e,” written in the Tuscan language, and printed at Venice; and “De Italicae linguae pronunciatione,” in Latin, printed at Padua. There was likewise in Jesus college
, an English physician and philologist, was born at Llanvaethly in the isle of Anglesea,
in 1534. After residing two or three years at Oxford, he
was elected student of Christ church, but inclining to the
study of medicine, went abroad, and took the degree of
doctor in that faculty at Sienna in Tuscany. He acquired
so perfect a knowledge of the Italian language, that he was
appointed public moderator of the school of Pistoia in
Tuscany, and wrote books in that tongue, which were much
esteemed by the Italians themselves. On his return, with
a high reputation for medical and critical learning of all
kinds, he retired to Brecknock, where he passed the
greater part of his life in literary pursuits and the practice
of his profession, and where he died about 1609. Wood
says he died a Roman catholic; and Dodd, upon that authority, has included him among his worthies of that religion, but there seems some reason to doubt this. One of
Rhese’s publications was a Welsh grammar, “CambroBritannicae, Cymeraecaeve, linguse Institutiones et
Rudimenta, &c. ad intelligend. Biblia Sacra iiuper in CambroBritannicum sermonem eleganter versa,
” Lond. 1592, folio.
Prefixed to this is a preface by Humphrey Prichard, in
which he informs us that the author made this book purposely for the better understanding of that excellent translation of the Bible into Welsh, and principally for the sake
of the clergy, and to make the scriptures more intelligible
to them and to the people; a measure which a Roman catholic in those days would scarcely have adopted. Prichard also
says that he was “sincere religionis propaganda avidissimus;
” and as Prichard was a protestant, and a minister of
the church of England, he must surely mean the protestant
religion. Rhese’s other works are, “Rules for obtaining
the Latin Tongue,
” written in the Tuscan language, and
printed at Venice; and “De Italicae linguae pronunciatione,
” in Latin, printed at Padua. There was likewise in
Jesus college library a ms compendium of Aristotle’s Metaphysics in the Welsh language by our author, in which
he asserts, what every ancient Briton will agree to, that this
tongue is as copious and proper for the expression of philosophical terms, as the Greek or any other language. Several other valuable tracts, which are entirely lost, were
written by Dr. Rhese, who was accounted one of the great
luminaries of ancient British literature. By Stradling in
his epigrams, he is styled “novum antiques linguae lumen;
”
and by Camden, “clarissimus et eruditissimus vir Joannes
David,
” for he was sometimes called John David, or Davis.
e the case. His works were collected in 3 vols. folio: the first two contain the pieces he published in Latin, the other his German compositions. This last volume was
In 1530 there was a diet held at Augsburg, at which the
duke of Brunswick was present, who prevailed on Regius
to go to Lunenburg in his dominions, to take care of the
church there. The duke highly esteemed him, and declared to the people of Augsburgh, who petitioned for his
return, that he would as soon part with his eyes as with
Regius, and made him chief pastor of all the churches in
his dominions, with an ample and liberal salary. Here he
passed the greater part of a useful and active life in
preaching, writing, and religious conferences. He died
May 23, 1541, when on a journey with the duke to Haguenau; the place of his death is said to be Zell; but we
have no account of his age. He had often wished that he
might die a sudden and easy death, which happened to be
the case. His works were collected in 3 vols. folio: the
first two contain the pieces he published in Latin, the
other his German compositions. This last volume was afterwards translated into Latin, and published under the
title of “Vita Opera Urbani Regii, reddita per Ernest.
Regium,
” Norib. The Sermon which
Christ made on the way to Emmaus, &c.
” A
declaration of the twelve articles of the Christen faythe,
&c.
” An Instruccyon of Christen fayth, &c.
”
The Olde
Learnyng and the New compared, &c.
” Exposition on the 87th Psalm,
” A homily of
the good and evil Angell, &c.
” Loci Theologici ex
patribus & scholasticis neotericisque collect!.
”
e autumn of that year a bookseller at Leyden agreed with him for a publication of Abulfeda’s History in Latin and Arabic: the first sheet was accordingly printed, and
After some stay at his native place Zorbig, where he
could find no opportunity of settling advantageously, he
was obliged to return to Leipsic. In 1747, he tells us he
was made professor for the publication of a tract, entitled
“De principibus Mahummedanis literarum laude claris.
”
From this time he lived, during many years, in want and
obscurity, frequently not knowing where to get bread to
eat. What he did get, he says, was hardly earned, by
private instruction, writing books, correcting for the press,
translations, and working for reviews; and thus he went
on from 1746 to 1758.
In the mean time, in 1748, he wrote his “Prograrmna
de epocha Arabum, &c.
” for which he was made Arabic
professor, but in tins office he complains of being rewarded
by an ill-paid salary of one hundred dollars a year. In the
autumn of that year a bookseller at Leyden agreed with
him for a publication of Abulfeda’s History in Latin and
Arabic: the first sheet was accordingly printed, and made
him known in France and England; and the whole, he
says, would have followed, if it had not been for his quarrel
with Schultens. Reiske appears to have had an extraordinary propensity to quarrelling, and being a reviewer, vva&
not sparing of the means, by reviewing in an arrogant and
petulant style the works of those persons with whom he
was living in apparent friendship. He even unblushingly
avows that a sort of revenge led him to speak ill of the
works of some of his friends. He speaks at the same time
of the bitter remorse with which he reflected on his treatment of Schultens, who “had been a father to him,
” acknowledges the acid of youthful pride which mixed with
his criticisms, and yet talks of being influenced by the
“conscience and duty
” of a reviewer
oems and orations; and was also concerned as an editor of books written by others. His works are all in Latin, and neatly printed.
He wrote and published a great number of works, in
order to promote and illustrate sacred and oriental learning; the chief of which are these: “De Religione Moharnmedica libri duo,
” Dissertationum Miscellanearum Partes Tres,
” His next work was,
” Antiquitates
Sacrse Veterum Hebrseorum,“1708, 12mo; but the best
edition is that of 1717, 12mo, there being many additions.
He then published
” Dissertationes Quinque de Nummis
veterum Hebraeorum, qui ab inscriptarum literarum forma
Samaritani appellantur. Accedit dissertatio de marmoribus
Arabicis Puteolanis,“1709, 12mo. But his greatest work
was
” Palsestinaex monumentis veteribus illustrata, chartis Geographicis accuratioribus adornata,“Traject. 1714,
2 vols. 4to. This edition is superior in all respects to that
of Nuremberg, 1716, 4to.
” De Spoliis Templis Hierosolymitani in arcu Titiano Romas conspicuis liber, cum
figuris," 1716, 12mo.
Reland published many smaller things of his own, among
which were Latin poems and orations; and was also concerned as an editor of books written by others. His works
are all in Latin, and neatly printed.
eyher translated Euclid’s works into German with algebraical demonstrations, and wrote several works in Latin, among which, that entitled “Mathesis Biblica,” and a
, a German lawyer and mathematician, was born April 19, 1635, at Schleusingen in the county
of Henneberg, and was educated at Leipsic and Leyden.
He was afterwards appointed preceptor to the young prince
of Gotha, then professor of mathematics at Kiel, 1655,
and some years after professor of law in the same place,
where he died Nov. 22, 1714, being then counsellor to
the duke of Saxe Gotha, and member of the Royal Academy
of Sciences at Berlin. Reyher translated Euclid’s works
into German with algebraical demonstrations, and wrote
several works in Latin, among which, that entitled “Mathesis Biblica,
” and a very curious Dissertation on the Inscriptions upon our Saviour’s cross and the hour of his
crucifixion, are particularly esteemed.
e. Dr. Reynolds being admitted into office in form, Wood says, “made a polite and accurate oration,” in Latin, in which “he spoke very modestly of himself, and how
In this mission he and his colleagues were at first interrupted by certain enthusiasts among the soldiers, headed
by one Erbury, who maintained that the ordination of these
divines was unlawful, and that no ordination was necessary
for any man who had gifts. This was a favourite topic in
those days, and is not yet exhausted. In the following year
he was nominated to the more obnoxious office of one of
thevisitors of the university, and in Feb. 1 648 was chosen
vice-chancellor, on the recommendation of the earl of
Pembroke, then chancellor of the university. ID this last
office he was to continue until August 1649. He was also,
by a mandate from parliament, which now was supreme in
all matters, created D. D. In March 1648 he was appointed dean of Christ church, in the room of Dr. Fell,
who was ejected with no common degree of violence, Mrs.
Fell and her family being literally dragged out of the
deanery house by force. Dr. Reynolds being admitted into
office in form, Wood says, “made a polite and accurate
oration,
” in Latin, in which “he spoke very modestly of
himself, and how difficult it Was for a man that had sequestered himself from secular employments to be called
to government, especially to sit at the stern in these rough
and troublesome times; but since he had subjected himself
to those that have authority to command him, he did desire that good example and counsel might prevail more in
this reformation than severity and punishments.
”
Over his grave, soon after his death, was fastened to the wall a marble table, on which his epitaph in Latin was engraven.
Dr. Reynolds assisted at the Savoy conference, and on
the first day, according to Neal, spoke much for abatements and moderation, but afterwards sitting among the
bishops, he only spoke now and then a qualifying word,
but was heartily grieved for the fruitless issue of the conference.“The same author says that he was
” prevailed
with to accept a bishopric on the terms of the king’s declaration, which never took place.“But another of his
biographers says,
” His education gave him no prejudice
to monarchy or episcopacy; and when a man can advance himself with a good conscience, why may he not
leave what interest only had engaged him in? Let them
that blame his last turn, justify him, if they can, in the
former. He was now submitting to authority, however he
had opposed it. Their standing out, and keeping up a
schism, when they were put upon nothing but what they
owned indifferent, has a worse look than returning from
wrong to right," &c. Dr. Reynolds, however, after the
government was completely re-established, became a constant resident in his diocese, and mixed no more with
affairs of state. He died at the episcopal palace at
Norwich Jan. 16, 1676, aged seventy-six. He was buried at
the upper end of the chapel (built by himself in 1662)
joining to the bishop’s palace in Norwich. Over his grave,
soon after his death, was fastened to the wall a marble
table, on which his epitaph in Latin was engraven.
ght: he died in the year 932. His works that have come down to us through the medium of translations in Latin are, I. A sort of common-place book, entitled “Continens,”
Rhazes lived to the age of eighty, and lost his sight: he
died in the year 932. His works that have come down to
us through the medium of translations in Latin are, I. A
sort of common-place book, entitled “Continens,
” or
“Libri Continentes.
” 2. A much more perfect work, the
“Libri Decem, ad Almansorem,
” published at Venice,
1*10. 3. Six books of aphorisms, published under the title
of “Liber de Secretis, qui Aphorismorum appellatur,
”
Bononiae, De Pestilential
” the
best translation is by Channing, London,
nd composed some Greek verses, which were much admired, but Scaliger did not think him equally happy in Latin poetry. He was very successful in a Latin translation
, a learned German, was born
in 1546, at Sassowerf, belonging to the counts of Stolberg
in Upper Saxony, who, induced by an early display of talents, bore the expence of his education at the college of
Ilfield. He continued there six years; and made so great
a progress in literature, that he was thought fit to teach in
the most eminent schools and the most flourishing universities. He was especially skilled in the Greek tongue, and
composed some Greek verses, which were much admired,
but Scaliger did not think him equally happy in Latin
poetry. He was very successful in a Latin translation of
“Diodorus Siculus,
” which Henry Stephens prevailed on
him to undertake; and it was published in 1604, with Stephens^ text. He translated also into Latin the Greek poem
of Quintus Calaber, concerning the taking of Troy; and
added some corrections to it. At last, he was appointed
professor of history in the university of Wittemberg, and
died there in 1606. His other works were, 1. “Historia
vitae & doctrincE Martini Lutheri carmine heroico descripta.
” 2. “Descriptio Historian Ecclesiae, sive popult Dei,
Politiae ejusdem, & rerum praecipuarum quae in illopopulo
acciderum, Graeco carmine, cum versione Latina e regione
textus Graeci,
” Francof. Poesis Christiana, id est, Palestine seu Historic sacra? Grseco-Latinae
libri 9,
” Marpnrgi, 15S9; Francof. 1590, 1630, 4to. 4.
“Tabulae Etymologice Grseca?,
” Francof. Memnonis Historia de Republica Heracliensium, & rebus
Ponticis Eclogoe seu excerptae & abbreviates narrationes
in Sermonem Latinum translatae,
” Helmstadii, Epithalamia sacra,
” Jenae, Ex Memnone, de Tyrannis Heracleae Ponticas Ctesia & Agatharchide excerptae Historiac Greece & Latine partim ex Laur.
Rhodomani interpretatione,
” Geneva, Theologiae Christianæ tyrocinia, carmine heroico Græco-Latino in 5 libros digesta,
” Lips.
e in Germany in our own language, and cannot comprehend the obstinacy of those who continue to write in Latin.” “Professor,” replied Rhunkenius, “look then for a library
Whyttembach, whom we have followed in this sketch,
draws the character of Rhunkenius at some length. His
knowledge and his learning are unquestioned. In other
respects he was lively, cheerful, and gay, almost to criminal indifference, but he knew his own value and consequence. He said once to Villoison, “Why did not you
come to Leyden to attend Valckenaer and me?
” He once
showed, with pride, a chest of Mss. of Joseph Scaliger to
a Swede called Biornsthall “Ah
” said Biornsthall,
“this is a man who wants judgment,
” alluding to his epitaph, but playing a little too severely on the equivoque.
Rhunkenius grew angry, and replied with warmth, “Be
gone with your ignorance
” “aufer te hinc cum tuo stupore.
” A German professor, to whom he showed the same
collection, observed, “We now write in Germany in our
own language, and cannot comprehend the obstinacy of
those who continue to write in Latin.
” “Professor,
” replied Rhunkenius, “look then for a library of German
books,
” refusing to show him any thing more.
reat honour until his death in 1655. Riverius published “The Institutes of Medicine,” in five books, in Latin, which went through many editions; but the work which
, an eminent French
physicist, was born at Montpellier in 1589. He studied
in the university of his native place, but having failed in
his examinations for his degree, he was impelled to redouble
his exertiotis, and in 16 11 was admitted to the degree of
doctor with great credit. In 1622 he was appointed to the
professorship of medicine in the university, an office which
he continued to fill with great honour until his death in
1655. Riverius published “The Institutes of Medicine,
”
in five books, in Latin, which went through many editions;
but the work which has gained him most reputation, is a
course of medicine, entitled “Praxis Medica,
” of which
editions were long multiplied in France, Holland, and
England. It treats of most of the diseases to which the
body is subject, in seventeen books, in a clear style; but
in many places he appears to have borrowed copiously from
Sennertus. He published also a work entitled “Observationes Medic* et Curationes insignes,
” which has been
frequently reprinted, and is not now without its value.
These works have been collected and published together,
under the title of “Opera Medica Universa,
” Geneva,
Arcana Riverii.
”
t botanist and physician, was the son of a learned physician and critic, Andrew Bachmann, whose name in Latin became Rivinus. He was born at Leipsic in 1652. After
, an eminent botanist and physician, was the son of a learned physician and critic, Andrew Bachmann, whose name in Latin became Rivinus. He was born at Leipsic in 1652. After a successful course of study he became professor of physiology and botany in his native university. He was also a member of various learned societies, and died in 1723 r aged seventyone.
n Sermons on several places of St. Paul’s Epistles,” Edinburgh, 1597, 8vo. The rest of his works are in Latin, and consist of commentaries on Daniel, on the gospel
The only English work Mr. Rollock published was,
“Certain Sermons on several places of St. Paul’s Epistles,
”
Edinburgh, Prolegomena in
primum librum Qucestionum Theodori Bezse;
” “Tractatus
de vocatione efficaci,
” Edinburgh, Questiones et
Responsiones aliquot, de feed ere Dei et de Sacramentis,
”
ibid. Tractatus brevis de providentia Dei
”
and “Tractatus de Excommunicatione,
” Lond.
Geneva,
d at Realmont, in Albigeois, July 18, 1566. He is principally celebrated for his treatise on fishes, in Latin, 1554, 2 torn. fol. and 1558, fol. in French. Of his medical
, a celebrated professor of physic at Montpellier, was born in that city, September 27, 1507. After having practised in various places of inferior note, he went to Paris, learned Greek there, and returning to his native city, practised physic with great credit. So ardent was M. de Uondelet’s application to anatomy, that he dissected one of his own children, which gained him the character of an unnatural father. He died at Realmont, in Albigeois, July 18, 1566. He is principally celebrated for his treatise on fishes, in Latin, 1554, 2 torn. fol. and 1558, fol. in French. Of his medical works there is a collection printed at Geneva, 1628, 8vo, but they are not equal to the high reputation their author had acquired. It is this physician whom Rabelais ridicules under the name of Rondibilis. His life may be found in Joubert’s works.
Meditations upon Predestination;“” Questions upon Genesis;“” Melissomachia;“”Four books of Epigrams,“ in Latin elegiacs” Mystagogus poeticus“”ColloquiaPlantina;“” C
, a voluminous author
of the seventeenth century, was born in 1590 in Scotland,
and became a divine, but left that country in Charles I.'s
reign, and was appointed one of his majesty’s chaplainsj
and master of the free-school at Southampton. He died
in 1654, leaving a handsome bequest to the above school,
from which it is said he had retired for some time before
his death, and passed the remainder of his days in the family of the Henleys of Hampshire, to whom he left a large
library and a considerable sum of money, part of which
was concealed among his books. Echard says “he was a
busy, various, and voluminous writer, who by his pen and
ether ways made a considerable noise and figure in these*
times, and who so managed his affairs, that in the midst of
these storms, he died very rich, as appears from the several
benefactions he made.
” We have a list before us of thirty
pieces by this author, but whether published separately,
each forming a volume, we know not. Most of them occur very seldom. Among them are some whose dates we
have recovered, but cannot vouch for the accuracy of the
list. 1. “Comment, de Terrae motu refutatum/' Lond.
1634, 4to. 2.
” The new Planet no Planet^ or, the earth
no wandering star,“ibid. 1640, 4to, reprinted in 1646.
3.
” Virgilius Evangelizans;“ibid. 1634, 8vo. This is a
cento on the life of Christ, collected entirely from Virgil.
Granger says it is ingenious, and was deservedly admired.
4.
” Medicus medicatus, or, the physician’s religion cured,“ibid. 1645, 8vo. Th;s was one of the pieces in which he
attacked the reputation of sir Thomas Browne in his
” ReJigio Medici.“We find him returning to the charge afterwards in a work entitled, 5.
” Refutation of Dr. Browne’s
Vulgar Errors,“ibid. 1652, 8vo. 6.
” Observations upon
sir Kenelm Digby’s Discourse on the nature of Bodies,“ibid. 1645, 4to. 7.
” The picture of the Conscience,“ibid. 1646, 12mo. 8.
” The Muses’ Interpreter,“ibid.
1646, 8vo. 9.
” Arcana Microcosmi,“ibid. 1651 and
1652, 12mo and 8vo. 10.
” Observations upon Hobbes’s
Leviathan,“ibid. 1653, 12mo. 11.
” Observations upon
sir Walter Raleigh’s History of the World,“ibid. 12mo.
After this he published
” A Continuation“of that history,
which Granger calls his
” great work;“but adds, that it is
like a piece of bad Gothic tacked to a magnificent pile of
Roman architecture, which serves to heighten the effect
of it, while it exposes its own deficiency in strength and
beauty. 12.
” An Epitome“of the same history. 13.
” A View of all Religions,“the work for which he is best
known, and which has passed through variotfs editions, the
sixth in 1683. It had the merit of being the first compilation of the kind in our language, and attained a great degree of popularity. 14.
” Abridgment and translation of
John Wollebius’s Christian divinity,“ibid. 1657, 8vo. 15*
” Three Decades of Divine Meditations,“no date. This
is one of his poetical works, and valued in the
” Bibliotheca Anglo-Poetica“at Si. tis. 16.
” Mel Helreonium,
or, Poetical Honey gathered out of the weeds of Parnassus,
&c.“ibid. 1642, 8vo. This, of which an account is given
by Mr. Park in the
” Censura Literaria,“is an attempt to
spiritualize the Greek and Roman mythology. In moral
and metre it resembles Quarles. Of the following works
we have no dates:
” De rebus Judaicis, libri quatuor,“in
hexameter verse;
” Rasura tonsoris,“prose;
” Chymera
Pythagoria;“”Meditations upon Predestination;“” Questions upon Genesis;“” Melissomachia;“”Four books of
Epigrams,“in Latin elegiacs
” Mystagogus poeticus“”ColloquiaPlantina;“” Chronology,“in English
” Christiados poematis libri tredecim," with others, which seem
of doubtful authority.
, in Latin Regius, a learned professor, was born at Constance, in
, in Latin Regius, a learned professor, was born at Constance, in Normandy, about the beginning of the 16th century. In the course of his studies he not only became a good Greek and Latin scholar, but particularly cultivated his native language, the French, which he endeavoured to polish and refine. After passing several years in Italy and at court, he settled at Paris, where, in 1570, he was appointed to the professorship of Greek. After this he studied the law four years at Toulouse; and frequented the bar at the parliament of Paris, in which he exercised some kind of magistracy; but his inattention to domestic affairs reduced him at last to depend upon the liberality of others for his daily subsistence, a misery almost insupportable in him who was naturally of a haughty temper, would never admit of a superior, and treated many of his learned contemporaries with great disdain. He died July 2, 1577. One of his best performances was an elegantly written life of the learned Budieus. His others were good translations into French of part of the works of Plato, Aristotle, and Demosthenes, which he enriched with learned commentaries, and proved his intimate acquaintance with the original language.
ed with a very fine picture. A monument was erected to him by his wife and children, with an epitaph in Latin, eulogizing his talents and virtues, and displaying their
Rubens continued to enjoy his well-earned fame and honours, with uninterrupted success, till he arrived at his fifty-eighth year, when he was attacked with strong fits of gout, which debilitated his frame, and unfitted him for great exertions: he abandoned, therefore, all larger works, and confined himself to easel painting. Yet he continued to exercise his art until 1640, when he died at the age of sixty-three. He was buried, with extraordinary pomp, in the church of St. James at Antwerp, under the altar of his private chapel, which he had previously decorated with a very fine picture. A monument was erected to him by his wife and children, with an epitaph in Latin, eulogizing his talents and virtues, and displaying their success.
, in Latin Oricellarius, a learned writer of the fifteenth century,
, in Latin Oricellarius, a learned writer of the fifteenth century, was born in 1449. His mother was daughter of the celebrated Pallas Strozzi, one of the most powerful and opulent citizens of Florence, a great patron of literature, and who in his collections of books and antiquities, was the rival of Niccoli, and even of the Medicis themselves. To this last mentioned illustrious family Bernard became allied, in his seventeenth year, by his marriage with the sister of Lorenzo, which joyful occasion his father John Ruccellai is said to have celebrated with princely magnificence, at the expence of 37,000 florins. Bernard after his marriage pursued his studies with the same avidity as before; and after Lorenzo de Medici’s death, the Platonic academy found in him a very generous protector. He built a magnificent palace, with gardens and groves convenient for the philosophic conferences held by the academicians, and ornamented it with the most valuable specimens of the antique, collected at an immense expence.
Upsal in 1658, the year after the establishment of that collection. To this little volume a preface in Latin and Swedish is prefixed, treating of practical horticulture,
The first botanical publication of Rudbeck seems to have
been his “Catalogus plantarum horti Upsaliensis,
” printed
at Upsal in Deliciae Vallis Jacobaeae;
”
a catalogue, alphabetical like the former, of a garden at
Jacob’s Dahl, near Stockholm. This, which was anonymous, is a little book of extreme rarity, insomuch that
Haller speaks of it by report only. A Latin poem is prefixed to the work, describing the beauty of this villa, its
orangery, aviary, plantations, and fountains.
his journey, having made a number of drawings for the pur* pose. The first part, published in 1701, in Latin and Swedish, is dedicated to king Charles XII. in a Latin,
, son of the preceding, was born
at Upsal in 1660, and under his father’s direction studied
medicine, botany, and antiquities. He took his doctor’s
degree at Utrecht, in 1690, publishing on that occasion
an able dissertation, “De fundamental! Plantarum Notiti-3.
rite acquirenda.
” In this he asserts the necessity of arranging and distinguishing the genera of plants by their
fructification alone, and prefers such leading principles as
are derived from the fruit, rather than from the corolla.
He rejects habit, colour, sensible qualities, time of flowering, &c. on which so much stress has been laid by superficial observers; while, on the other hand, he declines being implicitly led by the more abstruse principles of certain
more philosophical botanists. He had previously, at Upsal,
in 1686, defended a thesis “De Propagatione Plantarum, 1 *
which is less original, though highly creditable as a school
exercise. In 1695, he set out from Upsal on a tour to
Lapland, accompanied by two sons of count Gyllenborg,
After his return he prepared a very ample account of his
journey, having made a number of drawings for the pur*
pose. The first part, published in 1701, in Latin and
Swedish, is dedicated to king Charles XII. in a Latin, as
well as Swedish, poem, and ornamented with a magnificent
wood-cut of the Pedicularis Sceptrum-Carolinum. But this
volume, a thin 4to, goes no further than the province of
Upland. The rest of the materials, except a collection of
drawings of plants, which still exist, and perhaps rather
belong to the
” Campi Elysii,“seem to have perished in
the fire of Upsal. Such indeed was the fate of most of the
copies of the work just mentioned, entitled
” Laponia illusr
trata," which is therefore an extremely scarce book.
cademy of Upsal. This institution still flourishes, and ha* produced several volumes of Transactions in Latin. In the first, printed in 1720, is a catalogue of plants,
In 1720 Rudbeck, in conjunction with Benzelius, after*
wards archbishop of Upsal, founded the Swedish academy
of sciences, as it was then called, though subsequently,
when other similar establishments arose at Stockholm,
Lund, &c. the original one was entitled the Royal Academy of Upsal. This institution still flourishes, and ha*
produced several volumes of Transactions in Latin. In the
first, printed in 1720, is a catalogue of plants, observed by
lludbeck in Lapland. He published several curious dissertations from time to time, which evince his deep erudition, though he betrays, like his father, somewhat of a
paradoxical turn. He was particularly skilled in oriental
literature, and was hence led to undertake the explanation
of some of the most obscure subjects of natural history hi
the sacred scriptures. He contends that Borith, mentioned
by some of the prophets, is neither an herb, nor any kind
of soap, but a purple dye. He also undertook to demonstrate that the Dudaim were raspberries. The two dissertations which contain these opinions appeared in 1733, in
4to, but the author had previously given to the world three
others, the inaugural essays of some of his pupils, on Hedera, in 1707, 4to on Mandragora, in 1702; and on the
Rubus arcticus of Linnæus, in 1716, both in 8vo, with good
cuts. His most elaborate and eccentric performance of all,
perhaps, is a dissertation on the bird Sclav, which our translation of the Bible renders a quail. Some have thought it
a locust, but Rudbeck will have it a flying-fish. He intended to publish a great philological work entitled “Lexicon Harmonicum,
” when death arrested his career, March
23, 1740. In his latter days, finding himself unable to
leave home and lecture as usual, he fixed his choice, as an
assistant, on Linnæus, then in his twenty-third year, who
first supplied Rudbeck' s place in 1730, with much approbation.
y attached to the house of Stuart, as to shed tears on the death of Charles If. His son was educated in Latin grammar at the parish-school of Boyndie, and quickly surpassed
, a very eminent grammarian
and critic, was born in October 1674, at Raggel, in the
parish of Boyndie and county of Banff, Scotland. His father, James Ruddiman, was a farmer, and so strongly attached to the house of Stuart, as to shed tears on the death
of Charles If. His son was educated in Latin grammar at
the parish-school of Boyndie, and quickly surpassed his
class-fellows in vigour of application. At the age of sixteen
he was desirous of going to the university, and when his
father opposed this inclination, because he thought him too
young, he set out, without his knowledge, to King’s college, Aberdeen, and obtained by his skill in Latin, the
first exhibition, or bursary, as it is there called, of that
year. After studying at this college for four years, he obtained the degree of master of arts. Though he was only
twenty years of age when he left Aberdeen, it appears from
a book entitled, “Rhetoricorum Libri tres,
” composed
before this period, but never published, that he had then
read the Roman classics with uncommon attention and advantage.
ter-piece is a funeral oration for the prince of Luxembourg. There are also tragedies of his writing in Latin and French, which had the approbation of Corneille, and
, a French orator and poet, was born at Paris in 1643, and educated in the Jesuits’ college, where he afterwards became professor of humanity and rhetoric. In 1667, when only twenty-four, he wrote a Latin poem, upon the conquests of Lewis XIV. which was thought so excellent, that Peter Corneille translated it into French, and presented it to the king; apologizing, at the same time, for not being able to convey to his majesty the beauties of the original. No introduction could be more favourable, and the king shewed him singular respect ever after. He was one of those who had the care of the Delphine editions of the classics; and Virgil was allotted to him, which he published with good notes, and a,correct life of the author, in 1675, 4to. He published also panegyrics, funeral orations, and sermons, which shew him to have been a very great orator: but his master-piece is a funeral oration for the prince of Luxembourg. There are also tragedies of his writing in Latin and French, which had the approbation of Corneille, and therefore cannot be without merit; but he would not suffer them to be performed. A collection of his Latin poems was published at Paris, in 1680, in 12mo, and at Antwerp in 1693. He died at Paris May 27, 1725, in his eighty-second year.
ectures on the institutes and practice of physic were then, and for many years afterwards, delivered in Latin, of which Dr. Rutherford had a great command, and talked
In 1721, he settled as a physician at Edinburgh, and soon afterwards Drs. Rutherford, Sinclair, Plummer, and Innes, purchased a laboratory, where they prepared compound medicines, an art then little known in Scotland; but, having higher views than the mere profits of such a speculation, they demonstrated, as far as they were the* known, the operations of chemistry, to a numerous audience: and soon afterwards, by the advice of their old tnaster Boerhaave, they extended their lectures to other branches of physic. In 1725, they were appointed joint professors in the university: where, we believe, each, for some time, read lectures in every department of medical science, anatomy exempted, and carried forward their classes in rotation. The anatomical lectures were read by the elder Monro, who had been settled a 3*ear or two before them in Edinburgh. But on the death of Dr. Innes, a particular branch of medical science was allotted to each of the other three professors. Dr. Plummer was appointed professor of chemistry and materia medica, Dr. Sinclair of the institutes of physic, and Dr. Rutherford of the practice; and thus they had the honour to establish the medical school of Edinburgh. The lectures on the institutes and practice of physic were then, and for many years afterwards, delivered in Latin, of which Dr. Rutherford had a great command, and talked the language more fluently than that of his country. This practice, we believe, was afterwards discontinued by the successors of these founders; but Dr. Rutherford lectured in Latin as long as he filled the practical chair.
and Arabic languages, and died soon after his return to France. His works are, “A Turkish Grammar,” in Latin, Paris, 1630, 4to; A French “Translation of the Koran,”
, sieur de Malesais, a native of
Marcigny, in JViaconois, was gentleman in ordinary of the
king’s bedchamber, and knight of the holy sepulchre, in
the 17th century. He resided a long time at Constantinople in his majesty’s service, was French consul in Egypt,
learnt the Turkish and Arabic languages, and died soon
after his return to France. His works are, “A Turkish
Grammar,
” in Latin, Paris, Translation of the Koran,
” Gulistan, or the empire of
the Roses,
” written by Sadi, chief of the Persian poets,
Paris, 1634, 8vo. Gentius has translated the same book
into Latin, under the title of “Rosarium poeticum.
”
nd a good common lawyer, but likewise very accomplished in polite learning; and, particularly, wrote in Latin with unusual delicacy and correctness. He died in 1651,
, son of John Ryves of Damery
Court, or, as Fuller says, of Little Langton, in Dorsetshire, was born in the latter end of the XVIth century, '
and was educated at Winchester-school, whence he was
admitted of New college, Oxford, in 1596, became fellow
in 1598, and applying himself to the study of the civil law,
commenced doctor in that faculty in 1610. He was a celebrated, civilian in doctors’ commons and the court of admiralty, and when he had established his fame in England,
was, in 1618, preferred to be one of the masters in chancery, and judge of the faculties and prerogative court in
Ireland, where he was held in equal esteem for his
knowledge in the laws. Upon king Charles I. coming to the
crown, he was made his advocate, and knighted: and,
when the rebellion broke out, he was very firm to the royal
cause, and although advanced in life, engaged in several
battles, and received several wounds in his majesty’s service. He was one of the assistants to the king at the treaty
of peace in the Isle of Wight. Sir Thomas Ryves was not
only a very eminent civilian, and a good common lawyer,
but likewise very accomplished in polite learning; and,
particularly, wrote in Latin with unusual delicacy and correctness. He died in 1651, and was buried in St. Clement
Danes, near Temple Bar, London. His works are, 1.
“The Vicar’s Plea; or, a competency of Means due to
Vicars out of the several parishes, notwithstanding their
impropriations.
” This book is written with a great deal of
learning and strength of argument. 2. “iiegiminis Anglicani in Hibernia Defensio, adversus Analecien, lib. 3,
”
London, 1624, 4to. This was the answer to a book called
“Analecta Sacra,
” supposed to be written by David Roth,
titular bishop of Ossory, a good antiquary, according to
Usher, but a bigoted Roman catholic, if the author of this
work. Sir Thomas Ryves’s object is, to vindicate the conduct of the Irish government as far as respects the Roman
catholics, and his book includes much curious information
respecting the state of opinions at that time. 3. “Jmperatoris Justiniani defensio adversus Alemannum,
” Lond.
Historia
Navalis,
” Lond. Historiae Navalis antiquae libri quatuor,
”
ibid. Historian Navalis mediae libri tres,
”
ibid.
ed. He had a great ambitioft: to excel and an enthusiastic regard for what was excellent, especially in Latin poetry and although the specimens ht^ studied made him
, whose family name was Schalter,
one of the best Latin poets of his time, was born in the
electorate of Brandenburg in 1508; and, at fifteen, sent
to Wittemberg, where he was privately instructed by
Melancthon, in whose house he lived. He had a great
ambitioft: to excel and an enthusiastic regard for what was
excellent, especially in Latin poetry and although the
specimens ht^ studied made him somewhat diffident of his
powers, he ventured to submit to the public, in his twenty-second year, a poem, entitled “Res Gestse Csesarum
Germanorum,
” which spread his reputation all over Germany, and made all the princes, who had any regard for
polite literature, his friends and patrons. Afterwards he
travelled into Italy, where he contracted an acquaintance
with Bembus and other learned men; and, on his return
visited Erasmus at Friburg, when that great man was in
the last stage of life. In 1536, he married Melancthon’s
eldest daughter, at Wittemberg, to whom he was engaged
before his journey into Italy. She was only fourteen, but
very handsome, and understood Latin well and Sabinus
always lived happily with her but he had several altercations with Melancthon, because he wanted to raise himself
to civil employments; and did not relish the humility of
Melancthon, who confined himself to literary pursuits, and
would be at no trouble to advance his children. This misunderstanding occasioned Sabinus to remove into Prussia
in 1543, with his wife, who afterwards died at Konigsberg
in 1547. He settled, for some little time, at Francfort
upon the Oder, and was made professor of the belles lettres
by the appointment of the elector of Brandenburg; and
was afterwards promoted to be rector of the new university of Konigsberg, which was opened in 1544. His eloquence and learning brought him to the knowledge of
Charles V. who ennobled him, and he was also employed
on some embassies, particularly by the elector of
Brandenburg into Italy, where he seems to have contracted
an illness, of which he died in 1560, the same year in
which Melancthon died. His Latin poems were published
at Leipsic in 1558 and 1597, the latter with additions and
letters. He published some other works, less known,
which are enumerated by Niceron.
he effigies of himself in armour, and of his three sons and four daughters,' and three inscriptions, in Latin verse, in English verse, and in English prose against
When the war with Scotland was renewed, sir Ralph so distinguished himself at the battle of Pinkie, that he was on the field raised to the degree of knight banneret; but we hear nothing more of him during the reign of Edward VI. except that in a grant, dated the 4th of that king’s reign, he is termed master of the great wardrobe. In Mary’s reigo, although he appears to have been in her favour, he retired to his estate at Hackney, and resigned the office of knight of the hamper,;-.nich had been conferred on him by Henry VIII. On the accession of Elizab^th, he again appeared at court, was called to the privy council, and retained to his death a great portion of the esteem of that princess. He was a member of her first parliament, as one of the knights of the shire for the county of Hertford, and continued to be a representative of the people during the greater part, if not the whole, of her reign. When queen Elizabeth thought proper to favour the cause of the reformation in Scotland, and to support the nobility who were for it against Mary, sir Ralph Sadler was her principal agent, and so negotiated as to prepare the way for Elizabeth’s great influence in the affairs of Scotland. He was also concerned in the subsequent measures which led to the death of queen Mary, and was appointed her keeper in the castle of Tutbury; but such was Elizabeth’s jealousy of this unfortunate princess, that even Sadler’s watchfulness became liable to her suspicions, and on one occasion, a very heavy complaint was made against him, that he had permitted Mary to accompany him to some distance from the castle of Tutbury, to enjoy the sport of hawking. Sir Ralph had been hitherto so subservient to his royal mistress, in all her measures, and perhaps in some which he could not altogether approve, that this complaint gave him great uneasiness, and he answered it rather by an expostulation than an apology. He admitted that he had sent for his hawks and falconers to divert " the miserable life'- which he passed at Tutbury, and that he had been unable to resist the solicitation of the prisoner, to permit her to see a sport in which she greatly delighted. But he adds; that this was under the strictest precautions for security of her person; and he declares to the secretary Cecil, that rather than continue a charge which subjected him to such misconstruction, were it not more for fear of offending the queen than dread of the punishment, he would abandon his present charge on coitdition of surrendering himself prisoner to the Tower for all the days of his life, and concludes that he is so weary of this life, that death itself would make him more happy. Elizabeth so far complied with his intimation as to commit Mary to a new keeper, but she did not withdraw her confidence from sir Ralph in other matters, and after the execution of Mary, employed him to go to the court of James VI. to dissuade him from entertaining thoughts of a war with England on his mother’s account, to which there was reason to think he might have been excited. In this sir Ralph had little difficulty in succeeding, partly from James’s love of ease, and partly from the prospect he had of succeeding peaceably to the throne of England. This was the last time sir Ralph Sadler was employed in the public service, for soon after his return from Scotland, he died at his lordship of Standon, March 30, 1587, in the eightieth year of his age, and was buried in the church of Standon, where his monument was decorated with the king of Scotland’s standard, which he took in the battle of Musselburgh. He left behind him twenty-two manors, several parsonages, and other great portions of land, in the several counties of Hertford, Gloucester, Warwick, Buckingham, and Worcester. He married Margaret Mitchell, a laundress in the family of his first patron, Thomas Cromwell, earl of Essex, in the life-time, though in the absence, of her husband, Matthew Barre, a tradesman in London, presumed to be dead at that time, and he afterwards procured an act of parliament, 37 Henry VIII. for the legitimation of the children by her, who were three sons, and four daughters; Anne, married to sir George Horsey of Digswell, knight; Mary, to Thomas Bollys aliter Bowles Wallington, esq. Jane, toEdward Baesh, of Stanstead, esq. (which three gentlemen appear to have been sheriffs of the county of Hertford, 14, 18, and 13 Eliz.); and Dorothy, to Edward EIryngton of Berstall, in the county of Bucks, esq. The sons were, Thomas, Edward, and Henry. Thomas succeeded to Standon, was sheriff of the county 29 and 37 Eliz. was knighted, and entertained king James there two nights on his way to Scotland. He had issue, Ralph and Gertrude married to Walter the first lord Aston of the kingdom of Scotland; Ralph, his son, dying without issue, was succeeded in his lordship of Standon and other estates in the county of Hertford, by Walter, the second lord Aston, eldest surviving son of his sister Gertrude lady Aston. The burying-place of the family is in tire chancel of the church at Standon. Against the south wall is a monument for sir Ralph Sadler, with the effigies of himself in armour, and of his three sons and four daughters,' and three inscriptions, in Latin verse, in English verse, and in English prose against the north wall i& another for sir Thomas, with the effigies of himself in armour, his lady, son and daughter, and an epitaph in Ertglish prose. There are also several inscriptions for various persons of the Aston family.
, in Latin Sanctesius, was born in 1525, at Perche. He entered as
, in Latin Sanctesius, was
born in 1525, at Perche. He entered as a regular canon
in the abbey de St. Cheron, near Chartres; at the age of
fifteen was admitted doctor of the Sorbonne, 1555, and resided afterwards in the house of cardinal de Lorraine, who
employed him at the conference of Poissy, in 1561, and
persuaded king Charles IX. to send him to the council of
Trent, with eleven other doctors. In 1566 De Sainctes,
with Simon Vigor, afterwards archbishop of Narbonne, disputed against two protestant ministers, at the house of the
duke de Nevers, and published the records of this conference two years after, and had also a controversy with
Sadeel, as we have recently noticed in his article. He
became so celebrated for his writings, sermons, and zeal
against the protestants, as to be promoted to the bishopric
of Evreux in 1575. The following year he attended the
states of Blois, and in 1581, the council of Rouen; but
having afterwards joined the most violent among the
Leaguers, was seized at Louviers by Henry IVth’s party,
who found a writing among his papers, in which he pretended to justify the assassination of Henry III. and declared that the present king deserved the same treatment.
Being carried as a prisoner to Caen, he would there have
received the punishment due to his attempt, had not cardinal de Bourbon, and some other prelates, interceded that
his punishment should be perpetual imprisonment. He
was accordingly confined in the castle de Crev^cceur, in
the diocese of Lisieux, where he died in 1591, De Sainctes
left many learned works, the largest and most scarce among
which is a “Treatise on the Eucharist,
” in Latin, folio, an
edition of St. James’s, St. Basil’s, and St. Chrysostom’s
“Liturgies,
” Antwerp,
d a student in the laws of England, concerning the grounds of those laws,” first printed by Rastell, in Latin, 1523, 12mo, and reprinted in 1528. Mr. Bridgman enumerates
,
an English lawyer and law-writer of the sixteenth century,
is supposed to have been born at Skilton, near Coventry,
in Warwickshire, and educated for some time at Oxford,
whence he removed to the Inner Temple for the study of the
law. After being admitted to the bar, he became an eminent counsellor, and we should suppose a very popular one,
as he frequently refused or returned his fees. What he
got by honourable practice and some paternal estate, he
expended in the purchase of books, and gathered a very
fine library, which was all the property he left to his heirs.
Besides his legal knowledge, he was conversant in philosophy and the divinity of the times, and wrote on the latter
subject with so much freedom as to render his sentiments
suspected, for which reason Bale has given him a very advantageous character. He is commended too for his piety,
and pious ordering of his family, to whom he read every
night a chapter in the Bible, and expounded it. He died
Sept. 28, 1540, and not 1539, as Bale states. He was
buried in the church of St. Alphage, within CrL'pp legate,
London. It appears by his will that he was a considerable
benefactor to Skiiton church, where his father sir Henry
St. German, knt. and his mother lie buried, and to that of
Laleford. St. German has immortalized his name by his
valuable and well-known work, which bears the title of
“The Doctor and Student, or Dialogues between a doctor
of divinity, and a student in the laws of England,
concerning the grounds of those laws,
” first printed by Rastell, in
Latin, 1523, 12mo, and reprinted in 1528. Mr. Bridgman
enumerates above twenty editions which followed, the last
in 1787, 8vo, with questions and cases concerning the
equity of the law, corrected and improved by William
Muchall, or Murchall. On the subject of this celebrated
work, Mr. Hargrave (in his Law Tracts, 32 I), has published
from a ms. in the Cotton library, “A Replication of a
Serjaunte at the Laws of England, to certayne pointes alleaged by a student of the said lawes of England, in a Dialogue in Englishe, between a doctor of divinity and the
said student;
” and a little “Treatise concerning writs of
Subpoena.
” Two other tracts are attributed by Ames to
St. German, though they bear the name of Thomas Godfrey, viz. “A Treatise concerning the power of the Clergy
and of the lawes of the Realme,
” 12mo, no date and “A
Treatise concernynge divers of the Constitucyons provyncyall and legantines,
” 12mo, no date. Tanner attributes
to him “A Treatise concerning the division between the
Spiritualitie and the Temporaltie,
” printed by Redman
without date; and this seems to be the same work as “The
Pacyfyer of the division between the Spiritualitie aod Temporaltie,
” printed by Berthelet, which being remarkable
for impartiality and temperate language, was pointed out
to sir Thomas More, as an example for him to follow in
his controversial writings. This incited sir Thomas to publish “An Apologye made by him, anno 1533, after he had
gevhi over th' office of lord chancellor of Englande,
” printed by Rastell, Newe addicions treating most specially of
the power of the Parlyament concernynge the Spiritualitie
and the Spiritual Jurisdiction,
” Doctor and Student.
”
He had a controversy with sir Thomas More, which produced “Salem and Bizance, being a dialogue between two
Englishmen, one called Salem, and the other Bizance,
”
Apologye
” above mentioned and sir Thomas replied in the
“Debellation of Salem and Bizance,
” by Rastell, in
, in Latin Sammartbanus, is the name of a family in France, which
, in Latin Sammartbanus, is the
name of a family in France, which produced many men of letters. The first, Gaucher de Sainte-Marthe, had a son
Charles, born in 1512, who became physician to Francis II.
and was remarkable for his eloquence. Queen Margaret of
Navarre and the duchess of Vendome honoured him with
their particular esteem; and when they died in 1550, he
testified his grief by a funeral oration upon each, published
the same year. That upon the queen was in Latin, the
o.ther in French. There is also some Latin and French
poetry of his in being. He died in 1555. Scevole, or
Sclevola, the nephew of Charles, was born at Lou dun in
1536, and became very distinguished both in learning and
business. He loved letters from his infancy, attained an
intimate acquaintance with the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew
tongues and became an orator, a lawyer, a poet, and an
historian he is also represented as a good friend, zealous
for his country, and of inviolable fidelity to his prince. He
had, in the reigns of Henry III. and Henry IV. several considerable employments, which he filled with great reputation. In 1579, he was governor of Poitiers, and afterwards
treasurer of France for this district. In 1593 and 1594, he
exercised the office of intendant of the finances, in the
army of Breta^ne, commanded by the duke de Montpensier: and, in the latter of these years, he reduced Poitiers
to the subjection of Henry IV, Some time after, he conceived thoughts of retiring to his own country, and devoting the remainder of his life to contemplation: but was
again made governor of Poitiers, in so honourable a manner that he could not decline it. Upon the expiration of
this office, he went to Paris, and thence to Loudun, where
he passed the rest of his days “in otio cum dignitate.
”
This town had been often protected from ruin in the civil
wars merely by his credit, and therefore regarded hiui as
its protector. He died there in 1623, universally regretted;
and his funeral oration was pronounced by the famous
Urban Graudier. He was the author of “La louange de
la ville de Poitiers,
” 1573; “Opera Poetica,
” consisting
of odes, elegies, epigrams, and sacred poems, in French
and Luiin, 1575; “Gallorum doctrina illustrium elogia,
”
hut ins chief work, and that which keeps his lame
still alive in the republic of letters, is his work called
” Paedotrophia, seu de puerorum eciucatione,“printed in 1584,
and dedicated to Henry III. This poem^vent through ten
editions in the author’s life time, and hath gone through, as
many since. It was neatly printed at London in 1708, in
12mo, together with the
” Calliurfdia“of Quillet. It is
also printed with a complete edition of his and his son
Abel’s works, under the title
” Sammarthanorum patris et
lilii opera Latina et Gallica, turn soluta oratione, turn versa
scnpta,“Paris, 16:33, 4to. Scevole left several sons; of
whom Abel, the eldest, born at Loudun in 1570, applied
himself, like his father, to literature. He cultivated
French and Latin poetry; the latter were printed with
those of his father in the edition just mentioned, but are
inferior to them. Lewis XIII. settled on him a pension,
for the services he had -lone him, and made him a counsellor of state. In 1627, he was made librarian to the
king at Fontainebleau; and had after that other commissions of importance. He died at Poitiers in 1652, where
his
” Opuscula Varia“were printed in 1645, 8vo. This
Abe) had a son of his own name, born in 1630, and afterwards distinguished by his learning. He succeeded his father as librarian at Fontainebleau, and in that quality presented to Lewis XIV. in 1668,
” Un Discours pour le r6tablissement de cette Bibliorheque." He died in 1706.
s country, which produced several works that are highly esteemed in Spain. Some of them were written in Latin, and some probably in Spanish, but our authority does
, a learned Spanish ecclesiastic, was born at Vigo in Gallicia in 1740. After
the preparatory studies of divinity, &c. he entered into the
church, and obtained a canonry in the cathedral of St.
James, and was likewise appointed professor of divinity in
that city. His fame procured him admission into many
learned societies, and he became one of the most celebrated preachers of the last century, nor was he less admired for his benevolence. He obtained the honourable
title of the father of the unfortunate, among whom he spent
the whole profits of his canonry, and at his death in 1806,
left no more than was barely sufficient to defray the expences of his funeral. The leisure he could spare from his
professional duties was employed in the study of the ecclesiastical history of his country, which produced several
works that are highly esteemed in Spain. Some of them
were written in Latin, and some probably in Spanish, but
our authority does not specify which. Among them are,
1. “Summa theologize sacrse,
” Madrid, Annales sacri,
” ibid. ibid. 1784, 8vo, a work abounding in learned research. 4.
” A treatise on Toleration in
matters of Religion,“ibid. 1783, 3 vols. 4to, rather a singular subject for a Spanish divine. 5.
” An essay on the
eloquence of the pulpit in Spain,“ibid. 1778, 8vo. This
is a history of sacred oratory in that country in various ages,
with the names of those who were the best models of it.
The restoration of a true taste in this species of eloquence
he attributes to his countrymen becoming acquainted with
the works of those eminent French preachers Bossuet, Massillon, Bourdaloue, &c. 6.
” A collection of his Sermons,“ibid. 3 vols. 4to. These were much admired in Spain, and
were the same year translated into Italian, and printed at
Venice in 4 vols. 4to. 7.
” A paper read in the Patriotic
Society of Madrid in 1782, on the means of encouraging
industry in Gallicia," ibid. 1782, 8vo. This being his native country, Dr. Sanchez had long laboured to introduce
habits of industry, and had influence enough to procure a
repeal of some oppressive laws which retarded an object of
so much importance.
ription composed by himself; on the right side of which there is an account of his age and dying-day in Latin; on the left, the following English: “William Sancroft,
After William and Mary were settled on the throne, he
and seven other bishops refused to own the established government, from a conscientious regard to the allegiance
they had sworn to king James. Refusing likewise to take
the oaths appointed by act of parliament, he and they
were suspended Aug. 1, 1689, and deprived the 1st of
Feb. following. On the nomination of Dr. Tillotson to
this see, April 23, 1691, our archbishop received an order,
from the then queen Mary, May 20, to leave Lambethhouse within ten days. But he, resolving not to stir till
ejected by law, was cited to appear before the barons of
the exchequer on the first day of Trinity-term, June 12,
1691, to answer a writ of intrusion; when he appeared by
his attorney; but, avoiding to put in any plea, as the case
stood, judgment passed against him, in the form of law,
June 23, and the same evening he took boat in Lambethbridge, and went to a private house in Palsgrave-headcourt, near the Temple. Thence, on Aug. 5, 1691, he
retired to Fresingfield (the place of his birth, and the estate [50l. a year] and residence of his ancestors above three hundred years), where he lived in a very private manner,
till, being seized with an intermitting fever, Aug. 26, 1693,
he died on Friday morning, Nov. 24, and was buried very
privately, as he himself had ordered, in Fresingfield churchyard. Soon after, a tomb was erected over his grave, with
an inscription composed by himself; on the right side of
which there is an account of his age and dying-day in Latin; on the left, the following English: “William Sancroft, born in this parish, afterwards by the providence of
God archbishop of Canterbury, at last deprived of all,
which he could not keep with a good conscience, returned
hither to end his life, and professeth here at the foot of his
tomb, that, as naked he came forth, so naked he must return: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away (as the Lord pleases, so things come to pass), blessed be the name
of the Lord.
” The character Burnet has given of him is
not an amiable one, nor in some respects a true one , yet
he allows, what none could deny, that archbishop Sancroft
was a good man. He bestowed great sums of money in
charity and endowments, and was particularly bountiful to
Emanuel college in Cambridge: and he certainly gave the
strongest instance possible of sincerity, in sacrificing the
highest dignity to what he thought truth and honesty; and
although his opposition both to James II. and William III.
may appear rather irreconcileable, we have the testimony
of those who knew him best, that he did every thing in the
integrity of his heart .
, in Latin Santolius, a celebrated modern Latin poet, was born at
, in Latin
Santolius, a celebrated modern Latin poet, was born at
Paris May 12, 1630, of a good family. He studied the
belles lettres at the college of St. Barbe, and in that of
Louis le Grand, under the learned Pere Cossart, and entering soon after among the regular canons of St. Victor,
devoted himself wholly to poetry, commencing his caree/
by celebrating some great men of that time. He also was
employed to write many of those inscriptions which may
be seen on the public fountains and monuments of Paris,
and this he did in a style at once clear, easy, and dignified. When some new hymns were wanted for the Paris
breviary, he was requested by his brother Claude, Pelisson,
and Bossuet, to compose them, which he accomplished
with the greatest success and applause, in an elevated,
perspicuous, and majestic style, suited to the dignity of
the subject. The reputation which he gained by these'induced the order of Clugny to request some for their breviary. With this he complied, and in return they granted
him letters of filiation, and a pension. Santeul was much
esteemed by the literati of his time, and by many persons
of rank, among whom were the two princes of Coiide 1 father and son, whose bounty he frequently experienced
44ud Louis XIV. who settled a pension upon him. He
greatly offended the Jesuits, however, by his epitaph in
praise of their enemy Arnauld. While SanteuPs Latin
poems were always much admired by his countrymen, he
seems to have enjoyed fully as much reputation, during his
life-time, for his wit, and odditjes of character. La Bruyere, under the name of T/ieodes, has described him as, in
one moment, good-humoured, tractable, easy, and complaisant, in another, harsh, violent, choleric, and capricious; as at once simple, ingenuous, credulous, sportive,
and volatile; in short, a child with grey hairs, and as
speaking like a fool, and thinking like a sage. He utters,
adds La Bruyere, truths in a ridiculous manner, and sensible things in a siliy way; and we are surprised to find so
much intellect shining through the clouds of buffoonery,
contortions, and grimaces. He had great credit for his
witticisms, many of which may be seen in the “Santoliana.
”
When the duke of Bourbon went to hold the states of Burgundy at Dijon, Santeul attended him, and died there,
August 5, 1697, aged sixty-seven, as he was on the point
of returning to Pans. His death was attributed to an inconsiderate trick played upon him by some one whom his
oddity of character had encouraged to take liberties, and
who put some Spanish snuff into his wine-glass, which
brought on a complaint of the bowels that proved fatal in
fourteen hours. Besides his Latin hymns, 12mo, he left
a considerable number of Latin “Poems,
”
ove the ambassador to present king James’s premonition to all Christian princes and states, then put in Latin, to the senate; and they were confident it would produce
In April 1607, the division between Rome and the republic was healed by the interposition of France; and Fulgentio relates, that the affair was transacted at Rome by
cardinal Perron, according to the order of the king his
master. But some English writers are of opinion, that this
accommodation between the Venetians and the pope was
owing to the misconduct of king James I., who, if he had
heartily supported the Venetians, would certainly have
disunited them from the see of Rome. Isaac Walton observes, that during the dispute it was reported abroad,
“that the Venetians were all turned Protestants, which was
believed by many: for it was observed, that the English
ambassador (Wotton) was often in conference with the senate and his chaplain, Mr. Bedel, more often with father
Paul, whom the people did not take to be his friend and
also, for that the republic of Venice was known to give
commission to Gregory Justiniano, then their ambassador
in England, to make all these proceedings known to the
king of England, and to crave a promise of his assistance,
if need should require,
” c. Burnet tells us, “That the
breach between the pope and the republic was brought very
wear a crisis, so that it was expected a total separation not
only from the court, but the church of Rome, was like td
follow upon it. It was set on by father Paul and the seven
divines with much zeal, and was very prudently conducted
by them. In order to the advancing of it, king James ordered his ambassador to offer all possible assistance to them,
and to accuse the pope and the papacy as the chief authors
of all the mischiefs of Christendom. Father Paul and the
seven divines pressed Mr. Bedel to move the ambassador to
present king James’s premonition to all Christian princes
and states, then put in Latin, to the senate; and they
were confident it would produce a great effect. But the
ambassador could not be prevailed on to do it at that time;
and pretended, that since St. James’s day was not far off,
it would be more proper to do it on that day. Before St.
James’s day came, the difference was made up, and that happy
opportunity was lost; so that when he had his audience on
that day in which he presented the book, all the answer he
got was, that they thanked the king of England for his good
will, but they were now reconciled to the pope; and that
therefore they were resolved not to admit any change in
their religion, according to their agreement with the court
of Rome.
” Welwood relates the same story, and imputes
the miscarriage of that important affair to “the conceit of
presenting king James’s book on St. James’s day.
” But
JDr. Hickes attempts to confute this account, by observing,
that the pope and the Venetians were reconciled in 1607,
and that the king’s premonition came not out till 1609,
which indeed appears to be true; so that, if the premonition was really presented, it must have been only in manu*
Script.
, in Latin Sarravius, a learned French lawyer, was born towards the
, in Latin Sarravius, a learned
French lawyer, was born towards the close of the sixteenth
century, of a noble family, and educated by his father,
who was a man of letters, with the greatest care. To the
study of the law, he joined a taste for polite literature,
philosophy, and criticism, wrote elegantly in Latin, and
was an excellent Greek scholar. He had perused the
classics with great attention; and some Latin and French
verses which he wrote, show that he had formed his taste
on the best models. He practised at the bar at Rouen,
but was an enemy to litigious suits, and always endeavoured
to prevent his clients from corning into court, while reconciliation was possible. He lived in intimacy and correspondence with the most learned men of his time, particularly Salmasius, Grotius, and our archbishop Usher. It
is not much praise to add after this, that he had Christina
queen of Sweden for a correspondent. He was of the protestant religion, and appears to have been displeased with
some symptoms of what he thought lukewarm ness in his
friend Grotius, and wished him to be more decided. Sarrau died May 30, 1651, advanced in years, and was lamented in poems and eloges by many learned contemporaries. He published the collection of Grotius’s correspondence entitled “Grotii epistolsc ad Gallos,
” and his own
Latin letters were published in Sylloge.
” They
contain many particulars of the literary history of the times.
He appears to have been an exceeding admirer of Salmasius.
ot only explain the more difficult parts, but often improve upon the doctrines; these are published, in Latin, at the end of his posthumous “Treatise on Fluxions,”
Saunderson entertained the most profound veneration for
sir Isaac Newton. If he ever differed in sentiment from
any thing in sir Isaac’s mathematical and philosophical writings, upon more mature consideration, he said, he always
found the mistake to be his own. The more he read his
works, and observed upon nature, the more reason he found
to admire the justness and care as well as happiness of expression, of that incomparable philosopher. Saunderson
left many other writings, though none perhaps prepared
for the press. Among these were some valuable comments
on the “Principia,
” which not only explain the more difficult parts, but often improve upon the doctrines; these
are published, in Latin, at the end of his posthumous
“Treatise on Fluxions,
” a valuable work, which appeared
in
is conduct as that of a reformer. There are a great number of his sermons remaining, and other works in Latin and Italian, most of them on religious subjects. His life,
Various opinions have been entertained of this man’s
real character. Some of the friends of liberty and protestantism have considered him as a man who had elevated
views and good intentions, though perverted by a spirit of
fanaticism; and there seems no reason to doubt that he was
really a friend to the liberty of Florence, and felt an honest
indignation at the profligacy of the court of Rome, and
the corruption of the catholic church. For these last reasons, some have even admitted him among the reformers
and martyrs. But his title to this honour seems very questionable, and the character of a leader of a party is as discernible in his conduct as that of a reformer. There are a
great number of his sermons remaining, and other works
in Latin and Italian, most of them on religious subjects.
His life, inserted in Bates’ s “Vitse Selectorum,
” was written
in Latin by John Francis Picus de Mirandola, prince of
Concordia. Queti published an edition of it, to which he
added notes, with the Latin translation of some of Savonarola’s works, and a list of them.
sition of a great many works on subjects of philology and criticism, some in German, but principally in Latin. The most considerable of these, the only one much known
, a very learned philologer and
literary historian, was born at Eppendorff, a village between
Chemnitz and Freyberg, in Saxony, where his father was
a clergyman, Jan. 13, 1714. His proper name was Christopher Gottlob Sach, which, when he commenced author,
he Latinized into Sachsius, and afterwards into Saxius,
dropping the Gottlob altogether. His father first gave him
some, instructions in the teamed languages, which he afterwards improved at the school of Chemnitz, but more effectually at the electoral school of Misnia, where he also studied classical antiquities, history, and rhetoric, and in 1735
went to Leipsic with the strongest recommendations for industry and proficiency. Here he studied philosophy under
the celebrated Wolff, but as he had already perused the
writings both of the ancient and modern philosophers with
profound attention, he is said to have had the courage to
differ from the current opinions. Philosophy, however, as
then taught, was less to his taste than the study of antiquities, classical knowledge, and literary history, to which he
determined to devote his days; and the instructions of professor Christ, and his living in the house with Menkenius,
who had an excellent library, were circumstances which
very powerfully confirmed this resolution. He had not been
here above a year, when two young noblemen were confided
to his care, and this induced him to cultivate the modern
languages most in use. His first disputation had for its
subject, “Vindiciae secundum libertatem pro Maronis
jEneide, cui manum Jo. Harduinus nuper assertor injecerat,
” Leipsic, Nova acta
eruditorum,
” and other literary journals, from this year to
Onomasticon Literarium,
” or Literary
Dictionary, consisting of a series of biographical and critical notices or references respecting the most eminent writers
of every age or nation, and in every branch of literature,
in chronological order. The first volume of this appeared
in 1775, 8vo, and it continued to be published until seven
volumes were completed, with a general Index, in 1790.
To this, in 1793, he added an eighth or supplementary volume, from which we have extracted some particulars of his
life, as given by himself. This is a work almost indispensable to biographers, and as the work of one man, must
have been the production of many years* labour and attention. Some names, however, are omitted, which we might
have expected to find in it; and the English series, as in
every foreign undertaking of the kind, is very imperfect.
We have seen no account of his latter days. He lived to a
very advanced age, dying at Utrecht. May 3, 1806, in his
ninety-second year.
don of palms. The Schelhammera, in botany, was so called in honour of him. His life, by Scheffelius, in Latin, Visnr*r, 17 % 8vo, is prefixed to the letters written
, a celebrated German physician and philosopher, was born March
3, 1649, at Jena,.;ui was son of Christopher Schelhamm T, a it an- lessor of anatomy and surgery in that
city, and fir where he was also physician to the duke
of Holstei“uthier died January 11, 1716, in his sixtyseventieth year leaving
” Introductio in artem medicam,"
Hali. 1726, 4to, and a great number of valuable and learned wor > physu;, of which it is to be wished that a complete co: v'Jtion was published. He published also some
botanical dissertations, and first described the peculiar
change wliici during germination, takes place in the cotyledon of palms. The Schelhammera, in botany, was so
called in honour of him. His life, by Scheffelius, in Latin,
Visnr*r, 17 % 8vo, is prefixed to the letters written to him
by several of the literati.
where he spent the remainder of a long life in study and writing books. He was not only well skilled in Latin and Greek learning, but had also in him a candour and
, a very learned German, to whom
the republic of letters has been considerably indebted, was
born at Antwerp, Sept. 12, 1552; and educated at Louvain. Upon the taking and sacking of Antwerp in 1577,
he retired to Douay; and, after some stay there, went to
Paris, where Busbequius received him into his house, and
made him partner of his studies. Two years after, he went
into Spain, and was at first at Madrid; then he removed
to Alcala, and then in 1580 to Toledo, where his great
reputation procured him a Greek professorship. The cardinal Gaspar Quiroga, abp. of Toledo, conceived at the
same time such an esteem for him, that he lodged him in
his palace, and entertained him as long as he remained in
that place. In 1584, he was invited to Saragossa, to teach
rhetoric and the Greek language; and, two years after,
entered into the society of Jesuits, and was called by the
general of the order into Italy to teach rhetoric at Rome,
He continued three years there., and then returned to his
own country, where he spent the remainder of a long life
in study and writing books. He was not only well skilled
in Latin and Greek learning, but had also in him a candour
and generosity seldom to be found among the men of his
order. He had an earnest desire to oblige all mankind, of
what religion or country soever and would freely communicate even with heretics, if the cause of letters could her
served: hence protestant writers every where mention him
with respect. He died at Antwerp Jan. 23, 1629, after
having published a great number of books. Besides works
more immediately connected with and relating to his own
profession, he gave editions of, and wrote notes upon, several of the classics; among which were Aurelius Victor,
Pomponius Mela, Seneca Rhetor, Cornelius Nepos, Vale*
rius Flaccus, &c. He wrote the life of Francis di Borgia,
and “Hispania illustrata,
” 4 vols. folio, hut there are reasons for doubting whether the “Bibliotheca Hispana,
” $
vols. in one, 4to, was a publication of his own; it seems
rather to have been compiled from his Mss. He published,
however, an edition of Basil’s works, and is said to have
translated Photius; but this has been thought to be so much
below the abilities and learning of Schott, that some have
questioned his having been the author of it.
tanding were not inferior to her skill in those arts: for at eleven, when her brothers were examined in Latin, she often whispered to them what they were to answer,
The powers of. her understanding were not inferior to her skill in those arts: for at eleven, when her brothers were examined in Latin, she often whispered to them what they were to answer, though she was only a casual hearer of their lessons. Her father therefore began to instruct her more perfectly in that knowledge which made her so justly celebrated; and very soon the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages became so familiar to her, that she not only wrote, but spoke them, in a manner which surprised the most learned men. She made a great progress also in the Syriac, Chaldee, Arabic, and Ethiopic; and of the living languages, she understood and spoke readily, the French, English, and Italian. She was competently versed in geography, astronomy, philosophy, and the sciences, so as to be able to judge of them with exactness: but all these accomplishments yielded at last to divinity, and the study of the scriptures.
e vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, &c.” In this discourse, which, as usual, was delivered in Latin, the preacher addressed his particular requests to the
He was promoted to the see of Lincoln in 1471, and we
learn from his preface to his body of statutes, that a visit
through his diocese, in which Oxford then was, proved the
occasion of his liberality to Lincoln college. On his arrival there, in 1474, John Tristroppe, the third rector of
that society, preached the visitation sermon from Psalm
Ixxx. 14, 15. “Behold and visit this vine, and the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, &c.
” In this
discourse, which, as usual, was delivered in Latin, the
preacher addressed his particular requests to the bishop,
exhorting him to complete his college, now imperfect and
defective both in buildings and government. Rotheram is
said to have been so well pleased with the application of
the text and subject, that he stood up and declared that he
would do what was desired. Accordingly, besides what he
contributed to the buildings, he increased the number of
fellows from seven to twelve, and gave them the livings of
of Twyford in Buckinghamshire, and Long Combe in
Oxfordshire. He formed also in 1479, a body of statutes,
in which, after noticing with an apparent degree of displeasure, that although Oxford was in the diocese of Lincoln, no college had yet made provision for the natives of
that diocese, he enjoined that the rector should be of the
diocese of Lincoln or York, and the fellows or scholars
should be persons born in the dioceses of Lincoln and
York, and one of Wells, with a preference, as to those
from the diocese of York, to his native parish of Rotheram.
This prelate died in 1500 at Cawoud, and was buried in
the Chapel of St. Mary, under a marble tomb which he
had built.
He published several works in Latin and in French, relating to the history of France among
He published several works in Latin and in French,
relating to the history of France among the rest, in
French “Memoires de la troisieme Guerre Civile, et derniers troubles de France sous Charles IX., &c.
” “Inventaire general de l‘Histoire de France, illustre par la conference de i’Eglise et de i'Empire, &c.
” “Recueil des
choses memorables avenues en France sous Henri II.
Francois II. Charles IX. et Henri III.
” &c. These have
been many times reprinted, with continuations and improvements; but it is objected that Serranus is not always
impartial. Besides his theological works, he is perhaps
best known for his “Latin version of Plato,
” which was
printed with Henry Stephens’s magnificent edition of that
author’s works, 1578, 3 vols. fol. This translation, although
more elegant, is not thought so faithful as that of Ficinus.
Stephens had a very high opinion of Serranus, and printed
in 1575, twenty-four of the Psalms, translated by Serranus
into Greek verse, with two “Idyllia
” from Daniel and
Isaiah. Of this very rare volume, Francis Okely published
anew edition at London in 1772, 12mo.
under the title of “An Epistle of Godly Consolacion,” &c. Peter Martyr also wrote an epistle to him in Latin, about the same time, which pleased the duke so much,
He appears to have been an author. While he was lord
protector, there went under his name, “Epistola exhortatoria missa ad Nobilitatem ac Plebem universumque populum regni Scotiae, Lond.
” A spirituall and most precious pearl, teaching all men to love and embrace the cross, as a most sweet
and necessary thing,
” &c. Lond. godly consolation,
” composed before
the time and knowledge of his disgrace; but being delivered to him in the Tower, his grace translated it from
French into English, and it was printed in 1550, under the
title of “An Epistle of Godly Consolacion,
” &c. Peter
Martyr also wrote an epistle to him in Latin, about the
same time, which pleased the duke so much, that at his
desire it was translated into English by Thomas Norton,
and printed in 1550, 8vo. In Strype is a prayer of the
duke “For God’s assistance in the high office of protector
and governor, now committed to him;
” and some of his
letters are preserved in the library of Jesus colkge, Cambridge, and among the Harleian Mss.
ney was placed at a school at Shrewsbury, where, at the age of twelve, he addressed two letters, one in Latin, and the other in French, to his father, which produced
Mr. Sidney was placed at a school at Shrewsbury, where, at the age of twelve, he addressed two letters, one in Latin, and the other in French, to his father, which produced in answer a valuable compendium of instruction, the original of which was found among the Mss. at Penshurst, and is inserted by Dr. Zouch in the life of Sir Philip. From this school Mr. Sidney was removed to Christ church, Oxford, in 1569, where his tutors were Dr. Thomas Thornton and Mr. Robert Dorsett. During his residence here, he performed a scholastic exercise, by holding a public disputation with Carew, the author of the Survey of Cornwall, then a gentleman commoner of Christ-church. Sidney was at this time only fourteen years old, and yet of three years standing, and his disputation took place in the presence of several of the* nobility, and particularly of his two uncles, the earls of Warwick and Leicester, which last was at this time chancellor of the university. He also appears to have pursued his studies for some time at Cambridge, probably at Trinity college, where he had an opportunity of cultivating and improving that friendship, which he had already contracted with Mr. Fulke Greville his relation, and his companion at school. During these years his proficiency was very uncommon: he cultivated the whole circle of arts and sciences, his comprehensive mind aspiring to preeminence in every part of knowledge attainable by human genius or industry. He acquired, in particular, a complete knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages, and nothing could equal the diligence with which he explored the stores of ancient literature, which had been recently imported into E.urope; and hen.ce at a more advanced season of his life, he was highly esteemed by the universities at home and abroad,
hich, though anonymous, contains internal evidence of having been written by Gerbert. It is composed in Latin monkish rhyme, except where such technical terms occurred,
In the Rawlinson collection of Mss. at Oxford, there is a
didactic poem, entitled “Ars Mu^ica,
” which, though anonymous, contains internal evidence of having been written
by Gerbert. It is composed in Latin monkish rhyme, except where such technical terms occurred, as could not
possibly be reduced to metre. The last chapter of this
work is a separate treatise, of a very few pages, under the
title of “Rhythmomachia,
” or the battle of numbers and
figures, which is universally allowed to have been written
by Gerbert. It was composed as a kind of game, soon after
the arrival of the Arabian figures or ciphers in Europe, for
which the author gives rules resembling those for chess.
Hence some of his biographers say, that it is to Gerbert we
are indebted for the Arabic numerals. Certainly such attainments were indications ofno common mind, and induced the vulgar to suspect that he was addicted to magic
an absurd notion, which Platina had adopted, for he says
that he obtained the papacy by ill arts, and that he left his
monastery to follow the devil. He allows him, indeed, the
merit of a sincere repentance; but mentions some prodigies at his death, which will claim little regard on the testimony of such a writer.
ing and admirable criticism, that it became an object of attention to foreigners; and was published, in Latin, at Amsterdam 1681, and in English at London 1682, by
But the first work of importance which he published,
and that which rendered him most famous, was his “Critical History of the Old Testament,
” which appeared in
e was only a graduated rhetorician employed in the service of the king, and all his productions were in Latin, until the time of the reformation, which, among other
This honour appears to have been conferred on him about 1489, and if our author was the Schelton discovered by Mr. Cole, he had now left Cambridge for Oxford; but Mr. Malone says that, a few years after this, he was permitted to wear the laurel publicly at Cambridge, and had been previously honoured by Henry VII. with a grant to wear either some peculiar dress, or some additional ornament in his ordinary apparel. In addition to this, it may be inferred from the titles of some of his works, that he was poet laureate to king Henry VIII.; but Mr. Malone has not been able to discover whether he received any salary in consequence of this office. The origin of the royal laureat is somewhat obscure. According to Mr. Warton, he was only a graduated rhetorician employed in the service of the king, and all his productions were in Latin, until the time of the reformation, which, among other advantages, opened the way to the cultivation of the English tongue.
late that he and the other candidates were examined by Dr. Sterne and his assistant for a whole week in Latin, and that they were not allowed, during the whole of this
Soon after leaving college, he resided with his brother John, a clergyman, and schoolmaster of Dundalk, and took on himself the management of the school, which by his efforts rose to high reputation. He had been here but a short time, when he obtained abomination to the curacy of Newtown-Butler, in the county of Fermanagh, from Dr. Madden (see Madden), and was ordained deacon for this cure by Dr. Sterne, bishop of Clogher, about 1729. He was afterwards ordained priest by the same bishop, and used to relate that he and the other candidates were examined by Dr. Sterne and his assistant for a whole week in Latin, and that they were not allowed, during the whole of this trial, to speak a word of English.
f Great Britain from the first peopling of this island to the reign of king James,” Lond. 1621, fol. in Latin and English verse, with historical notes, which Granger,
, a learned divine
and poet, was born in Somersetshire in 1587, and was admitted a member of St. Mary hall, Oxford, in 1600, whence
he removed to Brasenose college in 1607. In the following year he took his degree of B. A. and was chosen to a
fellowship. He took his master’s degree in 1611, entered
into holy orders, and was beneficed. In 1623 he took his
degrees in divinity, and bad by this time acquired very
considerable reputation for his poetical talent, and his
knowledge in English history. He died at Otterden in
Kent, where he was beneficed, in Oct. or Nov. 1647. His
works are, 1. “Threnodia, sive Pandioniuni,
” &c. being
elegies and epitaphs on the queen Anne of Denmark, to
whom he had been chaplain. It is a quarto of four sheets,
printed in 1619. The elegies and epitaphs are in Hebrew,
Greek, Latin, and English verses, and some of them in
the fantastical shape of pillars, circles, &c. 2. “PaltcAlbion, or the History of Great Britain from the first peopling of this island to the reign of king James,
” Lond. capital work,
” thinks
the most valuable part. 3. “Genethliacon, sive stemma
regis Jacobi,
” Lond. The Psalms of David, in fowre languages,
Hebrew, Greeke, Latin, and English, and in 4 parts,
set to the tunes of our church, with corrections,
”
particular notice by the classical turn of his exercises. Two years after, he wrote two elegies, one in Latin and the other in English, on the death of Lilly, the astrologer,
, a learned prelate, was born in 1663,at Lichfield in Staffordshire, where his father followed the business of a dyer, but appears not to have been in opulent circumstances, as he was unable to give his son a liberal education. For this our author was indebted to the celebrated antiquary Ashmole, also a native of Lichfield, who, discerning his capacity, sent him to Westminster-school in 1G78. Here he was soon distinguished as a young man of parts and application, and acquired particular notice by the classical turn of his exercises. Two years after, he wrote two elegies, one in Latin and the other in English, on the death of Lilly, the astrologer, out of gratitude, we are told, to his patron Ashmole, a great admirer of Lilly. Whatever the poetical merit of these elegies, we may say, in reference to the subject, that they would now be thought ironical.
re some years afterwards, a handsome monument wns erected to his memory, with an elegant inscription in Latin, most probably by Dr. Freind, his brother-in-law, the
These were almost the words of a dying man, for this letter is dated Sept. 23, 1719, and on the 27th he expired of an apoplexy at Christ-church, and was interred in the aile of the north-side of the choir of that cathedral, where some years afterwards, a handsome monument wns erected to his memory, with an elegant inscription in Latin, most probably by Dr. Freind, his brother-in-law, the bishop and he having married two sisters.
t worthy prelate, an excellent scholar, a sound divine, an eloquent preacher, and a good writer both in Latin and English, of great gravity and dignity in his whole
Of Dr. Stnalridge bishop Newton says, he was “truly ft
worthy prelate, an excellent scholar, a sound divine, an
eloquent preacher, and a good writer both in Latin and
English, of great gravity and dignity in his whole deportment, and at the same time of as great complacency and
sweetness of manners, a character at once both amiable and
venerable. He was so noted for his good temper, that
succeeding Dr. Atterbury in the deaneries of Carlisle and
Christ-church, he was said to carry die bucket wherewith
to extinguish the fires which the other had kindled.
”
appeared as a witness against archbishop Laud. The particular libel for which he suffered is written in Latin verse, and was published in 1643. This is probably what
, a poet of some, though not
the highest celebrity, was born at Shipbourne, in Kent,
April 11, 1722. His father was possessed of about three
hundred pounds a year in that neighbourhood, and was
originally intended for holy orders. Why he did not enter
into holy orders, or what occupation he pursued, we are
not told, except that at one time he had acted as steward
of the Kentish estates of lord Barnard, afterwards earl of
Darlington. His mother was a Miss Gilpin, of the family
of the celebrated reformer, Bernard Gilpin; an ancestor,
by the father’s side. Mr. Peter Smart had been a prebendary of Durham in the reign of Charles the First, and was
accounted by the puritan party as the proto-martyr in their
cause, having been degraded and deprived of all his ecclesiastical preferments, fined five hundred pounds, and imprisoned eleven years. When restored to liberty by the
parliament, he appeared as a witness against archbishop
Laud. The particular libel for which he suffered is written in Latin verse, and was published in 1643. This is
probably what the author of the life prefixed to Smart’s
poems (edit. 1791) calls “an interesting narrative in a
pamphlet.
” When our poet was at school his father died,
and so much in debt, that his widow was obliged to sell the
family estate at a considerable loss. As he had, however,
received a liberal education, he is said to have
communicated to his son a taste for literature, and probably that
turn for pious reflection, which appears in many of hispoetical pieces, and was not interrupted with impunity by
the irregularities of his life.
of which were answered by Peter Martyr. A list of them may be seen in Dodd or Wood. They are partly in Latin and partly in English, the latter printed in London, and
On the accession of queen Mary, he returned to England, was restored to his professorship, made canon of
Christ-church, and chaplain to her majesty. One of his
principal appearances on record was at Oxford, where,
when the bishops Ridley and Latimer were brought to the
stake, he preached a sermon on the text, “If I give my
body to be burnt, and have not charity, it profiteth me
nothing.
” This discourse, which lasted only about a quarter of an hour, was replete with invectives against the
two martyrs, and gross assertions, which they offered to
refute on the spot, but were not permitted. He was also
one of the witnesses against archbishop Cranmer, who had
done him many acts of friendship in the preceding reign.
For this conduct he was deprived of all his preferments
when queen Elizabeth came to the throne in 1559, and
was committed to the custody of archbishop Parker, by
whose persuasion he recanted part of what he had written
in defence of the celibacy of the clergy. He then contrived to make his escape, and went to Doway in Flanders,
where he obtained the deanery of St. Peter’s church, and
a professorship. He died in 1563. He wrote about sixteen tracts in favour of popery, some of which were answered by Peter Martyr. A list of them may be seen in
Dodd or Wood. They are partly in Latin and partly in
English, the latter printed in London, and the former at
Lovaine.
; but upon his return, recollected his discourse with the bishop, and in a long and eloquent epistle in Latin, privately sent to him, and argued with much freedom the
"Afterwards, however, it met with great opposition for, about lo'tv, when Smith was going to travel, Cheke being appointed the king’s lecturer of the Greek language, began by explaining and enforcing the new pronunciation, but was opposed by one liateclitf, a scholar of the university; who, being exploded for his attempt, brought the dispute before bishop Gardiner, the chancellor. Upon this, the bishop interposed his authority; who, being averse to all innovations as well as those in religion, and observing these endeavours in Cambridge of introducing the new pronunciation of Greek to come from persons suspected to be no friends to the old papal superstitions, he made a solemn decree against it. Cheke was very earnest with the chancellor to supersede, or at least to connive at the neglect of this decree; but the chancellor continued indexible. But Smith, having waited upon him at Hampton Court, and discoursed with him upon the point, declared his readiness to comply with the decree; but upon his return, recollected his discourse with the bishop, and in a long and eloquent epistle in Latin, privately sent to him, and argued with much freedom the points in controversy between them. This epistle consisted of three parts. In the first he shewed what was to be called true and right in the whole method of pronunciation; and retrieved this from the common and present use, and out of the hands both of the ignorant and learned of that time, and placed it with the ancients, restoring to them their right and authority, propounding them as the best and only pattern to be imitated by all posterity *vith regard to the Greek tongue. In the second he compared the old and new pronunciation with that pattern, that the bishop might see whether of the two came nearer to it. In the third he gave an account of his whole conduct in this affair. This epistle was dated from Cambridge, August 12, 1542. He afterwards, while he was ambassador at Paris, caused it to be printed there by Robert Stephens, in 4to, in 1568, under the title of “De recta et emendata Linguae Graecse Pronunciatione,” together with another tract of his concerning the right pronunciation and writing English/'
now lie in their Ruins; and a brief Description of Constantinople,” 1678, 8vo, originally published in Latin. 4. “De Grsecse Ecclesix hodierno statu Epistola;” which,
His works, are, 1. “Diatriba de Chaldaicis Paraphrastis,
”
Oxon. Syntagma de Druidum moribus ac
institutis.
” 3. “Remarks upon the Manners, Religion, and
Government of the Turks; together with a Survey of the
seven Churches of Asia, as they now lie in their Ruins; and
a brief Description of Constantinople,
” De Grsecse Ecclesix hodierno statu Epistola;
” which, with additions, he translated
into English, and published with the following title: “An
Account of the Greek Church, as to its Doctrines and Rites
of Worship, with several Historical Remarks interspersed,
relating thereto. To which is added, an Account of the
State of the Greek Church under Cyrillus Lucaris, patriarch
of Constantinople, with a Relation of his Sufferings and
Death,
” De causis et rernediis
dissidiorum,
” &c. Ox. 1675, 4to, printed afterwards among his
“Miscellanea,
” and published by him in English, under the
title of “A pacific Discourse or, the causes and remedies
of the differences about religion, which distract the peace of
Christendom,
” Lond. Miscellanea
” in Latin, on subjects chiefly of ecclesiastical history and biblical criticism, Lond. 1686, 8vo, and 1692, 4to.
7. A translation of the “Life of St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi,
” with a preface, ibid. Epistolse,
” in Catalogus librorum manuscriptorum Bibl, Cottonianse,
” Oxon. Inscriptiones Grgecse. Palmyrenorum, cum scholiis Ed. Bernardi et Thotnse Smithi,
”
Utrecht, Ignatii Epistolae,
” Oxon. Memoirs of
the reign of Charles I.
” prefixed to the edition of Vitae quorundam
eruditissimorum & illustrium virorum,
” Philosophical Transactions:
”
1. “Historical Observations relating to Constantinople, No.
152, for Oct. 20, 1683.
” 2. “An Account of the City of
Prusia in Bithynia, No. 155, for Jan. 1633.
” 3. “A Conjecture about an Under-current at the Streights-mouth, No.
158, for April 1684.
” He left his Mss. to Hearne, with
whom he was a frequent correspondent.
He died in 1691, at an advanced age. He has left, 1. “Commentaries on the Aphorisms of Hippocrates,” in Latin, 1680, 4to. 2. “Medicina universalis, theoretica et practica,”
, a good medical writer, a native of
Hainaut, was physician to the imperial court, and professor of medicine at Vienna for twenty-four years. He died
in 1691, at an advanced age. He has left, 1. “Commentaries on the Aphorisms of Hippocrates,
” in Latin, Medicina universalis, theoretica et practica,
”
Consilium medicutn, sive
dialogus loimicus, de peste Viennensi,
” Ephemerides of the Curious in Nature.
”
e society of Sorbonne, and died at Paris, August 15, 1274, aged seventy-three, leaving several works in Latin. The principal are, a treatise on” Conscience,“another
As to the fellowships, they were granted to those only
among the Socii who had not forty livres, of Paris money,
per annum, either from benefices or paternal inheritance;
and when they became possessed of that income, they
ceased to be fellows. A fellowship was worth about five
sous and a half per week, and was held ten years. At
the end of seven years all who held them were strictly
examined, and if any one appeared incapable of teaching,
preaching, or being useful to the public in some oilier
way, he was deprived of his t<-!! /wship. Yet, as the
founder was far from wishing to exclude the rich from his
college, but, on the contrary, sought to inspire them with
a taste for learning, and to revive a knowledge of the
sciences among the clergy, he admitted associates, who
were not fellows, “Socii uon Bursales.
” These were subject to the same examinations and exercises as the Socii,
with this only difference, that they paid fn - e sols and a half
weekly to the honse, a sum eqnal to that which the fellows
received. All the Socii bore and still bear the title of
“Doctors or Bachelors of the House and Society of
Sorbonne,
” whereas the Hospites have only the appellation of “Doctors or Bachelors of the House of Sorbonne.
” Their founder ordered that every thing should
be managed and regulated by the Socii, and that there
should be neither superior nor principal among them.
Accord'ngly he forbade the doctors to treat the bachelors
as pupils, or the bachelors to treat the doctors as masters,
whence the ancient Sorbonists used to say, “We do not
live together as doctors and bachelors, nor as masters and
pupils; but we live as associates and equals.
” In consequence of this equality, no monk of whatever order, has
at any time been admitted “Socius of Sorbonne;
” and from
the beginning of the seventeenth century, whoever is received into the society takes an oath on the gospels,
' That he has no intention of entering any society or
secular congregation, the members of which live in common under the direction of one superior, and that if after
being admitted into the society of Sorbonne, he should
change his mind, and enter any such other community, he
will acknowledge himself from that time, and by this single
art, to have forfeited all privileges of the society, as well
active as passive, and that he will neither do nor undertake any thing contrary to the present regulation.“Robert de Sorbonne permitted the doctors and bachelors to
take poor scholars, whom he wished to receive benefit
from his house; and great numbers of these poor scholars
proved very eminent men. The first professors in the Sorbonne were William de Saint Amour, Odon de Douai,
Gerard de Rheims, Laurence the Englishman, Gerard
^'Abbeville, &c. They taught theology gratis, according to
the founder’s intention; and from 1253, to the revolution,
there have been always six professors at least, who gave
lectures on the different branches of that science gratis,
even before the divinity professorships were established.
Fellowships were given to the poor professors, that is, to
those whose incomes did not amount to forty livres; but it
appears from the registers of the Sorbonne, that the first
professors above mentioned, were very rich, consequently
they were not fellows. Robert de Sorbonne ordered that
there should always be some doctors in his college who applied particularly to the study of morality and casuistry;
whence the Sorbonne has been consulted on such points
ever since his time from all parts of the kingdom. He
appointed different offices for the government of his college. The first is that of the Proviseur, who was always
chosen from among the most eminent persons. Next to
him is the Fn‘ciu’, chosen from the Socii bachelors, who
presided in the assemblies of the society, at the Robertine
acts, at the reading of the Holy Scriptures, at meals, and
at the Sorboniques, or acts of the licentiates, for which he
fixed the day; he also made two public speeches, one at
the first, the other at the last of these. The keys of the
gate were delivered up to him every night, and he was the
first person to sign all the acts. The other offices are those
of
” Senieur, Conscripteur, Procureurs, Professors, Librarian, &c.“There is every reason to believe that the Sorbonne, from its foundation, contained thirty-six apartments,
and it was doubtless in conformity to this first plan that no
more were added when cardinal Richelieu rebuilt it in the
present magnificent style. One, however, was afterwards
added, making thirty-seven, constantly occupied by as
many doctors and bachelors. After Robert de Sorbonne
had founded his divinity college, he obtained a confirmation of it from the pope, and it was authorized by letters
patent from St. Louis, uho had before given him, or exchanged with him, some houses necessary for that establishment in 1256, and 1258. He then devoted himself to
the promotion of learning and piety in his college, and
with success, for it soon produced such excellent scholars
as spread its fame throughout Europe. Legacies and donations now flowed in from every quarter, which enabled
the Sorbonists to study at their ease. The founder had
aLvays a particular partiality for those who were poor, for
although his society contained some very rich doctors, as
appears from the registers and other monumeiHs remaining
in the archives of the Sorbonne, yet his establishment had
the poor principally in view, the greatest part of its revenues being appropriated to their studies and maintenance.
He would even have his college called
” the House of the
Poor,“which gave rise to the form used by the Sorbonne
bachelors, when they appear as respondents, or maintain
theses in quality of Antique; and hence also we read on
many Mss. that they belong to the
” Pauvrcs Matures de
Sorbonne.“The founder, not satisfied with providing sufficient revenues for his college, took great pains to establish a library. From the ancient catalogue of the Sorbonne library drawn up in 1289 and 1290, it appears to
have consisted at that time of above a thousand volumes;
but the collection increased so fast, that a new catalogue
became necessary two years after, i. e. in 1292, and again
in 1338, at which time the Sorbonne library was perhaps
the finest in France. All the books of whatever value were
chained to the shelves, and accurately ranged according to
their subjects, beginning with grammar, the belles lettres,
&c. The catalogues are made in the same manner, and
the price of each book is marked in them. These Mss.
are still in the house. Robert de Sorbonne (very different from other founders, who begin by laying down rules, and then make it their whole care to enforce the observance of them,) did not attempt to settle any statutes till
he had governed his college above eighteen years, and
then prescribed only such customs as he had before established, and of which the utility and wisdom were confirmed
to him by long experience. Hence it is that no attempt
towards reformation or change has ever been made in the
Sorbonne; all proceeds according to the ancient methods
and rules, and the experience of five centuries has proved
that the constitution of that house is well adapted to its
purposes, and none of the French colleges since founded
have supported themselves in so much regularity and splendour. Robert de Sorbonne having firmly established his
society for theological studies, added to it a college for
polite literature and philosophy. For this purpose he.
bought of William de Cambrai, canon of S. Jean de Maurienne, a house near the Sorbonne, and there founded the
college tie Culvi, in 1271. This college, which was also
called
” the little Sorbonne,“became very celebrated by
the great men xvho were educated there, and subsisted till
1636, when it was demolished by cardinal Richelieu’s order,
and the chapel of the Sorbocne huilt upon the same spot.
The cardinal had, however, engaged to erect another, which
should belong equally to the house, and be contiguous to
it; but his death put a stop to this plan: and to fulfil his
promise in some degree, the family of Richelieu united the
college du Plessis to the Sorbonne in 1648. Robert de
Sorbonne had been canon of Paris from 1258, and became so celebrated as to be frequently consulted even by
princes, and chosen for their arbiter on some important
occasions.' He bequeathed all his property, which was
very considerable, to the society of Sorbonne, and died at
Paris, August 15, 1274, aged seventy-three, leaving several
works in Latin. The principal are, a treatise on
” Conscience,“another on
” Confession,“and
” The Way to
Paradise,“all which are printed in the
” Bibl. Patrum."
He wrote also other things, which remain in ms. in the
library. The house and society of Sorbonne is one of the
four parts of the faculty of theology at Paris, but has its
peculiar revenues, statutes, assemblies, and prerogatives.
and other antiquaries, with whom he was well acquainted. There are prefixed to it commendatory poems in Latin, French, and English, by sir Henry Spelman and others;
, a well-known English historian, was
born at Farington in Cheshire, about 1555, and brought
up to the business of a taylor, and became a freeman of
the company of Merchant-taylors in the city of London.
He had probably shewn some taste for literature, as sir
Fulk Grevile, a patron of learning, took him from his shop-board, and supported him in his study of English history
and antiquities. By such encouragement he published, in
1606, his “Theatre of Great-Britain;” which was afterwards reprinted, particularly in 1650, under this title:
“The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, presenting
an exact geography of the kingdomes of England, Scotland, Ireland, and the isles adjoyning. With the shires,
hundreds, cities, and shire-townes within the kingdome of
England, divided and described by John Speed,
” folio.
Nicolson observes, that these maps “are extremely good;
and make a noble apparatus, as they were designed, to his
history: but his descriptions of the several counties are
mostly short abstracts of what Camden had said before
him.
” In 1614 he published, in folio, “The History of
Great Britain under the conquests of the Romans, Saxons,
Danes, and Normans; their originals, manners, warres,
coines, and scales, with the successions, lives, actes, and
issnes of the English monarchs, from Julius Cæsar to our
most gracious sovereigne king James;
” dedicated to
James I. He borrowed many of his materials from Camden; and was supplied with many by sir Robert Cotton,
sir Henry Spelman, and other antiquaries, with whom he
was well acquainted. There are prefixed to it commendatory poems in Latin, French, and English, by sir Henry
Spelman and others; and many writers have spoken of it
in terms of high commendation. Speed was not only an
historian, but also a divine; for, in 1616, he published a
work in 8vo, called “The Cloud of Witnesses, or the
Genealogies of Scripture, confirming the truth of holy
history and humanity of Christ.
” This was prefixed to the
new translation of the Bible in 1611, and printed for many
years in the subsequent editions, particularly of the folio
and quarto sizes, and king James I. gave him a patent for
securing the property of it to him and his heirs.
rts, and bachelor and doctor of physic. He wrote “Sjwaetoj utriusque sexus Toxtwsvrof,” a manuscript in Latin, dedicated to archbishop Laud, and preserved in the library
His son John Speed was born at London in 1595, and
educated at Merchant-taylors’ school, whence he was
elected a scholar of St. John’s-college in Oxford, in 1612,
of which he afterwards became a fellow, and took the degree of master of arts, and bachelor and doctor of physic.
He wrote “Sjwaetoj utriusque sexus Toxtwsvrof,
” a manuscript
in Latin, dedicated to archbishop Laud, and preserved in
the library of St. John-college. This piece relates to two
skeletons, one of a man, another of a woman, made by Dr.
Speed, and given by him to that library. He wrote likewise “Stonehenge, a Pastoral,
” acted before Dr. Rich.
Baylie, and the president and fellows of St. John’s-college
in 1635. It is extant in manuscript. He died in May
1640, and was buried in the chapel of that college. He
married a daughter of Bartholomew Warner, M. D. and had
by her two sons. One of them, Samuel, was a student of
Christ-church in Oxford, and was installed canon of that
church May the 6th, 1674, and died at Godalmin in Surrey, of which he was vicar, January the 22d, 1681. The
other, John, was born at Oxford, and elected scholar of
St. John’s-coliege there about 1643, but ejected thence
by the parliament-visitors in 1648, he being then bachelor
of arts and fellow. At the restoration he was restored to
his fellowship, and in 1666 took the degree of physic, and
afterwards quitting his fellowship, he practised that faculty
at Southampton, where he was living in 1694. He wrote
“Batt upon Batt; a Poem upon the parts, patience, and
pains of Bartholomew Kempster, clerk, poet, and cutler
of Holy-rood parish in Southampton;
” and also “The
Vision, wherein is described Batt’s person and ingenuity,
with an account of the ancient and present state and glory
of Southampton.
” Both these pieces were printed at London in two sheets in fol. and afterwards in 4to. The countess de Viri, wife of a late Sardinian ambassador, was
lineally descended from our historian. Such was the friendship between lord Cobham and colonel Speed, her father,
that upon his decease, he esteemed her as his own child,
brought her up in his family, and treated her with paternal
care and tenderness. Her extraordinary merit recommended her to the viscountess Cobham, who left her the
bulk of her fortune. This lady, who was eminent for her
wit and accomplishments, is celebrated by Gray in his
“Long Story,” which indeed was written in consequence
of a visit from her.
ce dissentions and schisms. His pious works were published in the German language; but he wrote some in Latin on genealogy and heraldry; such as “Opus heraldicum” “Theatrum
The religious meetings, or Colleges of Piety, as they were
called, tended, in several instances, to inflame the people
with a blind and intemperate zeal, and produced tumults,
and various complaints; lill at length, in many places, severe laws were passed against the Pietists. Spener settled
for a time at Dresden, and afterwards at Berlin, where be
held important offices of ecclesiastical trust under the elector of Brandenburg, and where he died i.> 1705, aged
severity. He was a man of eloquence and piety; and certainly far from intending to produce dissentions and
schisms. His pious works were published in the German
language; but he wrote some in Latin on genealogy and
heraldry; such as “Opus heraldicum
” “Theatrum nobilitati.-
” “Sylloge historico-gen^alogica,
” &c. His son,
James Charles Spener, wrote a “Historia Germanica universalis et pragmatica,
” 2 vols. 8vo, and “Notitia Germaniæ antiquæ,
”
with at least its full proportion of praise. In 1668 he published Cowley’s Latin poems, and prefixed in Latin the life of the author, which he afterwards amplified,
, a learned English prelate, was born
in 1636, at Tallaton in Devonshire, the son of a clergyman; and having been educated, as he tells of himself, not
at Westminster or Eton, but at a little school by the
church-yard side, became a commoner of Wadham college,
in Oxford, in 1651; and, being chosen scholar next year,
proceeded through the usual academical course, and in
1657 became M. A. He obtained a fellowship, and commenced poet. In 1659, his poem on the death of Oliver
was published, with those of Dryden and Waller. In his
dedication to Dr. Wilkins he appears a very willing and
liberal encomiast, both of the living and the dead. He
implores his patron’s excuse of his verses, both as falling
so “infinitely below the full and sublime genius of that
excellent poet who made this way of writing free of our
nation,
” and being “so little equal and proportioned to
the renown of the prince on whom they were written; such
great actions and lives deserving to be the subject of the
noblest pens and most divine phansies.
” He proceeds
“Having so long experienced your care and indulgence, and
been formed, as it were, by your own hands, not to entitle
you to any thing which my meanness produces, would be not
only injustice but sacrilege.
” He published the same year a
poem on the “Plague of Athens;
” a subject recommended
to him doubtless by the great success of Lucretius in describing the same event. To these he added afterwards a
poem on Cowley’s death. After the Restoration he took
orders, and by Cowley’s recommendation was made chaplain to the witty and profligate duke of Buckingham, whom
he is said to have helped in writing “The Rehearsal,
”
and who is said to have submitted all his works to his perusal . He was likewise chaplain to the king. As he was
the favourite of Wilkins, at whose house began those philosophical conferences and inquiries which in time produced
the royal society, he was consequently engaged in the
same studies, and became one of the fellows and when,
after their incorporation, something seemed necessary to
reconcile the public to the new institution, he undertook to
write its history, which he published in 1667. This is one
of the few books which selection of sentiment and elegance
of diction have been able to preserve, though written upon
a subject flux and transitory *. The “History of the Royal
Society
” is now read, not with the wish to know what they
were then doing, but how their transactions are exhibited
by Sprat. They have certainly been since exhibited far
better by Dr. Birch, and more recently by Dr. Thomson.
In the next year he published “Observations on Sorbiere’s
Voyage into England, in a letter to Mr. Wren.
” This is a
work not ill performed; but was rewarded with at least its
full proportion of praise. In 1668 he published Cowley’s
Latin poems, and prefixed in Latin the life of the author,
which he afterwards amplified, and placed before Cowley’s
English works, which were by will committed to his care.
Ecclesiastical dignities now fell fast upon him. In 166S
he became a prebendary of Westminster, and had afterwords the church o*f St. Margaret, adjoining to the abbey.
He was in 1680 made canon of Windsor, in 1683 dean of
Westminster, and in 1684 bishop of Rochester. The court
having thus a claim to his diligence and gratitude, he was
required to write the “History of the Rye-house Plot;
”
and in A true account and declaration of
the horrid Conspiracy against the late King, his present
Majesty, and the present Government;
” a performance
which he thought convenient, after the revolution, to ex* This work was attacked by Mr. ing betwixt H. and Dr. Merret;"
awyer, recorder of Dublin, and speaker of the House of Commons in several parliaments. He published; in Latin, “Piae Orationes” “Ad Corsagiensem Decanum Epistoke,”
, an historian, poet, and divine of the sixteenth century, was born in Dublii^ probably about 1545 or 1546. His father James Stanyhurst was
a lawyer, recorder of Dublin, and speaker of the House of
Commons in several parliaments. He published; in Latin,
“Piae Orationes
” “Ad Corsagiensem Decanum Epistoke,
”
and three speeches, in English, which he delivered as speaker, at the beginning of the parliaments of the 3d and 4th
Philip and Mary, and the 2d and llth of Elizabeth. He
died Dec. 27, 1573, leaving two sons, Walter and Richard.
Of Walter our only information is, that he translated “Innocentins de contemptu Mundi.
”
phics, with a prayer to the Trinity in the same measure. Then follow, “certayne poetical conceites,” in Latin and English: and after these some epitaphs. The English
Richard had some classical education at Dublin, under
Peter White, a celebrated school-master, whence he was
sent to Oxford in 1563, and admitted of University-college.
After taking one degree in arts, he left Oxford, and undertook the study of the law with diligence, first at FurnivaPsnn, and then at Lincoln’s-inn, where he resided for some
time. He then returned to Ireland, married, and turned
Roman Catholic. Removing afterwards to the continent,
he is said by A. Wood to have become famous for his learning in France, and the Low Countries. Losing his wife,
while he was abroad, he entered into orders, and was made
chaplain, at Brussels, to Albert archduke of Austria, who
was then governor of the Spanish Netherlands. At this
place he died in 1618, being universally esteemed as an
excellent scholar in the learned languages, a good divine,
philosopher, historian, and poet. He kept up a constant
correspondence with Usher, afterwards the celebrated archbishop, who was his sister’s son. They were allied, says
Dodd, “in their studies as well as blood; being both very
curious in searching after the writings of the primitive
ages. But their reading had not the same effect. The
uncle became a catholic, and took no small pains to bring
over the nephew.
” Stanyhurst published several works,
tke first of which was written when he had been only two
years at Oxford, and published about five years after. Ic
was a learned commentary on Porphyry, and raised the
greatest expectations of his powers, being mentioned with
particular praise, as the work of so young a man, by Edmund Campion, the Jesuit, then a siudent of St. John’seollege. It is entitled “Harmonia, seu catena dialectics
in Porphyrium,
” Lond. De rebus in Hibernia gestis, lib, iv.
” Antwerp, Descriptio Hiberniac,
” inserted in Holinshed’s Chronicle. 4. “De vita S. Patricii, Hiberniae Apostoli, lib. ii.
”
Antw. Hebdotnada Mariana,
” Antw.
Hebdomacla Euclmristiea,
” Douay, Brevis prsemonitio pro futura concertatione cum
Jacobo Usserio,
” Douay, The Principles
of the Catholic Religion.
” 9. “The four first books of
Virgil’s Æneis, in English Hexameters,
” the
lambical quantitie relisheth somwhat unsavorly in our
language, being, in truth, not al togeather the toothsomest
in the Latine.
” The second is in elegiac verse, or English
hexameter or pentameter. The third is a short specimen
of the asclepiac verse; thus “Lord, my dirye foes, why
do they multiply.
” The fourth is in sapphics, with a prayer
to the Trinity in the same measure. Then follow, “certayne poetical conceites,
” in Latin and English: and after
these some epitaphs. The English throughout is in Roman
measures. The preface, in which he assigns his reasons
for translating after Phaer, is a curious specimen of quaintness and pedantry. Mr. Warton, in his History of Poetry,
seems not to have attended to these reasons, such as they
are; but thus speaks of the attempt of Stanyhurst: “After
the associated labours of Phaier end Twyne, it is hard to
say what could induce Robert [Richard] Stanyhurst, a native of Dublin, to translate the four first books of the Æneid
into English hexameters, which he printed at London, in
15S3, and dedicated to his brother Peter Plunket, the
learned baron of Dusanay [Dunsanye], in Ireland. Stanyhurst was at that time living at Leyden, having left England for some time, on account of the [his] change of religion. In the choice of his measure he is more
unfortunate than his predecessors, and in other respects succeeded
worse. Thomas Naishe, in his Apology of Pierce Pennilesse, printed in 1593, observes, that * jltany hurst, the
otherwise learned, trod a foul, lumbring, boistrcus, wallowing measure, in his translation of Virgil. He had never
been praised by Gabriel Harvey for his labour, it therein
he had not been so famously absurd.' Harvey, Spenser’s
friend, was one of the chief patrons, if not the inventor of
the English hexameter here used by Stanyhurst.
” His translation, opens thus:
“EJementorum Myologist; Specimen,” Leyden, 1667, 12mo. 2. “A Treatise on the Anatomy of the Brain,” in Latin, Paris, 1669; and Leyden, 1671. He also wrote a part of
, a Danish anatomist, was born at Copenhagen, Jan. 10, 1C38. His father was a Lutheran, and goldsmith to Christian IV. He
himself studied under Bartholin, who considered him as
one of the best of his pupils. To complete his knowledge
he travelled in Germany, Holland, France, and Italy, and
in the latter place obtained a pension from Ferdinand II.
grand duke of Tuscany. In 1669 he abjured the protestant persuasion, having been nearly converted before by
Bossuet at Paris. Christian V. who wished to fix him at
Copenhagen, made him professor of anatomy, and gave him
permission to exercise the religion he had adopted. But
his change produced disagreeable effects in his own conntry, and he returned to Italy: where, after a time, he became an ecclesiastic, and was named by the pope his apostolical vicar for the North, with the title of bishop of Titiopolis in Greece. He became now a missionary in Germany, and died at Swerin in 1686. He made several discoveries in anatomy, and his works that are extant are
chiefly on medical subjects, as 1. “EJementorum Myologist; Specimen,
” Leyden, A Treatise on
the Anatomy of the Brain,
” in Latin, Paris, 1669; and
Leyden, 1671. He also wrote a part of the Anatomical
Exposition of Winslow, to whom he was great uncle.
4, 8 vo. “2.” De la puissance legitime dti prince sur le peupie, et du people sur le prince,“written in Latin by Stephanus Junius Brutus (Hubert Languet) and translated
, Francis Stephens, the third son of Robert, and younger
brother to the two preceding, renounced popery with his
father, and accompanied him to Geneva, where he carried
on the printing business in partnership with Francis Perrin,
from 1561 to 1582. He was married and had children, but
we find no mention of them. The following works have
been attributed to him: 1. “Traite des Danses, auquel il
est demontre qu'elles sont accessoires et dependances de
paillardise,
” 2.
” De la puissance legitime
dti prince sur le peupie, et du people sur le prince,“written in Latin by Stephanus Junius Brutus (Hubert Languet)
and translated into French, Geneva, 1581, 8vo. This translation is so much esteemed as to bear a higher value than
the original. 3.
” Remonstrance charitable aux dames et
demoiselles de France sur leurs ornamens dissolus," Paris,
1577, 12tno. and a rare book, although twice reprinted in
1581 and 15S5, 8vo.
al computation. But his chief work is the “Arithmetica Integra,” a complete and exct llent treatise, in Latin, on Arithmetic and Algebra, printed in 4to, at Norimberg,
, a protestant minister, and very skilful mathematician, was born at Eslingen, a town in Germany; and died at Jena in Thuringia,
in I 567, at fifty-eight years of age, according to Vossius,
but some others say eighty. Stitels was one of the best
mathematicians ol his time. He published, in the German
language, a treatise on algebra, and another on the Calendar or ecclesiastical computation. But his chief work is
the “Arithmetica Integra,
” a complete and exct llent treatise, in Latin, on Arithmetic and Algebra, printed in 4to,
at Norimberg, 1544. In this work there are a number of
ingenious inventions, both in common arithmetic, and in
algebra, and many curious things, some of which have
been ascribed to a much later date, such as the triangular
table for constructing progressional and figurate numbers,
logarithms, &c. Stifels was a zealous, but weak uisciple
of Luther, and took it into his head to become a prophet.
He predicted that the end of the world would happen on a
certain day in 1553, by which he terrified many people,
but lived to see its fallacy, and to experience the resentment of those whom he had deluded.
e books, and I learned geometry. By reading I found that there were good books in these two sciences in Latin: I bought a dictionary, and 1 learnt Latin. I understood
, an eminent, though self-taught mathematician, was a native of Scotland, and son of a gardener in the service of the duke of Argyle. Neither the
time nor place of his birth is exactly known, but from a
ms memorandum in our possession it appears that he died
in March or April 1768. The chief account of him that
is extant is contained in a letter written by the celebrated
chevalier Ramsay to father Castel, a Jesuit at Paris, and
published in the Journal de Trevoux, p. 109. From this
it appears, that when he was about eighteen years of age,
his singular talents were discovered accidentally by the
duke of Argyle, who found that he had been reading Newton’s Principia. The duke was surprised, entered into
conversation with him, and was astonished at the force,
accuracy, and candour of his answers. The instructions
he had received amounted to no more than having been
taught to read by a servant of the duke’s, about ten years
before. “I first learned to read,
” said Stone; “the masons were then at work upon your house: I went near
them one day, and I saw that the architect used a rule
and compasses, and that he made calculations. I inquired
what might be the use of these things; and I was informed,
that there was a science called arithmetic: I purchased
a book of arithmetic, and I learned it. I was told there
was another science called geometry: I bought the books,
and I learned geometry. By reading I found that there
were good books in these two sciences in Latin: I bought
a dictionary, and 1 learnt Latin. I understood that there
were good books of the same kind in French: I bought a
dictionary, and I learned French. And this, my lord, is
what I have done. It seems to me that we may learn every
thing, when we know the twenty-four letters of the aipiuibet.
” Delighted with this account, the duke drew him
from obscurity, and placed him in a situation which enabled him to pursue his favourite objects. Stone was author and translator of several useful works 1 “A new
Mathematical Dictionary, 1726, 8vo. 2.
” Fluxions,“1730,
8vo. The direct method is a translation of L' Hospital’s
Analyse des infiniment petits, from the French; and the
inverse method was supplied by Stone himself. 3.
” The
Elements of Euclid," 1731, 2 vols. 8vo. This is a neat
and useful edition of the Elements of Euclid, with an account of the life and writings of that mathematician, and a
defence of his elements against modern objectors. 4. ' A
paper in the Philosophical Transactions, vol. xli. p. 218,
containing an account of two species of lines of the
third order, not mentioned by sir Isaac Newton, or Mr.
Sterling; and some other small productions.
, father and son, were two poets of Ferrara, who both wrote in Latin. Their poems were printed together at Venice, 1513, 8vo,
, father and son, were two poets of Ferrara, who both wrote in Latin. Their poems were printed together at Venice, 1513, 8vo, and consist of elegies and other compositions, in a pure and pleasing style. Titus died about 1502, at the age of eighty. Hercules, his son, was killed by a rival in 1508. Strozzi was also an illustrious name at Florence, which migrated with the Medici’s into France, and there rose to the highest military honours, as they had in their own country attained the greatest commercial rank. There have been several other writers of the name, of whom we shall notice only one, as most remarkable, Cyriac Strozzi, who was a profound student in the works of Aristotle, and therefore considered as a peripatetic philosopher. He was born at Florence in 1504. He travelled over a great part of the world, and pursued his studies wherever he went. He was a professor of Greek and of philosophy at Florence, Bologna, and Pisa, in all which places he was highly esteemed. He died in 1565, at the age of sixty-one. He added a ninth and a tenth book to the eight books of Aristotle’s politics, and wrote them both in Greek and Latin. He had so completely made himself master of the style and sentiments of his great model, that he has been thought, in some instances, to rival him. He had a sister, Laurentia, who wrote Latin poems. Considerable information may be found respecting the Strozzi in our authorities.
t Scriptis Geo. Adam Struvii,” 1705, 8vo. He published also several works in German, and some others in Latin, all of which are mentioned in H- insius’s Biicher Lexicon,
, one of the many sons
of the preceding, was born at Weimar, May 26, 1671. His
father, who soon perceived his turn for study, sent him to
Zeitz, to profit by the instructions of the learned Cellarius,
who then lived in that place, and he afterwards pursued
his studies under the ablest masters at Jena, Helmstadt,
Francfort, and Halle. In the latter city he went to the
bar, but did not follow that profession long, devoting his
attention chiefly to history and public law, which were his
favourite pursuits. He paid some visits to Holland and
Sweden, whence he returned to Wetzlar, accompanied by
his brother, who had dissipated his fortune in search of the
philosopher’s stone. This misfortune affected our author,
who, after the death of his brother, spent almost his whole
property in paying his debts, and he fell into a melancholy
state, which lasted for two years; but having then recovered his health and spirits, he was appointed librarian at
Jena in 1697, and took his degree of doctor of philosophy
and law at Halle. In 1704, he was made professor of history in that university, and in 1712 professor extraordinary
of law, counsellor and historiographer to the dukes of Saxony; and at length in 1730, counsellor of the court, and
ordinary professor of public and feudal law. He died at
Jena, March 25, 1738, leaving many distinguished proofs
of learned research, particularly in law and literary history.
One of his first publications was his “Bibliotheca numismatum
antiquiorum,
” 12mo, which appeared at Jena in Epistolaad Cellarium, de Bibliothecis,
” Jena, Atuiquitatum Romanorum Syntagma,
” Jena, Tractatus Juridicus de Balneis et Balneatoribus
” 4to, the same
year, at Jena; all his works indeed appear to have been
published there. 5. “Acta Literaria,
” vol.1. 1703, 8vo;
vol.11. 1720. 6. “Bibliotheca Philosophica,
” Bibliotheca Historica,
” Bibliotheca Historica, instructa a Burcardo Gotthelf Siruvio,
aucta a Christi. Gottlieb Budero, nunc vero a Joanne
Georgio Meuselio ita digesta, amplificata, et emendata, ut
pcene novum opus videri possit.
” This account of it is
literally true, for, from a single volume, it is now extended
to twenty-two vols. 8vo, usually bound in eleven, 1782
1804. It forms a complete index to the histories of all
nations. 8. “Bibliotheca Librorum rariorum,
” Introductio ad Notitiam Rei Literariee, et usum Bibliothecarum.
” The fifth edition of this work, a very thick
volume, small 8vo, with the supplements of Christopher
Coler, and the notes of Michael Lilienthal, was printed at
Leipsic in 1729; but the best is that of 1754 by John Christian Fischer, 2 vols. 8vo. 10. A life of his father, entitled,
“De Vita et Scriptis Geo. Adam Struvii,
”
poets, the best rhetoricians, and the best orators of the Roman empire, of those at least who wrote in Latin. He lived sometimes at Elisso, and sometimes at Toulouse.
, an ecclesiastical writer, who flourished about the
beginning of the fifth century, was a disciple of St. Martin
of Tours, whose life he has written; and friend of Pauliims, bishop of Nola, with whom he held a constant and
intimate correspondence. He was illustrious for his birth,
his eloquence, and still more for his piety and virtue. After he had shone with great lustre at the bar, he married
very advantageously; but, losing his wife soon after, he
quilted the world, and became a priest. He was born at
Agen, in the province of Aquitain, which at that time produced the best poets, the best rhetoricians, and the best
orators of the Roman empire, of those at least who wrote
in Latin. He lived sometimes at Elisso, and sometimes
at Toulouse. Some have affirmed, that he was bishop of
the Bitu rices; but they have erroneously confounded him
with another Severus Sulpicius, who was bishop of that
people, and died at the end of the sixth century. Sulpicius lived till about the year 420. He is said to have been
at one time seduced by the Pelagians; and that, returning to his old principles, he imposed a silence upon himself for the rest of his days, as the best atonement he
could make for his error; but some think that this silence
meant only his refraining from writing or controversy. The
principal of his works was his “Historia Sacra,
” in two
books; in which he gives a succinct account of all the reroaikible things that passed in the Jewish or Christian
churches, from the creation of the world to about the
year 400. He wrote, also, the “Life of St. Martin,
” as
we have said already; “Three Letters upon the death and
virtues of this saint;
” and “Three Dialogues;
” the first
upon the miracles of the Eastern monks, and the two last
upon the extraordinary qualities and graces of St. Martin.
These, with seven other epistles never before printed with
his works, were all revised, corrected, and published with
notes, in a very elegant edition, by Le Clerc, at Leipsic,
in 1709, 8vo. There is another by Jerom de Prato, printed
at Venice in 1741—54, 2 vols. 4to, the text of which is
thought the most correct.
Sulpicius has a purity in his style, far beyond the age in
which he lived. He has joined a very concise manner of
expressing himself to a remarkable perspicuity, and in this
has equalled even Sallust himself, whom he always imitates
and sometimes quotes. He is not, indeed, correct throughout in his “History of the Church;
” and is very credulous
upon the point of miracles. He admits also several opinions, which have no foundation in Scripture; and he is
in some instances defective, taking no notice, for example,
of the reign of Julian, &c. His “Dialogues
” contain
many interesting particulars, respecting the manners and
singularities of the Eastern monks; the disturbances which
the books of Origen had occasioned in Egypt and Palestine, and other matters of some curiosity.
died. The latter event must have, however, been posterior to 1713, when he published a learned work in Latin, “in which the passages of the Old Testament, quoted in
, a celebrated Hebrew and
Greek professor in the university of Amsterdam, is most
known for his edition of the Mischna of the Jews, with
notes, and a Latin version, which he began to publish in
1698, and completed in 1703, in 3 vols. folio. It contains
also the commentaries of the Rabbins, Maimonides, and
Bartenora. The period at which he flourished is ascertained by this publication; but, in the books which we have
been able to consult, we do not find any account of the
time when he was born or died. The latter event must
have, however, been posterior to 1713, when he published
a learned work in Latin, “in which the passages of the
Old Testament, quoted in the New, are vindicated and reconciled, according to the forms of quotation, and the several ways of interpreting the scripture, used by the ancient Hebrew Theologers,
” Amst. 4to.
t Saragossa in 1562, but the third edition of 1610 is accounted the most complete. He published also in Latin “Indices rerum ab Aragonice regibus gestarum, libri tres,”
, a Spanish historian,
was born at Saragossa, Dec. 4, 1512, of an ancient family.
He made great progress in Greek and Latin, under a very
able master, at Alcala de Henares; but his particular predilection was for the study of history. He afterwards
became secretary to the inquisition, but employed his time
chiefly in writing numerous works which procured him a
very high reputation, not only with his countrymen, butiii
the opinion of the learned of other nations. He died Oct.
31, 1580, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. His principal historical work is his “A Males de la corona del Reyno
de Aragon,
” 7 vols. fol. first printed at Saragossa in 1562,
but the third edition of 1610 is accounted the most complete. He published also in Latin “Indices rerum ab
Aragonice regibus gestarum, libri tres,
” Sarag. Gaufredi Monachi de acquisitione regni
Siciliac, Calabria?, &c. per Robertum Guiscardum et fratres
Nortmannos principes,
” and Celesinus “De Robert! Sicilin; regis rebus gestis, libri quatuor,
” both before unpublished. He was the editor also of Antoninus 9 s Itinerary,
and his notes were adopted by Dr. Thomas Gale in his
edition. He left many other learned works in ms. particularly commentaries on Julius Caesar, and on Claudian.
Insects,” Utrecht, 1669, 4to, in Dutch, but published there in 1685, 4to, in French, and at Leyden, in Latin, 1685, with fine engravings. 3. “Miraculuai Naturae, seu,
The works of this celebrated anatomist and naturalist,
are, 1. “Tractatus Physico-Anatomico-Medicus de Respiratione,
” Leyden, General History of Insects,
” Utrecht, Miraculuai Naturae, seu, nteri rnuliebris fetbrica,
” Leyden,
Historia Insectorum generalis; adjicitur dilucidatio, qua specialia cujusvis ordinis
exempla figuris accuratissime, tarn naturali magnitudine,
quam ope microscopii aucta, illustrantur,
” Leyd. Biblia Naturae, sive, Historia Insectorum in classes
certas redncta, &c.
” The learned owe this to Boerhaave,
for the manuscript having been left by the author to his
executors, had been handed about till it was difficult to be
traced. Of this an English translation was published in
1757, folio, by sir John Hill and others, and with Boerhaave’s plates.
distinguished to such advantage by the elegance of the style. He became a very accomplished scholar in Latin and Greek, and had some little knowledge of the Hebrew;
, a celebrated physician of France, was the son of Nicholas du
Bois, a camblet-weaver, who had eleven sons and four
daughters. He was born at Amiens in Picardy, in 1478,
and went through a course of classical learning, under his
elder brother Francis Sylvius; who was principal of the
college of Tournay at Paris, and was a great promoter of
letters in that age of barbarism. There he learned the
Latin language, in much greater purity than it had been
taught for a long time; and hence it was, that his writings
are distinguished to such advantage by the elegance of the
style. He became a very accomplished scholar in Latin
and Greek, and had some little knowledge of the Hebrew;
and applied himself also to mathematics and mechanics so
successfully, as to invent machines, which deserved public
notice. When the time was come for giving himself entirely up to physic, to which study his inclination had
always led him, he traced it to its sources; and engaged
so deeply in the reading of Hippocrates and Galen, that
he scarcely did any thing but examine and translate those
two authors. He discovered from thence the importance
of anatomy, and applied himself to it so ardently, that he
became as great a master as that age would permit. He
studied pharmacy with no less care, and took several journeys to see, upon the spot, the medicines which different
countries produce. Upon his return to Paris, he read
lectures, and explained in two years a course of physic
from Hippocrates and Galen; which so much extended his
reputation, that scholars from all parts of Europe resorted
to him. But being prohibited at last from teaching as not
having taken his degree, he went to Montpellier in 1520
for that purpose, but not being willing to pay the expences
of graduation, he returned to Paris, and by an agreement
with the faculty, recommenced his lectures, although only
a bachelor of physic. In 1535 he taught in the college of
Treguier, while Fernelius taught in tbat of Cornouailles;
but the latter had few scholars, while the former had about
five hundred. The reason of this difference was, that
Sylvius dissected bodies, and read lectures upon botany
and the preparation of medicines, advantages which the
scholars of Fernelius had not. The professorship of physic
in the royal college becoming vacant in 1548, Sylvius was
nominated to fill it; which he did, after hesitating about
it two years. He continued in it till his death, which
happened Jan. 13, 1555. He was never married, and shewed
even an aversion to women. His personal character was
particularly obnoxious. His behaviour was rude and barbarous. He had nothing social in his temper, or ever departed from a certain pompous stiffness; and it was observed
that when he attempted to relax, he did it aukwardly.
The only witticism related of him is, that “he had parted
with three beasts, his cat, his mule, and his maid.
” His
avarice was extreme, and he lived in the most sordid manner: he allowed his servants nothing but dry bread, and
had no fire all the winter. Two things served him as a
remedy against cold; he played at foot-ball, and carried
a great log upon his shoulders: and he said that the heat
which he gained by this exercise was more beneficial to
his health than that of a fire. He was most rigid in demanding his fees from his scholars, yet was puzzled often
what to do with his money, for when, in 1616, his house
in the rue de St. Jacques was pulled down, the workmen
found many pieces of gold, which he had probably hid and
knew not where to find. This avarice, which was his ruling passion, exposed him to the wit of his contemporaries.
Buchanan has a distich on him, beginning “Sylvius hie
situs est, gratis qui nil dedit unquam, &c.
” and a dialogue
was published under the title of “Sylvius ocreatus,
” or
“Sylvius booted,
” of which it was thought that Henry
Stephens was the author, by the assumed name of Ludovicus Arrivabenus Mantuanus. It is founded on the supposition that Sylvius, wishing to pass Acheron without
paying anything, went in boots that he might ford it.
This satire was answered by John Melet, one of his pupils,
who adopted the name of Claudius Burgensis, and entitled
his performance “Apologia in Lud. Arrivabenum pro D. J.
Silvio.
”
whole of her reign. As soon as Elizabeth became queen, to whom he presented a congratulatory epistle in Latin upon that happy occasion, he resumed his preaching in
On the accession of king Edward, Taverner, although a
layman, had a special licence in 1552 to preach throughout the king’s dominions. Good preaching was at that
time so very scarce, that not only the king’s chaplains were
obliged to make circuits round the country to instruct the
people, and to fortify them against popery, but even laymen, who were scholars, were employed for that purpose.
From this however he was obliged to desist when queen
Mary came to the throne, and therefore retired to Norbiton
hall, near Kingston in Surry, where he lived quietly during the whole of her reign. As soon as Elizabeth became
queen, to whom he presented a congratulatory epistle in
Latin upon that happy occasion, he resumed his preaching
in Oxford and elsewhere. Her majesty had a high respect
for him, and besides offering him knighthood (which Tanner thinks he accepted), put him into the commission of
the peace for the county of Oxford. Here numerous concerns were intrusted to him, and in 1569, he was made high
sheriff of the county. His zeal was still warm against popery, probably owing to the frightful effects of popish bigotry which he had witnessed in Mary’s reign, and notwithstanding his new office, he continued his preaching.
Even while high sheriff, he appeared in St. Mary’s pulpit,
with his gold chain about his neck, and his sword by his
side, and is said to have begun one of his sermons in the
following words “Arriving at the mount of St. Mary’s, in
the stony stage where I now stand, I have brought you
some fine biskets, baked in the oven of charity, and carefully conserved for the chickens of the church, the sparrows
of the spirit, and the sweet swallows of salvation.
” This
style was much admired in his days even by the generality
of the scholars, and indeed such alliteration was long afterwards a favourite both with speakers and hearers. He also
endeavoured to promote the reformation by his writings
and translations; of which, besides his Bible, we have the
following list: 1. “The sum and pith of CL Psalms of David, reduced into a form of prayers and meditations, with
certain other godly orisons,
” Lond. 1539, 8vo. 2. “The
Epistles and Gospels, with a brief postill upon the same,
from Advent to Low Sunday; and from Easter to Advent,
”
Lond. Fruit of Faith, contain*
ing all the prayers of the patriarchs, &c. in the Old and
New Testament,
” ibid, The Garden of
Wysdome, &c. containing the sayings of princes, philosophers, &c.
” Flores aliquot sententiarum ex variis scriptoribus,
” translated from Erasmus. 6.
“Catonis Disticha Moralia,
” Lond. In Mimum Publianum lib. 1,
” Catednsmus fidei.
” 9. “Proverbs or adagies gathered out of the
Chiliades of Erasmus,
” Grostete’s Prayers on the Psalms
” “Confession of the
Germans, with the apology of Melancthon,
” and some
tracts from Erasmus.
and easie institution of Grammar,” London, 12mo. This scarce little volume has two dedications, one in Latin to lord Hatton by Wyatt, the other in English, by Taylor,
While in Wales, he was obliged to maintain himself and
family by keeping school, at Newton, in Carmarthenshire,
where he was assisted by Mr. William Wyatt of St. John’s
college, Oxford, and they jointly produced, in 164-7, “A
new and easie institution of Grammar,
” London, 12mo.
This scarce little volume has two dedications, one in Latin
to lord Hatton by Wyatt, the other in English, by Taylor,
addressed to lord Hatton’s son. The eminence of Dr.
Taylor’s learning, and the integrity of his principles procured him scholars, who, as his biographer says, “having,
as it were, received instruction from this prophet in the
wilderness, were transplanted to the universities.
” He
found also a generous patron in Richard Vaughan, earl of
Carbery, who resided at Golden Grove, the seat of his
ancestors, in the parish of Llanfihangel Aberbythick, near
Llandillo Fawr, in Carmarthenshire. Into this hospitable
family he was received as chaplain, and had a stipend
allotted him, as he himself intimates in his dedication to
lord Carbery, prefixed to his “Course of Sermons.
” It
would appear that persecution had followed him into
Wales, before he obtained his present comfortable asylum,
but in what manner or to what extent is not known.
1730, was supposed to require an equal share of learning and genius: for, besides a short compliment in Latin to the heads of the university, the orator was expected
, a learned critic and philologist, was
born at Shrewsbury, and baptised at St; Alkmund’s church
June 22, 1704. His father followed the humble occupation
of a barber, and his son wasdesigned for the same business
but a strong passion for letters, which early displayed itself, being providentially fostered by the generous patronage of a neighbouring gentleman, enabled young Taylor
to fill a far higher station in society than that to which he
was entitled by his birth. The steps which led to this
happy change in his situation are worthy of notice. Taylor, the father, being accustomed to attend Edward Owen,
of Condover, esq. in his capacity of a barber, that gentleman used to inquire occasionally into the state of his
family, for what trade he designed his son, &c. These
inquiries never failed to produce a lamentation from the old
man, of the untoward disposition of his son Jack, “whom,
”
said he, “I cannot get to dress a wig or shave a beard, so
perpetually is he poring over books.
” Such complaints,
often repeated, at length awakened the attention of Mr.
Owen, who determined to send him to the university,
chiefly at his own expence. St. John’s in Cambridge,
which has an intimate connection with the free-school of
Shrewsbury, naturally presented itself as the place of his
academical education; and Mr. Taylor was doubtless assisted by one of the exhibitions founded in the college for
the youth of that school. Under this patronage he pursued
his studies in the university, and regularly took his degrees, that of B. A. in 1727, and of M. A. in 1731, and in
the preceding year was chosen fellow. Thus employed in
his favourite occupations, the periods of his return into his
native country were the only times which threw a transient
clouJ over the happy tenor of his life. On such occasions
he was expected to visit his patron, and to partake of the
noisy scenes of riotous jollity exhibited in the hospitable
mansion of a country gentleman of those days. The gratitude of young Taylor taught him the propriety of making
these sacrifices of his own comfort; but it could not prevent him from sometimes whispering his complaints into
the ears of his intimate friends. A difference of political
opinion afforded a more serious ground of difference. A
great majority of the gentry of Shropshire was at that period strenuous in their good wishes for the abdicated family.
Though educated at Cambridge, Taylor retained his attachment to toryism, but did not adopt all its excesses; and
he at length forfeited the favour of his patron, without the
hopes of reconciliation, hy refusing to drink a Jacobite
toast on his bare knees, as was then the custom. This refusal effectually precluded him from all hopes of sharing in
the great ecclesiastical patronage at that time enjoyed by
the Condover family, and inclined him, perhaps, to abandon the clerical profession for the practice of a civilian.
But however painful to his feelings this quarrel with his
benefactor might prove, he had the consolation to reflect
that it could not now deprive him of the prospect of an easy
competence. His character as a scholar was established in
the university; he was become a fellow and tutor of his
conege; and on the 30th of Jan. 1730, he was appointed
to deliver the Latin oration then annually pronounced in
St. Mary’s before the university on that solemn anniversary;
and at the following commencement he was selected to
speak the music speech, both of which were printed. This
last performance, of which but two instances occur in
the last century, viz. 1714 and 1730, was supposed to
require an equal share of learning and genius: for, besides
a short compliment in Latin to the heads of the university,
the orator was expected to produce a humourous copy of
English verses on the fashionable topics of the day, for the
entertainment of the female part of his audience: and in
the execution of this office (derived like the Terras filius of Oxford, from the coarse festivities of a grosser age) sometimes indulged a licentiousness which surprises one on perusal. The music speech of Mr. Taylor is sufficiently free;
and, though it does some credit to his poetical talents, is
not very civil to his contemporaries of Oxford, (whom he openly taxes with retaining their fellowships and wives at the expence of their oaths) or to the members of Trinity
college, in his own university, whom he ironically represents as the only members of Cambridge who could wipe off
the stigma of impoliteness imputed to them by the sister
university. This speech was printed by his young friend
and fellow collegian Mr. Bowyer, and the publication concludes with an ode designed to have been set to music.
These were not the only effusions of Mr. Taylor’s muse,
for in the Gent. Mag. 1779, p. 365, are some verses by him
on the marriage of Lady Margaret Harley to the duke of
Portland, and others reprinted by Mr. Nichols.
of British and English history. To which is added, a short history of William the conqueror, written in Latin by an anonymous author in the time of Henry I.” Lond.
He appears to have been an early inquirer into the antiquities of his country, and while in power ransacked the
libraries of the cathedrals of Hereford and Worcester for
valuable Mss., among which was the original grant of king
Edgar, whence the kings of England derive their sovereignty of the seas. This was printed in Selden’s “Mare
clausum.
” He left large materials for a history of Herefordshire, which Dr. Rawliuson understood to have been
deposited in lord Oxford’s library; but in the Harleian
catalogue we find only part of his history of Herefordshire
at the end of ms. 6766, and extracts from Doomsday,
>fo. 6356. Mr. Dale, who published a “History of Harwich
” from Taylor’s papers, in History of Gavelkind, with the etymology thereof; containing also an assertion, that our English laws are, for the
most part, those that were used by vthe ancient Brytains,
notwithstanding the several conquests of the Romans, Saxons, Danes, and Normans. With some observations and
remarks upon many especial occurrences of British and
English history. To which is added, a short history of
William the conqueror, written in Latin by an anonymous
author in the time of Henry I.
” Lond. Court Ayres, &c.
”
, aged sevetity-two, after having given proof of his abilities and learning, by several publications in Latin.
, a very eminent statesman and writer, was the son of sir William Temple, of Sheen, in Surrey, master of the rolls and privy-counsellor in Ireland, 1 in the reign of Charles II. by a sister of the learned Dr.' Henry Hammond. His grandfather, sir William Temple, the founder of the family, was the younger son of the Temples, of Temple-hall, in Leicestershire. He was fellow of King’s college, in Cambridge, afterwards master of the free-school at Lincoln, then secretary successively to sir Philip Sidney, to William Davison, esq. one of queen Elizabeth’s secretaries, and to the celebrated earl of Essex, whom he served while he was lord-deputy of Ireland. In 1609, upon the importunate solicitation of Dr. James Usher, he accepted the provostship of Trinity college, in Dublin; after which he was knighted, and made one of the masters in chancery of Ireland. He died about 1626, aged sevetity-two, after having given proof of his abilities and learning, by several publications in Latin.
that he had in a very few days concluded and signed the treaty there, in which his perfect knowledge in Latin, which he had retained, was of no little advantage to
This recommendation was effectual with both these statesmen, as well as with the king, although he was not immediately employed. Sir William Templew^s nev.er forgetful of this obligation he constantly kept np a Correspondence with the duke of Ormond, and afterwards zealously defended him against the attempt of the earl of Essex to displace him from the government of Ireland. In the mean time, during his interviews with lord Arling‘ton, who seems to have had his promotion at heart, he took occasion to hint to his lordship, that if his majesty thought him worthy of any employment abroad, he should be happy to accept it; but begged leave to object to the northern climates, to which he had a great aversion. Lord Arlington expressed his regret at this, because the place of envoy at Sweden was the only one then vacant. In 1665, however, about the commencement of the first Dutch, war, lord Arlington communicated to him that his majesty wanted to send a person abroad upon an affair of great importance, and advised him to accept the offer, whether in all respects agreeable or not, as it would prove an introduction to his majesty’s service, This business was a secret commission to the bishop of Munster, for the purpose of concluding a treaty between the king and him, by which the bishop should be obliged, upon receiving a certain sum of money, to join his majesty immediately in the war with Holland. Sir William made no scruple to accept this commission, which he executed with speed and success, and in the most private manner, without any train or official character. In July he began his journey to Qoesvelt, and not long after it was known publicly, that he had in a very few days concluded and signed the treaty there, in which his perfect knowledge in Latin, which he had retained, was of no little advantage to him, the bishop. conversing in no other language. After signing the treaty, he went to Brussels, saw the first payment made, and received the news that the bishop was in the fielfl, by which this negotiation began first to be discovered;, but no person suspected ’the part he had in it; and he continued privately at Brussels till it was whispered to the marquis Castel-Rodrigo the governor, that he came upon some particular errand (-which he was then at liberty to own). The governor immediately sent to desire his acquaintance, and that he might see him in private, to which he easily consented. Soon after a commission was sent him to be resident at Brussels, a situation which he had long contemplated with pleasure, and his commission was accompanied with a baronet’s patent. Sir William now sent for his family (April 1666); but, before their arrival, was again ordered to Munster, to prevent the bishop’s concluding peace with the Dutch, which he threatened to do, in consequence of some remissness in the payments from England, and actually signed it at Cleve the very night sir William Temple arrived at Munster. On. this he returned to Brussels; and before he had been there a year, peace with the Dutch was concluded at Breda. Two months after this event, his sister, who resided with him at Brussels, having an inclination to see Holland, he went thither with her incognito, and while at the Hague, became acquainted with the celebrated Pensionary De Witt.
John XXIII.” Francfort, 1620, 4to; and “A Journal of the Council of Constance.” This fcuthor’s style in Latin is dry and unpleasant, but very forcible, and his narrations
, or Theodoric de Niem, a native of Paderborn in Westphalia, who was under- secretary at Rome to
Gregory XL Urban VI. &c. attended John XXIIL to the
council of Constance, as writer of the Apostolical Letters,
and abhreviator; but after that pontiff’s flight, wrote a
very violent invective against him, and died about 1417,
leaving the following works: “A History of the Schism,
”
which is very curious, and ends in The Privileges and Rights of the
Emperors in the Investitures of Bishops,
” printed in
“Schardii Syntagma de Imperiali Jurisdictione,
” Argent.
A History of John XXIII.
” Francfort, 1620,
4to; and “A Journal of the Council of Constance.
” This
fcuthor’s style in Latin is dry and unpleasant, but very
forcible, and his narrations are accurate and faithful. Some
attribute to him the treatise “On the necessity of Reformation in the Church, both with respect to its head and
its members,
” which others give to Peter d'Ailli.
themselves in literature. Joseph, the eldest, had produced a comedy; and John, the second, excelled in Latin poetry. The death of his second brother, impressed Antony
, a member of the
French academy, was born in 1732, at Clermont in Auvergne, the country of the celebrated Pascal. He received
from his mother a severe, and almost a Spartan education.
The three children of that estimable woman were brought
up chiefly under her own eyes. His two elder brothers
died, the one in 1748, the other in 1755, both young men,
and both having signalized themselves in literature. Joseph, the eldest, had produced a comedy; and John, the
second, excelled in Latin poetry. The death of his second
brother, impressed Antony very early with a strong sense
of the vanity of worldly cares; and with a profound piety ^
which enhanced the value of his character. He had a decided taste for poetry, but was designed for the bar. In
obedience to the wish of his mother, he went to Clermont,
to follow a study repugnant to his taste; but going with
her to Paris, when John was at the point of death, his
friends offered him a professorship in the qoliege of Beauvais. This, therefore, he accepted, as more congenial to
his feelings, though less splendid in appearance, than the
profession for which he had been designed. He was
soon in high estimation for his talents as a poet and an
orator; and M. Watelet, a rich man, and a man of letters,
offered him a pension as a tribute to his merit; but he
chose, with becoming pride, to owe his subsistence to hi
own talents, rather than to the generosity of any one: He
was afterwards secretary to the duke de Praslin, minister
for foreign affairs; secretary to the Swiss cantons (an independent place in the government); and finally secretary
to the duke of Orleans. He was also a member of the
academy, tho-ugh it is said that he once refused to be
chosen, when he found that he was proposed chiefly out of
pique to another candidate, M. Marmontel. Without any
fortune but his pension from the court, and the trifling reward he received for his assiduous attendance at the academy, he continued to reside at Paris; and latterly, with
a sister* who superintended his domestic concerns. But,
his health being impaired by excessive application, he was
obliged to seek the more favourable climate of Nice, where
for a time he recovered the use of all his powers. But his
lungs had always been weak, and being seized also with a
fever, he died September 17, 1785, in the ho,use of the
archbishop of Lyons, and was buried at the neighbouring
village of Qulins. At the time of his death he was
employed in writing a poem on the czar Peter the Great,
styled the “Pe*treade,
” which has never been published.
is highly praised by persons in the catholic community. 2. “Theological Dogmas,” 1680, 3 torn. fol. in Latin. 3. “Tracts on the Divine office, 8 vo; on the Feasts,
, a learned French divine, was
born Aug. 28, 1619, at Aix in Provence, of a good and
ancient family, and admitted at the age of fourteen into
the congregation of the oratory, where he had been educated. After teaching ethics in his congregation, and
philosophy, he was appointed professor of divinity at Saumur, and introduced in his school the method of treating
theological subjects according to the scriptures, the fatheri,
and councils. Being invited to Paris in 1654, he began
to bold conferences of positive theology in the seminary of
St. Magloire, according to the method he had adopted it
Saumur, and continued them till 166S, at which time his
superiors and several eminent prelates persuaded him to
give the fruits of his labours to the public. He complied,
and afterwards became so celebrated by his works, that
pope Innocent XI. endeavoured to draw him to Koine,
with an intention of giving him a cardinal’s hat, and
making use of his talents; but the king of France replied
that so learned a man was necessary in his dominions. The
French clergy gave him a pension of Jooo livres, which
the poor always shared with him. He was mild, modest,
active, agreeable in his manners, and very assiduous in all
his pursuits. He died December 25, 1695, aged seventyseven. His principal works are: 1. A large treatise on
“Ecclesiastical Discipline,
” reprinted Theological
Dogmas,
” Tracts on the
Divine office, 8 vo; on the Feasts, 8vo; on the Fasts, 8 vo; on
Truth and Falsehood, 8vo; on Alms, 8vo on Trade and on
Usury, 8vo; 4.
” Tr. dogmatique des Moyens dont on s’est
servi dans tous les terns pour maintenir Tunite de i'Eglise,“1703, 3 vols. 4to. To these may be added,
” Directions for
studying and teaching philosophy in a Christian manner,“8vo the same
” for the profane historians,“8vo; apian
of the same kind for grammar or the languages with relation to the Holy Scriptures, 2 vols. 8vo;
” A Universal
Hebrew Glossary,“printed at the Louvre, 1697, fol.
” Dissertations on the Councils,“in Latin, 1667, 1 vol.
4to;
” Memoires sur la Grace," 1682, 4to, &c. His Life,
written by father Bordes, is prefixed to his Hebrew Glossary.
His character may be taken from the epitaph written in Latin by his friend Dr. Joseph Warton, and placed on his monument
His character may be taken from the epitaph written in
Latin by his friend Dr. Joseph Warton, and placed on his
monument in the cloisters of Westminster-abbey. “His
genius, cultivated most happily by every kind of polite
literature, was accompanied and recommended by manners
open, sincere, and candid. In his writings and conversation he had a wonderful liveliness, with a vein of pleasantry
peculiarly his own. In ridiculing the failings of men,
without bitterness, and with much humour, he was singularly happy as a companion he was delightful.
”
ss. He died in 1522, and, as some say, in great poverty. His writings were chiefly, if not entirely, in Latin; and there are extant of them, 1. “Epistles,” Lyons, 1569,
, generally known by his assumed name
Ravisius Textor, was lord of Ravisy, in the district of
Nivernois, whence he took the former of his latinized names.
He was esteemed as a scholar in his own time, which was
the commencement of the sixteenth century, and taught
polite literature in the college of Navarre, at Paris, with
considerable success. He died in 1522, and, as some say,
in great poverty. His writings were chiefly, if not entirely,
in Latin; and there are extant of them, 1. “Epistles,
”
Lyons, Dialogues,
” Rott. Epigrams,
” 4. “Epithetorum Opus,
” Bas. Expositio Nominum.
” 6. An edition of the “Opera Scriptorurn de claris Mulieribus,
” Paris,
retation and notes; and, “The Pantheon, or history of the heathen gods.” This book was first written in Latin by Francis Pomey, a Jesuit, and translated into English
He published some things for the benefit and assistance
of youth: as, “Synopsis Grsecas linguae;
” “Ovid’s Fasti,
”
from the Delphin edition, with an English interpretation
and notes; and, “The Pantheon, or history of the heathen gods.
” This book was first written in Latin by Francis
Pomey, a Jesuit, and translated into English by one who
conceals his name under initial letters. This translation
was afterwards revised and corrected, with the addition of
a new index, cuts of the deities, and other improvements,
by Mr. Tooke; and the tenth edition, printed in 1726,
was adorned with new cuts, copied from the sixth Latin,
edition, published at Utrecht by Samuel Pitiscus, in 1701.
Mr. Tooke translated PuffendorPs “Whole Duty of Man
according to the law of nature,
” with the notes of Barbeyrac, into English; and bishop GastrelP* “Institutes of the
Christian Religion,
” into Latin. The supplement to the
account of Gresham college, inserted in the second appendix of “Stow’s Survey of London,
” was written by him,
and given to the editor Mr. Strype.
1467, often reprinted in the same century, and all now of great rarity. He wrote also various others in Latin, in which, says L'Avocat, he servilely defends the Ultramontane
, a celebrated Dominican,
better known by the name of Turrecremata, was born in
1388, of an illustrious family at Valladolid. He attended
the council of Constance in 1417, was admitted doctor of
the Sorbonne in 1429, held some important offices in his
order, and became master of the sacred palace. Pope EugeniusIV. sent him to the council of Basil, where he strenuously supported the court of Rome. He was created
cardinal in 1439, did oreat services to his order, and died at
Rome, September 26, 14-68, aged eighty. His works are,
“Commentaries on Gratian’s Decretal,
” Venice, 157S, 5
torn. a treatise “On the Church and the Papal Authority,
”
Venice, Expositio super toto Psalterio,
” Rome,
Medltatione*,
” Rome,
fourteen years, and acquired much fame by his translations. He translated into the Carniolan tongue, in Latin characters, not onlv the Gospels, according to the version
, celebrated for his learned translations, was born in 1508. He was first a canon of Laybach, and began in 1531 to preach publicly in the cathedral of that city Luther’s doctrine concerning the sacrament in both kinds; and to approve the marriage of priests;
so that he embraced Luther’s party, and left Carniola to
retire into the empire, where the town of Kempson chose
him for their pastor. He preached there for fourteen years,
and acquired much fame by his translations. He translated
into the Carniolan tongue, in Latin characters, not onlv
the Gospels, according to the version of Luther, with his
catechism, but also the whole New Testament, and the
Psalms of David in 1553. At length the States of Carniola
recalled him home. He translated also into his mother
tongue the confession of Augsburgb, and Luther’s German
sermons. Herman Fabricius Mosemannus thus notices
Truber’s translation, with the addition of some other particulars: “John Ungnad baron of Sonneck in Croatia, at
the time of the Augsburgh confession, caused the Bible to
be translated into the Sclavonian language at Aurach in the
duchy of Wirternbergh. In this translation he employed
three learned Sclavonians; the first was named Primus
Truber, the second Anthony Dalmata, and the third Stephen Consul. But these books were seized on the road,
and are still shut up in casks at Newstad in Austria. The
character is altogether singular, almost resembling an
Asiatic or Syriac character, with pretty large and square
letters. A copy of this Bible may be seen in the library of
the landgrave of Hesse. There are also some copies of it
to be met with in Sclavonia.
” These Bibles are without
doubt printed in Cyrillic characters. Truber was banished
Carniola a second time, and died June 29, 1586. The same
year, in a letter he wrote to the deputies of Carniola, he
Mjbscribes himself “Primus Truber, formerly canon in ordinary, called and confirmed at Laybach, pastor at Lack,
at Tuffer near Ratschach, and at St. Bartholomew’s field,
chaplain at S. Maximilian of Cilly, Sclavonian preacher at
Trieste, and after the first persecution preacher at Rosemburgh on the Tauber, pastor at Kempten and at Aurais,
afterwards preacher to the States of Carniola, and at Rubia
in the county of Goergh, and after the second persecution
pastor at CauHFen, and now at Deredingen near Tubingen.
”