and success, said he had ne claim but to the application; for that the merit was due to Dr. Huxham, an eminent physician at Plymouth, whose tract on the management
, was a physician of considerable reputation, who practised his profession at Plymouth, where
he died in 1768. It is remarkable that no biographical
memoirs of this able and learned practitioner are extant.
Mr. Polwhele informs us only that he was the sou of a
butcher at Halberton. Yet he possessed an innate genius
and a strong propensity for medical acquisitions. By these
he was led to the university of Leyden, where he pursued
his studies with indefatigable application, and took his
doctor’s degree in medicine. At length, settling at Plymouth, by a successful course of practice he acquired a
considerable fortune, and by several admirable publications
gained universal fame. His “Treatise on Fevers
” Mr.
Polwhele notices, as the most eminent, and as it leads to
the subsequent anecdote. “The queen of Portugal being
ill of a fever, and being reduced to the last extremity, notwithstanding the efforts of the physicians of the country;
his majesty, hearing of the eminence of a physician of the
English factory at Lisbon, sent for him, and giving him
the particulars of the queen’s disorder, inquired whether
it was in his power to administer any assistance. The physician replied that he was not without hope, but that hecould do nothing unless her majesty was left to his sole
care and direction. This being granted, the disorder soon
took a turn, and in a short time the queen was restored to
perfect health. The doctor being complimented by the
king on his abilities and success, said he had ne claim but
to the application; for that the merit was due to Dr. Huxham, an eminent physician at Plymouth, whose tract on
the management of fevers he had implicitly followed. Upon
which, the king immediately procured the treatise, had it
translated into the Portuguese language, printed it in
handsome 4to, and sent it richly bound to Dr. Huxham, as
an acknowledgment of the sense he entertained of his abilities, and of his debt of gratitude on the recovery of the
queen.
”
, an eminent musical composer, was the son of a tradesman of Exeter,
, an eminent musical composer,
was the son of a tradesman of Exeter, where he was born
in 1730. As he early discovered a great genius for music,
he was educated to that profession under the celebrated
Travers, and may be said to have jtnbibed no small portion
of that composer’s spirit. It must be allowed that Jackson
possessed a considerable share of intellectual ability, and
evinced on many occasions a very distinguished taste for
the fine arts. His judgment in general was sound; genius
will not be denied him; and when genius, judgment, and
taste are united in the same person, we are entitled to expect an approximation to human excellence. At the same
time it must be confessed, thatthese qualities were strongly
alloyed by a mixture of selfishness, arrogance, and an insatiable rage for superiority. In many of his musical compositions he has displayed traits o'.;ioveity, but these are
not the most estimable of nis productions. The “Eltgies,
”
the best of his works, possess superior melody, for which
we may allow him credit but the harmony of these- is
in some measure derived from his old master; that is, they
are constructed upon the model of that composer’s canzonets. Indeed, many of Jackson’s early compositions savour much of the spirit and contrivance of Travers.
msey, in the county of Southampton, at which place he was born in 1686. He was bred to the Jaw under an eminent attorney, and was afterwards steward and secretary to
, a poetical and dramatic writer, was
the son of a considerable maltster of Romsey, in the
county of Southampton, at which place he was born in
1686. He was bred to the Jaw under an eminent attorney,
and was afterwards steward and secretary to the Hon. William Blathwayt, esq. a celebrated courtier in the reign of
king William, and who enjoyed great preferments in that
and the subsequent reign. These are the only particulars
of his life which have been handed down, and are what he
inserted in his “Poetical Register,
” where he also informs
us that he was a great admirer of poets. He died May 8,
1744. His admiration of poetry, although it could not
make him a poet, led him to inquire into poetical history,
and gradually produced his “Poetical Register, or Lives
and Characters of the English dramatic poets,
” and
” The Soldier’s Last Stake,“that,
according to Whincop, Dr. Sewel, who was by no means
remarkable for ill-nature, on reading his
” Love in a Wood,"
wrote the following very severe lines in the title-page:
mpanion,” 1718, 8vo, reprinted 1729. 6. “The Laws of Appeals and Murder,” from the Mss. of Mr. Gale, an eminent practiser, 1719, 8vo. 7. “Lex Constitutions, or the
He also published several poems: “A Journey to Bath
and Bristol,
” “The Lover’s Miscellany,
” “Essays relating
to the conduct of Life,
” and “An Essay on Criticism,
&c.
” But as a law-writer, few men have left more ample
testimonies of industry, and one at least of his productions
still preserves his name. He published, 1. “The Accomplished Conveyancer,
” The Clerk’s Remembrancer.
” The Grand Precedent,
” A Catalogue of all Writs and Processes of the Courts
at Westminster,
” Lex Mercatoria, or the
merchants’ companion,
” The Laws of Appeals and Murder,
” from the Mss. of
Mr. Gale, an eminent practiser, 1719, 8vo. 7. “Lex
Constitutions, or the gentleman’s law,
” The Modern- Justice, containing the
business of a justice of peace, with precedents,
” Review of the Statutes,
”
3720, and again the same year. 10. “A Treatise of the
Laws, or a general introduction to the common, civil, and
canon law,
” The complete Court Keeper,
or lord steward’s assistant,
” The Student’s Companion,
or reason of the law,
” The Common Law common-placed/' 1726, 8vo,
reprinted in fol. 1733. 14.
” The new Law Dictionary,“1729, reprinted in 1733, and often since, with the valuable improvements of Ruffhead, Morgan, and lastly of Sir
Thomas Edlyne Tomlyns, in 1797: an abridgment of
it was published in 1743. 15.
” The complete Chancery
Practitioner,“1730, 2 vols. 8vo. 16.
” Tables to the
Law,“1736, fol. 17.
” The complete. Attorney’s Practice,“1737, 2 vols. 8vo. 18.
” City Libertie,“1732,
and with a new title only, 1737. 19.
” General Law of
Estates,“1740, 8vo. 20.
” Game Law,“1740, 12mo.
the seventh edition. 21.
” New complete Conveyancer,“1744, 8vo. 22.
” The Statute Law common-placed,“1748, 8vo, fifth edition, 23. Law Grammar,
” 1749
and 1754, 12mo. and again in folio, to bind up with the
author’s Law Dictionary.
, an eminent Protestant divine, and celebrated preacher, was born
, an eminent Protestant divine,
and celebrated preacher, was born December 16, 1647, at
Vassy, of which place his father was minister. He distinguished himself so much by his studies that he was ordained at the age of twenty-one, and appointed colleague,
and assistant to his father. On the revocation of the edict
of Nantes, Jacquelot quitted France, and retiring to Heidelberg, received public marks of favour from the electress
Palatine. He went afterwards to the Hague, where he
gained great reputation by his sermons; and the king of
Prussia being in that city, and having heard him preach,
desired to have him far his French chaplain at Berlin, and
settled a large pension upon him. Jaequelot went into
Prussia, 17>02, and died at Berlin, October 15, 1708. His
works are, 1. “Traite de l'Existence de Dieu,
” Amsterdam, Dissertations sur le Messie,
” Hague,
Conformite de la Foi avec la Raison,
”
8vothe second, “Examen de la Theologie de M. Bayle,
”
I2nio; and the third, “Reponse aux Entretiens composes
par M. BayLe,
” 12mo. 4. “Traitede l'Inspiration des
Livres Sacres,
” Avis sur le Tableau du Socinianisme.
” This
last work occasioned much trouble to Jacquelot from Jurieu,
author of the “Tableau du Socinianisme.
” He wrote also
twenty-eight “Letters
” to the French bishops, persuading
them to a mild conduct towards the Calvinists; and published “Sermons,
” 2 vols. 12mo. All his works are distinguished by learning and strength of argument, but are
thought to be defective in method.
, a native of Chalcis in Ccelosyria, an eminent philosopher, flourished about the beginning of the fourth
, a native of Chalcis in Ccelosyria, an
eminent philosopher, flourished about the beginning of the
fourth century, and was the scholar first of Anatolius, and
afterwards of Porphyry. Having become perfect master of
the mysteries of the Piotinian system, he taught it with
great credit and success, and gained the profound reverence of his scholars by certain wonders which he professed
to perform, by means of an intercourse with invisible beings.
His writings discover extensive reading, but his style is
deficient in accuracy and elegance, and he borrows freely
from other writers, particularly Porphyry, without the
smallest acknowledgment. His philosophical works are
exceedingly obscure, but valuable as authentic documents
respecting the Alexandrian school. Those extant are,
“The Life of Pythagoras
” “An exhortation to the study
of Philosophy
” “Three books on Mathematical learning
”
“A commentary upon Nicomachus’s Institutes of Arithmetic,
” and a “Treatise on the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians.
” The time and place of
his death are uncertain; but it appears probable that he
died about the year 333. This Jarnblicus must be distinguished from the person of the same name, to whom the
emperor Julian dedicates his epistles; for Julian was
scarcely born at the time when Porphyry’s successor died.
, an eminent English officer in the East India service, was born
, an eminent English officer in the East India service, was born at Milford Haven about 1721, and embarked in a sea life at twelve years of age. He was not more than twenty when he obtained the command of a ship. He was with sir Edward Hawke in the West Indies in 1738, as a junior officer. Some years after he commanded a ship in the Virginia trade but in her he wsa taken by the Spaniards in the gulph of Florida, and carried a prisoner to the Havannah. After he and his crew, consisting of fifteen persons, were released from the Spanish prison, they embarked in a small brig for Carolina. The second day after putting to sea, a very hard gale of wind came on, the vessel strained, and soon became so leaky that the pumps and the people baling could not keep her free; and at length, being worn out with labour, seven of them, with Mr. James, got into the only boat they had, with a small bag of biscuit and a keg of water: the vessel soon after disappeared, and went down. They were twenty days in this boat without a compass; their biscuit soon got wet with the sea, which for two days made a breach over the boat; a snuff-box sir William had with him served to distribute their daily allowance of water: and after encountering every difficulty of famine and severe labour, on the twentieth day they found themselves on the islam) of Cuba, not ten miles from whence they had been embarked out of a Spanish prison: but a prison had no horrors to them. The Spaniards received them once more into captivity; and it is remarkable, that only one out of the seven perished, though after they got on shore few of them had the use of their limbs for many days.
ndienne: after a smart action she struck, and he carried her in triumph to Bombay. Captain James, in an eminent manner, displayed his nautical abilities by shewing,
On the Malabar coast, soon after this, he fell in with a French ship from Mauritius, very much his superior in men and guns; she was called L'lndienne: after a smart action she struck, and he carried her in triumph to Bombay. Captain James, in an eminent manner, displayed his nautical abilities by shewing, that in despightof a contrary monsoon, a communication between Bombay and the Coromandel coast may be effected in cases of exigency. This passage was attempted by him in the first instance, and he accomplished it in nearly as short a time as it usually was done in the favourable monsoon. It was of the utmost moment that he succeeded at the time he did, for by it he confirmed to admiral Watson (then in the Ganges) the intelligence of the war with France, and brought to his assistance five hundred troops, by which the admiral and colonel Clive were enabled, in March 1757, to take Chandenagore, the chief of the French settlements in Bengal. In effecting this passage James crossed the equator in the meridian of Bombay, and continued his course to the southward as far as the tenth degree, and then was enabled to go as far to the eastward as the meridian of Atcheen head, the north-west extremity of Sumatra, from whence, with the north-east monsoon, which then prevailed in the bay of Bengal, he could with ease gain the entrance of the Ganges, or any port on the Coromandel coast.
, an eminent artist, the Vandyck of Scotland, was born in Aberdeen
, an eminent artist, the Vandyck of Scotland, was born in Aberdeen in 1586. At what age he went abroad is not known, but he studied under Rubens, with Vandyck, and returned to Scotland in 1628. After his return, he applied with indefatigable industry to portrait in oil, though he sometimes practised in history and landscape. His largest portraits were generally somewhat less than life. His excellence is said to consist in delicacy and softness, with a clear and beautiful colouring. When king Charles I. visited Scotland in 1633, the magistrates, knowing his majesty’s taste, employed Jameson to make drawings of the Scotish monarchs, with which the king was so much pleased, that he sat to him for a full length picture, presented him with a diamond ring from his finger, and on account of a complaint in his eyes or head, the king made him wear his hat, a privilege which he ever after used, and commemorated by always drawing himself with his hat on. So far also he imitated his master Rubens.
, an eminent nonconformist divine, was born at Sudbury, in 1612,
, an eminent nonconformist divine,
was born at Sudbury, in 1612, where his father was minister, and died when this his son was very young. His
mother was grand- daughter to John Rogers, the protomartyr in queen Mary’s persecution. He was sent to
Cambridge in 1626, and placed under Mr. Anthony Burgess. Here he pursued his studies with great success, and
although a young man of a sprightly turn, and much
courted by the wits of the university, was distinguished for
a circumspect and pious behaviour. After he had completed his degrees in arts, he was ordained; and doming
to London, was chosen lecturer of St. Nicholas Aeons, $n'd
thence was invited to Hithe, near Colchester, in, Essex^ 5
but the air of the place disagreeing with him, he obeyed
the solicitations of his friends, and returned to London in
1641, where he was chosen minister of Christ-church,
Newgate- street, and some months after, lecturer of St.
Anne’s Blackfriars. He continued to fill up this double
station with great usefulness, until, upon the destruction
of monarchy, he peremptorily refused to observe the public thanksgivings appointed by the parliament, for which
he was suspended from his ministry, and had his benefice
of Christ-church sequestered, and afterwards was imprisoned in the Tower on suspicion of being concerned in
what was called Love’s plot. (See Love.) On petition-,
the parliament granted him a pardoft, and he was afterwards re-elected by the governors of St. Bartholomew’s
hospital to the living of Christ-church. On the restoration, as he did not conform, he was of coarse ejected from
this, and retired to a house he had at Langley, in Hertfordshire, where he occasionally preached, as he did afterwards in London, until 1684, when he was apprehended
for preaching, and committed to Newgate. Here he was
treated with the utmost rigour, and his death precipitated
by the noxious air of the place. He died before he had
been imprisoned four months, on Jan. 19, 1685. The inveteracy of Charles II. against this man seems unaccountable. He had been a great sufferer for loyalty to Charles I.
and was one of those who not only resisted the decrees of
the parliament, but was even implicated in Love’s plot,
the object of which was the restoration of the king. When,
however, Charles II. was petitioned for his release, with
the attestation of his physicians, that Mr. Jenkin’s life was
in danger from his close imprisonment, no other answer
could be obtained than that “Jenkin shall be a prisoner as
long as he lives.
” Calamy informs us that a nobleman
having heard of his death, said to the king, “May it please
your majesty, Jenkin has got his liberty.
” Upon which
he asked with eagerness, “Aye, who gave it him?
” The
Nobleman replied, “A greater than your majesty, the king
of kings!
” with which the king seemed greatly struck,
and remained silent. Mr. Jenkin was buried with great
pomp in Bunhill-fields, and in 1715 a monument was
erected to his memory in that place, with a Latin inscription. He published some controversial pieces and a few
sermons.Baxter calls him a “sententious elegant
preacher,
” a character which may be justly applied to his
principal work, “An Exposition of the Epistle of Jude,
”
2 vols. 4to and fol. a book yet in high request.
, an eminent dissenter, the son of an ejected nonconformist, was
, an eminent dissenter, the son of
an ejected nonconformist, was born at Kibworth, in Leicestershire, in 1691. He obtained a good stock of grammar learning at the free-school of his native place, and
about 1709 he was sent to pursue a course of academical
studies in London, under the care of Dr. Chauncey. Having
finished his studies he was appointed one of the preachers
at an evening lecture at Rotherhithe, and in 1716 chosen
assistant preacher at the meeting near Haberdashers’ hall.
Two years afterwards he was elected pastor to the congregational church in Old Gravel-lane, Wapping, in which
office he continued during forty-four years. Within a year
after he entered upon it, he refused to comply with the
requisition brought forwards by many of his brethren at
Salters’-hall, to sign certain articles relating to the Trinity.
Mr. Jennings, about 1730, published a small volume of
sermons addressed to the young, entitled “The Beauty
and Benefit of early Piety,
” which was followed by other
publications of a practical nature. In 1740- he entered
the lists against Dr. John Taylor, concerning original sin,
which doctrine he strenuously justified; but notwithstanding their difference in doctrinal points, they continued in
habits of intimacy and friendship. In 1743 Mr. Jennings
was elected trustee of Mr. Coward’s charities, and one of
the lecturers at St. Helen’s; and in the following year he
became divinity tutor, in the room of Mr, Eames, at the
academy, at that time chiefly supported by Mr. Coward’s
funds. In this work he was earnestly intent: nothing ever
diverted him from a daily attendance in the lecture room;
and he was indefatigable in the discharge of the duties
belonging to his office. The habits of early rising, of
order in the arrangement of business, and of punctuality
in his engagements, enabled him to perform more than
most men would have been able to get through. As a
relief to the studies of the mind he employed himself in the
common mechanical arts of life. His method of communicating instruction was easy and familiar, and his general
deportment towards his pupils affable and friendly. He,
however, determined to maintain in his academy the reputation for orthodoxy which it had acquired, and would not
suffer young men to deviate from his standard of faith; and
in some cases he had recourse to expulsion. In 1747 Mr.
Jennings published “An introduction to the Use of the
Globes,
” &e. which maintained a considerable degree of
popularity for more than half a century. In 1749 the university of St. Andrew’s in Scotland conferred on the author the
degree of D.D. After this he published “An appeal to reason
and common sense for the Truth of the Holy Scriptures.
”
He died in September An introduction to the
knowledge of Medals.
” Of this science Dr. Jennings
seems to have known very little, and the editor of his work
less. The blunders in this work are numerous, and gross.
In 1766 a more elaborate work was published by Dr. Furneaux from the Mss. of Dr. Jennings, entitled “Jewish
Antiquities; or a course of lectures on the Three First
Books of Godwin’s Moses and Aaron: to which is annexed
a dissertation on the Hebrew language,
” in 2 vols. 8vo.
This is a work of great merit, and deserves the perusal of
all who would obtain an intimate acquaintance with the
Scriptures, particularly of the Old Testament. A new
edition of the “Jewish Antiquities
” was published about
three years since, it having been long out of print, and
very much called for.
calumnies against him. They charged him, among other things, with a criminal passion for one Paula, an eminent matron, in whose house he had lodged during his residence
He was in his 31st year, when he entered upon this monastic course of life; and he carried it, by his own practice, to that height of perfection, which he ever after enforced upon others so zealously by precept. He divided all his time between devotion and study: he exercised himself much in watchings and fastings; slept little, ate less, and hardly allowed himself any recreation. He applied himself very severely to the study of the Holy Scriptures, which he is said to have gotten by heart, as well as to the study of the Oriental languages, which he considered as the only keys that could let him into their true sense and meaning, and which he learned from a Jew Who visited him privately lest he should offend his brethren. After he had spent four years in this laborious way of life, his health grew so impaired, that he was obliged to return to Antioch: where the church at that time was divided by factions, Meletius, Paulinus, and Vitalis all claiming a right to the bishopric of that place. Jerom being a son of the church of Rome, where he was baptized, would not espouse any party, till he knew the sense of his own church upon this contested right. Accordingly, he wrote to Damasus, then bishop of Rome, to know whom he must consider as the lawful bishop of Antioch; and upon Damasus’s naming Paulinus, Jerom acknowledged him as such, and was ordained a presbyter by him in 378, but would never proceed any farther in ecclesiastical dignity. From this time his reputation for piety and learning began to spread abroad, and be known in the world. He went soon after to Constantinople, where he spent a considerable time with Gregory Nazianzen; whom he did not disdain to call his master, and owned, that of him "he learned the right method of expounding the Holy Scriptures. Afterwards, in the year 382, he went to Rome with Paulinus, bishop of Antioch, and Epiphanius, bishop of Salamis in the isle of Cyprus; where tie soon became known to Damasus, and was made his secretary. He acquitted himself in this post very well, and yet found time to compose several works. Upon the death of Damasus, which happened in the year 385, he began to entertain thoughts of travelling again to the East; to which he was moved chiefly by the disturbances and vexations he met with from the followers of Origen, at Rome. For these, when they had in vain endeavoured, says Cave, to draw him over to their party, raised infamous reports and calumnies against him. They charged him, among other things, with a criminal passion for one Paula, an eminent matron, in whose house he had lodged during his residence at Rome, and who was as illustrious for her piety as for the splendor of her birth, and the dignity of her rank. For these and other reasons he was determined to quit Rome, and accordingly embarked for the East in August in the year 385, attended by a great number of monks and ladies, whom he had persuaded to embrace the ascetic way of life. He sailed to Cyprus, where he paid a visit to Epiphanius; and arrived afterwards at Antioch, where he was kindly received by his friend Paulinus. From Antioch he went to Jerusalem; and the year following from Jerusalem into Egypt. Here he visited several monasteries: but rinding to his great grief the monks every where infatuated with the errors of Origen, he returned to Bethlehem, a town near Jerusalem, that he might be at liberty to cherish and propagate his own opinions, without any disturbance or interruption from abroad. This whole peregrination is particularly related by himself, in one of his pieces against RufRnus; and is very characteristic, and shews much of his spirit and manner of writing.
, an eminent German divine, was born at Osnaburgh, in 1709, and died
, an eminent
German divine, was born at Osnaburgh, in 1709, and
died in 1789. Of his life we have no farther account than
that his talents raised him to the offices of vice-president
of the consistory of Brunswick, abbot of Marienthal, court
preacher, and director of the Caroline-college at Brunswick, of which, in 1745, he wrote an account. He was
reckoned in his country one of the most original and most
excellent defenders of religion that the eighteenth century
had produced. His principal works were, 1. Two volumes
of “Sermons,
” Brunswick, Letters on
the Mosaic Religion and Philosophy,
” Life of prince Albert-Henry of Brunswick Lunenburgh.
” 4. “Thoughts on the principal Truths of Religion,
” Brunswick, Character of
prince William Adolphus of Brunswick,
” Berlin, Thoughts on the Union of the Church;
” and 7. a very
elegant and judicious letter “concerning German literature,
” addressed to her royal highness the duchess dowager
of Brunswick- Wolfenbuttel, 1781.
, an eminent antiquary, architect, and critic, was probably a native
, an eminent antiquary, architect, and critic, was probably a native of Verona, and flourished in the sixteenth century. He was of the order of the Dominicans, but in his travels, and during his scientific labours, wore the habit of a secular priest. When at Rome, where he was first known as an architect, he began to apply to the study of classical antiquities, and made a judicious collection of inscriptions, which he dedicated to Lorenzo de Medici. He was some time at the court of the emperor Maximilian I. and thence went to France about 1500, where Louis X. appointed him royal architect. He built at Paris two bridges over the Seine, that of Notre Dame, and the little bridge. In the mean time, while he had leisure, he employed it in examining ancient manuscripts, and had the felicity to recover all the letters of Pliny the younger, and the work of Julius Obsequens on prodigies. These he arranged for publication, and sent them to Aldus Manutius, by whom they were both printed in 1508, 8vo. He also collated several other classics, and illustrated Caesar’s Commentaries by useful notes and figures, and was the first to give a design of the famous bridge which Caesar built across the Rhine. On his return to Italy, he edited the fine edition of Vitruvius, printed by Aldus in 1511, and enriched it with designs. When the famous bridge the Rialto was burnt down in 1513, he gave a magnificent design for a new one; but that of an inferior architect being preferred, he quitted Venice, and went to Rome, where, after the death of Bramante, he was employed on St. Peter’s church. His last work was the bridge over the Adige, at Verona, which he built in 1520: He died about 1530, at a very advanced age.
, an eminent divine among the nonjurors, the only son of the rev.
, an eminent divine among the nonjurors, the only son of the rev. Thomas Johnson, vicar of
Frindsbury, near Rochester, was born Dec. 30, 1662, and
was educated in the king’s school in Canterbury, where
he made such progress in the three learned languages,
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, under Mr. Lovejoy, then master of that school, that when he was very little more than
fifteen years of age, he was sent to the university of Cambridge, where he was admitted in the college of St. Mary
Magdalen, under the tuition of Mr. Turner, fellow of that
house, March the 4th, 1677-8. In Lent term 1681-2,
he took the degree of B. A. and soon after was nominated
by the dean and chapter of Canterbury to a scholarship in
Corpus Christi college' in that university, of the foundation of archbishop Parker, to which he was admitted April
the 29th, 1682, under the tuition of Mr. Beck, fellow of that
house. He took the degree of M. A. at the commencement 1685. Soon after he entered into deacon’s orders, and
became curate to the rector of Upper and Lower Hardres,
near Canterbury. He was ordained priest by the right rev.
Dr. Thomas Sprat, lord bishop of Rochester and dean of
Westminster, December the 19th, 1686 and July the 9th,
1687, he was collated to the vicarage of Bough ton under the
Blean, by Dr. Sancroft, archbishop of Canterbury, and at the
same time he was allowed by the same archbishop to hold the
adjoining vicarage of Hern-hill by sequestration; both which
churches he supplied himself. About 1689 one Sale,
a man who had counterfeited holy orders, having forged
letters of ordination both for himself and his father,
came into this diocese, and taking occasion from the confusion occasioned by the revolution during the time archbishop Bancroft was under suspension, and before Dr. Tin
lotson was consecrated to the archbishopric, made it his
business to find out what livings were held by sequestration
only, and procured the broad seal for one of these for himself, and another for his father. On this Mr. Johnson
thought it necessary to secure his vicarage of Hern -hi II,
that he might prevent Sale from depriving him of that benefice; and archbishop Sancrot't being then deprived ah
officio only, but not a bencficio, presented him to Hern-hill,
to which he was instituted October the 16th, 1689, by Dr.
George Oxenden, vicar-general to the archbishop, but at
that time to the dean and chapter of Canterbury, guardians
of the spiritualities during the suspension of the archbishop.
But as the living had been so long held by sequestration
that it was lapsed to the crown, he found it necessary to
corroborate his title with the broad seal, which was given
him April the 12th, 1690. In 1697. the vicarage of St.
John in the Isle of Thanet, to which the town of Margate
belongs, becoming void, archbishop Tenison, the patron,
considering the largeness of the cure, was desirous to place
there a person better qualified than ordinary to supply it,
and could think of no man in his diocese more fit than
Mr. Johnson, and therefore entreated him to undertake
the pastoral care of that large and populous parish. And
because the benefice was but small, and the cure very
great, the archbishop, to induce him to accept of it, collated
him to the vicarage of Appledore (a good benefice) on the
borders of Romney Marsh, on the 1st of May, 1697: but
Mr. Johnson chose to hold Margate by sequestration only.
And having now two sons ready to be instructed in learning, he would not send them to school, but taught them
himself; saying that he thought it as much the duty of a
father to teach his own children, if he was capable of doing
it, as it was of the mother to suckle and nurse them in
their infancy, if she was able; and because he believed
they would learn better in company than alone, he took
two or three boarders to teach with them, the sons of some
particular friends. He was much importuned by several
others of his acquaintance to take their sons, but he
refused. At length, finding he could not attend the
he had, his great cure, and his studies, in such a manner
as he was desirous to do, he entreated his patron the archbishop, to give him leave entirely to quit Margate, and
to retire to his cure of Appledore, which, with some difficulty, was at last granted him; but not till his grace had
made inquiry throughout his diocese and the university of
Cambridge for one who might be thought qualified to succeed him. He settled at Appledore in 1703, and as soon
as his eldest son was fit for the university (which was in 1705) he sent him to Cambridge, and his other son to
school till he was of age to be put out apprentice; and
dismissed all the rest of his scholars. He seemed much
pleased with Appledore at his first retirement thither, as a
place where he could follow his studies without interruption. But this satisfaction was not of long continuance;
for that marshy air, in a year or two, brought a severe sickness on himself and all his family, and his constitution (which till then had been very good) was so broken, that he never
afterwards recovered the health he had before enjoyed.
This made him desirous to remove from thence as soon as
he could; and the vicarage of Cranbrook becoming void,
he asked the archbishop to bestow it on him, which his
grace readily did, and accordingly collated him to it April
the 13th, 1707, where he continued till his death, holding
Appledore with it. In 1710, and again in 1713, he was
chosen by the clergy of the diocese of Canterbury to be
one of their proctors for the convocation summoned to
meet with the parliament in those years. And as the first
of these convocations was permitted to sit and act, and to
treat of matters of religion (though they brought no business to any perfection, owing to the differences that had been raised between the two houses) he constantly attended
the house of which he was a member whilst any matter was
there under debate; and his parts and learning came to
be known and esteemed by the most eminent clergy of the
province, as they had been before by those of the diocese
where he lived; so that from this time he was frequently
resorted to for his opinion in particular cases, and had letters sent to him from the remotest parts of the province of
Canterbury, and sometimes from the other province also,
requiring his opinion in matters of learning, especially as
to what concerned our religion and ecclesiastical laws. He
continued at Cranbrook about eighteen years; and as he
had been highly valued, esteemed, and beloved at all
other places where he had resided, so was he here also by
all that were true friends, says his biographer, “to the pure
catholic religion of Jesus Christ, as professed and established in the church of England. But as there were many
dissenters of all denominations in that place, and some
others, who (though they frequented the church, yet)
seemed to like the Dissenters better, and to side with them
upon all occasions, except going to their meetings for religious worship, I cannot say how they loved and esteemed
him. However, he was so remarkably upright in his life
and conversation, that even they could accuse him of no
other fault, except his known hearty zeal for the church
of England, which all impartial persons would have judged
a virtue. For certainly those that have not an hearty
affection for a church ought not to be made priests of it.
Some of those favourers of the dissenters studied to make
him uneasy, by endeavouring to raise a party in his parish
against him, merely because they could not make him,
like themselves, a latitudinarian in matters of religion; but
they failed in their design, and his friends were too many
for them *.
” A little before he left Appledore, he began
to discover that learning to the world, which till this time
was little known beyond the diocese where he lived, except to some particular acquaintance, by printing several
tracts; though his modesty was such, that he would not
put his name to them, till they had at least a second edition. The first of these was a “Paraphrase with Notes
on the Book of Psalms according to the Translation retained in our Common Prayer- Book,
” published in Clergyman’s Vade-Mecum,
” Propitiatory Oblation in the Eucharist;
” in The Unbloody Sacrifice/' part I.; and in 1717, part II.;
in 1720,
” A Collection of Ecclesiastical Laws."
this part of his history. For six months after he resided at Birmingham as the guest of Mr. Hector, an eminent surgeon, and is supposed during that time to have furnished
He now (1731) returned to Lichfield, with very gloomy prospects. His father died a few months after his return, and the little he left behind him was barely sufficient for the temporary support of his widow. In the following year he accepted the place of usher of the school of Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, an employment which the pride of Sir Wolstan Dixie, the patron, soon rendered irksome, and he threw it up in a disgust which recurred whenever he recollected this part of his history. For six months after he resided at Birmingham as the guest of Mr. Hector, an eminent surgeon, and is supposed during that time to have furnished some periodical essays for a newspaper printed by Warren, a bookseller in Birmingham. Here, too, he abridged and translated Father Lobo’s Voyage to Abyssinia, which was published in 1735 by Bettesworth and Hitch in Paternoster-row, London. For this, his first literary performance, he received the small sum of five guineas. In the translation there is little that marks the hand of Johnson; but in the preface and dedication are a few passages in the same energetic and manly style which he may be said to have invented, and to have taught to his countrymen.
, an eminent physician at Worcester, was the fourth son of John Johnstone,
, an eminent physician at Worcester, was the fourth son of John Johnstone, esq. of
Galabank, one of the most ancient branches of the family of
Johnstone of Johnstone: he was born at Annan in 1730,
and received the rudiments of his classical education under
the rev. Dr. Henry, author of the History of Great Britain.
In the school of Edinburgh, under Whytt, Plummer,
Monro, and Rutherford, he learned the science of medicine;
and in Paris, under Ferrein and Rouelle, he studied anatomy and chemistry. In 1750, before he had completed
twenty-one years, he took the degree of doctor of medicine, publishing a thesis “De Aeris factitii imperio in
corpore humano,
” which gained him much credit, and
some valuable friends. The following year he seated himself at Kidderminster, in Worcestershire; which at that
time, and some years afterwards, was subject to a putrid
fever of such peculiar malignity, as to be called the Kidderminster fever. His name first became known by the
successful treatment he adopted for the cure of this dreadful disorder. Instead of bleeding and purging, means then
in common use, he recommended bark, wine, mineral acids,
free ventilation of air, and the affusion of water and vinegar; and so prominent was his success, that he was immediately introduced into considerable practice. Of this fever, as it appeared in 1756, he published an account in
1758, which proves him to be the discoverer of the power
of mineral acid vapours to correct or destroy putrid febrile
contagion: He orders for this purpose, vitriolic acid to be
poured upon common salt, in a convenient vessel, over a
proper heat. It is not a little singular, that the same means
should be recommended by the celebrated Guyton de
Morveau for the same purpose, more than twenty years
after they were published by Dr. Johnstone, and be then;
cried up as a great discovery.
, an eminent naturalist, was born at Sambter, in Great Poland, in
, an eminent naturalist, was born
at Sambter, in Great Poland, in 1603: he received the
greater part of his education in his own country; but in
1622, he came to England, and from thence he went to
Scotland, where he studied with great diligence in the
university of St. Andrew’s till 1625. He afterwards studied
at Leyden and Cambridge. He undertook the education
of the two sons of the count de Kurtzbach, and accompanied them to Holland. While he resided with his pupils
at Leyden, he took his degree as doctor of physic; and
when he went a third time to England, the same honour
was conferred on him by the university of Cambridge. He
died in June 1675, in the seventy-second year of his age.
He is known in the literary world by a number of works in
the different departments of natural history, particularly
“Thaumatographia naturalis in classes decem divisa,
”
Amst. Historia naturalis de Piscibus et
Cetis, &c.
” Francfort, Historia naturalis de
Quadrupedibus,
” ibid, Hist. nat. de Insectibus,
” ibid. Hist. nat. de Avibus,
” ibid, folio;
“Syntagma Dendrologicum,
” and “Dendrographia,
” folio.
He published also some historical works, and some on
ethics, &c. enumerated in our authorities.
, an eminent French statesman, who flourished about 1260, was descended
, an eminent French statesman, who flourished about 1260, was descended from one
of the noblest and most ancient families at Champagne.
He was seneschal, or high-steward, of Champagne, and one
of the principal lords of the court of Louis IX. whom he
attended in all his military expeditions; and was greatly
beloved and esteemed for his valour, his wit, and the
frankness of his manners. That monarch placed so much
confidence in him, that all matters of justice, in the palace,
were referred to his decision; and his majesty undertook nothing of importance without consulting him. He
died about 1318, at not much less than ninety years of age.
Joinviile is known as an author by his “History of St.
Louis,
” in French, which he composed in
me tracts, written by order of the court, in defence of the queen’s rignts, against Peter Stockmans, an eminent lawyer; particularly “The Intrigues of the Peace,” and
, king’s counsellor at the Chatelet, and
syndic of the annuitants of the H6tel de Ville at Paris,
attached himself to cardinal de Retz, whom he attended a
long time as secretary in his troubles and adventures, but
quitted his eminence when he returned to Rome. There
are some “Memoirs
” by him, from The Intrigues of the Peace,
”
and the “Negociations
” made at court by the friends of
M. the prince, after his retreat to Guienne, folio, with a
sequel of the same “Intrigues,
” 4to.
, an eminent German divine, and one of the first reformers, was born
, an eminent German divine, and one of the first reformers, was born at Northausen, in Thuringia, June 5, 1493, where his father was chief magistrate. He first made considerable progress in the study of civil law, but relinquishing that, devoted his whole attention to theology, in which faculty he took his doctor’s degree. This was about the time that the reformation was begun and Jonas having been present at various disputations on the subject, espoused the principles of the reformers with great zeal, and, from his knowledge of civil law as well as divinity, was enabled to contribute very important assistance to their efforts, particularly Luther and Melancthon, with whom he became early acquainted. In 1521 he was made a canon of the collegiate church at Wittemberg, and appointed principal of the college and professor; and, with Spalatinus and Amsdorff, was employed by the elector of Saxony to reform the church in Misnia and Thuringia. From thence he was called to Halle in Saxony, where he greatly promoted the reformation. Luther sometimes resorted thither to him, and took him with him in his last journey to Isleben, where he died in his arms. After Luther’s death he continued for some time in the duke of Saxony’s court, and was at length appointed pastor of the church at Eisfield, where he died Oct. 9, 1555. Jonas has been ranked among the moderate reformers, being desirous of making no further alteration in the established modes of worship and even doctrine, than he thought absolutely necessary for the introduction of piety and truth. His death was therefore a serious loss to his brethren, whose cause suffered by the intemperate zeal of some of its supporters. Among his writings are enumerated a treatise in. defence of the marriage of priests, against Faber printed at Helmstadt, 1651, fol. another uponthe study of divinity and notes upon the Acts" of the Apostles; but of these his biographers have given very imperfect accounts.
cestershire, and resided at Nailsworth, where he also kept an academy. He had the character of being an eminent linguist. He was popular as a preacher; for the place
, a learned dissenting divine, was born in 1693, and received his academical learning under his uncle, the rev. Samuel Jones, first of Gloucester, then of Tewksbury, the tutor of Chandler, Butler, and Seeker. He was fellow-student with the latter in 1711, and was a distinguished scholar, when he entered upon academical studies. It is apprehended, that he was a native of the North of England, and that his father was a gentleman in affluent circumstances. There was with him, at the above seminary, a younger brother, a youth of quick parts, who afterwards settled as a dissenting minister at Manchester. Mr. Jones, soon after he had finished his course of preparatory studies, became the minister of the congregation of Protestant dissenters, who assembled for worship in Forest Green, Avening, Gloucestershire, and resided at Nailsworth, where he also kept an academy. He had the character of being an eminent linguist. He was popular as a preacher; for the place of worship was considerably enlarged in his time. His discourses met with the approbation of the more judicious, for his salary amounted to one hundred pounds per annum, and the whole subscription came from persons of superior rank in life. Though a deep scholar and hard student, he was not a man of severe manners; but of an open and social disposition, and one of a bowling party at a place still called the Lodge, on Hampton common, at which healthy exercise he relaxed from his studies, and by his presence and influence preserved decorum in the company. His character secured him the marked respect of a neighbouring clergyman. His anxiety to fulfil an engagement, which he had made, to perform some ministerial service at a place on the other side of the Severn, hastened his death. It escaped his recollection, till the time drew near; to prevent disappointment, he made so much speed, that his tender constitution was injured by it, and a complaint contracted, from which he never recovered. He died in 1724, aged 31.
, an eminent and learned tutor of the university of Cambridge, was
, an eminent and learned tutor of the
university of Cambridge, was born at Beriew in Montgomeryshire, June 23, 1756. His education, till he entered
on his twelfth year, was confined to the instruction of a
common country school, first at Beriew, and afterwards in
the neighbouring parish of Kerry. During the time that
he frequented the latter school, the vicar of the parish,
discovering in him those talents which he afterwards so
eminently displayed, advised his mother (for he lost his father at an early age) to send him to the grammar-school
at Shrewsbury, where he continued nearly seven years,
and was inferior to none of his schoolfellows, either in
attention to study or in regularity of conduct. In May
1774, he was admitted of St. John’s college, Cambridge,
and came to reside there in October following. From that
time the excellence of his genius became more particularly
conspicuous. He had acquired, indeed, at school, a competent share of classical learning; but his mind was less
adapted to Greek and Latin composition than to the investigation of philosophical truths. At the public examinations of St. John’s college he not only was always in the
first class, but was without comparison the best mathematician of his year. His first summer vacation was devoted
entirely to his favourite pursuit; and at that early period
he became acquainted with mathematical works, which are
seldom attempted before the third year of academical
study. He remained at St. John’s college till after the
public examination in June 1776, when, having no prospect
of obtaining a fellowship, there being already a fellow of
the diocese of St. Asaph in that college, and the statutes
limiting the fellowships to one from each diocese, he removed to Trinity college. Here he took his bachelor’s
degree in 1779, and his superiority was so decided, that
no one ventured to contend with him. The honour of
senior wrangler, as it is called in academical phrase, was
conceded before the examination began, and the second
place became the highest object of competition. If any
thing was wanting to shew his superiority, it would be
rendered sufficiently conspicuous by the circumstance, that
he was tutor to the second wrangler, now the learned Dr.
Herbert Marsh, professor of divinity at Cambridge, who
acknowledged that for the honour which he then obtained,
he was indebted to the instruction of his friend.
In the same year in which Mr. Jones took his bachelor’s
degree he was appointed assistant tutor at Trinity college.
In Oct. 1781 he was elected fellow, and in Oct. 1787, on
the resignation of Mr. Cranke, he was appointed to the
office of head tutor, which he held to the day of his death.
In 1786 and 1787 he presided as moderator in the philosophical schools, where his acuteness and impartiality were
equally conspicuous. It was about this time that he introduced a grace, by which fellow-commoners, who used to
obtain the degree of bachelor of arts with little or no examination, were subjected to the same academical exercises
as other under-graduates. During many years he continued to take an active part in the senate-house examinations; but for some years before his death confined himself
to the duties of college- tutor. These, indeed, were sufficiently numerous to engage his whole attention and he
displayed in them an ability which was rarely equalled,
with an integrity which never was surpassed. Being perfect master of his subjects, he always placed them in the
clearest point of view; and by his manner of treating
them he made them interesting even to those who had
otherwise no relish for mathematical inquiries. His lectures
on astronomy attracted more than usual attention, since
that branch of philosophy afforded the most ample scope
for inculcating (what, indeed, he never neglected in other branches) his favourite doctrine of final causes; for arguing from the contrivance to the contriver, from the
structure of the universe to the being and attributes of
God. And this doctrine he enforced, not merely by explaining the harmony which results from the established
Jaws of nature, but by shewing the confusion which would
have arisen from the adoption of other laws. His lectures
on the principles of fluxions were delivered with unusual
clearness; and there was so much originality in them, that
his pupils often expressed a wish that they might be printed.
But such was his modesty, that though frequently urged, he
never would consent; and when he signed his will a short
time before his death, he made the most earnest request
to Dr. Marsh, that none of his manuscripts should be
printed. But it is a consolation to know, that his lectures
in philosophy will not be buried in oblivion: all his writings
on those subjects were delivered to his successor in the
tuition, and, though less amply than by publication, will
continue to benefit mankind. The only things he ever
published were “A Sermon on Duelling,
” and “An Address to the Volunteers of Montgomeryshire.
” The former
was published as a warning to the young men of the university, soon after a fatal duel had taken place there. The
latter, which he wrote with great animation (for he was a zealous advocate of the volunteer system) was calculated to
rouse the volunteers to a vigorous defence of their country.
, an eminent mathematician, was born in 1680, in the island of Anglesey,
, an eminent mathematician, was born
in 1680, in the island of Anglesey, North Wales. His
parents were yeomen, or little farmers, in that island, and
gave to their son the best education which their circumstances would allow; but he owed his future fame and fortune to the diligent cultivation of the intellectual powers
by which he was eminently distinguished. Addicted from
early life to the study of mathematics, he commenced his
career of advancement in the humble office of a teacher of
these sciences on board a man of war. In this situation he
attracted the notice, and obtained the friendship of lord
Anson. He appeared as an author in his 22d year; when
his treatise on the art of navigation was much approved.
We may judge of his predominant taste for literature and
science by a trivial circumstance which occurred at the
capture of Vigo, in 1702. Having joined his comrades in
pillaging the town, he selected a bookseller’s shop, in hope
of obtaining some valuable plunder; but, disappointed in
his expectations, he took up a pair of scissars, which was
his only booty, and which he afterwards exhibited' to his
friends as a trophy of his military success. On his return
to England, he established himself as a teacher of mathematics in London; and here, in 1706, he published his
“Synopsis Palmariorum Matheseos; or, a new Introduction to the Mathematics,
” a work which has ever since
been held in the highest estimation as a compendious but
comprehensive summary of mathematical science. Mr.
Jones was no less esteemed and respected on account of
his private character and pleasing manners, than for his
natural talents and scientific attainments; so that he reckoned among his friends the most eminent persons of the
period in which he lived. Lord Hardwicke selected him
as a companion on the circuit, when he was chief justice;
and when he afterwards held the great seal, conferred upon
him the office of secretary for the peace, as a testimony of
his friendship and regard. He was also in habits of intimate acquaintance with lord Parker, president of the royal
society, sir Isaac Newton, Halley, Mead, and Samuel Johnson. So highly was his merit appreciated by sir Isaac
Newton, that he prepared, with his permission, and very
much to his satisfaction, a very elegant edition of small
tracts in the higher mathematics. Upon the retirement of
lord Mace lesfi eld to Sherborne castle, Mr. Jones resided
in his family, and instructed his lordship in the sciences.
Whilst he occupied this situation he had the misfortune, by
the failure of a banker, to lose the greatest part of that
property which he had accumulated Uy the most laudable
industry and economy; but the loss was in a great measure
repaired to him by the kind attention of his lordship, who
procured for him a sinecure place of considerable emolument. He was afterwards offered, by the same nobleman, a
more lucrative situation; which, however, he declined, that
he might be more at leisure to devote himself to his favourite
scientific pursuits. In this retreat he formed an acquaintance with miss Mary Nix, the daughter of a cabinet-maker,
who had become eminent in his profession, and whose talents and manners had recommended him to an intimacy
with lord Macclesfield. This acquaintance terminated in
marriage; and the connection proved a source of personal
satisfaction to Mr. Jones himself, and of permanent honour
to his name and family. By this lady Mr. Jones had three
children two sons and a daughter. One son died in infancy the other will be the subject of the next article
and the daughter, who was married to Mr. Rainsford, an
opulent merchant retired from business, perished miserably, in 1802, in consequence of her clothes accidentally
taking fire. The death of Mr. Jones was occasioned by n
polypus in the heart, which, notwithstanding the medical
attention and assistance of Dr. Mead, proved incurable.
He died in July 1749.
Mr. Jones’s papers in the Philosophical Transactions are:
“A compendious disposition of Equations for exhibiting,
the relations of Goniometrical Lines,
” vol. XLIV. “A
Tract on Logarithms,
” vol. LXI. “Account of the person killed by lightning in Tottenham-court-chapel, and its
effects on the building,
” vol. LXII. “Properties of the
Conic Sections, deduced by a compendious method,
” vol.
LXIII. In all these works of Mr. Jones, a remarkable
neatness, brevity, and accuracy, everywhere prevails. He
seemed to delight in a very^ short and comprehensive mode
of expression and arrangement; insomuch that sometimes
what he has contrived to express in two or three pages,
would occupy a little volume in the ordinary style of writing. Mr. Jones, it is said, possessed the best mathematical
library in England; which by will he left to lord Macclesfield. He had collected also a great quantity of manuscript papers and letters of former mathematicians, which
have often proved useful to writers of their lives, &c. After
his death, these were dispersed, and fell into different persons hands many of them, as well as of Mr. Jones’s own
papers, were possessed by the late Mr. John Robertson,
librarian and clerk to the royal society at whose death
Dr. Hutton purchased a considerable quantity of them.
From such collections as these it was that Mr. Jones was
enabled to give that first and elegant edition, 1711, in 4to,
of several of Newton’s papers, that might otherwise have
been lost, entitled “Analysis per quantitatum Series, Fluxiones, ac Differentias: cum Enumeratione Linearum Tertii Ordinis.
”
, an eminent French sculptor, professor of the schools of sculpture
, an eminent French sculptor, professor of the schools of sculpture and painting, a member of the French Institute and of the legion of honour, was born at Paulien, in the department of the Haute-Loire, in 1731. He was the pupil first of Samuel, a sculptor in Puy en Velay, with whom he remained two years, after which he was placed at Lyons under Riache, another artist, where he made great progress in sculpture, and after gaining a prize at the academy of Lyons, came to Paris. Here he entered the school of William Coustou, statuary to the king, in 1765, and gained the prize of sculpture for a beautiful bas-relief, representing Sabinus offering his chariot to the vestals, when the Gauls were about to invade Rome. There was a simplicity in the style, taste, and character of this piece which struck the connoisseurs as something different from what they had been accustomed to see in the modern school. The artist, according to the custom of the times, enjoyed the usual pension for three years at Paris, and did not go to Rome until 1768, where, his fame having preceded him, he was employed by the president Belenger to execute a mausoleum in marble for his wife and daughter. Besides the other labours enjoined to the pensionary artists, Julien made copies, in marble, for the president Ocardi, of the Apollo Belvidere, the Flora in the Farnese palace, and the Gladiator in the Borghese palace, all which are now in the collection at Versailles. He was afterwards recalled to Paris to assist Coustou in the mausoleum for the dauphin and dauphiness. Of this he executed the figure of immortality, and had the charge of removing the whole to the cathedral of Sens, where it now is.
, an eminent mathematician, physician, and botanist, the son of a
, an eminent mathematician, physician, and botanist, the son of a schoolmaster at Lubec, in Germany, was born October 21, 1587. His mother was daughter to a clergyman of the cathedral church at Lubec. Jungius, having unfortunately been deprived of his father very early in life (for he was stabbed one evening upon his return home from a convivial party), was obliged to depend almost entirely upon his own exertions for knowledge; yet in his youth, he became a very subtle logician, and ingenious disputant, and thus prepared his mind for that clearness of investigation and accuracy of judgment, which were so eminently conspicuous in the works which he published at a more advanced period of his life. Selecting the study of medicine as a profession, he travelled over a great part of Italy and Germany, in order to cultivate the acquaintance of the most distinguished physicians of that time. He had previously graduated with distinguished honour at the university of Giessen A. D. 1607, and remained there a few years as mathematical tutor. In 1625 he was chosen professor of physic at Helmstadt, but, on account of the Danish war, he was obliged, soon after his appointment, to fly to Brunswick, whence he soon returned to Helmstadt, and in 1629 was appointed rector of the school at Hamburgh.
rinity college, Cambridge, of which he was fellow in 1711. He was afterwards well known in London as an eminent physician; was physician to Guy’s hospital, and was,
, born in 1684, and a physician of the
mathematical sect, was educated in Trinity college, Cambridge, of which he was fellow in 1711. He was afterwards well known in London as an eminent physician; was
physician to Guy’s hospital, and was, during several years,
an active member and secretary of the royal society, and
at the time of his death in 1750, president of the college of physicians. He distinguished himself by a series
of ingenious essays, published in the Philosophical Transactions in 1718, 1719, &c. and afterwards printed collectively, in 1732, under the title of “Physico-Mathematical Dissertations,
” in which mathematical science was
applied with considerable acuteness to physiological subjects. These papers involved him in several controversies;
first with Keill, in consequence of his calculations in regard to the force of the contractions of the heart, against
which also Senac published some objections, which he
answered. To Smith’s System of Optics, published in
1738, Jurin added “An Essay upon distinct and indistinct
Vision,
” in which he made subtle calculations of the
changes necessary to be made in the figure of the eye to
accommodate it to the different distances of objects. This
paper was commented on by Robins, to whom Jurin wrote
a reply. He had likewise controversies with Michelotti
respecting the force of running water, and with the philosophers of the school of Leibnitz on living forces. He
communicated to the royal society some experiments made
with a view to determine the specific gravity of the human,
blood, and he contributed much to the improvement of
their meteorological observations. He was a warm partisan
and an active defender of the practice of inoculation; and
in several publications, giving an account of its success
from 1723 to 1727, established its utility upon the true
foundation of a comparison between the respective mortality of the casual and the inoculated small-pox. Dr.
Jurin was also editor of Varenius’s Geography, 2 vols. 8vo,
1712, published at the request of sir Isaac Newton and Dr.
Bentley. In “The Works of the Learned
” for Philalethes
Cantabrigiensis.
”
, an eminent botanist, was bornat Lyons in 1686. He cultivated, with
, an eminent botanist, was bornat Lyons in 1686. He cultivated, with so much success, a talent for natural history, which discovered itself in his earliest years, that, in 1712, he obtained a place in the academy of sciences. After traversing various parts of Europe, he settled in Paris, where he published various works on the most interesting parts of natural history. He published an. appendix to Tournefort, and methodized and abridged the work of Barrelier, on the plants of France, Spain, and Italy. He also practised physic, and was remarkable on all occasions for charity to the poor, to whom he not only gave advice, but alms. He nevertheless left behind him a very considerable fortune, of which his brother Bernard was the heir. He died of an apoplexy, at the age of seventy-two, in 1758.
y order, in above 2000 volumes. These, however, after the labour of ten years, chiefly by Tribonian, an eminent lawyer, were reduced to the number of 50; and the whole
The empire being now in the full enjoyment of profound
peace and tranquillity, Justinian made the best use of it,
by collecting the immense variety and number of the Roman laws into one body. To this end, he selected ten of
the most able lawyers in the empire; who, revising the
Gregorian, Theodosian, and Hermogenian codes, compiled
out of them one body, called “The Code,
” to which the
emperorgave his own name. This may be called the statute law, as consisting of the rescripts of the emperors:
but the compilation of the other part was a much more
difficult task. It was made up of the decisions of the
judges and other magistrates, together with the authoritative opinions of the most eminent lawyers; all which lay
scattered, without any order, in above 2000 volumes.
These, however, after the labour of ten years, chiefly by
Tribonian, an eminent lawyer, were reduced to the number of 50; and the whole design was completed in the year
533, and the name of “Digests,
” or “Pandects,
” given to it.
Besides these, for the use chiefly of young students in the
law, Justinian ordered four books of “Institutes
” to be
drawn up, by Tribonian, Dorotheus, and Theophilus, containing an abstract or abridgement of the text of all the
laws: and, lastly, the laws of modern date, posterior to
that of the former, were thrown into one volume in the
year 541, called the “Noveilx,
” or “New Code.
”
This most important transaction in the state has rendered
Justinian’s name immortal. His conduct in ecclesiastical
affairs was rash and inconsiderate. On one occasion,
when Theodotus, king of Italy, had obliged pope Agapetus to go to Constantinople, in order to submit and make
peace with the emperor, Justinian received him very graciously, but enjoined him to communicate with Anthenius,
patriarch of Constantinople. That patriarch being deemed
a heretic at Rome, the pontiff refused to obey the command; and, when the emperor threatened to punish his
disobedience with banishment, he answered, without any
emotion, “I thought I was come before a Christian prince,
but I find a Diocletian.
” The result was, that the hardiness and resolution of the pope brought the emperor to a
submission. Accordingly Anthenius was deprived, and an
orthodox prelate put into his place.
, an eminent physician and chemist, was born at Breda in 1730. In
, an eminent physician and
chemist, was born at Breda in 1730. In 1767 he
came to England with a view of obtaining information on
the Suttonian method of inoculation for the small-pox, and
in the following year he went, on the recommendation of
the late sir John Pringle, to Vienna, to inoculate the
archduchess Theresa- Elizabeth, only daughter of Joseph
II. and the archdukes Ferdinand and Maximilian, brothers
of the emperor. For these services he obtained rewards
and honours: he was made body-physician aJid counsellor
of state to their imperial majesties, with a pension of 600l.
per annum. In the following spring he went to Italy, and
inoculated the grand duke of Tuscany. After this he
returned to England, to which he was much attached, where
he spent his time in scientific pursuits. He published a
very valuable work, entitled “Experiments on Vegetables,
discovering their great power of purifying the common air
in sunshine, but injuring it in the shade or night.
” This
work was first published in
, an eminent Italian scholar, was born in 1470. He descended from
, an eminent Italian
scholar, was born in 1470. He descended from a noble
family of Volterra, where, in the commotions which took
place in 147,2, his father lost his life, and the surviving
members of the family, among whom was Tomaso, then
only two years of age, sought a shelter in Florence. Being
there received under the immediate protection of Lorenzo
de Medici, and having closely attended to his studies, he
was induced, by Lorenzo’s advice, to pay a visit to Rome
in his thirteenth year, where he made such rapid progress
in his acquirements, as to obtain an early celebrity. He
obtained the name of Fedra, or Piledra, by a singular
instance of talents and promptitude. Having undertaken,
with some of his learned friends, to perform Seneca’s
“Hyppolytus,
” in which he acted the part of Phaedra, and
a part of the machinery having by accident been broken,
which interrupted the performance, he alone entertained
the audience whilst the injury was repaired, by the recital
of extemporary Latin verse; on which account he was
saluted, amidst the applauses of his hearers, by the name
of Phaedra, which he afterwards retained and used as his
signature.
, an eminent physician and medical writer, a native of Sicily, was
, an eminent physician
and medical writer, a native of Sicily, was born in 1510.
He studied medicine at Padua, where he took the degree
of doctor in medicine in the year 1537, with singular reputation; insomuch that he soon received several invitations to professorships from different schools in Italy. He
accepted the chair of medicine and anatomy at Naples,
which he occupied for a number of years, lecturing to the
most crowded audiences drawn by his fame from all parts
of the country. He possessed peculiar qualifications for
the office, having united a consummate knowledge of the
writings of the ancient physicians with great practical skill
and a sound judgment, which led him to- estimate justly
the merits and defects of those fathers of the art. A singular testimony of his talents and unremitting attention to
the improvement of his pupils was given by thektter, who
caused his portrait to be placed in the schools of Naples
with the following inscription: “Philippo Jngrassias Siculo,
qui veram medicinae artem et anatomen, publiee etiarrando,
Neapoli restituit, Discipuli memorise causa P. P.
” At
length he quitted his situation at Naples, in order to return
to his native island, where he settled at Palermo. Here
also he received many marks of public distinction. The
rights of citizenship were conferred upon him; and, in
1563, Philip II. king of Spain, appointed him first physician for Sicily and the adjacent isles. By virtue of the
powers attached to this office he restored order in, the
medical constitution of the country, by preventing all
persons, unqualified by their education and abilities, from
practising there. His zeal for the credit of his profession
rendered him rigid and severe in his examination of candidates; and he exercised his art himself in the most
honourable manner. When the plague raged at Palermo
in 1575, he adopted such excellent regulations as to put a
stop to the calamity, and restore the city to health, and
was hailed by all the citizens, the Sicilian Hippocrates.
The magistrates were so grateful for his services, that they
voted him a reward of two hundred and fifty gold crowns
a month; but he disinterestedly declined to accept any more
than what served for the maintenance and decoration of the
chapel of St. Barbe, which he had built in the cloister of
the Dominican convent of Palermo. He died, greatly regretted, in 1580, at the age of 70 years.
, an eminent Greek orator, was born at Athens, in the 86th olympiad,
, an eminent Greek orator, was born at Athens, in the 86th olympiad, five years before the Peloponnesian war, and 436 B. C. At an early age he began to study philosophy and rhetoric under Gorgias, Prodicus, and Tiseas, whose doctrines and eloquence about this period astonished all Greece. It is affirmed that he also was a disciple of the celebrated orator Theramenes, whom the thirty tyrants caused to be put to death because he favoured the popular cause. He passionately loved glory; and the desire of distinguishing himself, and of bearing a part in the public administration, animated all his proceedings. In order to this end, besides possessing information and a turn for business, it was necessary to excel in eloquence; but nature having denied him both voice and self-command, he directed his efforts to composition, and confined himself to interesting questions, such as appeared to him calculated to render his country happy, and his fellow-citizens virtuous. His talents corresponded with the grandeur of his views. Youth flocked from all parts to be his pupils, and to form themselves on his lessons. Some of them afterwards became orators, some great statesmen, and others polished and profound historians. He died loaded with glory and wealth, at the age of ninety years, a few days previous to the battle of Chaeronea, B. C. 338.
, an eminent traveller, was born Sept. 16, 1651, at Lemgow in Westphalia,
, an eminent traveller, was
born Sept. 16, 1651, at Lemgow in Westphalia, where
his father was a minister. After studying in several towns,
and making a quick progress, not only in the learned languages, but also in history, geography, and music, vocal
and instrumental, he went to Dantzick, where he made some
stay, and gave the first public specimen of his proficiency
by a dissertation “De Divisione Majestatis,
” in Amrenitates Exoticae,
” published at Lemgow, in
into too much practice to pursue that design with the vigour he desired. He married the daughter of an eminent merchant at Stolzenau in 1700. The long course of travels,
April 1694, he took a doctor of physic’s degree at Leyden, on which occasion he communicated, in his thesis, some very singular observations, which we shall presently notice. At his return to his native country he intended immediately to digest his papers and memoirs into proper order; but, being appointed physician to his prince, he fell into too much practice to pursue that design with the vigour he desired. He married the daughter of an eminent merchant at Stolzenau in 1700. The long course of travels, the fatigue of his profession, and some family-uneasinesses, arising (as it is said) from the debts he had contracted, had very much impaired his constitution; so that, after a variety of ailments, he died Nov. 2, 1716.
, an eminent mathematician, and professor of mathematics at Gottingen,
, an eminent mathematician, and professor of mathematics at Gottingen, was
born at Leipsic, Sept. 27, 1719. He had part of his
education at home, under his father and uncle, both of whom
were lecturers on jurisprudence, and men of general literature. In 1731 he attended the philosophical lectures of
the celebrated Winkler, and next year studied mathematics
under G. F. Richter, and afterwards under Hausen; but
practical astronomy being at that period very little encouraged at Leipsic, he laboured for some years under great
difficulties for want of instruments, and does not appear
to have made any great progress until, in 1742, he formed
an acquaintance with J. C. Baumann, and by degrees
acquired such helps as enabled him to make several observations. Heinsius was his first preceptor in algebra; and,
in 1756, he was invited to Gottingen, to be professor of
mathematics and moral philosophy, and afterwards became
secretary of the royal society, and had the care of the
observatory on the resignation of Lowitz in 1763; but,
notwithstanding his talents in astronomy and geography,
the services he rendered to the mathematical sciences in
general are more likely to convey his name to posterity.
He exerted himself with the most celebrated geometers of
Germany, Segner, and Karsten, to restore to geometry its
ancient rights, and to introduce more precision and accuracy of demonstration into the whole of mathematical
analysis. The doctrine of binomials that of the higher
equations the laws of the equilibrium of two forces on the
lever, and their composition are some of the most important points in the doctrine of mathematical analysis and
mathematics, which Kastner illustrated and explained in
such a manner as to excel all his predecessors. Germany
is in particular indebted to him for his classical works on
every part of the pure and practical mathematics. They
unite that solidity peculiar to the old Grecian geometry
with great brevity and clearness, and a fund of erudition,
by which Kastner has greatly contributed to promote the
study and knowledge of the mathematics. Kiistner’s talents,
however, were not confined to mathematics: his poetical
and humorous works, as well as his epigrams, are a proof
of the extent of his genius; especially as these talents
seldom fall to the lot of a mathematician. How Kastner
acquired a taste for these pursuits, we are told by himself
in one of his letters. In the early part of his life he
resided at Leipsic, among friends who were neither mathematicians nor acquainted with the sciences; he then, as he
tells us, contracted “the bad habit of laughing at others;
”'
but he used always to say, Hanc veniam damns petimusque
vicissim.
May following his lordship married the only daughter of Lancelot Andrews, esq. of Edmonton, formerly an eminent linen-draper in Cheapside, a lady of considerable fortune,
, an English prelate, born in 1713,
was the younger son of Charles Keene, of Lynn, in Norfolk, esq. sometime mayor of that town, whose eldest son
was sir Benjamin Keene, many years ambassador at Madrid, and K. B. who died Dec. 15, 1757, leaving his fortune
to the subject of this article. Mr. Edmund Keene was
first educated at the Charter-house, and afterwards at Caius
college, Cambridge, where he was admitted in 1730. In
1738 he was appointed one of his majesty’s preachers at
Whitehall chapel, and made fellow of Peterhouse in 1739.
In 1740 he was made chaplain to a regiment of marines;
and, in the same year, by the interest of his brother with
$ir Robert Walpole, he succeeded bishop Butler in the
valuable rectory of Stanhope, in the bishopric of Durham.
In 1748, he preached and published a sermon at Newcastle,
at the anniversary meeting of the society for the relief of
the widows and orphans of clergymen; and, in December
following, on the death of Dr. Whalley, he was chosen
master of Peterhouse. In 1750, being vice-chancellor,
under the auspices of the late duke of Newcastle, he verified the concluding paragraph in his speech on being
elected, “Nee tardum nee timidum habebitis procancellarium,
” by promoting, with great zeal and success, the regulations for improving the discipline of the university.
This exposed him to much obloquy from the younger part
of it, particularly in the famous “Fragment,
” and “The
Key to the Fragment,
” by Dr. King, in which Dr. Keene
was ridiculed (in prose) under the name of Mun, and in
that of the “Capitade
” (in verse), under that of Acutus,
but at the same time his care and attention to the interests
and character of the university justly endeared him to his
great patron, so that in Jan. 1752, soon after the expirW
tion of his office, which he held for two years, he was nominated to the see of Chester, vacant by the death of bishop
Peploe, and was consecrated in Ely-house chapel on Palm
Sunday, March 22. With this he held in commendam his
rectory, and, for- two years, his headship, when he was
succeeded, much to his satisfaction, by Dr. Law. In May
following his lordship married the only daughter of Lancelot Andrews, esq. of Edmonton, formerly an eminent
linen-draper in Cheapside, a lady of considerable fortune,
and a descendant of the family of bishop Andrews. She
died March 24, 1776. In 1770, on the death of bishop
Mawson, he was translated to the valuable see of Ely.
Receiving large dilapidations, his lordship procured an act
of parliament for alienating the old palace in Holborn, and
building a new one, by which the see has been freed from
a great incumbrance, and obtained some increase also of
annual revenue. “The bishopric,
” it has been humorously
observed, “though stripped of the strawberries which
Shakspeare commemorates to have been so noted in Holborn, has, in lieu of -them, what may very well console a
man not over-scrupulous in his appetites, viz. a new mansion of Portland stone in Dover-street, and a revenue of
5000l. a year, to keep it warm and in good repute.
” Bishop
Keene soon followed his friend Dr. Caryl, “whom,
” he
said, “he had long known and regarded, and who, though
he had a few more years over him, he did not think would
have gone before him.
” He died July 6, 1781, in the
sixty-eighth year of his age, and was buried at his own
desire in bishop West’s chapel, Ely cathedral, where is a
short epitaph drawn up by himself. “Bishop Keene,
” it
is observed by bishop Newton, “succeeded to Ely, to his
heart’s desire, and happy it was that he did so; for, few
could have borne the expence, or have displayed the taste
and magnificence, which he has done, having a liberal fortune as well as a liberal mind, and really meriting the appellation of a builder of palaces. For, he built a new
palace at Chester; he built a new Fly-house in London
and, in a great measure, a new palace at Ely leaving
onjy the outer walls standing, he formed a new inside, and
thereby converted it into one of the best episcopal houses,
if not the very best, in the kingdom. He had indeed received the money which arose from the sale of old Elyhouse, and also what was paid by the executors of his predecessor for dilapidations, which, all together, amounted
to about 11,000l. but yet he expended some thousands
more of his own upon the buildings, and new houses
require new furniture.
” It is chiefly on account of this taste
and munificence that he deserves notice, as he is not
known in the literary world, unless by five occasional sermons of no distinguished merit.
, an eminent mathematician and philosopher, was born Dec. 1, 1671,
, an eminent mathematician and philosopher, was born Dec. 1, 1671, at Edinburgh, where he
received the first rudiments of learning; and, being educated in that university, continued there till he took the
degree of M. A. His genius leading him to the mathematics, he studied that science very successfully under David
Gregory the professor there, who was one of the first that
had embraced the Newtonian philosophy; and, in 1694,
he followed his tutor to Oxford, where, being admitted of
Baliol, he obtained one of the Scotch exhibitions in that
college. He is said to have been the first who taught
Newton’s principles by the experiments on which they are
grounded, -which he was enabled to do by an apparatus of
instruments of his own providing; and the lectures he delivered in his chambers upon natural and experimental
philosophy, procured him very great reputation. The first
public specimen he gave of his skill in mathematical and
philosophical knowledge, was his “Examination of Burnet’s Theory of the Earth,
” which appeared in Theory.
” To
this piece he subjoined “Remarks upon Whiston’s New
Theory of the Earth;
” and these theories, being defended
by their respective inventors, drew from Keill, in 1699,
another performance entitled “An Examination of the
Reflections of the Theory of the Earth, together with ‘ a
Defence of the Remarks on Mr. Whiston’s New Theory’.
”
Dr. Burnet was a man of grea.t humanity, moderation, and
candour; and it was therefore supposed that Keill had
treated him too roughly, considering the great disparity of
years between them. Keill, however, left the doctor in
possession of that which has since been thought the great
characteristic and excellence of his work: and, though he
disclaimed him as a philosopher, yet allowed him to be a
man of a fine imagination. “Perhaps,
” says he, “many
of his readers will be sorry to be undeceived about his
Theory; for, as I believe never any book was fuller of
mistakes and errors in philosophy, so none ever abounded
*vith more beautiful scenes and surprizing images of nature.
But I write only to those who might expect to find a true
philosophy in it: the*y who read it as an ingenious romance
will still be pleased with their entertainment.
”
, an eminent physician of the mathematical sect, and brother to the
, an eminent physician of the mathematical sect, and brother to the preceding, was born in
Scotland March 27, 1673. Having received the early part
of his education in his native country, he went abroad with
the view of completing it in the schools of celebrity on the
continent; and obtained such a degree of knowledge as
distinguished him soon after his return to England. He
had early applied to dissections, and pursued th study
of anatomy, under Duverney, at Paris; whence he was
enabled to give anatomical lectures, with great reputation,
in both the English universities. He was honoured with
the degree of M. D. by the university of Cambridge.
In 1703 he settled at Northampton, and began the practice of his profession, in which he attained considerable
fame and success. In 1706 he published a paper in the
Philosophical Transactions, No. 306, containing “an account of the death and dissection of John Bayles, of that
town, reputed to have been 130 years old.
” The circumstances which he detailed very much resembled those that
were observed by the celebrated Harvey in the dissection of
old Parr. Dr. Keill, like his brother John, was well skilled
in mathematical learning, which he applied to the explanation of die laws of the animal economy. His first publication was a compendium of anatomy, for the use of the
pupils who attended his lectures, and was entitled “The
Anatomy of the Human Body abridged,
” Lond. An Account of Animal
Secretion, the quantity of blood in the human body, and
muscular motion,
” London, 8vi. This work was reprinted
in 1717, with the addition of an essay, “concerning the
force of the heart in driving the blood through the whole
body,
” and under the title of “Essays on several parts of
the Animal Œconomy.
” He likewise published the same
treatise in Latin, with the addition of a “Medicina Statica
Britannica.
” The essay concerning the force of the heart
drew him into a controversy with Dr. Jurin, which was
carried on in several papers, printed in the Philosophical
Transactions of the royal society, of which Dr. Keill had
been elected a member; and was continued to the time of
the death of the latter, which took place at Northampton,
July 16, 1619, in the vigour of his age. He had for some
time laboured under a very painful disorder, viz. a cancer
in the roof of his mouth, to which he had applied the cautery with his own hands, in order, if possible, to procure
some relief, but in vain. He was buried at St. Giles’s
church at Northampton. An handsome monument and inscription were placed over him by his brother, John Keill,
to whom he left his estate, being never married; but who
survived him, as we have seen, little more than two years.
t Ruthen in Denbighshire, whence he was taken, at an early age, and articled to Mr. W. J. Tomlinson, an eminent attorney at Nantwich, in Cheshire. On the expiration
, lord chief justice of the
King’s Bench, was born at Gredington, in Flintshire,
1733 and was the eldest surviving son of Lloyd Kenyon,
esq. originally of Bryno in the same county, and one of
the younger sons of the ancient family of Kenyon of
Peele in Lancashire. He received the elementary part of
his education at Ruthen in Denbighshire, whence he was
taken, at an early age, and articled to Mr. W. J. Tomlinson, an eminent attorney at Nantwich, in Cheshire. On
the expiration of his articles, Mr. Kenyon determined to
enter into a line which afforded a more ample scope to his
industry and talents, and, accordingly, became a member
of the Society of Lincoln’s Inn, in Trinity Term 1754, and
after a sedulous application to the requisite studies, was
called to the bar in Hilary Term 1761. In the early part
of his professional career, his advancement was but slow;
he was unassisted by those means which powerful connexion and interest afford. The branch of his profession to
which he chiefly applied himself, that of conveyancing,
was not calculated to bring him forward into public notice;
but the sterling merit of genuine abilities and persevering
industry were not to be overlooked. He rose gradually
into practice; few opinions at the bar, at the time, carried
more weight and authority, and he was frequently recurred to as an advocate. In 1773, he formed a matrimonial
connexion with his relative, Mary, the third daughter of
George Kenyon, of Peele and, not long after, contracted
an intimacy with Mr. afterwards lord Thurlow and chancellor. About this period too, and for some years after,
his practice in the Courtof Chancery was very extensive
and of the most lucrative kind, by which, as well as in the
other branches of his profession, he acquired a very considerable property. In 1780, a circumstance occurred
which not a little contributed to establish his reputation as
an advocate and a public speaker, his being employed as
leading counsel for the defence of the late lord George
Gordon, on a charge of high treason; on this interesting
occasion his second was Mr. now lord Erskine, who on
that day distinguished himself in such a manner as in a great
degree laid the foundation of his future fame. In April
1782, soon after the accession of the Rockingham party to
ministerial power, Mr. Kenyon was, without serving the intermediate office of solfcitor, appointed to the important
situation of attorney-general, and, at the same time, chief
justice of Chester; in the former office he succeeded the
late James Wallis, esq. The circumstance of his direct
promotion to the office of attorney-general was regarded
as a singular instance; this however is erroneous, similar
promotions have before occurred, and the case of sir Edward Law (the late attorney-general, now lord Ellenborough, his successor as lord chief justice), is a recent
instance. In parliament Mr. Kenyon took a decided part
in politics, warmly attaching himself to the party of Mr.
Pitt; and distinguishing himself not a little by his speeches
on the noted affair of the coalition, Mr. Fox’s India-bill,
&c. In March 1784 he was appointed master of the rolls,
an office of high judicial dignity, and generally leading to
still higher legal honours; yet its emoluments fell very
short of those which he necessarily relinquished by discontinuing his professional pursuits as a counsel. About this
time he was created a baronet. In this situation sir Lloyd
Kenyon continued till the latter end of May 1788, when,
on the resignation of the venerable earl of Mansfield, who,
for the long interval of thirty-two years, had held the honourable and very important office of chief justice of the
court of KingVbench, he was appointed to succeed him,
and at the same time was elevated to the peerage, by the
title of lord Kenyon, baron of Gredington in the county
of Flint. He was now fixed in a situation, which, though
not nominally the highest, is perhaps the most important
office in the administration of the law of this country; and
lord Kenyon furnished an instance nearly as striking as
that of the illustrious Hardwicke, that the profession of the
law is that which, of all others, affords the fairest opportunies for the exertion of genuine talents and persevering
industry; whether the object be the gratification of ambition in the attainment of the highest honours in the state,
or the possession of abundant wealth. His conduct in
those arduous and important situations attracted and
fixed the applauses and gratitude of his countrymen. He
was distinguished for his laudable, firm, and persevering
exertions to keep the channels of the law clear and unpolluted by low and sordid practices, which were particularly
exemplified in the vigilant and salutary exercise of his authority over the attorneys of his own court, the utility of
which has been experienced in a very considerable degree.
Nor was he less distinguished for his zeal in the cause of
morality and virtue, which most conspicuously appeared in
his conduct with respect to cases of adultery and seduction. On these occasions neither rank, wealth, nor station, could shield deliquency from the well-merited censure
and rebuke of offended justice and morality. Though
much, unhappily, remains to be done, yet his lordship’s
exertions, combined with those of some of the most virtuous and exalted characters of the upper House of Parliament, have contributed greatly, notwithstanding the acknowledged inadequacy and imperfection of the law in these
respects, to restrain the fashionable and prevailing vices
alluded to. What likewise redounded to the honour of his
lordship’s magisterial character, was the strictness, not to
say severity, with which he administered the justice of the
law against the pernicious tribe of gamblers of every description, who have for some years infested the metropolis.
On these occasions, as well as in those above mentioned,
the conduct of this truly virtuous judge was such as incontrovertibly shewed that “the law is no respecter of
persons;
” and his persevering exertions to restrain the destructive vice of gaming have been attended with no inconsiderable degree of success. Nor should we omit to mention the very laudable spirit and firmness, which on all occasions he evinced in maintaining due order and decorum
in his court. It was justly said of him, that though he
might not equal in talents or eloquence the pre-eminent
character whom he succeeded on the bench of justice; nevertheless, he possessed qualities mor*e appropriate to, and
knowledge more connected with, the important office which
he held. Profound in legal erudition, patient in judicial
discrimination, and of the most determined integrity, he
added no common lustre to his exalted station. He did
not sacrifice his official to his parliamentary character; the
sphere of his particular duty was the great scene of his
activity, as of his honour; and though, as a lord of parliament, he never lessened his character, it was as a judge
that he aggrandized it. In private life, the character of
lord Kenyon was amiable and praise- worthy in the highest
degree no man could excel him in the relations of husband and father in the former he may be considered as a
pattern of conjugal virtue. In his mode of living he was
remarkably temperate and regular; while the gratuitous
assistance in his professional capacity, which it was well
known he had often afforded to necessitous and injured individuals, is a proof that a fondness for money was not a
prevailing trait in his character. He died at Bath, April
2, 1802, supposed to be worth 300,000l. all acquired by
his own professional exertions, and a rigid spirit of economy. Lord Kenyon had issue by his lady, three sons;
Lloyd, born in 1775, whom his father appointed to the
office of filazer of the Court of King’s-bench; but who
died in 1800. The manner in which his lordship was affected by this melancholy event, is supposed, in some degree, to have accelerated his own dissolution. Secondly,
George, the present lord Kenyon, born in 1776. His lordship was appointed by his late father to the very lucrative
situation of joint chief clerk of the Court of King’s-bench,
on the demise of the late earl of Mansfield, better known
as lord viscount Stormont, and joined in the patent with
the late John Waye, esq. And, thirdly, the hon. Thomas
Kenyon, born in 1780,
on. During the remainder of his life, he was chiefly supported by his firm friend Mr. Charles Akers, an eminent printer in London; In 1740 he wrote an account of the
, a dissenting divine, was born at
Wantage in Berkshire, Dec. 1, 1692, and was educated at
a private grammar-school in Wantage, under the rev. Mr.
Sloper, an excellent scholar, who was also tutor to bishop
Butler. At this school, Mr. Kimber made considerable
progress in Greek and Latin, after which, turning his
thoughts to the ministry, he went to London to complete
his knowledge of the languages under professor Ward of
Gresham-college, and also to attend the dissenting academy under the rev. John Eames. For some, time after he
was admitted into the ministry, he had little encouragement; and having married, he found it necessary to employ his pen for a subsistence. One of his first productions was “The Life of Oliver Cromwell/' 8vo, and soon
after he was concerned with Messrs. Bailey, Hodges, and
Ridpath, in compiling a
” History of England,“4 vols.
8vo, the third and fourth volumes of which were entirely
his. A few years afterwards he wrote
” The Life of bishop
Beveridge,“prefixed to the folio edition of his works, of
which he was the editor. In 1724 he was called, in
conjunction with Mr. Samuel Acton, to the pastoral charge of
Namptwich in Cheshire, but, owing to differences of opinion with his hearers, he was obliged to leave them at
the latter end of 1727. On his return to London, he
officiated, as morning preacher, or assistant, to Dr. John
Kinch, in Old Artillery-lane, and occasionally, at Pinner’s
hall, for Dr. Hunt; and was also engaged as a corrector of
the press for Mr. John Darby, and others. About the
same time he compiled a periodical pamphlet called
” The
Morning Chronicle,“which subsisted from Jan. 1728 to
May 17-32, and was then dropped. In part of this period,
he was likewise concerned with Mr. Drew of the Union
fire-office, as his assistant, and supported these various
labours with a quiet and even temper, and a cheerful mind,
though visited with a heavy affliction in his wife’s being
deprived of her reason. During the remainder of his life,
he was chiefly supported by his firm friend Mr. Charles
Akers, an eminent printer in London; In 1740 he wrote
an account of the reign of George II. which is added to
HowelTs
” Medulla Hist. Angl.“and soon afterwards an
abridgment of the History of England, in 1 vol. 8vo, 1745.
He died in 1758, about which time a volume of his ce Sermons
” was printed, with an account of his life, from which
the preceding particulars are taken. He had a son Edward, who was a compiler of various works for the booksellers, and died in 1769. Among his compilations, are
the Peerages of Scotland and Ireland, the Baronetage of
England, in conjunction with R.Johnson, 3 vols; 8vo, a
History of England, 10 vols. 8vo, &c.
achelor of arts and July the 7th, 1614, that of master. He then entered into holy orders, and became an eminent preacher, and chaplain to king James I. He was afterwards
, bishop of Chichester in the seventeenth
century, was eldest son of the preceding, by Jane, daughter of Mr. Henry Freeman of Staffordshire, and was born
at Wornall in Buckinghamshire in January 1591, and educated in grammar learning partly in the free-school at
Thame in Oxfordshire, and partly at Westminster-school,
from which he was elected a student of Christ church in
1608. On June the 19th, 1611, he took the degree of
bachelor of arts and July the 7th, 1614, that of master.
He then entered into holy orders, and became an eminent
preacher, and chaplain to king James I. He was afterwards made archdeacon of Colchester; residentiary of St.
Paul’s, and canon of Christ church. On May the 19th,
1625, he took the degree of doctor of divinity. He was
afterwards chaplain to king Charles I. and February the
6th, 1638, was installed in the deanery of Rochester. In
1641 he was advanced to the see of Chichester, to which
he was consecrated December 19th of that year. But
though he was always esteemed a puritan, and had been
promoted to that see in order to please that party; yet
upon the breaking out of the civil wars, and the dissolution of episcopacy, he was treated by them with great severity; “nor was he suffered to live quietly at his friend’s
house (for some time, at least), when they could discover
him.
” He lived for the most part with sir Richard Hobart,
who had married his sister, at Langley in Buckinghamshire,
by whom he was supported. At the restoration he recovered his bishopric. Wood tells us, that “he was esteemed by many persons of his neighbourhood and diocese,
the epitome of all honours, virtues, and generous
nobleness, and a person never to be forgotten by his tenants and
by the poor.
” He died October the 1st, 1669, and was
interred on the south side of the choir belonging to his
cathedral of Chichester, where a monument was erected
to him, with an inscription, in which it is said, that he
was “antiqua, eaque regia Saxon urn apud Dan monies in
Agro Devoniensi prosapia oriundus,
” and that he was
“natalium splendore illustris, pietate, doctrina & virtutibus illustrior,
” &c. He married Anne, daughter of sir
William Russel of Strensham in Worcestershire, bart. who
after the bishop’s decease married sir Thomas Millington
the physician.
ning, as well as his knowledge in the law, was born in 1669 at Exeter, Devonshire, where his father, an eminent grocer and salter in that city, though a man of considerable
, chancellor of England, and famous for his ecclesiastical learning, as well as his knowledge in the law, was born in 1669 at Exeter, Devonshire, where his father, an eminent grocer and salter in that city, though a man of considerable substance, and descended from a good family, determined to bring up his son to his own trade. With this view, he took him into his business and kept him at his shop for some years however, the son’s inclination being strongly bent to learning, he took all opportunities of gratifying his passion, laying out all the money he could spare in books, and devoting every moment of his leisure hours to study; so that he became a scholar of very great accomplishments, which were hid under the appearance of an attention to the business of the shop. This, however, was discovered by the celebrated Locke, who was his uncle by his mother’s side, and who, after some discourse, being greatly surprised and pleased with the prodigious advances his nephew had made in literature, advised him to commence a regular course of study at Leyden: and it is said to have been by his advice, that Mr. King afterwards entered himself a student at the Inner-Temple, and applied himself to the law; in which profession his talents and industry soon rendered him celebrated.
, an eminent dissenting divine and biographer, was born at Nottingham,
, an eminent dissenting divine and biographer, was born at Nottingham, March 28, 1725. His father, Mr. Robert Kippis, a silk- hosier at that town, was maternally descended from clergymen who were ejected for nonconformity, the principles of which were naturally conveyed to their posterity. His father dying when he was about five years of age, he was removed to his grandfather at Sleaford in Lincolnshire, where his talents and application during his grammatical education attracted the peculiar notice of Mr. Merrivaie, pastor of a congregation of dissenters in that town; and his views being, in consequence of his advice, directed to the profession of a dissenting minister, he was placed, at the age of sixteen, in the academy at Northampton, under the care of Dr. Doddridge. Here he prosecuted his studies with such diligence and improvement, and conducted himself with such exemplary propriety, as to conciliate the affectionate esteem and attachment of his tutor; and having completed his course, he was settled as minister of a dissenting congregation at Boston, in Lincolnshire, in September! 746. From Boston he removed to Dorking in Surrey, in 1750; and in 1753, he succeeded Dr. Hughes as pastor to the congregation in Prince’s-street, Westminster, which was his last charge. In the same year he married miss Elizabeth Bott, the daughter of a merchant at Boston, in whom he found a sensible, prudent, sprightly, and cheerful companion, and by whose attentions his mind was relieved from all family concerns; so that he was left at full leisure to prosecute the various duties which his numerous engagements devolved upon him. His settlement with the society in Westminster laid the foundation of that celebrity which he afterwards acquired, and of that extensive usefulness which distinguished his future life. Among his other public services among the dissenters, he was soon introduced into a connection with the presbyterian-fund, to the prosperity of which he was afterwards very ardently devoted and in June 1762, he became a member of Dr. Williams’s s trust, an appointment which afforded him an additional opportunity of being eminently and extensively useful in a variety of respects. His connection with the general body of Protestant dissenting ministers, belonging to the cities of London and Westminster, and with many charitable institutions belonging to the dissenters, gave him frequent occasion to exercise his talents to their advantage.
, an eminent German critic, was born in 1738, at Bischofswerden,
, an eminent German
critic, was born in 1738, at Bischofswerden, near
Dresden, where his father was a clergyman. As to his first
years, he used to tell Harles that he could not remember
how they were spent, except that he was seven years old
before his parents could by any means prevail on him to
learn any thing. Soon after that, however, he was suddenly seized with such an attachment to letters, that his
parents spared no expence to gratify his taste, and to enable him to cultivate his talents to the best advantage. He
employed his leisure hours in composing and, reciting German verses, 'and profited very much under Foerstelius, who
was his private preceptor, and afterwards at Misna, under
Weiss and Cleman.nus. He studied afterwards at Gorlitz,
under Baumeister, who taught him the classics, and lodged
him in his house. Here Klotz used to say he spent more
happy days than he was persuaded he should ever see
again. During his stay here, which lasted two years, he
gave a specimen of his powers in versification, by a poem
composed on the “Destruction of Zittau,
” which was laid
waste in Acta Eruditorum,
” and some separate pieces. In
Opuscula Poetica,
” containing
twenty-three odes, three satires, and as many elegies. From
Leipsic he repaired to Jena, where he opened a school,
which was well attended. Having accepted of an invitation
to a professorship at the university of Gottingen in 1762,
he set off for that place, and almost immediately after his
arrival he was attacked by a severe illness, from which,
however, he recovered, and immediately published a treatise “De Verecundia Virgilii,
” to which were added three
dissertations relative to the eclogues of the poet. He also
published “Miscellanea Critica,
” and applied himself to
the study of ancient gems and paintings, with which he
became well acquainted. His celebrity had now increased
so much, that he received two offers in the same day, one
from the prince of Hesse Darmstadt, to be professor of the
Oriental languages at Giessen, and the other from his
Prussian majesty, to be professor of eloquence at Halle.
While he was deliberating respecting the choice he should
make, he was nominated by his Britannic majesty to be
professor of philosophy at Gottingen, with an increased
salary, which induced him to remain in that city, till some
attempts were made to ruin his reputation. He then quitted
Gottingen, and accepted an offer made him by his
Prussian majesty, of being professor of philosophy and eloquence at Halle, with the rank and title of aulic counsellor.
While preparing for his departure, he published “Historia
Nummorum Contumeliosonini et Satyricorum,
” containing
a history of these coins; and on his removal to Halle he
gave the public another work of the same kind, and at the
same time he effected, what had been often attempted
before without success, the institution of a new society,
called the “Literary Society of Halle.
” Here also the
king conferred upon him the rank of privy-counsellor, and
accompanied this mark of honour with a considerable addition to his salary. He died in 1771, and just before his
death, revised every thing which he had written on coins,
and published “Opuscula, nummaria quibus Juris Antiqui
Historiceque nonnnila capita explicantur.
” His other works,
not already noticed, were, 1. “Pro M. T. Cicerone adversus Dionem Cassium et Plutarchum dissertatio,
” Gorlitz,
Ad virum doct. I. C. Reichelium epistola,
qua de quibusdam ad Homerum pertinentibus disputatur,
”
Leipsic, Carminum liber unus,
” ibid. Mores Eruditorum,
” Altenburgh, Genius Sxculi,
” ibid. Opuscula Poetica,
”
ibid. Oratio pro Lipsii latinitate,
” Jena,
Libellus de minutiarum studio et rixandi
libidine grammaticorum quorundam,
” ibid. Animadversiones in Theophrasti characteres Ethiros,
”
jbid. 8vo. 10.“Dissertatio de felici audacia Horatii,
” I Elegiae,
” ibid. 8vo. 12. “Funus Petri Burmanni secundi,
” Altenburgh, 8vo. This is a very complete account of the life, &c. of Burman. 13. “Uidicula
Litteraria,
” ibid. 8vo, a satirical work on useless studies
and pursuits. 14. “Vindiciie Horatianae,
” against Hardouin, Bremen, Stratonis epigrammata,
uunc primum edita,
” Altenburgh, Epistolae Homericae,
” ibid.
, an eminent portrait painter, was born at Lubec about 1648. His
, an eminent portrait painter, was born at Lubec about 1648. His father was surveyor-general of the mines, and inspector of count Mansfeldt’s revenues. At first Godfrey was destined for a military life, and was sent to Leyden, where he applied to mathematics and fortification; but the predominance of nature determining him to painting, his father acquiesced, and placed him under Bol, at Amsterdam, and he had also some instructions from Rembrandt. He visited Italy in 1672, and remained some time at Venice, where he painted some of the first families, and amongst them the cardinal Bassadonna. It is probable that he here learned that free, loose style of execution in which he delighted, but by no means excelled; with him it fell to negligence and clumsiness, particularly in his draperies, whilst sometimes his heads exhibit a perfect master of the pencil.
ormed religion in Scotland. Zeal, intrepidity, disinterestedness, were virtues which he possessed in an eminent degree. He was acquainted, too, with the learning cultivated
The character of this eminent man has been variously
represented, according to the sentiments of ecclesiastical
writers. The friends of popery, and of the episcopal establishment in Scotland, and the more recent admirers and
advocates of queen Mary, have spared no pains to give an
unfavourable turn to all his actions, while the adherents to
the church of Scotland have always continued to reverence
his character and actions. Dr. Robertson, by no means a
partial admirer of Knox, and certainly no bigot to the
doctrines or discipline of his church, says that “he was
the prime instrument of spreading and establishing the reformed religion in Scotland. Zeal, intrepidity, disinterestedness, were virtues which he possessed in an eminent degree. He was acquainted, too, with the learning
cultivated among divines in that age, and excelled in that
species of eloquence which is calculated to rouse and inflame. His maxims, however, were often too severe, and
the impetuosity of his temper excessive. Rigid and uncomplying himself, he shewed no indulgence to the infirmities of others. Regardless of the distinctions of rank
and character, he uttered his admonitions with acrimony
and vehemence, more apt to irritate than to reclaim. This
often betrayed him into indecent and undutiful expressions
with respect to the queen’s person and conduct. Those
very qualities, however, which now render his character
less amiable, fitted him to be the instrument of Providence
for advancing the reformation among a fierce people, and
enabled him to face dangers, and to surmount opposition,
from which a person of a more gentle spirit would have
been apt to shrink back.
” Knox has lately found more
zealous biographers in Cook, and especially M‘Crie, whose
life of him is an important addition to the ecclesiastical
history of his country, and does honour to Mr. M’Crie’s
talents, judgment, and extensive research. It is not perhaps necessary to add many authorities to this notice of
that work.
, or Lucius Cælius, or Cæcilius (Firmianus), an eminent father of the church, was, as some say, an African,
, or Lucius Cælius, or
Cæcilius (Firmianus), an eminent father of the church,
was, as some say, an African, or, according to others, a
native of Fermo, a town in the marche of Ancdna, whence
Le is supposed to have taken his surname. Arnobius was
his preceptor. He studied rhetoric in Africa, and with so
great reputation, that Constantine the Roman emperor
appointed him preceptor to his son Crispus. This brought
him to court; but he was so far from giving into the pleasures or corruptions incident to that station, that, amidst
very great opportunities of amassing riches, he lived so
poor as even frequently to want necessaries. He is account^d the most eloquent of all the ecclesiastical Latin
authors. He formed himself upon Cicero, and wrote in
such a pure, smooth, and natural, style, and so much in
the taste and manner of the lloman orator, that he is generally distinguished by the title of “The Christian Cicero.
” We have several pieces of his, the principal of
which is his “Institutiones Divinae,
” in seven books, composed about the year De Ira Divina.
” In De Justitia,
” Edin. 12mo.
Lactantius had before written a book “De Operibus Dei,
”
in which he proves the creation of man, and the divine
providence. St. Jerome mentions other works of our author, as “Two Books to Æsclepiades;
” “Eight Books of
Letters;
” a book entitled “The Festin,
” composed before
he went to Nicomedia; a poem in hexameter verse, containing a description of his journey thither; a treatise
entitled “The Grammarian;
” and another, “De Persecutione.
” Concerning this last tract, there are various opinions. Dr. Lardner, after stating the evidence on both
sides, seems inclined to deny that it was written by LaCtantius. He allows, however, that it is a very valuable
work, containing; a short account of the sufferings of Christians under several of the Roman emperors, from the death
and resurrection of Christ to Dioclesian; and then a particular history of the persecution excited by that emperor,
with the causes and springs of it; as well as the miserable
deaths of its chief instruments. The learned judge above
mentioned, who published a translation of this work in
1782, Edin. 12mo, has also examined the opinions of those
who have treated of its authenticity, with far more acuteness than Lardner, and concludes with Baluze, Mosheim,
and other eminent critics, that the treatise “De Mortibus
Persecutorum
” was written by Lactantius. Lord Hailes’s
preface is a master-piece of critical inquiry, nor are his
notes and illustrations, which occupy one half of the volume,
of less merit or utility.
, an eminent mathematician, was born at Lyons in 1660. Being intended
, an eminent mathematician, was born at Lyons in 1660. Being intended for
the bar, he was sent to study the law first at the college of
Lyons, and next at the university of Thoulouse but having accidentally met with Fournier’s Euclid, and a treatise
on algebra, mathematics became his favourite science. In
1686 he came to Paris, was soon after appointed tutor to
the duke de Noailles, elected a member of the academy of
sciences, and was appointed by Louis XIV, royal hydrographer at Rochefort; but sixteen years afterwards, he
was recalled to Paris, and made librarian to the king with
a considerable pension. He died April 11, 1734, and in
his last moments, when he no longer knew the persons
who surrounded his bed, one of them, through a foolish
curiosity, asked him “What is the square of 12
” to which
he replied, as it were mechanically, New Methods for the Extraction and Approximation
of Roots,
” Elements of Arithmetic and
Algebra,
” On the Cubature of the,
Sphere,
” A general Analysis, or Method of resolving Problems,
” published by Richer in
, an eminent Flemish painter, was born at Liege, in 1640. His father,
, an eminent Flemish painter, was born at Liege, in 1640. His father, who was a tolerable painter, put his son first to study the belles lettres, poetry, and music, to the last of which Gerard dedicated a day in every week: but at length taught him design, and made him copy the best pictures, particularly those of Bertholet Flaraael, a canon of that city. At the age of fifteen, Gerard began to paint portraits, and some historical pieces, for the electors of Cologne and Brandenburgh, which contributed-to make him known, and gave him great reputation. The ease, however, with which he got his money tempted him to part with it as easily, and run into expence. He was fond of dress, and making a figure in the world; he had also an ambition to please the ladies, and fancied that the liveliness of his wit would compensate in some degree for the deformity of his person. But one of his mistresses, whom he had turned off, having out of revenge wounded him dangerously with a knife, he abandoned such promiscuous gallantry, and married. While settled at Utrecht, and poor, he was seized with a contagious distemper; and, his wife lying-in at the same time, he was reduced to offer a picture to sale for present support, which, in three days’ time, was bought by Vytenburgh, a picture-merchant at Amsterdam, who engaged him to go to that city. Accordingly Lairesse settled there; and his reputation rose to so high a pitch, that the Hollanders esteem him the best history-painter of their country, and commonly call him their second Raphael; Hemskirk is their first. Yet his style of painting was but a compound of those of Poussin and the old French school. While he aimed at imitating the best Italian masters, he never avoided those false airs of the head and limbs, which seem rather taken from the stage than from nature; so that his works do not rise to the level of true merit. At length, borne down with infirmities, aggravated by the loss of his eye-sight, he finished his days at Amsterdam, in 1711, at the age of seventy-one.
, an eminent lawyer and antiquary, the eldest son of John Lambarde,
, an eminent lawyer and antiquary, the eldest son of John Lambarde, alderman of London, by Juliana his wife, daughter of William Home or
Herne, of London, was born Oct. 18, 1536. Nothing is
recorded concerning the early part of his education, until
he entered upon the study of the law, and was admitted
into the society of Lincoln’s-inn, Aug. 15, 1556. Here
he studied under Laurence Nowell (brother to the celebrated dean of St. Paul’s), a man famous for his knowledge
of antiquities and of the Saxon tongue. Lambarde profited much by his instructions, considering an acquaintance
with the customs and jurisprudence of the Saxon times as
very useful in his profession. The first fruits of his studies
appeared in a collection and translation of the Saxon laws,
under the title of “A^awvo/iw, sive de priscis Anglorum
legibus, libri,
” Ecclesiastical History,
” in
, an eminent mathematician and astronomer, was born at Muhlhausen,
, an eminent mathematician
and astronomer, was born at Muhlhausen, in the Sundgaw,
a town in alliance with the Swiss cantons, Aug. 29th, 1728.
His father was a poor tradesman, who, intending to bring
him up to his own business, sent him to a public school,
where he was taught the rudiments of learning, at the expence of the corporation, till he was twelve years old.
Here he distinguished himself among his school-fellows,
and some attempts were made to provide him with the
means of studying theology as a profession, but for want of
encouragement, he was under the necessity of learning his
father’s trade. In this laborious occupation, however, he
continued to devote a considerable part of the night to the
prosecution of his studies; and to furnish himself with
candles, he sold for half-pence or farthings small drawings
which he delineated while employed in rocking his infant
sister in a cradle. He met with an old book on the mathematics which gave him inexpressible pleasure, and which
proved that he had a genius for scientific pursuits. Seeing
the turn which the young man had for knowledge, several
learned men afforded him assistance and advice; and they
had the pleasure of finding him improve, under their patronage, with a rapidity beyond their most sanguine expectations. He was now taken from the drudgery of the
shop-board, and M. Iselin, of Basil, engaged him as his
amanuensis, a situation which afforded him an opportunity
of making further progress in the belles-lettres, as well as
philosophy and mathematics. In 1748, his patron recommended him to baron Salis, president of the Swiss confederacy, to become tutor to his children, in which office
he gladly engaged. His talents as a philosopher and
mechanician began to display themselves in his inventions
and compositions. After living eight years at Coire, he
repaired, in 1756, with his pupils, to the university of
Gottingen, where he was nominated a corresponding member of the scientific society in that place, and from thence
he removed, in the following year, to Utrecht, where he
continued twelve months. In 1758, he went with his
pupils to Paris, where he acquired the esteem and friendship of D' Alembert and Messier; and from thence he travelled to Marseilles, and formed the plan of his work
“On Perspective,
” which he published in the following
year at Zurich. In 1760 he published his “Photometry,
”
a master-piece of sagacity, which contains a vast quantity
of information of the most curious and important nature.
In the same year he was elected a member of the Electoral
Bavarian Scientific Society. Lambert was author of many
other pieces besides those which have been already mentioned: among these were his “Letters on the Construction of the Universe,
” which were afterwards digested,
translated, and published under the title of “The System
of the World.
” In
, an eminent French surgeon and accouc-heur, was of Valogne, in Normandy.
, an eminent French surgeon
and accouc-heur, was of Valogne, in Normandy. He studied his profession at Paris, where he attended the practice of the celebrated hospital, l'Hotel-Dieu, during five
years. He was distinguished particularly by his skill and
success as an accoucheur, not only at his native town, but
throughout the neighbouring country, during a long period. No dates are given of his birth or death, but he is
said to have left three sons, two of whom were physicians,
and the third succeeded him in his own department. His
first publication, entitled “Traite des accouchemens naturels, non naturels, et contre nature,
” was first published
in Dissertation sur la Generation, et sur la Superfetation;
”
containing also an answer to a book entitled “De l‘lndecence aux Homines d’accoucher les Femines, et sur l'Obligations aux Meres de nourrir leurs Enfans,
” Paris, Trait complet de Chirurgie, conteiiant des Observations sur toutes Jes Maladies
chirurgicales, et sur la maniere de les traiter,
” which has
been several times reprinted. The last edition was published in 1771, with notes by professor Sabatier. This
was a valuable practical work, but disfigured by the
egotism of the author, and his contempt for his professional
brethren.
, an eminent mathematician, was born at Peakirk, near Peterborough
, an eminent mathematician, was born
at Peakirk, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire, in
January 1719. He became very early a proficient in the
mathematics, as we find him a contributor to the “Ladies
Diary
” in Philosophical Transactions
” for An investigation of some theorems, which suggest several very
remarkable properties of the circle, and are at the same
time of considerable use in resolving Fractions, &c.
” In
Mathematical Lucubrations,
” and containing a variety of tracts relative to the rectification of curve lines, the summation of
series, the finding of fluents, and many other points in the
higher parts of the mathematics. The title “Lucubrations,
” was supposed to intimate that mathematical science
was at that time rather the pursuit of his leisure hours, than
his principal employment and indeed it continued to be
so during the greatest part of his life for about the year
1762 he was appointed agent to earl Fitzwilliam an employment which he resigned only two years before his
death.
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Parma, in 1581. His parents,
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Parma, in 1581. His parents, being poor, carried him to Placenza, to enter him into the service of the count Horatio Scotte. While he was there, he was always drawing with coal upon the walls, paper being too small for him to scrawl his ideas on. The count, observing his disposition, put him to Agostino Caracci; after whose death he went to Rome, and studied under Annibale, who set him to work in the church of St. Jago, and found him capable of being trusted with the execution of his designs; in which Lanfranco has left it a doubt whether the work be his or his master’s. His genius lay to painting in fresco in spacious places, as appeared by his grand performances, especially the cupola of Andrea de Laval, in which he has succeeded much better than in his pieces of a less size. His taste in design he took from Annibale Caracci; and as long as he lived under the discipline of that illustrious roaster, he was always correct; but, after his master’s death, 'he gave a loose to the impetuosity of genius, without regarding the rules of art. He joined with his countryman Sisto Badalocchi, in etching the histories of the Bible, after Raphael’s painting in the Vatican; which work, in conjunction with Badalocchi, he dedicated to his master Annibale. Lanfranco painted the history of St. Peter for pope Urban VIII. which was engraved by Pietro Santi; he executed other performances, particularly St. Peter walking on the water, for St. Peter’s church, and pleased the pope so much, that he knighted him.
, an eminent physician, was born at Loewenburg, in Silesia, in 14S5.
, an eminent physician, was born at Loewenburg, in Silesia, in 14S5. After studying, with singular zeal, at Leipsic, Bologna, and Pisa, in the latter of which universities he was honoured with the degree of M. D. he began practice at Heidelberg, where he soon acquired the esteem of the public, and was nominated first physician to four successive electors palatine; one of whom, Frederic II., he accompanied in his travels through the greater part of Europe. He attained the age of eighty, notwithstanding his excessive use of cheese, which made a part of all his meals, asserting that physicians were mistaken in decrying it as indigestible. He died at Heidelberg in June 1565.
, an eminent French scholar and translator, was born at Dijon, Oct.
, an eminent French scholar and translator, was born at Dijon, Oct. 12, 1726, of ancestors who were mostly lawyers, connected with some of the first names in the parliament of Burgundy, and related to the family of Bossuet. His father was a counsellor in the office of finance, who- died while his son was an infant, leaving him to the care of his mother. It was her intention to bring him up with a view to the magistracy, but young Larcher was too much enamoured of polite literature to accede to this plan. Having therefore finished his studies among the Jesuits at Pont-a-Mousson, he went to Paris and entered himself of the college of Laon, where he knew he should be at liberty to pursue his own method of study. He was then about eighteen years of age. His mother allowed him only 500 livres a year, yet with that scanty allowance he contrived to buy books, and when it was increased to 700, he fancied himself independent. He gave an early proof of his love and care for valuable books, when at the royal college. While studying Greek under John Capperonnier, he became quite indignant at having every day placed in his hands, at the risk of spoiling it, a fine copy of Duker’s Thucydides, on large paper. He had, indeed, from his infancy, the genuine spirit of a collector^ which became an unconquerable passion in his more mature years. A few months before his death he refused to purchase the new editions of Photius and Zonaras, because he was too old, as he said, to make use of them, but at the same time he could not resist giving an enormous price for what seemed of less utility, the princeps editio of Pliny the naturalist. It is probable that during his first years at Paris, he had made a considerable collection of books, for, when at that time he intended, unknown to his family, to visit England for the purpose of forming an acquaintance with the literati there, and of learning English, to which he was remarkably partial, he sold his books to defray theexpence of his journey. In this elopement, for such it was, he was assisted by father Patouillet, who undertook to receive and forward his letters to his mother, which he was to date from Paris, and make her and his friends believe that he was still at the college of Laon.
, an eminent French physician, was born at Carpentras, on the 3d
, an eminent French physician, was born at Carpentras, on the 3d of July, 1717. He was removed for education to Paris, but in his early years he was less remarkable for his perseverance in study, than for a propensity which he shewed for the gay pleasures of youth; yet even then he raised the hopes of his friends by some ingenious performances, which merited academic honours. At length he applied with seriousness to study, and devoted himself wholly to the pursuits of anatomy, in which he made such rapid progress, that, at the age of twenty-five, he was received into the academy of sciences as associate-anatomist. An extraordinary event, however, put a period to his anatomical pursuits. In selecting among some dead bodies a proper subject for dissection, he fancied he perceived in one of them some very doubtful signs of death, and endeavoured to re-animate it: his efforts were for a long time vain; but his first persuasion induced him to persist, and he ultimately succeeded in bringing his patient to life, who proved to be a poor peasant. This circumstance impressed so deep a sense of horror on the mind of the anatomist, that he declined these pursuits in future. Natural history succeeded the study of anatomy, and mineralogy becoming a favourite object of his pursuit, he published his observations on the crystallized tree-stones of Fotuainbleau; but chemistry finally became the beloved occupation of M. de Lassone. His numerous memoirs, which were read before the royal academy of sciences, presented a valuable train of new observations, useful both to the progress of that study, and to the art of compounding remedies; and in every part of these he evinced the sagacity of an attentive observer, and of an ingenious experimentalist. After having practised medicine for a long time in the hospitals and cloisters, he was sent for to court; and held the office of first physician at Versailles. He lived in friendship with Fontenelle, Winslow, D'Alembert, Buffon, and other scientific characters; and the affability of his manners, and his ardent zeal for the advancement of knowledge, among the young scholars, whose industry he encouraged, and whose reputation was become one of his most satisfactory enjoyments, gained him general respect. When from a natural delicacy of constitution, M. cle Lassone began to experience the inconveniences of a premature old age, he became sorrowful and fond of solitude; yet, reconciled to his situation, he calmly observed his death approaching, and expired on Dec. 8, 1788. Lassone, at the time of his death, held the appointment of first physician to Louis XVL and his queen; he was counsellor of state, doctor-regent of the faculty of medicine at Paris, and pensionary-veteran of the academy of sciences, member of the academy of medicine at Madrid, and honorary associate of the college of medicine at Nancy.
, or, as he is called by the Italians, Orlando di Lasso, an eminent musician, was a native of Mons, in Hainault, born in
, or, as he is called by the Italians, Orlando di Lasso, an eminent musician, was a native of Mons, in Hainault, born in 1520, and not only
spent many years of his life in Italy, but had his musical
education there, having been carried thither surreptitiously,
when a child, on account of his fine voice. The historian
Thuanus, who has given Orlando a place among the illustrious men of his time, tells us that it was a common practice for young singers to be forced away from their parents,
and detained in the service of princes; and that Orlando
was carried to Milan, Naples, and Sicily, by Ferdinand
Gonzago. Afterwards, when he was grown up, and had
probably lost his voice, he went to Rome, where he taught
music during two years; at the expiration of which, he
travelled through different parts of Italy and France with
Julius Caesar Brancatius, and at length, returning to Flanders, resided many years at Antwerp, till being invited,
by the duke of Bavaria, to Munich, he settled at that court,
and married. He had afterwards an invitation, accompanied with the promise of great emoluments, from
Charles IX. king of France, to take upon him the office
of master and director of his band; an honour which he
accepted, but was stopped on the road to Paris by the
news of that monarach’s death. After this event he returned
to Munich, whither he was recalled by William, the son
and successor of his patron Albert, to the same office which
he had held under his father. Orlando continued at this
court till his death, in 1593, at upwards of seventy years
of age. His reputation was so great, that it was said of
him: “Hic ille Orlandus Lassus, qui recreat orbem.
”
As he lived to a considerable age, and never seems to
have checked the fertility of his genius by indolence, his
compositions exceed, in number, even those of Palestrina.
There is a complete catalogue of them in Draudius,
amounting to upwards of fifty different works, consisting
of masses, magnificats, passiones, motets, and psalms:
with Latin, Italian, German, and French songs, printed in
Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. He excelled in modulation, of which he gave many new specimens, and was a great master of harmony.
, an eminent grammarian of Florence, in the thirteenth century, was
, an eminent grammarian of Florence, in the thirteenth century, was of a noble family in
that city, and during the party contests between the
Guelphs and Ghibelins, took part with the former. When
the Ghibelins had obtained assistance from Mainfroy, king
of-Sicily, the Guelphs sent Bninetto to obtain similar aid
from Alphonso king of Castillo; but on his return, hearing
that the Ghibelins had defeated his party and got possession of Florence, he fled to France, where he resided
several years. At length he was enabled to return to his
own country, in which he was appointed to some honourable offices. He died in 1294. The historian Villani attributes to him the merit of having first introduced a degree of refinement among his countrymen, and of having
reformed their language, and the general conduct of public
affairs. The work which has contributed most to his celebrity, was one which he entitled “Tresor,
” and wrote
when in France, and in the French language, which he
says he chose because it was the most agreeable language
and the most common in Europe. This work is a kind of
abridgment of the Bible, of Pliny the naturalist, Solinus,
and other writers who have treated on different sciences,
and may be called an Encyclopaedia of the knowledge of
his time. It was translated into Italian about the same
period, and this translation only was printed; but there
are about a dozen transcripts of the original in the royal
library at Paris, and there is a fine ms. of it in the Vatican, bound in crimson velvet, with manuscript notes, by
Petrarch. After his return to Florence, Latini wrote his
u Tesoretto,“or little treasure, which, however, is not
as some have reported, an abridgment of the
” Tresor,“but a collection of moral precepts in verse. He also
translated into the Italian language part of Cicero
” de Inventione.“His greatest honour seems to have been that
he was the tutor of Dante, not however in poetry, for his
” Tesoretto" affords no ground to consider him as a master
of that art.
, an eminent physician, the son of captain Thomas Lawrence of the
, an eminent physician, the son of captain Thomas Lawrence of the royal navy, and grandson of Dr. Thomas Lawrence, first physician to queen Anne, was born May 25, 1711, in the parish of St. Margaret, Westminster. His mother was Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Gabriel Soulden, merchant of Kinsale in Ireland, and widow of colonel Piers. His father’s residence being at Southampton, he was placed under the care of the rev. Mr. Kingsman, master of the free-school at that place, but had previously received some education at Dublin, where his father was in 1715. In 1727 he was entered as a commoner of Trinity college, Oxford, under the tuition of the rev. George Huddesford, afterwards president of that college; and here he pursued his studies until some time in 1734. He then removed to London, and took a lodging in the city for the convenience of attending St. Thomas’s hospital, and became a pupil of Dr. Nicholls, who was at that time reading anatomical lectures, with uncommon celebrity. Mr. Lawrence made a suitable progress under so able an instructor, and at those lectures formed many of the friendships which he most valued during the remainder of his life; among others he became here first acquainted with Dr. Bathurst, who introduced him to the friendship of Dr. Johnson.
, an eminent Hebrew and Greek scholar and critic, was the son of
, an eminent Hebrew and
Greek scholar and critic, was the son of a poor mechanic at
Strasburgh, where he was born July 18, 1672. His parents
were so unable to give him education, that he must have
been obliged to work at his father’s trade, had he not
found an early patron in Froereisen, a learned townsman,
who placed him at ten years old in the public school, at
his own expence. Lederlin’s extraordinary proficiency
rewarded this generous friend, whom, however, he had
the misfortune to lose by death in 1690. This would have
been irreparable, if his talents had not already recommended him to other patrons, and his school education
being finished, he was enabled to pursue his studies at the
university with great reputation. He received his master’s
degree in 1692, and at the persuasion of Boeder the medical professor, Obrecht, and others, he opened a school
for the Hebrew and Greek, of which languages, he was in
1703, constituted professor, and was for many years one
of the greatest ornaments of the university of Strasburgh.
He died Sept. 3, 1737, leaving various monuments of
learning and critical skill. Among those, we may enumerate, i. his edition of Julius Pollux’s “Onomasticon,
”
Homer’s Iliad,
” Amst. Vigerus de praecipuis Grsecae dictionis idiotismis,
”
Strasburgb, Brissonii de regio Persarum principatu,
” ibid. Æliani varise historiae,
”
ibid. 1713, 8vo, which Harles says is superior to Scheffer*s
edition, but must yield to that of Perizonius. He published also some critical dissertations on parts of the Greek
Testament, on which he was accustomed to lecture.
, an eminent French surgeon, was born at Paris in 1685, and received
, an eminent French surgeon, was born at Paris in 1685, and received his education under his father, Henry Le Dran, who had acquired
considerable reputation as an operator, particularly in cancers of the breast. Under his auspices our young surgeon
turned his thoughts principally to the operation of lithotomy, which he performed in the lateral method, as practised by Cheselden, and was enabled to make some valuable
improvements in the art. These he communicated to the
public in his “Paralele des differentes manieres de tirer la
Pierre hors de la Vessie,
” printed in Observations de
Chirurgie, auxquelles on a joint plusieurs reflections en faveur des Etudiens,
” Paris, Traite
”
ou reflections tiroes de la pratique sur les playes d'Armes a
feu,“Paris, 1737, 12mo. 4.
” Traite“des Operations de
Chirurgie,
” Paris, 1743, 12mo. To the translation of this
work into English, by Gataker, Cheselden made some valuable additions. 5. “Consultations sur la plupart des
Maladies qui sont du report de la Chirurgie,
”
, an English nonconformist divine, was the son of an eminent citizen of London, from whom he inherited some property,
, an English nonconformist divine, was
the son of an eminent citizen of London, from whom he
inherited some property, and was born in 1625. He was
educated under Dr. Gale at St. Paul’s school, and afterwards entered a commoner of Magdalen-bail about the
year 1647. The following year he was created M. A.
by the parliamentary visitors, and was made fellow of
Wadham college. In the latter end of 1650 he was elected
by his society one of the proctors, although he was not
of sufficient standing as master; but this the visitors, with
whom he appears to have been a favourite, dispensed with.
About that time he became a frequent preacher in or near
Oxford, and was preferred by Cromwell to the living of St.
Botolph’s, Bishopsgate- street, but ejected by the rump parliament. Afterwards he was chosen lecturer of Great St.
Helen’s church in Bishopsgate-street According to Wood,
he was not in possession of either of these preferments at
the restoration, but Calamy says he was ejected from St.
Botolph’s. His friend Dr. Wilkins, of Wadham college,
afterwards bishop of Chester, urged him much to conform,
but he was inflexible. He then lived for some time on an
estate he had near Bisseter in Oxfordshire, and preached
occasionally. About 1678 be removed to Newingtoii
Green near London, where he was for many years minister of a congregation of independents. In 1686, being
dissatisfied with the times, he went over to New England,
and became pastor of a church at Bristol. The revolution
in 1688 affording brighter prospects, he determined to
revisit his own country, but in his passage home, with his
family, the ship was captured by a French privateer, and
carried into St. Malo, where he died a few weeks after, in
Nov. 1691. His death is said to have been hastened by
his losses in this capture, and especially by his being kept
in confinement while his wife and children were permitted
to go to England. He was at one time a great dabbler in
astrology, but, disapproving of this study afterwards, he is
said to have burnt many books and manuscripts which he
had collected on that subject. It was probably when addicted to astrology, that he informed his wife of his having
seen a star, which, according to all the rules of astrology,
predicted that he should be taken captive. Mr. Lee’s
other studies were more creditable. He was a very considerable scholar; understood the learned languages well,
and spoke Latin fluently and eloquently. He was also a
good antiquary. He wrote “Chronicon Castrense,
” a
chronology of all the rulers and governors of Cheshire and
Chester, which is added to King’s “Vale Royal.
” Wood
suspects that he was of the family of Lee in Cheshire. His
other works are: 1. “Orbis Miraculum; or the Temple of
Solomon portrayed by Scripture light,
” Lond.
, baron of Dartmouth, an eminent naval commander, was the eldest son of colonel William
, baron of Dartmouth, an eminent naval commander, was the eldest son of colonel William Legge, groom of the bed-chamber to king Charles I. and brought up under the brave admiral sir Edward Spragge. He entered the navy at seventeen years of age, and, before he was twenty, his gallant behaviour recommended him so effectually to king Charles II. that in 1667, he promoted him to the command of the Pembroke. In 1671, he was appointed captain of the Fairfax, and the next year removed to the Royal Catharine, in which ship he obtained high reputation, by beating off the Dutch after they had boarded her, though the ship seemed on the point of sinking; and then finding the means of stopping her leaks, he carried her safe into port. In 1673, he was made governor of Portsmouth, master of the horse, and gentleman to the duke of York. Several other posts were successively conferred upon him, and in December 1682, he was created baron of Dartmouth. The port of Tangier having been attended with great expence to keep the fortifications in repair, and to maintain in it a numerous garrison to protect it from the Moors, who watched every opportunity of seizing it, the king determined to demolish the fortifications, and bring the garrison to England; but the difficulty was to perform it without the Moors having any suspicion of the design. Lord Dartmouth was appointed to manage this difficult affair, and, for that purpose, was, in 1683, made governor of Tangier, general of his majesty’s forces in Africa, and admiral of the fleet. At his arrival he prepared every thing necessary for putting his design in execution, blew up all the fortifications, and returned to England with the garrison; soon after which, the king made him a present of ten thousand pounds. When James II. ascended the throne, his lordship was created master of the horse, general of the ordnance, constable of the tower of London, captain of an independent company of foot, and one of the privy-council. That monarch placed the highest confidence in his friendship; and, on his being thoroughly convinced that the prince of Orange intended to land in England, he appointed him commander of the fleet; and, had he not been prevented by the wind and other accidents from coming up with the prince of Orange, a bloody engagement would doubtless have ensued.
, an eminent English antiquary, was born in London, in the beginning
, an eminent English
antiquary, was born in London, in the beginning of the
sixteenth century, but in what parish or year is uncertain.
He was bred at St. Paul’s school, under the famous William
Lilly. Having lost both his parents in his infancy, he
found a foster-father in one Mr. Thomas Myles, who both
maintained him at school, and sent him thence to Christ’s
college, in Cambridge. Of this society, it is said, he became fellow; yet, it is certain that he afterwards removed
to Oxford, and spent several years in All Souls college,
where he prosecuted his studies with great assiduity, not
only in the Greek and Latin tongues, but in the Saxon
and Welch, the ancient languages of his country. For
farther improvement he travelled to Paris, where he had
the conversation and instruction of Budaeus, Faber, Paulus
yEmilius, Ruellius, and Francis Sylvius; by whose assistance he not only perfected himself in the Latin and Greek
tongues, but learned French, Italian, and Spanish. He
also improved hia natural diposition to poetry, On his
return home he entered into holy orders, and being esteemed
an accomplished scholar, king Henry VIII. made him one
of his chaplains, gave him the rectory of Popeling, Popering, or Pepling, in the marches of Calais, appointed
him his library- keeper, and by a commission dated 1533,
dignified him with the title of his antiquary. By this commission his majesty laid his commands on him to make
search after “England’s antiquities, and peruse the libraries of all cathedrals, abbies, priories, colleges, &c. and
places where records, writings, and secrets of antiquity
were reposited.
” For this purpose he had an honourable
stipend allotted him, and obtained, in 1536, a dispensation for non-residence upon his living at Popeling. Being
now at full liberty, he spent above six years in travelling
about England and Wales, and collecting materials for the
history and antiquities of the nation. He entered upon
his journey with the greatest eagerness; and, in the execution of his design was so inquisitive, that, not content
with what the libraries of the respective houses afforded,
nor with what was recorded in the windows and other monuments belonging to cathedrals and monasteries, &c. he
wandered from place to place where he thought there were
any footsteps of Roman, Saxon, or Danish buildings, and
took particular notice of all the tumuli, coins, inscriptions,
&c. In short, he travelled every where, both by the seacoasts and the midland parts, sparing neither pains nor
cost; insomuch that there was scarcely either cape or bay,
haven, creek, or pier, river, or confluence of rivers,
breaches, washes, lakes, meres, fenny waters, mountains,
valleys, moors, heaths, forests, chaces, woods, cities, boroughs, castles, principal manor- places, monasteries, and
colleges, which he had not seen, and noted, as he says, a
whole world of things very memorable.
, an eminent writer in defence of Christianity, was born at Wigan,
, an eminent writer in defence of
Christianity, was born at Wigan, in Lancashire, Oct. 18,
1691. Soon after, his father, who had lived in good repute for many years, being involved in pecuniary difficulties, gave up his effects to his creditors, and removed to
Dublin. Finding here an opportunity for settling in business, he sent over for his wife and family of three sons,
and was enabled to support them in a decent manner.
John, the subject of this memoir, was his second son, and
when in his sixth year, which was before they left England, as our account states, he met with a singular misfortune. He was seized with the small pox, which proved of so
malignant a kind that his life was despaired of; and when,
contrary to all expectation, he recovered, he was found
to be deprived of his understanding and memory, which
last retained no traces of what he had been taught. In this
state he remained a year, when his faculties returned; but
having still no remembrance of the past, he began anew
to learn his letters, and in this his second education, made
so quick a progress, and gave such proofs of superior memory and understanding, that his parents resolved to breed
him up to one of the learned professions. In this, from
their situation in life, they probably had not much choice,
from the great expenses necessary to law or physic; and
this, with their religious principles, induced them to decide in favour of divinity. He was therefore educated for
the ministry among the dissenters; and having first exhibited his talents to advantage in a congregation of dissenters in New- row, Dublin, was, in a few months, invited to become joint-pastor with the Rev. Mr. Weld, to
which office he was ordained in 1716. As he entered upon
this station from the best and purest motives, he discharged
the duties of it with the utmost fidelity; and, by indefatigable application to his studies, he made at the same
time such improvements in every branch of useful knowledge, that he soon acquired a distinguished reputation in
the learned world. In 1730 Tindal published his “Christianity as old as the Creation,
” and although several excellent answers appeared to that impious work, Mr. Leland
was of opinion that much remained to be said, in order to
expose its fallacious reasonings and inconsistencies. Accordingly he first appeared as an author in 1733, by publishing “An Answer to a late book entitled ‘ Christianity
as old as the Creation, &c.’
” in 2 vols. In 1737 he embarked in a controversy with another of the same class of
writers, Dr. Morgan, by publishing “The Divine Authority of the Old and New Testament asserted against the
unjust aspersions and false reasonings of a Book entitled
* The Moral Philosopher.'
” The learning and abilities
displayed by Mr. Leland in these publications, and the
service which he rendered by them to the Christian cause,
procured him many marks of respect and esteem from persons of the highest rank in the established church, as well
as from the most eminent of his dissenting brethren; and
from the university of Aberdeen he received, in the most
honourable manner, the degree of D. D. In 1742 Dr.
Leland published an answer to a pamphlet entitled “Christianity not founded on Argument;
” and in Reflections on the late lord
Bolingbroke’s Letters on the study and use of History;
especially so far as they relate to Christianity and the Holy
Scriptures.
” It is said to have been with some reluctance
that he was persuaded to exert himself upon this occasion;
for although, as he himself observes, no man needs make
an apology for using his best endeavours in defence of
Christianity when it is openly attacked, yet he was apprehensive that his engaging again in this cause, after having
done so on some former occasions, might have an appearance of too much forwardness. But these apprehensions
gave way to the judgment and advice of his friend, the late
Dr. Thomas Wilson, rector of St. Stephen’s, Walbrook; and
in complying with his recommendation, he performed an
acceptable service to the Christian world, and added not a
little to the reputation he had already acquired.
ife of Philip,” his “Demosthenes,” and his “Dissertation upon Eloquence.” The “Life of Philip,” says an eminent living scholar, “contains many curious researches into
Dr. Lclund’s other publications in his life-time were
only a few occasional sermons, of greater merit as to manner and matter than the three volumes of sermons printed
after his death, which have the disadvantage of not being
prepared for the press. He died in 1785. His fame rests
on his “Life of Philip,
” his “Demosthenes,
” and his “Dissertation upon Eloquence.
” The “Life of Philip,
” says
an eminent living scholar, “contains many curious researches into the principles of government established
among the leading states of Greece; many sagacious remarks on their intestine discords; many exact descriptions
of their most celebrated characters; together with an extensive and correct view of those subtle intrigues, and those
ambitious projects, by which Philip, at a favourable crisis.
gradually obtained an unexampled and fatal mastery over
the Grecian republics. In the translation of
” Demosthenes,“Leland unites the man of taste and the man of
learning; and shews himself to have possessed, not only
a competent knowledge of the Greek language, but that
clearness in his own conceptions, and that animation in
his feelings, which enabled him to catch the real meaning,
and to preserve the genuine spirit of the most perfect
orator that Athens ever produced. Through the
” Dissertation upon Eloquence,“and the
” Defence“of it, we see
great accuracy of erudition; great perspicuity and strength
of style; and above all, a stoutness of judgment, which,
in traversing the open and spacious walks of literature, disdained to be led captive.
”
, an eminent Italian phy-, sician, was born in one of the Venetian
, an eminent Italian phy-,
sician, was born in one of the Venetian states in 1428. He
was professor of medicine at Ferrara during upwards of,
sixty years, and was the first person who undertook to
translate the works of Galen into Latin. His attachment
to literary pursuits alienated him from practice; and in
excuse he used to say, “I do more service to the public
than if I visited the sick, by instructing those who are
to cure them.
” Extending his attention also to the belles
lettres, he wrote some poetry, and translated into Italian
the history of Dion Cassius, and the dialogues of Lucian.
Until the age of thirty, Leonicenus was tormented with
frequent attacks of epilepsy, which reduced him at times
to melancholy and despair. This disease, however, afterwards left him, and, by means of great regularity and temperance, he attained the age of ninety-six years, and died
in 1524, possessed of all his faculties. To one who in
quired, with astonishment, by what secret he had preserved
this entire possession of his faculties, together with an erect
body and vigorous health, at so great an age, he replied,
that it was the effect of innocence of manners, tranquillity
of mind, and frugality in diet. The duke and senate of.
Ferrara erected a monument to his memory. He left several works, most of which have been several times reprinted, but are not now in request, except perhaps his
examination of the errors of Pliny, &c. “Plinii et aliorurn
plurimum auctorum qui de simplicibus medicaminibui
scripserunt, crrores notati,
” Bude, 1532, folio, which involved him in a controversy, sustained with his usual
tranquillity; and his “Liber de Epidemia quam Itali morbum Gallicum vocant,
” Venice,
ise “De Figuris Grammaticis,” printed with Ammonius, Leyden, 1739, 4to. He left a son named Potamon, an eminent rhetorician at Rome, in the reign of the emperor Tiberius.
, a native of Mitylene, who flourished in
the first century of the Christian aera, was a disciple of
Timocrates, afterwards became a teacher of philosophy
in his native city, and obtained a great number of scholars. He was author of many books of philosophy, and
Photius says he had read sixteen orations written by
him. Two of these were first published by Aldus, in
his edition of the ancient orators, in 1513; afterwards
by Henry Stephens, with the orations of JEschines, Lysias,
and others; and in 1619, by Gruter. Lesbonax is said.
to have been the author of a treatise “De Figuris
Grammaticis,
” printed with Ammonius, Leyden,
uced to make open profession of the protestant religion at Lausanne in 1657. This so pleased Guerin, an eminent physician, with whom he lodged, that he gave him his
, a voluminous writer of history, was
born at Milan, May 29, 1630, of a family once of considerable distinction at Bologna. He was intended for the
church, but was induced to make open profession of the
protestant religion at Lausanne in 1657. This so pleased
Guerin, an eminent physician, with whom he lodged, that
he gave him his daughter for a wife; and Leti, settling at
Geneva in 1660, passed nearly twenty years in that city
employed on many of his publications. In 1674, the freedom of the city was presented to him, which had never
before been granted to any stranger. Five years after he
went to France, and in 1680, to England, where he was
very graciously received by Charles II.; received a large
present in money, and was promised the place of historiographer. On this he wrote his “Teatro Britannico,
” a
history of England; but, this work displeasing the court,
he was ordered to quit the kingdom. Leti then went to
Amsterdam, had the office of historiographer in that city,
and died suddenly June 9, 1701, aged seventy-one. He
was an indefatigable writer, and tells us in his “Belgic
Theatre,
” that three days in the week he spent twelve hours
in writing, and six hours the other three days; whence the
number of his works is prodigious. The greatest part are
written in Italian; among which are, “The Nepotism of
Rome,
” 2 vols. 12mo; “The Universal Monarchy of Louis
XIV.
” 2 vols. 12mo; “The Life of Pope Sixtus V.
” in
Italian, Amsterdam, The
Life of Philip 11. king of Spain,
” 6 vols. 12mo; “Of Charles
V.
”. Amsterdam, Of Queen Elizabeth,
” Amsterdam, History
of Cromwell,
” Life of Giron, duke d'Ossone,
” 3 vols. 12mo; “The French Theatre,*'
7 vols. 4to, a bad work;
” The Belgic Theatre,“2 vols.
4to, equally bad;
” The British Theatre, or History of
England, 11 Amsterdam, 1684, 5 vols. 12mo; in which there
is a capital portrait of queen Elizabeth. It was for this
work that he was sent out of England. “L'ltalia regnante,
”
4 vols. 12mo; “History of the Roman Empire in Germany,
”
4 vols. 4to; “The Cardinalism of the Holy Church,
” 3
vols. 12mo, a violent satire; “History of Geneva,
” 5 vols.
12mo; “The just balance in which are weighed all the
maxims of Rome, and the actions of the living cardinals,
”
4 vols. 12mo; “The Historical Ceremonial,
” 6 vols. 12mo;
“Political Dialogues on the means used by the Italian Republics for their preservation,
” 2 vols. 12mo “An Abridgment of Patriotic virtues,
” 2 vols. 8vo “Fame jealous of
Fortune a panegyric on Louis XIV,
” 4to “A Poem on
the enterprize of the Prince of Orange in England,
” An Eulogy on Hunting,
” 12mo; “Letters,
” 1 vol.
12mo; “The Itinerary of the Court of Rome,
” 3 vols.
8vo “History of the House of Saxony,
” 4 vols. 4to
“History of the House of Brandenburg,
” 4 vols. 4to “The
slaughter of the Innocent reformed,
” 4to “The Ruins of
the Apostolical See,
” Life of pope Sixtus V.
”
Granger, whose character of him we have partly adopted,
relates that Leti being one day at Charles II.'s levee, the
king said to him, “Leti, I hear you are writing the history
of the court of England.
” “Sir,
” said he, “I have been
for some time preparing materials for such a history.
”
“Take care,
” said the king, “that your work give no offence.
” “Sir,
” replied Leti, “I will do what 1 can but
if a man were as wise as Solomon, he would scarce be able
to avoid giving some offence.
” “Why then,
” rejoined the
king, “be as wise as Solomon, write proverbs, not
tories.
”
, an eminent oriental and classical scholar, was born at Utrecht,
, an eminent oriental and classical scholar, was born at Utrecht, April 26, 1624, of reputable parents, who died when he was very young. He studied at the schools and university of Utrecht, and took his degree of master of arts in 1647. To his philosophical course, he then added the study of theology, and particularly the oriental languages, in which he made great proficiency. In 1649, he was admitted among the number of candidates for the ministry, and then went to Amsterdam to acquire a more perfect knowledge of the Hebrew, and of the Jewish customs, availing himself of the instructions of two learned Jews, one of whom, being an Arabian, gave him a favourable opportunity of adding that language to his stock. On his return to Utrecht in January 1650, he was licensed to teach the oriental languages, an honour which induced him to return once more to Amsterdam, to study the Talmud and the Rabbins. In July of the same year, the curators of the university of Utrecht appointed him professor extraordinary of Hebrew. He was required to give only two lectures per week, which, however, he increased to three, and included the oriental languages and theology; and when he received a call to a congregation in Flanders, the curators of the university, unwilling to part with a man of such ability, promoted him to the chair of professor in ordinary, which he filled with great reputation. In 1658 he travelled through the Palatinate and the neighbourhood, and afterwards visited France and England. On his return he married, and had a numerous family. Three of his sons attained considerable eminence, Rodolph as a physician, John William as a counsellor and burgomaster, and James as a divine. After long enjoying a good state of health, the result of temperance and exercise, he was attacked by the nephritic colic, which, afte'r tormenting him for some weeks, occasioned his death, Sept. 30, 1699, in his seventy-fifth year. He was a man of a frank, liberal temper, and benevolent he was very kind to foreign students, particularly those from Hungary, and used to be called the Father of the Hungarians. His manner of teaching was clear and methodical; and by that, and a strict discipline, he produced many eminent scholars.
, an eminent French surgeon and accoucheur, was born in 1703, and
, an eminent French surgeon and
accoucheur, was born in 1703, and was admitted a member
of the royal academy of surgery at Paris in February 1742.
He obtained a hiu;h and extensive reputation in his department of the art by the improvements which he made in
some of the instruments necessary to be employed in certain difficult cases (especially the forceps), and by the prodigious number of pupils whom he instructed. He was
employed and honoured with official appointments by all
the female branches of the royal family. He published
several works, which underwent various editions and translations. 1 “Observations sur les causes et les accidens
deplusieurs accouchemens laborieux,
” Paris, Observations on the
lever of Roonhuysen.
” 2. “Observations sur la cure radicale de plusieurs polypes de la matrice, de la gorge, et du
nez, operée par de nouveaux nioyens,
” ibid. Suite des observations sur les causes et les accidens
de plusieurs accouchemens laborieux,
” ibid. Explication de plusieurs figures sur le mechanisme de la
grossesse, et de Paccouchement,
” ibid. L'Art
des accouchemens démontré par des principes de physique
et de mechanique,
” ibid. Essai sur Tabus
des regies generales, et centre les prejuges qui s’opposent
aux progres de Tart des accouchemens,
” ibid.
, an eminent lawyer in the early part of the seventeenth century,
, an eminent lawyer in
the early part of the seventeenth century, was the sixth
and youngest son of Henry Ley, esq. of Tesfont Evias, in
Wiltshire, and was born about 1552. In 1569 he entered
of Brazen-nose college, Oxford, whence he removed to
Lincoln’s-inn, studied the law, and was appointed Lent
reader in 1601, after which his learning and abilities raised
him to the highest rank of his profession. In 1603, he
was made serjeant at law, and the year following chief justice of the king’s bench in Ireland; on the ancient history
of which country he appears to have bestowed some attention, and collected with a view to publication, “The An.nals of John Clynne, a Friar Minor of Kilkenny,
” who lived
in the reign of Edward III.; the “Annals of the Priory of
St. John of Kilkenny,
” and the “Annals of Multiferman,
Rosse, and Clonmell.
” All these he had caused to be transcribed, but his professional engagements prevented his
preparing them for the press. They afterwards fell into
the hands of Henry earl of Bath. Extracts from them are
in Dublin college library.
mathematical works of Samuel Foster, astronomical professor in Gresham college. He afterwards became an eminent author himself, and appears to have been the most universal
, who was originally a printer
in London, published several of the mathematical works of
Samuel Foster, astronomical professor in Gresham college.
He afterwards became an eminent author himself, and
appears to have been the most universal mathematician of
his time. He published many mathematical treatises in
the seventeenth century. Among these his “Cursus Mathematicus
” was esteemed the best system of the kind extant. His “Panarithmologia; or, Trader’s sure Guide,
”
being tables ready cast up, was long in use. It was formed
upon a plan of his own, and has been adopted by Mr.
Bareme in France. The seventh edition was published in
1741. We have no account of his birth or death.
, an eminent protestant divine, was born January 25, 1652, at Middleburg.
, an eminent protestant divine, was born January 25, 1652, at Middleburg. He
acquired great skill in controversy and ecclesiastical antiquity, and wrote much against the Socinians and other sectaries. He was one of Frederic Spanheim’s friends, and
appointed professor of divinity at Utrecht, 1678. He died
January 6, 1721, aged sixty-nine. The following are the
principal among his numerous Latin works: 1. a treatise
“On the Hebrew Republic,
” Amsterdam, 17 14 and 1716, 2
vols. fol. a very valuable work for the history of Judaism.
2. “Fax veritatis,
” Ludg. Batav. A Continuation of the Ecclesiastical History began by Hornius,
”
Francfort, curious, and full of interesting inquiries. 5.
” Synopsis
controversiarum de fredere.“6. A
” Commentary in the
Heidelburg Catechism.“7. A
” Dissertation against Becker’s World bewitched.“8.
” An Analysis of Scripture,“with the
” Art of Preaching.“9. A
” History of Jansenism,“Utrecht, 1695, 8vo. What Leydecker says in this work
against the sovereignty of kings, has been refuted by P.
Quesnel, in his
” Sovereignty of Kings defended," Paris,
1704, 12mo.
, an eminent antiquary, born about 1670, was a native of South Wales,
, an eminent antiquary, born about
1670, was a native of South Wales, and the son of Charles
Lhuyd, esq. of Lhanvorde. In 1687 he commenced his
academical studies at Jesus college, Oxford, where he was
created M. A. July 21, 1701. He studied natural history
under Dr. Plot, whom he succeeded as keeper of the Ashmolean museum in 1690. He bad the use of all Vaughan’s
collections, and, with incessant labour and great exactness,
employed a considerable part of his life in searching into
the Welsh antiquities, had perused or collected a great
deal of ancient and valuable matter from their Mss. transcribed all the old charters of their monasteries that he
could meet with, travelled several times over Wales, Cornwall, Scotland, Ireland, Armoric Bretagne, countries inhabited by the same people, compared their antiquities,
and made observations on the whole. In March 1708-9,
he was elected, by the university of Oxford, esquire beadle
of divinity, a place of considerable profit, which, however,
he enjoyed but a few months. He died July 1709, an
event which prevented the completion of many admirable
designs. For want of proper encouragement, he did very
little towards understanding the British bards, having seert
but one of those of the sixth century, and not being able
to procure access to two of the principal libraries in the
country. He communicated, however, many observations
to bishop Gibson, whose edition of the Britannia he revised; and published “Archasologia Britannica, giving
some account additional to what has been hitherto published of the languages, histories, and customs, of the
original inhabitants of Great Britain, from collections and
observations in travels through Wales, Cornwall, Bas Bretagne, Ireland, and Scotland, Vol, I. Glossography *.
”
Oxford, Lithophylacii Britannici Iconographia,
” prselectio
” on the same subject.
Breslaw, Liddel made uncommon progress in his favourite study of mathematics, under Paul Wittichius, an eminent professor.
, professor of mathematics, and of medicine, in the university of Helmstadt, the son of John Liddel, a reputable citizen of Aberdeen, was born there in 1561, and educated in the languages and philosophy at the schools and university of Aberdeen. In 1579, having a great desire to visit foreign countries, he went from Scotland to Dantzic, and thence through Poland to Francfort on the Oder, where John Craig, afterwards first physician to James VI. king of Scotland, then taught logic and mathematics. By his liberal assistance Mr. Liddei was enabled to continue at the university of Francfort for three years, during which he applied himself very diligently to mathematics and philosophy under Craig and the other professors, and also entered upon the study of physic. In 1582, Dr. Craig being about to return to Scotland, sent Liddel to prosecute his studies at Wratislow, or Breslaw, in Silesia, recommending him to the care of that celebrated statesman, Andreas Dudithius; and during his residence at Breslaw, Liddel made uncommon progress in his favourite study of mathematics, under Paul Wittichius, an eminent professor.
, an eminent English grammarian, was born at Odiham, in Hampshire,
, an eminent English grammarian, was born at Odiham, in Hampshire, about 1468.
After a good foundation of school-learning, he was sent to
Magdalen -college, Oxford, and admitted a demy there at
the age of eighteen. Having taken the degree of B. A. he
quitted the university, and went, for religion’s sake, to
Jerusalem, as Pits, and after him Wood, Tanner, and
others have asserted; but Bale, from whom Pits copied,
gives no such reason for Lily’s journey. It is indeed most
probable, that he travelled eastward with an intention to
acquire some knowledge of the Greek language, especially
as he continued five years in the island of Rhodes with no
other design. At Rhodes he found several learned men
who had taken refuge there, under the protection of the
knights, after the taking of Constantinople; and here he
became acquainted with the domestic life and familiar
conversation of the Greeks. He went thence to Rome;
and improved himself farther in the Latin and Greek
tongues under John Sulpitius and Pomponius Sabinus. On
his arival in England, in 1509, he settled in London, and
taught a private grammar-school, being the first teacher of
Greek in the metropolis. In this he had so much success
and reputation, that he was appointed first-master of St.
Paul’s school. by the founder, Dr. Culet, in 1510. This
laborious and useful employment he filled for the space of
twelve years; and in that time educated a great many
youths, some of whom proved the greatest men in the nation, as Thomas Lupset, sir Anthony Denny, sir William
Paget, sir Edward North, John Leland, &c. He died of
the plague at London in February 1523, aged 54, and was
buried in the north yard of St. Paul’s. He is highly praised
by Erasmus for his uncommon knowledge in the languages,
and admirable skill in the instruction of youth. He was
very intimate with sir Thomas More, to whose Latin translations of several Greek epigrams are prefixed some done
by Lily, printed with this title, “Progymnasmata Thorns
Mori & Gulielmi Lilii, Sodalium,
” Basil,
, an eminent mnsic professor and organist, long resident at Bath,
, an eminent mnsic professor and organist, long resident at Bath, where he had served an apprenticeship under Chilcot, the organist of that city, was a
studious man, equally versed in the theory and practice
of his art. Having a large family of children, in whom he
found the seeds of genius had been planted by nature, and
the gift of voice, in order to cultivate this, he pointed
his studies to singing, and became the best singing-master
of his time, if we may judge by the specimens of “his
success in his own family. He was not only a masterly
player on the organ and harpsichord, but a good composer,
as his elegies and several compositions for Drury-lane
theatre evinced. His son Thomas, who was placed under
Nardini at Florence, the celebrated disciple of Tartini,
was a fine performer on the violin, with a talent for composition, which, if he had lived to develope, would have
given longevity to his fame. Being at Grimsthorpe, in
Lincolnshire, at the seat of the duke of Ancaster, where
he often amused himself in rowing, fishing, and sailing in a
boat on a piece of water, in a squall of wind, or by some accident, the boat was overset, and this amiable and promising
youth was drowned at an early age, to the great affliction
of his family and friends, particularly his matchless sister,
Mrs. Sheridan, whom this calamity rendered miserable for
a long time; during which, her affection and grief appeared in verses of the most sweet and affecting kind on
the sorrowful event. The beauty, talents, and mental
endowments of this
” Sancta Caecilia rediviva," will be
remembered to the last hour of all who heard, or even saw
and conversed with her. The tone of her voice and expressive manner of singing were as enchanting as her
countenance and conversation. In her singing, with a
mellifluous-toned voice, a perfect shake and intonation,
she was possessed of the double power of delighting an
audience equally in pathetic strains and songs of brilliant
execution, which is allowed to very tew singers. When
she had heard the Agujari and the Danzi, afterwards madame le Brun, she astonished all hearers by performing
their bravura airs, extending the natural compass of her
voice a fourth above the highest note of the harpsichord,
before additional keys were in fashion. Mrs. Sheridan
died at Bristol in 1792.
, an eminent historical painter, was born at Florence, probably about
, an eminent historical painter,
was born at Florence, probably about the beginning of the
fifteenth century, as he was a scholar of, and of course
nearly contemporary with, Massaccio. At the age of sixteen, being entered a noviciate in the convent of Carmelites at Florence, he had there an opportunity of seeing
that extraordinary artist at work upon the astonishing frescoes with which he adorned the chapel of Brancacci, in the
church there; and being eager to embrace the art, such
was his success, that after the death of his master, it was
said by common consent, that the soul of Massaccio still
abode with Fra. Filippo. He now forsook the habit of his
convent, and devoted himself entirely to painting; but his
studies were for a time disturbed by his being unfortunately
taken, while out on a party of pleasure, by some Moors,
and carried prisoner to Barbary; where he remained in
slavery eighteen months. But having drawn, with a piece
of charcoal, the portrait of his master upon a wall, the
latter was so affected by the novelty of the performance,
and its exact resemblance, that, after exacting a few more
specimens of his art, he generously restored him to his
liberty. On his return home he painted some works for
Alphonso, king of Calabria. He employed himself also in
Padua; but it was in his native city of Florence that his
principal works were performed. He was employed by
the grand duke Cosmo di Medici, who presented his pictures to his friends; and one to pope Eugenius IV. He
was also employed to adorn the palaces of the republic, the
churches, and many of the houses of the principal citizens;
among whom his talents were held in high estimation. He
was the first of the Florentine painters who attempted to
design figures as large as life, and the first who remarkably
diversified the draperies, and who gave his figures the air
of antiques. It is to be lamented that such a man should
at last perish by the consequences of a guilty amour he
indulged in at Spoleto; where he was employed at the
cathedral to paint the chapel of the blessed virgin. This
is differently told by different writers, some saying that he
seduced a nun who sat to him for a model of the virgin,
and others that the object of his passion was a married
woman. In either case, it is certain that he was poisoned by
the relations of the lady whose favours he was supposed to
enjoy. Lorenzo di Medici erected a marble tomb in the
cathedral to his memory, which Politian adorned with a
Latin epitaph. His son Lippi Filippo, was renowned for
excellent imitations of architectural ornaments. He died
in 1505, at the age of forty-five. There was also a Florentine painter, Lorenzo Lippi, born in 1606, and likewise
a great musician and a poet. In the latter character he
published “II Malmantile racquistato,
” which is considered as a classical work in the Tuscan language. He died
in 1664.
, an eminent English musical composer in the time of Charles II.
, an eminent English musical composer in the time of Charles II. was a native of Exeter, and became a chorister in the cathedral of that city. He had afterwards instructions in music from Edward Gibbons; and had so much distinguished himself as a professor of abilities, that we are told he was appointed to compose the music for the public entry of the king at the restoration.
, a very useful, if not an eminent engraver, was a native of Dantzic, and born probably
, a very useful, if not an eminent
engraver, was a native of Dantzic, and born probably in
1635. He is said to have received some instructions from
Simon Pass, in Denmark. Passing through Holland, he
studied under Hondius, and came to England before the
restoration. Being at Oxford, and making a drawing for
himself of All-souls college, he was taken notice of, and
invited to undertake plates of all the colleges and public
buildings of that university, which he executed, and by
which he first distinguished himself. He afterwards performed the same for Cambridge, where he is said to have
hurt his eye-sight in delineating the fine chapel of King’s
college. He also engraved on eleven folio plates, the academical habits of Oxford, from the doctor to the lowest
servant. At Oxford he was much caressed, obtained a licence for vending his “Oxonia Illustrata,
” for fifteen
years, and on July 9, 1672, was matriculated as universityengraver, by the name of “David Loggan, Gedanensis.
”
He was the most considerable engraver of heads in his
time, but their merit as work* of art has not been rated
very high. His “Oxonia
” and “Cantabrigia illustrata,
”
however, will perpetuate his name, and his correctness may
still be traced in those colleges which have not undergone
alterations. He married a Mrs. Jordan, of a good family
near Witney, in Oxfordshire, and left at least one son,
who was fellow of Magdalen-college, Oxford, and B. D.
in 1707. Loggan died in Leicester-fields, where he had
resided in the latter part of his days, either in 1693 or
1700, for Vertue gives both dates in different places.
swer, we are told, was so pleasing to God, that he immediately bestowed on him the gift of wisdom in an eminent degree; and he was able to instruct all men, by a multitude
, sometimes called
Abre Anam, or father of Anam, was a philosopher of great
account among the Easterns, but his personal history is
involved in much obscurity, and what we have is probably
fabulous. Some say he was an Abyssinian of Ethiopia or
Nubia, and was sold as a slave among the Israelites, in
the reigns of David and Solomon. According to the Arabians, he was tlje son of Baura, son or grandson of a sister
or aunt of Job. Some say he worked as a carpenter, others
as a tailor, while a third sort will have him to be a shepherd; however that be, he was certainly an extraordinary
person, endowed with great wisdom and eloquence, and
we have an account of the particular manner in which he
received these divine gifts; being one day asleep about
noon, the angels saluted Lokman without making themselves visible, in these terms: “We are the messengers
of God, thy creator and ours; and he has sent us to declare to thee that he will make thee a monarch, and his
vice-gerent upon earth.
” Lokman replied, “If it is by
an absolute command of God that I am to become such a
one as you say, his will be done in all things; and I hope
if this should happen, that he will bestow on me all the
grace necessary for enabling me to execute his commands
faithfully; however, if he would grant me the liberty to
chuse my condition of life, I had rather continue in my
present state, and be kept from offending him; otherwise,
all the grandeur and splendours of the world would be
troublesome to me.
” This answer, we are told, was so
pleasing to God, that he immediately bestowed on him the
gift of wisdom in an eminent degree; and he was able to
instruct all men, by a multitude of maxims, sentences,
and parables, amounting to ten thousand in number, every
one of which his admirers reckon greater than the whole
world in value.
, an eminent French historian and bibliographer, was born at Paris,
, an eminent French historian and
bibliographer, was born at Paris, April 19, 1665. His
mother dying while he was very young, his father married
again, and entrusted his education to one of his relations,
a priest, who was director of the religious at Estampes.
After he had been taught grammar and Latin for two or
three years under this ecclesiastic, his father sent him to
Malta, with a view to procure him admission among the
clerks of the order of St. John of Jerusalem. He had
scarcely arrived here when the plague broke out, to which
he incautiously exposed himself; but although he escaped
the contagion, he fancied that the air of Malta did not
agree with him, and obtained leave of his superiors to return to Paris, where he might prosecute his studies in the
classics, philosophy, and divinity. As he had not taken
the vows in the order of St. John, he had no sooner completed his studies at home, than he entered into the congregation of the oratory. His year of probation being
passed, he was sent to the college of Jully, where he
taught mathematics, and went afterwards to the seminary
of Notre Dame des Vertus, where he employed his leisure
time in study, particularly of philosophy, which brought
him acquainted with father Malbranche. On his return
to Paris he was appointed to the care of the library belonging to the fathers of the oratory, a place for which he was
admirably qualified, as he was not only acquainted with
Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and the Chaldean, but with the
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and English languages, and
had a very extensive knowledge of literary history, of books,
editions, and printing. The continual pains, however,
which he bestowed on this library, and on his own publications, undermined his constitution, which was originally
delicate, and brought on a complaint in the chest, which
proved fatal, Aug. 13, 1721, in the fifty. sixth year of his
life. His time for many years had been divided between
devotion and study; he allowed very little to sleep, and
less to the table. Although a man of extensive knowledge,
and often consulted, he was equally modest and unaffected.
In all his researches he shewed much acuteness and judgment, but the course of his studies had alienated him from
works of taste and imagination, for which he had little relish. His principal object was the ascertaining of truth in
matters of literary history; and the recovery of dates and
other minutiae, on which he was frequently obliged to
bestow the time that seemed disproportionate, was to him
a matter of great importance, nor was he to be diverted
from such accuracy by his friend Malbranche, who did not
think philosophy concerned in such matters. “Truth,
”
said Le Long, “is so valuable, that we ought not to
neglect it even in trifles.
” His works are, 1. “Methode
Hebraique du P. Renou,
” Bibliotheca
Sacra, sive syllabus omnium ferme Sacrse Scripture eclitionum ac versionum,
” Paris, Discours historique sur les principales Editions des Bibles
Polyglottes,
” Paris, Histoire des demelez du pape Boniface VIII. avec Philippe Le Bel, roi de France,
” 1718, 12mo, a posthumous
work of M. Baillet, to which Le Long added some documents illustrating that period of French history. 5. “Bibliotheque Historique de France,
”
, an eminent astronomer, was born at Longomontum, a town in Denmark,
, an eminent astronomer, was born at Longomontum, a town in Denmark,
whence he took his name, in 1562. Vossius, by mistake,
calls him Christopher. He was the son of Severinus, a
poor labourer, and was obliged to divide his time between
following the plow and attending to the lessons which the
minister of the parish gave him, by which he profited so
much as to acquire considerable knowledge, especially in
the mathematics. At length, when he was fifteen, he
stole from his family, and went to Wiburg, where there
was a college, in which he spent eleven years, supporting
himself by his talents: and on his removing thence to
Copenhagen, the professors of this university soon conceived a high esteem for him, and recommended him
to Tycho Brahe, who received him very kindly. He lived
eight years with this eminent astronomer, and assisted him
so much in his observations and calculations, that Tycho
conceived a very particular affection for him, and having
left his native country to settle in Germany, he was desirous of having the company of Longomontanus, who accordingly attended him. Afterwards being, in 1600, desirous of a professor’s chair in Denmark, Tycho generously
consented to give up his assistant and friend, with the
highest testimonies of his merit, and supplied him plentifully with money for his journey. On his return to Denmark, he deviated from his road, in order to view the
places whence Copernicus had made his astronomical
observations; and passed so much time in this journey, that
it was not till 1605 that he was nominated to the professorship of mathematics in the university of Copenhagen. In
this situation he continued till his death, in 1647, when
he was eighty-five years old. He married, and had children; but the whole of his family died before him. He
was the author of several works, in mathematics and astronomy. His “Astronomia Danica,
” first printed in Christianus Longomontanus
Severini films.
”
, an eminent Italian poet, was born at Home, Oct. 12, 1680. He was
, an
eminent Italian poet, was born at Home, Oct. 12, 1680.
He was in his twenty-second year received into the society
of the Jesuits, among whom he had been educated, but
owing to bad health, was obliged to quit them, and after
much consideration, and a conflict with his taste, which was
decide.ily for polite literature, he studied and practised the
law for some time, until iiis inclination for more favourite
studies returning, he entered, in 1705, into the academy
of the Arcadi, the chief object of which was the reformation of the bad taste which had infected Italian poetry.
He is said to have excelled in melo-dramas, or pieces on
religious subjects, adapted to being sung, written in the
Latin language; and has been denominated the Michael
Angelo of Italian poets, on account of the boldness and
energy of his expressions. In 1728, on the death of Crescembini, he was chosen president of the academy, and besides founding five academical colonies in the neighbouring
towns, instituted a private weekly meeting of the Arcadi,
at which the plays of Plautus or Terence, in the original
language, were performed by youths trained for the purpose But the want of a regular profession, and his constant attendance to these pursuits, often deranged his
finances; and he appears not to have acquired permanent
patronage until cardinal Borghese enrolled him among his
noble domestics, and paid him liberally. In 1741, he took
up his residence in the Borghese palace, where he died in
June 1743. His Italian poems, which are much admired,
have been printed at Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, &c.
and in many of the collections. His Latin “Sacred Dramas
”
were separately published at Rome; and his other Latin
poetry, among those of the academicians of the Arcadi.
, an eminent sculptor, was born at Paris in November 1666. From his
, an eminent sculptor, was born at Paris in November 1666. From his infancy he made so rapid a progress in the art of designing, that, at eighteen, the celebrated Girardon intrusted him with the care of teaching his children, and of correcting the designs of his disciples. He committed to him also, in conjunction with Noulisson, the execution of the famous tomb of cardinal Richelieu in the Sorbonne, and of his own tomb at St. Landres, in Paris. On his return from Rome, he finished several pieces at Marseilles, which had been left imperfect by the death of M. Pu-get. He was received into the academy of sculpture, Oct. 1701, when he composed his Galatea for his chef d'ceuvre, a work universally esteemed. Lorrain afterwards made a Bacchus for the gardens at Versailles, a fawn for those at Marli, and several bronzes; among others, an Andromeda, &c. The academy elected him professor May 29, 1717; and he died their governor June 1, 1743, aged 77.
, an eminent French surgeon, was born at Metz, February 13, 1723.
, an eminent French surgeon, was
born at Metz, February 13, 1723. He attained to great
reputation in his profession, and was honoured with the numerous appointments of secretary of the royal academy of
surgery at Paris, consulting surgeon to the king’s forces,
surgeon-major to the hospital La Charité, doctor in surgery
of the faculty of Halle, in Saxony, honorary member of the
royal college of physicians of Nancy, and member of many
of the learned societies, not only in France, but in foreign
countries. He died, May 20, 1792, and desired to be interred among the poor in the burial-ground of the hospital
de la Salpetriere. In addition to the surgical part of the
“Encyclopédie,
” which M. Louis wrote, and to several
interesting papers presented to the academy of surgery, he
was author pf a great number of works on medical, chirnrgical, and anatomical subjects, the principal of which we
shall mention 1. “Observations sur l'Electrical,
” &c.
Paris, Essai sur la Nature de PAme, oft
l‘on tache d’expliquer son union avec le corps,
” ibid. Cours de Chirurgie pratique sur les plaies
d'armes a feu,
” ibid. Observations et llemarques sur les eHets du virus cancereux,
” &c. ibid. Posiiiones Anatomico-chirurgicae de capite ejusque
vulneribus,
” ibid. Lettre sur la certitude des
signes de la mort, avec des observations et des experiences
sur les noyes,
” ibid. Experiences sur la
Lithotomie,
” Memoire sur une question anatomique, relatif a la jurisprudence,
” &.c. Memoire sur la lgitimite des naissances
pr^tendues tardives,
” Recueil d‘Observations d’Anatomie et de Chirurgie, pour servir de base
a la Theorie des lesions de la t^te par contrecoup,
” Histoire de PAcademie Royale de Chirurgie depuis
son dtablissement jusqu'en 1743,
” printed in the fourth
volume of the memoirs. His last publication was a translation of M. Astruc’s work “De Morbis Venereis,
” into
French. In addition to these works, M. Louis also translated Boerhaave’s Aphorisms of Surgery, with Van Swieten’s Commentary; and wrote several eulogies on deceased
members of the academy of surgery, and various controversial tracts, especially concerning the disputes between
the physicians and surgeons of Paris, in 1748, &.C.
ation just mentioned, with his zoological collections, came into the possession of Mr. George Paton, an eminent antiquary of Edinburgh, after whose decease they were
In 1774- he was ordained minister of Birsay and Haray,
a parish in Pomona, or main-land of Orkney, and from
this time devoted himself to the duties of his charge, which
he continued to fulfil for the remainder of his lite. He
employed his leisure chiefly in the study of nature, and his
success was highly creditable, considering the many disadvantage-; of a remote situation. Sir Joseph Banks, with
his accrstouied zeal for the promotion of science, introduced him to Mr. Pennant, by whose advice he engaged
to un n nake a “Fauna Orcadensis,
” and a “Flora Orcadensi.s,
” ti.e Hrst of which was published in Flora
” iias not been discovered. A tour through the islands of Orkney and Shetland,
Containing hints relating to their ancient, modern, and
natural history, was also prepared by Mr. Low for the
press, and previous to his decease, he made a translation
of Torfeus’s “-History of Orkney.
” The Mss. of the
“Fauna,
” the tour and the translation just mentioned,
with his zoological collections, came into the possession of
Mr. George Paton, an eminent antiquary of Edinburgh,
after whose decease they were purchased by different persons. Mr. Low died in 1795. His “Fauna
” forms a very
interesting and valuable addition to the natural history of
the British islands.
, an eminent physician and anatomist, was born at Tremere, in Cornwall,
, an eminent physician and anatomist, was born at Tremere, in Cornwall, about 1631. He
was descended from a good family, and received a liberal
education, being admitted as king’s scholar at Westminster
school, and thence elected to Christ-church college, Oxford, in 1649, where he took the degree of M. A. in 1655,
and then studied medicine. The celebrated Dr. Willis,
who employed him as coadjutor in his dissections, found
him so able an assistant, that he afterwards became his
steady friend and patron, and introduced him into practice. In 1665, Lower took the degree of M. D.; and in
the same year published a defence of Dr. Willis’s work on
fevers, entitled “Diatribae Thomae Willisii M. D. et Prof.
Oxon. de Febribus Vindicatio adversus Edm. de Meara
Ormondiensem Hibern. M. D.
” 8vo, a work of considerable learning and force of argument, but not without some
fallacies, as he afterwards himself admitted. But his most
important work was, his “Tractatus de Corde, item de
motu et calore Sanguinis, et Chyli in eum transitu,
” which
was first printed in London in
youngest brother of Seneca the philosopher; and his mother, Acilia, was daughter of Acilius Lucanus, an eminent orator, from which our author took his name. When only
, a celebrated Roman poet, was a native of Cordova, in Spain, where he was born Nov. lh> in the year 37. His father Annseus Mela, a Roman knight, a man of distinguished merit and interest in his country, was the youngest brother of Seneca the philosopher; and his mother, Acilia, was daughter of Acilius Lucanus, an eminent orator, from which our author took his name. When only eight months old he was carried to Rome and carefully educated under the ablest masters in grammar and rhetoric, a circumstance which renders it singular that critics have endeavoured to impute the defects in his style to his being a Spaniard; but it is certain that his whole education was Roman. His first masters were Palaemon, the grammarian, and Flavius Virginius, the rhetorician. He then studied under Cornutus, from whom he imbibed the sentiments of the stoic school, and probably derived the lofty and free strain by which he is so much distinguished. It is said he completed his education at Athens. Seneca, then tutor to the emperor Nero, obtained for him the office of quaestor: he was soon after admitted to the college of augurs, and considered to be in the full career of honour and opulence. He gave proofs of poetical talents at a very early age, and acquired reputation by several compositions; a circumstance peculiarly unfortunate for him, as it clashed with the vanity of the emperor, who valued himself on his powers as a poet and musician. On one occasion Lucan was so imprudent as to recite one of his own pieces, in competition with Nero; and as the judges honestly decided in favour of Lucan, Nero forbad him to repeat any more of his verses in public, and treated him with so much indignity that Lucan no more looked up to him with the respect due to a patron and a sovereign, but took a part in the conspiracy of Piso and others against the tyrant; which being discovered, he was apprehended among the other conspirators. Tacitus and other authors have accused him of endeavouring to free himself from punishment by accusing his own mother, and involving her in the crime of which he was guilty. Mr. Hayley has endeavoured to rescue his name from so terrible a charge; and it is more likely that it was a calumny raised by Nero’s party to ruin his reputation. Be this as it may, his confessions were ofno avail, and no favour was granted him but the choice of the death he would die; and he chose the same which had terminated the life of his uncle Seneca. His veins were accordingly opened; and when he found himself growing cold and faint through loss of blood, he repeated some of his own lines, describing a wounded soldier sinking in a similar manner. He died in the year 65, and in the twentyseventh year of his age. Of the various poems of Lucan, none but his Pharsalia remain, which is an account of the civil wars between Caesar and Pompey, but is come down to us in an unfinished state. Its title to the name of an epic poem has been disputed by those critics, who, from the examples of Homer and Virgil, have maintained that machinery, or the intervention of supernatural agency, is essential to that species of composition. Others, however, have thought it rather too fastidious to refuse the epic name to a poem because not exactly conformable to those celebrated examples. Blair objects, tliat although Lucan’s subject is abundantly heroic, he cannot be reckoned happy in the choice of it, because it has two defects, the one its being too near the times in which he lived, which deprived him of the assistance of fiction and machinery; the other that civil wars, especially when as fierce and cruel as those of the Romans, present too many shocking objects to be fit for epic poetry, gallant and honourable achievements being a more proper theme for the epic muse. But Lucan’s genius seems to delight in savage scenes, and he even goes out of his way to introduce a long episode of Marius and Sylla’s proscriptions, which abounds with all the forms of atrocious cruelty. On the merits of the poetry itself there are various opinions. Considered as a school book, Dr. Warton has classed it with Statins, Claudian, and Seneca the tragedian, authors into whose works no youth of genius should ever be suffered to look, because, by their forced conceits, by their violent metaphors, by their swelling epithets, by their want of a just decorum, they have a strong tendency to dazzle and to mislead inexperienced minds, and tastes unformed, from the true relish of possibility, propriety, simplicity and nature. On the other hand it has been said, that although Lucan certainly possesses neither the fire of Homer, nor the melodious numbers of Virgil, yet if he had lived to a maturer age, his judgment as well as his genius would have been improved, and he might have claimed a more exalted rank among the poets of the Augustan age. His expressions are bold and animated; his poetry entertaining; and it has been asserted that he was never perused without the warmest emotions, by any whose minds were in unison with his own.
, of Udina in the Venetian territory, was an eminent scholar in the sixteenth century. He was born in 1523,
, of Udina in the Venetian territory, was an eminent scholar in the sixteenth
century. He was born in 1523, and was remarkable for
the integrity of his life, part of which was employed in
teaching Greek and Latin at Reggio: he was afterwards
secretary to the duke of Parma, and died in 1568, at the
age of forty-five. He wrote, 1. “Parergon libri tres,
” inserted in the third volume of Gruter’s “Fax Critica;
” and
consisting of illustrations of various obscure passages in
ancient authors. 2. A Latin commentary on Horace’s Art
of Poetry, published in 4to, at Venice, in 1544. 3. A
treatise “de componendis Animi affectibus,
” Bale, 1562,
in 8vo.
, an eminent scholar, was the son of William Lupset, goldsmith and
, an eminent scholar, was the son
of William Lupset, goldsmith and citizen of London. He
was born in the parish of St. Mildred’s, Bread-street, in
1498, and was educated at St. Paul’s school under the
celebrated Lily. After this he is supposed to have studied some time at Pembroke-hall, Cambridge, whence he
went to Paris, and took his bachelor’s degree in arts. On
his return to England, he settled, about 1519, in Corpus
Christi college, Oxford, and succeeded John Clement in
the place of lecturer in rhetoric, founded by cardinal Wolsey; and such appears to have been his reputation, that the
university publicly thanked the cardinal for his recommendation of so able a man. In 1521 he proceeded M. A.
When Richard Pace was sent agent to Italy, Lupset accompanied him as his secretary, and in the course of his
travels became acquainted with many of the most learned
men of the time, particularly Pole, afterwards cardinal,
sir Thomas More, and Erasmus. After returning to
England, He was sent to France by cardinal Wolsey, as tutor
to his natural son Thomas Winter. In 1529 he was presented to the living of St. Martin’s Ludgate, and in 1530
was made prebend of Salisbury. He died in the flower of
his age, Dec. 27, 1532, having scarcely completed his
thirty-sixth year. He was reputed a man of very general
learning, and of great piety, modesty, and candour, in
all which respects Lelaiul and sir Thomas More have celebrated his praises. Wood says that he left a wife named
Alice, and thai she died in 1545.; but this Alice appears to
have been his mother. Lupset, being in priest’s orders,
and a prebendary of Salisbury, could not have been married. Wood likewise doubts his having studied at Cambridge, because Dr. Caius, who mentions this circumstance,
does not give his authority; but Caius was his contemporary at that university, and is, therefore sufficient authority
for the fact. Of his works, the following have been printed:
1. A Treatise of Charity,“1546, 8vo. a.
” An Exhortation to young Men,“1540, 8vu 3. V A. treatise teaching
how to die well,
” 1534. 4. “Epistolie varive,
” dated from
Corpus Christi college, and printed in “Epist. aliquot eruditorum vivorum,
” Basil,
ously in every part of his behaviour, that even his enemies must allow him to have possessed them in an eminent degree. To these may be added, with equal justice, such
On the protestant side, the character given of Luther
by Dr. Robertson, seems, on the whole, the most just and
impartial that has yet appeared. “As he was raised by
Providence,
” says this excellent historian, " to be the author of one of the greatest and most interesting revolutions
recorded in history, there is not any person, perhaps,
whose character has been drawn with such opposite colours.
In his own age, one party, struck with horror aud inflamed
with rage, when they saw with what a daring hand he overturned everything which they held to be sacred, or valued
as beneficial, imputed to him not only the defects and
vices of a man, but the qualities of a demon. The other,
warmed with the admiration and gratitude which they thought
he merited, as the restorer of light and liberty to the
Christian church, ascribed to hiui perfections above the
condition of humanity, and viewed all his actions with a
veneration bordering on that which should be paid only to
those who are guided by the immediate inspiration of heaven. It is his own conduct, not the undistinguishing censure or the extravagant praise of his contemporaries, that
ought to regulate the opinions of the present age concerning him. Zeal for what he regarded as truth; undaunted
intrepidity to maintain his own system; abilities, both natural and acquired, to defend his principles; and unwearied
industry in propagating them; are virtues which shine so
conspicuously in every part of his behaviour, that even his
enemies must allow him to have possessed them in an eminent degree. To these may be added, with equal justice,
such purity and even austerity of manners, as became one
who assumed the character of a reformer; such sanctity of
life as suited the doctrine which he delivered; and such
perfect disinterestedness, as affords no slight presumption
of his sincerity. Superior to all selfish considerations, a
stranger to the elegancies of life, and despising its pleasures, he left the honours and emoluments of the church
to his disciples, remaining satisfied himself in his original
state of professor in the university, and pastor of the town
of Wittemberg, with the moderate appointments annexed
to these offices. His extraordinary qualities were allayed
by no inconsiderable mixture of human frailties and human
passions. These, however, were of such a nature, that
they cannot be imputed to malevolence or corruption of
heart, but seem to have taken their rise from the same
source with many of his virtues. His mind, forcible and
vehement in all its operations, roused by great objects, or
agitated by violent passions, broke out, on many occasions,
with an impetuosity which astonishes men of feebler
spirits, or such as are placed in a more tranquil situation.
By carrying some praise-worthy dispositions to excess, he
bordered sometimes on what was culpable, and was often
betrayed into actions which exposed him to censure. His
confidence that his own opinions were well-founded,
appreached to arrogance; his courage in asserting them, to
rashness; his firmness in adhering to them, to obstinacy;
and his zeal in confuting his adversaries, to rage and scurrility. Accustomed himself to consider every thing as subordinate to truth, he expected the same deference for it
from other men; and, without making any allowances for
their timidity or prejudices, he poured forth against such
as disappointed him in this particular, a torrent of invective
mingled with contempt. Regardless of any distinction of
rank or character when his doctrines were attacked, he
chastised all his adversaries indiscriminately, with the same
rough hand: neither the royal dignity of Henry VIII, nor
the eminent learning and abilities of Erasmus, screened
them from the same gross abuse with which he treated
Tetzel or Eckius.
, an eminent English scholar, was born at Alkrington or Okerton,
, an eminent English scholar, was
born at Alkrington or Okerton, near Banbury in Oxfordshire, in 1572. His father, observing his natural talents,
sent him to Winchester school, where he was admitted a
scholar on the foundation, at thirteen; and, being elected
thence to New-college in Oxford, was put under the tuition
of Dr. (afterwards sir) Henry Martin, who became so well
known during the rebellion. Mr. Lydiat was made probationer fellow in 1591, and two years after, actual fellow.
Then taking his degree in arts, he applied himself to
astronomy, mathematics, and divinity, in the last of which
studies he was very desirous of continuing; but, finding a
great defect in his memory and utterance, he chose rather
to resign his fellowship, which he could not hold without
entering the church, and live upon his small patrimony.
This was in 1603; and he spent seven years after in finishing and printing such books as he had begun when in college. He first appeared as an author in 1605, by publishing his “Tractatus de variis annorum formis.
” Of this
he published a defence in Emendatio Temporum ab initio mundi hue usque compendio facta, contra Scaligerum et alios,
”
, an eminent naturalist, was born at Maestricht July 22, 1707. He
, an eminent naturalist, was born at
Maestricht July 22, 1707. He was of a French family,
originally of Lorraine, whence they were obliged to take
refuge in Switzerland, on account of their religion. His
father, Benjamin Lyonet, was a protestant minister at Heufdon. In his early years he displayed uncommon activity
both of body and mind, with a memory so prompt, that he
acquired an exact knowledge of nine languages, ancient
and modern, and in the farther pursuit of his academical
studies at Leyden, made great progress in logic, philosophy, geometry, and algebra. It was his father’s wish that
he should study divinity, with a view to the church, and it
appears that he might have passed by an easy transition to
any of the learned professions. The law, however, was his
ultimate destination; and he applied himself to this with
so much zeal, that he was promoted the first year, when
he delivered a thesis “on the use of the torture,
” which
was published, and gained him considerable reputation.
At what time he settled at the Hague we are not told, but
there he was made decypherer, translator of the Latin and
French languages, and patent-master to the States General.
It was now that he turned his attention to natural history,
especially entomology, and undertook an historical description of such insects as are found about the Hague; and as,
among his other accomplishments, he understood drawing,
he enriched his work with a great number of plates, which
were much admired by the connoisseurs. In 1741 a French
translation of Lesser’s “Theology of Insects
” was printed
at the Hague, which induced Mr. Lyonet to defer the
publication of his own work, and make some observations
on Lesser’s, to which he added two beautiful plates designed by himself. His observations were thought of so
much importance that Reaumur caused the above translation to be reprinted at Paris, merely on account of them.
Lyonet afterwards executed drawings of the fresh water
polypes for Mr. Trembley’s beautiful work, in 1744. Wandelaar had engraved the first five plates of this work, and
being rather dilatory in producing the rest, Lyonet took a
single lesson in engraving, and executed the others himself in a manner which astonished not only amateurs, but
experienced artists. In 1748 his reputation procured him
the honour of being elected a member of the royal society
of London, as he xvas afterwards of other learned societies
in Europe. In 1764- appeared his magnificent work on.
the caterpillar, “Traite anatomique de la Chenille qui
ronge le bois de Saule.
” In order to enable such as might
be desirous of following him in his intricate and astonishing
discoveries respecting the structure of this animal, he published, in the Transactions of the Dutch society of sciences,
at Haerlem, a description and plate of the instrument and
tools he had invented for the purpose of dissection, and
likewise of the method he used to ascertain the degree of
strength of his magnifying glasses. Mr. Lyonet died at the
Hague, Jan. 10, 1789, leaving some other works on entomology unfinished, one of the most extensive collections of
shells in Europe, and a very fine cabinet of pictures. In
his early years, Mr. Lyonet practised sculpture and portrait-painting. Of the former, his Apollo and the Muses,
a basso relievo cut in palm wood, is mentioned by Van
Gool, in his “Review of the Dutch Painters,
” as a masterpiece. To these many accomplishments Mr. Lyonet added
a personal character which rendered him admired during
his long life, and deeply regretted when his friends and
his country were deprived of his services.
, an eminent Greek orator, was born at Syracuse, about the year 459
, an eminent Greek orator, was born at Syracuse, about the year 459 B. C. He was educated at Athens,
and became a teacher of rhetoric, and composed orations
for others, but does not appear to have been a pleader. Of
his orations, which are said to have amounted to three or
four hundred, only thirty-four remain. He died in the
eighty-first year of his age, and in the 378th year B.C.
Cicero and Quintilian give him a very high character, and
suppose that there is nothing of their kind more perfect
than his orations. Lysias lived at a somewhat earlier period
than Isocrates; and exhibits a model of that manner which
the ancients call the “tenuis vel subtilis.
” He has none
of the pomp of Isocrates. He is every where pure and
attic in the highest degree; simple and unaffected; but
wants force, and is sometimes frigid in his compositions. In
the judicious comparison which Dionysius of Halicarnassus makes of the merits of Lysias and Isocrates, he
ascribes to Lysias, as the distinguishing character of
his manner, a certain grace or elegance arising from simplicity: “the style of Lysias has gracefulness for its nature; that of Isocrates seems to have it.
” In the art of
narration, as distinct, probable, and persuasive, he holdsf
Lysias to be superior to all orators; at the same time he
admits, that his composition is more adapted to private
litigation than to great subjects. He convinces, but he
does not elevate nor animate. The magnificence and splendour of Isocrates are more suited to great occasions. He
is more agreeable than Lysias; and in dignity of sentiment far excels him. The first edition of Lysias is that
by Aldus, folio, 1513, in the first part of the “Rhetorum
Gnecorum orationes.
” The best modern editions are that
of Taylor, beautifully and correctly printed by Bowyer, in
1739, 4to; of Reiske, at Leipsic, 1772, 8vo and of
Auger at Paris, 1782. Auger also published an excellent
French translation of Lysias in 1783.
n his return home, he was called to the bar, became an advocate in 1656, and gained the character of an eminent pleader in a few years.
, an ingenious and learned writer, and eminent lawyer of Scotland, was descended from an ancient and noble family, his father Simon Mackenzie being brother to the earl of Seaforth. He was born at Dundee, in the county of Angus, in 1636, and gave early proofs of an extraorJinary genius, having gone through the usual classic authors, at ten years of age. He was then sent to the universities of Aberdeen and St. Andrew’s, where he finished his studies in logic and philosophy before he had attained his sixteenth year. After this, he turned his thoughts to the civil law, and to increase his knowledge of it, travelled into France, and became a close student in the university of Bourges, for about three years. On his return home, he was called to the bar, became an advocate in 1656, and gained the character of an eminent pleader in a few years.
, an eminent mathematician and philosopher, was the son of a clergyman,
, an eminent mathematician and
philosopher, was the son of a clergyman, and born at Kilmodan, near Inverary, in Scotland, Feb. 1698. His family was originally from Tirey, one of the western islands.
He was sent to the university of Glasgow in 1709, where
he continued five years, and applied himself to study in a
most intense manner, particularly to the mathematics. His
great genius for this science discovered itself so early as at
twelve years of age; when, having accidentally met with
a copy of Euclid’s Elements in a friend’s chamber, he
became in a few days master of the first six books without
any assistance: and it is certain, that in his sixteenth year
he had invented many of the propositions, which were
afterwards published as part of his work entitled “Geometria Organica.
” In his fifteenth year, he took the degree of master of arts; on which occasion he composed
and publicly defended a thesis “On the power of gravity,
”
with great applause. After this he quitted the university,
and retired to a country-seat of his uncle, who had the care
of his education, his parents being dead some time. Here
he spent two or three years in pursuing his favourite studies;
and such was his acknowledged merit, that having in 1717
offered himself a candidate for the professorship of mathematics in the Marischal college of Aberdeen, he obtained
it after a ten days trial against a very able competitor. In
1719 he went to London, where he left his “Geometria
Organica
” in the press, and where he became acquainted
with Dr. Hoadly, bishop of Bangor, Dr. Clarke, sir Isaac
Newton, and other eminent men. At the same time he was
admitted a member of the royal society; and in another
journey in 1721, he contracted an intimacy with Martin
Folkes, esq. the president of it, which lasted to his death.
, brother to the preceding, an eminent physician and chemist, was born at Paris, Oct. 9, 171S,
, brother to the preceding, an
eminent physician and chemist, was born at Paris, Oct. 9,
171S, and became a doctor of the' faculty of medicine in
the university of that metropolis, professor of pharmacy,
and censor-royal. He was, likewise, a member of the
academies of sciences of Turin, Stockholm, and Paris, and
conducted the medical and chemical departments of the
Journal des Sgavans. He had the merit of pursuing chemistry as a department of natural philosophy, and was
one of the most successful cultivators of the science, upon
rational principles, previous to the new modelling which it
has received within the last twenty-five years. He died
Feb. 15, 1784, after having suffered much by an internal
complaint, which appeared beyond the reach of skill. On
this account he desired that his body might be opened,
when it was discovered that his disorder was an ossification
of the aorta, with strong concretions formed in the cavity
of the heart. Mr. Macquer’s private character appears to
have been truly amiable in every relation, and few men
were more respected by his contemporaries. He published,
1. “Elemens de Chymie Theorique,
” Elemens de Chymie Pratique,
” 2 vols. 12mo. 3. “Plan
d'un Cours de Chymie experimentale et raisonnee,
” ,
who was associated with him in his lectures. 4.
” Dictionnaire de Chymie,“1766, 2 vols. 8vo. These works
have all been translated into English and German; the
Dictionary particularly, by Mr. Keir, with great additions
and improvements. 5.
” Formulae Medicamentorum Magistralium,“1763 and he had also a share in the compoposition of the
” Pharmacopeia Parisiensis," of 1758.
, better known by the name of Magellan, an eminent navigator, was by birth a Portuguese. He served with
, better known by the name of Magellan, an eminent navigator, was by birth a Portuguese. He served with much reputation during five years under Albuquerque, in the East Indies, particularly at the conquest of Malacca in 1510, but as his services were not well repaid, he accepted from Charles V. king of Spain, the command of a fleet, with which, in 1519, he discovered the straits called after himself at the extremity of South America. Soon after this he took possession of the Ladrone and Philippine islands in the name of Charles V.; and had he acted with prudence, might have had the honour of being accounted the first circumnavigator of the globe. His severities, however, towards the natives of Matan, compelled them to resist; and in the contest Magalhaens received a wound from an arrow in the leg, and being ill supported by his men, he was killed by a lance, in 1521.
, an eminent classical editor, of a foreign family, was born in 1668.
, an eminent classical editor,
of a foreign family, was born in 1668. He was educated
at Westminster school, under Dr. Busby, who kept him
to the study of Greek and Latin some years longer than
usual. He then gained another powerful friend in Dr.
South, for whom he compiled a list of the Greek words
falsely accented in Dr. Sherlock’s books. This so pleased
Dr. South, who was then a canon of Christ church, Oxford,
that he made him a canoneer student (i. e. one introduced by a canon, and not elected from Westminster school),
where he took the degree of M. A. March 23, 1696. From
1695 till 1699, he was second master of Westminsterschool which was afterwards indebted to him for “Græcæ
Linguæ Dialecti, in usum Scholas Westmonastcriensis,
”
1706, 8vo , (a work recommended in the warmest terms by Dr. Knipe to the school over which he presided, “cui se sua omnia debere fatetur sedulus Author
”) and for
“The English Grammar, applied to, and exemplified in,
the English tongue,
” Catalogus Librorum
Manuscriptorum Angliae & Hiberniae,
” Oxon. Librorum Manuscriptorum Ecclesiae
Westmonasteriensis Catalogus. Accurante viro erudito
Michaele Mattaerio.
” But before the volume was published, the whole collection, amounting to 230, given by
bishop Williams, except one, was destroyed by an accidental fire in 1694. In 1699 he resigned his situation at
Westminster-school; and devoted his time solely to literary pursuits. In 1711, he published “Remarks on Mr.
Whision’s Account ef the Convocation’s proceedings with
relation to himself: in a Letter to the right reverend Father in God, George, Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells,
”
8vo; and also “An Essay against Arianism, and some
other Heresies; or a Reply tp Mr. William Whiston’s Historical Preface and Appendix to his Primitive Christianity
revived,
” 8vo. In Stephanorum Historia, vitas ipsorum ac libros complectens,
” 8vo; which was followed in Historia
Typographorum aliquot Parisiensium, vitas & libros complectens,
” 8vo. In Annales Typographic! ab artis
inventae origine ad annum MD. Hagae Com.
” 4to. To this
volume is prefixed, “Epistolaris de antiquis Qnintiliani
editionibus Disseitatio, clarissimo viro D. Johanni Clerico.
”
The second volume, divided into two parts, and continued
to 1536, was published at the Hague in 1702; introduced
by a letter of John Toland, under the title of “Conjectura
verosimilis de prima Typographies Inventione.
” The third
volume, from the same press, in two parts, continued to
1557, and, by an Appendix, to 1564, in 1725. In 1733
was published at Amsterdam what is usually considered as
the fourth volume, under the title of “Annales Typographic! ab artis inventae origine, ad annum 1564, opera Mich.
Maittaire, A. M. Editio nova, auctior & emendatior, tomi
priori pars posterior.
” In 1741 the work was closed at
London, by “Annalium Typographicorum Tomus Quintus
& ultimus; indicem in tomos quatuor praeeuntes complectens;
” divided (like the two preceding volumes) into two
parts.
, an eminent French chemist and physician, was born at Caen in 1701,
, an eminent French chemist
and physician, was born at Caen in 1701, and was the son
of a counsellor, who sent him, when of a proper age, to
study law at Paris. Young Malouin, however, as soon as
he arrived there, without ever informing his father, began
the study of medicine, and pursued it with such success
as well as secrecy, that on his return home in 1730, his
father, whom he had always satisfied in every respect as
to moral conduct, expenses, &c. and who expected to see
him return as a licentiate in law, was astonished to find
him a doctor of medicine, but was obliged at the same
time to yield to a choice which indicated so much zeal
and decision. Nor was this a new profession in the family,
his uncle and grandfather having both been physicians.
After remaining at home about three years, he went again,
to Paris, and assisted Geoffroi in his chemical lectures,
and would probably have succeeded him had he been on
the spot when he died; but it was not until 1767 that he
was appointed in the room of Astruc, who was the
immediate successor of Geoffroi. At Paris, where he got iiitd
practice, it lay much among literary men, whom he found
generally very incredulous in the virtues of medicine.
Malouin, who was a perfect enthusiast in his art, had
many contests with them on this account. When a certain
great philosopher had been cured by taking Malouin’s prescriptions for a considerable time, and came to acknowledge the obligation, Malouin embraced him and exclaimed, “you deserve to be sick.
” (Vous etes digne d'etre maladej. He could not, however, bear those who, after being cured, indulged their pleasantries at the expehce of the faculty, and he broke off his acquaintance with an eminent writer* who had been his patient, on this account. On another occasion, when one of these wits with whom he had had a warm dispute about his favourite art, and had quarrelled, fell ill, Malouin sought him out, and
his first address was, “I know you are ill, and that your
case has been improperly treated; I am now come to visit
you, although I hate you; but I will cure you, and after
that never see your face more,
” and he kept his word in all
these points. This was, however, in him pure enthusiasm,
without any mixture of quackery. His liberal conduct and
talents were universally acknowledged, and he filled with
great reputation the honourable offices of professor of medicine in the college of Paris, and physician in ordinary to
the queen. He was also a member of the academy of
sciences, and of our royal society. His love of medicine
did not hinder him from paying equal attention to preventatives, and he was distinguished for a habit of strict temperance, which preserved his health and spirits to the advanced age of seventy-seven, without any of its infirmities.
His death was at last occasioned by a stroke of apoplexy,
which happened Dec. 31, 1777. He left a legacy to the
faculty on condition of their assembling once a year, and
giving an account of their labours and discoveries. His
principal works were, 1. “Traite
” de Chimie,“1734, 12mo.
2.
” Chimie medicinale,“1755, 2 vols. 12mo, a work iti
a very elegant style, and including maiiy valuable observations. He wrote also several articles in the dictionary
” Des arts et metiers,“published by the academy of
sciences* and the chemical part of the
” Encyclopedic."
ian and laborious historian of that science, was horn June 19, 1652, at Geneva, where his father was an eminent merchant. His father’s brother, author of a work on
, a learned physician and laborious historian of that science, was horn June 19, 1652,
at Geneva, where his father was an eminent merchant. His
father’s brother, author of a work on fevers, was physician
to the king of Poland. Manger, having finished his classical studies at the age of fourteen, bestowed two years on
philosophy, and then studied theology for five years, when,
changing his destination, he entered on a course of medical reading (for he says he had no teacher but his books),
and made such proficiency, that in 1678, he received his
doctor’s degree at Valence, along with the celebrated
Hartman. On his return home he entered upon practice,
to which he joined the laborious perusal of many medical
works, which served as the foundation of his own publications. In 1699, the elector of Brandenburgh appointed
him, by letters patent, his first physician, and the kings
of Prussia continued this title to him during his life. He
was dean of the faculty at Geneva at the time of his death,
Aug. 15, 1742, in the ninetieth year of his age. His works
are: l.“Messis Medico-spagyrica, &c.
” Geneva, Pauli Barbetti Opera omnia
Medica et Chirurgica,
” with additional cases and illustralions. 3. “Bibliotheca Anatomica,
” Compendium
Medicinae Practicum,
” of J. And. Sehmitz. 5. The
“Pharmcopeia Schrodero-Hoffmanniana.
” 6. The “Tractatus de Febribus,
” of Franc. Pieus; and, 7. The “Sepulchretum
” of Bonetus, to which he added several remarks and histories. 8. In 1695, he published his “Bibliotheca Medico-Practica,
” four vqls. folio; a vast collection of practical matter relative to all the diseases of the
human body, arranged in alphabetical order. 9. “Bibliotheca Chemica curiosa,
” Bibliotheca Pharmaceutico Medica,
” Bibliotheca Chirurgica,
” Theatrum Anatomicum, cum Eustachii
Tabulis Anatomicis,
” Traite de la Peste recueilli des meilleurs Auteurs,
” Nouvelles Reflexions sur l'Origine, la
Cause, la Propagation, les Preservatifs, et la Cure de la
Peste,
” 12mo. 15. His “Observations sur la Maladie qui
a commence depuis quelques annees a attaquer le gros
Betail,
” was a collection of the opinions of the Genevese
physicians concerning the distemper of horned cattle. The
last work of Manget was his “Bibliotheca Scriptorum Medicorum veterum et recentiorum,
” at which he laboured
when at least eighty years of age, and published it in 1731,
in four vols. folio. It is the most important of his productions, being an useful collection of medical lives, and
catalogues of writings. It has not been so much thought
of since the appearance of Haller’s Bibliotheca, and particularly of Eloy’s; but the plans are different, and Manget’s, as well as the rest of his voluminous compilations,
may be yet consulted with advantage. Although he was so
intent on accumulating information, and reprinting scarce
works and tracts, that he did not employ his judgment always, either in selection or arrangement, yet those, who,
like himself, wish to trace the progress of medical knowledge, will find his works of great use. They contain, indeed, the substance of many libraries, and a variety of
treatises which it would not be easy to procure in their separate form.
, an eminent Italian writer, was born at Florence, April 8, 16yO
, an eminent Italian writer,
was born at Florence, April 8, 16yO He was early distinguished by great powers of retention, and a strong
passion for research into facts, two attributes for which he
was celebrated during the whole of his life. He was regularly instituted in every class of literature, but his particular bias was to history, in which he began his career
by inquiries into the modern history of his native city.
This produced in 1722 his “Series of Florentine Senators,
” 2 vols. fol. a work which, under the modest garb of
a collection of notices on private individuals, exhibited the
most original, authentic, and curious information respecting the public law and government of Tuscany, from the
extinction of the line of the marquises, to the creation of
the grand dukes in 1332. In 1731 he published a work of
yet greater interest, “De Florentine inventis Commentarium,
” in which he gave the most satisfactory account
of the manufactures which either originated or were improved in Florence; he showed how the art of banking
was there first invented; how, in the subsequent times,
the art ef engraving also originated there, &c. Among
the discoveries made at Florence in the middle ages, there
was one so highly beneficial as to demand * methodical
disquisition for itself alone; this was the invention of spectacles, which in 1738 Manni illustrated by his “Historical
Treatise on Spectacles.
” In this, after a careful examination of evidence, he is inclined to attribute the invention
to Salvino Armati.
, an eminent Italian painter, was born in 1431, at Padua or in its
, an eminent Italian painter,
was born in 1431, at Padua or in its district. His parents
were poor, but Squarcione, whose pupil he became, was
so deeply struck with his talents, that he adopted him for
his son, and repented of it when Andrea married a daughter of Jacopo Bellini, his competitor. But the censure
which now took place of the praise he had before lavishe'd
on his pupil, only added to his improvement. Certain
basso-relievos of the ancient Greek style, possessed by the
academy in which Andrea studied, captivated his taste by
the correctness of their outline, the simplicity of the forms,
the parallelism of the attitudes, and strictness of the drapery: the dry servility with which he copied these, suffered him not to perceive that he had lost the great prerogative of the originals, the soul that animates them. The
sarcasms of Squarcione on his picture of S. Jacopo, made
him sensible of the necessity of expression and character;
he gave more life to the figures in the story of S. Cristophoro; and in the face of St. Marc, in the church of S.
Giustina, united the attention of a philosopher with the
enthusiasm of a prophet. While the criticisms of Squarcione improved Mantegna in expression, the friendly advice of the Bellini directed his method, and fixed his principles of colour. During his short stay at Venice, he made
himself master of every advantage of that school; and in
some of his pictures there are tones and tints in flesh and
landscape, of a richness and zest equal to the best Venetians of his day. Whether he taught Bellini perspective is
uncertain; Lomazzo affirms “that Mantegna was the first
who opened the eyes of artists in 'hat branch.
”
, an eminent protestant divine, was born at Sneck in Friesland, in
, an eminent protestant divine, was born at Sneck in Friesland, in 1655,
and became professor of divinity at Franeker, and professor
of divinity and ecclesiastical history at Groningen, whence
in 1689 he was removed to the same office at Leyden, and
died there, Jan. 30, 1731. His first publication was an
inaugural dissertation in 1676, “De augmento scientiac
theologicae.
” He afterwards derived great reputation from
his “Disputationes duodecim de Sibyllinis carminibus,
”
Franeker, 1682, 8vo, written in opposition to the sentiments of Crasset. 2. “Compendium theologiae,
” Amst.
Exercitationes Biblicae,
” published at
different times, amounting to eight volumes. 4. “Exercitationes miseellaneae.
” These turn on various disputed
passages in the holy Scriptures, concerning which he combats the opinions of the Roman catholics, Socinians, &c.
A selection from his works was published at Groningen in
1748, 2 vols. 4to. In the Museum library are two of his
orations, one on the agreement between the old and new
errors of popery, Groningen, 16S3; the other on the reverence due to the sacred Scriptures, Leyden, 1689, both
in 41O.
, an eminent French philosopher and mathematician, was born at Dijon,
, an eminent French philosopher and mathematician, was born at Dijon, and admitted a member of the academy of sciences of Paris in 1666. His works, however, are better known than his life. He was a good mathematician, and the first French philosopher who applied much to experimental physics. The law of the shock or collision of bodies, the theory of the pressure and motion of fluids, the nature of vision, and of the air, particularly engaged his attention. He carried into his philosophical researches that spirit of scrutiny and investigation so necessary to those who would make any considerable progress in it. He died May 12, 16S4. He communicated a number of curious and valuable papers to the academy of sciences, which were printed in the collection of their Memoirs dated 1666, viz. from volume 1 to volume 10. And all his works were collected into 2 volumes in 4to, and printed at Leyden in 1717.
, an eminent protestant divine of the sixteenth century, and classed
, an eminent protestant divine of the sixteenth century, and classed among the reformers, was born in the dukedom of Lorrain in 1506.
He was educated in a monastery of the Augustine friars,
where he made great proficiency in his studies, and appears to have conceived, from the licentious morals of the
friars, a dislike to their religion, which he afterwards
abandoned. Leaving the monastery he pursued his studies
in France, and afterwards at Lausanne, where he made
open profession of the protestant religion, and was admitted
into orders. He was chosen pastor at Vevey. and then at
Rouen in Normandy, where he contributed to the diffusion
of the principles of the reformation. In 1561 he was present at the memorable conference held at Poissy between
Beza and the cardinal of Lorrain, in which he distinguished himself by his ability and zeal in defence of the
protestant cause. The year following the civil wars broke
out in France, and Rouen being besieged and taken,
Montmorency, constable of France, threw Marlorat into
prison, as a seducer of the people. On this charge, of
which no proofs were brought, he was condemned to be
hanged, his head then to be set on a pole on the bridge of
the city, and his goods and inheritance to be confiscated.
He accordingly suffered this punishment Oct. 30, 1562, in.
the fifty-sixth year of his age. His works were chiefly
commentaries on the Holy Scriptures: 1. “Genesis, cum
catholica expositione,
” Liber Psalmorum,
et Cantica, &c.
” Jesaise Prophetia,
” Novum Testamentum,
”
, an eminent Italian poet, was born at Bologna in 1665, and was educated
, an eminent Italian poet,
was born at Bologna in 1665, and was educated at the
Jesuits’ school, and at the university of his native city,
after which he devqted himself to the study of classical
literature, and having obtained the post of one of the
secretaries to the senate of B*ologna, was enabled to follow
his studies without much interruption. After publishing a
serious poem, entitled “Gli Ocche di Gesu,
” The Eyes of
Jesus, he produced a tragedy called “La Morte di Nerone,
”
which with several of liis other pieces was acted with
great^ applause. In 1707 he was appointed professor of the
belles lettres in the university of Bologna, and soon after
was made private secretary to Aldrovandi, who had been
nominated delegate to pope Clement XI. At Rome, where
he contracted an intimacy with many men of high literary
reputation, he published a whimsical dialogue, “Del
Volo,
” On Flying, in which he endeavoured to prove that
men and heavy bodies might be supported in the air, and
also wrote several discourses in verse concerning the art of
poetry. When he accompanied Aldrovandi, who was appointed the pope’s legate at the courts of France and
Spain, he wrote at Paris his opinions “On
” ancient and
modern Tragedy,“in the form of dialogues; and on his
return to Rome, he published his tragedies in three volumes, and was reckoned to have conferred a great benefit
on Italian literature, although his style is often too turgid
and florid for a model. He also began a poem
” On the
Arrival of Charlemagne in Italy, and his Accession to the
Western Empire,“which he never finished. He died in
1727, at the age of sixty-two, leaving the character of a
man of amiable manners and social qualities. His principal works,
” Versi et Prose," were printed at Bologna in
1729, 7 vols. 8vo.
, an eminent printer, was born at Alost, in Flanders, in 1454. He
, an eminent printer, was born at Alost, in Flanders, in 1454. He began printing in 1473, and died in 1534. He is celebrated as the person who first introduced the art of printing into the Netherlands; having exercised this useful and noble art nearly sixty years at Alost, Louvain, and Antwerp. He was an author as well as a printer; and wrote Latin hymns in honour of the saints, a dialogue on the virtues, and other pieces; but he is more renowned for the many beautiful editions of other men’s works which issued from his presses. He was highly esteemed by the learned men of the period in which he lived, arf8 enjoyed the friendship of Erasmus, who lodged in his house. He employed the double anchor as a sign of the books that were printed at his office.
, an eminent optician, was born at Worplesdon, in Surrey, in 1704,
, an eminent optician, was born
at Worplesdon, in Surrey, in 1704, and began life as a
plough-boy at Broad-street, a hamlet belonging to that
parish. By some means, however, he contrived to learn
reading, writing, and arithmetic, so as to be soon enabled
to teach them to others. For some time he continued to
assist in the farming business, but, as our authority states,
“finding that he became a poor husbandman in proportion
as he grew a learned one, he prudently forsook what indeed he had no great inclination for,
” and having a strong
inclination to mathematics and philosophical speculations,
now entered upon such a course of reading and study as in
some measure supplied the want of a learned education.
The historian of Surrey says that he first taught reading
and writing at Guildford. It was probably some time after
this that a legacy of five hundred pounds bequeathed to
him by a relation encouraged his laudable ambition, and
after purchasing books, instruments, &c. and acquiring
some knowledge of the languages, we find him, in 1735,
settled at Chichester, where he taught mathematics, and
performed courses of experimental philosophy. At this
time he published his first work, “The Philosophical
Grammar; being a view of the present state of experimental physiology, or naturaf philosophy, &c.
” London,
8vo. When he came up to London we have not been
able to discover, but after settling there he read lectures
on experimental philosophy for many years, and carried
on a very extensive trade as an optician and globe-maker
in Fleet-street, till the growing infirmities of old age compelled him to withdraw from the active part of business.
Trusting too fatally to what he thought the integrity of
others, he unfortunately, though with a capital more than
sufficient to pay all his debts, became a bankrupt. The
unhappy old man, in a moment of desperation from this
unexpected stroke, attempted to destroy himself; and the
wound, though not immediately mortal, hastened his death,
which happened Feb. 9th, 1782, at seventy-eight years
of age.
, an eminent civilian, the son of Thomas Martin, was born at Cerne,
, an eminent civilian, the son of
Thomas Martin, was born at Cerne, in Dorsetshire, and
educated at Winchester school, whence he was admitted
fellow of New college, Oxford, in 1539. He applied himself chiefly to the canon and civil law, which he likewise
studied at Bourges, and was admitted doctor. On entering upon practice in Doctors’ Commons, he resigned his
fellowship; and in 1555, being incorporated LL. D. at
Oxford, he was made chancellor of the diocese of Winchester. This he owed to the recommendation of bishop
Gardiner, who had a great opinion of his zeal and abilities,
and no doubt very justly, as he found him a ready and
useful assistant in the persecution of the protestants in
queen Mary’s time. Among other instances, he was joined
in commission with Story in the trial of archbishop Cranmer at Oxford. His proceedings on that occasion may be
seen in Fox’s “Acts and Monuments
” under the years Life of William of
Wykeham,
” the munificent founder of New college, the
ms. of which is in the library of that college. It was first
published in 1597, 4to, and reprinted, without any correction or improvement, by Dr. Nicholas, warden of Winchester, in 1690, who does not seem to have been aware
how much more might be recovered of Wykeham, as Dr.
Lowth has proved. This excellent biographer says that
Martin seems not so much to have wanted diligence in
collecting proper materials, as care and judgment in digesting and composing them. But it is unnecessary to say
much of what is now rendered useless by Dr. Lowth’s work.
Dr. Martin bequeathed, or gave in his life-time, several
valuable books to New college library.
roved a lady of most uncommon qualities: she had beauty, wit, good-nature, virtue, and piety, all in an eminent degree; and she shone superior to all about her, as
, queen of England, and wife of William III.
with whom she reigned jointly, was born at the royal palace
of St. James’s, Westminster, the 30th of April, 1662. She
was the daughter of James the Second, by a daughter of
lord Clarendon, whom that prince married secretly, during
the exile of the royal family. She proved a lady of most
uncommon qualities: she had beauty, wit, good-nature,
virtue, and piety, all in an eminent degree; and she shone
superior to all about her, as well at the ball and the masque,
as in the presence and the drawing-room. When she was
fifteen, William prince of Orange, and afterwards king of
England, made his addresses to her in person, and married
her. Many suppose that the prince was so sagacious as to
foresee all which afterwards came to pass; as that Charles
II. would leave no children; that the duke of York, when
he came to the throne, would, through his bigoted attachment to popery, be unable to keep possession of it; and
that himself, having married the eldest daughter of England, would naturally be recurred to, as its preserver and
deliverer in such a time of danger. If he had really any
motives of policy, he had art enough to conceal them;
for, having communicated his intentions to sir William
Temple, then ambassador at the Hague, he frankly expressed his whole sentiments of marriage in the following
terms; namely, that “the greatest things he considered
were the person and disposition of the young lady; for,
though it would not pass in the world for a prince to seem
concerned in those particulars, yet for himself without affectation he declared that he was so, and in such a degree,
tljat no circumstances of fortune or interest could engage
him, without those of the person, especially those of humour or disposition: that he might, perhaps, be not very
easy for a wife to live with; he was sure he should not be
so to such wives as were generallj 7 in the courts of this age;
that if he should meet with one to give him trouble at
home, it was what he should not be able to bear, who was
likely to have enough abroad in the course of his life; and
that, after the manner he was resolved to live with a wife,
which should be the best he could, he would have one that
he thought likely to live well with him, which he thought
chiefly depended upon their disposition and education.
”
, or Tomaso Da San Giovanni, an eminent artist, was born at St. Giovanni di Valdarno, in 1401,
, or Tomaso Da San Giovanni,
an eminent artist, was born at St. Giovanni di Valdarno,
in 1401, and was the disciple of Masolino da Panicale; but
he proved as much superior to his master, as his master
was superior to all his contemporaries: and is accounted
the principal artist of the second or middle age of modern
painting, from its revival under Cimabue. His genius was
very extensive, his invention ready, and his manner of
design had unusual truth and elegance. He considered
painting as the art of representing nature with truth, by
the aid of design and colouring: and therefore he made
nature his most constant study, till he excelled in a perfect
imitation of it. He is accounted the first who, from judicious observations, removed the difficulties that impeded
the study and the knowledge of the art, by setting the
artists an example in his own works, of that beauty which
arises from a proper and agreeable choice of attitudes and
motions, and likewise from such a spirit, boldness, and
relief, as appears truly just and natural. He was the first
among the painters who studied to give the draperies of
his figures more dignity, by omitting the multitude of small
folds, so customarily practised by the preceding artists,
and by designing them with greater breadth and fulness.
He was also the first who endeavoured to adapt the colour
of his draperies to the tint of his carnations, so as to make
the one harmonize with the other. He was uncommonly
^killed in perspective, which he had learned from P. Brujielleschi. His works procured him universal approbation:
but the very same merit which promoted his fame, excited
envy; and he died, to the regret of every lover of the art,
not without strong suspicions of having been poisoned.
Most writers agree that this event happened in 1443, but
Sandrart fixes his death in 1446. Fuseli says, “Masaccio
was a genius, and the head of an epoch in the art. He
may be considered as the precursor of Raphael, who imitated his principles, and sometimes transcribed his figures.
He had seen what could be seen of the antique, at his time
at Rome: but his most perfect work are the frescoes of S,
Pietro al Carmine at Florence; where vigour of conception, truth and vivacity of expression, correctness of design, and breadth of manner, are supported by truth and
surprising harmony of colour.
”
, an eminent French preacher, the son of a celebrated advocate to
, an eminent French preacher,
the son of a celebrated advocate to the parliament of Aix,
was born, 1634, at Marseilles. He entered early among the
priests of the oratory, was employed at the age of twentytwo to teach rhetoric at Mans, and preached afterwards
with such applause at Saumur and Paris, that the court
engaged him for Advent 1666, and Lent 1667. Mascaroa
was so much admired there, that his sermons were said to
be formed for a court; and when some envious persons
would have made a crime of the freedom with which he
announced the truths of Christianity to the king, Louis
XIV. defended him, saying, “He has done his duty, it
remains for us to do our’s.
” P. Mascaron was appointed
to the bishopric of Tulles, 1671, and translated to that of
Agen in 1678. He returned to preach before the king in
Advent 1694, and Louis XIV. was so much pleased, that
he said to him, “Your eloquence alone, neither wears out
nor grows old.
” On going back to Agen, he founded an
hospital, and died in that city, December 16, 1703, aged
sixty-nine. None of his compositions have been printed,
but “A collection of his Funeral Orations,
” among which,
those on M. de Turenne and the chancellor Seguier, are
particularly admired. It may be proper to mention, that
M. Mascaron having been ordained priest by M. de Lavardin, bishop of Mans, who declared on his death-bed,
that he never intended to ordain any priest, the Sorbonne
was consulted whether this prelate’s ordinations were valid.
They decided “That it was sufficient if he had the exterior
intention to do what the church does, and that he certainly
b.ad it, because he did so: therefore it was not needful to
ordain those priests again, which this bishop had ordained.
”
But notwithstanding this decision, M. Mascaron chose to
be ordained again; which proves, says L'Avocat, that he
was a better preacher than casuist, and that his conscience
was more scrupulous than enlightened on this point.
, an eminent astronomer and mathematician, the son of Edmund Maskelyne,
, an eminent astronomer and mathematician, the son of Edmund Maskelyne, esq. of Purton, in Wiltshire, was born at London in 1732, and educated at Westminster school, where he made a distinguished progress in classical learning. Before he left school his studies appear to have been determined to astronomy by his accidentally seeing the memorable solar eclipse of 1748, exhibited through a large telescope in a camera obscura. From this period he applied himself with ardour to astronomy and optics, and as a necessary preparation, turned his attention to geometry and algebra, the elements of which he learned in a few months without the help of a master. In 1749 he entered of Catherine hall, Cambridge, but soon after removed to Trinity college, where he pursued his favourite studies with increased success; and on taking his degree of B. A. in 1754, received distinguished honours from the university. He took his degrees of A.M. in 1757, B. D. in 1768, and D. D. in 1777. Being admitted into holy orders he officiated for some time as curate of Barnet; and in 1756 became a fellow of his college.
, an eminent French preacher, was born in 1663, the son of a notary
, an eminent French
preacher, was born in 1663, the son of a notary at Hieres
in Provence In 1681, he entered into the congregation,
of the Oratory, and wherever he was sent gained all hearts
by the liveliness of his character, the agreeableness of his
wit, and a natural fund of sensible and captivating politeness. These advantages, united with his great talents,
excited the envy of his brethren, no less than the admiration of others, and, on some ill-founded suspicions of intrigue, he was sent by his superiors to one of their houses
in the diocese of Meaux. The first efforts of his eloquence
were made at Vienne, while he was a public teacher of
theology; and his funeral oration ou Henri de Villars,
archbishop of that city, was universally admired. The
fame of this discourse induced father de la Tour, then
general of the congregation of the Oratory, to send for
him to Paris. After some time, being asked his opinion
of the principal preachers in that capital, “they display,
”
said he, “great genius and abilities; but if I preach, I
shall not preach as they do.
” He kept his word, and took
up a style of his own, not attempting to imitate any one,
except it was Bourdaloue, whom, at the same time, the
natural difference of his disposition did not suffer him to
follow very closely. A touching and natural simplicity is
the characteristic of his style, and has been thought by
able judges to reach the heart, and produce its due effect,
with much more certainty than all the logic of the Jesuit
Bourdaloue. His powers were immediately distinguished
when he made his appearance at court; and when he
preached his first advent at Versailles, he received this
compliment from Louis XIV. “My father,
” said that monarch, “when I hear other preachers, I go away much
pleased with them; but whenever I hear you, I go away
much displeased with myself.
” On one occasion, the effect of a discourse preached by him “on the small number
of the elect,
” was so extraordinary, that it produced a general, though involuntary murmur of applause in the congregation. The preacher himself was confused by it; but
the effect was only increased, and the pathetic was carried
to the greatest height that can be supposed possible. His
mode of delivery contributed not a little to his success.
“We seem to behold him still in imagination,
” said they
who had been fortunate enough to attend his discourses,
“with that simple air, that modest carriage, those eyes so
humbly directed downwards, that unstudied gesture, that
touching tone of voice, that look of a man fully impressed
with the truths which he enforced, conveying the most
brilliant instruction to the mind, and the most pathetic
movements to the heart.
” The famous actor, Baron, after
hearing him, told him to continue as he had began. “You,
”
said he, “have a manner of your own, leave the rules to
others.
” At another time he said to an actor who was with
him “My friend, this is the true orator; we are mere
players.
” Massillon was not the least inflated by the praises
he received. His modesty continued unaltered; and the
charms of his society attracted those who were likely to be
alarmed at the strictness of his lessons.
In 1717, the regent being convinced of his merits by
his own attendance on his sermons, appointed him bishop
of Clermont. The French academy received him as a
member in 1719. The funeral oration of the duchess of
Orleans in 1723, was the last discourse he pronounced at
Pans. From that time he resided altogether in his diocese,
where the mildness, benevolence, and piety of his character, gained all hearts. His love of peace led him to make
many endeavours to conciliate his brethren of the Oratory
and the Jesuits, but he found at length that he had less
influence over divines than over the hearts of any other
species of sinners. He died resident on his diocese, Sept.
28, 1742, at the age of 79. His name has since been
almost proverbial in France, where he is considered as a
most consummate master of eloquence. Every imaginable
perfection is attributed by his countrymen to his style.
“What pathos
” says one of them, “what knowledge of
the human heart What sincere effusions of conviction
What a tone of truth, of philosophy, and humanity! What
an imagination, at once lively and well regulated
Thoughts just and delicate conceptions brilliant and magnificent; expressions elegant, select, sublime, harmonious;
images striking and natural; representations just and forcible; style clear, neat, full, numerous, equally calculated
to be comprehended by the multitude, and to satisfy the
most cultivated hearer.
” What can be imagined beyond
these commendations? Yet they are given by the general
consent of those who are most capable of deciding on the
subject. His works were published complete, by his nephew at Paris, in 1745 and 1746, forming fourteen volumes
of a larger, and twelve of a smaller kind of 12mo. They
contain, 1. A complete set of Sermons for Advent and
Lent. 2. Several Funeral Orations, Panegyrics, &c. 3,
Ten discourses, known by the name of “Le petit Care'me.
”
4. “Ecclesiastical Conferences.
” 5. Some excellent paraphrases of particular psalms Massillon once stopped
short in the middle of a sermon, from defect of memory;
and the same happened from apprehension in different
parts of the same day, to two other preachers whom he
went to hear. The English method of readitfg their discourses would certainly have been very welcome to all
these persons, but the French conceive that all the fire of
eloquence would be lost by that method: this, however,
seems by no means to be necessary. The most striking
passages and beauties of Massiilon’s sermons were collected
by the abbe de la Porte, in a volume which is now annexed
as a last volume to the two editions of his works; and a
few years ago, three volumes of his “Sermons
” were translated into English by Mr. William Dickson.
, an eminent artist, was born at Antwerp, in 1460, and for several
, an eminent artist, was born at Antwerp, in 1460, and for several years followed the trade of a blacksmith or farrier, at least till he was in his twentieth year. Authors vary in their accounts of the cause of his quitting his first occupation, and attaching himself to the art of painting, some attributing it to his falling in love with the daughter of a painter; others to the accidental sight of a piece of art. Whatever may have been his motive, it is certain that he appears to have had an uncommon talent: his manner was singular, not resembling the manner of any other master; and his pictures were strongly coloured, and carefully finished, though somewhat dry and hard. By many competent judges it was believed, when they observed the strength of expression in some of his compositions, that if he had been acquainted with the great masters of the Roman school, he would have proved one of the most eminent painters of the Low Countries. But he only imitated ordinary life, and seemed more inclined, or at least more qualified, to imitate the defects than the beauties of nature. Some historical compositions of this master deserve commendation particularly a Descent from the Cross, which is in the cathedral at A ntwerp, justly admired for the spirit, skill, and delicacy of the whole. Sir Joshua Reynolds says there are heads in this picture not excelled by Raphael. But the most remarkable and best known picture of Matsys, is that of the Two Misers in the gallery at Windsor, which has been engraved. Of this there is a duplicate at Hagley, the seat of lord Lyttleton. Matsys died in 1529, aged sixty-nine. — He had a son, John Matsys, who was born at Antwerp, and became his father’s disciple. He painted in the same style and manner, but not with a reputation equal to his father; though many of his pictures are sold to unskilful purchasers, for the paintings of Quintin. His most frequent subject was the representation of misers counting their gold, or bankers examining and weighing it, very common occurrences when Antwerp was in her glory.
, an eminent English prelate, was the son of John Matthew, a merchant
, an eminent English prelate, was the son of John Matthew, a merchant of Bristol, and born in that part of the city which lies in Somersetshire, in 1546. He received the first rudiments of learning in the city of Wells, and at the age of thirteen became a student in the university of Oxford, in the beginning of 1558-9. In Christ Church college he took the degree of bachelor of arts, Feb. 11, 1563, and in June 1566, was made master of arts; about which time he entered into holy orders, and was greatly respected for his learning, eloquence, conversation, friendly disposition, and the sharpness of his wit. On the 2nd of November 1569, he was unanimously elected public orator of the university; which office he filled with great applause. In 1570, he was made canon of the second stall in the cathedral of Christy-church, and November 28 following was admitted archdeacon of Bath. In 1571, he petitioned for his degree of bachelor of divinity, but was not admitted to it for two years. In 1572, he was made prebendary of Teynton-Regis with Yalmeten in the church of Salisbury; and in July following was elected president of St. John’s college, Oxford: at which time, being in high reputation as a preacher, he was appointed one of the queen’s chaplains in ordinary. On December lOth, 175S, he was admitted bachelor of divinity; and next year, May 27, proceeded doctor. On the 14th of June, 1576, being archdeacon at Bath, he was commissioned by archbishop Grindal, with some others, to visit the church, city, and deanry of Bristol. In the same year, he was made dean of Christ-church; and then obtained, from the pen of Camden, the distinguished character of " Theologus praestantissimus/' Camden adds, that learning and piety, art and nature, vied together in his composition. Sir John Harrington is also full of his praises, and even Campian the Jesuit speaks highly of his learning and virtues.
, an eminent physician, and medical botanist, and the son of a physician,
, an eminent physician, and medical botanist, and the son of a physician, was born at Sienna, in Tuscany, in 1501; and educated first at Venice; and afterwards at Padua. The law was his original destination, which he exchanged for the study of medicine, and having obtained his degree at Padua, returned to Sienna, where he speedily acquired extensive practice. For some reasons, however, he varied his places of abode, and practised at Home, at Anania, and at Gorizia, where, as well as at Anania, he was extremely beloved, of which he had here a singular proof: a fire having consumed all his furniture, the people flocked to him the next day, with presents of goods and money, that made him richer than before, and the magistrates advanced him a year’s salary. After a residence of twelve years at Gorizia, he accepted an invitation from Ferdinand, king of the Romans, to take the office of physician to his son, the archduke Ferdinand. He was greatly honoured at the imperial court, and in 1562 was created aulic-counsellor to the emperor Ferdinand. Afterwards Maximilian II. prevailed upon his brother to part with him, and made him his first physician. Finding, however, the weight of age pressing upon him, Matthiolus took leave of the court, and retired to a life of repose at Trent, where he soon after died of the plague, in 1577.
, M. D. an eminent physician and polite writer, was born in Holland in
, M. D. an eminent physician and polite writer, was born in Holland in 1718. He was the son of Paul Maty, a protestant clergyman, and was originally intended for the church; but, in consequence of some mortifications his father received from the synod, on account of particular sentiments which he entertained about the doctrine of the Trinity, he turned his thoughts to physic. He took his degree at Leyden, and in 1740, came to settle in England, his father having determined to quit Holland for ever.
, an eminent French accoucheur, was born at Paris, where he applied
, an eminent French accoucheur, was born at Paris, where he applied with great
industry to the study and practice of surgery, for many
years, especially in the great hospital, the Hotel-Dieu.
He had already acquired there so much experience in
the obstetrical department before he commenced public
practice, that he rose almost at once to the head of his
profession. His reputation was farther increased by his
writings, and maintained by his prudent conduct and acknowledged skill during a series of years; after which he
quitted practice entirely, and retired into the country,
where he died Oct. 17, 1709, at an advanced age. His
works, which are more useful for the facts than the reasoning they contain, are, 1. “Traite des Maladies des
Femmes grosses, et de celles qui sont accouchées,
” Paris,
Aphorismes touchant l'Accouchement, la
Grossesse, et les Maladies des Femraes,
” ibid. Observations sur la Grossesse et l'Accouchement des Femmes, et sur leurs Maladies,
et celles des Enfans nouveaux ne*s,
” ibid. Dernieres Observations sur les Maladies des Femmes
.
grosses et accouchées,
” 1708, ibid. 4to which contains
an additional collection of cases. The whole of these
works were collected and reprinted together after his death,
in 1712, and subsequently, with figures.
ers by him, written in elegant Latin, are in Ashmole’s Museum, and that they were read by Dr. Smyth, an eminent physician of Oxford, who informed him that they contain
The library at the college of physicians was partly given
to that society by sir Theodore Mayerne. Granger says,
that some valuable papers by him, written in elegant Latin,
are in Ashmole’s Museum, and that they were read by Dr.
Smyth, an eminent physician of Oxford, who informed
him that they contain many curious particulars, show
the state of physic in the reign of Charles I. and the first
invention of several medicines. Lord Orford, in his “Anecdotes of Painting,
” says that the famous Petitot owed the
perfection of his colouring in enamel to some chemical
secrets, communicated to him by sir Theodore Mayerne.
church. of Watlingtoti in Oxfordshire, in 1652,” at a public dispute held there, between himself and an eminent Anabaptist preacher, the same year; a “Concio ad academiam
Besides the writings above-mentioned, Mayne published
“A Poem upon the Naval Victory over the Dutch by the
duke of York,
” and four sermons one “Concerning unity
and agreement, preached at Oxford in 1646;
” another
“Against schism, or the separations of these times, preached
it) the church. of Watlingtoti in Oxfordshire, in 1652,
” at
a public dispute held there, between himself and an eminent Anabaptist preacher, the same year; a “Concio ad
academiam Oxoniensem, in 1662,
” and “A Sermon at
the consecration of Herbert lord bishop of Hereford, in
1662.
” He translated some of “Lucian’s Dialogues,
” in
Donne’s Latin epigrams,
” in A sheaf of miscellany epigrams.
”
ch towanis Geneva;” that is, was inclined to the tenets of that church. Being made fellow, he became an eminent and faithful tutor. After he had well grounded his pupils
He was not chosen fellow of his college till after he was
master of arts, and then not without the assistance of his
friend bishop Andrews: for he had been passed over at
several elections, on account of a groundless suspicion
which Dr Cary, then master of the college, afterwards
bishop of Exeter, had conceived of him, that “he looked
too much towanis Geneva;
” that is, was inclined to the
tenets of that church. Being made fellow, he became an
eminent and faithful tutor. After he had well grounded
his pupils in classics, logic, and philosophy, his custom
was to set every one his dnily task; which he rather chose,
than to confine himself and them to precise hours for lectures. In the evening they all came to his chamber; and
the first question he put to each was, “Quid dubitas?
What doubts have you met with in your studies to-day?
”
For he supposed, that to doubt nothing and to understand
nothing was the same thing. By this method he taught
the young men to exercise their reasoning powers, and not
acquiesce in what they learn mechanically, with an indolence of spirit, which prepares them to receive implicitly
whatever is offered them. In the mean time he was appointed reader of the Greek lecture of Sir Walter Mildmay’s foundation; an office which he held during the remainder of his life. While at college, he was so entirely
devoted to study that he made even the time he spent in
his amusements serviceable to his purpose. He allowed
himself little or no exercise but walking; and often, in
the fields or college garden, would take occasion to speak
of the beauty, distinctions, virtues, or properties, of the
plants then in view: for he was a curious florist, an accurate herbalist, and thoroughly versed in the book of nature.
The chief delight he took in company was to discourse with
learned friends; and he used to spend much time with his
worthy friend Mr. William Chappel, afterwards provost of
Trinity-college, Dublin, and bishop of Cork and Ross, a
man of great learning, and who had a high regard for Mr.
Mede.
erable progress had been made in perspective after Paolo Uccelio, by means of Piero della Francesca, an eminent geometrician, and some Lombards; but the praise of painting
, called Melozzo
of Foiii, flourished about 1471, and was probably the scholar of Ansovino da Forli, a pupil of Squarcione. The memory of Melozzo is venerated by artists as the inventor of
perspective representation and true foreshortening on
arched roofs and ceilings, of what the Italians style “di
Sotto in Sti;
” the most difficult and most rigorous branch
of execution. A tolerable progress had been made in perspective after Paolo Uccelio, by means of Piero della
Francesca, an eminent geometrician, and some Lombards;
but the praise of painting roofs with that charming illusion
which we witness, belongs to Melozzo. Scannelli and
Orlandi relate, that, to learn the art, he studied the best
antiques; and, though“born to affluence, let himself as
servant and colour-grinder to the masters of his time. Some
make him a scholar of Piero della Francesco: it is at least
not improbable that Melozzo knew him and Agostino di
Bramantino, when they painted in Rome for Nicolas V.
towards 1455. Whatever be the fact, Melozzo painted on
the vault of the largest chapel in Ss. Apostoli, an Ascension, in which, says Vasari, the figure of Christ is so well
foreshortened, that it seems to pierce the roof. That picture was painted for cardinal Riario, nephew of Sixtus IV.
about 1472 and at the rebuilding of that chapel, was cut
out and placed in the palace of the Quirinal, 1711, where
it is still seen with this epigraphe
” Opus Melotii Foroliviensis, qui summos fornices pingendi artem vel primus
invenit vel illustravit.“Some heads of the apostles were
likewise sawed out and placed in the Vatican. His taste
on the whole resembles that of Mantegna and the Padouati
schools more than any other. The heads are well formed,
well coloured, well turned, and almost always foreshortened; the lights duly toned and opportunely relieved by
shadows which give ambience and almost motion to his
figures on that space; there is grandeur and dignity in the
principal figure, and the lightsome drapery that surrounds
him; with finish of pencil, diligence, and grace in every
part. It is to be lamented, that so uncommon a genius
has not met with an exact historian, of whom we might
have learned his travels and labours previous to this great
work painted for Riario. At Forli, they shew, as his work,
the front of an apothecary’s shop, painted in arabesque, of
exquisite style, with a half-length figure over the door
pounding drugs, very well executed. We are informed
by Vasari, that Francesco di Mirozzo da Forli painted before Dosso, in the villa of the dukes of Urbino, called
L'lmperiale; we ought probably to read Melozzo, and to
correct the word in the text, as one of that writer’s usual
negligences, of which Vasari gives another instance in
Marco Palmegiani, of Forli, whom he transforms to Parmegiano; a good and almost unknown artist, though many
of his works survive, and he himself seems to have taken
every precaution not to be forgotten by posterit3 T inscribing
most of his altar-pieces and oil-pictures with Marcus pictor
Foroliviensis, or, Marcus Palmasanus P. Foroliviensis pinsebat. Seldom he adds the year, as in two belonging to
prince Ercolani, 1513 and 1537. In those, and in his
works at Forli, we recognise two styles. The first differs
little from the common one of Quattrocentist’s, in the extreme simplicity of attitude, in the gilding, in minute attention, and even in anatomy, which extended its researches at that time seldom beyond a S. Sebastian, or a
S. Jerome. Of his second style the groups are more artificial, the outline larger, the proportions grander, but the
heads perhaps less varied and more mannered. He used
to admit into his principal subject others that do not belong
to it thus in the crucifix at St. Agostino, in Forli, he
placed two or three groups in different spots in one of
which is S. Paul visited by S. Anthony in another, S. Augustine convinced, by an angel, of the absurdity of his attempt to fathom the mystery of the Trinity; and in those
small figures he is finished and graceful beyond belief.
Nor is his landscape or his architecture destitute of charms.
His works abound in Romsagna, and are met with even in
Venetian galleries: at Vicenza there is, in the palace Vicentini, a Christ of his between Nicodemus and Joseph;
an exquisite performance, in which, to speak with Dante,
” il morto par morto e vivi i vivi.
, an eminent geographer and mathematician, was born in 1512, at Ruremonde
, an eminent geographer and
mathematician, was born in 1512, at Ruremonde in the
Low Countries. He applied himself with such industry to
the sciences of geography and mathematics, that it has
been said he often forgot to eat and sleep. The emperor
Charles V. encouraged him much in his labours; and the
tluke of Juliers made him his cosmographer. He composed
and published a chronology; a larger and smaller atlas;
and some geographical tables besides other books in philosophy and divinity. He was also so curious, as well as
ingenious, that he engraved and coloured his maps himself. He made various maps, globes, and other mathematical instruments for the use of the emperor; and gave
the most ample proofs of his uncommon skill in what he
professed. His method of laying down charts is still used,
which bear the name of “Mercator’s Charts;
” also a part
of navigation is from him called Mercator’s Sailing. He
died at Duisbourg in 1594, at eighty-two years of age.
, an eminent mathematician and astronomer, whose name in High-Dutch
, an eminent mathematician
and astronomer, whose name in High-Dutch was Kauffman,
was born about 1640, at Holstein in Denmark. From his
works we learn, that he had an early and liberal education,
suitable to his distinguished genius, by which he was enabled to extend his researches into the mathematical sciences,
and to make very considerable improvements: for it appears from his writings, as well as from the character given
of him by other mathematicians, that his talent rather lay
in improving, and adapting any discoveries and improvements to use, than invention. However, his genius for
the mathematical sciences was very conspicuous, and introduced him to public regard and esteem in his own
country, and facilitated a correspondence with such as
were eminent in those sciences, in Denmark, Italy, and
England, In consequence, some of his correspondents
gave him an invitation to this country, which he accepted; and he afterwards continued in England till hi
death. In 1666 he was admitted F. R. S. and gave frequent proofs of his close application to study, as well as
of his eminent abilities in improving some branch or other
of the sciences. But he is charged sometimes with borrowing the inventions of others, and adopting them as his
own, and it appeared upon some occasions that he was not
of an over-liberal mind in scientific communications. Thus,
it had some time before him been observed, that there was
an analogy between a scale of logarithmic tangents and
Wright’s protraction of the nautical meridian line, which
consisted of the sums of the secants; though it does not
appear by whom this analogy was first discovered. It appears, however, to have been first published, and introduced into the practice of navigation, by Henry Bond, who
mentions this property in an edition of Norwood’s Epitome
of Navigation, printed about 1645; and he again treats of
it more fully in an edition of Gunter’s works, printed in
1653, where he teaches, from this property, to resolve all
the cases of Mercator’s sailing by the logarithmic tangents,
independent of the table of meridional parts. This analogy
had only been found to be nearly true by trials, but not
demonstrated to be a mathematical property. Such demonstration seems to have been first discovered by Mercator, who, desirous of making the most advantage of this and
another concealed invention of his in navigation, by a paper
in the Philosophical Transactions for June 4, 1666, invites
the public to enter into a wager with him on his ability to
prove the truth or falsehood of the supposed analogy. This
mercenary proposal it seems was not taken up by any one;
and Mercator reserved his demonstration. Our author,
however, distinguished himself by many valuable pieces on
philosophical and mathematical subjects. His first attempt
was, to reduce astrology to rational principles, which
proved a vain attempt. But his writings of more particular
note, are as follow: 1. “Cosmographia, sive Descriptio
Cceli & Terrse in Circulos, qua fundamentum sterniter sequentibus ordine Trigonometric Sphericorum Logarithmicse, &c. a
” Nicolao Hauffman Holsato,“Dantzic, 1651,
12mo. 2.
” Rationes Mathematics subductse anno Copenhagen, 4to. 3.
” De Emendatione annua Diatribae
duae, quibus exponuntur & demonstrantur Cycli Soiis &
Lunce,“&c. 4to. 4.
” Hypothesis Astronomica nova, et
Consensus ejus cum Observationibus,“Lond. 1664, folio.
5.
” Logarithmotechnia, sive Method us construendi Logarithmos nova, accurata, et facilis; scripto antehac communicata anno sc. 1667 nonis Augusti; cui nunc accedit,
Vera Quadratura Hyperbolae, & inventio summae Logaritbmorum. Auctore Nicolao Mercatore Holsato e Societate
Regia. Huic etiam jungitur Michaelis Angeli Riccii Exercitatio Geometrica de Maximis et Minimis, hie ob argument! praestantiam & exemplarium raritatem recusa,“Lond. 1668, 4to. 6.
” Institutionum Astronomicarum libri duo, de Motu Astrorum communi & proprio, secundum
hypotheses veterum & recentiorum praecipuas deque Hypotheseon ex observatis constructione, cum tabulis Tychonianis, Solaribus, Lunaribus, Lunae-solaribus, & Rudolphinis Solis, Fixarum &*quinque Errantium, earumque usu
prajceptis et exemplis commonstrato. Quibus accedit Appendix de iis, quae uovissimis temporibus coelitus innotuerunt,“Lond. 1676, 8vo. 7.
” Euclidis Elementa Geometrica, novo ordine ac methodo fere, demonstrata. Una
cum Nic. Mercatoris in Geometriam Introductione brevi,
qua Magnitudinum Ortus ex genuinis Principiis, & Ortarum Affectiones ex ipsa Genesi derivantur," Lond. 1678,
12mo. His papers in the Philosophical Transactions are,
1. A Problem on some Points of Navigation vol. I. p. 215.
2. Illustrations of the Logarithmo-technia vol. Hi. p. 759.
3. Considerations concerning his Geometrical and Direct
Method for finding the Apogees, Excentricities, and Anomalies of the Planets; vol. V. p. 1168. Mercator died in
1594, about fifty-four years of age.
, an eminent artist, was born at Brussels in 1634. He was a disciple
, an eminent artist, was born at Brussels in 1634. He was a disciple of Peter Snayers, a battle painter of considerable note, and his early progress gave strong promise of his future eminence. His ingenious pictures attracted the attention of M. Colbert, the minister of Louis XIV., who induced V. Meulen to settle in Paris; and soon afterwards introduced him to the king, who appointed him to attend and paint the scenes of his military campaigns, gave him a pension of '2000 livres, and paid him besides for his performances. He made sketches of almost all the most remarkable events that occurred in these expeditions of Louis; designing upon the spot the encampments, marches, sieges, &c. of the armies the huntings of the king; the assembling of the officers, &c.: from these he composed his pictures, which are skilfully arranged, with great bustle, animation, and spirit, and executed with a very agreeable, though not always a natural tone of colour, and with a sweet and delicate pencil. Some of his pictures exhibit uncommon skill and taste in composition. Frequently the scene he had to paint was flat and insipid, such as a marshy country before long extended walls; even these he contrived to render agreeable by his judicious management of the chiaroscuro, and the pleasing groups which he displayed with his figures, which, though dressed in the stiff uncouth frippery of the French court of that period, are handled with so much delicacy and corresponding taste, that they never fail ^o please. He was particularly skilful in pourtraying the actions of the horse, of which he has left behind him a number of excellent studies, drawn with great care from nature. His pictures frequently include a great extent of country, and an immense number of objects. His perfect knowledge of perspective enabled him to manage the objects and distances with the greatest ease and effect, so that the eye accompanies the figures without confusion, and assigns to each its due action and distance. He lived not beyond the age of 56, but left a great number of pictures, most of which are in France, but they are not very unfrequent in this country.
, an eminent French historian, was born at Ry, near Argentau in Lower
, an eminent French historian, was born at Ry, near Argentau in Lower Normandy,
in 1610. He was educated in the university of Caen, where
he discovered an early inclination for poetry; and had himself so high an opinion of his talent in that art, that he
thought he should be able to raise both a character and a
fortune by it. But, upon going to Paris, he was dissuaded
from pursuing poetry, by Vauquelin des Yveteaux, who had
been the preceptor of Louis XIII. and advised to apply
himself earnestly to history and politics, as the surest means
of succeeding in life. In the mean time, that gentleman
procured him the place of commissary of war, which he
held for two or three campaigns, and then quitted it.
Upon his return to Paris, he resolved to spend the remainder
of his life there; and, changing the name of his family as
being an obscure one, he took the name of Mezerai, which
is a cottage in the parish of Ry. But his little stock of
money made him apprehensive that he should not be able
to continue long at Paris; and therefore, to support himself, he had recourse to writing satires against the ministry,
articles which were then extremely well received, and for
which he had naturally a turn. M. Larroque, in his Life of
Mezerai, assures us, that he was author of all the pieces
published against the government under the name of Sandricourt. They are written in a low and burlesque style,
and adapted merely to please the populace. Larroque has
given us the titles of nineteen of these pieces, but would
not give those of others which Mezerai wrote, either
during the minority of Louis XIV. or against cardinal
Richelieu; “because,
” he says, “they ought to be
forgotten, out of reverence to the persons whom they attacked.
”
, an eminent statesman of the sixteenth century, and founder of Emmanuel
, an eminent statesman of
the sixteenth century, and founder of Emmanuel college,
Cambridge, was the fourth son of Thomas Mildmay, esq.
by Agnes, his wife, daughter of Read. He was educated at Christ’s college, Cambridge, where he made great
proficiency in learning, and to which college he afterwards
became a benefactor. In the reign of Henry VIII. he
succeeded to the office which had been held by his father,
that of surveyor of the court of augmentation, erected by
statute 27 Henry VIII. for determining suits and controversies relating to monasteries and abbey-lands. It took
its name from the great augmentation that was made to the
revenues of the crown by the suppression of the religious
houses. In 1547, immediately after the coronation of
Edward VI. he was made one of the knights of the carpet.
He had also in this reign the chief direction of the mint,
and the management, under several special commissions,
of the king’s revenues, particularly of those which arose
from the crown lands, the nature and value of which he
had made his chief study. In 1552 he represented the
town of Maldon, Essex, in parliament, and was a burgess
in the first parliament of Mary for the city of Peterborough,
and sat afterwards as one of the knights for the county of
Northampton. How he came co escape during this detestable reign we are not told, unless, as some think, that
“he concealed his affection to the protestant religion*;
”
but that was probably well known, and he was afterwards
not only a zealous protestant, but a friend, on many occasions, to the puritans. Q.ueen Elizabeth, on the lieath of
sir Richard Sackville in 1566, gave him the otiice of chancellor of the exchequer, and he became a most useful, but
not a favoured servant, for his integrity was too stiff to
bend to the politics of that reign, and his consequent popularity excited the continual jealousy of his mistress: he
was therefore never advanced to any higher post, though
in one of the letters published by Mr. Lodge, he is mentioned as a candidate fof the seals. Honest Fuller, in his
quaint way, thus expresses sir Walter’s conduct and its
consequences: “Being employed by virtue of his place, to
advance the queen’s treasure, he did it industriously, faithfully, and conscionably, without wronging the subject;
being very tender of their privileges, insomuch that he
once complained in parliament, that many subsidies were
granted, and no grievances redressed; which words being
represented with disadvantage to the queen, made her to
disaffect him, setting in a court-cloud, but in the sunshine of his country, and a clear conscience.
” In
He was a very learned man, and an eminent encourager of literature, as appears by his founding
He was a very learned man, and an eminent encourager
of literature, as appears by his founding Emmanuel college, Cambridge, which, by the additional assistance of
other benefactors, arose gradually to its present flourishing state. Fuller tells us that the founder “coming to
court, the queen told him,
” Sir Walter, I hear you have
erected a puritan foundation." No madam,‘ sayth he,
c far be it from me to countenance any thing contrary to
your established laws; but I have set an acorn, which
when it becomes an oak, God alone knows what will be
the fruit thereof.’ ' He had so much of the puritan about
him, however, as to make the chapel stand north and
south, instead of east and west.
tre in 1669. In November of the same year he took his master’s degree, was chosen fellow, and became an eminent tutor. He then entered into holy orders, and was, according
, the learned editor of the Greek Testament, was the son of Thomas Mil!, of Banton or Bampton,
near the town of Snap in Westmoreland, and was born at
Shap about 1645. Of his early history our accounts are
very scanty; and as his reputation chiefly rests on his Greek
Testament, which occupied the greater part of his life,
and as he meddled little in affairs unconnected with his
studies, we are restricted to a very few particulars. His
father being in indifferent circumstances, he was, in 1661,
entered as a servitor of Queen’s college, Oxford, where we
may suppose his application soon procured him respect.
Bishop Kennet tells us, that in his opinion, he “talked
and wrote the best Latin of any man in the university, and
was the most airy and facetious in conversation — in all
respects a bright man.
” At this college he took the degree of B. A. in May 1666, and while bachelor, was selected to pronounce an “Oratio panegyrica
” at the opening of the Sheldon theatre in ready extempore preacher.
” In 1676 his countryman and fellowcollegian, Dr. Thomas Lamplugh, being made bishop of
Exeter, he appointed Mr. Mill to be one of his chaplains,
and gave him a minor prebend in the church of Exeter.
In July 1680 he took his degree of B. D.; in August 1681
he was presented by his college to the rectory of Blechingdon, in Oxfordshire; and in December of that year he
proceeded D. D. about which time he became chaplain in
ordinary to Charles II. by the interest of the father of one
of his pupils. On May 5, 1685, he was elected and admitted principal of St. Edmund’s Hall, a station particularly convenient for his studies. By succeeding Dr. Crossthwaite in this office, bishop Kennet says he had the advantage of shining the brighter; but “he was so much
taken up with the one thing, ‘his Testament,’ that he had
not leisure to attend to the discipline of the house, which
rose and fell according to his different vice-principals.
”
In 1704 archbishop Sharp obtained for him from queen
Anne, a prebend of Canterbury, in which he succeeded
Dr. Beveridge, then promoted to the see of St. Asaph.
He had completed his great undertaking, the new editiuu
of the Greek Testament, when he died of an apop'ectie
fit, June 23, 1707, and was buried in the chancel of Blechingdon church, where, in a short inscription on his monument, he is celebrated for what critics have thought the
most valuable part of his labours on the New Testament,
his “prolegomena marmore perenniora.
”
, an eminent painter, was, according to some, born at Coldra, and
, an eminent painter, was, according to some, born at Coldra, and to others, at Lugano, 1609. He was at first the disciple of Gesari d'Arpino, but formed a style of his own, selected from the principles of Albani and Guercino. He never indeed arrived at the grace of the former, but he excelled him in vigour of tint, in variety of invention, in spirited and resolute execution. He had studied colour with intense application at Venice, and excelled in fresco and in oil. Of the many pictures with which he enriched the churches and palaces of Rome, that of Joseph recognised by his brothers, on the Quirinal, is considered as the most eminent. If Mola possessed a considerable talent for history, he was a genius in landscape: his landscape every where exhibits in the most varied combination, and with the most vigorous touch, the sublime scenery of the territory in which he Was born. His predilection for landscape was such, that in his historic subjects it may often be doubted which is the principal, the actors or the scene; a fault which may be sometimes imputed to Titian himself. In many of Mola’s gallery-pictures, the figures have been ascribed to Albano. He reared three disciples, Antonio Gherardi of Rieti, who after his death entered the school of Cortona, and distinguished himself more by facility than elegance of execution Gia. Batista Boncuore of Rome, a painter at all times of great effect, though often somewhat heavy and Giovanni Bonati of Ferrara, called Giovannino del Pio, from the protection of that cardinal, who painted three altar-pieces of consideration at Rome, but died young. Mola died in 1665, aged fifty-six. He had a brother, John Baptist, who was born in 1620, and also learned the art of painting in the school of Albani. He proved a very good painter in history, as well as in landscape; but was far inferior to his brother, in style, dignity, taste, and colouring. In his manner he had more resemblance to the style of Albani, than to that of his brother; yet his figures are rather hard and dry, and want the mellowness of the master. However, there are four of his pictures in the Palazzo Salviati, at Rome, which are universally taken for the hand of Albani.
, viscount Molesworth of Swordes in Ireland, an eminent statesman and polite writer, was descended from a family,
, viscount Molesworth of
Swordes in Ireland, an eminent statesman and polite writer, was descended from a family, anciently seated in the
counties of Northampton and Bedford in England; but his
father having served in the civil wars in Ireland, settled
afterwards in Dublin, where he became an eminent merchant, and died in 1656, leaving his wife pregnant with
this only child, who raised his family to the honours they
now enjoy. He was born in Dec. at Dublin, and bred in
the college there; and engaged early in a marriage with a
sister of Richard earl of Bellamont, who brought him a
daughter in 1677. When the prince of Orange entered
England in 1688, he distinguished himself by an early and
zealous appearance for the revolution, which rendered him
so obnoxious to king James, that he was attainted, and his
estate sequestered by that king’s parliament, May 2, 1689.
But when king William was settled on the throne, he called
this sufferer, for whom he had a particular esteem, into
his privy council; and, in 1692, sent him envoy extraordinary to the court of Denmark. Here he resided above
three years, till, some particulars in his conduct disobliging his Danish majesty, he was forbidden the court.
Pretending business in Flanders, he retired thither without any audience of leave, and came from thence home:
where he was no sooner arrived, than he drew up “An
Account of Denmark;
” in which he represented the government of that country as arbitrary and tyrannical. This
piece was greatly resented by prince George of Denmark,
consort to the princess, afterwards queen Anne; and
Scheel, the Danish envoy, first presented a memorial to
king William, complaining of it, and then furnished materials for an answer, which was executed by Dr. William
King. From King’s account it appears, that Molesworth’s
offence in Denmark was, his boldly pretending to some
privileges, which, by the custom of the country, are denied to every body but the king; as travelling the king’s
road, and hunting the king’s game: which being done, as
is represented, in defiance of opposition, occasioned the
rupture between the envoy and that count. If this allegation have any truth, the fault lay certainly altogether on
the side "of Molesworth whose disregard of the customs:
of the country to which he was sent, cannot be defended.
, an eminent Italian and Latin poet, was born of a noble family at
, an eminent Italian and Latin poet, was born of a noble family at Modena, in 1489; and, after being educated at Rome, where he made extraordinary proficiency in the Greek and Latin languages, and even in the Hebrew, he was recalled to Modena, where, in 1512, he married, and intended to settle. The fame, however, of Leo X's court, led him about four years after, back to Rome, where he formed an acquaintance with many eminent scholars; but appears to have paid more attention to the cultivation of his taste than his morals, as he formed a licentious connexion with a Roman lady, in consequence of which he received a wound from the hand of an unknown assassin, which had nearly cost him his life. Even when, on the death of Leo X. he left Rome, he did not return to his family, but went to Bologna, where he became enamoured of Camilla Gonzaga, a lady of rank and beauty, and a warm admirer of Italian poetry. His life after this appears to have been wholly divided between poetry and dissipation; and he died of the consequences of the latter, in 1544. His Italian and Latin poems were for many years published in detached forms until 1749, when Serassi produced an entire edition at Bergamo.
, an eminent French astronomer and mathematician, was born at Paris,
, an eminent French astronomer and mathematician, was born at Paris, Nov. 23, 1715. His education was chiefly directed to the sciences, to which he manifested an early attachment; and his progress was such that at the age of twenty-one, he was chosen as the co-operator of Maupertuis, in the measure of a degree of the meridian at the polar circle. At the period when the errors in Flamsteed’s catalogue of the stars began to be manifest, he undertook to determine anew the positions of the zodiacal stars as being the most useful to astronomers. In 1743 he traced at St. Sulpice a grand meridian line, in order to ascertain certain solar motions, and also the small variations in the obliquity of the ecliptic.
, an eminent anatomist, and the father of the medical school of Edinburgh,
, an eminent anatomist, and the father of the medical school of Edinburgh, was descended both by his paternal and maternal parents from distinguished families in the north of Scotland. He was born in London, in September 1697, where his father, then a surgeon in the army of king William in Flanders, resided upon leave of absence in the winter. On quitting the army, Mr. Monro settled in Edinburgh; and perceiving early indications of talent in Alexander, he gave him the best instruction which Edinburgh then afforded, and afterwards sent him to London, where he attended the anatomical courses of Cheselden, and while here, laid the foundation of his most important work on the bones. He then pursued his studies at Paris and Leyden, where his industry and promising talents recommended him to the particular notice of Boerhaave. On iiis return to Edinburgh, in the autumn of 1719, he was appointed professor and demonstrator of anatomy to the company of surgeons, the joint demonstrators having spontaneously resigned in his favour, and soon after began also to give public lectures on anatomy, aided by the preparations which he had made when abroad; and at the same time Dr. Alston, then a young man, united with him in the plan, and began a course of lectures on the materia medica and botany. These courses may be regarded as the opening of that medical school, which has since extended its fame, not only throughout Europe, but over the new world. Mr. Monro suggested this plan; and by the following circumstance, probably, contributed to lead his son into a mode of lecturing, which subsequently carried him to excellence. Without the young teacher’s knowledge, he invited the president and fellows of the College of Physicians, and the whole company of surgeons, to honour the first day’s lecture with their presence. This unexpected company threw the doctor into such confusion, that he forgot the words of the discourse, which he had written and committed to memory. Having left his papers at home, he was at a loss for a little time what to do: but, with much presence of mind, he immediately began to shew some of the anatomical preparations, in order to gain time for recollection; and very soon resolved not to attempt to repeat the discourse which he had prepared, but to express himself in such language as should occur to him from the subject, which he was confident that he understood. The experiment succeeded: he delivered himself well, and gained great applause as a good and ready speaker. Thus discovering his own strength, he resolved henceforth never to recite any written discourse in teaching, and acquired a free and elegant style of delivering lectures.
, an eminent physician, was descended from the ancient family of
, an eminent physician, was descended from the ancient family of that name, in the county of Ross, in North Britain; and was born at Greenwich, in the county of Kent, on the 16th of November, 1715, O. S. His grandfather, Dr. Alexander Monro, was principal of the university of Edinburgh, and, just before the revolution in 1688, had been nominated by king James the lid, to fill the vacant see of the Orkneys; but the alteration which took place in the church-establishment of Scotland at that period, prevented his obtaining possession of this bishopric; and the friendship which prevailed between him and the celebrated lord Dundee, the avowed opponent of king William, added to his being thought averse to the new order of things, exposed him to much persecution from the supporters of the revolution, and occasioned him to retire from Edinburgh to London, whitber he brought with him his only son, then a child. James Monro, the son of Dr. Alexander, after taking his academical degrees in the university of Oxford, practised with much success as a physician in London; and, dedicating his studies principally to the investigation of that branch of medicine which professes to relie* e the miseries arising from insanity, was elected physician to the hospital of Bridewell and Bethlem.
nfined his practice, yet his behaviour was gentle and modest, and his manners refined and elegant in an eminent degree. He possessed an excellent understanding, and
Dr. Monro was tall and handsome in his person, and of
a robust constitution of body. Though naturally of a grave
cast of mind, no man enjoyed the pleasures of society
with a greater relish. To great warmth of temper he added
a nice sense of honour; and, though avowedly at the head
of that branch of his profession to which he confined his
practice, yet his behaviour was gentle and modest, and
his manners refined and elegant in an eminent degree.
He possessed an excellent understanding, and great humanity <>t disposition but the leading features of his character were disinterestedness and generosity; as he has
said of his father, so may it, with equal truth, be said of
himself “physic he honoured as a profession, but he
despised it as a trade
” Never did he aggravate the misery
of those who were in want, by accepting what could ill be
spared; whilst he frequently contributed as much by his
bounty as his professional skill to alleviate the distress he
was forced to witness. It was the remark of a, man of acute
observation, who knew him intimately, “that he had met
with many persons who affected to hold money in contempt,
but Dr. Monro was the only man he had found who really
did despise it.
”
, an eminent French historian, was descended of a noble family, but
, 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.
, an eminent French, writer, was born at the castle of Montaigne,
, 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.
, an eminent English prelate, was the son of Thomas Moore of Market-
, an eminent English prelate, was the son of Thomas Moore of Market- Harborough in Leicestershire, where he was born. He was admitted June 28, 1662, of Clare-hall college, Cambridge, where he took the degree of B. A. in 1665, M. A. in 1669, and D. D. in 1681. He was also fellow of that college, and afterwards became chaplain to Heneage Finch, earl of Nottingham, by whose interest he rose to considerable preferments, and in particular, was promoted to the first prebendal stall in the cathedral church of Ely. His next preferment was the rectory of St. Austin’s, London, to which he was admitted Dec, 3, 1687, but he quitted that Oct. 26, 1689, on his being presented by king William and queen Mary (to whom he was then chaplain in ordinary) to the rectory of St. Andrew’s, Holborn, vacant by the promotion of Dr. Stillingfleet to the see of Worcester. On the deprivation of Dr. William Lloyd, bishop of Norwich, for not taking the oaths to their majesties, he was advanced to that see, and consecrated July 5, 1691, and was thence translated to Ely, July 31, 1707, in which he remained until his death f He died'at Ely-house, in Holborn, July 31, 1714, in his sixty-eighth year. He was interred on the north side of the presbytery of his cathedral church, near his predecessor bishop Patrick, where an elegant monument was erected to his memory.
, an eminent artist of the sixteenth century, was born at Utrecht
, an eminent artist of the sixteenth century, was born at Utrecht in 1519, and was the
scholar of John Schorel, but seems to have studied the
manner of Holbein, to which he approached nearer than
to the freedom of design in the works of the great masters
that he saw at Rome. Like Holbein he was a close imitator of nature, but did not arrive at his extreme delicacy of
finishing; on the contrary, Antonio sometimes struck into
a bold and masculine style, with a good knowledge of
chiaro-scuro. Among other portraits he drew Philip II.
and was recommended by cardinal Granvelle to Charles V.
who sent him to Portugal, where he painted John III. the
king, Catharine of Austria, his queen, and the infanta
Mary, first wife of Philip. For these three pictures he
received six hundred ducats, besides a gold chain of a
thousand florins, and other presents. He had one hundred
ducats for his common portraits. But still ampler rewards
were bestowed on him when sent into England to draw the
picture of queen Mary, the intended bride of Philip. They
gave him one hundred pounds a quarter as painter to their
majesties. He made various portraits of the queen one
was sent by cardinal Granvelle to the emperor, who ordered
two hundred florins to Antonio. He remained in England
during the reign of Mary, and was much employed; but
having neglected, as is frequent, to write the names on the
portraits he drew, most of them have lost part of their
value, by our ignorance of the persons represented.
Though portraits was the branch in which More chiefly excelled, he was not without talent for history. In this he
had something of the Italian style in his design, and his
colouring resembled that of Titian. A very fine work of
his, representing the Ascension of our Saviour, is in the
gallery of the Louvre at Paris. The style of the composition, which consists of Jesus Christ ascending, crowned
by two angels, and accompanied by the figures of St.
Peter and St. Paul, is of the severe and grand cast employed by Fra. Bartolomeo; the colouring is exceedingly
fine, and correspondent to the style of design; he has
been least successful in the expression of the principal
figure; if that had been more just and grand, this picture
would alone place More among the very first class of artists.
On the death of the queen, he followed Philip into Spain,
where he was indulged in so much familiarity, that one
day the king slapping him pretty roughly on the shoulder,
More returned the sport with his handstick. A strange
liberty t& be taken with a Spanish monarch, and with such
a monarch His biographer gives but an awkward account
of the sequel, and, says Mr. Walpole, “1 repeat it as I
find it. A grandee interposed for his pardon, and he was
permitted to retire to the Netherlands, but on the promise
of returning again to Spain. I should rather suppose that
he was promised to have leave to return hither after a temporary banishment; and this supposition is the more likely,
as Philip for once forgetting majesty in his love of the arts,
dispatched a messenger to recal him before he had finished
his journey. But the painter, sensible of the danger he
had escaped, modestly excused himself. And yet, says
the story, the king bestowed noble presents and places on
his children.
” At Utrecht, Antonio found the duke of
Alva, and was employed by him to paint some of his mistresses, and was made receiver of the revenues of West
Flanders, a preferment with which they say he was so
elated, that he burned his easel, and gave away his painting-tools. He was a man of a stately and handsome figure;
and often went to Brussels, where he lived magnificently.
He died at Antwerp, in 1575, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.
, an eminent English divine and philosopher, was the second son of
, an eminent English divine and
philosopher, was the second son of Alexander More, esq.
and born at Grantham in Lincolnshire, Oct. 12, 1614. His
parents, being zealous Calvinists, took especial care to
breed up their son in Calvinistic principles; and, with this
design, provided him with a private master of their own
persuasion, under whose direction he continued till he was
fourteen years of age. Then, at the instigation of his
uncle, who discerned in him very uncommon talents, he
was sent to Eton-school, in order to be perfected in the
Greek and Latin tongues; carrying with him, a strict
charge not to recede from the principles in which he had
been so carefully trained. Here, however, he abandoned
his Calvinistic opinions, as far as regarded predestination;
and, although his uncle not only chid him severely, but
even threatened him with correction, for his immature philosophizing in such matters; yet he persisted in his opinion. In 1631, after he had spent three years at Eton, he
was admitted of Christ’s college in Cambridge, and, at his
own earnest solicitations, under a tutor that was not a Calvinist. Here, as he informs us, “he plunged himself immediately over head and ears in philosophy, and applied
himself to the works of Aristotle, Cardan, Julius Scaliger,
and other eminent philosophers;
” all which he read over
before he took his bachelor of arts’ degree, which was in
1635. But these did not answer his expectations; their
manner of philosophising did not fall in with his peculiar
turn of mind; nor did he feel any of that high delight,
which he had promised himself from these studies. This
disappointment, therefore, induced him to search for what
he wanted in the Platonic writers and mystic divines, such
as Marsilius Ficinus, Plotinus, Trismegistus, &c. where his
enthusiasm appears to have been highly gratified. Among
all the writings of this kind, there was none which so much
affected him as the “Theologia Germanica,
” once a favourite book with Luther. This was written by one John
Taulerus, a Dominican monk, in the fourteenth century;
and who, being supposed by the credulity of that age to
be favoured with revelations from heaven, was styled the
“illuminated divine.
” He preached chiefly at Cologne and
Strasburg, and died in 1631. His book, written in German, was translated into Latin, first by Surius, and afterwards by Sebastian Castalio; and it went through a great
number of editions from 1518 to 1700, when it was printed
in French at Amsterdam.
rth, June 4, 1661, and elected fellow soon after. His writings became so popular, that Mr. Chishull, an eminent bookseller, declared, that, for twenty years together,
During the rebellion he was suffered to enjoy the studious retirement he had chosen, although he had made
himself obnoxious, by constantly refusing to take the covenant. He saw and lamented the miseries of his country;
but, in general, Archimedes like, he was so busy in his
chamber as to mind very little what was doing without. He
had a great esteem for Des Cartes, with whom he held a
correspondence upon several points of his philosophy. He
devoted his whole life to the writing of books; and it is
certain, that his parts and learning were universally admired. On this account he was called into the Royal Society, with a view of giving reputation to it, before its
establishment by the royal charter; for which purpose he
was proposed as a candidate by Dr. Wilkins and Dr. Cudworth, June 4, 1661, and elected fellow soon after. His
writings became so popular, that Mr. Chishull, an eminent
bookseller, declared, that, for twenty years together, after
the return of Charles II. the “Mystery of Godliness,
” and
Dr. More’s other works, ruled all the booksellers in Lon-.
don; and a very remarkable testimony of their esteem was
given by John Cockshuit of the Inner Temple, esq. who,
I by his last will, left 300l. to have three of his principal
I pieces translated into Latin. These were his “Mystery
of Godliness,
” “Mystery of Iniquity,
” and his “Philosophical Collections.
” This legacy induced our author to
translate, together with these, the rest of his English works
which he thought worth printing, into that language; and
the whole collection was published in 1679, in three large
volumes, folio. In undertaking the translation himself, his
design was to appropriate Mr. Cock’shuitY legacy to the
ifounding of three scholarships in Christ’s college; but as
they could not be printed and published without consuming
the greatest part of it, he made up this loss by other donations in his life-time, and by the perpetuity of the rectory
of lngoldsby, which he left to the college by will. He
died Sept. 1, 1687, in his seventy-third year and was buried in the chapel of his college, where lie also Mr. Mede
and Dr. Cudworth, two other contemporary ornaments of
that foundation.
, an eminent antiquary, was born at Bern in Switzerland, it does
, an eminent antiquary, was born at
Bern in Switzerland, it does not appear in what year. He
had so strong a passion for the study of medals, that he
was firmly persuaded of its being natural to him. He travelled through several countries, and made large collections. In 1673 he became acquainted at Basil with Charles
Patin, who communicated to him many very curious and
rare medals, and also several other things which related to
the science. At Paris he had access to the king’s cabinet, and was permitted to design from it whatever he
pleased. He was exhorted by Ezekiel Spanheim, and
others of his learned acquaintance, to prepare his collections for the public; and, in 1683, he published at Paris,
in 8vo, “Specimen universae rei nummariae antiquae.
”
The great work, of which this was a specimen, was to be
a complete collection of all ancient medals, of which he
had at that time 20,000 exactly designed. At Leipsic,
1695, in 8vo, was published a second edition of this
“Specimen,
” corrected, altered, and augmented; to which
were added some letters of Spanheim, upon the subject of
medals.
n acknowledged, that it is only necessary to add that a much improved edition is now in the hands of an eminent scholar, and nearly ready for publication. 13. The
He was an early contributor to the Gentleman’s Magazine; assisted Hogarth in his “Analysis of Beauty,
” and
published some occasional sermons. His other publications followed in this order, 1. “The Life of Dr. Edward
Littleton,
” prefixed to the first volume of his sermons, in
Poems on Divine Subjects; original and translated from the Latin of Marcus Hieronymus Vida, with large
annotations, more particularly concerning the being and
attributes of God,
” Loud. The Canterbury Tales of Chaucer, in the original, from
the most authentic Mss. and as they are turned into modern language by the most eminent hands,
” ibid. 1737.
4. “A copy of English congratulatory verses on the
maryiage of the prince of Orange with the princess Anne,
”
1737. 5. “Philalethes and Theophanes; or a summary
view of the last controversy occasioned by a book entitled
The Moral Philosopher,' parti.
” Lond. The Christian’s Epinikion, or Song of
Triumph; a paraphrase on I Cor. xv. attempted in blank
Terse; with annotations, explanatory and critical,
” ibid.
Hope, a poetical essay, in blank verse,
on that Christian grace, in three books,
” Spenser’s Works,
” by subscription, Euripidis Hecnba, Orestes, et Phenissce, cum scholiis antiquis, &c.
”
Hecuba,
” translated from the Greek, with
annotations. 10. A speciaien of his “Thesaurus,
” Philoctetes,
” Thesaurus Graecse
Poeseos, sive Lexicon Grreco-prosodiacum,
” &c. 4to, with
Hogarth’s portrait of the author. The value of this work
has been so long and so often acknowledged, that it is only
necessary to add that a much improved edition is now in
the hands of an eminent scholar, and nearly ready for publication. 13. The “Prometheus
” of jschylus/&e. A Dissertation on the Corbridge
altar now in the British Museum,
” &c. in a Latin letter to
the hon. Daines Barrington,“1774, printed in the Archasologia, vol. III. 15.
” Sacred Annals; or the Life of
Christ, as recorded by the Four Evangelists,“&c. 1776,
4to. He also published a corrected edition of Hederick’s
Lexicon, and three editions of Ainsworth’s Dictionary;
and compiled the words for Handel’s Oratorios. After his
death was published a translation of
” Seneca’s Epistles,“with annotations, 1786, 2 vols. 4to. This is a correct and
faithful translation, but never attracted much public attention. In 1794 also was published
” Notes and Annotations
on Locke on the Human Understanding, written by order
of the queen (Caroline), corresponding in section and page
to the edition of 1793," 8vo. This, which was written by
the author while in the prime of life, does great credit to
his talents as a metaphysician, and has been judged a very
necessary aid in the perusal of Locke.
Mr. Mores married Susannah, daughter of Mr. Brilgman, an eminent grocer in Whrtechapel, by whom he had a son and daughter.
Mr. Mores married Susannah, daughter of Mr. Brilgman, an eminent grocer in Whrtechapel, by whom he had a son and daughter.
, an eminent pbysiciain and anatomist, was born at Forli, in Rornagna,
, an eminent pbysiciain
and anatomist, was born at Forli, in Rornagna, in February 1682. After a careful education, in which he displayed a proficiency in classical and philosophical acquire
ments beyond his years, he studied medicine at Bologna
with great ardour, and soon attracted the attention and esteem of his able masters, Valsalva and Albertini; the former of whom availed himself of his assistance in the researches into the organ of hearing, which he was at that
time prosecuting, and in drawing up his memoirs upon
that subject. Morgagni also acted as substitute during the
absence of professor Valsalva on a journey to Parma, and
llustrated his lectures by numerous anatomical preparations. Soon after he travelled for improvement, going first
to Venice, where he cultivated several branches of physics, with the assistance of Poleni, Zanicheili, and other
scientific men; and afterwards he visited Padua, where he
attended the schools, under the direction of distinguished
professors, with his accustomed industry. After his return
he settled for a short time at his native place, and then by
the advice of Guglielmini, returned to Paduaa, where he
was appointed professor, in 1711, and taught the theory of
physic. He became the intimate friend of the celebrated
Lancisi, whom he assisted in preparing for publication the
dawings of Eustachius, which appeared in 1714. He had
already distinguished himself by the publication of the first
part of his own work, the “Adversaria Anatomica,
” Bonon.
, an eminent but very unhappy artist, was born in 1764. He was the
, an eminent but very unhappy artist, was born in 1764. He was the pupil of his father Henry Robert Morland, an indifferent painter of portraits, and subjects of domestic life, whom he very soon surpassed. This perhaps was at first his misfortune, for the father, finding what advantage he might reap from his talents, confined him to such work as might be readily brought to market, without endeavouring to give him any part of that education or polish which would have enabled him to appear with credit in society. The consequence of this was, that when patrons appeared they found him wayward, dissipated, and irreclaimable. Low habits and low company early got possession of his affections, and all means to recommend oeconomy, decency, and regularity, were employed in vain. At length his father was advised to send young Morland to Margate to paint small portraits; and although this scheme did not produce all the effect expected, it made him more known, and -he became independent of his father, and could now pursue his art when he pleased, and for his own emolument.
e man, of a very exemplary life, but occasionally passionate, and obstinate. He was in many respects an eminent man, zealous against popery, and considerably learned,
He was a very hard student, usually rising about five o'clock in the morning both in winter and summer, though he never went to bed till about eleven in the severest season of the year; nor did he eat more than once in the twenty-four hours. By this means he passed his life without ever being obliged to keep his bed for any sickness more than twice. Bishop Burnet tells us, that he had been first known to the world as a friend of lord Falkland’s; a circumstance sufficient to raise any man’s character. He had continued for many years in the lord Clarendon’s family, and was his particular friend. He was a Calvinist with relation to the Arminian points, and was thought a friend to the puritans before the wars; and although in the Savoy conference he would not admit of any concessions to that party, Calamy records several instances of his moderation towards dissenters. He was a pious and charitable man, of a very exemplary life, but occasionally passionate, and obstinate. He was in many respects an eminent man, zealous against popery, and considerably learned, with an uncommon vivacity of thought.
, an eminent prelate a ntt statesman, in the reign of Henry VII.
, an eminent prelate a ntt statesman, in the reign of Henry VII. was the eldest son of Richard Morton, of Milbourtie St. Andrew’s in Dorsetshire, and was born in 1410 at Bere in that county. The first part of his education he received among the monks of Cerne abbey, and thence removed to Baliol college, Oxford, where in 1446 he was one of the commissaries of that university, and had been also moderator of the civil law school, and principal of Peckwater inn in 1453. In 1458 he was collated to the prebend of Fordington with Writhlington in the cathedral of Salisbury, which he resigned in 1476. In the same year he was installed prebendary of Covingham in the church of Lincoln, and on this occasion. resigned the sub-deanery to which he had been collated in 1450. In October 1472 he was collated by archbishop Bouchier to the rectory of St. Dunstan’s in the East, London, which he held only two years; and the same month was collated to the prebend of Isledon in the church of St. Paul, which he exchanged in the following year for that of Chiswick in the same church.
, an eminent physician, was born in the county of Suffolk; and became
, an eminent physician, was born
in the county of Suffolk; and became a commoner in
Magdalen-hall, Oxford, afterwards one of the chaplains of
New college, and M. A. On leaving the university, where
he took orders, he was for some time chaplain in the family
of Foley, in Worcestershire. Having, however, adopted
the principles of the nonconformists, he found it necessary,
after tue restoration of Charles II. to abandon the profession of theology, and adopted that of medicine. He accordingly was admitted to the degree of doctor in this faculty in 1670, having in that year accompanied the prince
of Orange to Oxford, as physician to his person. He afterwards settled in London, became a fellow of the college of
physicians, and obtained a large share of city practice.
He died at his house in Surrey, in 1698. The works of
Dr. Morton had a considerable, reputation, but they lean
too much to the humoral pathology, which was prevalent
in that age; and his method of treatment in acute diseases,
is now generally discarded. His first publication was entitled “Phthisioiogia, seu Exercitationes de Phthisi,
” Pyretologia, seu Exercitationes de Morbis universalibus acutis,
” published in
same family with cardinal Morton, and was the sixth son of nineteen children of Mr. Richard Morton, an eminent mercer and alderman of York, by Elizabeth Leedale his
, a learned English bishop in the
seventeenth century, was of the same family with cardinal
Morton, and was the sixth son of nineteen children of Mr.
Richard Morton, an eminent mercer and alderman of York,
by Elizabeth Leedale his wife. He was born at York,
March 20, 1564, and was 6rst educated there under Mr. Pullen, and afterwards at Halifax under Mr. Maud. In 1582
he was sent to St. John’s college in Cambridge, and placed
under the tuition of Mr. Anthony Higgon, afterwards dean
of Rippon, who left him to the care of Mr. Henry Nelson,
afterwards rector of Hougham ia Lincolnshire, who lived
to see his pupil bishop of Durham, and many years after.
In the beginning of November 1584, he was chosen to a
scholarship of Constable’s foundation, peculiar to his native county of York; and in 1586 took the degree of bachelor of arts, and in 1590 that of master, having performed the exercises requisite to each degree with great
applause. He continued his studies at his father’s charge
until March 17, 1592, when he was admitted fellow, of the
foundation of Dr. Keyson, merely on account of his merit,
against eight competitors for the place. About the same
time he was chosen logic lecturer of the university, which,
office he discharged with ^reat skill and diligence, as appeared from his lectures found among his papers. The
same year he was ordained deacon, and the year following
priest by Richard Rowland, bishop of Peterborough. He
continued five years after this in the college, pursuing his
private studies, and instructing pupils. In 1598 he took
the degree of bachelor of divinity; and ahout the same
year was presented to the rectory of Long Marston four
miles from York. He was afterwards made chaplain to the
earl of Huntingdon, lord president of the North, who selected him for his zeal and acuteness in disputing with the
Romish recusants. It was queen Elizabeth’s command to
his lordship, to prefer arguments to force with these people: and this she expressed, as the earl used to say, in the
words of scripture, “Nolo mortem peccatoris.
” Afterwards, when lord Huntingdon was dead, and lord Sheffield
was appointed lord president, Morton held a public conference before his lordship and the council, at the manor-,
house at York, with two popish recusants, then prisoners
in the castle. In 1602, when the plague raged in that
city, he behaved with the greatest charity and resolution.
The year following, the lord Eure being appointed ambassador-extraordinary to the emperor of Germany, and king
of Denmark, Morton attended him as chaplain, along with
Mr. Richard Crakenthorp, and took this opportunity to
make a valuable collection of books, as well as to visit the
universities of Germany. At his return he became chapJain to Roger earl of Rutland, and was afterwards presented
by archbishop Matthews to a prebend in the cathedral of
York. In 1606 he took the degree of doctor of divinity;
and about the same time was sworn chaplain in ordinary to
king James I. and preferred to the deanery of Gloucester,
June 22, 1607. While he was dean there, the lord Eure
above mentioned, then lord president of Wales, appointed
him one of his majesty’s council for the marches. In 1609,
he was removed to the deanery of Winchester; and while
there, the bishop (Bilson) collated him to the rectory of
Alesford. In the same year, Dr. Sutcliff, dean of Exeter,
founding a college at Chelsea, for divines to be employed
in defending the protestant religion against the papists, he
was appointed one of the fellows. About this time, he
became acquainted with Isaac Casaubon. In 1615, he
was advanced to the see of Chester and, in 1618, to that
of Lichfield and Coventry about which time he became
acquainted with Antonio de Dominis, abp. of Spalato,
whom he endeavoured to dissuade from returning to Rome.
The archbishop’s pretence for going thither was, to attempt
an unity between the church of Rome and that of England, upon those terms which he had laid down in his
book entitled “De Repnblica Christiana.
”
, an eminent musician, was the son of Leopold Mozart, vice-chapel-master
, an eminent musician, was the son of Leopold Mozart, vice-chapel-master to the prince archbishop of Salzburg. This Leopold, who was born at Augsburg in 1719, became early in life a musician and composer; and in 1757 published a treatise on the art of playing the violin; but what, according to Dr. Burney, did him most honour was his being father of such an incomparable son as Wolfgang, and educating him with such care. His son was born at Salzburg, Jan. 17, 1756, and at seven years old went with his father and sister to Paris, and the year following to London. In 1769 he went to Italy; and in 1770 he was at Bologna, in which city Dr. Burney first saw him, and to which city he had returned from Rome and Naples, where he had astonished all the great professors by his premature knowledge and talents. At Rome he was honoured by the pope with the order of Speron d'Oro. From Bologna he went to Milan, where he was engaged to compose an opera for the marriage of the princess of Modena with one of the archdukes. Two other composers were employed on this occasion, each of them to set an opera; but that of the little Mozart, young as he was, was most applauded.
, an eminent mechanist, was born at Exeter, September 1715. He was
, an eminent mechanist, was born
at Exeter, September 1715. He was the second son of
the rev. Zachariah Mudge, prebendary of Exeter, and
vicar of St. Andrew’s, Plymouth, who died April 3, 1769,
and was honoured by Dr. Johnson with a very elegant
testimony of respect, which was inserted in the London
Chronicle at that time, and may be seen in Mr. Boswell’s
Life of the doctor. Mr. Z. Mudge had three other sons
besides the subject of this article. The eldest, Zachariah,
was a surgeon and apothecary at Taunton, and afterwards
surgeon on board an East Indiaman; he died in 1753 on
ship-board, in the river Canton in China. The third, the
rev. Richard Mudge, was officiating minister of a chapel
of ease at Birmingham, and had a small living presented
to him by the earl of Aylesford. He was not only greatly
distinguished by his learning, but by his genius for music.
He excelled as a composer for the harpsichord; and as a
performer on that instrument is said to have been highly
complimented by Handel himself. The fourth son, John,
was originally a surgeon and apothecary at Plymouth, but
during the latter part of his life practised as a physician
with great success. Like his brother Thomas, he had great
mechanical talents; and, until prevented by the enlargement of his practice, he found time to prosecute improvements in rectifying telescopes. In 1777 the Royal Society
adjudged to him Sir Godfrey Copley’s gold medal, for a
paper which he presented to that learned body on the best
methods of grinding the specula of reflecting telescopes.
He also considerably improved the inhaler, an ingenious
contrivance for the curing of coughs, by inhaling steam.
In 1777 he published “A Dissertation on the inoculated
Small-pox;
” which was followed, some years after, by
“A Treatise on the Catarrhous Cough and Vis Vitae.
” He
died in
, an eminent school -master, was descended from an ancient family
, an eminent school -master, was descended from an ancient family in Cumberland. His father, William Mulcaster, resided at Carlisle, where, according to Wood, his son Richard was born. He was educated on the foundation at Eton, whence, in 1548, he gained his election to King’s college, Cambridge. Here he took no degree, but while scholar removed to Oxford; for what reason we know not. In 1555, he was elected student of Christ-Church; and, in the next year, was licensed to proceed in arts, and became eminent for his proficiency in Eastern literature. He began to be a teacher about 1559, and on Sept. 24, 1561, for his extraordinary accomplishments in philology was appointed the first master of Merchant Taylors’ school, then just founded; and he provided the first usher, and divided the boys into forms, &c. In this school he passed nearly twenty-six years; a severe disciplinarian, according to Fuller, but beloved by his pupils when they came to the age of maturity and reflected on the benefit they had derived from his care. Of these, bishop Andrews appears always to have preserved the highest respect for him, had his portrait hung over his study-door, behaved with great liberality to him, and by his will bequeathed a handsome legacy to his son. In April 1594, he was collated to the prebendal-stall of Gatesbury in the cathedral of Sarum; and, in 1596, he resigned the mastership of Merchant Taylors. The company were desirous that he should remain with them; but Fuller has recorded that he gave for answer, Fidelis semus, perpetuus asinus; and it appears from Mr. Wilson’s History that he had at last reason to think himself slighted . With his profession he certainly was not dissatisfied, nor, able to give it up for when he left the Merchant Taylors, he was chosen, in the same year, 1596, upper master of St. Paul’s School, in which office he remained for twelve years, and then retired to the rich rectory of StamfordRivers, in Essex, to which he had been instituted at the presentation of the queen. His retirement might also have been hastened by the loss of an affectionate wife, as well as by the decaying state of his own health; for, two years after putting up a plate with an inscription to her memory, in the church of Stamford, he died April 15, 1611, and was buried in the same church, but without any memorial.
, an eminent German divine and mathematician, was born at Inghelheim
, an eminent German divine
and mathematician, was born at Inghelheim in 1489; and,
at fourteen commenced his studies at Heidelberg. Two
years after, he entered the convent of the Cordeliers,
where he laboured assiduously; yet did not content him
self with the studies relating to his profession, but applied
himself also to mathematics and cosmography. He was
the first who published a “Chaldee Grammar and Lexicon;
” and gave the world, a short time after, a “Talmudic Dictionary.
” He went afterwards to Basil, and succeeded Pelicanus, of whom he had learned Hebrew, in
the professorship of that language. He was one of the
first who attached himself to Luther, but meddled little in
the controversies of the age, employing his time and attention chiefly to the study of the Hebrew and other Oriental languages, mathematics, and natural philosophy. He
published a great number^ of works on these subjects, of
which the principal is a Latin version from the Hebrew of
all the books of the Old Testament, with learned notes,
printed at Basil in 1534 and 1546. This is thought more
faithful than the versions of Pagninus and Arias Montanus; and his notes are generally approved, though he
dwells a little too long upon the explications of the rabbins.
For this version he was called the German Esdras, as he
was the German Strabo for an “Universal Cosmography,
”
in six books, which he printed at Basil in Tabulae novae ad geog. Ptolemaei,
” “Rudimenta mathematica,
” &c. He was a pacific, studious, retired man, and, Dupin allows, one of the
most able men that embraced the reformed religion. For
this reason Beza and Verheiden have placed him among
the heroes of the reformation, although he wrote nothing
expressly on the subject. He died at Basil, of the plague,
May 23, 1552.
, an eminent English lawyer, was fourth son of David, earl of Stormont,
, 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.
, an eminent physician at Rome, acquired such reputation as to be
, an eminent physician at Rome, acquired such reputation as to be appointed physician to the
emperor Augustus, about 21 B. C. He is said to have
been the first who prescribed the use of the cold bath;
but whatever may be in this, he advised cold bathing and
a cool regimen in the case of his imperial master, which
effected the cure of many disorders with which Augustus
had been previously afflicted, and made him a great favourite both with the emperor and the people. Little is
Known of his history besides, and none of his writings have
descended to posterity. The tract, printed among others
on the materia medica at Basil in 1528 and 1549, “Libellus de Botanica,
” and attributed to Musa, is thought to
have been the production of a later pen. Bishop Atterbury, in a letter to Dr. Freind, endeavours to prove that
the lapis mentioned by Virgil (Eneid XII. 391) was our
Musa; but Dr. Templeman and others have differed from
him in this opinion, for reasons which cannot easily be rejected.
, an eminent mathematician and natural philosopher, was born at Leyden
, 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
, an eminent architect, to whose memory Black Friars Bridge will
, an eminent architect, to whose memory Black Friars Bridge will be a lasting monument, was born at Edinburgh, Jan. 4, 1734. His father, Thomas Mylne, was an architect, and a magistrate of that city; and his family, it has been ascertained, held th office of master-masons to the kings of Scotland for five hundred year’s, till the union of the crowns of England and Scotland. Mr. Mylne was educated at Edinburgh, and travelled early in life for improvement in h;s hereditary science. At Rome he resided five years, and in September 1758, gained the first prize in the first class of architecture, adjudged by the academy of St. Luke, and was also unanimously elected a member of that body. On this occasion prince Altieri, distinguished for his knowledge of the fine arts, obtained from the pope the necessary dispensation, Mr. Mylne being a protestant. He was also elected a member of the academies of Florence and Bologna. He visited Naples, and viewed the interior of Sicily with an accuracy never before employed; and from his skill in his profession, and his classical knowledge, was enabled to illustrate several very obscure passages in Vitruvius. His fine collection of drawings, with his account of this tour, which he began to arrange for publication in 1774, but was interrupted by his numerous professional engagements, are still in the possession of his son, and will, it is hoped, at no very distant period, be given to the public. He was often heard to remark in his latter days, that in most of his observations and drawings, he had neither been anticipated by those who traversed the ground before him, nor followed by those who came after him.
, doctor of music, an eminent composer and teacher in that science, under whom some
, doctor of music, an eminent composer and teacher in that science, under whom some of the
first musicians of the present day received the whole or
part of their education, was tfce son of Mr. Nares, who
was, for many years, steward to Montague and Willoughby,
earl* of Abingdon. He was born, as well as his brother,
the late Mr. Justice Nares, at Stanwell in Middlesex; the
former in 1715, the latter in 1716. His musical education he commenced under Mr. Gates, then master of the
royal choristers; and completed it under the celebrated
Dr. Pepusch. Thus prepared, he officiated, for some time,
as deputy to Mr. Pigott, organist of Windsor; but, on
the resignation of Mr. Salisbury, organist of York, in
1734, was chosen to succeed him, being then only nineteen. It is related, on undoubted authority, that, when
the old musician first saw his intended successor, he said,
rather angrily, “What! is that child to succeed me?
”
which being mentioned to the organist-elect, he took an
early opportunity, on a difficult service being appointed,
to play it throughout half a note below the pitch, which
brought it into a key with seven sharps; and went through
it without the slightest error. Being asked why he did so,
he said, that “he only wished to shew Mr. Salisbury what
a child could do.
” His knowledge in all branches of
his profession was equal to his practical skill in this instance; and, during his residence at York, where he
was abundantly employed as a teacher, and where he
married, Mr. Nares, by his good conduct, as well as
professional merit, obtained many powerful friends.
Among the foremost of these was Dr. Fontayne, the
late venerable dean of York; who, when Dr. Green died,
towards the latter end of 1755, exerted his interest so
successfully, that he obtained for him the united places of
organist and composer to his majesty. He removed,
therefore, to London in the beginning of 1756; and,
about the same time, was created doctor in music at Cambridge.
and a concise account of the author. Of these compositions the following short character is given by an eminent musician, to whom they are all well known.” The Lessons
His printed works are these 1 “Eight sets of Lessons
for the Harpsichord dedicated to the right honourable
Willoughby earl of Abingdon printed in 1748, reprinted
in 1757.
” 2. “Five Lessons for the Harpsichord, with a
sonata in score for the harpsichord or organ; dedicated to
the right honourable the countess of Carlisle;
” published
in A set of easy Lessons for the Harpsichord,
” three in number; with a dedication to the public, signed J. N. 4. “A Treatise on Singing,
” small size.
5. “II Principio
” or “.A regular introductionto playing
on the Harpsichord or Organ.
” This was the first set of
progressive lessons published on a regular plan. 6. “The
Royal Pastoral, a dramatic ode; dedicated to his royal
highness the prince of Wales; printed in score, with an
overture and choruses. 7.
” Catches, Canons, and Glees;
dedicated to the late lord Mornington.“8.
” Six Fugues,
with introductory voluntaries forMhe Organ or Harpsichord.“9.
” A concise and easy treatise on Singing, with
a set of English Duets for beginners;“- a different work
from the former small treatise. 10.
” Twenty Anthems,
in score, for one, two, three, four, and rive voices composed for the use of his majesty’s chapels royal,“1778.
11.
” Six, easy Anthems, with a favourite Morning and
Evening Service,“left for publication at his death, and
published in 1738, with a portrait and a concise account of
the author. Of these compositions the following short
character is given by an eminent musician, to whom they
are all well known.
” The Lessons are composed in a
masterly and pleasing style; free from those tricks and
unmeaning successions of semitones, to which a good ear
and sound judgment never can be reconciled. The treatises
on singing contain duets composed for the use of the
children of the royal chapels, superior to any thing yet published and such as every teacher ought to peruse. His
catches, canons, and glees, are natural and pleasing
especially the glee to all Lovers of Harmony, which gained
the prize-medal at the catch-club in 1770. The Royal
Pastoral is composed throughout in a very masterly manner; particularly the choruses, with which each part concludes. This ode, containing 108 pages, was written, and
all the vocal and instrumental parts transcribed for performing, within twelve days. The six fugues, with introductory voluntaries for the organ, contain the strongest
proofs of ingenuity and judgment; few, if any, have ever
been written that can be preferred to them. In both sets
of the anthems, the same characteristics appear; and the
service in the latter very justly acquired the title of favourite; nor can there be any doubt that the works of this
author will be admired as long as a taste for music shall
subsist."
e, however, for we find that his “Have with you to Saffron-Walden,” passed through six editions; and an eminent poetical critic and antiquary thinks that Malone must
As a satirist, his most virulent paper-war was carried on
with Gabriel Harvey, particularly in his tract, entitled
“Have with you to Saffron-Walden,
” which was Harvey’s
residence. His dramatic pieces were only three “Dido,
queen of Carthage,
” a tragedy, Summer’s Last Will and Testament,
” a comedy, The Isle of Dogs,
” above-mentioned, not published.
He engaged on the side of the church against Martin Marprelate; and the following are supposed to have formed
his share of this controversy: “A Countercuffe given to
Martin, junior,
” &c.; “Martin’s month’s minde
” “The
Returne of the renowned cavaliero Pasquill of England,
”
&c. all published in Bibliographer.
” Nash wrote
with considerable ease, harmony, and energy, yet Ma lone
says, that “of all the writers of the age of queen Elizabeth, Nash is the most licentious in his language; perpetually distorting words from their primitive signification,
in a manner often puerile and ridiculous, but more frequently incomprehensible and absurd.
” He pleased his
own age, however, for we find that his “Have with you
to Saffron-Walden,
” passed through six editions; and an
eminent poetical critic and antiquary thinks that Malone
must have formed his severe censure of Nash from this
piece, which was intended to ridicule the inflated and
turgid language of Harvey, in his astrological tracts. The
style of “Pierce Penniless,
” adds sir E. Brydges, is very
dissimilar, and his “Address to the two Universities,
” published in
, an eminent dissenting divine, and the historian of the Puritans,
, an eminent dissenting divine, and the historian of the Puritans, was born in London, Dec. 14, 1678, and educated at Merchant-Taylors’ school, of which he was head scholar in 1697. He appears to have then declined proceeding to St. John’s, Oxford, and determined to enter as a student in a dissenting academy, under the direction of the rev. Thomas Rowe. Three years after he removed, for the farther prosecution of his studies, to Holland, where he heard the lectures of Graevius and Burman, during two years, and afterwards passed a year at Leyden. Soon after his return to London, in 1703, he began to officiate as a preacher, and in 1706 succeeded Dr. Singleton as minister to a congregation at Loriners’ Hall. Of this congregation, which, for want of room, rmoved afterwards to a more commodious meeting in Jewinstreet, he remained pastor for thirty-six years, and was esteemed one of the most useful, laborious, and learned divines of his communion.
, an eminent painter, was born in 1639, at Prague in Bohemia. His
, an eminent painter, was born in 1639, at Prague in Bohemia. His father dying in the Polish service, in which he was an engineer, his mother was constrained, on account of the catholic religion, which she professed, to depart suddenly from Prague with her three sons, of whom Gaspard was the youngest* At some leagues from the town she stopped at a castle, which wafc afterwards besieged; and Gaspard’s two brothers were famished to death. The mother, apprehensive of the same fate, found means to escape in the night-time out of the castle, and with her son in her amis reached Arnheim, ifo Guelderland, where she met with some relief to support herself and breed op her son. A physician, named Tutkens, a man of wealth and humanity, became the patron of Netscher, and put him to school, with the view of educating him to his own profession; but Netscher’s decided turn for the art he afterwards practised, induced his patron to place him with a glazier to learn to draw, this being the only person at Arnheim who could give him any instructions. As soon as tie had iearned all this man could teach, he went to Deventer, to a painter, whose name was Gerhard Terburg, an able artist, and burgomaster of the town, under whom he acquired a great command of his pencil and, going to Holland, worked there a long time for the picture-merchants, who, abusing his easiness, paid him very little for his pieces, which they sold at a good price.
, an eminent chemist, the son of an apothecary, was born at Zullichau,
, an eminent chemist, the son of an apothecary, was born at Zullichau, in the duchy of Crossen, July 11, 1682. Caspar was educated under his father, and commenced practice at Unruhstadt, in Poland; but after a short residence there, he went to Berlin in 1705, and was employed several years as traveller for the pharmaceutic establishment of the king of Prussia. In consequence of the ability which he manifested in the performance of this duty, the king sent him to prosecute his studies at the university of Halle, and subsequently defrayed the expences of a journey, for the purpose of acquiring chemical information. He commenced this chemical tour in 1711 by visiting the mines of Germany and thence went to Holland, where he profited by the instructions of the celebrated Boerhaave. He then visited England, and while here had the misfortune to lose his royal patron, Frederick I., by death. His talents and character, however, soon afforded him relief from this temporary embarrassment for, on his return to the continent he was detained at Franeker by Cyprianus, who employed him in the execution of many chemical experiments; and he was at the same time invited to Berlin. At that time, however, he preferred accompanying George I., king of England, to Hanover, whither he went in 1716. He subsequently visited Berlin, for the purpose of settling some private affairs, where he obtained the friendship of Stahl, through whose influence at court he was again sent on a tour of chemical investigation, through England, France, and Italy, where he was introduced to all the celebrated chemists of the day. On his return to Berlin, he was appointed apothecary to the court and in 1723, when the king instituted the Royal College of Medicine and Surgery, he was nominated professor of practical chemistry, and was elected a member of that body in the following year. In 1725, he was chosen a fellow of the Royal Society of London; and in 1727, was honoured with the degree of M. D. by the university of Halle. In the course of the same year, he travelled through Silesia and Moravia to Vienna; and on his return through Bohemia he visited the baths of Tb'plitz, and examined the mines, in passing by the way of Dresden and Freyberg, with all the attention of a chemical philosopher.
, dean of Canterbury, and an eminent benefactor to Trinity college, Cambridge, brother to
, dean of Canterbury, and an eminent benefactor to Trinity college, Cambridge, brother to the preceding, was born in Canterbury, to which city his father, who had spent his younger days at court, had, in his declining years, retired. He entered early at Pembroke-hall, Cambridge, of which he was elected a fellow in November 1570. In 1580, he was senior proctor of the university, and in 1582 was presented to the mastership of Magdalen -college by the then patron of that office, Thomas lord Howard, first earl of Suffolk. In 1587, the queen, to whom he was chaplain, conferred on him the second prebend in the church of Ely, at which time he was also rector of Doddington cum Marchj in the isle of Ely. In 158S, he was elected vice-chancellor of the University, but relinquished the office, in the following year, to Dr. Preston, master of Trinity-hall. While he presided in this station, he took the degree of D. D. During his being vice-chancellor, it is only recorded, that he had occasion to repress the freedoms which two of the university preachers took when speaking in their sermons of the established church.
, an eminent prelate, descended from a non-conformist family, was
, an eminent prelate, descended
from a non-conformist family, was born at Barton-le-Clay,
in Bedfordshire, April 10, 1729, and educated at Abingdon school. In 1745 he entered of Pembroke college,
Oxford, but removed some time after to Hertford college,
where he took his degree of M. A. in 1753, and became a
tutor of considerable eminence. Among other pupils who
preserved a high respect for his memory, was the late hon.
Charles James Fox. In 1765 he took his degrees of B. D.
and D. D. and was appointed chaplain to the earl of Hertford, then lord lieutenant of Ireland, who conferred on
him, withiti a year, the see of Dromore. In 1775, he was
translated to Ossoryj and in 1778 produced his first workj
“An Harmony of the Gospels,
” which involved him in a
controversy with Dr. Priestley respecting the duration of
our Lord’s ministry, Dr. Priestley confining it to one year,
while the bishop extended its duration to three years and
a half. In 1779 Dr. Newcome was translated to the see of
Waterford; and in 1782 published “Observations on our
Lord’s conduct as a divine Instructor, and on the excellence of his moral character.
” This was followed, ia An attempt towards an improved version, a metrical
arrangement, and an explanation of the Twelve Minor
Prophets,
” 4to, and in An attempt towards an
improved version, a metrical arrangement, and an explanation of the prophet Ezekiel,
” 4to. He published also
about the same time “A Review of the chief difficulties in
the Gospel history respecting our Lord’s Resurrection,
”
4to, the purpose of which was to correct some errors in his
“Harmony.
” In Art historical view of the English
Biblical translations; the expediency of revising by authority our present translation; and the means of executing
such a work,
” 8vo. Concerning the latter part of this
scheme there are many differences of opinion, and in the
learned prelate’s zeal to effect a new translation, he is
thought, both in this and his former publications, to have
been too general in his strictures on the old. He lived,
however, to witness Dr. Geddes’s abortive attempt towards
a new translation, and the danger of such a work falling
into improper hands. For the historical part, the bishop
is chiefly indebted to Lewis, but his arrangement is better,
and his list of editions more easily to be consulted, and
therefore more useful. Except a very valuable Charge,
this was the last of Dr. Newcorae’s publications which appeared in his life-time. In January 1795 he was translated
to the archbishopric of Armagh. He died at his house in
St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Jan. 11, 1800, in the seventy-first year of his age; and was interred in the new
chapel of Trinity college. Soon after his death was published his “Attempt towards revising our English Translation of the Greek Scriptures, or the New Covenant of
Jesus Christ,
” &c. The writer of his life in the Cyclopaedia says that this work “has been made the basis of an
” Improved Version of the New Testament, published by
a Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, &c.“much to the mortification, as we have heard, of some of
the archbishop’s relatives;
” nor will our readers fail to
sympathize with them, when they are told that this “Improved version
” is that which has been so ably and justly
censured and exposed by the Rev. Edward Nares, in his
“Remarks on the Version of the New Testament lately
edited by the Unitarians,
” &c.
, of Arbury in Warwickshire, an elegant scholar, and an eminent benefactor to the university of Oxford, was born May
, of Arbury in Warwickshire, an elegant scholar, and an eminent benefactor to the university of Oxford, was born May 30, 1719. He was the seventh and youngest son of sir Richard Newdigate, bart. by his second lady Elizabeth, daughter of sir Roger Twisden, bart. In his sixteenth year he succeeded, in title and estate, his elder brother, sir Edward. Sir Roger was at that time a king’s scholar at Westminster school, where by his own choice he continued three years, and then entered of University college, Oxford. Here he was created M. A. in May 1738, and afterwards set out on one of those continental tours which his classical knowledge and fine taste enabled him to turn to the best advantage, by accumulating a vast collection of monumental antiquities, and drawings of ancient ruins, buildings, statues, &c. Of these last there are two ample folios in his library at Arbury, the produce of his indefatigable and accurate pencil. He also brought home some curious antique marbles and vases of exquisite workmanship (some of which are engraved in Piranesi, where his name occurs several times), casts from the most admired statues at Rome and Florence, and copies of many celebrated paintings, particularly a fine one of the famous Transfiguration, by Raphael, which adorns the magnificent saloon at Arbury.
, an eminent English mathematician and divine, the grandson of John
, an eminent English mathematician
and divine, the grandson of John Newton, of Axmouth, in
Devonshire, and the son of Humphrey Newton of Oundle,
in Northamptonshire, was born at Oundle in 1622, and
was entered a commoner of St. Edmund’s hall, Oxford,
in 1637. He took the degree of B. A. in 1641; and the
year following, was created master, in precedence to several gentlemen that belonged to the king and court, then
residing in the university, on account of his distinguished
talents in the higher branches of science. His genius
being inclined to astronomy and the mathematics, he made
great proficiency in these sciences, which he found of service during the times of the usurpation, when he continued stedfest to his legal sovereign. After the restoration he was created D. D. at Oxford, Sept. 1661, was
made one of the king’s chaplains, and rector of Ross, in
Herefordshire, in the place of Mr. John Toombes, ejected
for non-conformity. He held this living till his death,
which happened at Ross, Dec. 25, 1678. Mr. Wood gives
him the character of a capricious and humoursome person; but whatever may be in this, his writings are sufficient
monuments of his genius and skill in the mathematics.
These are, 1. “Astronomia Britannica, &c. in three parts,
”
Help to Calculation; with tables of declination, ascension, &c.
” Trigonometria Britannica, in two books,
” Chiliades centum Logarithmorum,
” printed with, 5. “Geometrical Trigonometry,
” Mathematical Elements, three parts,
” A perpetual Diary, or Almanac,
” Description of
the use of the Carpenter’s Rule,
” Ephemerides,
shewing the Interest and Rate of Money at six per cent.
”
&c. Chiliades centum Logarithmorum, et tabula partium proportionalium,
” The Rule of
Interest, or the case of Decimal Fractions, &c. part II.
”
1668, 8vo. 12. “School-Pastime for young Children,
”
&c. Art of practical Gauging,
” &c. Introduction to the art of Rhetoric,
” The
art of Natural Arithmetic, in whole numbers, and fractions
vulgar and decimal,
” The English Academy,
” Cosmography.
” 18. “Introduction to Astronomy.
” 19. “Introduction to Geography,
”
hed from other men by any singularity, either natural or affected;” and Dr. Johnson considered it as an eminent instance of Newton’s superiority to the rest of mankind,
Fontenelle, after detailing these circumstances, observes,
that “he was not distinguished from other men by any singularity, either natural or affected;
” and Dr. Johnson
considered it as an eminent instance of Newton’s superiority to the rest of mankind, “that he was able to separate knowledge from those weaknesses by which knowledge is generally disgraced: that he was able to excel in
science and wisdom, without purchasing them by the neglect of little things: and that he stood alone merely because
he had left the rest of mankind behind him, not because he
deviated from the beaten track.
”
, an eminent English prelate, was born at Lichfield Jan. 1, 1704,
, an eminent English prelate, was born at Lichfield Jan. 1, 1704, N. S. His father, John Newton, was a considerable brandy and cyder merchant, a man of much industry and integrity; his mother was the daughter of Mr. Rhodes, a clergyman, and died when this, ber only son, was about a year old. He received the first part of his education in the free-school of Lichfield, which, at that time flourished greatly under the direction of Mr. Hunter, and at all times has sent forth several persons of eminence, from bishop Smalridge to Dr. Johnson When he was of an age to be sent out into the world, his father married a second wife, the daughter of the rev. Mr. Trebeck of Worcester, and sister to Dr. Trebeck, the first rector of St. George’s, Hanover-square; and by the advice of Pr. Trebeck, and the encouragement of bishop Smalrulge, young Newton was removed from Lichfield to Westminster school in 1717. Here he was placed at the lower- end of the fourth form, and the year following became a king’s scholar, being admitted into the college by the nomination of bishop Smalridge.
an English divine of great learning and merit, was the son of John Nichols, of Donington, in Bucks, an eminent counsellor, and was born, in 1664. He was educated at
, an English divine of great learning and merit, was the son of John Nichols, of Donington, in Bucks, an eminent counsellor, and was born, in 1664. He was educated at St. Paul’s school, London, whence, in 1679, he went to Magdalen hall, Oxford. He removed afterwards to Wadham college, where he took the degree of B. A. Nov. 27, 1683; but being admitted probationer- fellow of Merton college in October 1684, he completed his degree of M. A. there on June 19, 1688. About that time he entered into holy orders, became chaplain to Ralph earl of Montague, and in September 1691, rector of Selsey, near Chichester, in Sussex. He was admitted B. D. July 2, 1692, and D. D. Nov. 29, 1695. After a life entirely devoted to piety and study, we find him, in the close of it, thus describing his situation, in a letter to Robert earl of Oxford:
, an eminent Russian prelate, was born in a village under the government
, an eminent Russian prelate, was born in a village under the government of Nishnei Novogorod, in
1613. His parents were so obscure that neither their
names nor stations are known. He was educated under
the care of a monk in the convent of St. Macarius, and
here he imbibed a strong and increasing prejudice in fa*vour of the monastic life. In compliance, however, with
the wishes of his family, he married, and was ordained a
secular priest. The loss of his children by death disgusted
him with the world, and he persuaded his wife to take the
veil, whilst he became a monk. He retired into an island
in the White Sea, and instituted a society in this solitude
remarkable for its great austerities. He had not been in
this place many years before he was made, after a series
of ecclesiastical dignities, archbishop of Novogorod; and,
finally, patriarch of Russia. He was not only eminent as
a priest, but discovered the great and energetic talents of
a statesman; and to them he fell a victim. In 1658 he
was compelled to abdicate his dignity of patriarch, on
which he returned to his cell, and lived over his former
austerities; but his degradation did not satisfy the malice
of his enemies, who procured his imprisonment. He obtained, after a number of years, his release, with permission to return to his favourite cell; but, whilst on the road
to this spot, he expired in his 66th year, in 1681. Nicon
did not spend his whole time in the performance of useless
austerities, but occasionally employed himself in compiling
a regular series of Russian annalists from Nestor, the earliest historian of that country, to the reign of Alexey Michaelovitch. This collection is sometimes called, from its
author, “The Chronicle of Nicon,
” and sometimes, from
the place where it was begun and deposited, “The Chronicle of the Convent of Jerusalem.
” It is considered as a
work of authority.
, an eminent Dutch philosopher and mathematician, was born Aug. 10,
, an eminent Dutch philosopher and mathematician, was born Aug. 10, 1654, at
Westgraafdyk in North Holland, of which place his father
vvas minister. He discovered a turn for learning in his
first infancy, and his father designed him for the ministry;
but when he found him averse from this study, he suffered
him to gratify his own taste. He then applied himself to
logic, and the art of reasoning justly; in which he grounded
himself upon the principles of Des Cartes, with whose
philosophy he was greatly delighted. Thence he proceeded to the mathematics, where he made a great proficiency; and added so much to his stock of various knowledge, that he was accounted a good philosopher, a great
mathematician, a celebrated physician, and an able and
just magistrate. Although naturally of a grave and serious
disposition, yet his engaging manner in conversation made
him be equally admired as a companion and friend, and
frequently drew over to his opinion those who, at first,
differed very widely from him. Thus accomplished, he
acquired great esteem and credit in the council of the
town of Purmerende, where he resided; as he did also in
the states of that province, who respected him the more,
as he never interfered in any cabals or factions. His disposition inclined him to cultivate the sciences, rather than
to obtain the honours of the government and he therefore
contented himself with being counsellor and burgomaster
of the town, without wishing for more bustling preferments,
which might interfere with his studies, and draw him too
much out of his library. He died May 30, 1718, in the
sixty-third year of his age. His works are, 1. “Considerationes circa Analyseos ad Quantitates infinite parvas applicator principia,
” &c. Amst. Analysis
infinitorum seu curvilineorum Proprietates ex Polygpnorum
natura deductse,
” ibid. Considerationes
secundoe circa differentialis Principia r & Responsio ad Yirum nobilissimum G. G. Leibnitium,
” ibid. A Treatise upon
a New Use of the Tables of Sines and Tangents.
” 5. “Le
veritable Usage de la Contemplation de TUnivers, pour la
conviction des Athees & des Incredules,
” in Dutch. This
is his most esteemed work; and went through four editions
in three or four years. It was translated into English by
Mr. John Chamberlaine, and printed three or four times
under the title of the “Religious Philosopher,
” &c. 3 vols.
8vo. This was, until within these forty years, a very popular book in this country. We have also, by our author,
one letter to Bothnia of Burmania, upon the 27th article
of his meteors, and a refutation of Spinosa, 1720, 4to, in
the Dutch language.
, an eminent Italian scholar, was born in 1498, at Bresdiello, on
, an eminent Italian scholar, was born in 1498, at Bresdiello, on the Po, in the duchy of Modena. He appears to have been first patronized by the counts Gambara of Brescia, with whom he lived for some years, amply provided with the means of study and improvement. When his writings had made him known, he was invited by the princes Farnese to Parma, to give public lectures on rhetoric, which he continued for many years. Prince Vespasian Gonzaga, a great patron of literature, having founded an university at Sabionetta, appointed Nizolius chief director or principal. In 1562 this university was opened, at which ceremony Nizolius delivered a speech, which was printed at Parma the following year. Some years after, being now advanced, he lost his sight, and retired to his native place, where he died in 1575.
, an eminent Danish divine, was born June 22, 1626, at Hoybia, in
, an eminent Danish divine, was
born June 22, 1626, at Hoybia, in Scania; and, after acquiring some grammatical and classical knowledge at Lunden, was removed to the university of Copenhagen in
1644, and continued there till 1650; when he was made
rector of the college at Landscroon. He took the degree
of master of arts the following year; and, in 1654, for
farther improvement, made the tour of Germany, visited
several universities there, and became acquainted with the
most learned persons of that time. From Germany he
continued his route to Holland, England, and France, and
returned to Denmark in 1657. Hence, after a residence
of only three months, he went to pursue his studies at Leyden and Franeker. In 1660, the lord of Gerstorff, master
of the palace of Denmark, appointed him tutor to his
children; and, in 1644, he obtained the chair of professor
of divinity at Copenhagen, probably by the interest of this
nobleman. Noldius, entering into holy orders, was made
minister, and obtained the professor’s chair of divinity at
Copenhagen, in which city he died, Aug. 22, 1683. He
wrote several books, as “Concordantiae particularum Hebraeo-Chaldaicarum Veteris Testament!,
” an excellent
work, the best edition of which is that of Jena, 1734, 4to.
“Historia Iduinsea, seu de Vita et gestis Herodum Diatribse.
” “Sacrarum Historiarum et Antiquitatum Synopsis.
”
“Leges distinguendi seu de Virtute et Vitio distinctiones.
”
“Logica,
” &c.
, an eminent geographer and traveller, was born at Gluckstadt in
, an eminent geographer and traveller, was born at Gluckstadt in Holstein, Oct. 22, 1708. His father was a lieutenant-colonel of artillery, and himself was bred to arms. Being intended for the sea-service, he entered, in 1722, into the corps of cadets; a royal establishment, in which young men were instructed in the arts and sciences necessary to form good sea-officers. Here he is said to have made a great progress in the mathematics, ship-building, and drawing, especially in the last. He copied the works of the greatest masters in the art, to form his taste, and acquire their manner; but he took a particular pleasure in drawing from nature. The first person who noticed this rising genius, was M. de Lerche, knight of the order of the elephant, and grand master of the ceremonies. This gentleman put into his hands a collection of charts and topographical plans, belonging to the king, to be retouched and amended, in which Norden shewed great skill and care; but, considering his present employment as foreign to his profession, de Lerche, in 1732, presented him to the king, and procured him, not only leave, but a pension to enable him to travel: the king likewise made him, at the same time, second lieutenant. It was particularly recommended to him, to study the construction of ships, especially such gallies and rowing vessels as are used in the Mediterranean. Accordingly he set out for Holland, where he soon became acquainted with the admirers of antiquities and the polite arts, and with several distinguished artists, particularly De Reyter, who took great pleasure in teaching him to engrave. From Holland he went to Marseilles, and thence to Leghorn; staying in each place so long as to inform himself in every thing relating to the design of his voyage. At this last port he got models made of the different kinds of rowing vessels, which are still to be seen at the chamber of models at the Old Holm. In Italy, where he spent near three years in enlarging his knowledge, his great talents drew the attention of persons of distinction, and procured him an opportunity of seeing the cabinets of the curious, and of making his advantage of the great works of painting and sculpture, especially at Rome and Florence. At Florence he was made a member of the drawing academy, and while in this city he received an order from the king to go into Egypt.
d had stood as the eldest son of a peer, at the state in the house of lords, at sixty-three, and was an eminent instance of filial duty to his father, before whom he
, son of the preceding,
had a learned education in the university of Cambridge.
He had been made knight of the Bath as early as 1616,
at the creation of Charles prince of Wales, and had stood
as the eldest son of a peer, at the state in the house of
lords, at sixty-three, and was an eminent instance of filial
duty to his father, before whom he would not put on his
hat, or sit down, unless enjoined to do it. He was bred
in the best manner; for besides the court, and choicest
company at home, he was sent to travel, and then into the
army, and served as a captain under sir Francis Vere.
He sat in many parliaments, until secluded by that which
condemned the king. After this he lived privately in the
country, at Tostock, in Suffolk; and towards the latter
end of his life, entertained himself with justice-business,
books, and (as a very numerous issue required) oeconomy.
He published a little tract on that subject, entitled “Observations and advices Œconomical,
” Lond. Passages
relating to the Long Parliament,
” with an apologetic, or
rather recantation preface; for he had at first been active
against the King. He wrote also the “History of the
Life of Edward Lord North, the first Baron,
” Lord Orford says, “sensibly, and in a very good style,
” though
this critic seems to think he fails in impressing the reader
with much respect for his ancestor. After his death appeared a volume of essays, entitled “Light in the way to
Paradise; with other occasionals,
” Lond.
uer, and a lord of the treasury. The talents he had already displayed were thought to qualify him in an eminent degree for those situations, especially that of chancellor
On lord North’s return home, he commenced his parliamentary career in 1754, as representative for the family
borough of Banbury, in Oxfordshire. On June 2, 175y,
during the administration of Mr. Pitt, afterwards lord
Chatham, he was appointed one of the commissioners of
the treasury, and continued in that office until 1763, in
which last year Mr. George Grenville succeeded the earl of
Bute, as first lord. In the same year lord North began to
contribute his more active services, as a statesman, by
taking the management of the measures adopted in consequence of the publication of Mr. Wilkes’s “North Briton,
”
and other parts of that gentleman’s political conduct, to
his final expulsion from the House of Commons. It must
be confessed that these measures afford but an inauspicious
commencement of his lordship’s political career, for without answering their purpose, or suppressing the spirit of
faction, they served only to give that importance to Wilkes
which he then could not otherwise have attained. In the
same year lord North was a supporter of the right of taxing American commodities, and of the memorable stamp act.
In 1765, on the dissolution of Mr. Grenville’s administration, which was succeeded by that of the marquis of
Rockingham, lord North retired from office with his
colleagues, but persisted in his sentiments respecting the taxation of the colonies, and divided with the minority against
the repeal of the stamp act. The Rockingham administration scarcely survived this well-intentioned measure, and
when succeeded by that of the duke of Grafton, lord
North was, in August 1766, appointed joint receiver (with George Cooke, esq.) and paymaster of the forces; and in
Dec. 1767, was appointed chancellor of the exchequer,
and a lord of the treasury. The talents he had already
displayed were thought to qualify him in an eminent degree for those situations, especially that of chancellor of
the exchequer; and his abilities for debate were often displayed to advantage. During a period of considerable
political turbulence, he was advanced Jan 28, 1770, to the
place of first lord of the treasury, which he held with that
of chancellor of the exchequer during the whole of his
eventful administration, which finally terminated in March
1782.
, comptroller of the royal edifices of France, and an eminent planner of gardens, was born at Paris in 1613. We know
, comptroller of
the royal edifices of France, and an eminent planner of
gardens, was born at Paris in 1613. We know little of
him, except that he was brought up as a gardener under
his father, until about 1653, when he was first employed
by the superintendant Fouquet, to lay out the magnificent
gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte, celebrated by La Fontaine
in his poems. In this work he was the creator of those
porticoes, covered walks, grottoes, labyrinths, &c. which
then were thought the greatest ornaments of gardens, and
particularly gratified the taste of Louis XIV. who employed
him in the decoration of his favourite residences at Versailles, Trianon, Fontainbleau, &c. Le Nostre went to
Rome in 1678, and afterwards travelled through Italy; and
it is said he found nothing in the most celebrated gardens
equal to what he had himself executed. While at Rome,
pope Innocent XI, was desirous of seeing le Notre, and
gave him a long audience, at the conclusion of which the
latter exclaimed, “I have now seen the two greatest men
in the world your holiness, and the king, my master
”
“There is a great difference between them,
” replied the
pope “the king is a great and victorious prince, and I
am a poor priest, servant of the servants of God.
” Le
Notre, delighted with this answer, and forgetting by whom
it was made, clapped his hand on the pope’s shoulder,
saying, “My reverend father, you are in good health, and
will bury all the sacred college;
” and Le Notre, more and
more charmed with the sovereign pontiff’s kindness, and
the particular esteem he expressed for the king, fell upon
his neck, and embraced him. It was his custom thus to
embrace all who praised Louis XIV.; and he embraced that
prince himself every time he returned from the country.
He was some time in England, and, probably on the invitation of Charles II. laid out St. James’s and Greenwich
parks. In 1675, when he was again in France, his long
services were rewarded by letters of noblesse, and the cross
of St. Michael. The king would have given him a coat of
arms, but he replied that he had one already, “consisting
of three snails surmounted by a cabbage.
” At the age of
four-score he desired permission to retire, which the king
granted him, on condition that he would sometimes come
and see him. He died at Paris, in 1700, at the age of 87.
He is said to have had a fine taste for the arts in general,
especially for that of painting; and some pieces of his execution are mentioned as existing in the royal cabinet.
, an eminent English divine, and the last surviving father of the
, an eminent English divine,
and the last surviving father of the English Reformation,
descended from an ancient family of Norman origin, was
the son of John Nowejl, esq, of Read, in the parish of
Whailey, a,nd county of Lancaster. This gentleman, who
was twice married, had, by his first wife, Dowsabel, daughter of Robert Hesketh, esq. of Rufford, in Lancashire, an
only son, Roger Noweli, whose issue male, in a direct line,
enjoyed the family estates for more than two centuries.
By his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Kay of
Rachdale, he had four sons, Alexander, the subject of this
article, Laurence, Robert, and Nicholas; and several
daughters. Alexander was born in 1507 or 1508, at Readhall, anciently Rivehead or Riverhead, a mansion on the
Calder, a tributary branch of the Ribble. A view of this
his birth-place, as it stood in 1750, is given in Mr. archdeacon Churton’s “Life of Alexander Noweli,
” a work
which has furnished the substance of this sketch.
he days of tyranny were overpast. Elizabeth, and her sage counsellor Burghley, placed him at once in an eminent situation among those of secondary rank in the church,
Dean Nowell died Feb. 13, 1601-2, in the ninety-fifth
year of his age, almost forty years after he had begun to
reckon himself an old man. “But notwithstanding his very
great age and frequent sicknesses, such was the original
strength of his constitution, and such the blessing of providence on a life of piety, peace, and temperance, that
neither his memory nor any of his faculties were impaired;
and to the last, it is said, he was able to read thesmallest
print without the help of glasses.
” He was interred in St.
Mary’s chapel, at the back of the high altar in St. Paul’s,
in the same grave where, thirty-three years before, he had
buried his beloved brother Robert Nowell. He was twice
married, but had no issue by either of his wives.
ii For the minutiae of his character, the reader will find
ample gratification in the elaborate life lately published by
Mr. Archdeacon Churton. It concerns a long period of
our ecclesiastical history, and in every history indeed mention is made of Nowell’s eminent services in promoting and
establishing the reformed religion. Endowed, says Mr.
Churton, with excellent parts, he was soon distinguished by
the progress he made in the schools of Oxford; where he
devoted thirteen years, the flower of his life and the best
time for improvement, to the cultivation of classical elegance and useful knowledge. His capacity for teaching,
tried first in the shade of the university, became more conspicuous when he was placed at the head of the first seminary in the metropolis; and at the same time his talents
as a preacher were witnessed and approved by some of the
principal auditories of the realm. Attainments such as
these, and a life that adorned them, rendered him a fit
object for Bonner’s hatred; but Providence rescued him
from the fangs of the tyger, in the very act of springing
upon his prey. Retirement, suffering, and study, in the
company of Jewell, Grindal, and Sandys, stimulated by
the conversation and example of Peter Martyr, and other
famed divines of Germany, returned him to his native land,
with recruited vigour and increasing lustre, when the days
of tyranny were overpast. Elizabeth, and her sage counsellor Burghley, placed him at once in an eminent situation among those of secondary rank in the church, and
accumulated other preferments upon him; and would probably have advanced him to the episcopal bench, had not
his real modesty, together with the consciousness of approaching old age, been known to have created in him a
fixt determination not to be raised to a station of greater
dignity which, however, all things considered, could
scarcely, in his case, have been a sphere of greater usefulness. Near to his friend and patron, the excellently pious
and prudent archbishop Parker, and not distant from the
court, he was an able coadjutor to each and to alj, in
bringing forward and perfecting, what they all had at
heart, the restoration of true and pure religion.
iderable progress in learning; and at a proper age, was put apprentice to Mr. John Parr of Hinckley, an eminent apothecary; in, which station, by his diligence and
, a very ingenious man, was the son of Robert and Sarah Nutt, and born at Hinckley in September 1700. He was educated at the free grammar-school in that town, where he made a very considerable progress in learning; and at a proper age, was put apprentice to Mr. John Parr of Hinckley, an eminent apothecary; in, which station, by his diligence and industry, he gained great confidence and respect from his master and the whole family. After this, he attended the hospitals in London; and on his return to Hinckley, carried on for many years a considerable business with reputation and success. Some time about the middle of life he was chosen one of the surveyors of the highways for the parish, when he adopted a new method for improving the same, by turning over the roads the water that came from the town; which being considerably enriched by washing the streets and public sinks, what he could spare from the roads, or rather after it had done the business there, he conveyed upon the lands of those who approved of his proceedings. The consequence was, the land was greatly enriched. The effect of the water upon the road, in that part below the town that is now the Coventry turnpike-road, was, that it served like a boultingmill; the muddy foul parts upon the land being carried off, and the sandy, gravelly, and stony parts, remaining by their own gravity, were left firm; for the. road was sometimes wet, and sometimes dry, as he let it out of a reservoir for that purpose at pleasure. By this method it became good for saddle and pack-horses; the last of which were much used upon the roads at that time, the pit-coal from the Warwickshire mines being brought by them in considerable quantities. It was also much better for the draft horses; though when much used by these, especially in the coal business, the wheels of these carriages being at that time very narrow, and generally laying on great loads, were apt to disturb and cut the roads; for the materials used were commonly sand dug by the road side, which was done at a moderate expence. If upon this more gravelly or stony materials had been applied, there is no doubt, though the expence would have been greater, the road would have been much better. This, being a new way of proceeding, met with a difference of reception in the parish; and some enemies were ready on every occasion to insult and ridicule their surveyor. He spent much of his time in the valuation of land, and many persons entertained a good opinion of his abilities in this branch, particularly sir Dudley Ryder, when attorney-general, the ancestor of the present lord Harrowby.
, an eminent classical scholar, editor, and antiquary, the son of
, an eminent classical
scholar, editor, and antiquary, the son of a schoolmaster
of Strasburgh, was born in that city Aug. 7, 1735. He
entered the university in 1750, and applied with great
assiduity to the usual studies, but his particular attention
was directed to the lectures of the celebrated Schcepflin,
who was so well pleased with his ardour for instruction,
that he permitted him the use of his excellent library, and
his cabinet of antiquities, and there he imbibed that taste
for investigating the monuments of ancient times, which,
became the ruling passion of his life. In 1757 he afforded
the first indication of this, by sustaining a thesis on the
ancient rites in burial, “Dissertatio philologica de veterum
ritu condiendi inortuos.
” During three subsequent years
he studied theology, but apparently rather as a philologer
than a divine; and when Dr. Kennicott was endeavouring
to procure the variations of the 'Hebrew text of the Old
Testament from all Europe, Oberlin collated for him four
manuscripts in the library of the university of Strasburgh,
of which he afterwards, in his “Miscellanea Literaria Argentoratensia,
” published a description with specimens.
In
, an eminent Orientalist, and professor of Arabic in Cambridge, was
, an eminent Orientalist, and professor of Arabic in Cambridge, was of a gentleman’s family, at Great Ellingham in Norfolk, where his father lived; but was accidentally born at Exeter in 1678. After a proper foundation laid in school-learning, he was sent, in 1693, to Queen’s college in Cambridge, where he soon distinguished himself by great quickness of parts as well as intense application to literature; to the Oriental languages more particularly, for his uncommon skill in which he afterwards became famous. He took, at the usual time, the degrees in arts, and that of bachelor in divinity. Having taken orders also, he was, in 1705, through the interest of Simon Patrick, bishop of Ely, presented by Jesus college, in Cambridge, to the vicarage of Swavesey, in that county; and, in 1711, chosen Arabic professor of the university. These preferments he held to the day of his death, which happened at Swavesey, Aug. 9, 1720, immaturely to himself, but more so to his family.
, an eminent botanist, was born at Anspach, Feb. 3, 1728, and studied
, an eminent botanist, was
born at Anspach, Feb. 3, 1728, and studied physic, but
particularly botany, at Gottingen, under the celebrated
Haller, through whose recommendation he was appointed
professor of botany at Copenhagen. While in this station
the “Flora Danica
” was intrusted to him, of which he
completed three volumes, containing 540 plates, when he
resigned the chair, and the work was consigned to Muller,
and afterwards to Vahl. He was induced, by the patronage of the unfortunate Struensee, to quit his situation and
pursuits in 1773, Struensee having procured for him a
considerable appointment in the college of finances, but
on the death of his patron soon after, he left this place.
He was afterwards appointed to the office of landvogt at
Oldenburgh, which he retained until his death, Feb. 10,
1791. His other botanical publications are, “Elementa
Botanica,
” published at Copenhagen, in two parts, in
Nomenclator Botanicus,
” Enumeratio Plantarum Florae Danicge,
”
, an eminent professor of law and history at Geneva, died in that
, an eminent professor of law and history at Geneva, died in that city in
1678, leaving a great number of valuable works, some of
them published under feigned names, particularly Burgoldensis. The following are the principal: 1, “Thesaurus rerum publicarum totius orbis,
” Geneva, Limnoeus enucleatus,
” ibid. Notitia Imperil, sive discursus in instrumentum pacis Osnabrugo-Monasteriensis,
” under the name of Phil. And. Burgoldensis, 4to. 4. “Tractatus de Rebuspublicis turbidis
in tranquillum statuni reducendis, in eoque conservandis.
”
5. “Tractatus de quatuor elementis juridice consideratis
et notis illustratus.
” 6. “Manuale principum Christiano
rum de vera eorum felicitate.
” 7. “Tractatus
JuridicoPoliticus de securitate juris, publici ac privati.
” 8. “De
origine et progressu juris Romani,
” &c.
, an English prelate, and an eminent benefactor to Corpus college, Oxford, is supposed to
, an English prelate, and an eminent
benefactor to Corpus college, Oxford, is supposed to have
been born at Manchester, or more probably at Oldham,
near Manchester. He was educated at Oxford, whence,
after remaining some time, he removed to Cambridge,
completed his studies, and took the degree of D. D. In
1493, Margaret countess of Richmond, whose chaplain
he was, presented him to the rectory of Swinshead in Lincolnshire, and in July 1494, to the valuable living of
Cheshunt, of which he was the last rector, as it was appropriated shortly after to the convent of Westminster. In
the same year we find him prebendary of Collwich in the
church of Lichfield, and of Freeford in that church in
1501. In 1497, he was prebendary of Leighton-Bosard
in the church of Lincoln, and in 1499 prebendary of South
Cave in York. In 1504, he was, by the interest of his patroness the countess of Richmond, advanced to the see of
Exeter, in which he sat till his death, June 15, 1519. He
is said not to have been a man of profound learning, but
a great encourager of it. Wood says that he had an intention of joining with bishop Smyth in the foundation of
Brazen-^nose college, but mentions no authority, yet since
his arms were displayed in the windows of the original
library of that college, there can be no doubt that he contributed to finish or furnish the room. His principal benefactions, however, were bestowed on the contemporary
foundation of Corpus Christi college. The design of Fox,
the founder of Corpus, originally went no farther than to
found a college for a warden, and a certain number of
monks and secular scholars belonging to the priory of St.
Swithin in Winchester; but our prelate induced him to
enlarge his plan to one of more usefulness and durability.
He is said to have addressed Fox thus: “What, my lord,
shall we build houses, and provide livelihoods for a company of monks, whose end and fall we ourselves may live
to see! No, no: it is more meet a great deal that we
should have care to provide for, the increase of learning,
and for such as who by their learning shall do good to the
church and commonwealth.
” This wise and liberal advice
being taken, Oldham became the second great benefactor
to Corpus, by contributing six thousand marks, besides
lands. He also founded the grammar-school of Manchester, still a flourishing seminary, and connected with the
three colleges of Corpus and Brazen-nose in Oxford, and
St. John’s in Cambridge,
illiam Hickes. This gentleman, living near London, was intimately acquainted with Dr. Richard Lower, an eminent physician there, and who encouraged Oldharn to study
, an English poet, was born Aug. 9,
1653, at Shipton, near Tedbury in Gloucestershire, where
his father was a nonconformist minister, and had a congregation. He educated his son in grammar-learning, and
afterwards sent him to Tedbury school, where he spent
about two years. In June 1670, he was admitted of Edmund-hall, Oxford, where he was soon distinguished for a
good Latinist, and made poetry and polite literature his
chief study. In May 1674, he proceeded B. A. but soon
after was called home, much against his inclination. He
continued sometime with his father, still cultivating his
muse: one of the first fruits of which was “A Pindaric
Ode,
” the next year, upon the death of his friend and constant companion, Mr. Charles Morvent. Shortly after this,
he became usher to the free-school at Croydon in Surrey,
yet found leisure to compose several copies of verses; some
of which, being seen in ms. by the earls of Rochester and
Dorset, sir Charles Sedley, and other wits of distinction,
were so much admired, that they surprised him with an
unexpected visit at Croydon. Mr. Shepherd (then master of the school) attributed the honour of this visit to himself; but they soon convinced him, that he was not the
object of their curiosity. The visit, however, brought
Oldham acquainted with other persons of wit and distinction, and probably by their means, he was, in 1678, removed from Croydon, and appointed tutor to the two
grandsons of sir Edward Thurland, a judge, near Rygate
in-' Surrey. He continued in this family till 1681; when,
being out of employment, he passed some time in London
among the wits, and was afterwards engaged as tutor to a
son of sir William Hickes. This gentleman, living near
London, was intimately acquainted with Dr. Richard Lower,
an eminent physician there, and who encouraged Oldharn
to study physic, in which he made some progress; but he
had no relish for protracted study, and preferred the occasional exercise of his pen on temporaty subjects. f Having discharged his trust, in qualifying young Hickes for foreign travels, he declined, though earnestly pressed, to go
abroad with him, and took leave of the family. With, a
small sum of money which he had saved, he now hastened
to London, where company seduced him into intemperance,
yet in other respects he neither degraded nor disgraced his
character. Before he had been long in the metropolis, he
was found out by the noblemen who had visited him at
Croydon, and who now brought him acquainted with Dryden, who highly esteemed him, conceived a very great
opinion of his talents, and honoured his memory with some
very pathetic and beautiful lines.
, an eminent Polish divine, was descended from an ancient family
, an eminent Polish divine,
was descended from an ancient family in Prussia, and born
about 1618. In the course of his studies, which were passed
at Kalisch, he applied himself particularly to poetry; for
which he had an early taste. After he had finished his
courses of divinity and jurisprudence, he travelled to Italy;
where he visited the best libraries, and took the degree of
doctor of law at Rome. Thence he went to France, and
was introduced at Paris to the princess Mary Louisa; who
being about to marry Ladislaus IV. king of Poland, Olzoffski had the honour of attending her thither. On his arrival, the king offered him the secretary’s place; but he declined it, for the sake of following his studies. Shortly after
he was made a canon of the cathedral church at Guesne,
and chancellor to the archbishopric: in which post he managed all the affairs of that see, the archbishop being very
old and infirm. After the death of this prelate, he was called
to court, and made Latin secretary to his majesty; which
place he filled with great reputation, being a complete master of that language. In the war between Poland and Sweden, he wrote a piece against that enemy to his country,
entitled “Vindiciae Polonicae.
” He attended at the election of Leopold to the imperial crown of Germany, in
quality of ambassador to the king of Poland, and went afterwards in the same character to Vienna, to solicit the withdrawing of the imperial troops from the borders of the Polish territories. Immediately on his return he was invested
with the high office of prebendary to the crown, and promoted to the bishopric of Culm.
After the death of Ladislaus he fell into disgrace with
the queen, because he opposed the design she had of setting a prince of France upon the throne of Poland however, this did not hinder him from being made vice-chancellor of the crown. He did all in his power to dissuade
Casimir II. from renouncing the crown; and, after the resignation of that king, several competitors appearing to fill
the vacancy, Olzoffski on the occasion published a piece,
called “Censura,
” &c. This was answered by another,
entitled “Censura Censurse Candidatorum;
” and the liberty which our vice-chancellor had taken in his “Censura
”
brought him into some danger. It was chiefly levelled
against the young prince of Muscovy, who was one of the
competitors, though no more than eight years of age; and
the czar was highly incensed, and made loud complaints
and menaces, unless satisfaction were given for the offence.
Upon the election of Michel Koribut to the throne, Olzoffski was dispatched to Vienna, to negotiate a match between the new-elected king and one of the princesses of
Austria; and, on his return from that embassy, was made
grand chancellor of the crown. He did not approve the
peace concluded with the Turks in 1676, and wrote to the
grand vizir in terms of which the grand seignor complained
to the king of Poland.
, an eminent divine, was born Oct. 3, 1651 at Beringhen, a small
, an eminent divine, was born Oct.
3, 1651 at Beringhen, a small town in the county of Liege,
He was admitted a licentiate in divinity at Louvain in 1681,
and afterwards taught theology in the college of Adrian,
and at the seminary of Malines; but was driven from
thence by Humbert de Precipiano, archbishop of that city,
for his attachment to the Jansenists; and was banished in
1704, having declared himself one of Steyaert’s principal
adversaries; but, after two years, Louvain becoming part
of the emperor’s dominions, M. Opstraet was appointed
principal of the college de Faucon, which office he held
till his death, November 29, 1720. His Latin works are
numerous, and in request among the disciples of Jansenius and Father Quesnel, but are rather scarce in France.
The principal are, “A Theological Dissertation on the
Method of administering the Sacrament of Penitence,
”
against Steyaert; “Vera Doctrina de Baptismo LaborantiunV' 3 vols. 12mo, against Steyaert;
” Theological Instructions for young divines;“” The good Shepherd,“which treats on the duties of pastors, and has been translated into French, 2 vols. 12mo;
” The Christian Divine,“translated into French by M. de S. Andre de Beauchene,
under the title of,
” Le Directeur d'un jeune The*ologien,“1723, 12mo;
” Theological Instructions concerning human Actions,“3 vols. 12mo;
” A System of dogmatical,
moral, practical, and scholastic Theology," in 3 vols, with
others enumerated in our authorities.
t Sardes; and then went to Alexandria in Egypt, where he finished his studies, and afterwards became an eminent professor there, about 150 years after the death of
, Julian the Apostate’s physician, was born either at Pergamus or Sardes, in the beginning of the fourth century. He first studied in the school of Zeno the Cyprian at Sardes; and then went to Alexandria in Egypt, where he finished his studies, and afterwards became an eminent professor there, about 150 years after the death of Galen, and was esteemed the greatest scholar and physician of his time.
, an eminent historian, the son of Dr. Alexander Orme, a physician
, an eminent historian, the son of Dr.
Alexander Orme, a physician and surgeon in the service of
the East India company, was born at Anjengo, in the Travancore country, in 1728. He was sent to England for hi
education, and was entered at Harrow-school when he
was only six years of age. After he left school, he was
a year in the office of the accomptant-general of the African company, to be initiated in commercial transactions,
and then embarked for Calcutta, where he arrived in 1742.
As soon as he engaged in the company’s service, he acquired the highest reputation for the zeal with which he
entered into their interests, and at the same time acquired such knowledge of the institutions, manners, and
customs of the natives of India, that, in 1752, when some
regulations were thought necessary in the police of Calcutta, he was desired to give his opinion on the subject.
He accordingly drew up the greater part of “A general
idea of the Government and People of Indostan.
” In The History' of the Military Transactions
of the British nation in Itidostan, from the year 1745,
” the
first volume of which, bringing down the history to 1756,
was published in 1763, and extremely well received by
the public. The East India company, duly sensible of his
merits, and of the importance of his historical researches,
not only gave him free access to all their records, but appointed him to be their historiographer, with a salary of
400l. per annum. To obtain the most accurate information respecting the war which was to be the subject of
the second volume, he went over to France in 1773, where
he was furnished liberally with various authentic documents, but it was not till 1778 that the work was brought
to its completion. This contained all the events which
took place in the English settlements in India from 1756
to 1763, with an investigation of the rise and progress of
the English commerce in Bengal, and an account of the
Mahommedan government from its establishment in 1200.
In 1782 Mr. Orme published a work entitled “Historical
Fragments of the Mogul empire of the Marattoes, and of
the English concerns in Indostau from the year 1659.
”
This, which was an octavo volume, was his last publication, for though his literary pursuits were unremitted, yet
his health was unequal to the exertions required for the
composition. In 1792 he left the metropolis to enjoy in
retirement the society of. his friends, and the recreation
afforded by a well- assorted library. The place of his retirement was Ealing, where he was often visited by his
friends, who appear to have loved him with great affection.
Amongst these may be mentioned general Richard Smith,
Mr. Robarts, one of the court of directors, Mr. Dairy mple,
sir George Baker, and the late Mr. Owen Cambridge.
But his books were his chief companions; and such was
the active curiosity of his mind, that at the age of seventy
he found in them a constant source of amusement. He
continued his studies to the last month of his life, and a
great many of his books bear interesting evidence of the
strict attention with which he perused them; for their
margins are filled with observations in his own hand writing. In the beginning of January 1801, he fell into a
state of weakness and languor that prognosticated his
speedy dissolution; and he expired on the 14th of that
month, in the seventy-third year of his age.
ry $ he travelled into Egypt, where he acquired a knowledge of the mysteries of religion, and became an eminent master of philosophy, poetry, and music.” Thus qualified,
Diodorus Siculus relates, that, “having been instructed
in the religious tenets and ceremonies of his own country $
he travelled into Egypt, where he acquired a knowledge of
the mysteries of religion, and became an eminent master
of philosophy, poetry, and music.
” Thus qualified, he
came among the Greeks, who were at that time a rude and
unenlightened people, and by the united powers of poetry,
religion, and philosophy, civilized their manners, while
wonders have been ascribed by the poets to the power of
his music.