, a distinguished Latin scholar and poet, was born at Perugia in 1555, became a disciple of the celebrated
, a distinguished Latin scholar and poet, was born at Perugia in 1555, became
a disciple of the celebrated Muretus, and afterwards principal teacher of the schools of Perugia. He appears next
to have been professor of eloquence at Bononia, keeper
of the Ambrosian library, and professor of rhetoric at Pisa,
where he had the misfortune to lose his sight. During his
career of teaching, his father, who was a poor shoemaker,
having lost his wife, had an inclination to join the society
of the Jesuits, and lest he should be rejected for his ignorance of Latin, became one of his son’s scholars, and made
very considerable proficiency. Bonciarius died Jan. 9,
1616, leaving many works, which are very scarce, except
his Latin Grammar, which, being adopted in the schools,
was frequently reprinted. His “Epistolse
” were first
printed in Carmina Poetarum Italorum,
” Florence,
, a celebrated commentator and grammarian, was born in Somersetshire in 1550. He was educated at Winchester
, a celebrated commentator and grammarian, was born in Somersetshire in 1550. He was educated at Winchester school, and in 1569 was entered a student at New college in Oxford, where he became highly esteemed for his academical learning. In 1573 he took the degree of B. A. and in 1579 that of M. A. and soon after the warden and fellows of his college appointed him master of the free-school of Taunton in Somersetshire. Here he continued many years, and several of his scholars became eminent both in church and state. Being at length, however, tired with the fatigue of this irksome employment, he turned his thoughts to the study of physic, and practised it with great reputation, although without taking any degree in that faculty. He died at Taunton the 3d of August, 1612, and was buried in the chancel of the church, with the following epitaph over his grave:
, an eminent physician and medical writer, was born at Geneva, March 5, 1620, and following the steps of his
, an eminent physician and medical writer, was born at Geneva, March 5,
1620, and following the steps of his father and grandfather,
early attached himself to the practice of physic. After visiting several foreign academies, he was admitted doctor
in medicine at Bologna, in 1643, and was soon after made
physician to the duke de Longueville. Though he soon
attained to high credit in his profession, and had a large
share of practice, he dedicated a considerable portion of
his time to reading, and to dissecting such subjects as the
hospital afforded him, with a view of discovering the seats
of diseases, minuting every deviation he observed from the
natural structure of the viscera, or other parts of the body,
and thus opening a new road for improving the science he
cultivated. He also appears to have made extracts of every
thing he deemed worthy of notice, from the various works
he read. His hearing from some accident becoming defective, he withdrew from practice, and employed the last
ten or twelve years of his life in arranging the materials he
had collected. The first fruit of his labour, which he gave
to the public in 1668, was “Pharos Medicoru in,
” 2 vols.
12mo. This was printed again, much improved and enlarged, in 1679, in 4to, under the title of “Labyrinthi
Medici, extricati,
” &c. compiled principally from Bellonius
and Septalius. In 1675, “Prodromus Anatomise practicas,
sive de abditis morborum causis,
” fol.; the precursor of
his principal work, “Sepulchretum, seu Anatome practica,
ex cadaveribus morbo denatis proponens historias et observationes,
” &c. Genev. De sedibus et causis Morborum,
” by which
the “Sepulchretum
” is in a great measure superseded.
The author begins with observations on the appearances of
the brain and other parts of the head; then of the contents of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis; and lastly, of
the extremities; forming an immense body of dissections,
which he has illustrated by many pertinent and ingenious
observations. “Cours de medicine, et de la chirurgie,
”
Medicina
septentrionalis, collectitia,
” Mercurius compilatitius, seu index medico-practicus,
” Epitome operum Sennerti,
” J. D. Turqueti de
Mayerne, de Arthritide,
” Rohaulti tractatus physicus, e Gallico in Latinam versus,
”
, an elegant Italian scholar of the sixteenth century, was born at Gorzano in the Brescian territory, but in what year
, an elegant Italian scholar of the
sixteenth century, was born at Gorzano in the Brescian
territory, but in what year is not known. He was three
years secretary to cardinal Bari at Rome; but lost the
fruits of his services by the death of his master. He then
served cardinal Glinucci in the same capacity; but long
sickness made him incapable of that employment. When
he was recovered, he found himself so disgusted with the
court, that he resolved to seek his fortune by other means.
He continued a good while in the kingdom of Naples, then
went to Padua, and to Genoa; where he read public lectures on Aristotle’s politics. He was ordered to read some
likewise upon his rhetoric, which he did with great success to a numerous auditory. His reputation increasing
daily, the republic of Genoa made him their historiographer, and assigned him a handsome pension for that
office. He now applied himself laboriously to compose
the annals of that state, and published the five first books;
but by speaking too freely and satirically of some families,
he created himself enemies who resolved to ruin him, by a
prosecution for an unnatural crime, and being convicted,
he was condemned to be first beheaded, and then burnt,
or as some say, sentence of burning was changed into that
of beheading. Some have attributed this prosecution to
the freedom of his pen; but the generality of writers have
agreed that Bonfadio was guilty, yet are of opinion, that
he had never been accused, if he had not given offence by
something else. He was executed in 1560. Upon the
day of his execution he wrote a note to John Baptist Grimaldi, to testify his gratitude to the persons who had endeavoured to serve him, and recommended to them his
nephew Bonfadio, who is perhaps the Peter Bonfadio,
author of some verses extant in the “Gareggiamento poetico del confuso accademico ordito,
” a collection of verses,
divided into eight parts, and printed at Venice in 1611.
The first five books of Bonfadio’s history of Genoa were
printed at Padua, 1586, 4to, under the title “I. Bonfadii
annales Genuensium ab anno 1528, ubi desinit Folieta, ad
annum 1550,
” and was in Lettere famigliari, &c.
” 8vo, dedicated to
pope Benedict XIV. with a life of the unfortunate author,
and a curious Latin poem by Paul Manutius, in honour of
those persons who used their interest to save Bonfadio
from punishment.
, an historian of the fifteenth century, was born at Ascoli in Italy. Mathias Corvinus, king of Hungary,
, an historian of the fifteenth
century, was born at Ascoli in Italy. Mathias Corvinus,
king of Hungary, having heard of his abilities and learning, sent for him to his court, and Bonfinius paid his respects to him at Rees, a few days before that prince made
his public entry into Vienna. At his first audience, as he
himself tells us, he presented him with his translations of
Hermogenes and Herodian, and his genealogy of the Corvini, which he dedicated to his majesty; and two other
works addressed to the queen, one of which treated of virginity and conjugal chastity, and the other was a history of
Ascoli. He had dedicated also a small collection of epigrams to the young prince John Corvinus, to which there
is added a preface. The king read his pieces with great
pleasure, distributed them among his courtiers in high
terms of approbation, and would not allow him to return
to Italy, but granting him a good pension, was desirous
that he should follow him in his army. He employed him
to write the history of the Huns, and Bonfinius accordingly
set about it before the death of this prince; but it was by
order of king Uladislaus that he wrote the general history
of Hungary, and carried it down to 1495. The original
of this work was deposited in the library of Buda. In 1543
Martin Brenner published thirty books from an imperfect
copy, which Sambucus republished in 1568, in a more
correct state, and with the addition of fifteen more books,
a seventh edition of which was printed at Leipsic, in 1771,
fol. Sambucus also published in 1572 Bonfinius’s “Symposion Beatricis, seu dialog, de fide conjugali et virginitate,
lib. III.
” Bonfinius wrote a history of the taking of Belgrade by Mahomet II. in 1456, which is printed in the
“Syndromus rerum Turcico-Pannonicarum,
” Francfort,
, a learned Jesuit and commentator, was born at Dinau in Liege, 1573. He was admitted into the society
, a learned Jesuit and commentator, was born at Dinau in Liege, 1573. He was
admitted into the society of Jesuits in 1592, and taught at
Doway, philosophy, divinity, and the Hebrew tongue,
which, as well as Greek, he understood critically. He
died at Tournay, May 9, 1643. Dupin says that of all the
Jesuits who have been commentators on the scriptures,
there is no one superior in learning, and clearness of method, to Bonfrerius. His “Commentary on the Pentateuch
” was published at Antwerp in Onomasticon
” of the places and cities mentioned in the Bible,
composed by Eusebius, and translated by Jerome, with
learned notes, was published along with his “Commentaries on Joshua, Judges, and Ruth,
” at Paris in
, an able classical scholar and negociator, was born at Orleans of a protestant family in 1554; and studied
, an able classical scholar and negociator, was born at Orleans of a protestant family in 1554;
and studied at Strasburg in 1571, but in 1516, he studied
the civil law under the celebrated Cujacius. During this
time he applied much to critical learning; and though,
says Bayle, he went not so far as the Lipsiuses and Casaubons, yet he acquired great reputation, and perhaps would
have equalled them if he had not been engaged in political affairs. He was employed near thirty years in the
most important negociations of Henry IV. for whom he
was several times resident with the princes of Germany,
and afterwards ambassador, but however published his
edition of Justin at Paris, 1581, in 8vo. He had a critical
and extensive knowledge of books, both manuscript and
printed; and made a very great collection of them, some
of which came afterwards to the library of Berne in Swisserland, and some, with his manuscripts, to the Vatican.
Besides an edition of Justin, he was the author of other
works; which, if they did not shew his learning so much,
have spread his fame a great deal more. Thuanus highly
commends an answer, which he published in Germany, to
a piece wherein the bad success of the expedition of 1587
was imputed to the French, who accompanied the Germans; and the world is indebted to him for the publication
of several authors, who wrote the history of the expeditions
into Palestine. That work is entitled “Gesta Dei per
Francos;
” and was printed at Hanau in Rerum Hungaricarum Scriptores,
” fol. There are letters of Bongars, written during his employments, which
are much esteemed; and upon which Mr. Bayle remarks,
that though he did not, like Bembo and Manucius, reject
all terms that are not in the best Roman authors, yet his
style is elegant. His letters were translated, when the
dauphin began to learn the Latin language; and it appears
by the epistle dedicatory to that young prince, and by the
translator’s preface, that nothing was then thought more
proper for a scholar of quality, than to read this work of
Bongars. Bongars died at Paris in 1612, when he was 58
years of age: and the learned Casaubon, whose letters
shew that he esteemed him much, laments in one of them,
that “the funeral honours, which were due to his great
merit, and which he would infallibly have received from
the learned in Germany, were not yet paid him at Paris.
”
Mr. Bayle thinks that Bongars was never married: yet tells
us, that he was engaged in 1597, to a French lady, who
had the misfortune to die upon the very day appointed for
the wedding, after a courtship of near six years. This
Bongars speaks of in his letters, and appears to have been
exceedingly afflicted at it. His Latin letters were published at Leyden in 1647, and the French translation above
mentioned in 1668, along with the originals, 2 vols. 12mo,
but that of the Hague in 1695 is the most correct. His
edition of Justin is rare and valuable. It was printed from
eight manuscripts, accompanied with learned notes, various
readings, and chronological tables; but the Bipont editors
seem to think he sometimes took unwarranted liberties
with the text.
, the son of a lawyer of the same name, was born at Crema, in the Venetian state about 1584. In his thirtieth
, the son of a lawyer of the
same name, was born at Crema, in the Venetian state
about 1584. In his thirtieth year he went to study at Padua,
and made such proficiency as to be created doctor of laws
at the age of eighteen. About two years after he was appointed law professor in the college of Rovigo, where he
first lectured on the institutes of Justinian. He afterwards
accompanied the pope’s nuncio Jerome Portia, as secretary, and was himself employed in some affairs of importance. On his return to Venice, he had several preferments, and among others that of archpriest of Rovigo. In
Oct. 1619, he was elected Greek and Latin professor at
Padua, but declined accepting the office. In 1620, he
assisted at Venice, in the establishment of an academy
for the education of the young nobility, and gave lectures
on the civil law. Pope Urban VIII. bestowed on him the
archdeaconry of Trevisa, which he held, with the office of
grand vicar of that diocese, under four successive bishops.
He assisted also very essentially in founding a new academy
at Padua for the Venetian nobility, in 1636, and was the
first director or president of it, and founded a similar establishment at Trevisa. In 1653 he was appointed bishop
of Capo d'Istria, which he held until his death in 165i).
He was a man of various learning, as appears by his “Historia Trevigiena,
” 4to, his “Historia Ludicra,
” Latin poems
” in
De Romanae Historian Scriptoribus excerpta ex Bodino, Vossio et aliis,
” Venice,
, an eminent Italian lawyer, poet, and historian, was born in 1547, at Rovigo in the state of Venice, and educated
, an eminent Italian lawyer, poet,
and historian, was born in 1547, at Rovigo in the state of
Venice, and educated at Padua, where, during his lawstudies, he composed some pieces for the theatre which
were much approved. After marrying at Trevisa, or Trevigni, Elizabeth Martinagi, the daughter and heiress of
Marc Antonio, he settled in that place, of which he wrote
the history, and acquired so much reputation that the republic of Venice bestowed on him the office of judge’s
counsellor or assessor, the duties of which he executed
with great probity; and during his holding it wrote his
law tracts. In 1588, he published his commentary on the
feudal law of Venice. After the death of his wife, he
married a lady of Padua, where he was admitted to the
rank of citizenship, and where he resided for the remainder of his life. He died June 23, 1635, at a very advanced age, and was buried in the church of St. James,
with a modest inscription written by himself in 1630. His
principal writings are, 1. “Storia Trevigiana,
” Trevisi,
Letiere Famigliari,
” Rovigo, Orazione
&c. per dirizzare una Statua a Celio Ricchiero Rodigino,
”
ibid. Lezione sopra im Sonetto del Petrarca,
” ibid. Lezione sopra un altro Sonetto del Petrarca,
” ibid. L'arte de
Cenni,
” Vicenza, Discorso del modo
di ben formare a questo tempo una Tragedia,
” Padua,
Discorso sopra la sua Impresa neli'
Accademia Filarmonica,
” ibid. La Re^
publica delle Api, con la quale si dimostra il modo di ben
formare un nuovo Governo Democratico,
” Rovigo, 1627,
4to. 10. “Comentario sopra la legge dell' Senato Veneta,
&c.
” ibid. Comment,
de Furtis, et de componendis Epitaphiis,
” but without
giving the exact titles or dates.
, a learned Augustin, was born at Toulouse in 1670; and at Rome, whither he was sent for
, a learned Augustin, was born
at Toulouse in 1670; and at Rome, whither he was sent
for by cardinal Norris in 1695, he became distinguished
by his learning and piety. He was employed by pope
Clement XI. in several matters of importance, and particularly in the examination of the Gregorian calendar.
Bonjour had also the superintendence of the seminary
established by cardinal Barbarigo at Montefiascone, and
denominated the academy of sacred letters. He was acquainted with almost all the oriental tongues, and especially with the Coptic, or ancient Egyptian. Actuated by
a zeal for acquiring knowledge, and for propagating the
gospel, he visited China, where he died in February 1714,
whilst he was employed in forming a map of that empire,
which he undertook to conciliate the favour of the emperor, and thereby promote the objects of his mission. He
published, 1. “Dissertatio de nomine patriarch! Joseph! a
Pharaone imposito, in defensionem vulgatoe editionis, et
patrum qui Josephum in Serapide adumbratuni tradiderunt,
” &c. Rome, Select dissertationes
in Sac. Scripturam,
” Rome, In monumenta Coptica, seu
Ægyptiacæ bibliothecæ Vatican brevis exercitatio,
” ibid.
Calendarium Romanum chronologorum
causa constructum, &c.
” ibid.
, or Bonnefonius, a Latin poet, was born in 1554, at Clermont in Auvergne, and rilled the post of
, or Bonnefonius, a Latin poet,
was born in 1554, at Clermont in Auvergne, and rilled the
post of lieutenant-general of Bar-sur-Seine. His “Paricharis,
” in the style of Catullus, is of all modern performances, the nearest to the graces, the easy pencil, the
delicacy and softness of that ancient poet. La Bergerie
has translated the Pancharis into French verse, very inferior to the Latin. The poems of Bonnefons are at the end
of those of Beza, in the edition of that author given at
Paris by Barbou, 1757, 12mo. There is also one of
London, 1720 and 1727, 12mo. Bonnefons died in 1614,
leaving a son, who likewise cultivated Latin poetry, but
his performances, enumerated by Moreri, are in less request.
, a man celebrated for piety and virtue, was born at Genoa, Nov. 14, 1653, being the son of Samuel Bonnell,
, a man celebrated for piety and virtue, was born at Genoa, Nov. 14, 1653, being the son of Samuel Bonnell, merchant, who resided some time at Genoa, and of Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Sayer, near Norwich, esq. His grandfather was Daniel Bonnell of London, merchant, and his great-grandfather, Thomas Bonnell, a gentleman of good family near Ipres in Flanders, who, to avoid the duke of Alva’s persecution, removed with his family into England, and settled at Norwich, of which, before his death, he was chosen mayor. Samuel Bonnell, father of James Bonnell, being bred up under that eminent merchant, sir William Courteen, knt. applied himself to the Italian trade, at Leghorn and Genoa, with such success, that about 1649, he was worth at least 10,000l. and his credit much greater than his fortune. But both were soon impaired by several accidents, by great losses at sea, and particularly by his zeal for kingCharles II. during his exile, and the rest of the royal family, whom he privately supplied with large sums of money. About 1655, he removed with his family into England; and, at the restoration, on account of the services he had done the royal family, and as a compensation for the large sums he had advanced them (which, it seems, were never repaid otherwise) there was granted him a patent to be accomptant-general of the revenue of Ireland, a place worth about 800l. a year, his son’s life being included in the patent with his own. But this he was not long possessed of, for he died in 1664, leaving his son and one daughter.
, an eminent natural philosopher, was born at Geneva, on the 13th of March, 1720. His ancestors, who
, an eminent natural philosopher,
was born at Geneva, on the 13th of March, 1720. His
ancestors, who were compelled to emigrate from France,
in 1572, after the dreadful slaughter of St. Bartholomew’s
day, established themselves at Geneva, where his grandfather was advanced to the magistracy. His father, who
preferred the station of a private citizen, paid unremitted
attention to the education of his son, which the latter recompensed, at a very early period, by the amiableness of
his disposition, and the rapid progress he made in general
literature. When about sixteen years of age, he applied
himself, with great eagerness, to the perusal of “Le
Spectacle de la Nature,
” and this work made such a deep
impression on his mind, that it may be said to have directed the taste and the studies of his future life. What
that publication had commenced, was confirmed by the
work of La Pluche; but having accidentally seen the treatise of Reaumur upon insects, he was in a transport of joy.
He was very impatient to procure the book, but, as the
only copy in Geneva belonged to a public library, and as
the librarian was reluctant to entrust it in the hands of a
youth, it was with the utmost difficulty that he could obtain his end. By the possession of this treasure, our assiduous youth was enabled to make several new and curious experiments, which he communicated to Reaumur himself; and the high applause he gained, from so great a
naturalist, added fresh vigour to his assiduity.
his life by the name of Osman Bashaw, descended from a family related to the blood royal of France, was born in 1672, and entered himself at the age of sixteen, in
, count, known in the latter part of his life by the name of Osman Bashaw, descended from a family related to the blood royal of France, was born in 1672, and entered himself at the age of sixteen, in the service of that crown, and married the daughter of marshal de Biron. He made the campaign in Flanders in 1690, but soon after left the French army, and entered into the Imperial service under prince Eugene, who honoured him with an intimate friendship. The intrigues of the marquis de Prie, his inveterate enemy, ruined his credit however at the court of Vienna, and caused him to be banished the empire. He then offered his service to the republic of Venice, and to Russia; which being de^ clined, his next tender was to the grand Signior, who gladly received him: it was stipulated that he should have a body of 30,000 men at his disposal; that a government should be conferred on him, with the rank of bashaw of three tails; a salary of 10,000 aspers a day, equal to 45,000 livres a year; and that in case of a war, he should be commander in chief. The first expedition he engaged in after his arrival at Constantinople, was to quell an insurrection in Arabia Petraea, which he happily effected; and at his return, had large offers made him by Kouli Khan, which he did not choose to accept. Some time after, he commanded the Turkish army against the emperor, over whose forces he gained a victory on the banks of the Danube. But success does not always protect a person against disgrace; for Bonneval, notwithstanding his service, was first imprisoned, and then banished to the island of Chio. The sultan, however, continued his friend; and the evening before his departure made him bashaw general of the Archipelago, which, with his former appointment of beglerbeg of Arabia, rendered him one of the most powerful persons in the Ottoman empire. In this island, he found a retirement agreeable to his wishes, but did not long enjoy it, being sent for back, and made topigi or master of the ordnance, a post of great honour and profit. He died in this employment, aged 75, in 1747; and wrote the memoirs of his own life, which were published in London in 1755, 2 vols. 12 mo, and give but an indifferent idea of his personal character.
, an eminent artist, was born at Ferra.ra in 1569, and died in 1632. He was the scholar
, an eminent artist, was born at
Ferra.ra in 1569, and died in 1632. He was the scholar of
Bastaruolo, and the rival of Scarsellino, whose suavity of
manner he attempted to eclipse by energy and grandeur.
He studied at Bologna, for that purpose, the Carracci; at
Rome, with nature and the antique, perhaps the Roman
style; at Venice, Paolo, and at Parma, Corregio. In
compositions of a few figures only, he resembles Lod.
Carracci sometimes to a degree of delusion; but in works
of numerous grouping, such as the “Feast of Herod,
”
and the “Nuptials of Cana,
” at Ferrara, and chiefly in
the “Supper of Ahasuerus,
” at Ravenna, he rivals in
abundance and arrangement the ornamental style of Paolo.
At St. Maria in Vado at Ferrara, his science in Corregiesque fore-shortening and forcible effects of chiaroscuro,
fixed and astonished the eye of Guercino. His cabinet
pictures possess a high degree of finish. That such powers
should not hitherto have procured Bonone an adequate degree of celebrity in the annals of painting, proves only,
that no felicity of imitation can ever raise its possessors to
the honours of originality and invention.
, a lady who was born at Paris in 1718, and died in the same city April 18, 1768,
, a lady who was born at Paris in 1718, and died in the same city April 18, 1768, had received from nature a good understanding and an excellent taste, which were cultivated by a suitable education. She possessed the foreign languages, and was mistress of all the delicate turns of her own. It is to her that the French are indebted for a translation, said to be accurate and elegant, of Thomson’s Seasons, 1759, 12mo. Madame Bontems had a select society that frequented her house, and though she had a great talent for wit, she only made use of it for displaying that of others. She was not less esteemed for the qualities of her heart than those of her mind.
sixteenth century, was a man of profound erudition, and critically versed in the Greek language. He was born at Ryswick, a small village of Guelderland, and died at
, professor in medicine at the university of Leyden in the latter part of the sixteenth century, was a man of profound erudition, and critically versed in the Greek language. He was born at Ryswick, a small village of Guelderland, and died at Leyden, Sept. 15, 1599, sixty-three years old. Bontius is the inventor of a composition of pills, which, from his name, are called Pilulæ tartareæ Bontii. The Dutch for a long time kept this composition a secret; but they have been analysed by the industry of some physicians, and the ingredients are now well known. He wrote some commentaries on Hippocrates, but published no part of them. He left two sons, both eminent in the medical art, James and Reyner.
clergyman of great piety and learning, son of the rev. John Bonwicke, rector of Mickleham in Surrey, was born April 29, 1G52, and educated at Merchant Taylors school.
, a nonjuring clergyman of great piety and learning, son of the rev. John Bonwicke, rector of Mickleham in Surrey, was born April 29, 1G52, and educated at Merchant Taylors school. Thence he was elected to St. John’s college, Oxford, in 1668, where he was appointed librarian in 1670; B.A. 1673; M. A. March 18, 1675; was ordained deacon May 21, 1676; priest, June 6 (Trinity Sunday), 1680; proceeded B. D. July 21, 1682; and was elected master of Merchant Taylors school June 9, 1686. In 1689, the college of St. John’s petitioned the Merchant Taylors company, that he might continue master of the school (which is a nursery for their college) for life; but, at Christmas 1691, he was turned out for refusing to take the oath of allegiance, and was afterwards for many years master of a celebrated school at Headley, near Leatherhead in Surrey, where he had at one time the honour of having the poet Fenton for his usher, and Bowyer (who was afterwards the learned printer) for a scholar.
, one of those impostors who amused the public in the seventeenth century, was born at Manchester in 1601, and was bred a haberdasher in L
, one of those impostors who amused
the public in the seventeenth century, was born at Manchester in 1601, and was bred a haberdasher in Lawrencelane, London, but quitted this employment and followed
that of a writing-master at Hadley in Middlesex, and was
afterwards for some time clerk to the sitting aldermen at
Guildhall. He in a few years rendered himself so eminent,
that he was appointed licenser of mathematical books, under
which were included all those that related to the celestial
sciences. Lilly tells us, that he once thought him the
greatest astrologer in the world; but it appears that he
afterwards sunk in his esteem, and that he thought himself
a much greater man. We are told by the same author,
that “he had a curious fancy in judging of thefts, and
was as successful in resolving love questions,
” which was
a capital branch of his trade. George Wharton, who was
formerly one of his astrological friends, had a great quarrel
with him, which occasioned his publishing “MercurioCrelico Mastix; or an Anti-caveat to all such as have heretofore had the misfortune to be cheated and deluded by
that great and treacherous impostor John Booker; in an
answer to his frivolous pamphlet, entitled Mercurius Coelicus, or a Caveat to all the people of England;
” Oxon.
Bloody Irish Almanac,
” which contains some memorable particulars relative to the war in Ireland. He
died April 1667, and his books were sold to Elias Ashmole,
who, as Lilly informs us, and we may readily believe, gave
more for them than they were worth.
, a portrait-painter, was born at Dort, in 1669, and after having been for some time a
, a portrait-painter, was born at Dort, in 1669, and after having been for some time a disciple of Arnold Verbuis, placed himself under Godfrey Schalcken, who recommended to him, after having received his instructions for six years, to study nature. By following this advice, Boonen obtained the reputation of a great master at the age of twenty-five years. His style of colouring was extremely good; the attitudes of his figures were elegantly disposed; his touch neat. The whole possessed such harmony, and his portraits maintained such a striking likeness, that he was ranked among the ablest artists of his time; he had a number of admirers, and a greater demand for works than he was able to execute. He had the honour of painting the portraits of the czar of Muscovy, of Frederick I. king of Prussia, of the victorious duke of Marlborough, as well as of many of the princes of Germany, and most of the noblemen who attended the czar. His health was impaired by his excessive application, and he died rich in 1729.
, of a noble family, was born at Gorcum, in Holland, in 1604. After taking his degree
, of a noble family, was
born at Gorcum, in Holland, in 1604. After taking his
degree of doctor in medicine, he came to England, and was
in such estimation for his skill in his profession, that he
was made physician to king Charles I. On the death of
that prince he settled in Dublin, but died soon after, viz.
in 1650. In 1630 he published “Heures de Recreation,
”
4to, in the Dutch language; and in Philosophia
Naturalis reformata,
” which are not, however, much esteemed. His brother Arnold, likewise a physician, was well
versed in the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Syriac languages.
After taking his degree of doctor in medicine, he came also
to London; but on the breaking out of the troubles here,
he removed to Ireland, where he practised with success
and reputation for some years. Tired at length with the
hurry and confusion incident to civil commotions, and having experienced some losses, he went to Paris, and there
passed the remainder of his life in retirement and study.
He died in 1653. He published, in 1649, “Observationes
Medicae de affcctibus a veteribus omissis,
” 12mo. Haller
gives a particular account of this volume, which contains
many interesting and curious observations.
, a pious and popular dissenting minister of the Baptist persuasion, was born at Blackwell in Derbyshire, May 20, 1734, of poor parents,
, a pious and popular dissenting
minister of the Baptist persuasion, was born at Blackwell
in Derbyshire, May 20, 1734, of poor parents, who were
unable to give him any education. He spent a considerable part of his youth in the farming business, and that
of the stocking frame, but appears to have during this time
read much, and at length began to preach among the sect
called the general baptists, throughout the towns and villages in his neighbourhood. In his twenty-third year he
married; and this producing a numerous family, he opened
a school at Button-Ash field. At this time he held the
doctrine of universal redemption, and disliked predestination to such a degree as to ridicule it in a poem (of which he was afterwards ashamed), but he now changed his sentiments and became a zealous Calvinist in that and othei
points supposed to constitute the Calvinistic system. The
consequence of this change was, an avowal and defence of
his new opinions in his first publication, “The Reign of
Grace,
” in which he was encouraged hy the late rev. Henry
Venn, vicar of Huddersfield, who wrote a recommendatory
preface to it. It appeared in 1768, and led to a new and
important aera in his life, being so much approved by the
congregation of particular baptists in Prescot-street, Goodman’s fields, whose pastor was just dead, that they invited
Mr. Booth to succeed him. This invitation he accepted,
and in Feb. 1769, took possession of his pulpit, after being
regularly ordained for the first time. Here he appears for
some years to have spent what time he could spare from
his public labours in laying in a stock of knowledge; and
although he always lamented the want of a regular education, his proficiency, and the extent of his reading were so
great as in some measure to redeem his time, and place
him on a footing, both as a scholar, preacher, and writer,
with the ablest of his brethren. He knew Greek and
Latin usefully, if not critically: the Greek Testament he
went through nearly fifty times by the simple expedient
of reading one chapter every day. General science and
literature, history, civil and ecclesiastical, he investigated
with acuteness in the ablest writers, English, French,
Dutch, and German; and his works show that he particularly excelled in a knowledge of controversial divinity,
and of those arguments, pro and con, which were connected with his opinions as a baptist. After exercising
his ministry in Prescot-street for nearly thirty-seven years,
he died Monday, Jan. 27, 1806, and his memory was honoured by a tablet and inscription in his meeting-house,
recording his virtues and the high respect his congregation entertained for him. Besides the work already mentioned, he published, 1. “The Death of Legal Hope, the
Life of Evangelical Obedience,
” The
Deity of Jesus Christ essential to the Christian Religion,
”
a translation from Abbadie, and occasioned by the subscription controversy, 1770. 3. “An Apology for the Baptists in refusing communion at the Lord’s Table to Pscdobaptists,
” Paedobaptism examined, on the
principles, concessions, and reasonings of the most learned
Psedobaptists,
”
, a celebrated tragic actor, was born in the county palatine of Lancaster, 1681. At the age of
, a celebrated tragic actor, was born
in the county palatine of Lancaster, 1681. At the age of
nine years he was put to Westminster school, under the
tuition of the famous Dr. Busby, where he soon discovered
an excellent genius and capacity. He had a peculiar turn
for Latin poetry, and had fixed many of the finest passages
of the antients so firmly in his memory, that he could
repeat them with such propriety of emphasis, and gracefulness of action, as to charm every body who heard him.
Thence it was, that when, according to custom, a Latin
play was to be acted, one of the first parts was given to
young Booth; who performed it in such a manner as gained
him universal applause, and particular respect from the
doctor. This first gave him an inclination for the stage.
His father intended him for the church: but when Barton
reached the age of seventeen, and was about to be sent to
the university, he stole away from school, and went over
to Ireland in 1698, with Mr. Ashbury, master of the company. Here he was soon distinguished greatly by his
theatrical abilities, especially in tragedy, for which he
seemed to be formed by nature; for he had a grave countenance and a good person, with a fine voice and a manly
action. When he had been three seasons in Dublin, in
which time he had acquired a great reputation, he resolved
to return to England; which he accordingly did in 1701,
and was recommended to Mr. Betterton, who behaved to
him with great civility, and took him into his company.
The first character in which he appeared on the English stage, was that of Maximus, in the tragedy of Valentinian; and it was scarce possible for a young actor to
meet with a better reception. The Ambitious Stepmother
coming on soon after, he performed the part of Artaban,
which added considerably to the reputation he had acquired, and made him esteemed one of the first actors.
Nor was his fame less in all the succeeding characters
which he attempted; but he shone with greatest lustre in
the tragedy of Cato, which was brought on the stage in
1712. “Although Cato (says Mr. Cibber) seems plainly
written upon what are called whig principles, yet the
tories at that time had sense enough not to take it as the
least reflection on their administration; but, on the contrary, seemed to brandish and vaunt their approbation of
every sentiment in favour of liberty, which, by a public
act of their generosity, was carried so high, that one day
while the play was acting, they collected 50 guineas in
the boxes, and made a present of them to Booth, with this
compliment For his honest opposition to a perpetual dictator, and his dying so bravely in the cause of liberty.
”
The reputation to which Booth was now arrived seemed to
entitle him to a share in the management of the theatre;
but this perhaps his merit would never have procured, had
it not been through the favour of lord Bolingbroke, who,
in 1713, recalling all former licences, procured a new one,
in which Booth’s name was added to those of Gibber,
Wilks, and Dogget. Dogget, however, was so much offended at this, that he threw up his share, and would not
accept of any consideration for it; but Gibber tells us, he
only made this a pretence, and that the true reason of his
quitting was his dislike to Wilks, whose humour was become insupportable to him. When Booth came to a share
in the management of the house, he was in the thirty-third
year of his age, and in the highest reputation as an actor:
nor did his fame as a player sink by degrees, as sometimes
has happened to those who have been most applauded, but
increased every day more and more. The health of Booth,
however, beginning to decline, he could not act so often
as usual; and hence became more evident the public favour towards him, by the crowded audiences his appearance drew, when the intervals of his distemper permitted
him to tread the stage: but his constitution broke now
very fast, and he was attacked with a complication of distempers, which carried him off, May 10, 1733.
arl of Warrington, and baron Delamer of Dunham Massey, an upright senator and distinguished patriot, was born on the 13th of January, 1651. He was the second son of
, earl of Warrington, and baron Delamer of Dunham Massey, an upright senator and distinguished patriot, was born on the 13th of January, 1651. He was the second son of the preceding George lord Delamer, by the lady Elizabeth Grey. In the life-time of his father, he was custos rotulorum for the county palatine of Chester, and also knight of the shire for that county, in several parliaments during the reign of king Charles ths Second. He very early rendered himself conspicuous by his zeal for the protestant religion, and the liberties of his country. When the bill for excluding the duke of York from the throne was brought into parliament, Mr. Booth was very active in the promotion of it, and also made a spirited speech in support of the necessity of frequent parliaments, and against governing by favourites; and he opposed, with a becoming spirit, the unjust and arbitrary power assumed by the privy council, of imprisoning men contrary to law.
, or Boquinus, a French divine, and one of the contributors to the reformation, was born in Aquitaine, and educated in a monastery at Bourges, of
, or Boquinus, a French divine, and one of the contributors to the reformation, was
born in Aquitaine, and educated in a monastery at Bourges,
of which he became prior, and in high estimation with his
brethren. Having, however, perused some of the writings
of Luther, Bucer, &c. he imbibed their sentiments, and
went to Wittemberg, where he became acquainted with
Luther and Melancthon, and at Basil he attended the lectures of Myconius, Carlostadt, and Sebastian Muncer.
Melancthon afterwards recommended him as a proper person to supply Calvin’s place at Strasburgh, who had gone
back to Geneva; and there he gave lectures on the epistle
to the Galatians, and soon after had for his coadjutor
Peter Martyr. Boquine being at some distance of time
invited by his brother, who was a doctor in divinity, and
not an enemy to the reformation, removed to Bourges, in.
hopes that the French churches were friendly to his doctrine, and there he publicly read and expounded the Hebrew Bible. About this time, Francis, king of France,
being dead, the queen of Navarre came to Bourges, when
Boquine presented her with a book he had written on the
necessity and use of the Holy Scriptures, which she received very graciously, allowed him a yearly stipend out
of her treasury, and appointed him to preach a public lecture in the great church of Bourges, with the consent of
the archbishop. He remained in like favour with her successor, king Henry’s sister; but the enemies of the reformation threatening his life, he was obliged to desist
from his labours, and went back to Strasburgh, where he
was appointed pastor to the French church. This office,
however, he filled only about four months, and in 1557
went into Heidelberg, at the invitation of Otho Henry,
prince elector Palatine, who was carrying on the reformation in his churches. Here he was appointed professor of
divinity, and continued in this office about twenty years,
under Otho and Frederic III. After the death of the latter in 1576, the popish party again prevailing, drove him
and the rest of the reformed clergy from the place, but
almost immediately he was invited to Lausanne, where he
remained until his death in 1582. He left various works,
the dates of which his biographers have not given, except
the following “Oratio in obitum Frederici III. Comit.
Palatini,
” Leyden, 1577, 4to; but their titles are, 1. “Defensio ad calumnias Doctoris cujusdam Avii in Evangelii
professores.
” 2. “Examen libri quern Heshusius inscripsit.de praesentia corporis Christi in coena Domini.
”
3. “Theses in ccena Domini.
” 4. “Exegesis divinsc
communicationis.
” 5. “Adsertio veteris, ac veri Christianismi adversus novum et fictum Jesuitismum.
” This
appears to have been one of his ablest works, and was
translated into English under the title, “A defence of the
old and true profession of Christianitie against the new
counterfeite sect of Jesuites, by Peter Boquine, translated
by T. G.
” London, Notatio praecipuarum causarum diuturnitatis controversial de crena Domini,
” &c.
a painter, engraver, and antiquary, was born at Brussels in 1583, but when in his third year, the war
a painter,
engraver, and antiquary, was born at Brussels in 1583, but
when in his third year, the war obliged his parents to remove into Germany. From his earliest years he discovered
a taste for painting, which induced his father to place him
under Giles Van Valkenberg. He afterwards studied in
Italy, and travelling over Germany, settled first at Franhendal, and in 1627 at Francfort on the Maine. His
paintings, principally fruit and flowers, were much admired, but
he perhaps had more reputation as an antiquary, in which
capacity, the earl of Arundel sent him into Italy to Mr.
Petty, who was then collecting for his lordship, and retained him in his service as long as he lived. After the
death of this patron, Vander Borcht was employed by the
prince of Wales (afterwards Charles II.) and lived in esteem
at London several years, till he returned to Antwerp, where
he died in 1660. As an engraver we have some few etchings by him; among the rest the “Virgin and Child,
” a
small upright print, from Parmigiano, engraved at London
in 1637; a “Dead Christ, supported by Joseph of Arimathea,
” from the same master, and “Apollo and Cupid,
” a
small upright oval from Perin del Vago.
, a celebrated French mathematician and natural philosopher, was born at Dax, in the department of the Landes, May 4, 1733. His
, a celebrated French mathematician and natural philosopher, was born at Dax, in the department of the Landes, May 4, 1733. His mother was Maria Theresa de Lacroix, and his father John Anthony Borda, whose ancestors had acquired considerable distinction in the French army. He began his studies in the college of the Barnabites at Dax, where he gave early indications of his future genius. He was a considerable time after put under the charge of the Jesuits of La Fleche, and by his ardour for study and superior talents, frequently carried off the prizes which were held out as the reward of youthful genius. This induced the Jesuits to endeavour to press him into their order, but his attachment to geometry was too powerful to be weakened by their persuasions. He encountered afterwards a more formidable opposition from his father, who was hostile to the prosecution of what he called unprofitable studies, and endeavoured to please him by proposing to enter into the engineer service of the army, where the objects of his profession would necessarily require a knowledge of geometry and physics. His father, however, having eleven children, and being obliged to support two of his sons who were already in the army, was anxious that Charles should look forward to some situation in the magistracy, which might be obtained without much expence and trouble. To these views Borda reluctantly submitted; but after having thus lost some of the most precious years of his youth, a friar, who was a particular friend of his father, obtained, by earnest solicitation, that he should be allowed to devote himself to his favourite science; and, every restraint being now removed, he was in 1753, when only twenty years of age, introduced to D'Alembert, who advised him to remain in the capital, and look forward to a situation in the academy. Borda accordingly entered the light horse, and continuing his mathematical studies, he became professor to his comrades.
ies must be considered in a great measure as a proof of the ignorance and credulity of the times. He was born at Pevensey in Sussex about 1500, and was educated at Oxford;
, or as he styles himself in Latin, Andreas Perforatus, was a very singular
character, and the reputation he acquired among his contemporaries must be considered in a great measure as a
proof of the ignorance and credulity of the times. He was
born at Pevensey in Sussex about 1500, and was educated
at Oxford; but before he had taken a degree, entered
among the Carthusians in or near London. He afterwards
left them, and studied physic at Oxford; and then travelled over most parts of Europe and Africa. On his return he settled at Winchester, where he practised physic
with considerable reputation, and in this capacity he is said
to have served Henry VIII. In 1541 and 1542 he was at
Montpellier, where he probably took the degree of doctor,
in which he was soon after incorporated at Oxford. He
lived then for some time at Pevensey, and afterwards returned to Winchester, still observing all the austerities of
the order to which he formerly belonged; though he has
been accused of many irregularities. It is certain that his
character was very odd and whimsical, as appears from the
books he wrote; yet he is said to have been a man of great wit
and learning, and an “especial physician.
” That he was not
of consequence eminent enough to rank with the first of his
profession, may be inferred from his dying insolvent in the
Fleet, April 1549. Bale intimates that he hastened his end
by poison on the discovery of his keeping a brothel for his
brother bachelors. His works are very various in their
subjects; one of the most considerable is intituled, “A
book of the introduction of knowledge,
” black letter, imprinted by William Coplande, without date. He there professes to teach all languages, the customs and fashions of
all countries, and the value of every species of coin. This
is a motley piece, partly in verse and partly in prose; and
is divided into thirty-nine chapters, before each of which is
a wooden cut, representing a man in the habit of some particular country. His well known satire on the Englishman,
who, to express the inconstancy and mutability of his
fashions, is drawn naked with a cloth and a pair of sheers in
his hand, is borrowed from the Venetians, who characterised
the French in that manner. Before the 7th chapter is the
effigies of the author, under a canopy, with a gown, a laurel on his head, and a book before him. The title of this
chapter shews how the author dwelt in Scotland and other
islands, and went through and round about Christendom.
An edition of this singular work was printed in London in
1542. His “Breviary of Health,
” which is a very trifling,
coarse, and weak performance, was published in 1.547, and
is supposed by Fuller to be the first medical piece written
in English. As a specimen of the style, take what follows,
which is the beginning of the Prologue, addressed to physicians: “Egregious doctors and maisters of the eximious
and arcane science of physicke, of your urbanity exasperate
not yourselves against me for making this little volume.
”
This work, with a second part called the “Extravagants,
”
was reprinted in 4to, Compendyouse Regimente, or Dietary of
Healthe made in Mounte Pyllor,
” an edition of which was
printed several years after his death, in 1562. A famous
jest book called the “Merrye tales of the madmen of Gotham;
” “The historye of the miller of Abingdon and the
Cambridge scholars,
” the same with that related by
Chaucer in his Canterbury Tales; a book of “Prognostics,
”
and another of Urines, &c. It is said that the phrase
“Merry Andrew
” is derived from him.
, a French historical and miscellaneous writer of considerable fame, was born at Paris in 1734, of an opulent family, and devoted himself
, a French historical and
miscellaneous writer of considerable fame, was born at Paris in 1734, of an opulent family, and devoted himself in
his youth to high life and the fine arts. From being first
valet de chambre to Louis XV. he became his favourite >
and on the death of that monarch, he obtained the place of
farmer-general, the duties of which unpopular office he
performed with great assiduity, employing his leisure hours
in cultivating music and general literature. He became one
of the most celebrated composers of songs, and his “Recueil d'airs,
” 4 vols. 8vo, ornamented with fine engravings,
is in high esteem. He composed also the music of the
opera of “Adela de Ponthieu,
” which was performed with
considerable success. Happening to read in De Bure, that
there had been only thirty copies published of the Collection of antient paintings of Rome, coloured after Bartoli’s
designs, he made inquiry for the coppers, had them repaired, and published a second edition of that work. His
other works are: 1.“Essais sur la Musique ancienne et moderne,
” Essai sur l‘histoire chronologique de plus de quatrevingts peuples de l’antiquité,
” Memoires
historiques, de Coucy,
” 2 vols. 8vo. 4. “Pieces interessantes pour servir a l'histoire des regnes de Louis XIII. et
de Louis XIV.
” 12mo. 5. “Lettres sur la Suisse,
” Abregè chronologique des principaux
faits arrives depuis Henoch jusqu'a. Jesus Christ,
” Recueil de vers dedies à Adelaide par le plus heureux
des epoux,
” 16 mo, a tribute to conjugal happiness, so seldom celebrated by poets. La Borde also published a translation of Swinburne’s Travels; a fine edition of the Historical Romances of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries,
printed by Didot, in 11 vols, 12mo.; “Tableaux
topographiques et pittoresques de la Suisse,
” with letter-press and
beautiful engravings by Robert: and lastly, in 1792,
“L'Histoire abregée de la mer du Sud,
” 3 vols. 8vo, containing an analysis of all the voyages to that sea from the
time of Goneville, in the fifteenth century, to that of our
countryman, Capt. Riou, in 1789. In this also he urges the
Spaniards to widen the passage of Nicaragua, which is only
three leagues, and make it navigable, and a communication
between the North and South Seas, pointing out the advantages this would be attended with in voyages from Europe to China. During the Convention, la Borde retired
to Rouen where he hoped to be overlooked, but the spies
of the reigning tyrants discovered him, and conducted him
to Paris, where he was beheaded July 22, 1791. His wife
was the authoress of some “Poems
” imitated fnjm the English, and printed by Didot in 1785, 18mo.
teran associate of the academy of sciences of Paris, and member of the imperial academy of Florence, was born at Paris April 10, 1728. His father, who was also a surgeon,
, regius professor and director of the academy of surgery, veteran associate of the
academy of sciences of Paris, and member of the imperial
academy of Florence, was born at Paris April 10, 1728.
His father, who was also a surgeon, destined him for the
same profession, which had long been followed by the
branches of his family, but began with giving him the ordinary course of a learned education that he might acquire
the languages in which the most celebrated anatomists of
former ages wrote, and some of those principles of philosophy which are the foundation of all sciences and arts.
Young Bordenave’s proficiency fully answered his father’s
expectations, and he soon fdled the distinguished situations
already mentioned, and contributed many valuable papers
to the Memoirs of the academy of surgery, on extraordinary
cases which occurred in his practice: the treatment of gunshot wounds, and anatomical subjects. He also in 1757
made some experiments to illustrate Haller’s opinion on the
difference between sensible or irritable parts, and wrote a
work in defence of that celebrated anatomist’s opinion on
the formation of the bones, against that of Duhamel. He
also, in 1768, translated Haller’s Elements of Physiology
for the use of his students, but he had previously, in 1756,
published a new work on the same subject, admired for
precision of method. Bordenave had long wished for a
place in the academy of sciences, and in 1774 was elected
a veteran associate. This title, it seems, indicates that the
party has been chosen contrary to the statutes, and that the
academy did not choose him of their own will; but for this he
was not to blame, as such an election was totally contrary to
his wish. In a short time, however, the academicians were
reconciled, and Bordenave enriched their memoirs with
some important papers. Bordenave also became echevin,
or sheriff, of Paris, an office never before conferred on a
surgeon, but. which he filled in a manner highly creditable,
and directed his attention, as a magistrate, chiefly to the
health of the city. On the birth of Louis XVII. he was honoured with the ribbon of the order of St. Michael, in consideration of his talents and services, but did not long enjoy
this honour, being seized with an apoplexy, which after
eight days proved fatal, March 12, 1782. Besides the
works already noticed, he published, “Dissertations sur
les Antiseptiques,
” Memoires sur le
danger des Caustiques pour la cure radicale des Hernies,
”
a French physician of considerable eminence, was born at Iseste, in Beam, in 1693. After being initiated in the
a French physician of considerable eminence, was born at Iseste, in Beam, in 1693. After being initiated in the study of medicine by his father, he went to Montpellier, where he was admitted doctor in that faculty in 1719. Invited, in 1723, to Pan, the capital of the province, he acquired so much reputation, as to be appointed physician to the military hospital at Bareges, and inspector of the mineral waters there. To the waters he paid great attention, and in 1750, he published a small treatise, shewing the effects he had experienced from them in a variety of diseases. He lived to an advanced age, but the precise time of his death is not known.
, son to the preceding, was born Feb. 22, 1722, at Iseste in the valley of Ossan inBearn,
, son to the preceding, was
born Feb. 22, 1722, at Iseste in the valley of Ossan inBearn,
and at the age of twenty, for his degree of bachelor in the
university of Montpellier, where he was then a student, he
held a thesis “De sensu generice considerate,
” which contains
the ground-work of all the publications he afterwards gave.
Such early knowledge determined his professors to dispense
with several acts usual before admission to practice. In>
1743, he was created M. D. at Montpellier, and two years
after succeeded his father, as inspector of the mineral waters, and professor of anatomy. In 1747, he was made
corresponding member of the royal academy of Sciences at
Paris, whither he soon after went, and where he acquired
great reputation. Having taken out his licence in that city
in 1754, he was appointed physician to the hopital de la
charite. He died of an apoplexy, Nov. 24, 1776. A
deep melancholy, occasioned by the flying gout, was the
fore-runner of his end. He was found dead in his bed.
One of the faculty, jealous of his fame, and who had tried
to ruin him by a prosecution, said on the occasion: “I
should never have thought he would have died in a horizontal position.
” But a witty lady retorted by observing
“that death was so much afraid of him, that he was obliged
to catch him napping.
” The facility with which he exercised his profession, his reluctance to give medicines, and
his great confidence in nature, sometimes drew upon him
the reproach that he had not much faith in medicine; but
his doubts were so much the less blameable, as he was continually occupied in rendering the resources of his art more
certain. He never disputed at all towards the latter end of his
life, because probably he had disputed much to no purpose
in his youth. Nobody knew better how to doubt, and he
had little confidence in his own knowledge, and trusted with
difficulty to that of others. Seeing the great number of
courses of lectures in all branches of science, advertised
every day, he observed once to a friend: “Will no one
ever give a course of good sense?
” As he expressed himself at times with rather too much acerbity on the merits
of others, some of his professional brethren have called his
own into question. His works, however, sufficiently attest
his abilities. The principal are, 1. “Chylificationis historia,
” Recherches sur les Glandes.
” He thought he observed a
duct passing from the thyroid gland to the trachaea; an
opinion which he repeats in another of his works, but without sufficient ground. 3. “Dissertatio physiologica de
sensu generice considerate,
” Monspelii, Chylificationis historia.
” 4. “Lettres contenant des essais sur l'histoire des Eaux minerales du Beam,
&c. 1746, 12mo.
” In these he treats of the properties of
the waters, and of the geography of Beam. 5. “Recherches anatomiques sur la position des Glandes, et sur leur
actions,
” Paris, Recherches sur le pouls
par raport aux crises,
” Paris, Recherches sur le tissu mnqueux, et l'organecellulaire,
”
Paris,
, brother to Theophilus, and educated under his father and him, was born at Pau, in 1737. Having taken his degree of doctor in medicine
, brother to Theophilus, and educated under his father and him, was born at Pau, in 1737.
Having taken his degree of doctor in medicine at Montpellier, in 1756, he returned to Pau, and was appointed to
supply the place of his brother, as inspector of the waters
there. In 1757, he published “De sensibilitate et contractibilitate partium in corpore humano sano,
” Monspell.;
and in Precis d'observations sur les Eaux de Bareges,
” &c. 12mo, collected principally from the works of
his father, brother, and other writers on the subject. “Recherches sur les maladies chroniques, leur rapports avec les
maladies aigues,
” &c.
, an Italian artist, was born at Trevigi, in 1513, and at eight years of age was conducted
, an Italian artist, was born at Trevigi,
in 1513, and at eight years of age was conducted to Venice,
where he was carefully educated by one of his relations.
At a proper age he was placed as a disciple with Titian,
under whom he made so happy a progress, that he did not
continue with him many years; especially as he observed
that Titian was not so communicative as he wished, or indeed had just reason to expect, and he lamented that
Giorgione was not then alive to instruct him, because he
preferred the manner of that master to all others. However, to the utmost of his power, he studied and imitated
the style of Giorgione, and very soon rose into such reputation, that he was appointed to paint a picture in the
church of St. Nicholas, when he was only eighteen years
of age. Some time after he received an invitation to Vincenza, to adorn a gallery with paintings in fresco, part of
which had been formerly enriched by the hand of Titian,
with a design representing the “Judgment of Solomon.
”
Bordone engaged in the undertaking with an inward satisfaction, as his work was to be contrasted with the work of
his master; and he composed the history of “Noah and
his Sons,
” which he finished with his utmost care; nor
was it esteemed inferior to the work of Titian, both performances seeming to have been the product of one pencil.
He likewise finished several considerable works at Venice
and Trevigi, and in each city painted many portraits of the
nobility and persons of distinction. But, in the year 1538,
he entered into the service of Francis I. of France, and
added continually to his reputation, by every historical
subject and portrait which he finished, as they were excellently designed, and had a charming tone of colour to
recommend them. On his quitting France, he visited the
principal cities of Italy, and left a number of memorable
works, as monuments of his extraordinary abilities. His
colouring has all the appearance of nature, nor can any
thing be more lively or more admired than the portraits of
Bordone. Several of them are still preserved in the Palazzo Pitti, at Florence, of which the colouring is excessively clear, fresh, and truly beautiful. He died in 1588
according to Vasari, but in 1578 according to Felibien
and Argenville.
, a French physician, naturalist, and chemist, was born at Castres, in Languedoc, about 1620. After studying medicine,
, a French physician, naturalist, and
chemist, was born at Castres, in Languedoc, about 1620.
After studying medicine, he received his doctor’s degree,
as is supposed, in 1641, and began practice at his native
place. He collected a very fine museum of natural curiosities, of which he published a catalogue, “Catalogue des
Raretes de Pierre Borel de Castres,
” ibid. Bibliotheca Chimica,
” that he was not rich, as he there complains that he could not afford to print his works. In 1653,
he came to Paris, and some time after was appointed physician to the king, but it is thought this was merely an honorary title, and we are not certain whether he remained
afterwards at Paris. He was, however, elected in 1674
into the academy of sciences, as a chemist. Niceron says
he died in 1689, but a letter addressed to Bayle in 1678
speaks of him as then just dead. He published, 1. “Les
Antiquites, Raretes, &c. de la ville et comte de Castres,
&c.
” Castres, 164y, 8vo. 2. “Historiarum et observationum Medico-Physicarum, centuria prima et secunda,
”
ibid. Bibliotheea
chimica, sen catalogus librorum philosophicorum hermeticorum, in quo quatuor millia circiter authovum chemicorum, &c. cum eorum editionibus, usque ad annum 1653
continentur,
” Paris, 1654; Heidelberg, 1656, 12mo. In
this work he gives the titles of these chemical works, but
very rarely the dates. 4. “De vero Telescopii Inventore,
cum brevi omnium conspicillorum historia,
” &c. Hague,
Tresor des Recherches et Antiquity’s
Gauloises, reduites en ordre alphabetique, et enrichies de
beaucoup d'origines, epitaphes, et autres choses rares et
curieuses, coin me aussi de beaucoup de mots de la langue
Thyoise ou Theutfranque,
” Paris, Poeme a, la louange de I'lmprimerie.
”
7. “Carmina in laudem regis, reginae, etcardinalis Mazarini,
” 4to. 8. “Auctarium ad Vitam Peirescii,
” in the
Hague edition of that life published in Commentum in antiquum philosophum Syrum,
” Hortus seu Armamentarium simplicium Plantarum et
Animalium ad artem medicam spectantium,
” &c. Castres,
De Curationibus Sympatheticis,
” printed
in the “Theatrum Sympatheticum,
” Nurimberg, Discours nouveau, prouvant la Pluralite des
Mondes,
” Geneva, 8vo, and translated into English by D.
Sashott, Lond. 1658. 13. “Vitae Renati Cartesii compendium,
” Paris,
, a celebrated philosopher and mathematician, was born at Naples the 28th of January, 1608. He was professor of
, a celebrated philosopher
and mathematician, was born at Naples the 28th of January, 1608. He was professor of philosophy and mathematics in some of the most celebrated universities of Italy,
particularly at Florence and Pisa, where he became highly
in favour with the princes of the house of Medici. But
having been concerned in the revolt of Messina, he was
obliged to retire to Rome, where he spent the remainder
of his life under the protection of Christina queen of Sweden, who honoured him with her friendship, and by her
liberality towards him softened the rigour of his hard fortune. He continued two years in the convent of the regular clergy of St. Pantaleon, called the Pious Schools, where
he instructed the youth in mathematical studies. And thi’s
study he prosecuted with great diligence for many years
afterward, as appears by his correspondence with several
ingenious mathematicians of his time, and the frequent
mention that has been made of him by others, who have
endeavoured to do justice to his memory. He wrote a letter to Mr. John Collins, in which he discovers his great
desire and endeavours to promote the improvement of those
sciences: he also speaks of his correspondence with, and
great affection for, Mr. Henry Oldenburgh, secretary of
the royal society; of Dr. Wallis; of the then late learned
Mr. Boyle, and lamented the loss sustained by his death to
the commonwealth of learning. Mr. Baxter, in his “Enquiry into the Nature of the Human Soul 3
” makes frequent
use of our author’s book “De Motu Animalium,
” and
tells us, that he was the first who discovered that the force
exerted within the body prodigiously exceeds the weight
to be moved without, or that nature employs an immense
power to move a small weight. But he acknowledges that
Dr. James Keil had shewn that Borelli was mistaken in his
calculation of the force of the muscle of the heart; but
that he nevertheless ranks him with the most authentic writers, and says he is seldom mistaken: and, having remarked
that it is so far from being true, that great things are
brought about by small powers, on the contrary, a stupendous power is manifest in the most ordinary operations of nature, he observes that the ingenious Borelli first
remarked this in animal motion; and that Dr. Stephen
Hales, by a course of experiments in his “Vegetable
Statics,
” had shewn the same in the force of the ascending sap in vegetables. After a course of unceasing labours,
Borelli died at Pantaleon of a pleurisy, the 31st of December 1679, at 72 years of age, leaving the following
works: 1. “Delle cagioni dellefebri maligni,
” Euclides restitutus,
” &c. Pisa, Apollonii Pergaei conicorum, libri v. vi. & vii. paraphraste Abalphato Aspahanensi nunc primum editi,
” &c. Floren. Theoriæ Medicorum Planetarum ex causis physicis deductae,
” Flor. De Vi Percussionis,
”
Bologna, De Motu Animalium,
” and that “De
Motionibus Naturalibus,
” in Osservazione intorno alia virtu ineguali degli occhi.
” This piece was inserted in the Journal of Rome for the year 1669. 7. “De
motionibus naturalibus e gravitate pemlentibus,
” Regio
Julio, 1670, 4to. 8. “Meteorologia Ætnea,
” &c. Regio Julio, Osservazione dell' ecclissi lunare, fatta in Roma,
” Elementaconica Apollonii Pergoei et Archimedis opera nova et breviori methodo demonstrata,
” Rome, De Motu Animaiium:
pars prima, et pars altera,
” Romae, 12. At Leyden, 1686, in 4to,
a more correct and accurate edition, revised by J. Broen,
M. D. of Leyden, of his two pieces
” De vi percussionis,
et de motionibus de gravitate pendentibus,“&c. 13.
” De
renum usu judicium:“this had been published with Bellini’s book
” De structura renum," at Strasburgh, 1664,
8vo.
, was born at Florence in 1515 of a noble family, and became a Benedictine
, was born at Florence in 1515
of a noble family, and became a Benedictine monk in 1531.
He was one of the persons appointed to correct the
Decameron of Boccace, by order of the council of Trent, and
performed this curious task for the edition of Florence,
1573, 8vo. But the best known of his works, and which
did him the most honour, is that entitled, “Discovsi di
M. Vincenzo Borghini,
” printed at Florence Riposo della Pittura, e della Scukura,
” published at
Florence in
, a monster of ambition and cruelty, was a natural son of pope Alexander VI. What year he was born in, we do not find: but he was at his studies in the university
, a monster of ambition and cruelty, was a natural son of pope Alexander VI. What year he was born in, we do not find: but he was at his studies in the university of Pisa, when Alexander was elected pope, in August 1492. Upon the news of his father’s advancement, he banished all thoughts of his former private condition of life; and, full of ambition, as if himself was to be made emperor of the world, he hastened directly to Rome, where Alexander received him with formality and coldness, but whether it was real or but affected, is not easy to determine. Cscsar, however, took it to be real; and, greatly disgusted as well as disappointed, went immediately and complained to his mother Vanozza, who bid him not be cast down; and told him, that she knew the pope’s mind better than any body, and for what reasons his holiness had given him that reception. In the mean time the courtflatterers solicited the pope to make Cæsar a cardinal, which he absolutely refused; but, that he might not seem altogether forgetful of him, he created him archbishop of Valenza, a benefice which his holiness had enjoyed in his younger days. This preferment was by no means acceptable to Cæsar, yet he affected to be content, since the pope, he found, Was determined to confer the best of his secular dignities on his eldest son Francis, who at that time was made duke of Gandia by Fertlinand king of Castile and Arragon.
, a learned Roman cardinal, was born of a noble family at Velletri, in 1731; and as the second
, a learned Roman cardinal, was
born of a noble family at Velletri, in 1731; and as the second son of the family, was from his birth destined for the
clerical dignities. In youth he appears to have been studious, and particularly attentive to historic and diplomatic
science, and modern and ancient languages. In 1770, he
was appointed secretary to the congregation of Propaganda, the purposes of which are to furnish missionaries to
propagate Christianity, on popish principles; and into this
college children are admitted from Asia and Africa, in
order to be instructed in religion, and to diffuse itj on
their return, through their native countries. A more fit
person could not be selected than Borgia, as he had both
zeal and learning. In 1771, the abbe Amaduzzi, director
of the printing-house of the college, procured the casting
of the Malabar types, and published some works in that
language, as well as in those of the Indians of Ava and of
Pegu. By the care of this new secretary also, an Etruscan
alphabet was published, which soon proved of the highest
benefit to Passeri: for, by its means, this celebrated antiquary, in the latter part of his life, could better explain
than he had ever done some Etruscan monuments of the
highest interest. About this time he began to lay the
foundation of the family museum at Velletri, which, before 1780, exhibited no less than eighty ancient Egyptian
statues in bronze or marble, many Etruscan and Greek
idols, numerous coins, inscriptions, &c. To form some
idea of the total of this museum, it may be observed that
only a small part of it, relative to Arabic antiquity, was the
subject of the description which, in 1782, was published
under the title of “Musaeum Cusicum.
” He had long
before this published “Monumento di Giovanni XVI.
summo Pontifice illustrate,
” Rome, 1750, 8vo. “Breve
Istoria dell‘ antica citta di Tadino nell’ Umbria, &c.
” ibid.
Dissertatione sopra un‘ antica Iscrizione
rinuentanelP Isoladi Malta nell’ anno 1749,
”Fermo, Dissertatione FUologica sopra un' antica gemma in
tagliata.
”
, a painter and engraver, was born at Rome, in 1630, and learned design from Giulio Borgianni
, a painter and engraver, was
born at Rome, in 1630, and learned design from Giulio
Borgianni his brother; but improved himself by studying
the capital performances of the ancient and modern artists,
which he was enabled to contemplate every day in his native city. Having had an offer from a nobleman, of travelling with him in a tour through Europe, he willingly accepted it, from a desire of being acquainted with the different customs and manners of different nations. But his
progress was stopped by his falling in love with a young
woman in Spain, to whom he was afterwards married; and
finding his circumstances reduced to a narrow compass, he
applied himself to his profession with double diligence, to
procure a comfortable support. His endeavours were soon
successful; and he was happy enough to find many friends,
admirers, and employers, and was accounted one of the
best painters in Spain. After the death of his wife, having then no attachment to that country, he returned to
Rome, and painted some historical subjects larger than
life; but the figures being above his accustomed size,
shewed a want of correctness in several of the, members,
which made his pictures not quite acceptable to the refined taste of the Roman school. He was, however, engaged in some great works for the chapels and convents,
and also to paint portraits, by which he acquired honour,
and lived in affluence. He died in 1681, of a broken
heart, in consequence of the ill treatment he received,
through the envy and villainy of one Celio, a painter, who
proved a most malicious competitor, and to whom he had
been often preferred, by the best judges of painting at
Rome; but he died lamented and pitied by every worthy
man of his profession.
As an engraver, he is probably best known to many of
our readers, for his engravings of the Bible histories,
which were painted by Raphael in the Vatican, commonly
called “Raphael’s Bible,
” small plates, length-ways,
dated a dead Christ,
” a small square
plate, the figure greatly foreshortened, and behind appear the two Mary’s and St. John, who is kissing one of
the hands of our Saviour. His etchings are, in general,
in a bold, free manner, and more finished than usual, when
considered as the works of a painter, but in some the
drawing is not correct.
, son of sir John Borlace, master of the ordnance, and one of the lords justices of Ireland, was born in the seventeenth century, and educated at the university
, son of sir John Borlace,
master of the ordnance, and one of the lords justices of
Ireland, was born in the seventeenth century, and educated
at the university of Dublin. Then he travelled to Leyden,
where he commenced doctor of physic in 1650, and was
afterwards admitted to the same degree at Oxford. At
last he settled at Chester, where he practised physic with
great reputation and success; and where he died in 1682,
Among several books which he wrote and published, are,
1. “Latham Spaw in Lancashire: with some remarkable
cases and cures effected by it,
” Loud. The Reduction of
Ireland to the Crown of England: with the governors
since the conquest by king Henry II. anno 1172, and some
passages in their government. A brief account of the rebellion, ann. Dom. 1641. Also the original of the university of Dublin, and the college of physicians,
” Lond. 1675,
a large octavo. 3. “The History of the execrable Irish
Rebellion, traced from many preceding acts to the grand
eruption, Oct. 23, 1641; and thence pursued to the act of
settlement, 1672,
” Lond. The
Irish Rebellion; or, The History of the beginnings and
first progress of the general rebellion raised within the
kingdom of Ireland, Oct. 23, 1641,
” Lond. Brief Reflections on the
earl of Castlehaven’s Memoirs of his engagement and
carriage in the War of Ireland. By which the government of
that time, and the justice of the crown since, are vindicated from aspersions cast upon both,
” Lond. 1682, 8vo.
, a learned English antiquary, was born at Pendeen, in the parish of St. Just, Cornwall, February
, a learned English antiquary, was born at Pendeen, in the parish of St. Just, Cornwall, February 2, 1695-6. The family of that name, from which he was descended, had been settled at the place from whence they derived it (Borlase), from the time of king William Rufus. Our author was the second son of John Borlase, esq. of Pendeen, in the parish before mentioned, by Lydia, the youngest daughter of Christopher Harris, esq. of Hayne in the county of Devon; and was put early to school at Penzance, from which he was removed, in. 1709, to the care of the rev. Mr. Bedford, then a learned school-master at Plymouth. Having completed his grammatical education, he was entered of Exeter college, Oxford, in March 1712-13; where, on the 1st of June 1719, he took the degree of master of arts. In the same year, Mr. Borlase was admitted to deacon’s orders, and ordained priest in 1720. On the 22d of. April, 1722, he was instituted, by Dr. Weston, bishop of Exeter, to the rectory of Ludgvan in Cornwall, to which he had been presented by Charles Duke of Bolton . On the 28th of July, 1724, he was married in the church of Illuggan, by his elder brother, Dr. Borlase of Castlehorneck, to Anne, eldest surviving daughter and coheir of William Smith, M. A. rector of the parishes of Camborn and Illuggan. In 1732, the lord chancellor King, by the recommendation of sir William Morice, bart. presented Mr. Borlase to the vicarage of St. Just, his native parish, and where his father had a considerable property. This vicarage and the rectory of Ludgvan were the only preferments he ever received.
, Baron, an eminent mineralogist, was born of a noble family at Carlsburg, in Transylvania, Dec. 26,
, Baron, an eminent mineralogist, was
born of a noble family at Carlsburg, in Transylvania, Dec.
26, 1742. He came early in life to Vienna, and studied
under the Jesuits, who, perceiving his abilities, prevailed
on him to enter into their society, but he remained a member only about a year and a half. He then went to Prague,
where, as it is the custom in Germany, he studied law, and
having completed his course, made a tour through a part
of Germany, Holland, the Netherlands, and France, and
returning to Prague, he engaged in the studies of natural
history, mining, and their connected branches, and in,
1770, he was received into the department of the mines
and mint at Prague. The same year he visited the principal mines of Hungary and Transylvania, and during this
tour kept up a correspondence with the celebrated Ferber,
who, in 1774, published his letters. It was in this town,
also that he so nearly lost his life, and where he was struck
with the disease which embittered the rest of his days. It
appears from his eighteenth letter to Mr. Ferber that, when
at Felso-Banya, he descended into a mine, where fire was
used to detach the ore, to observe the efficacy of this means,
but too soon after the fire had been extinguished, and while
the mine was full of arsenical vapours raised by the heat.
How greatly he suffered in his health by this accident appears from his letter, in which he complained that he could
hardly bear the motion of his carriage. After this he was
appointed at Prague counsellor of the mines. In 1771, he
published a small work of the Jesuit Poda, on the machinery
used about mines, and the next year his “Lithophylacium
Borneanum,
” a catalogue of that collection of fossils, which
he afterward disposed of to the lion. Mr. Greville. This
work drew on him the attention of mineralogists, and
brought him into correspondence with the first men in that
study. He was now made a member of the royal societies
of Stockholm, Sienna, and Padua; and in 1774, the same
honour was conferred on him by the royal society of
London.
, or Borch, a very learned physician, son of a Lutheran minister in Denmark, was born 1626, and sent to the university of Copenhagen in 1644,
, or Borch, a very learned physician, son of a Lutheran minister in Denmark, was born 1626, and sent to the university of Copenhagen in 1644, where he remained six years, during which time he applied himself chierly to physic. He taught publicly in his college, and Acquired the character of a man indefatigable in labour, and of excellent morals. He gained the esteem of Caspar Brochman, bishop of Zealand, and of the chancellor of the kingdom, by the recommendation of whom he obtained the canonry of Lunden. He was offered the rectorship of the famous school of Heslow, but refused it, having formed a design of travelling and perfecting his studies in physic. He began to practise as a physician during a most terrible plague in Denmark, and the contagion being ceased, he prepared for travelling as he intended; but was obliged to defer it for some time, Mr. Gerstorf, the first minister of state, having insisted on his residing in his house in the quality of tutor to his children. He continued in this capacity five years, and then set out upon his travels; but before his departure, he was appointed professor in poetry, chemistry, and botany. He left Copenhagen in November 1660, and, after having visited several eminent physicians at Hamburgh, went to Holland, the Low Countries, to England, and to Paris, where he remained two years. He visited also several other cities of France, and at Angers had a doctor’s degree in physic conferred upon him. He afterwards passed the Alps, and arrived at Rome in October 1665, where he remained till March 1666, when he was obliged to set out for Denmark, where he arrived in October 1666. The advantages which Borrichius reaped in his travels were very considerable, for he had made himself acquainted with all the learned men in the different cities through which he passed. At his return to Denmark he resumed his professorship, in the discharge of which he acquired great reputation for his assiduity and universal learning. He was made counsellor in the supreme council of justice in 1686, and counsellor of the royal chancery in 1689. This same year he had a severe attack of 'the stone, and the pain every day increasing, he wss obliged to be cut for it; the operation however did not succeed, the stone being so big that it could not be extracted. He bore this affliction with great constancy and resolution till his death, which happened in October 1690.
, an eminent Romish saint and cardinal, was born the 2d of October 1538, of a good family, in the castle
, an eminent Romish saint and
cardinal, was born the 2d of October 1538, of a good family, in the castle of Arona, upon lake Major in the Milanese. He addicted himself at an early period to retirement
and study. His maternal uncle, Pius IV. sent for him to
the court of Rome, made him cardinal in 1560, and afterwards archbishop of Milan. Charles was then but 22
years of age, but conducted the affairs of the church with
disinterested zeal and prudence. The Romans were at
that time ignorant and lazy: he therefore formed an academy composed of ecclesiastics and seculars, whom, by his
example and his liberality, he animated to study and to
virtue. Each of them was to write upon some chosen subject, either in prose or verse, and to communicate to each
other in frequent conferences the fruits of their studies.
The works produced by this society have been published in
many volumes, under the title of “Noctes Vaticanas,
”
their assemblies being held in the Vatican, and at night,
after the business of the day was over. About the same
time he also founded the college at Pavia, which was dedicated to St. Justina.
, an eminent French architect, was born at Bissona in the diocese of Como in 1599, and acquired
, an eminent French architect,
was born at Bissona in the diocese of Como in 1599, and
acquired great reputation at Rome, where he was more
employed than any architect of his time. A great number of his works are seen in that city, but the major part
are by no means models for young artists. Thjey abound
in deviations from the received rules, and other singularities; but, at the same time, we cannot fail of perceiving
in them talents of a superior order, and strong marks of
genius. It was in his violent efforts to outdo Bernini, whose
fame he envied, that he departed from that simplicity
which is the true basis of the beautiful, in order to give extravagant ornaments in that taste; which have induced some
to compare his style in architecture to the literary style of
Seneca or Marini. With his talents, had he studied the great
masters in their greatest perfections, he would have been
the first architect of his time, merely by following their
track; but he unfortunately deviated into the absurdities of
singularity, and has left us only to guess from the college
of the Propaganda, and a few other buildings at Rome,
what he might have been. Even in his own time, his false
taste was decried, and it is supposed that the mortifications
he met with brought on a derangement of mind, in one of
the fits of which he put an end to his life in 1667. From a
vain opinion of his superiority, he is said to have destroyed
all his designs, before his death, lest any other architect
should adopt them. There was published, however, in
1725, at Rome, in Italian and Latin, his “Description of
the church of Vallicela,
” which he built, with the plans
and designs, and a plan of the church of Sapienza, at
Rome.
, an artist of singular taste, was born at Bois-le-Duc. He seemed to have a peculiar pleasure in
, an artist of singular taste, was born at Bois-le-Duc. He seemed to have a peculiar pleasure in painting spectres, devils, and enchantments: and although he possessed considerable powers as a painter, both in freedom of touch and strength of colouring, his pictures rather excite a horror mixed with admiration than any degree of real delight. Among the singular objects which he chose, there is one which represents the Saviour delivering the Patriarchs from hell. The fire and flames are painted with great truth. Judas in the attempt of slyly escaping with the Saints, is seized in the neck by the devils, who are going to hang him up in the air. A most remarkable painting of this master’s hand, among several others in the Escurial, is an allegory of the pleasures of the flesh: in which he represents the principal figure in a carriage drawn by monstrous imaginary forms, preceded by demons, and roll owed by death. As to his manner, it was less still than tnat of most of the painters of his time; and his draperies were in a better taste, more simple, and with less sameness, than any of his contemporaries. He painted on a white ground, which he so managed as to give a degree of transparence to his colours, and the appearance of more warmth. He laid on his colours lightly, and so placed them, even at the first touch of his pencil, as to give them their proper effect, without disturbing them: and his touch was full of spirit. Bos was also an engraver, and, as Strutt thinks, the first artist who attempted to engrave in the grotesque style. His engravings have that stiffness which so strongly characterises the works of the early German masters, and prove that he possessed a great fertility of invention, though perhaps but little judgment. He died in 1500.
, a learned philologist, was born at Worcum in Friesland, Nov. 23, 1670. His father who was
, a learned philologist, was born at
Worcum in Friesland, Nov. 23, 1670. His father who
was rector or principal regent of the schools, and accustomed to mark the early appearance of talents, soon discovered his son’s aptitude for learning, and taught him
Greek and Latin. His mother, a woman of abilities, and
aunt to Vitringa, when she saw the latter, then a very
young man, advanced to the professorship of Oriental languages, exclaimed with maternal fondness that she hoped
to see her son promoted to a similar rank. In this, however, she was not gratified, as she died before he had
finished his studies. When he had gone through the ordinary course of the classes in his father’s school, he continued adding to his knowledge by an attentive perusal of the
Greek and Latin authors, and had many opportunities for
this while he lived with a man of rank, as private tutor to
his children. Cicero, above all, was his favourite Latin,
author, whom he read again and again. In 1694 he went
to the university of Franeker, where his relation, Vitringa,
encouraged him to pursue the Greek and Latin studies, to
which he seemed so much attached. In October 1696 he
was permitted to teach Greek in the university, and in February of the following year, the curators honoured him
with the title of prelector in that language. In 1704, when
the Greek professorship became vacant by the death of
Blancard, Mr. Bos was appointed his successor, and on
taking the chair, read a dissertation on the propagation of
Greek learning by their colonies, “de eruditione Graecorum per Colonias eorum propagata.
” About the end of
1716 he was attacked with a malignant fever, ending in a
consumption, a disorder he inherited from his mother,
which terminated his life Jan. 6, 1717. Bos was a man of
extensive classical learning, a solid judgment, and strong
memory. In his personal character he was candid, amiable, and pious; in his studies so indefatigable that he cegretted every moment that was not employed in them.
About five years before his death he married the widow of
a clergyman, by whom he left two sons.
, an artist, was born at Bois-le-Duc, and having been carefully instructed in
, an artist, was born at Bois-le-Duc, and having been carefully instructed in the art of painting by the artists of his native city, he applied himself entirely to study after nature, and rendered himself very eminent for truth of colouring and neatness of handling. His favourite subjects were flowers and curious plants, which he usually represented as grouped in glasses, or vases of chrystal, half filled with water, and gave them so lively a look of nature, that it seemed scarcely possible to express them with greater truth or delicacy. In representing the drops of dew on the leaves of his subjects, he executed them with uncommon tnnsparence, and embellished his subjects with butterflies, bees, wasps, and other insects, which, Sandrart says, were superior to any thing of that kind performed by his contemporary artists. He likewise painted portraits with very great success.
, a Spanish poet, of a noble family, was born at Barcelona, about the end of the fifteenth century, and
, a Spanish poet, of a
noble family, was born at Barcelona, about the end of the
fifteenth century, and is supposed to have died about 1543.
He was bred to arms, and, having served with distinction,
was afterwards a great traveller. From the few accounts
we have of him, as well as from what appears in his works,
he seems to have been a very good classical scholar; and
he is said to have been highly successful in the education
of Ferdinand, the great duke of Alba, whose singular qualities were probably the fruit of our poet’s attention to him.
He married Donna Anna Giron di Rebolledo, an amiable
woman, of a noble family, by whom he had a very numerous offspring. Garcilaso was his coadjutor in his poetical
labours, and their works were published together, under
the title “Obras de Boscan y Garcilaso,
” Medina, Collecion de Poesias, &c.
” or collection of
Spanish poems translated into Italian verse, has given as
specimens of Boscan, two canzoni, six sonnets, and a
familiar epistle to Don Hurtado de Mendoza.
, a brave English admiral, the second son of Hugh, lord viscount Falmouth, was born in 1711, and having early embraced the naval service, arose,
, a brave English admiral, the second son of Hugh, lord viscount Falmouth, was born in 1711, and having early embraced the naval service, arose, through the usual gradations, to be captain of the Shoreham of 20 guns, in 1740, and distinguished himself as a volunteer under admiral Vernon, in November, at the taking and destroying the fortifications of Porto Bello. At the siege of Carthagena in March 1741, he had the command of a party of seamen, who resolutely attacked and took a fascine battery of fifteen twenty-four pounders, though exposed to the fire of another fort of five guns, which they knew nothing of. Lord Aubrey Beauclerk being killed March 24, at the attack of Bocachica, capt. Boscawen succeeded him in the command of the Prince Frederic of 70 guns; and on the surrender of that castle, was entrusted with the care of its demolition.
w to the preced ng, being the younger son of general George Boscawen, third son of lord Falmouth. He was born August 28, 1752, and was sent to Eton school before he
, an English miscellaneous
writer, and poet of considerable merit, was nephew to the
preced ng, being the younger son of general George Boscawen, third son of lord Falmouth. He was born August
28, 1752, and was sent to Eton school before he was seven
years old, where he obtained the particular notice and
favour of the celebrated Dr. Barnard. From school he was
removed to Oxford, where he became a gentleman commoner of Exeter college, but left it, as is not unusual with
gentlemen intended for the law, without taking a degree.
He then studied the law, as a member of the Middle Temple, and the practice of special pleading under Mr. (afterwards judge) Buller: was called to the bar, and for a time
went the Western circuit. Nor were his legal studies unfruitful, as he published an excellent work under the title
of “A Treatise of Convictions on Penal Statutes; with
approved precedents of convictions before justices of the
peace, in a variety of cases; particularly under the Game
Laws, the Revenue Laws, and the Statutes respecting Manufactures, &c.
”
, an artist, was born at Antwerp, in 1675, and was placed under the care of one
, an artist, was born at Antwerp, in 1675, and was placed under the care of one Thomas, whose subjects were apartments with figures, in the manner of Teniers; and he decorated the insides of those apartments with bustos, vases, pictures, and other curiosities, which sort of subjects were at that time in great request. Bosch studied the same manner of painting, and with great success; but the connoisseurs and his friends advised him to employ his pencil on subjects of a more elegant and elevated kind; because it seemed a little absurd, to see apartments designed with so much magnificence, and so richly ornamented, occupied by persons so mean and vulgar in their appearance as the figures generally represented. Bosch profited by the advice, and soon acquired a different style of design and elegance in his composition, which afforded more pleasure to the eye, and more value to his productions. He also painted portraits with a great deal of reputation, particularly a portrait of the duke of Marlborough on horseback, which gained him all the applause that he could possibly desire. The horse was painted by Van Bloemen. His paintings rose to a most extravagant price, and were at that time more dear than those of Teniers or Ostade. Some of his works have true merit, being very good in the composition and design, and also in respect of the colouring; and the forms of his figures were more elegant than most of his contemporaries. His subjects were judiciously chosen, and for the most part they were sculptors or painters, surrounded with pictures or bustos of marble, brass, or plaster, to which he gave abundance of variety, and a great degree of truth. His pencil is light, his touch spirited, and his figures are dressed in the mode of the time. However, notwithstanding he possessed so much merit, as is generally and justly ascribed to him, his works cannot enter into competition with those of Ostade or Teniers; nor is he now esteemed as he formerly had been, even by hi own countrymen. He died of excess, in 1715.
, an historical painter, was born at Florence, in 1553, and educated under Santi di Titi.
, an historical painter, was born at Florence, in 1553, and educated under Santi di Titi. He was the first person who had a just notion of the chiaro scuro, and used it successfully in the Florentine school; where, though it had been happily practised by Giorgione, at Venice, and also by Titian, it was not well understood before his time. He possessed great freedom of hand, and gave a surprising force of colour; and both in design and composition the grandeur of his style resembled that of his master. He studied after nature; and in his travels he drew sketches of any particular objects that struck him; but pursuing this practice at Loretto, with regard to the fortifications of the city, he was seized by the officers of justice, and condemned to be hanged; but he happily escaped, within a few hours of execution, by the interposition of signior Bandini, who explained to the chief magistrate his innocent intention. He was also an engraver; but the subjects of his plates are not specified either by Marolles or Florent le Comte. He died in 1606.
, one of the most eminent mathematicians and philosophers of the last century, was born May 11, 17.11, in the city of Ragusa, and studied Latin
, one of the most eminent mathematicians and philosophers of the last century, was born May 11, 17.11, in the city of Ragusa, and studied Latin grammar in the schools of the Jesuits in his native city, where it soon appeared that he was endued with superior talents for the acquisition of learning. In the beginning of his fifteenth year, he had already gone through the grammar classes with applause, and had studied rhetoric for some months, and as it now became necessary to determine on his course of life, having an ardent desire for learning, he thought he could not have a better opportunity of gratifying it, than by entering the society of the Jesuits; and, with the consent of his parents, he petitioned to be, received among them. It was a maxim with the Jesuits to place their most eminent subjects at Rome, as it was of importance for them to make a good figure on that theatre; and as they had formed great expectations from their new pupil, they procured his being called to that city in 1725, where he entered his noviciate with great alacrity. After this noviciate (a space of two years) had passed in the usual probationary exercises, he studied in the schools of rhetoric, became well acquainted with all the classical authors, and cultivated Latin poetry with some taste and zeal.
, an eminent philologer and historian, was born at Leipsic, June 17, 1626, and succeeded so rapidly in
, an eminent philologer and
historian, was born at Leipsic, June 17, 1626, and succeeded so rapidly in his first studies, that he was admitted
to his bachelor’s degree in the college of his native city
when he had scarcely attained his fifteenth year; and afterwards wrote and defended some theses, as is the custom
at Leipsic. In 1643 he went to study at Wittemberg,
lodging first with Balthasar Cellarius, and afterwards with
J. C. Seldius, two learned men, by whose assistance he
was enabled to improve what he heard from the public
lecturers. In 1645 he returned to Leipsic, and again attended some of the able professors under whom he was
first educated, particularly Muller and Rivinus; and the
following year, after a public disputation, in which he acquitted himself with great applause, he was admitted to
his master’s degree. In 1647 he went to Strasburgh, and
studied divinity and ecclesiastical history, and the modern
languages, until he was recalled to Leipsic, where, after
two disputations on the solar spots, he was, in 1655, admitted assessor of philosophy. The following year he was
invited to be professor of history at Jena, and acquired
the greatest reputation as a teacher, while he employed
his leisure ho-.irs in composing his own works, or editing
some of those of the ancients, making considerable progress in an edition of Josephus, and some of the Byzantine
historians. For five years he was dean, and, in 1661, rector of the college, and in 1672 he founded the society of
inquirers, “Societas disquirentium,
” at Jena. He died of
repeated attacks of the gout, which had undermined his
constitution, on April 29, 1674. Bosius was the particular
friend of Heinsius and Graevius, both of whom speak highly
of his talents. Among his works may be enumerated, 1.
“Dissertatio de veterum adoratione,
” Leipsic, Cornelius Nepos,
” Dissertatio de Pontificatu Maximo Imperatorum præcipue Christianorum,
”
Jena, De ara ignoti Dei ad Act. 17,
” Jena,
De Tiberio,
” ibid. Exercitatio historica de Clinicis Ecclesiae Teteris,
” ibid. De Vita Agricolae, Jena,
1664, 8vo. 8.
” Schediasma de comparanda notitia Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum,“ibid, 1673, 4to, reprinted by
Crenius in his
” Tractatus de eruditibne comparanda,“Leyden, 1699, 4to, and by J. G. Walch, Jena, 1723, 8vo.
After his death were published, 9.
” Introductio in notitiam rerum publicarum,“with his Essay on the stale of
Europe, Jena, 1676, 4to. 10.
” Dissertatio Isagogica de
comparanda prudentia civili, deque scriptoribus et libris
ad earn rem maxime aptis,“ibid. 1679, 4to, and reprinted
by Crenius. 11.
” Ejusdem et Reinesii Epistolae mutuse,“ibid. 1700, 12mo. 12.
” Petronii Satyriconpuritatedonatum
cum fragmento Traguriensi et Albas Graecas, &c.“ibid.
1701, 8vo. 13.
” Hispaniæ, Ducatus Mediolanensis, et
Regni Neapolitani Notitia," Helmstadt, 1702, 4to.
fterwards of Montpellier, was one of the most learned French prelates in the seventeenth century. He was born at Narbonne, May 28, 1605, and studied atThoulouse. He
, bishop of Lodeve, and afterwards of Montpellier, was one of the most learned French
prelates in the seventeenth century. He was born at Narbonne, May 28, 1605, and studied atThoulouse. He was
afterwards appointed judge royal of Narbonne, intendant
of Guienne and Languedoc, solicitor general to the parliament of Normandy, and counsellor of state in ordinary.
For his services in this last office he was promoted to the
bishopric of Lodeve, Jan. 1650. When the affair of the
five propositions was agitated at Rome, Bosquet was appointed deputy on the part of the king and clergy of
France, and while there, the cardinal Este appointed him
bishop of Montpellier. He was exemplary for piety, disinterestedness, and charity, and, like the best of his brethren at that time, practised rigorous austerities. He assisted at the general assembly of the clergy held at Paris
in 1670, and was distinguished for his learning and eloquence. An apoplexy carried him off July 24, 1676, and
he was interred in the cathedral, with an epitaph celebrating his many virtues. The first work he published
was “Pselli Synopsis Legum,
” Ecclesiye Gallicanae Historiarum
liber primus,
” Pontificum Romanorum
qui e Gallia oriundi in ea seclerunt, historia, ab anno 1315
ad ann. 1394 ex Mss. edita,
” Paris, 1632, The second
edition of his history of the Gallican Church, the one
above mentioned "in 1636, was much enlarged, but some
passages were omitted that had appeared in the first octavo
edition, which archbishop Usher has transcribed. By
these it appears that Bosquet was of opinion that the
mistaken zeal of the monks was the chief cause of those
fabulous traditions which have destroyed all confidence in
the early history of the Gallican church, and while he
makes some apology for the credulous believers of those
stories, he makes none for those who originally invented
them, a concession of great liberality from a prelate of the
Romish church.
, a French engraver, was born at Tours, and gave the first lessons of perspective in
, a French engraver, was born at Tours, and gave the first lessons of perspective in the academy of painting at Paris. He had great judgement in that branch as well as in architecture. He left, 1. Three good tract on the manner of drawing the orders of architecture, 1684, folio; on the art of engraving, 1645, 8vo; on perspective, 1682, 8vo. 2. Representation of dirers human figures, with their measures, taken from the antiques at Rome, Paris, 1656; a pocket volume all engraved. His plates in aqua fortis, but in a peculiar method, are agreeable. The work of Bosse on the art of engraving was re-published some years ago, with the remarks and augmentations of M. Cochin the younger. Bosse died in his own country about the year 1660, according to Jombert. Bosse was a turbulent character,* and created many enemies, particularly owing to his having published some pieces of Desargues on perspective, and having adopted the opinions of this writer, which were adverse to those of Le Brim and the ablest academicians. This produced a controversy, in which he so displeased the academicians that they expelled him from their society.
, an Italian scholar and writer of considerable eminence, was born at Verona in 1427, and in 1451 entered the congregation
, an Italian scholar and writer of
considerable eminence, was born at Verona in 1427, and
in 1451 entered the congregation of the regular canons of
St. John of Lateran, where he bore several employments,
as visitor of the order, procurator-general, and abbot of
Fiesole in Tuscany. Cosmo de Medici, who had a high
respect for him, spent seventy thousand crowns in the
repairs of that monastery, and it was in the church belonging to it that Bosso delivered the ensigns of the cardinalship to John de Medici, afterwards pope Leo X. Sixtus VI. also employed him in many important affairs, particularly in reforming the religious houses of Genoa, and
other neighbouring districts, and he thrice offered him a
valuable bishopric, which he refused. He vigorously opposed the decree of pope Innocent VIII. which ordered
all sorts of monks to pay part of their yearly revenues to
the clerks of the apostolic chamber. Hermolaus Barbarus
was his pupil and guest at Fiesole, and Picus of Mirandula,
his friend. He died at Padua in 1502. Mr. Roscoe says
he was a profound scholar, a close reasoner, and a convincing orator; and to these united a candid mind, an inflexible integrity, and an interesting simplicity of life and
manners. His literary productions were, l.“De Instituendo Sapientia animo,
” Bologna, De veris
et salutaribus animi gaudiis,
” Florence, Epistolar. Lib. tres,
” or rather three volumes, printed Recuperationes Fsesulanse,
” a rare and beautiful book, said to have been printed in 1483. His whole
works were published by P. Ambrosini, at Bologna, 1627,
with the exception of the third book, or volume, of letterS|
which, on account of its extreme rarity, was at that time
unknown to the editor. His moral writings were very
highly esteemed; and one of his pieces on female dress,
“de vanis mulierum ornamentis,
” excited a considerable
interest. The editor of Fabricius throws some doubts on
the date of the “Recuperationes,
” and if there be letters
in it dated
, a distinguished French critic, was born at Paris, March 16, 1631. He began his studies at Nanterre,
, a distinguished French critic, was
born at Paris, March 16, 1631. He began his studies at
Nanterre, where he discovered an early taste for polite
literature, and soon made surprising progress in all the
valuable parts of learning In 1649 he left Nanterre, was
admitted a canon regular in the abbey of St. Genevieve,
and after a year’s probation took the habit in this abbey.
Here he applied to philosophy and divinity, in which he
made great proficiency, and took upon him priest’s orders
in 1657; but, either from inclination, or in obedience to
his superiors, he resumed the belles letters, and taught
polite literature in several religious houses. After twelve
years, being tired of the fatigue of such an employment,
he gave it up, with a resolution to lead a quiet and retired
life. Here he published his “Parallel, or comparison
betwixt the principles of Aristotle’s natural philosophy, and
those of Des Cartes,
” Paris, epic poetry,
” which
gained him great reputation: Boileau says it is one of the
best compositions on this subject that ever appeared in the
French language. Bossu having met with a piece wrote
by St. Sorlin against this poet, he wrote a confutation of
it, for which favour Boileau was extremely grateful; and
it produced an intimate friendship betwixt them, which
continued till our author’s death, March 14, 1680. He
left a vast number of manuscript volumes, which are kept
in the abbey of St. John de Chartres.
, bishop of Meaux, an eminent French writer and preacher, was born at Dijon, 27th of September 1627. He received the first
, bishop of Meaux, an eminent French
writer and preacher, was born at Dijon, 27th of September 1627. He received the first rudiments of his education
there, and in 1642 was sent to Paris to finish his studies at
the college of Navarre. In 1652 he took his degrees in
divinity, and soon after went to Metz, where he was made
a canon. Whilst he resided here, he applied himself
chiefly to the study of the scriptures, and the reading of
the fathers, especially St. Augustine. In a little time he
became a celebrated preacher, and was invited to Paris,
where he had for his hearers many of the most learned men
of his time, and several persons of the first rank at court.
In 1669 he was created bishop of Condom, and the same
month was appointed preceptor to the dauphin; upon
which occasion, and the applause he gained in the discharge of so delicate an office, pope Innocent XI. congratulated him in a very polite letter. When he had almost finished the education of this prince, he addressed
to him his “Discours surl'Histoire Universelle,
” which was
published in
, a popular and learned Scotch divine, was born in the town of Dunse, March 17, 1676, and educated at the
, a popular and learned Scotch divine, was born in the town of Dunse, March 17, 1676,
and educated at the grammar school of that place, where
he was taught the elements of Latin, Greek, rhetoric, and
arithmetic. In 1692, he went to the university of Edinburgh, where he went through the usual courses for three
years, and entered on the study of divinity. In 1695, he
returned home with ample testimonials of his diligence and
good character. Next year he taught school at Glencairn
for a short time, and then was appointed tutor to a young
gentleman of family at Edinburgh, where he continued the
study of divinity, until he accompanied his pupil into the
country. In 1699, after the usual trials before the presbytery, he was licenced to preach the gospel, as a probationer
for the ministry, agreeably to the forms of the church of
Scotland, and in September of that year was ordained to the
Jiving of Simprin, one of the smallest in Scotland. In the
following year he married Katherine Brown, whom he describes as a woman possessed of many valuable qualifications. In May 1707, he exchanged the living of Simprin
for that of Etterick, on which he remained until his death.
About this time he began to improve his knowledge in the
Hebrew, having before only read the Psalter, but 1771
was, according to his own account, “the happy year
wherein he was first master (possessor) of a Hebrew Bible,
and began the study of it;
” and some day, which he forgot, in Oct Cross’s Taghmical Art.
” More than half
his cares and anxieties alter this related to the Hebrew accents. About this time, he was one of the clergy of
Scotland, who refused taking the oath of abjuration, and in
dread of the penalty, made over his little property to one of
his sons, and another person, but it does not appear that
the penalty was ever levied. Returning in 1715 to the
study of the “Taghmical Art,
” after incredible pains, he
found that he could make nothing of it; but still persevering, he became persuaded that the accents are the key
to the true version of the Hebrew text, and the intrinsic
light which illuminates it. Compared to this, as to him,
the digging in the mines of Peru was but a trifle. From
this time he began to write, as leisure permitted, a work
on the accents, accompanying his labours with constant
prayer, particularly that he might be instructed in the secrets of double accentuation, which he had not been able to
comprehend. All this zeal and industry at length produced
an “Essay on the Hebrew accentuation,
” which he exhibited
in manuscript to some learned friends, who gave him various
degrees of encouragement, but he often met with delays
and evasions which occasioned great uneasiness to the good
man. It being supposed that there were few persons in
Great Britain very much interested in the Hebrew accents,
he was advised to translate it into Latin that it might circulate among the learned on the continent. Accordingly he
began his translation, and as a help to his style, he mentions the following expedient, which perhaps others have
made use of on similar occasions. “As I went on, I read
something of Cicero, in my leisure hours, for the language, and noted in a book some terms and phraser, taken
from him and others: particularly out of Calepin’s dictionary, which Providence had in the year 1724 laid to my
hand, when 1 knew not for what use it was designed, and
to this collection 1 had frequent recourse, while I wrote
that book: and found it to be of good use to me. I had
formerly, upon occasion of appearing in print, done the
same as to the English tongue: by which means my style,
that I had been careless of before, was now somewhat refined.
” This work, which he pursued with uncommon enthusiasm, and which was to prove the antiquity and divine
authority of the Hebrew accents, was occasionally interrupted by his public services, and the publication of some
of his practical works, particularly “The Fourfold State,
”
in Thomæ Boston ecclesiæ Atricensis apud Scotos pastoris,
Tractatus Stigmologicus Hebraeo-Biblicus,
” dedicated to
sir Richard Ellys, who had been very friendly to Boston in
the prosecution of his studies on this subject. Mr. Boston
died May 20, 1732. His works in practical divinity, which
are still well known and popular in Scotland, were collected
in a large fol. volume in 1768, and since that time others,
particularly his “Body of Divinity,
” 3 vols. 8vo. 1773, have
been published from his Mss. but this last mentioned work
is eked out by extracts from other authors witnout acknowledgment, a disingenuous artifice of which the author never
would have been guilty. The most remarkable of his
posthumous pieces is the “Memoirs of his Lite, Time, and
Writings,
” written by himself, a closely printed octavo
volume, 1776. This is in the form of a diary, tedious and
minute beyond all precedent, but evincing a wonderful
simplicity of heart, ignorance of the world, and a mind
continually harrassed by conscientious scruples about the
merest trifles; much of it, however, may be interesting to
curious inquirers, as exhibiting characteristics of the manners and sentiments of the Scotch clergy of the seventeenth
and part of the eighteenth century.
, lord Auchinleck, one of the judges in the supreme courts of session and justiciary in Scotland. He was born at Edinburgh, Oct. 29, 1740, and received the first rudiments
, the friend and biographer of Dr. Johnson, was the eldest son of Alexander Boswell, lord Auchinleck, one of the judges in the supreme courts of session and justiciary in Scotland. He was born at Edinburgh, Oct. 29, 1740, and received the first rudiments of education in that city. He afterwards studied civil law in the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. During his residence in these cities, he acquired by the society of the English gentlemen who were students in the Scotch colleges, that remarkable predilection for their manners, which neither the force of education, or national prejudice, could ever eradicate. But his most intimate acquaintance at this period was the rev. Mr. Temple, a worthy, learned, and pious divine, whose well-written character of Gray has been adopted both by Dr. Johnson and Mason in the life of that poet. Mr. Boswell imbibed early the ambition of distinguishing himself by his literary talents, and had the good fortune to obtain the patronage of the late lord Somerville. This pobleman treated him with the most flattering kindness; and Mr. Bosvvell ever remembered with gratitude the friendship he so long enjoyed with this worthy peer. Having always entertained an exalted idea of the felicity of London, in the year 1760 he visited that capital; in the manners and amusements of which he found so much that was congenial to his own taste and feelings, that it hecanie ever after his favourite residence, whither he always returned from his estate in Scotland, and from his various rambles in different parts of Europe, with increasing eagerness and delight; and we find him, nearly twenty years afterwards, condemning Scotland as too narrow a sphere, and wishing to make his chief residence in London, which he calls the great scene of ambition and instruction. He was, doubtless, confirmed in this attachment to the metropolis by the strong predilection entertained towards it by his friend Dr. Johnson, whose sentiments on this subject Mr. Boswell details in various parts of his life of that great man, and which are corroborated by every one in pursuit of literary and intellectual attainments.
, were two eminent Dutch painters and engravers; John was born at Utrecht, in 1610, and was the disciple of Abraham Bloemart,
, were two eminent Dutch painters and engravers; John was born at Utrecht, in 1610, and was the disciple of Abraham Bloemart, who at the same time instructed Andrew; but to perfect themselves in a good taste of design, they went together to Rome, and resided there for a great many years. The genius of John directed him to the study of landscape, in which he rose almost to the highest perfection, making the style of Claude Lorraine his model; and by many his works are mentioned in competition even with those of Claude. The warmth of his skies, the judicious and regular receding of the objects, and the sweetness of his distances, afford the eye a degree of pleasure, superior to what we feel on viewing the works of almost any other artist. John and Andrew had very different talents, and each of them were admirable in their different way. The former excelled in landscape, the latter inserted the figures, which he designed in the manner of Bamboccio; and those figures are always so well adapted, that every picture seemed only the work of one master. The works of these associate brothers are justly admired through all Europe; they are universally sought for, and purchased at very large prices. Most of his pictures are, for size, between two and five feet long; but in those that are smaller, there is exquisite neatness. They generally express the sunny light of the morning, breaking out from behind woods, hills, or mountains, and diffusing a warm glow over the skies, trees, and the whole face of nature; or else a sun-set, with a lovely tinge in the clouds, every object beautifully partaking of a proper degree of natural illumination. And it is to be observed, that even the different hours of the day are perceptible in his landscapes, from the propriety of the tints which he uses. By some connoisseurs he is censured for having too much of the tawny in his colouring, and that the leafings of his trees are too yellow, approaching to saffron; but this is not a general fault in his pictures, though some of them, accidentally, may justly be liable to that criticism, for he corrected that fault; and many of his pictures are no more tinged with those colours, than truth and beautiful nature will justify; and his colouring obtained for him the distinction which he still possesses, of being called Both of Italy.
r, an ancient English writer, acquainted with history, antiquities, heraldry, physic, and astronomy, was born at Bristol about 1415; his father’s name was Worcester,
, or William Worcester, an
ancient English writer, acquainted with history, antiquities,
heraldry, physic, and astronomy, was born at Bristol
about 1415; his father’s name was Worcester, and his
mother’s Botoner, hence he often names himself William
Wyrcester, alias Botoner; and hence the error in Pits,
and others, of making two distinct persons of the two names.
He studied at Hart-hall, Oxford, 1434. He had been exercised in wars above 44 years; and had so faithfully served
sir John Fastolff that he left him one of his executors. He
wrote many books, the first of which, that was printed, was
his translation from the French, of “Cicero de Senectute,
” which he addressed to William Wainfleet, bishop of
Winchester. He tells us that he presented it to the bishop
at Asher [JSsher] August 10, 1475, but received no reward
(nullum regardum recepide episcopo). He wrote also “Antiquities of England;
” “Abbreviations of the Learned;
”
“Medicinal collections;
” a book of Astrology; another
of Astronomy; besides a particular treatise, gratefully preserving the life and deeds of his master, under the title of
“Acta Domini Johannis Fastolff;
” “the Acts of John duke
of Bedford;
” “Polyandrium Oxoniensium, or memoirs of
Oxford Students;
” and other lesser pieces; of which see
Tanner Bibl. Brit. p. 115. His “Annals of England
”
were printed by Hearne at the end of his “Liber Niger
Scaccarii,
” p. Itinerary
” was published
from a ms. not improbably the original, in the library at
Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, by Mr. James Nasmith, fellow of the said college, Cantab. 1778, 8vo. Fuller cites a book of Botoner’s, containing all the ancient
gentry of the county of Norfolk, long preserved in the
county, but not now extant. He also wrote something in
poetry, as that htimoroirs ballad in Nasmith’s edition of his
Itinerary, called " Comedia a<i Monasterium Hulme/' &c.
and a long chronographical epitaph in verse, on the lady
Milicent Fastoif; in the possession of Richard Poley, esq.
late prothonotary of the common pleas. He is supposed
to have died about 1490. The son of this Worcester,
among other things, also made a collection of several authentic instruments relating to the English wars and government in France; which he dedicated to king Edward
IV. containing a catalogue of the princes, dukes, earls,
barons, bannerets, knights, and other persons of eminence,
who were of the regent’s court. A copy of this collection,
in quarto, was some time in the custody of the late Brian
Fairfax, esq. one of the commissioners of the customs.
, an architect, who was born in France in 1670, of protestant parents, quitted his country
, an architect, who was born in France in 1670, of protestant parents, quitted his country early in life, and went into the service of William of Orange, afterwards king of Great Britain. After the death of that prince, he attached himself to the elector of Brandenbourg, who gave him a post of captain of the guards, which did not slacken his industry in architecture. His first edifice was the arsenal at Berlin, and he afterwards signalized himself by various monuments of his art. Frederic I. being dead, Bott conciliated the favour of Frederic William, who raised him to the rank of major-general. The fortifications of Wesel, of which place he was commandant, were constructed under his direction. In 1728 he went into the service of the king of Poland, elector of Saxony, in quality of lieutenant-general and chief of the engineers. In Dresden are several edifices of his erection, where he died in 1745, with great reputation for probity, intelligence, and valour.
, a very learned prelate of the court of Rome, was born at Florence, Jan. 15, 1689, and became early distinguished
, a very learned prelate of the court
of Rome, was born at Florence, Jan. 15, 1689, and became early distinguished for the purity of his style, and
his intimate knowledge of the Tuscan dialect. He studied
rhetoric and Latin uiuier Antonio-Maria Biscioni, who was
afterwards dictator of the Mediceo-Lorenzian library. (See Biscioni). He then studied philosophy, divinity, mathematics, and Greek, the latter under the learned Salvini.
His proficiency in these branches of knowledge soon made
him noticed, and he was appointed by the academy della
Crusca, to superintend the new edition of their dictionary, in which labour he was assisted by Andrea Alamaorni
and Rosso Martini. He had afterwards the direction of the
printing-ofBce belonging to the Grand Duke, from which
several of his works issued. Clement XII. made him librarian of the Vatican, in which he arranged a cabinet of
medals, which that pope wished to be considered as a part
of the library. On his death, Bottari entered the conclave
Feb. 6, 1740, with the cardinal Neri Corsini. Next year
was published by P. Marmoreus, the edition of Virgil^
Rome, 1741, fol. a fac-simile of the famous Codex Vaticanus, to which Bottari prefixed a learned preface. He
was the first who had the curiosity to examine this valuable
manuscript, which belonged formerly to Pontanus, afterwards to Bembus, and lastly to Fulvius Ursinus, who deposited it in the Vatican, when he became librarian there.
Benedict XIV. being elected pope, who had long been
the friend of Bottari, he conferred on him the canonry of
St. Maria-Transteverini, and that he might reside in his
palace, appointed him his private almoner. He was also
a member of all the principal academies of Italy; and Fontanini, Apostolo Zeno, Gori, and others, have written his
eloges, having all profited, in the publication of their
works, by his valuable communications. His long and
studious life terminated June 3, 1775, in his eighty-sixth
year. Among his works, of which Mazzuchelli has given a
long list, are, 1. Vita di Francesco Sacchetti,“Vicenza
(Naples) 1725, with Sacchetti’s
” Novelle,“8vo. 2.
”
L'Ercolano, dialogodi Benedetto Varchi,“Florence, 1730, 4to.
3.
” Lezione tre sopra il tremuoto,“Rome, 1733 and 1748,
4to. 4.
” Sculture, e Pitture sacre estratte dai cimeteri
di Roma, &c.“Rome, 1737, 1747, 1753, 3 vols. fol. 5.
” Vocabularia della Crusca,“Florence, 1738, 6 vols. 6.
The Virgil already noticed. 7.
” De Museo Capitolino,“1750, 3 vols fol. 8.
” Raccolta di lettere sulla Pittura,
Sculrura, ed Architettura,“Rome, 1754, 1757, and 1759,
3 vols. 4to; and again, an enlarged edition at Naples,
1772. 9.
” Dialog hi sopra tre arti del Disegno," Lucca,
1754, 4to. He also contributed to a new edition oi Vasari and Passori’s Lives of the Painters.
an Italian painter and engraver, was born at Florence, in 1437; and being placed as a disciple with
an Italian painter and engraver, was born at Florence, in 1437; and being placed as a disciple with Filippo Lippi, he imitated that master, as well in his design as colouring. He performed several considerable works at Florence, and several at Rome, by which he gained great reputation; at the former, a Venus rising from the sea, and also a Venus adorned by the graces; and at the latter, he painted sacred subjects from the New Testament, which at that time were very much commended. He obtained great honour by his performances in the chapel of Sixtus IV. for which he was very amply rewarded; and for the family of the Medici he finished some portraits, and many historical compositions. It was customary with this master to introduce a great number of figures in all the subjects he designed, and he disposed them with tolerable judgment and propriety; but in one of his designs, representing the Adoration of the Magi, the variety and multitude of his figures are astonishing. He received large sums of money for his works, all of which he expended, and died in 1515 in great distress, and far advanced in years.
, a physician, descended of an illustrious family of Parma, was born at Padua in the beginning of the sixteenth century, and
, a physician, descended of an
illustrious family of Parma, was born at Padua in the beginning of the sixteenth century, and in 1555 became professor of medicine in that city, where he was esteemed for
his talents and success as a practitioner. He died in 1596,
leaving behind him an immense property, an elegant house,
&c. He published, l.“De Vita conservanda,
” Padua,
De morbis muliebribus,
” ibid. Consilia medica,
” Francfort, De modo discurrendi
circa morbos eosdem curandi tractatus,
” ibid. Methodus medicinales duae,
” &c.
, the son of Nicholas Bottom, a celebrated philosopher and physician of Leontini, in Sicily, was born the 6th of October 1641, and received his education under
, the son of Nicholas Bottom, a
celebrated philosopher and physician of Leontini, in Sicily, was born the 6th of October 1641, and received his
education under Peter Castello. In 1658, he was admitted
to the degree of doctor, and was soon after made physician
to the marquis De Villa Franca, viceroy of Sicily, physician to the royal hospital of Messina, and superintendant of
the physicians there, with a pension of 50 crowns per
month. He afterwards enjoyed a similar situation under
the viceroy of Naples. In 1697, he was made corresponding jor honorary member of the royal society of London, to
which he had previously sent his “Idea historico-physica
tie magno trinacrisc terras motu,
” which is published in
their transactions. He was the first Sicilian physician who
had received that honour. He wrote also “Pyrologia topograpuica, id est, de igne dissertatio, juxta loca, cum
eorun. doscriptione,
” Neapoli, Febris rheumaticse malignae, historia medica,
” Messina, Preserve salutari contro il contagioso malore,
” Messina,
, a law-writer of great reputation in France, was born at Paris, April 16, 1719, of an honourable family. His
, a law-writer of
great reputation in France, was born at Paris, April 16,
1719, of an honourable family. His father, who was also
a lawyer, spared no expence in his education. From the
age of sixteen he studied jurisprudence with such perseverance and success as to be admitted to a doctor’s degree in
1747. Being employed to prepare the articles on jurisprudence and canon law for the Encyclopaedia, he wrote those
on council, decretals, &c. but, for what reason we are
not told, they gave offence to the encyclopedists, who became on that account his enemies, and prevented him for
some time from attaining the rank of professor, which wag
the object of his ambition. Bouchaud, however, consoied
himself by cultivating a taste for modem poetry. He
translated several of the dramas of Apostolo Zeno into
French, and published them in 1758, 2 vols. 12mo, and in
1764 he translated the English novel of “Lady Julia Mandeville.
” In the interval between these two, he published
“Essai sur la poesie rhythmique,
” Traité de Timpot
du vingtieme sur les successions, et de l'impot sur les marchandises chez les Romains,
” a very curious history of the
taxes which the ancient emperors imposed. In 1766, on
the death of M. Hardron, he was elected into the French
academy, notwithstanding the opposition of the encyclopedists, whose dislike seems not ill calculated to give us a favourable idea of the soundness of his principles. This was
followed by a law professorship, and some years after he
was advanced to the professorship of the law of nature and
nations in the royal college of France. He was nominated
to this by the king in 1774, and was the first professor, it
being then founded. On this he wrote in the memoirs of
the academy, a curious paper concerning the societies that
were formed hy the Roman publicans for the receipt of the
taxes. The body of the publicans was taken from the order of knights, and had great influence and credit. They
were called by Cicero “the ornament of the capital,
” and
the “pillars of the state.
” Th“knights, though rich, entered
into associations, when the taxes of a whole province were
farmed out by the senate, because no individual was opulent
enough to be responsible for such extensive engagements;
and the nature of these societies or associations, and the
various conventions, commercial a>id pecuniary engagements, occupations, and offices, to which they gave rise,
form the subject of this interesting paper, which was followed by various others on topics of the same nature. In
1777 he published his
” Theorie des traits de commerce
entre les nations,“the principles of which seem to be
founded on justice and reciprocal benefits. In 1784 appeared another curious work on the ancient Roman laws and
policy, entitled,
” Recherches historiques surla Police des
Romains, concernant les grands chemins, les rues, et les
marches.“His
” Commentaire sur les lois des clouze tables," first published in 1767, was reprinted in 1803, with
improvements and additions, at the expense of the French
government, and he was employed in some treatises intended for the national institute, when he died, Feb. 1,
1804, regretted as aprofound and enlightened law-writer. It
is remarkable that in his essay on commercial treaties abovementioned, he contends for our Selden’s Mare Clausum,
as the opinion of every man who is not misled by an immoderate zeal for his own country.
, first painter to Louis XV. was born at Paris in 17u6, and was educated under Le Moine, after
, first painter to Louis XV. was born at Paris in 17u6, and was educated under Le Moine, after which he studied at Rome. On his return to Paris, he employed himself on every species of the art, but especially in the light and agreeable. His Infant Jesus sleeping, is finely coloured, and designed with a most flowing contour. The Shepherd asleep on the knees of his shepherdess, is a little landscape of singular merit. Many of his other landscapes are peculiarly happy. His other most noted pieces are pastorals for the manufacture of tapestry, at Beauvais; the muses in the king’s library; the four seasons, in the figure of infants, for the ceiling of the council-room at Fontainbleau; a hunt of tigers, &c. He was usually called the painter of the graces, and the Anacreon of painting; but his works did not justify these high encomiums, and seem to have rather sunk in the estimation of his countrymen. He died of premature old age in 1770.
, a lady, who merits some notice as a specimen of French female piety in former days, was born Jan. 8, 1618. Her parents, who were of noble rank, and
, a lady, who
merits some notice as a specimen of French female piety in
former days, was born Jan. 8, 1618. Her parents, who
were of noble rank, and distinguished for their piety, gave
her a suitable education, and from the age of five she was
brought up with one of her aunts in the abbey royal of the
Holy Trinity at Caen. When eleven, at her own earnest request, she was admitted to take the habit, and such was her
wise conduct, that only four years after, she was appointed
mistress of the novices. She was soon after chosen prioress, and then commenced her great work, the “Annee Benedictine,
” or lives of the saints, the application to which,
however, did not make her relax from the duties of her office. One of the consequences of her biographical labours,
was a more enlarged sense of what, in her opinion, she
ought to do, and to be, after the example of the Saints
whose lives she was writing. She blushed, we are told, to
praise and to record what she did not practise (not a common feeling among biographers), and although she knew
that the kingdom of heaven was not to be gained by abstinence from certain meats, yet she firmly believed that in
order to be the exact imitator of St. Benedict, she must
join that privation to her other rules: and had an occasion
to bring her principles to the test, when the duchess of
Mecklenburgh formed the design of a new establishment at
Chatillon of the female Benedictines of the Holy Sacrament, and requested her to be one of the number. Madame Bouette assented, although then sixty years old, and
from the rank of prioress in the abbey of St. Trinity, condescended to the humble state of a novice in this new establishment, and afterwards preferred the lowest place in it
to the rank of abbess which was afterwards offered to her.
In her last days, her strength, bodily and mental, decayed:
she became blind, and lame, and lost the use of speech,
in which state she died March 24, 1696, leaving the following momuments of her industry: 1. “L‘ Annie Benedictine, ou, Les Vies des Saints de l’ordre de St. Benoit,
”
Paris, 1667, 7 vols. 4to. 2. “Eloges de plusieurs personnes illustres en piete de l'ordre de St. Benoit,
” 2 vols.
4to. 3. “Vie de Fourrier de Matin court.
” 4. “Exercices de la Mort.
” 5. “Vies des Saintes,
” 2 vols. fol. 6.
“Monologue historique de la Mere de Dieu,
” Paris,
, peer and maréchal, distinguished in the French history, was born Jan. 10, 1644. His dispositions for the art of war having
, peer and maréchal, distinguished in the French history, was born Jan.
10, 1644. His dispositions for the art of war having displayed themselves at a very early period, he was chosen
in 1669 to be colonel of a regiment of dragoons, at the
head of which he demonstrated his bravery under the
marechal de Crequi, and under Turenne. He received a
dangerous wound at the battle of Voerden; and another in
the affair of Entsheim, to the capture whereof he contributed much, by the confession of Turenne. After several
signal exploits, he gained immortal renown by the defence
of Lille in 1708. The siege lasted near four months.
Bouflers said to his officers, “Gentlemen, I trust to you;
but I answer for myself.
” Prince Eugene carried on the
siege with so much vigour that it was obliged to submit.
“I am very vain,
” said he to Bouflers, “on having taken
Lille; but I had rather still have the glory of having defended it like you.
” The king rewarded him for this service as if he had gained a battle. He was created a peer
of France; had the honours of first gentleman to the king,
and the reversion of the government of Flanders for his
eldest son. When he entered the parliament for his first
reception in it, turning to a crowd of officers who had
defended Lille with him, he said, “It is to you that I am
indebted for all the favours that are heaped upon me, and
on you I reflect them I have nothing to glory in but the
honour of having been at the head of so many brave men.
”
During the siege, one of his party having proved tojiim
that he could easily kill prince Eugene, “Your fortune is
made,
” returned Bouflers, “if you can take him prisoner:
but you shall be punished with the utmost severity if you
make an attempt on his life; and if I but suspected that
you had any such intention, I would have you shut up for
the rest of your life.
” This generosity, which formed a
part of his character, induced him to ask permission to
serve under the orders of marechal de Villars, though he
was his senior. At the battle of Malplaquet in 1709, he
made the retreat in such good order, that he left behind
him neither cannon nor prisoners. The marquis de Bouflers
united the virtues of a good citizen with the activity of a
general; serving his prince as the ancient Romans served
their republic; accounting his life as nothing when the
safety of his country was in question. The king having
ordered him to go and succour Lille, and having left to
himself the choice of his lieutenants; he set out that instant, without settling his affairs, or taking leave of his
family, and chose for his officers a man that had been disgraced, and a prisoner of the Bastille. His magnificence
was equal to his love for his country and his sovereign.
When Louis XIV. formed the camp of Compiegne, to
serve as a lesson to his grandson the duke of Burgundy,
and as a spectacle to the court, Bouflers lived there in
such a splendid style, that the king said to Livri, his
maitre-d'hotel, “The duke of Burgundy must not keep a
table; we cannot outdo the marechal; the duke of Burgundy shall dine with him when he goes to the camp.
”
This patriot general died at Fontainbleau, Aug. 22, 1711,
aged 68. “In him (writes madame de Maintenon) the
heart died last.
” We read in the continuation of the
history of England by Rapin, an anecdote too honourable
to the memory of this great man to be passed over here in
silence. King William having taken Namur, in 169,
made Bouflers prisoner, in violation of the articles that
had been agreed on. Surprised at so unjust a proceeding, the marechal, fresh from the glorious defence he
had made, demanded the reason of this perfidious treatment. He was answered that it was by way of reprisals
for the garrison of Dixmude and of Deinse, which the
French had detained contrary to capitulation. “If that be
the case (said Bouflers), then my garrison ought to be
arrested, and not I.
” “Sir (he was answered), you are
valued at more than ten thousand men.
”
, a French historian and miscellaneous writer, was born at Quimper, Nov. 4, 1690, and entered among the Jesuits
, a French historian
and miscellaneous writer, was born at Quimper, Nov. 4,
1690, and entered among the Jesuits in 1706. In 1710,
after finishing his course of philosophy, he taught Latin at
Caen, and afterwards rhetoric at iSevers. From that time
he remained principally in the college of Louis le Grand
at Paris, until his death, Jan. 7, 1743, employing himself
in writing. Besides the part which he took for many years
in the “Memoires de Trevoux,
” he wrote: i. “Anacr^on
and Sappho,
” dialogues in Greek verse, Caen, Recueil d' observations physiques tirees des meilleurs
ecrivains,
” Paris, Histoire
des guerres et des negociations qui precederent le traite
de Westphalie sous le regne de Louis XIII. &c.
” 1727,
4to, and 2 vols. 12mo, taken from the Memoirs of count
d'Avaux, the French ambassador. This history still enjoys high reputation in F.rance. 4. “Exposition de la
Doctrine Chretienne par demandes et par reponses,
” Histoire du traite de Westphalie,
” 2 vols. 4to,
and 4 vols. 12mo, a superior work to that mentioned before,
and highly praised by all French historians. It did not
appear until after his death, in 1744. Besides these he
wrote several pieces of a lighter kind, as an ingenious
romance, entitled “Voyage Merveilleux du prince FanFeredin dans la Romancie, &c.
” Amusement philosophique sur le Langagedes Betes,
”
, a celebrated French mathematician, was born at Croisic, in Lower Bretagne, the 10th of February 1698.
, a celebrated French mathematician, was born at Croisic, in Lower Bretagne, the 10th
of February 1698. He was the son of John Bouguer,
professor royal of hydrography, a tolerable good mathematician, and author of “A complete Treatise on Navigation.
” Young Bouguer was accustomed to learn mathematics from his father, from the time he was able to speak,
and thus became a very early proficient in those sciences.
He was sent soon after to the Jesuits’ college at Vannes,
where he had the honour to instruct his regent in the mathematics, at eleven years of age. Two years after this he
had a public contest with a professor of mathematics, upon
a proposition which the latter had advanced erroneously;
and he triumphed over him; upon which the professor,
unable to bear the disgrace, left the country. Two years
after this, when young Bouguer had not yet finished his
studies, he lost his father, whom he was appointed to succeed in his office of hydrographer, after a public examination of his qualifications, being then only fifteen years of
age; an occupation which he discharged with great respect
and dignity at that early age.
, president a mortier of the parliament of Dijon, and a member of the French academy, was born March 16, 1673. He began his studies under the direction
, president a mortier of the parliament of Dijon, and a member of the French academy, was
born March 16, 1673. He began his studies under the
direction of his father (who was also president a mortier of the same parliament) at the Jesuits’ college of Dijon, and
finished them in 1638 with great approbation. Being as
yet too young for the law schools, he studied the elements
of that science in private, and perfected himself at the
same time in the Greek language. He also learned Italian, Spanish, and acquired some knowledge of the Hebrew. After two years thus usefully employed, he went
through a course of law at Paris and Orleans; and in 1692
he became counsellor of the parliament of Dijon. In 1704
he was appointed president, the duties of which office he
executed until 1727, and with an assiduity and ability not
very common. In this latter year he was elected into the
academy, on the condition that he would quit Dijon and
settle at Paris, to which condition he acceded, but was
unable to perform his promise, for want of health. Though
remote, however, from the capital, he could not remain in
obscurity; but from the variety and extent of his learning‘,
he was courted and consulted by the literati throughout
Europe: and many learned men, who had availed themselves of his advice, dedicated their works to him. At
length, his constitution being worn out with repeated attacks of the gout, he died March 17, 1746. A friend approaching his bed, within an hour of his death, found him
in a seemingly profound meditation. He made a sign that
he wished not to be disturbed, and with difficulty pronounced the words J’epie la mort “I am watching death.
”
Notwithstanding his business and high reputation as a
lawyer, he contrived to employ much of his time in the
cultivation of polite literature, and wrote many papers on
Critical and classical subjects in the literary journals. Separately he published, 1. A poetical translation, not inelegant, but somewhat careless, of Petronius on the Civil
War between Coesar and Pompey, with two epistles of
Ovid, &c. Amst. 1737, 4to. Alluding to the negligence
which sometimes appears in his poetry, his wife, a very
ingenious lady, used to say, “Confine yourself to thinking, and let me write.
” 2. “Remarques sur les Tusculanes de Ciceron, avec une dissertation sur Sardanapale,
dernier roi d'Asyrie,
” Paris, Des Lettres sur les Therapeutes,
” Dissertations sur
Herodote,
” with memoirs of the life of Bouhier, Dissertation sur le grand pontifical des
empereurs Remains,
” Explications de
quelques marbres antiques,
” in the collection of M. Le
Bret, Observations sur la Coutume de
Bourgogne,
” Dijon, 2 vols. fol. A complete edition of
his law works was published in 1787, fol. by M. de Bevy.
He wrote a very learned dissertation on the origin of the
Greek and Latin letters, which is printed in Montfaucon’s
Palaeography, Paris, 1708, p. 553 and his “Remarques
sur Ciceron
” were reprinted at Paris in
, a celebrated French critic, was born at Paris in 1628; and has by some been considered as a
, a celebrated French critic,
was born at Paris in 1628; and has by some been considered as a proper person to succeed Malherbe, who died
about that time. He entered into the society of Jesuits at
sixteen, and was appointed to read lectures upon polite
literature in the college of Clermont at Paris, where he
had studied; but he was so incessantly attacked with the
head-ach, that he could not pursue the destined task. He
afterwards undertook the education of two sons of the duke
of Longueville, which he discharged to the entire satisfaction of the duke, who had such a regard for him, that he
would needs die in his arms; and the “Account of the
pious and Christian death
” of this great personage was the
first work which Bouhours gave the public. He was sent
to Dunkirk to the popish refugees from England; and, in,
the midst of his missionary occupations, found time to
compose and publish many works of reputation. Among
these were “Entretiens d‘Ariste & d’Eugene,
” a work of
a critical nature, which was printed no less than five times
at Paris, twice at Grenoble, at Lyons, at Brussels, at Amsterdam, at Leyden, &c. and embroiled him with a great
number of critics, and with Menage in particular; who,
however, lived in friendship with our author before and
after. There is a passage in this work which gave great
oifence in Germany, where he makes it a question,
“Whether it be possible that a German could be a wit
”
The fame of it, however, and the pleasure he took in reading it, recommended Bouhours so effectually to the celebrated minister Colbert, that he trusted him with the education of his son, the marquis of Segnelai. The Remarks
and Doubts upon the French language has been reckoned
one of the most considerable of our author’s works; and
may be read with great advantage by those who would perfect themselves in that tongue. Menage, in his Observations upon the French language, has given his approbation
of jt in the following passage: “The book of Doubts,
”
says he, “is written with great elegance, and contains
many fine observations. And, as Aristotle has said, that
reasonable doubt is the beginning of all real knowledge; so
we may say also, that the man who doubts so reasonably
as the author of this book, is himself very capable of deciding. For this reason perhaps it is, that, forgetting the
tide of his work, he decides oftener than at first he proposed.
” Bouhours was the author of another work, “The
art of pleasing in conversation,
” of which M. de la Grose,
who wrote the eleventh volume of the Bibliotheque Universelle, has given an account, which he begins with this
elogium upon the author “A very little skill,
” says he,
“in style and manner, will enable a reader to discover the
author of this work. He will see at once the nice, the
ingenious, and delicate turn, the elegance and politeness
of father Bouhours. Add to this, the manner of writing in
dialogue, the custom of quoting himself, the collecting
strokes of wit, the little agreeable relations interspersed,
and a certain mixture of gallantry and morality which is
altogether peculiar to this Jesuit. This work is inferior to
nothing we have seen of father Bouhours. He treats in
twenty dialogues, with an air of gaiety, of every thing
which can find a way into conversation; and, though he
avoids being systematical, yet he gives his reader to understand, that there is no subject whatever, either of divinity,
philosophy, law, or physic, &c. but may be introduced
into conversation, provided it be done with ease, politeness, and in a manner free from pedantry and affectation.
”
He died at Paris, in the college of Clermont, upon the
27th of May 1702; after a life spent, says Moreri, under
such constant and violent fits of the head-ach, that he had
but few intervals of perfect ease. The following is a list
of his works with their dates: 1. “Les Entretiens d‘Ariste
et d’Eugene,
” Remarques et Doutes
sur la langue Franchise,
” 3 vols. 12mo. 3. “La Manier
de bien penser sur les ouvrages d' esprit,
” Paris, Pensees ingenieuses des anciens et des modernes,
” Paris, You have, it is true, introduced me in your
new work, but in very bad company,
” alluding to the frequent mention of some Italian and French versifiers whom
Boileau despised. 5. “Pensees ingenieuses des Peres de
l'Eglise,
” Paris, too much of
his time Oh profane literature. 6.
” Histoire du grandmaitre d'Aubusson,“1676, 4to, 1679, and lately in 1780.
7. The lives of St. Ignatius, Paris, 1756, 12mo, and of
St. Francis Xavier, 1682, 4to, or 2 vols. 12mo. Both these
are written with rather more judgment than the same lives
by Ribadeneira, but are yet replete with the miraculous
and the fabulous. The life of Xavier was translated by
Dryden, and published at London in 1688, with a dedication to king James II. 's queen. Dryden, says Mr. Malone,
doubtless undertook this task, in consequence of the queen,
when she solicited a son, having recommended herself to
Xavier as her patron saint. 8.
” Le Nouveau Testament,"
translated into French from the Vulgate, 2 vols. 1697
1703, 12mo.
, a French medical writer, was born at Servian, in the diocese of Beziers, May 14, 1690, and
, a French medical writer, was born
at Servian, in the diocese of Beziers, May 14, 1690, and
created doctor in medicine, at Montpellier, in 1717.
Enjoying, during the course of a long life, a considerable portion of reputation, he was, in succession, made professor in
mathematics, and secretary to the academy at Beziers,
member of the royal society at Montpeliier, and corresponding member of the academy of sciences at Paris. He
was also author of several ingenious dissertations: “On
the properties of Rhubarb,
” published at Beziers, Inaugural Thesis.
” “Sur la cause de
la Pesanteur,
” Avis et remedes, contre la Peste,
” Beziers, On Asthma and on
the Gout,
” in which complaints he recommends the Venice
soap as a powerful auxiliary; “Sur la maniere de traiter
la Petite Verole,
” Beziers, On the best method of preserving the district of
Beziers from that disease;
” “Recueil des lettres, et autres
pieces pour servir a I'histoire de Pacademie de Beziers,
”
Observations sur l'anasarque, le hydropesies de poitrine,
des pericarde, &c.
”
, the historian of the university of Paris, was born at St. Ellier or Helier, and became professor of rhetoric
, the historian of the university of Paris, was born at St. Ellier or Helier, and became professor of rhetoric in the college of Navarre, and
afterwards register, historiographer, and rector of the university of Paris, where he died Oct. 16, 1678. Of all his
works, his history of the university of Paris, “Historia
Universitatis Parisiensis,
” 6 vols. 1665 1673, fol. contributed most to his fame. The publication of this vast undertaking was at first interrupted by some objections from
the theological faculty of Paris, who carried their remonstrances to the king; but the commissioners, whom his
majesty employed to inspect the work, having reported
that they saw no reason why it should not be continued, he
proceeded to its completion, and in 1667 published an answer to their objections, entitled “Notue ad censuram.
”
Not entirely satisfied with this triumph, he also published
a poetical satire against them, with the title of “Ad Zoilosycopuantam, sive Bulaeistarum obtrectatorem,
” a work of
considerable spirit and elegance of style. His history is
an useful repository of facts and lives of learned men connected with the revival of literature, and especially the progress of learning in that eminent university, and is blameable only for the fabulous accounts, in which our own university-historians have not been wanting, respecting the
early history of schools of learning. Boulai’s other writings are, 1. “Tresor des antiquues Romanies,
” Paris,
Speculum eloquentia?,
” ibid. De Patronis quatuor nationum universitatis Parisiensis,
” Paris, Remarques sur la dignite,
rang, preseance, autorite, et jurisdiction du recteur de Tuniversite de Paris,
” ibid. Recueil des Privileges de PUniversite de Paris accordes par les rois de
France depuis sa fondation., &c.
” ibid. Fondation de l'universite, &e,
”
, comte de St. Saire, where he was born October 21, 1658, of a noble and ancient family, was educated
, comte de St. Saire,
where he was born October 21, 1658, of a noble and ancient family, was educated at Juilli, by the rithers of the
oratory, and gave proofs of genius and abilities from his
childhood. His chief study was history, which he afterwards cultivated assiduously. He died January 23, 1722,
at Paris, having been twice married, and left only daughters. He was author of a History of the Arabians, and
Mahomet, 12mo, “Memoires sur l'ancien Governement de
France; ou 14 lettres sur les anciens Parlemens de
France,
” 3 vols. 12mo; “Histoire de France jusqu'a
Charles VIII.
” 3 vols. 12mo; and “l'Etatde la Fiance,
”
6 vols. 12mo, in the Dutch edition, and eight in the edition of Trevoux, “Memoire presente a M. le due d‘Orleans, sur l’Administration des Finances,
” 2 vols. 12mo
“Histoire de la Pairie de France,
” 12mo “Dissertations
sur la Noblesse de France,
” 12mo. Ah his writings on
the French history have been collected in 3 vols. fol. They
Sire riot written (says M. de Montesquieu) with all the free-.
dom and simplicity of the ancient nobility, from which he
descended. M. Boulainvilliers left some other works in
ms. known to the learned, who have, with great reason,
been astonished to find, that he expresses in them his
doubts of the most incontestable dogmas of religion, while
he blindly gives credit to the reveries of juticial astrology
an inconsistency common to many other infjdels. Mosheim
informs us that Boulainvilliers was such an admirer of the
pernicious opinions of Spinosa, that he formed the design
of expounding and illustrating it, as is done wth respect to
the doctrines of the gospel in books of piety, accommodated to ordinary capacities. This design he attually executed, but in such a manner as to set the atheim and impiety of Spinosa in a clearer light than they hid ever appeared before. The work was published by lenglet du
Fresnoy, who, that it might be bought with avdity, and
read without suspicion, called it a Refutation of theErrors of
Spinosa, artfully adding some separate pieces, to which this
title may, in some measure, he thought applicabk. The
whole title runs, “Refutation des Erreurs de Beioit de
Spinosa, par M. de Fenelon, archeveque de Cambay, par
le Pere Lauri Benedictin, et par M. Le Comte de Bulainvilliers, avec la Vie de Spinosa, ecrite par Jean COerus,
minister de l‘Eglise Lutherienne de la Haye, augnsntée
de beaucoup de particularites tirees d’une vie manucrite
de ce philosophe, fait par un de ses amis,
” (Luczs, the atheistical physician), Brussels,
, one of the earliest French infidels, who assumed the name of philosophers was born at Paris in 1722, and died therein 1759, aged only thirty
, one of the earliest
French infidels, who assumed the name of philosophers
was born at Paris in 1722, and died therein 1759, aged
only thirty -seven. During his education, he is said to
have come out of the college of Beauvais almost as ignorant
as he went in; hut, struggling hard against his inaptitude
to study, he at length overcame it. At seventeen years of
age he began to apply himself to mathematics and architecture; and,n three or lour years made such progress
as to be usefrl to the baron of Thiers, whom he accompanied to thearmy in quality of engineer. Afterwards he
had the supervision of the highways and bridges, and executed severa public works in Champagne, Burgundy, and
Lorrain. Ii cutting through mountains, directing and
changing tie courses of rivers, and in breaking up and
turning ov<r the strata of the earth, he saw a multitude of
different substances, which (he thought) evinced the great
antiquity of it, and a long series of revolutions which it
must hav undergone. From the revolutions in the globe,
he passei to the changes that must have happened in the
manner?of men, in societies, in governments, in religion
and fomed many conjectures upon all these. To be farther saisfied, he wanted to know what, in the history of
ages, lad been said upon these particulars; and, that he
might be informed from the fountain-head, he learned
first latin, and then Greek. Not yet content, he plunged
into clebrew, Syriac, Chaldaic, and Arabic and from
these studies accumulated a vast mass of singular and paradoxical opinions which he conveyed to the public in the
followng works: 1. “Traite du Despotisme Oriental,
” 2
vols. 2mo, 2. “L'antiquite devoile, par ses usages,
” 3
vols. 12mo. This was posthumous. 3. Another work, entitle! “Le Christianisme demasqu6,
” 8vo, is attributed
to Hm, but it is not certain that he was the author of it.
4. le furnished to the Encyclopedic the articles Deluge,
C-rvde, and Societe. 5. A dissertation on Elisha and
Eioch. 6. He left behind him in ms. a dictionary, which
my be regarded as a concordance in antient and modern
Jjnguages. Voltaire, the baron D'Holbach, and other disgminators of infidelity, made much use of Boulanger’s
works, and more of his name, which, it is supposed, they
prefixed to some of their own compositions. Barruel gives
some reason for thinking that Boulanger retracted his
opinions before his death. His name, however, still remained of consequence to the party; and as late as 1791,
an edition of his works, entitled the Philosophical
Library, was published at the philosophic press in Swisserland.
There was another John Boulanger, a painter, who was born in 1606, and died in 1660. Mr. Fuseli informs us that he
There was another John Boulanger, a painter, who was born in 1606, and died in 1660. Mr. Fuseli informs us that he was a pupil of Guido, became painter to the court of Modena, and master of a school of art in that city. What remains of his delicate pencil in the ducal palace, proves the felicity of his invention, the vivid harmony of his colour, and in the attitudes a spirit bordering on enthusiasm. Such is the Sacrifice (if it be his, as fame asserts) of Iphigenia; though the person of Agamemnon is veiled in a manner too whimsical to be admitted in a heroic subject. Of his scholars, Tomaso Costa of Sassuolo, and Sigismondo Caula a Modenese, excelled the rest. Costa, a vigorous colourist, laid his hand indiscriminately ori every subject of art, greatly employed at Reggio, his usual residence, and much at Modena, where he painted the cupola of S. Vicenzo. Caula left his home only to improve himself at Venice, and returned with a copious and welltoned style bat sunk to a more languid one as he advanced in life.
, the elder, painter to the king, and professor in the French academy, was born at Paris in 1609, and was principally distinguished for
, the elder, painter to the king, and professor in the French academy, was born at Paris in 1609, and was principally distinguished for his ability in copying the works of the most famous ancient painters, which he did with astonishing fidelity. Tbere are also in the church of Notre Dame at Paris three pictures of his own of considerable merit. He died at Paris in 1674, leaving the two following sons:
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1649, and acquired the principles of painting
, eldest son of the preceding,
was born at Paris in 1649, and acquired the principles of
painting from his father, whom he resembled in his talent
of imitating the works of the greatest masters. After a residence of five years in Italy, he was admitted into the
academy, of which he became a professor, and employed
by Louis XIV. at Versailles and Trianon. He excelled in
history and portrait; his designs were accurate, and his
colouring good. Besides his paintings in fresco, in two
of the chapels of the Invalids, he painted several pieces
for the churches and public buildings of Paris, several of
which have been engraved. We have alsothree etchings
done by him, from his own compositions, viz. a species of
“Almanack;
” “St. John in the Desert
” and “St. Bruno
in a landscape
” its’ companion. He died at Paris in
Genevieve
” and “Magdalen,
”
painted well, and were members of the royal academy in
1669.
, D. D. archbishop of Armagh, primate and metropolitan of all Ireland, was born in or near London, Jan. 4, 1671, of a reputable and opulent
, D. D. archbishop of Armagh, primate and metropolitan of all Ireland, was born in or near London, Jan. 4, 1671, of a reputable and opulent family, received his first rudiments] of learning at Merchant-Taylor’s school, and was admitted from thence a commoner of Christ-church, Oxford, some time before the Revolution. His merit became so conspicuous there, that immediately after that great event, he was elected a demi of Magdalencollege, with the celebrated Mr. Addison, and Dr. Joseph Wilcox, afterwards bishop of Rochester and dean of Westminster, from whose merit and learning Dr. Hough, who was then restored to the presidentship of that college (from which he had been unwarrantably ejected in the reign of king James II.) used to call this election by the name of the golden election, and the same respectful appellation was long after made use of in common conversation in the college*, Mr. Boulter was afterwards made fellow of Magdalen-college. He continued in the university till he was called to London, by the invitation of sir Charles Hedges, principal secretary of state in 1700, who made him his chaplain;
ong public benefactors, the son of Matthew Boulton, by Christian, daughter of Mr. Peers, of Chester, was born at Birmingham Sept. 3, 1728, and was principally educated
, who justly ought to be classed among public benefactors, the son of Matthew Boulton, by Christian, daughter of Mr. Peers, of Chester, was born at Birmingham Sept. 3, 1728, and was principally educated at a private grammar school, kept by the rev. Mr. Ansted. He learned drawing under Worlidge, and mathematics under Cooper, and laid in a stock of that useful knowledge by which he was enabled so highly to improve the manufactures of his country.' So early as the year 1745, Mr. Boulton invented and brought to great perfection, the inlaid steel, buckles, buttons, watch chains, &c. Great quantities of these were exported to France, from- whence they were re-purchased with avidity by the English, as the offspring of French ingenuity. His manufactory at Birmingham, however, being inadequate to his extensive improvements, and further experiments, he, in 1762, purchased a lease of the Soho, at Handsworth, in the county of Stafford, distant about two. miles; at that time, a barren heath, on the bleak summit of which stood a naked hut, the habitation of a warrener. These extensive tracts of common were converted by Mr. Boulton into the present superb ^manufactory, which was finished in 1765, at the expence of 9000l.; and in the year 1794, he purchased the fee simple of Soho, and much of the other adjoining lands.
, a Latin poet of France, was born in 1503 at Vandeuvrt, near Langres, the son of a rich
, a Latin
poet of France, was born in 1503 at Vandeuvrt, near Langres, the son of a rich forge-master. Margaret de Valois
appointed him preceptor to her daughter Jane d'Albret de
Navarre, mother of Henry IV. He retired afterwards to
Conde“, where he had a benefice, and died there about 1550.
Bourbon left eight books of epigrams, and a didactic poem
on the forge entitled
” Ferrarie,“1533, 8vo;
” De puerorum moribus,“Lyons, 1536, 4to, a series of moral distichs, with a commentary by J. de Caures. He was extremely well acquainted with antiquity and the Greek
language. Erasmus praises his epigrams, and he appears
to have been the friend and correspondent of Erasmus,
Scaliger, Latimer, Carey, Harvey, Saville, Norris, Dudley, &c. having frequently visited England, where he was
patronized by Dr. Butts, the king’s physician, and William
Boston, abbot of Westminster, an hospitable man, with
whom he speaks of having passed many pleasant hours in
archbishop Cranmer’s garden at Lambeth. He treats sir
Thomas More with great asperity in one of his epigrams,
from which we may probably conclude that he inclined to
protestantism, although this is not consistent with his
history. His epigrams were published under the title of
” Nugarumlibriocto," Paris, 1533, and often reprinted, particularly by Scaliger, 1577 in 1608 by Passerat, with notes;
and lastly, by the abbe Brochard in 1723, a handsome
quarto edition, printed at Paris.
, lord Berners, was born about 1467, son and heir of sir Humphrey Bourchier by Elizabeth,
, lord Berners, was born about 1467, son and heir of sir Humphrey Bourchier by Elizabeth, daughter and heir of sir Frederick Tilney (widow of sir Thomas Howard), which Humphrey was killed at Barnet-field, on Edward IVth’s part, and buried in Westminster abbey, during the life of his father, who was sir John Bourchier, K. G. fourth son of William earl of Ewe, and baron Berners, by marriage with Margery, daughter and heir of Richard lord Berners. Lord Bourchier succeeded his grandfather, May 16, 1474, being then only seven years old. He was educated in Baliol college, Oxford, and afterwards travelled abroad, and returned a master of seven languages, and a complete gentleman. In 1405 he obtained the notice of Henry VII. by his valour in quelling the fury of the rebels in Cornwall and Devonshire, under the conduct of Michael Joseph, a blacksmith. In 1513 he was captain of the pioneers at the siege of Therouenne. In 1514, being made chancellor of the king’s exchequer for life, he attended the lady Mary, the king’s sister, into France, to her marriage with king Lewis XII. and in 1527 obtained i grant from the king of several manors. Afterwards he vas made lieutenant of Calais and the marches adjoining to France, and spending most of his time there, wrot< several learned works in that situation. There he made his will, March 3, 1532, bequeathing his body to be bur'ud in the chancel of the parish church of our lady, within the town of Calais, and appointing that an honest priest shouldsing mass there for his soul, by the space of three years, ie died March 16th following, leaving by Katherine his wie, daughter of John duke of Norfolk, Joane his daughter nd heir, married to Edmund Knyvet of Ashwelthorpe inNorfolk, esq.
, a Jesuit, and one of the most eloquent preachers France ever produced, was born at Bourges, Aug. 20, 1632, and entered the society of the
, a Jesuit, and one of the most
eloquent preachers France ever produced, was born at
Bourges, Aug. 20, 1632, and entered the society of the
Jesuits in 1648. After having passed some years in teaching grammar, rhetorick, philosophy, and divinity, his talents pointed him out for the office of preacher, and the extraordinary popularity of his sermons in the country, determined his superiors to call him to Paris in 1669, to take
the usual course of a year’s preaching in their church of St.
Louis, which soon became crowded with multitudes of both
sexes both from the court and city; nor was this a transient impression, as whoever heard him once wished to hear
him again, and even Louis XIV. listened with pleasure, although he appears to have introduced subjects in his discourses which could not be very acceptable in his court.
On the revocation of the edict of Nantz, the king sent him
into Languedoc to strengthen the new or pretended converts from the heresies of the protestant faith, and we are
told the effect of his eloquence was great. His eloquence
was undoubtedly superior to that of his contemporaries, and
he has justly been praised for introducing a more pure
style than was customary in the French pulpips. One effect of his preaching was, that great numbers of his hearers
requested him to take their souls into his hands, and be the
director of their consciences, in other words, to turn father
confessor, with which he complied, and frequently sat five
or six hours in the confessional, completing there, says his
biographer, what he had only sketched in the pulpit. He
was yet more admired for his charitable attentions and the
sick and poor, among whom he passed much of his time, in
religious conference and other acts of humanity. He died
at Paris May 13, 1704, universally lamented and long remembered as the most attractive and eloquent of preachers.
He had preached thirty -four years at court and in Paris.
Father Bretonneau published two editions of his works, the
first of 16 vols. 8vo. 1716, reckoned the best, or at least,
the most beautifully printed; and the second in 18 vols.
12rrio. Comparisons have been formed between him and
Massillon, but several are still inclined to give him the preference. There is warmth, zeal, and elegance in his style
and reasoning, but he is frequently declamatory and verbose. It is difficult, however, for English critics to appreciate the merits of his sermons, calculated as they were for
a class of hearers with whose taste we are unacquainted.
Of his catholic spirit we have an instance on record, that
in an interview with bishop Burnet at Paris, he told the
English prelate that he believed “all honest protestants
would be saved.
”
, a very celebrated French painter, was born at Montpellier in 1616. His father, who was a glass-painter,
, a very celebrated French painter, was born at Montpellier in 1616. His father, who was a glass-painter, gave him the first instructions in his art. When only seven years old, one of his uncles brought him to Paris, and placed him with a very indifferent painter, whose defects, however, were supplied by young Bourdon’s natural genius. Returning to Bourdeaux at the age of fourteen, he painted the cieling of a neighbouring chateau, and then went to Toulouse. Finding here no employment, he went into the army; but his captain, a man of some taste, judging that he would one day excel in his profession as an artist, gave him his discharge. He was eighteen when he went to Italy, and became acquainted with Claude Lorrain, whose manner, as well as that of Saccbi, Caravagio, and Bamboccio, he imitated with great success. After a residence of three years here, he happened to have a difference with a painter, who threatened to inform against him as a Calvinist, and Bourdon immediately set out for Venice, and thence to France. At the age of twenty-seven he painted his famous Crucifixion of St. Peter for the church of Notre Dame at Paris, which could not fail to raise his reputation. Du Guernier, a miniature painter, much employed at court, and whose sister he married, assisted him with his advice, and procured him work. But the civil wars interrupting the progress of the fine arts, in 1652 he went to Sweden, where queen Christina appointed him her first painter. While employed on many works for her, chiefly portraits, she mentioned to him one day some pictures which the king her father had found when he took Prague; these had till now remained unpacked, and she desired Bourdon to examine them. Bourdon reported favourably of them, particularly of some by Corregio, on which the queen requested he would accept them as a present from her. Bourdon, with corresponding liberality and disinterestedness, represented that they were some of the finest paintings in Europe, and that her majesty ought never to part with them, as a fit collection for a crowned head. The queen accordingly kept them, and took them with her to Rome when she abdicated the throne. After her death, the heirs of Don Livio Odeschalchi, who had purchased them, sold them to the regent duke of Orleans; and they afterwards made part of the fine collection known in this country by the name of the Orleans Collection.
artist of distinguished reputation, was the descendant of a considerable family in Switzerland, but was born in London in 1756. His early destination was the army,
, knight of the Polish order of Merit, and an artist of distinguished reputation, was the descendant of a considerable family in Switzerland, but was born in London in 1756. His early destination was the army, under the patronage of lord Heathfield, who was his father’s - friend but having been instructedwhi|p a child in the rudiments of painting, by a foreigner of inconsiderable merit as a horse-painter, he became so attached to the study, as soon to relinquish the military profession, and devote himself wholly to the pencil. For this purpose he was placed under the tuition of Loutherbourg, and having, from his connexions and acquaintance, access to many of the most distinguished collections, he soon acquired considerable reputation by his landscapes and sea-pieces. In 1776, he travelled through Italy, France, and Holland, where his correct knowledge of the language of each country, added to the politeness of his address, and the pleasures of his conversation, procured him an introduction to the best society, and most valuable repositories of the arts on the continent. At his return to England, he exhibited several specimens of his studies at the royal academy, which obtained him reputation and patronage. In 1791 he was appointed painter to the king of Poland, whose brother, the prince primate, had been much pleased with his performances during his residence in this country; and at the same time he received the honour of knighthood of the order of Merit, which was afterwards confirmed by his present majesty, who, in 1794, appointed him landscapepainter to the king. Previous to this he had, in 1792, been elected a member of the royal academy. Some time before his death, by the will of the late Noel Desenfans, esq. an eminent picture-dealer, he became possessed of sufficient property to render a laborious application to his profession no longer necessary, and from that time he lived in the circle of his friends, highly respected for his talents and agreeable manners. He died Jan. 8, 1811, at his house in Portland- street, bequeathing his fine collection of pictures, and his fortune, to Dirlwich college. According to the terms of his will, he leaves the whole of these pictures, besides 10,000l. to keep them in due preservation, and 2,000/ for the purpose of repairing the gallery ki the college for their reception. He also bequeathed legacies of lOOOl. each to the master of the college, and to the chaplain and the fellows of the college are to be the residuary legatees, and are to possess, for its advantage, all the rest of his property, of every denomination. Most part of this will, however, does not take effect until after the death of Mrs. Desenfans, the widow of his benefactor; and after that event he directs that the body of the late Noel Desenfans, which is now deposited in a sarcophagus within a mausoleum in a chapel, attached to his late house in Charlotte-street, Portland-place, shall be removed, together with his own body (which has, by his desire, been deposited in the same mausoleum), and entombed in a sarcophagus, to be "placed in the chapel of Dulwich college. So singular a will, with respect at least to the place chosen for this collection, excited much surprise. The following circumstances, however, which have been communicated by an intimate friend of the testator, may in some measure account for it. After sir Francis became possessed of the Desenfans collection, by the owner’s friendly will in his favour, he wished to purchase the fee simple of his fine house in Charlotte-street, enlarge it, and endow it as a perpetual repository for the collection, easily accessible to the public, and particularly to students as a school of art; but unluckily, his landlord, a nobleman lately deceased, refused his consent, although he afterwards expressed an inclination to grant it, when too late. Sir Francis then conceived the design of hequeathing the collection to the British Museum, but did not execute it, from a fear that the pictures might not be kept entire and unmixed, he being told that it was in the power of the trustees to dispose of what might appear superfluous or inferior. Such was his respect for his deceased friend, that his only ambition was to discover a place where the collection might be kept together, and known in perpetuum, not as his, but as the Desenfans Collection. By whom Dulwich college, an hospital for poor men and women, remote from the residence of artists and men of taste, was suggested, we know not. It was a place sir Francis had probably never before seen; but, having once visited it, and been informed that his terms might be complied with there, without risk of alteration, he disposed of his property as we have related.
, was born at the village of Beaumains near Falaise, in the diocese
, was born at the village of Beaumains near Falaise, in the diocese of Seez, in 1724. He was educated at the grammar-school at Caen, whence he was removed to that university, and pursued his studies with great diligence and success till 1745, when he became a Benedictine monk of the abbey of St. Martin de Seez, then en regie, that is, under the direction of a conventual abbot. Some time after this, Dom Bourget was appointed prior claustral of the said abbey, and continued six years in that office, when he was nominated prior of Tiron en Perche; whence being translated to the abbey of St. Stephen at Caen, in the capacity of sub-prior, he managed the temporalities of that religious house during two years, as he did their spiritualities for one year longer; after which, according to the custom of the house, he resigned his office. His superiors, sensible of his merit and learning, removed him thence to the abbey of Bee, where he resided till 1764. He was elected an honorary member of the society of antiquaries of London, Jan. 10, 1765; in which year he returned to the abbey of St. Stephen at Caen, where he continued to the time of his death. These honourable offices, to which he was promoted on account of his great abilities, enabled him not only to pursue his favourite study of the history and antiquities of some of the principal Benedictine abbie.s in Normandy, but likewise gave him access to all their charters, deeds, register-books, &c. &c. These he examined with great care, and left behind him in ms. large and accurate accounts of the abbies of St. Peter de Jumieges, St. Stephen, and the Holy Trinity at Caen (founded by William the Conqueror and his queen Matilda), and a very particular history of the abbey of Bee. These were all written in French. The History of the royal abbey of Bee (which he presented to Dr. Ducarel in 1764) is only an abstract of his larger work. This ancient abbey, (which has produced several archbishops of Canterbury and other illustrious prelates of this kingdom) is frequently mentioned by our old historians. The death of this worthy Benedictine (which happened on new-year’s day, 1776) was occasioned by his unfortunate neglect of a hurt he got in his leg by falling down two or three steps in going from the hall to the cloister of the abbey of St. Stephen at Caen, being deceived by the ambiguous feeble light of a glimmering and dying lamp that was placed in that passage. He lived universally esteemed, and died sincerely regretted by all those who were acquainted with him and was buried in the church of the said abbey, Jan. 3, 1776.
, who was born at Nimes in 1678, became celebrated for his proficiency
, who was born at Nimes in 1678,
became celebrated for his proficiency in natural history.
The revocation of the edict of Nantes having forced his
family to go and seek an asylum in Switzerland, Zurich
was indebted to them for its manufactures of stockings,
muslins, and several silk stuffs. Young Bourguet went
through a course of study there; afterwards married at
Berne, and settled at Neufeh&tel, where he became professor of philosophy and mathematics. He died Dec. 31,
1742, at the age of 64, after publishing, 1. A Letter on
the formation of salts and crystals; Amsterdam, 1729,
12mo. 2. “La bibliotheque Italique,
” 16 vols. 8vo. This
journal, begun at Geneva in 1728, found a welcome reception among the learned, as a solid and useful book deserving to be continued, although deficient in style, and
hastily written. He wrote also, “Traite des petrifactions,
”
Paris,
, a famous female enthusiast, was born Jan. 13, 1616, at Lisle in Flanders. She came into the
, a famous female enthusiast, was born Jan. 13, 1616, at Lisle in Flanders. She came into the world so very deformed, that a consultation was held in the family some days about stifling her as a monstrous birth. But if she sunk almost beneath humanity in her exterior, her interior seems to have been raised as much above it. For, at four years of age, she not only took notice that the people of Lisle did not live up to the principles of Christianity which they professed, but earnestly desired to be removed into some more Christian country; and her progress was suitable to this beginning. Her parents lived unhappily together, Mr. Bourignon using his spouse with too much severity, especially in his passion: upon which occasions, Antoinette endeavoured to soften him by her infant embraces, which had some little effect; but 'the mother’s unhappiness gave the daughter an utter aversion to matrimony. This falling upon a temper strongly tinctured with enthusiasm, she grew a perfect devotee to virginity, and became so immaculately chaste, that, if her own word may be taken, she never had, in all her life, not even by temptation or surprise, the least thought unworthy of the purity of the virgin state: nay, she possessed the gift of chastity in so abundant a manner, that her presence and her conversation shed an ardour of continence over all who knew her.
, the son of a clergyman, was born in Northamptonshire, Dec. 27, 1590, and was educated at
, the son of a clergyman, was
born in Northamptonshire, Dec. 27, 1590, and was educated at Christ church, Oxford, where he took his master’s
degree in 1616. About that time he preached under Dr.
Piers, rector of St. Christopher’s, Threadneedle-street,
London, and was much encouraged in his studies and profession by sir Samuel Tryon, knt. and inhabitant of that
parish. In 1622, he got the living of Ashover, in Derbyshire, which he retained many years. During the rebel- 1 lion, he sided with the predominant party, and removed to
London, where he became preacher of St. Sepulchre’s,
and was much followed. In- 1656, he became rector of
Waltham in Leicestershire, and having conformed at the
restoration, was instituted to the rectory of Ailston in the
same county. Wood says he was well acquainted with
the fathers and schoolmen. He died Dec. 27, 1672, and
was buried in the chancel of the church of Ailston. Besides
some occasional sermons, he published, 1. “A Light from
Christ, &c.
” or a preparatory to the Sacrament, London,
Defence of Scriptures,
” ibid. Defence and justification of ministers’ maintenance
by tithes, &c.
” against the Anabaptists and Quakers, ibid.
A, Gold Chain of directions with twenty
Gold Links of love to preserve firm love between husband
and wife,
” ibid.
, a French dramatic writer and satirist, was born in 1638, at Mussi-l'évêque in Burgundy. He was not brought
, a French dramatic writer
and satirist, was born in 1638, at Mussi-l'évêque in Burgundy. He was not brought up at school, and could only
speak the rude provincial dialect of his country, when he
came to Paris in 1651, yet, by the perusal of good books,
with his good memory, he was soon able to converse and
to write elegantly in French. Having composed, by order of Louis XIV. a book of no great merit, entitled “Of
the proper study of sovereigns,
” Merry Muse;
” but it was again suppressed. He
afterwards got into favour once more, and was made receiver of the excise at Montlugon, where he died of a violent colic, aged 63, Sept. 5, 1701. He wrote several
theatrical pieces, and other works. The chief of them
are, “Æsop in the city,
” and “Æsop at court;
” which
long remained to the stage. These two pieces and the
following are an agreeable satire on the ridiculous manners
or the several ages and conditions of life. His verse in
general is harmonious, but his style sometimes negligent,
yet in general easy and suitable to the subject. 2. The
“Mercure galante,
” or “La comedie sans titre,
” in which
he ingeniously ridicules the rage for getting a place in the
Mercure galaut. 3. “La satyre des satyres,
” in one act.
Boiltau’s satirical notice of Boursault, to avenge Moliere,
with whom he had had a difference, gave occasion to this
piece, which Boileau had interest enough and meanness
enough to prevent being played. The satirist being some
years afterwards at the baths of Bourbon, Boursault, at that
time receiver of the excise at Montluc/>n, repaired thither
on purpose to offer him his purse and his services. At this
act of generosity Boileau was much affected; and they
immediately engaged in a mutual friendship, of which
Boursault was highly deserving by the gentleness of his
manners, and the cheerfulness of his disposition. He behaved with less tolerance, however, towards his other censors; and was able sometimes to chastise them with effect.
A cabal having prevented the success of the first representation of “Æsop in the city,
” the author added to it a
fable of the dog and the ox, applying the moral of it to
the pit; which so effectually silenced the cabal, that the
piece had a run of forty-three nights without interruption.
Thomas Cornell le had a sincere regard for Boursault, whom
he used to call his son, and insisted on his applying to be
admitted a member of the academy. Boursault desired to
be excused on account of his ignorance, adding with his
usual simplicity, “What would the academy do with an
ignorant and illiterate (ignare & non Lettre) member, who
knows neither Latin nor Greek?
” “We are not talking
(returned Corneille) of a Greek or Latin academy, but of
a French academy; and who understands French better
than you?
” There are likewise by him, 1. Some romances, “The marquis de Chavigny,
” “The prince de
Conde
” which are written with spirit “Artemisia and
Polyanthus and,
” We should only believe what we see.“2. A collection of letters on subjects of respect, obligation,
and gallantry; known under the name of
” Lettres a Babet;“now forgotten. 3.
” Lettres nouvelles,“with fables, tales, epigrams, remarks, bon-mots, &c. 3 vols. 12mo,
several times reprinted, though mostly written in a loose
and inelegant style: a miscellany, which was very popular when ii first came out; but is much less at present, as
the tales and bon-mots which Boursault has collected, or
put into verse, are found in many other books. His fables
have neither the simplicity of those of La Fontaine, nor
the elegant precision of Phaedrus. There is an edition of
the
” Theatre de Boursault," in 3 vols. 1746, 12mo.
, doctor of the Sorbonne, was born at Ecoven in the diocese of Paris, in 1679, and died at
, doctor of the Sorbonne, was born at Ecoven in the diocese of Paris, in
1679, and died at Paris in 1749, at the age of 70. He
published, 1. “L'action de Dieu-sur les creatures,
” Paris,
2 vols. 4to, or 6 vols. 12mo. This treatise, in which he
endeavours to establish physical premotion by argument,
was attacked by Malebranche; but it discovers the powers
of a profound metaphysician. 2. A memoir presented to
Peter the Great by the doctors of Sorbonne for the reunion of the Greek and Latin churches.- When the tzar
appeared in the Sorbonne, Boursier addressed him on the
subject of this memoir. The monarch immediately answered, that he Was but a soldier. Boursier replied, that
he was a hero and that, as a prince, he was a protector of
religion. “This re-union is not so easy a matter (said the tzar); there are three points that divide us: the pope, the
procession of the Holy Ghost
” As he had forgot the
third point, which is the unleavened bread and the cup,
Boursier recalled it to his mind. “As for that article,
” returned the emperor, “we shall have no difficulty in coming
to an agreement.
” At the end of the conversation, the
Russian sovereign asked for a memorandum of it: it was
given him; but nothing more was ever heard of it. 3. An
enormous quantity of publications on subjects of ecclesiastical controversy, enumerated by Moreri. There was
another of the name, almost a contemporary, Philip Boursier, deacon of Paris, where he was born in 1693, and died
in 1768, aged 77. He was the first author, in 1727, of
the “Nouvelles ecclesiastiques;
” in which work he had
several coadjutors, as Messrs. d'Etemare, de Fernanville,
Bergfer, de Russye, de Troya, Fontaine. But he alone
composed the greatest part of the discourses that annually
precede this periodical work.
ysician and doctor regent of the faculty of Paris, and associate-veteran of the academy of sciences, was born at Chartres Jan. 11, 1717. Many of his ancestors having
, physician and doctor
regent of the faculty of Paris, and associate-veteran of the
academy of sciences, was born at Chartres Jan. 11, 1717.
Many of his ancestors having been physicians, he determined on the same profession, which he practised at Paris with so much success that no physician was more consulted; yet this did not prevent his being jealous of Tronchin, Bordeu, and some others, of whom he spoke very
illiberally, but he was a man otherwise of great kindness
and benevolence. One anecdote is recorded as characteristic. A banker, who had experienced some heavy losses,
was taken ill, and Bouvart, who was called in, suspected
that this weighed on his mind, but could not obtain the secret from him. The banker’s wife, however, was more
communicative, and told him that her husband had a payment of twenty thousand livres to make very shortly, for
which he was unprovided. Bouvart, without making any
professions of sorrow or assistance, went immediately home
and sent the money to his patient, who recovered surprisingly. Bouvart wrote only two or three small tracts: one a
critique on Tronchin’s book, “de colica Pictonum,
” 1758,
8vo; a “Consultation sur une naissance tardive,
” against
the anatomists Petit and Bertin, Memou/e au sujet de l'honoraire des medicines,
”
descendant from Dr. John Bowle, bishop of Rochester in the early part of the seventeenth century. He was born in 1725, and educated at Oriel college, Oxford, where he
, an ingenious scholar, who, from his
Attachment to Spanish literature, was usually called by his
friends Don Bowle, was a descendant from Dr. John Bowle,
bishop of Rochester in the early part of the seventeenth
century. He was born in 1725, and educated at Oriel
college, Oxford, where he took his master’s degree in
1750, and having entered into holy orders, was presented
to the vicarage of Idmiston, Wiltshire. In 1776 he was
elected F. S. A. He was a man of great erudition, and
muca respected for his various researches in antiquity,
and varios other lucubrations in obscure literature. He
had the honour or being one of the first detectors of Lauder’s forgeries, and according to Dr. Douglas’s account,
had the juste-st claim to be considered as the original detector o! thai unprincipled impostor. In 1765, he was
editor of “Miscellaneous pieces of ancient English Poesie,
”
containing Shakspeare’s “King John,
” and some of the satires of Marston. To a very accurate and extensive fund
of classical learning, he had added a comprehensive knowledge of most of the modern languages, particularly of the
Spanish, Italian, and French; and in the course of his
reading contracted a fondness for Cervantes’ admirable
romance, which could scarcely be said to be kept within
reasonable bounds. Don Quixote himself did not sally
forth with more enthusiasm than Mr. Bowie, when in 1777
he published “A Letter to the rev. Dr. Percy, concerning
a new and classical edition of Historia del valoroso CavaU
lero Don Quixote de la Mancha, to be illustrated by
annotations and extracts from the historians, poets, and romances of Spain and Italy, and other writers ancient and
modern, with a glossary and indexes, in which are occasionally interspersed some reflections on the learning and
genius of the author, with a map of Spain adapted to the
history, and to every translation of it,
” 4to. He gave also
an outline of the life of Cervantes in the Gent. Mag. for
1731, and circulated proposals to print the work hy subscription at three guineas each copy. It appeared accordingly in 1781, in six quarto volumes, the first four consisting of the text, the fifth of the annotations, and the sixth
is wholly occupied by the index, but the work did not
answer his expectations. The literary journals were either
silent or spoke slightingly of his labours; and the public
sentiment seemed to be that annotations on Cervantes were
not quite so necessary as on Shakspeare. He appears,
however, to have taken some pains to introduce them to
the public in a favourable light. In 1784 (Gent. Mag. LIV. p. 565) we find him lamenting certain “unfair practices respecting the admission of an account of the work
into two periodical publications to which he had some
reason to think he was entitled.
” He adds, that the perpetrators of these practices were “a false friend, and
another, whose encomium he should regard as an affront
and real slander the one as fond of the grossest flattery,
as the other ready to give it, and both alike wholesale
dealers in abuse and detraction.
” Nor was this all; in
1785 he published “Remarks on the extraordinary conduct of the Knight of the Ten Stars and his Italian Squire,
to the editor of Don Quixote. In a letter to I. S. D. D.
”
8vo. This produced an answer from the “Italian Squire,
”
Baretti, not of the most gentleman-like kind, entitled
“Tolondron. Speeches to John Bowie, about his edition of
Don Quixote,
” 8vo, Le Roman de
la Rose;
” on parish registers; and on cards. He was also,
under various signatures, a frequent contributor to the
Gentleman’s Magazine, but as a divine he was not known
to the public. He died Oct. 26, 1788.
, the most learned English printer of whom we have any account, was born in Dogwelt-court, White Fryars, London, on the 19th of
, the most learned English printer
of whom we have any account, was born in Dogwelt-court,
White Fryars, London, on the 19th of December, 1699. His
father, whose name was also William, was of distinguished
eminence in the same profession; and his maternal grandfather (Thomas Dawks) was employed in printing the celebrated Polyglott Bible of bishop Walton. At a proper
age, he was placed, for grammatical education, under the
care of Mr. Ambrose Bonwicke, a non-juring clergyman of
known piety and learning, who then lived at Headley, near
Leatherhead in Surrey. Here Mr. Bowyer made such advances in literature as reflected the highest credit both on
himself and his preceptor; for whose memory, to his latest
years, he entertained the sincerest respect; and to whose
family he always remained an useful friend. The attachment, indeed, was mutual; and the following instance of
the good school-master’s benevolence made an indelible
impression on the mind of his pupil. On the 30th of
January, 1712-13, the whole property of the elder Mr.
Bowyer was destroyed by a dreadful fire; on which occasion, Mr. Bonwicke, with great generosity, and no less
delicacy (endeavouring to conceal its being his own act of kindness), took upon him, for one year, the expences of
his scholar’s board and education. In June 1716, young
Mr. Bowyer was admitted as a sizar at St. John’s college,
Cambridge, of which Dr. Robert Jenkin was at that time
master. The doctor had been a benefactor to the elder
Mr. Bowyer in the season of his calamity; and the son, at
the distance of sixty years, had the happiness of returning
the favour to a relation of the worthy master, in a manner
by which the person obliged was totally ignorant to whom
he was indebted for the present he received, Mr. Bowyer
continued at Cambridge under the tuition, first, of Dr. Anstey, and afterwards of the rev. Dr. John Nevvcome, till
June 1722, during which time he obtained Roper’s exhibition, and wrote, in 1719, what he called “Epistola pro
Sodalitio a rev. viro F. Roper mihi legato;
” but it does not
appear that he took his degree of bachelor of arts. Notwithstanding an habitual shyness of disposition, which
was unfavourable to him at his first appearance, the
regularity of his conduct, and his application to study, procured him the esteem of many very respectable members
of the university. Here it was that he formed an intimacy
with Mr. Markland and Mr. Clarke, two learned friends
with whom he maintained a regular correspondence
through life and their letters contain a treasure of polite literature and sound criticism. On the death of Mr.
Bonwicke, his grateful scholar had an opportunity of requiting, in some measure, the obligations he had received,
by officiating, for a time, in the capacity of a schoolmaster, for the benefit of the family; but before this, he
had entered into the printing business, together with his
father, in June 1722; and one of the first bucks which received the benefit of his correction, was the complete edition of Selden by Dr. David Wilkins, in three volumes,
folio. This edition was begun in 1722, and finished in
1726; and Mr. Bowyer’s great attention to it appeared in
his drawing up an epitome of Selden “de Synedriis,
” as
he read the proof-sheets, and tue several memoranda
from “The privileges of the Baronage
” and “Judicature
in Parliament,
” &c. which are now printed in his “Miscellaneous Tracts.
” In A View of a Book, entitled, * Reliquiae Baxtevianae.' In a Letter to a Friend;
” a single sheet, 8vo.
Very few copies were printed; and, having never been
published, it is seldom found with the Glossary; but it was
reprinted in the “Miscellaneous Tracts.
” Dr. Wotton and
Mr. Clarke were highly pleased with this first public proof
given by Mr. Bowyer of his literary abilities. On the 20th
of December, 1727, he lost an affectionate mother, upon
which occasion he received a letter of pious consolation,
from Mr. Chishull, the learned editor of the “Antiquitates
Asiaticae.
”
n of William Boyce, a joiner and cabinet-maker, and housekeeper of Joiners’-hall, where our musician was born, B'eb. 7, 1710. He was at first a singing-boy at St. Paul’s,
, an eminent English musician, chapel-master and organist to George II. and III. was the son
of William Boyce, a joiner and cabinet-maker, and housekeeper of Joiners’-hall, where our musician was born, B'eb.
7, 1710. He was at first a singing-boy at St. Paul’s, and
afterwards apprenticed to the celebrated Dr. Greene, who
bequeathed to him his manuscripts. In 1734 he was a
candidate for the place of organist of St. Michael’s church,
Cornhill, with Froud, Young, James Worgan, and Kelway;
but though unsuccessful in this application, Kelway being
elected, he was appointee! the same year to the place of
organist of Oxford chapel and in 1736, upon the death
of Weltlon, when Kelway being elected organist of St.
Martin' sin the Fields, resigned his place at St. Michael’s
Cornhill, Boyce was not only elected organist of that
church, but organist and composer in the chapel royal.
The same year he set David’s “Lamentation over Saul and
Jonathan,
” which was performed at the Apollo Society.
About the year 1743, he produced his serenata of “Solomon,
” which was not only long and justly admired as a
pleasing and elegant composition, but still affords great
delight to the friends of English music whenever it is performed. His next publication was “Twelve Sonatas or
Trios for two violins and a base,
” which were longer and
more generally purchased, performed, and admired, than
any productions of the kind in this kingdom, except those
of CorelH. They were not only in constant use, as chamber music, in private concerts, for which they were originally designed, but in our theatres, as act-tunes, and
public gardens, as favourite pieces, during many years.
us’s Letters, was the second son of Alexander Macauley, esq. of the county of Antrim, in Ireland. He was born in 1746; was educated at Trinity college, Dublin; and was
, a writer who
would scarcely have deserved notice, if he had not been
obtruded on the public as the author of Junius’s Letters,
was the second son of Alexander Macauley, esq. of the
county of Antrim, in Ireland. He was born in 1746; was
educated at Trinity college, Dublin; and was designed
for the bar; but, instead of prosecuting his original views,
came over to London, where, under the patronage of Mr.
Richard Burke, he soon became known both in the literary
and fashionable world. A propensity to extravagance had
already reduced him to considerable embarrassments,
when, in 1777, he married a lady of good fortune; but
this relief was only temporary; for the same expensive
habits still continued, and at length obliged him to accompany lord Macartney to Madras, in the capacity of a
second secretary. He remained there after his lordship’s
return, and died in 1791, having for some years previously
to his death, held the lucrative office of master attendant,
with little advantage to his circumstances. He wrote in
Ireland, a political periodical paper, called “The Freeholder,
” in Whig,
” published in Almon’s newspaper,
the London Courant, in 1780. In I?y4, he also wrote a
few periodical essays called “The Indian Observer,
” published at Madras. These were reprinted in an 8vo volume,
in 1798, by thejate Mr. Laurence Dundas Campbell, with
a view to establish an assertion which Almon first made,
if we mistake not, purporting that Mr. Boyd was the author of Junius; but unfortunately the reader has “the
bane and antidote
” both before htm in this volume, and
few attempts of the kind can be conceived more injudicious than a comparison between the styles of Boyd and Junius. Boyd wrote after Junius, and, like most political
writers, aims at his style; and the only conclusion which
his friends have arrived at amounts tu this absurdity, that
an imitator must be an original writer; and even this in the
case of Mr. Boyd is peculiarly unfortunate, for his imitations are among the most feeble that have been ever attempted. Mr. Campbell returned to the charge, however,
in 1800, with a publication of “The miscellaneous works
of Hugh Boyd, the author of the Letters of Junius: with
an account of his Life and Writings,
” 2 vols. 8vo.
of considerable reputation in the sixteenth century, the son of Robert Boyd, of Pinkill in Ayrshire, was born Jan. 13, 1562. Having lost his father early, he was educated
, a Scotch writer of considerable reputation in the sixteenth century, the son of
Robert Boyd, of Pinkill in Ayrshire, was born Jan. 13,
1562. Having lost his father early, he was educated under
the inspection of his uncle, Mr. James Boyd, of Trochrig,
who, with the then unpopular title of “Archbishop of
Glasgow,
” performed the offices of minister of the Barony
parish in that city. Young Boyd, in his nature lively
and headstrong, soon grew weary of academical discipline,
quarreled with his preceptors, renounced his studies, and,
eager to become a man of the world, presented himself at
court. It is not unlikely that in this scheme ae relied chit fly
on the patronage of liobert, fourth lord Boyd, who was
probably the cousin-gernran of Boyd’s father. All, however, that we learn of his proficiency at cm:;c is, that he
fought one duel, and was engaged in numberless broils.
His relations advised him to follow the profession of arms
in the Low Countries, for they could not tolerate his impetuous and unruly temper, and perhaps they were little
inclined or little able to support him in a manner of life
which had no determined object or aim. Boyd readily
consented to become a soldier; but he chose France rather
than the Low Countries, for the theatre of his future
achievements. He went therefore to Paris, furnished with
a small stock of money, all of which he soon lost at dice.
This the author of his life ascribes to some secret fate,
“occulto veluti fato
” but says his more recent biographer, lord Hailes, we may absolve fate, for when the raw
and self-sufficient go amongst sharpers, they ought to ascribe their ruin to folly.
, a descendant of the preceding, and fourth and last earl of Kilmarnock, was born in 1704, and was but thirteen years old when his father
, a descendant of the preceding, and
fourth and last earl of Kilmarnock, was born in 1704, and
was but thirteen years old when his father died: he discovered early a genius not unequal to his birth, but found
the family estate pretty much encumbered, and great part
of the patrimony alienated, which was by no means answerable to his lordship’s generous and noble disposition.
It was also his misfortune to be too soon let loose among
the gaieties and pleasures of life. As he grew up, instead
of applying himself to study, he launched out into the
world in pursuit of pleasures which were more expensive
than his fortune could support, and by this means considerably reduced his estate, which, from the most probable
conjecture, was the true reason of his taking up arms against
the king. Indeed, his lordship himself owns in his confession to Mr. Foster (while under sentence), that his rebellion
was a kind of desperate scheme, proceeding originally from
his vices, to extricate himself from the distress of his circumstances; for he says, “the true root of all was his careJess and dissolute life, by which he had reduced himself to
great and perplexing difficulties; that the exigency of his
affairs was in particular very pressing at the time of the
rebellion; and that, besides the general hope he had of
mending his fortune by the success of it, he was also
tempted by another prospect of retrieving his circumstances, by following the Pretender’s standard.
” It does
not appear that his lordship was in the original design of
the rebellion: on the contrary, he declared both in his
speech at the bar of the house of lords, and in his petition
to the king after his sentence, that it was not tilt after the
battle of Preston Pans that he became a party in it, having,
till then, neither influenced his tenants or followers to
assist or abet the rebellion; but, on the contrary, influenced the inhabitants of the town of Kilmarnock,
and the neighbouring boroughs, to rise in arms for his
majesty’s service, which had so good an effect, that two
hundred men from Kilmarnock very soon appeared in
arms, and remained so all the winter at Glasgow and other
places. It is said, that when the earl joined the
Pretender’s standard, he was received by him with great marks
of esteem and distinction; was declared of his privy-council, made colonel of the guards, and promoted to the degree of a general (though his lordship himself says, he was far from being a person of any consequence among them).
How he behaved in these stations (quite new to him, and foreign from his former manner of life), we cannot determine; but common fame says, he displayed considerable
courage till the fatal battle of Culloden, when he was
taken, or rather surrendered himself, prisoner, to the king’s
troops, though involuntarily, and with a design to have
facilitated his escape: for he acknowledged to Mr. Foster,
whilst under sentence, that when he saw the king’s dragoons, and made towards them, he thought they had been
Fitz-James’s horse; and that if he could have reached
them by mounting behind one of the dragoons, his escape
would have been more certain, than when he was on foot.
Yet, in his speech to the house of lords, he made a merit
of having surrendered himself, at a time when he said he
could easily have made his escape, and in this he owned,
when in a state of repentance, that he had not spoken
truth. His lordship was brought to the Tower, and on
Monday the 28th of July, 174-6, was, together with the
earl of Cromartie, and lord Balmerino, conducted to Westminster-hall, and at the bar of the lord high-steward’s
court, arraigned, and pleaded guilty to his indictment,
submitting himself to his majesty’s mercy and clemency.
On the Wednesday following, the three lords were again
brought from the Tower to receive sentence, when the
lord Kilmarnock being asked by the lord high-steward, if
he had any thing to offer why sentence of death should not
be passed upon him, his lordship, addressing himself to
his grace and the whole august assembly, then consisting
of an hundred and thirty-six peers, delivered an eloquent
speech, after which, sentence of death was pronounced
upon him, and he returned to the Tower. After this, he
presented petitions to the king, the prince of Wales, and
duke of Cumberland, wherein he set forth his family’s
constant attachment to the revolution interest, and that of
the illustrious house of Hanover; his father’s zeal and
activity in support of both in the rebellion in 1715, and
his own appearing in arms (though then but young) under
his father, and the whole tenour of his conduct ever since
that time. But the services of his forefathers could not
satisfy the public demand for justice, nor avail him so far
as to procure him pardon. He was beheaded on Towerhill, August 18, 1746, and was interred in the Tower
church, with this inscription upon his coffin, viz. “Gulielmus Comes de Kilmarnock, decollat. 18 Augusti, 1746,
aetat. suae 42.
” His lordship’s whole deportment, from the
time he was condemned till his execution, was suitable to
one in his unhappy circumstances. He gave the most
lively marks of a sincere humiliation and repentance for
all his miscarriages, and his behaviour in the hour of death
was resigned, but strictly decent and awful. He had himself observed, with great truth, that for a man who had led
a dissolute life, and yet believed the consequences of
death, to put on an air of daringness and absolute intrepidity, must argue him either to be very stupid or very
impious. He was a nobleman of fine address and polite
behaviour; his person was tall and graceful; his countenance mild, but his complexion pale; and he had abilities, which, if they had been properly applied, might
have rendered him capable of bringing an increase of honour to his family, instead of ruin and disgrace. His
lordship lived and died in the public profession of the
church of Scotland, and left behind him a widow (who was the lady Anne Livingston, daughter of James earl of Linlithgow and Callander (attainted in 1715), with whom
he had a considerable fortune), and three sons, the eldest
of whom his lordship had educated in the principles of
duty and loyalty to his majesty, and in whose service he
fought against the rebels. He succeeded, upon the death
of Mary, countess of Errol, in 1758, to her estate and
honours, his mother having been undoubted heir of line of
that noble family, and he was the sixteenth earl of Errol.
He died June 3, 1778, leaving issue.
nd, from whom descended James Boyd, baron of Trochrig, the father of the subject of this article. He was born in 1578, and educated at the university of Edinburgh, where
, an eminent Scotch divine, of the
same family as the preceding, being a descendant of Robert Boyd, earl of Arran, sometime protector of Scotland,
from whom descended James Boyd, baron of Trochrig, the
father of the subject of this article. He was born in 1578,
and educated at the university of Edinburgh, where he
took his master’s degree. In 1604, according to the custom of the times, he travelled into France, and studied for
some time under Rivet, improving himself in Greek and
Hebrew, and in French, which he spoke with great fluency.
He was afterwards invited by tt:e university of Montauban
to be professor of philosophy, and in the mean time himself studied divinity, dnd was ordained according to the
forms of the French reformed church. In 1608 he was
removed to a professorship at Saumur, which he filled until 1614, and both as a preacher and teacher was much
admired and eagerly followed. His fame reaching the ears
of his sovereign, king James, he sent him a pressing invitation to fill the divinity chair in the university oi Glasgow, in consequence of which he removed thither in 1615,
to the great sorrow of his friends at SaumiT, and the university at large. He was enabled soon, in conjunction
with some able colleagues, to raise the reputation of the
Glasgow university, the mode of study in which he reformed from the useless and disputatious modes of the
schools. His situation, however, afcerwards became embarrassed from the disputes which arose respecting the
scheme of king James to assimilate the churches of England and Scotland, which was highly unpopular in the
latter country. Boyd’s education, and especially his associations abroad, had inclined him to the presbyterian
form of church government, and finding that he could not
under such circumstances retain his situation as preacher
and professor at Glasgow, he resigned both, and went to
live privately on an estate which he possessed. Endeavours were made to fix him in Edinburgh, and afterwards
to recall him to Glasgow, but these not being successful,
he finally retired from public life to Carrick, his estate,
where he died Jan. 5, 1627. He wrote in very elegant
Latin, a commentary on the epistle to the Ephesians,
which was published under the title “Roberti Bodii Scoti
Praelectiones in Epistolam ad Ephesios,
” Lond.
, a liberal patron of the arts, and an honour to his country, was born at Stanton in Shropshire, Jan. 19, 1719. His grandfather
, a liberal patron of the arts, and an
honour to his country, was born at Stanton in Shropshire,
Jan. 19, 1719. His grandfather was the rev. John Boydell, D. D. vicar of Ashbourne, and rector of Mapleton in
Derbyshire, whose son Josiah married Mary Milnes, eldest daughter of Samuel Milnes, esq. of Ash-house near
Turnditch, Derbyshire, Jan. 22, 1718. Dr. Boydell was
an excellent scholar, and for some time superintended the
education of his grandson, intending him for the church,
but dying in 1731, the youth was brought up by hisfatlver,
a land-surveyor, who very naturally intended him for his
own profession, and as a taste for drawing generally discovers itself very early, he might probably foresee great
advantages from his son’s possessing this talent. Fortunately, however, for young Boydell, and for the arts, a
trifling accident gave a more decided direction to his mind,
and led him to aim at higher efforts in the art than the
mere mechanism of ground-plans and outlines. This was
no other than the sight of a print by Toms, a very indifferent artist, of sir John Glynne’s seat and the old castle
attached to it, in “Baddeley’s Views of different Country
Seats.
” An exact delineation of a building that he had
so often contemplated, afforded him pleasure, and excited
some reflections which gave a new turn to his ambition.
Considering it as an engraving, and from the copper of
which might be taken an almost indefinite number of impressions, he determined to quit the pen, and take up
the graver, as an instrument which would enable him to
disseminate whatever work he could produce, in so much
wider a circle. This resolution was no sooner made, than
it was put in execution; for, with that spirit and perseverance which he manifested in every succeeding scene of
life, he, at twenty-one years of age, walked up to the
metropolis, and bound himself apprentice for seven years
to Mr. Toms, the engraver of the print which had so forcibly attracted his attention. These, and accidents equally
trifling, sometimes attract men of strong minds into the
path that leads direct to fame, and have been generally
considered as proving that they were born with some peculiar genius for some peculiar study. Sir J. Reynolds
had the first fondness for his art excited by the perusal of
“Richardson’s Treatise on Painting
” and Mr. Boydell
was induced to learn the art of engraving, by a coarse
print of a coarse artist, representing a mis-shapen gothic
castle.
, a lexicographer and miscellaneous writer, was born June 13, 1667, at the city of Castres in Upper Languedoc.
, a lexicographer and miscellaneous writer, was born June 13, 1667, at the city of Castres in Upper
Languedoc. His great-grandfather and grandfather were
masters of the riding-school at Nismes; his father was
president of the supreme court at Castres, and his mother
was Catherine, daughter of Campdomerius, a celebrated
physician, circumstances which have been recorded to
prove that he was of a good family. He was certainly of a
conscientious one, his relations being exiles for their adherence to the protestant religion. He was first educated
by his mother’s brother, Campdomerius, a noted divine
and preacher of the reformed church, and then was sent to
the protestant school at Puy Laurent, where he applied
assiduously, and excelled all his schoolfellows in Greek
and Latin. In 1685, when the persecution prevailed
against the protestants in France, he followed his uncle to
Holland, and pressed by want, was obliged to enter into
the military service in 1687; but soon, by the advice of
his relations, returned to his studies, and went to the university of Franeker, where he went through a regular course
of education, and added to philosophy, divinity, history,
&c. the study of the mathematics. In 1689 he came over
to England, and the hopes of being able to return to France,
which the protestants in general entertained, being disappointed, he was obliged to have recourse to his pen for a
livelihood. His first employment appears to have been to
transcribe and prepare for the press Camden’s letters from
the Cotton ian library, for Dr. Smith, who afterwards published them. In 1692, he became French and Latin tutor
to Allen Bathurst, esq. eldest son of sir Benjamin Bathurst,
who, being much in favour with the princess Anne of Denmark, afterwards queen of Great Britain, he had hopes of
some preferment at court. With this view he paid great
attention to his pupil’s education (who was afterwards lord Bathurst), and for his use composed two compendious
grammars, the one Latin, the other French; but the latter
only was printed, and to this da,y is a standard book. His
hopes of preferment, however, Appear to have been fallacious, which his biographer attributes to his siding with
a different party from the Bathurst family in the political
divisions which prevailed at that time in the nation, Boyer,
like the rest of his countrymen who had fled hither for religion, being a zealous whig. After this, having made
himself master of the English tongue, he became an author
by profession, and engaged sometimes alone, and sometimes in conjunction with the booksellers, in various compilations, and periodical works of the political kind, particularly a newspaper called the “Post-Boy;
” the “Political
State of Great Britain,
” published in volumes from History of William III.
” 3 vols. 8vo “Annals of the reign of Queen Anne,
” 11 vols. 8vo, and a
“Life of Queen Anne,
” fol. all publications now more
useful than when published, as they contain many state
papers, memorials, &c. which it would be difficult to find
elsewhere; but his name is chiefly preserved by his French
Dictionary, 1699, 4to, and a French Grammar, of both
which he lived to see several editions, and which still continue to be printed. His political principles involved him
with Swift, who often speaks contemptuously of him, and
with Pope, who has given him a place in the Dunciad. He
died Nov. 16, 1729, at a house he had built in Five Fields,
Chelsea, and was buried in Chelsea church-yard.
, of the French academy, was born at Alby in 1618. He came young to Paris, where he cultivated
, of the French academy, was born
at Alby in 1618. He came young to Paris, where he cultivated his talent for eloquence; but, having preached with
little success, he quitted the pulpit for the stage, which he
had been declaiming against, and now devoted himself to
it for life, always satisfied with himself, but seldom with
the public. Born with an imagination which submitted to
no restraint, he made choice of subjects strangely complicated, and equivocal heroes who had no character whatever. Aiming always at the sublime, where the simplicity
of nature was required, he fell into a strain of bombast,
unintelligible perhaps to himself. He is the author of
two-and-twenty dramatic pieces, full of fustian, and
conducted without any knowledge of the drama. His Judith
had a transient success. The epigram it produced from
Racine is generally known. “Je pleure, helas! pour ce
pauvre Holopherne, si mechamment mis a mort par Judith.
”
This piece, applauded during a whole Lent, was hissed off
the stage in the Easter holidays. Champmeslee, asking
the reason of the fickleness of the pit, was answered, that
the hissers had been at Versailles at the sermons of the
abbe Boileau, who had ridiculed him. Boyer, at length
disheartened by this constant run of ill-success, brought
out his tragedy of Agamemnon under a borrowed name,
andRacine, his grand tormentor, applauded the piece.
Boyer could not refrain from crying out in the pit, “It is
however Boyer’s, in spite of Mons. de Racine;
” but this
transport cost him dear, for his tragedy was hissed at the
next performance. He died at Paris, July 22, 1698, aged
eighty.
, a learned French physician, was born at Marseilles, August 5, 1693. His father, intending to
, a learned French
physician, was born at Marseilles, August 5, 1693. His
father, intending to bring him up to business, gave him a
suitable education, and afterwards sent him to Constantinople, to his uncle, who was consul there; but rinding
him inclined to literature, and to the study of medicine, he
sent him, on his return from the Levant, to the university
at Montpellier. In 1717, he took the degree of doctor,
and gave for jiis inaugural thesis, “A dissertation on Inoculation of the Small Pox,
” which he had seen practised
at Constantinople. On the plague breaking out at Marseilles, in 1720, he was sent there with five other physicians; and his conduct on that occasion having been approved, he was rewarded by the king with a pension, and
was made physician to a regiment of guards. He was some
years after invited to Hunspruche, a town in the bishopric
of Treves, where an infectious fever was making great ravages, and, in 1742, to Paris, on a similar occasion. His
success at these places occasioned him to be sent for to
Beauvais, in. 1750, where by his judicious management he
prevented -the spreading of an infections fever, infesting
that country. For these services he was honoured' by the
king with letters of nobility, and invested with the order of
St. Michael. He died at Paris, April 2, 1768. His works
are, “Methode indiquee contre la maladie epidemique
convient de regner a Beauvais,
” Paris, 1750, a quarto pamphlet, of only ten pages. “Methode a suivre dans le
traitement de differentes maladies epidemiques qui regnent
le plus ordinairernent dans la generality de Paris,
” Memoir
” on the disease
infesting the cattle at that time, which was sent to the
royal society in London, and procured him a place in
the list of their foreign members. He also gave a nevr
edition of the “Codex medicamentarius,
” seu “Pharmacopoeia Parisiensis,
” 4to, a very useful and well digested
work.
, earl of Orrery, fifth son of Richard earl of Cork, was born April 25, 1621, and created baron Broghill in the kingdom
, earl of Orrery, fifth son of Richard earl of Cork, was born April 25, 1621, and created baron Broghill in the kingdom of Ireland when but seven years old. He was educated at the college of Dublin, and about the year 1636, sent with his elder brother lord Kinalmeaky to make the tour of France and Italy. Afterhis return he married lady Margaret Howard, sister to the earl of Suffolk. During the rebellion in Ireland, he commanded a troop of horse in the forces raised by his father, and on many occasions gave proofs of conduct and courage. After the cessation of arms, which was concluded in 1643, he came over to England, and so represented to the king the Irish papists, that his majesty was convinced they never meant to keep the cessation, and therefore sent a commission to lord Inchiquin, president of Munster, to prosecute the rebels. Lord Broghill employed his interest in that county to assist him in this service; and when the government of Ireland was committed to the parliament, he continued to observe the same conduct till the king was put to death. That event shocked him so much, that he immediately quitted the service of the parliament; and, looking upon Ireland and his estate there as utterly lost, embarked for England, and returned to his seat at Marston in Somersetshire, where he lived privately till 1649. In this retirement, reflecting on the distress of his country, and the personal injury he suffered whilst his estate was held by the Irish rebels, he resolved, under pretence of going to the Spa for his health, to cross the seas, and apply to king Charles II. for a commission to raise forces in Ireland, in order to restore his majesty, and recover his own estate. He desired the earl of Warwick, who had an interest in the prevailing party, to procure a licence for him to go to the Spa. He pretended to the earl, that his sole view was the recovery of his health; but, to some of his friends of the royal party, in whom he thought he could confide, he discovered hi* real design; and having raised a considerable sum of money, came to London to prosecute his voyage. The committee of state, who spared no pains to get proper intelligence, being soon informed of his whole design, determined to proceed against him with the utmost severity. Cromwell, at that time general of the parliament’s forces, and a member of the committee, was no stranger to lord Broghill’s merit; and considering that this young nobleman might be of great use to him in reducing Ireland, he earnestly entreated the committee, that he might have leave to talk with him, and endeavour to gain him, before they proceeded to extremities. Having, with great difficulty, obtained this permission, he immediately dispatched a gentleman to lord Broghill, to let him know that he intended to wait upon him. Broghill was surprised at this message, having never had the least acquaintance with Cromwell, and therefore desired the gentleman to let the general know that he would wait upon his excellency. But while he was expecting the return of the messenger, Cromwell entered the room; and, after mutual civilities, told him in few words, that the committee of state were apprised of his design of going over, and applying to Charles Stuart for a commission to raise forces in Ireland; and that they had determined to make an example of him, if he had not diverted them from that resolution. The lord Broghill interrupted him, and assured him that the intelligence which the committee had received was false; that he was neither in a capacity, nor had any inclination, to raise disturbances in Ireland; and concluded with entreating his excellency to have a kinder opinion of him. Cromwell, instead of making any reply, drew some papers out of. his pocket, which were the copies of several letters sent by lord Broghill to those persons in whom he most confided, and put them into his hands. Broghill, finding it was to no purpose to dissemble any longer, asked his excellency’s pardon for what he had said, returned him, Vol. VI. y his humble thanks for his protection against the committee, and entreated his advice how he ought to behave in so delicate a conjuncture. Cromwell told him, that though till this time he had been a stranger to his person, he was not so to his merit and character; that he had heard how gallantly his lordship had already behaved in the Irish wars; and therefore, since he was named lord lieutenant of Ireland, and the reducing that kingdom was now become his province, that he had obtained leave of the committee to offer his lordship the command of a general officer, if he would serve in that war: that he should have no oaths or engagements imposed upon him, nor be obliged to draw his sword against any but the Irish rebels. Lord Broghill was infinitely surprised at so generous and unexpected an offer: he saw himself at liberty, by all the rules of honour, to serve against the Irish, whose rebellion and barbarities were equally detested by the royal party and the parliament: he desired, however, the general to give him some time to consider of what he had proposed to him. Cromwell briskly told him, that he must come to some resolution that very instant; that he himself was returning to the committee, who were still sitting; and if his lordship rejected their offer, they had determined to send him to the Tower. Broghill,' rinding that his life and liberty were in the utmost danger, and charmed with the frankness and generosity of Cromwell’s behaviour, gave him his word and honour, that he would faithfully serve him against the Irish rebels; upon which, Cromwell once more assured him, that the conditions which he had made with him should be punctually observed; and then ordered him to repair immediately to Bristol, to which place forces should be sent him, with a sufficient number of ships to transport him into Ireland.
may be deduced the whole system of natural knowledge.” The reader perhaps recollects, that Mr. Boyle was born the same year in which lord Bacon died. “Sol occubuitj
But that part of his discourse which concerns us most,
is, the copious and eloquent account he has given of this
great man’s abilities. “His knowledge,
” says he, “was
of so vast an extent, that if it were not for the variety of
vouchers in their several sorts, I should be afraid to say
all I know. He carried the study of the Hebrew very far
into the rabbinical writings, and the other oriental tongues,
He had read so much of the fathers, that he had formed a
clear judgment of all the eminent ones. He had read a
vast deal on the scriptures, had gone very nicely through
the various controversies in religion, tind was a true master
of the whole body of divinity. He read the whole compass of the mathematical sciences; and, though he did not
set himself to spring any new game, yet he knew the abstrusest parts of geometry. Geography, in the several
parts of it that related to navigation or travelling; history
and books of novels, were his diversions. He went very
nicely through all the parts of physic; only the tenderness
of his nature made him less able to endure the exactness
of anatomical dissections, especially of living animals,
though he knew these to be most instructing. But for the
history of nature, ancient and modern, of the productions
of allcountries, of the virtues and improvements of plants,
of ores, and minerals, and all the varieties that are in them
jn different climates, he was by much, by very much, the
readiest and' the perfectest I ever knew, in the greatest
compass, and with the nicest exactness. This put him in
the way of making all that vast variety of experiments beyond any man, as far as we know, that ever lived. And
in these, as he made a great progress in new discoveries,
so he used so nice a strictness, and delivered them with so
scrupulous a truth, that all who have examined them have
found how safely the world may depend upon them. But
his peculiar and favourite study was chemistry, in which he
was engaged with none of those ravenous and ambitious
designs that drew many into it. His design was only to
find out nature, to see into what principles things might
be resolved, and of what they were compounded, and to
prepare good medicaments for the bodies of men. He
spent neither his time nor fortune upon the vain pursuits
of high promises and pretensions. He always kept himself
within the compass that his estate might well bear and,
as he made chemistry much the better for his dealing in it,
so he never made himself either worse or the poorer for it.
It was a charity to others, as well as an entertainment to
himself; for the produce of it was distributed by his sister
and others, into whose hands he put it.
” To thiseulogium
of the bishop, we will only add that of the celebrated physician, philosopher, and chemist, Dr. Herman Boerhaave;
who, after having declared lord Bacon to be the father of
experimental philosophy, asserts, that “Mr. Boyle, the
ornament of his age and country, succeeded to the genius
and enquiries of the great chancellor Verulam. Which,
”
says he, “of all Mr. Boyle’s writings shall I recommend?
All of them. To him we owe the secrets of fire, air, water,
animals, vegetables, fossils: so that from his works may be
deduced the whole system of natural knowledge.
” The
reader perhaps recollects, that Mr. Boyle was born the
same year in which lord Bacon died. “Sol occubuitj
nox nulla secuta est.
”
ger second earl of Orrery, by lady Mary Sackville, daughter to Richard earl of Dorset and Middlesex, was born in August 1676, at his father’s house in Chelsea; and at
, earl of Orrery, second son of
Roger second earl of Orrery, by lady Mary Sackville,
daughter to Richard earl of Dorset and Middlesex, was
born in August 1676, at his father’s house in Chelsea;
and at fifteen entered a nobleman of Christ-church, in
Oxford, under the care of Dr. Francis Atterbury, afterwards bishop of Rochester, and Dr. Freind. Dr. Aldrich,
the head of that society, observing his uncommon application, drew up for his use that compendium of logic
which is now read at Christ-church, wherein he styles him
“the great ornament of our college.
” Having quitted the
university, he was in
subject of the preceding article), by the lady Elizabeth Cecil, daughter of John earl of Exeter. He was born on the 2d of January, 1706-7, and put early under the tuition
, earl of Cork and Orrery, a nobleman
who added fresh lustre to his name and family, was the
only son and heir of Charles, the fourth earl of Orrery (the subject of the preceding article), by the lady Elizabeth
Cecil, daughter of John earl of Exeter. He was born on
the 2d of January, 1706-7, and put early under the tuition
of Mr. Fenton, the author of Mariamne, and one of the
coadjutors of Mr. Pope in the translation of the Odyssey,
by whom he was instructed in English; and carried through
the Latin tongue from the age of seven to thirteen. Between this amiable poet and his noble pupil a constant
friendship subsisted; and his lordship always spoke of him
after his decease, and often with tears, as “one of the
worthiest and modestest men that ever adorned the court
of Apollo.
” After passing through Westminster school,
lord Boyle was admitted as a nobleman at Christ-church,
Oxford, of which college, as we have already seen, his
father had been a distinguished ornament. One of his
first poetical essays was an answer to some verses by Mrs.
Howe, on an unsuccessful attempt to draw his picture.
uld be her vanity and boast, if she could but persuade herself she deserved it.” The house where she was born belonged to him; and he always passed by it, after her
In the summer of 1732 the earl of Orrery went over to
Ireland to re-establish his affairs, which were much embarrassed by the villainy of his father’s agent. As the
family seat at Charleville had been burnt to the ground by
a party of king James’s army in 1690, his lordship resided
sometimes with a friend at that place, and sometimes at
Cork. Whilst he was in this city, he met with a most severe affliction, in the loss of his countess, who died on the
22d of August, 1732. The character of this amiable lady
has been drawn by lord Orrery himself, in his Observations on Pliny. The countess was interred with her
ancestors, at Taplow, in Bucks; and Mr. S. Wesley, in a
poem on her death, fully displayed her excellent qualities
and virtues. Mr. Theobald did the same, in his dedication
of Shakspeare’s Works to the earl. The dedication, it
seems, was originally intended for her ladyship; and
therefore lord Orrery is represented as succeeding to it by
the melancholy right of executorship. Mr. Theobald professes to have borrowed many hints from hearing his patron
converse on Shakspeare; and adds, “Your lordship may
reasonably deny the loss of the jewels which I have disparaged in the unartful setting.
” Such language, however, must be considered as partly complimentary; for
if the earl of Orrery had contributed any material criticisms upon our great dramatic poet, they would undoubtedly have been distinctly specified. Some pathetic verses
on the death of the countess, dated Marston, Dec. 17,
1734, were addressed by his lordship to Mrs. Rowe, who
lived in his neighbourhood, and with whom he had an
intimate friendship during the latter part of her life. How
much this ingenious and excellent lady valued his esteem
and regard, is evident from her observing, that “his approbation would be her vanity and boast, if she could but
persuade herself she deserved it.
” The house where she
was born belonged to him; and he always passed by it,
after her decease, with the utmost veneration. It appears
from Mrs. Rowe’s posthumous letter to his lordship, that
he had charged her with “a message to his Henrietta
(Harriet), when she met her gentle spirit in the blissful
regions.
”
third earl of Burlington and fourth earl of Cork, another branch of the illustrious family of Boyle, was born on the 25th of April, 1695; and was married on the 21st
, third earl of Burlington and fourth earl of Cork, another branch of the illustrious family of Boyle, was born on the 25th of April, 1695; and was married on the 21st of March, 1720-1, to the lady Dorothy Savile, the eldest of the two daughters and co-heirs of William Savile, marquis of Halifax. By this lady he had three daughters, the youngest of whom, Charlotte, alone survived him. She was married to the duke of Devonshire, and was mother to the late duke, and grandmother to the present. On the 18th of June, 1730, the earl of Burlington was installed one of the knights’ companions of the most noble order of the garter; and in June 1731, he was constituted captain of the band of gentlemen pensioners. In 1732, being at the city of York, the lord mayor, aldermen, and corporation, sent a deputation to return their thanks to him for the favour he had done them in building their assembly-room, and for his other benefactions to the city, and to beg his acceptance of the freedom of it; which was, accordingly, presented to him in a gold box. In 1733, he resigned his place of captain of the band of pensioners. After this he lived retired, employing himself in adorning his gardens at Chiswick, and in constructing several pieces of architecture. Never, says lord Orford, were protection and great wealth more generously and more judiciously diffused than by this great person, who had every quality of a genius and artist, except envy. Though his own designs were more chaste and classic than Kent’s, he entertained him in his house till his death, and was more studious to extend his friend’s fame than his own. Nor was his munificence confined to himself, and his own houses and gardens. He spent great sums in contributing to public works, and was known to choose that the expence should fall on himself, rather than that his country should be deprived of some beautiful edifices. His enthusiasm for the works of Inigo Jones was so active, that he repaired the church of Covent-garden, because it was the production of that great master, and purchased a gate-way of his at Beaufort-garden in Chelsea, and transported the identical stones to Chiswick with religious attachment. With the same zeal for pure architecture, he assisted Kent in publishing the designs for Whitehall, and gave a beautiful edition of the antique baths from the drawings of Palladio, whose papers he procured with great cost. Besides his works on his own estate at Lanesborough in Yorkshire, he new fronted his house in Piccadilly, built by his father^ and added the grand colonnade within the court. It is recorded that his father being asked, why he built his house so far out of town? replied, because he was determined to have no building beyond him. This is now in the heart of that part of the town. Our nobility formerly wished for town-houses, and not for town-neighbourhoods, but the latter being now obtruded upon them is probably the cause of their paying so little attention to the keep of their London-palaces. Bedford-house has been levelled to the ground some years, and Burlington-house is likewise said to be doomed to destruction.
of Cork and Orrery, the second son of John, earl of Orrery, the subject of the last article but one, was born in February 1730, and educated at Westminster-school, where
, earl of Cork and Orrery, the second son of John, earl of Orrery, the subject of the last
article but one, was born in February 1730, and educated
at Westminster-school, where the masterly manner in
which he acted the part of Ignoramus, and spoke the epilogue, did great credit to his genius. In June 1748, he
was matriculated at Oxford, and December following was
admitted student of Christ-church, and proceeded regularly
to the degree of LL. B. In 1762 he succeeded his father in the earldom, his elder brother having deceased
three years before. In 1763, he was created LL. D. by
diploma, and at the same time appointed high steward of
the university of Oxford. He continued student of Christ
church on a faculty till his death, which happened at Marston house, Jan. 17, 1764. He is recorded as an author
from having contributed two papers to the “World,
”
drawn up with vivacity, elegance, and humour, and affording
a proof that if his life had been continued, he would have
added new literary honour to his celebrated name and family. These papers are No. 60 and 170.
as to be divided into eight branches, each residing in their respective seats in the county of Kent, was born in 1571. He was the fourth son of Thomas Boys of Eythorne
, dean of Canterbury, descended from John de Bosco, who entered England with theConqueror, and allied to a family so opulent and extensive as to be divided into eight branches, each residing in their respective seats in the county of Kent, was born in 1571. He was the fourth son of Thomas Boys of Eythorne in that county, esq. hy Christian, daughter and co-heiress of John Seajles, of Wye, esq. Having most probably received the earlier part of his education at the king’s school in Canterbury, he went to Cambridge in 1586, where he became a scholar of Corpus Christi college, and proceeded to the degree of M. A. in 1593> He was about this time elected to a fellowship of Clare-hall, which is appropriated to a native of Kent.
in, &c.” It occurs in a ms. of sir Henry Fynes, who says he found it in an old book. Sir Henry Fynes was born in 1587, and Dr. Boys’s works could not be deemed an old
If we examine his “Postils,
” or the Defence of our
Liturgy, we shall have reason to admire his unwearied diligence, and his profound knowledge; to respect him as a
scholar and a divine. His style, indeed, partakes of the
quaintness of the age, but upon the whole we think him
less blameable on this score than some of his contemporaries. His main object was opposition to popery. He accordingly attacks the pope both with unsparing ridicule.
and with elaborate argument. In a sermon preached on
the Gunpowder treason, he introduced a parody on the
Lord’s Prayer in Latin, “Papa noster qui es llomae, maledicetur nomen tuum, intereat regnum tuum, impediatur
voluntas tua, sicut in coelo sic et in terra. Potum nostrum
in ccena dominica da nobis hodie, et remitte nummos
nustros quos tibi dedimus ob indulgentias, et ne nos indticas in haeresin, sed libera nos a miseria, quoniam tuum
est infernum, pix et sulphur in saecula sseculorurn.
” Granger gives this prayer in English, as if Dr. Boys had used
it in that language, and adds, what he certainly could not
know, that “he gained great applause by turning the
Lord’s Prayer into an execration.
” The truth is, he only
quoted it, saying “I have another prayer, and forasmuch
as it is in Latin, &c.
” It occurs in a ms. of sir Henry
Fynes, who says he found it in an old book. Sir Henry
Fynes was born in 1587, and Dr. Boys’s works could not
be deemed an old book in his time.
, esq. F. A. and L. S. S. was born at Deal in Kent, Sept. 7, 1735; and was for many years
, esq. F. A. and L. S. S. was born at Deal in Kent, Sept. 7, 1735; and was for many years an eminent surgeon at Sandwich, in the same county. He was the eldest of two sons of the late William Boys, esq. commodore by commission in the royal navy, and lieutenant-governor of Greenwich hospital, by his wife Elizabeth Pearson of Deal; and was descended, paternally, from an ancient and knightly family, who were seated at Bonnington, in the parish of Goodnestone, in Kent, at the beginning of the fourteenth century.
a protestant dissenting minister, was born at Leeds in Yorkshire, in January, 1659-60. After early
a protestant dissenting minister, was
born at Leeds in Yorkshire, in January, 1659-60. After
early instruction under the care of his parents, he received
the first part of his education for the ministry at the private
academy of the rev. Mr. Frankland, near Kendal, in Westmoreland, and completed it under the tuition of the rev.
Mr. Edward Veal, who kept a private academy at Stepney,
near London. Having continued in these seminaries five
years, and availed himself of the opportunities which he
enjoyed in the latter situation of attending on the preaching
of many able divines, both conformists and non-conformists,
he entered on the exercise of his ministry about the year
1680. In 1683, finding that he could not discharge the
duties of his function in England without molestation, he
accepted an invitation to be joint pastor with Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Daniel Williams, in Dublin; and had afterwards
for his coadjutor the rev. Mr. Thomas Emlyn, so well known
for his writings and his sufferings. This connection subsisted for more than ten years with mutual friendship and
uninterrupted harmony; but it was at length dissolved in
consequence of Mr. Emlyn’s sentiments concerning the
doctrine of the Trinity. On this occasion the zeal of Mr.
Boyse for the orthodox led him to take some steps that were
thought injurious to his former colleague, and inconsistent
with the friendship that had subsisted between them;
though he disapproved the prosecution which Mr. Emlyn
suffered, and behaved towards him with a greater degree of
kindness than any of the other dissenting ministers of Dublin. The latter years of Mr. Boyse^s life were embittered
by bodily disorders and straitened circumstances. His
funeral sermon was preached in December, 1728; but the
precise time of his death is not known. He was considered
as a pious, learned, and useful divine; assiduous in the exercise of his ministry, and in his conduct generally esteemed. He had a principal concern in promoting the act
of toleration in Ireland. His works were published in 1728,
in 2 vols. fol. The first contains 71 sermons, 6 dissertations on the doctrine of justification, and a paraphrase on
those passages of the New Testament which chiefly relate to
that doctrine. One of his sermons, originally printed separately, on “the Office of a Christian Bishop,
” was ordered to be burnt by the Irish parliament in Nov. 1711.
The second volume contains several pieces, of which the
principal is a“Vindication of the true Deity of our blessed
Saviour,
” in answer to Mr. Emlyn’s “Humble inquiry into
the Scripture account of Jesus Christ, &c.
” As Mr.
Boyse’s answer was published at the time when Mr. Emlyn
was under prosecution for his sentiments, his conduct did
not escape censure from the friends of Emlyn, who did not
think it candid, liberal, or ingenuous.
, the only son of the preceding, and whose life affords an excellent moral, was born in the year 1708, and after receiving the rudiments of
, the only son of the preceding, and whose life affords an excellent moral, was born in the year 1708, and after receiving the rudiments of education in a private school in Dublin, was sent at the age of eighteen to the university of Glasgow. His father’s int?ntion was, that he might cultivate the studies that are preparatory to entering into the ministry, but before he had resided many months at Glasgow, he contracted an attachment for a Miss Atchenson, the daughter of a tradesman in that city, and married her about a year after, probably without the consent of the parents on either side. By this imprudent match his studies were in some measure interrupted, and his expenses increased. The family of his wife were either unwilling or unable to support their new relation, and he soon found it necessary to repair to Dublin in hopes of receiving assistance from his father. On this expedition he was accompanied by his wife and her sister; but notwithstanding this additional incumbrance, and tue general levity of his conduct, his father received him with kindness, and out of the scanty and precarious income which he derived from his congregation by voluntary subscriptions, and from a small estate of eighty pounds a year in Yorkshire, endeavoured to maintain his son, and to reclaim him to the prosecution of his studies. Tenderness like this, however, which only to mention is to excite gratitude, produced no corresponding effects on t>ur poet, who abandoned his mind and time" to dissipation and idleness, without a thought of what he owed to his father or to himself. In this course too he was unhappily encouraged by the girl he married, who, while she imposed upon the good old man by a show of decency, and even sanctity, became in fact devoid of all shame, and at length shared her favours with other men, and that not without the knowledge of her husband, who is said to have either wanted resolution to resent her infidelity, or was reconciled by a share of the profits of his dishonour. Such a connection and such a mind, at an age when the manly and ingenuous feelings are usually strongest, may easily account for the miseries of his subsequent life.
, a French antiquary, was born at Lyons, Jan. 28, 1680, of parents who gave him an excellent
, a French antiquary, was
born at Lyons, Jan. 28, 1680, of parents who gave him
an excellent education. He attached himself at first to
jurisprudence, but antiquities and medals soon occupied
him entirely. The chancellor de Pontchartrain, the abbe
Bignon, Vaillant, Haruouin, admired him for the amiableness of his manners, and the depth of his learning. In
1705 he published some ingenious dissertations upon
medals and other monuments, which procured him to be
admitted into the academy of inscriptions and belles-lettres,
under the title of pupil; and the year following he became
perpetual secretary. The French academy too admitted
him of their society in 1715, as successor to M. Fenelon.
He was made keeper of the royal cabinet of medals in
1719; and the year after he set out for Holland, with the
view of augmenting that grand collection. On returning
to Paris he devoted the whole of his time to the academy
of belles-lettres, to which he contributed a great many
memoirs, and the cabinet of medals. He had the inspection of the library in 1745, during the illness of M. Maboul, before which time he resigned the place of secretary
to the academy. He died the 10th of September, 1753,
aged seventy-four. He was as estimable for the sweetness
of his temper as for the depth of his knowledge. Among
his works, are: 1. The edition of the first 15 vols. of the
“Memoires de l'academie des inscriptions et belleslettres.
” The historical panegyrics which embellish
these memoirs were printed separately in 2 vols. 12mo.
They are ingenious and agreeable; they may contain
fewer of those delicate strokes with which the éloges
of Fontenelle abound, but perhaps they exceed them
in elegance and taste! They are, however, unequal.
2. The second edition of the “Medallic history of Louis
XIV.
” brought down to his death, 1723, folio. He gives
the drawings and impresses of many of them. 3. “The
history of the emperor Tetricus illustrated by medals.
”
4. Several dissertations on the ancient medals, dispersed
for the most part throughout the “Memoires de l'academie
des belles-lettres.
” 5. He published the “Catalogue of
his library,
” Yellow
Book,
” “Livre jaune, contenant quelques conversations
sur les logomachies, disputes de mots, abus de termes,
”
&c. Bale,
poet of some celebrity, known by the name of Bracciolini Dell’ Api, a surname given him by the pope, was born at Pistoia, in Tuscany, 1566, and was fellow-student with
, an Italian poet of some celebrity, known by the name of Bracciolini Dell’ Api, a
surname given him by the pope, was born at Pistoia, in
Tuscany, 1566, and was fellow-student with Maffei Barberini, whose love of poetry and polite literature resembled
his own, and increased their friendship. When Barberini
was afterwards appointed nuncio in France, under the
pontificate of Clement VIII. he engaged Bracciolini as his
secretary, who accepted the office in hopes that his patron
might become a cardinal, and serve his interest more essentially, for Bracciolini was not free from the unpoetical
failing of avarice; but this event not taking place so soon
as he expected, he retired to Pistoia, where he composed
a part of his works. Barberini, however, being not only
made cardinal, but also pope in 1622, under the title of
Urban VIII. Bracciolini waited upon him with a poem of
congratulation, amounting to twenty-three books, which
the pope liked so well, that he ordered him to adopt the
surname Dell' Api, and to add to his arms three bees,
which are the arms of the Barberini family. He gave him
at the same time more substantial rewards, and placed him
as secretary under his brother, cardinal Antonio Barberini.
After the death of Urban VIII. in 1644, Bracciolini again
retired to Pistoia, where he died the following year. He
wrote a great number of poems of every species, epics, tragedies, comedies, pastorals, lyrics, satires, and burlesque
verses. Of these, the only ones worthy of notice, seem to
be: 1. “La Croce Racquistata,
” a heroic poem in fifteen
cantos, Paris, Lo Scherno degli
Dei,
” a mock-heroic, in ridicule of the heathen mythology, Florence, 1618, 4to, a better edition in 1625, 4to.
This poem has given him some title to the invention of the
mock-heroic, because in the preface it is asserted that the
“Lo Scherno
” although printed some years after Tassoni’s
“La Secchia Rapita,
” was written many years sooner. It
is, however, a poem of considerable merit in that style.
, a facetious preacher among the dissenters, whose oddities are still traditionary, was born in 1677, at Wakefield, in Yorkshire. His father belonged
, a facetious preacher among
the dissenters, whose oddities are still traditionary, was
born in 1677, at Wakefield, in Yorkshire. His father
belonged to a dissenting meeting at Alverthorp, near that
town, of which Mr. Peter Naylor, an ejected minister, was
pastor. Under his care, and at the free-school at Leeds,
he received the first rudiments of learning. He was afterwards sent to an academy kept by Mr. Jollie, at Attercliffe. He began to preach at the early age of eighteen,
about the year 1696, when his juvenile figure procured
him some rebuffs, which he soon disregarded, and convinced his hearers that he was a boy only in appearance.
His conquest over these remarks at this time seems to have
formed an aera in his history, as he used to “bless God
that from that hour he had never known the fear of man.
”
He soon after left the academy, and was taken into the
family of Mr. Whitaker, who, according to his biographer,
checked his ardour, at least so far that he preached but
seldom. In 1697 he went to Beverley, where he continued
two years, and then became assistant to Dr. Gilpin, at
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and remained there three years,
with almost unbounded popularity. He then removed to
Stepney, near London, and in 1707 was chosen pastor of
a meeting in Fetter-lane, vacant by the death of Mr. Benoni Rowe. After preaching here to a crowded congregation for twenty years, a quarrel took place; about what, his
biographer does not inform us; but Mr. Bradbury was immediately invited to succeed the noted Daniel Burgess, in
the meeting at New-court, Carey-street, and in less than
a fortnight exchanged his former for his latter pulpit,
carrying with him such of his Fetter-lane hearers as adhered to him in the late contest. Here he succeeded
Daniel Burgess as a wit as well as a divine, and his biographer gravely informs us, that “this pulpit a se*cond
time presented a phenomenon as rare as it is beneficial,
wit consecrated to the service of serious and eternal truth.
”
Of this wit, however, Mr. N. Neal, in a letter to Dr.
Doddridge, (1749,) gives a different opinion. “I have
seen Mr. Bradbury’s sermons, just published, the nonsense and buffoonery of which would make one laugh, if
his impious insults over the pious dead did not make one
tremble.
” After entertaining the public by this species
of comic preaching for thirty-two years, he died at Warwick-court, Gray’s-inn, Sept. 9, 1759, aged eighty-two.
Of his character it is said, that “had he possessed as much
judgment as quickness of wit, and as much temper as zeal,
he would have been a man of much greater consideration.
His usefulness was much abated after the Sailers’ -hall
synod, for though he was warm on the orthodox side, his
ill-conducted zeal did much mischief.
” Among his other
differences of opinion from his brethren, he made it his
business in the pulpit to lampoon and satirize the hymns
and psalms of Dr. Watts. It is said, indeed, that whentever he gave out one of the former, it was prefaced with
“Let us sing one of Watts’s whims.
” Among the numerous anecdotes of Tom Bradbury, as he was familiarly
called, we shall give only the following, which contains
some characteristic features. “Tom generally gave audience at supper-time, and the ceremony was thus conducted. On a little table lay two pocket bibles, one of
which was taken up by Bradbury, and the other by his
daughter, and each having read a portion, one of the visiting ministers was desired to pray: they then adjourned
to supper; after which, Tom entertained the company
with ‘ The roast beef of old England,’ which, it is said,
he sung better than any man in England.
” His printed
works amply justify the character usually given of him,
that with much zeal he was totally destitute of judgment,
and regardless of the dignity of his sacred calling, dwelling
perpetually on political topics, and enforcing them in a
strain of ridicule totally unfit for the place in which he
stood. These works consist of “Fifty-four Sermons,
”
one of the most eminent of the protestant divines who suffered martyrdom in the reign of queen Mary, was born in the former part of Henry Vjii.'s reign in Manchester,
, one of the most eminent of the protestant divines who suffered martyrdom in the reign of queen Mary, was born in the former part of Henry Vjii.'s reign in Manchester, where he was educated in grammar, Latin, and accounts, in which last he was reckoned so expert that he was employed as clerk or secretary to sir John Harrington, treasurer and paymaster of the English forces in France; and in this employment he lived many years in great credit. His exchanging so profitable a situation for the clerical profession is rather obscurely accounted for by his biographers, some attributing it to his having imbibed the principles of the reformers, and being encouraged to join their number; others to certain abuses in sir John Harrington’s office, in which he either participated, or at which he connived, and the iniquity of which first struck him on hearing a sermon of bishop Latimer upon the subject of restitution as constituting the only basis of repentance. There is much reason, however, to doubt whether this sermon was not subsequent to the restitution he made of about 500l. which he apprehended the king had lost by some error in his and sir John Harrington’s accounts. The author of his life in the Biog. Brit, dwells with tiresome prolixity on this affair, as a new discorery of greater importance than, upon a perusal of the whole, we have beeri able to attach to it. The fact seems to have been, that Bradford was a man of great tenderness of conscience, and where he imagined he had done an injury, was restless until he had made restitution; and lamented his crime on this occasion with more bitterness than will be thought necessary by many persons who have been, intrusted with, much larger public accounts.
oth of the dead and living, although he removed his family to Islington. The subject of this article was born Dec. 20, 1652, in St. Anne’s Blackfriars, and was educated
, D. D. bishop of Rochester, was a native of London, the son of William Bradford, of whom it is recorded, that being a parish-officer in the time of the plague, he looked upon it as his duty to take care in person both of the dead and living, although he removed his family to Islington. The subject of this article was born Dec. 20, 1652, in St. Anne’s Blackfriars, and was educated at St. Paul’s school, and afterwards in the Charter-house. In 1669, he was admitted a student of Bene't college, Cambridge, and matriculated March 27, 1672, but left it without taking a degree, having at that time some scruples of conscience respecting the subscriptions, declarations, and oaths then required. He pursued his studies, however, in private, and after studying divinity, having overcome his scruples by a careful examination of the matters in controversy, he became desirous of orders in the church of England; but as he was then twenty-eight years old, and could not return to the university and go regularly on in the statutable course of taking his degrees, archbishop Sancroft procured him a royal mandate for M. A. in 1680, and he was admitted to the same at Oxford in 1697. As the state of affairs, however, was critical at the time he received his degree at Cambridge, he declined proceeding in his design, living as a private tutor to gentlemen’s families, until after the revolution, when he was ordained deacon and priest in 1690, and in the spring following was elected minister of St. Thomas’s church, Southwark, by the governors of that hospital.
d member of the academies of sciences and belles-lettres of Paris, Berlin, Petersburgh, and Bologna, was born at Shireborn in Gloucestershire in 1692, and educated at
, D. D. Savilian professor of astronomy in Oxford, F. R. S. and member of the academies of sciences and belles-lettres of Paris, Berlin, Petersburgh, and Bologna, was born at Shireborn in Gloucestershire in 1692, and educated at Northleach in the same county. Thence he was admitted a commoner of Balliol-college in Oxford, March 15, 1710: where he took the degree of B. A. Oct. 14, 1714, and of M. A. Jan. 21, 1716. He was ordained deacon and priest in 1719, and instituted the same year to the vicarage of Bridstow in Herefordshire. He never had any other preferment in the church, except the small rectory or sinecure of Landewy Welfry, in the county of Pembroke, and diocese of St. David: and his institution to this bears date the Jst of March 1719. It is presumed that the bishop of Hereford, to whom he was chaplain, was his patron to the vicarage; and Mr. Molyneux, who was then secretary to the prince of Wales, procfcred him the sinecure.
, an early English poet, was a native of Chester, where he was born about the middle of the fifteenth century. Discovering
, an early English poet, was a
native of Chester, where he was born about the middle of
the fifteenth century. Discovering an early propensity to
religion and literature, he was received, while a boy, into
the monastery of St. Werbergh, in that city; and having
there imbibed the rudiments of his education, he was sent
afterwards to Gloucester college (now Worcester) in the
suburbs of Oxford, where, for a time, he studied theology,
with the novices of his order, and then returned to his
convent at Chester: here in the latter part of his life, he
applied himself chiefly to the study of history, and wrote
several books. He died either in 1508, or in 1513. Before the year 1500, he wrote the “Life of St. Werburgh,
”
in English verse, declaring that he does not mean to rival
Chaucer, Lydgate, Barklay, or Skelton, which two last
were his contemporaries, and his versification is certainly
inferior to Lydgate’s worst manner. This piece was first
printed by Pinson in 1521, 4to. a volume of great rarity^
but amply analysed by Mr. Dibdin in his second volume of
Typographical Antiquities, who thinks that he may stand
foremost in the list of those of the period wherein he wrote.
His descriptions are often happy as well as minute: and
there is a tone of moral purity and rational piety in his
thoughts, enriched by the legendary lore of romance, that
renders many passages of his poem exceedingly interesting.
It comprehends a variety of other subjects, as a description
of the kingdom of the Mercians, the lives of St. Ethelred
and St. Sexburgh, the foundation of the city of Chester,
and a chronicle of our kings.
, an eminent puritan divine, was born in 1571 at Market-Bosworth, in Leicestershire, of an ancient
, an eminent puritan divine,
was born in 1571 at Market-Bosworth, in Leicestershire, of
an ancient but reduced family, and was first educated at
Worcester free school, at the expense of an uncle, ou
whose death he was obliged to return to Bosworth, but afterwards found a friend in Mr. Ainsworth, schoolmaster at
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, who continued his education in that
school. In 1589, he was admitted along with Joseph Hall,
afterwards the celebrated bishop of Exeter, into Emmanuel college, Cambridge, and took in course his degree of
B. A. and M. A. but could not obtain a fellowship, according to the statutes, which allow but of one of a county at
time, and that for Leicestershire was gained by Mr.
Hall. The master of the college, however, Dr. Chaderton, who had a high respect for him, first procured him
to be tutor to the children of sir Thomas Leighton, governor of Guernsey, and afterwards to be fellow of Sidney
Sussex college, then newly founded. He then entered
into holy orders, and preached first as a lecturer at Abington, near Cambridge, and at Steeple Morton. Afterwards,
by the recommendation of Dr. Chaderton, he was in 101i
settled at Chatham, in Kent; but before he had been there
a year, he was sent for by the archbishop of Canterbury
(Whitgift) and commanded to subscribe, which he refusing,
was suspended. He therefore was obliged to remove, but
was afterwards licensed by the bishop of Litchfield and Coventry (Dr. Overton) to preach any where in his diocese,
and at length coming to London, was chosen lecturer of
Christ Church, Newgate-street. Here, however, he published a treatise against the Ceremonies, which obliged him,
to leave the city and retire to the house of his friend and
patron, Mr. Redriche, at Newhall, in Leicestershire, and he
remained here until near his death, which happened when,
on a visit at Chelsea in 1618. Bishop Hall says of him$
that he was “of a strong brain and of a free spirit, not
suffering himself for small differences of judgment to be
alienated from his friends, to whom, notwithstanding his
seeming austerity, he was very pleasing in conversation,
being full of witty and harmless urbanity. He was very
strong and eager in arguing, hearty in friendship, regardless
of the world, a despiser of compliments, a lover of reality,
full of digested and excellent notions, and a painful labourer
in God’s vineyard.
” The rev. Thomas Gataker, of Ilotherhiihe, wrote his life, a long and not uninteresting account.
ts and learning, the son of Nicholas Brady, an officer in the king’s army in the civil wars of 1641, was born at Bandon, in the county of Cork, Oct. the 28th, 1659;
, an English divine of good
parts and learning, the son of Nicholas Brady, an officer
in the king’s army in the civil wars of 1641, was born at
Bandon, in the county of Cork, Oct. the 28th, 1659; and
continued in Ireland till he was 12 years of age. Then he
was sent over to England to Westminster-school; and from
thence elected stuJent to Christ-church in Oxford. After
continuing there about four years, he went to Dublin,
where his father resided; at which university he immediately commenced B. A. When he was of due stanuing,
his diploma for the degree of D. D. was, on account of his
uncommon merit, presented to him by that university while
he was in England; and brought over by Dr Pratt, then
senior travelling fellow, afterwards provost of that college.
His first ecclesiastical preferment was to a prebend in the
cathedral of St. Barry, at Cork; to which he was collated
by bishop Wettenhal, whose domestic chaplain he was.
He was a zealous promoter of the revolution, and in consequence of his zeal suffered for it. In 1690, when the
troubles broke out in Ireland, by his interest with king
Tatnes as general, M'Carty, he thrice prevented the burning of the town of Bandon, after three several orders given
by that prince to destroy it. The same year, having been
deputed by the people of Bandon, he went over to England, to petition the parliament for a redress of some grievances they had suffered while king James was in Ireland;
and afterwards quitting his preferments in Ireland, he settled in London; where, being celebrated for his abilities in
the pulpit, he was elected minister of St. Catherine Cree
church, and lecturer of St. Michael’s Wood-street. He
afterwards became minister of Richmond in Surry. and
Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire, and at length rector
of Clapham in Surry; which last, together with Richmond, he held till his death. His preferments amounted
to 600l. a year, but he was so little of an Œconomist as to
be obliged to keep a school at Richmond. He was also
chaplain to the duke of Ormond’s troop of horse-guards, as
he was to their majesties king William and queen Mary.
He died May 20, 1726, aged 66, leaving behind him the
character of being a person of an agreeable temper, a polite gentleman, an excellent preacher, and a good poet.
He has no high rank, however, among poets, and would
have long ere now been forgotten in that character, if his
name was not so familiar as a translator of the new version
of the “Psalms,
” in conjunction with Mr. Tate, which version was licensed 1696. He translated also the Æneids of
Virgil,“published by subscription in 1726, 4 vols. 8vo,and a tragedy, called
” The Rape, or the Innocent Impos-tors,“neither performances of much character. His prose
works consist of
” Sermons," three volumes of which were
published by himself in 1704, 1706, and 1713, and three
others by his eldest son, who was a clergyman at Tooting,
in Surry, London, 1730, 8vo.
, a noted historian and physician of the seventeenth century, was born in the county of Norfolk, and admitted in Caius college
, a noted historian and physician of
the seventeenth century, was born in the county of Norfolk,
and admitted in Caius college in Cambridge, February 20,
1643. He took his degree of bachelor of physic in 1653,
and was created doctor in that faculty September 5, 1660,
by virtue of the king’s mandatory letters. On the first of
December the same year, he was, in pursuance of king
Charles’s mandate, elected master of his college, upon the
resignation of Dr. Bachcroft. About the year 1670, or as
some think not until 1685, he was appointed keeper of the
records in the Tower of London; in which office he employed himself in perusing those most valuable monuments
in his possession, with a view to his historical works. Some
time after, he was chosen regius professor of physic in the
university of Cambridge. In 1679, he wrote a letter to
Dr. Sydenham, on the influence of the air, &c. which is
published among that learned person’s works. But his
largest and most considerable performance was, “An Introduction to the old English History,
” in which he maintains these three propositions: 1. That the representatives
of the commons in parliament, viz. knights, citizens, and
burgesses, were not introduced till the forty-ninth of
Henry III.; 2. That William, duke of Normandy, made
an absolute conquest of the nation; 3. That the succession
to the crown of England is hereditary (descending to the nearest of blood), and not elective: And “A complete
History of England, from the first entrance of the Romans,
unto the end of the reign of king Richard II.
” in three vols.
fol. about which he was employed several years, and which
was printed 1685 and 1700, usually bound in two volumes.
In the year 1681 he was chosen one of the representatives
for the university of Cambridge, in that parliament which
met at Oxford; and again in 1685, in the parliament of
king James II. He was likewise physician in ordinary to
this king; and, on the twenty -second of October, 1688,
was one of those persons who gave in their depositions concerning the birth of the pretended prince of Wales. He
died on the nineteenth of August, 1700. He was an accurate writer, and a curious and diligent searcher into our
ancient records; but his impartiality has been called in
question, particularly by those who contend for the higher
antiquity of parliaments, and a larger proportion of popular influence in the constitution. Tyrell wrote his “General History of England,
” in opposition to that of Brady.
Dr. Gilbert Stuart, who hated all Scotch historians except himself, maintains that Hume executed his History
on Brady’s principles; allowing Brady to pdssess an excellent understanding and admirable quickness, Dr. Stuart asserts also, that he was the slave of a faction. Dr.
Brady’s other publications were, “An Answer to Mr. Petyt’s Book on Parliaments,
” London, An Historical Treatise of Cities and Burghs or Boroughs,
”
ibid.
, a very celebrated astronomer, descended from a noble and illustrious Danish family, was born in 1546 at Knudstorp, a small lordship near Helsingborg,
, a very celebrated astronomer, descended from a noble and illustrious Danish family, was born in 1546 at Knudstorp, a small lordship near Helsingborg, in Scania. His father, Otto Brahe, having a large family, Tycho was educated under the care and at the expence of his uncle George Brahe, who, having no children, adopted him as his heir. Finding his nephew a boy of lively capacity, and though only seven years of age, strongly inclined to study, he had him instructed in the Latin tongue unknown to his father, who considered literature as inglorious, and was desirous that all his sons should follow the profession of arms. In the twelfth year of his age, Tycho was removed to the academy of Copenhagen; and his mind, which, had not yet taken any direction, was casually incited to the study of astronomy by fin eclipse of the sun, which happened on. Aug. 21? 1560. He had for some time examined the astrological diaries or almanacks, which pretended to predict future events from the inspection of the stars; but when he observed that the eclipse happened at the precise time at which it was foretold, he considered that science 'as divine, which could thus so thoroughly understand the motions of the heavenly bodies as to foretel their places and relative positions: and from that moment he devoted himself to astronomy.
, or Donato Lazzari, but celebrated under the former name, a painter and architect, was born at Castel Durante, in the territory of Urbino, irv 1444,
, or Donato Lazzari, but celebrated under the former name, a painter and architect, was born at Castel Durante, in the territory of Urbino, irv 1444, and at Urbino studied the works of Fra Carnevale, er Corradini. His fame as an architect has nearly obliterated his memory as a painter, though many of his works remain at Milan and its district, and are repeatedly mentioned by Cesariani and Lomazzo, who observe that his style on the whole resembled that of Andrea Mantegna. He painted portraits, sacred and profane history, in distemper and in fresco. He too, like Mantegna, studied much after casts, thence perhaps the too salient lights of his flesh. Like him, he draped models in paper or glued linen, to avoid stiffness. Lomazzo, who cleaned one of his pictures in distemper, found that, like Mantegna, he made use of a viscous liquid. The public frescoes of Bramante at Milan, mentioned by Lomazzo and Scaramuccia, are either no more, or spoiled; but a considerable number of private ones still remain in certain apartments of the palaces Borri and CastiglionL In the Certosa of Pavia there is likewise a chapel said to have been painted by him: the proportions are square, and rather heavy; the faces full, the aged heads grand; the colour vivid and salient, not without some crudity. The same style prevails in a picture of his belonging to the Melzi family, representing several saints and a beautiful perspective; it recurs again in an altar-piece of the Incoronata at Lodi, a charming temple built from the design of Bramante, by Gio. Bataggio, a native of the place; but his master-piece at Milan is at the church of S. Sebastian, the patron saint, in whose style no trace of Quattrocento appears.
, a Flemish historical painter, was born at Delft, in 1596, and acquired the art of painting in
, a Flemish historical painter, was
born at Delft, in 1596, and acquired the art of painting
in the school of Rembrandt, whose manner in small he
imitated. At the age of 18 years he went to Rome for
further improvement, but could never wholly divest himself of the Flemish style. With a fine taste of design he
combined an expression generally good, and occasionally
noble. His pencil is delicate, and his colouring very peculiar in Che tints, and by great skill in the management
of the chiaro-scuro, light, bold, and full of lustre, particularly in the vases, which he was fond of introducing,
and to which he gave a rich and fine relievo. To his pictures he was accustomed to give a great degree of transparence, by painting witk a very thin body of colour,
especially in the brown and shadowy parts. His name was
famous, not only at Rome, but in several other cities of
Italy, anu his works, but of Italy, are scarce but when“they occur in an undamaged state, they fetch high prices.
Among his most capital pictures are the
” Raising of Lazarus,“exhibiting a charming contrast of light and shadow;
his
” Denial of St. Peter,“both executed in his best
manner, and preserved at Rome; and particularly a small
picture on copper, representing the
” Story of Pyramus
and Thisbe."
, abbe d'Aulnay, who was born in the comtat Venaissin, and died April 11, 1758, is known
, abbe
d'Aulnay, who was born in the comtat Venaissin, and died
April 11, 1758, is known by several works in physics and
astronomy. The abundance of words, the frequent
repetitions, the great number of insignificant ideas perceived
in his writings, have disgusted many readers; though they
contain much excellent matter. The principal are, 1.
“Letters on cosmography,
” Modern
system of cosmography and general physics,
” Explication of the flux and reflux of the sea,
” Cosmographical ephemerides,
” History or police of the kingdom of Gala,
”
seventeenth century, son of Thomas Brancker, some time bachelor of artsj,in Exeter college, Oxford, was born in Devonshire in 1636, and was admitted batler (and not
, an eminent mathematician of the seventeenth century, son of Thomas Brancker, some time bachelor of artsj,in Exeter college, Oxford, was born in Devonshire in 1636, and was admitted batler (and not butler, as some late biographical compilations blunderingly assert), of the said college, Nov. 8, 1652, in the seventeenth year of his age. In 1655, June 15, he took the degree of bachelor of arts, and was elected probationary fellow the 30th of the same month. In 1658, April 22, he took the degree of master of arts, and became a preacher; but after the restoration, refusing to conform to the ceremonies of the church of England, he quitted his fellowship in 1662, and retired to Chester: but not long after, he became reconciled to the service of the church, took orders from a bishop, and was made a minister of Whitegate. He had, however, for some time, enjoyed great opportunity and leisure for pursuing the bent of his genius in the mathematical sciences; and his skill both in the mathematics and chemistry procured him the favour of lord Brereton, who gave him the rectory of Tilston. He was afterward chosen master of the well-endowed school at Macclesfield, in that county, where he spent the remaining years of his life, which was terminated by a short illness in 1676, at 40 years of age; and he was interred in the church at Macclesfield.
s, and rector of the united parishes of St. Mary-hill and St. Andrew Hubbard, in the city of London, was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, about 1743, and educated at Lincoln
, secretary to the society of antiquaries,
and rector of the united parishes of St. Mary-hill and St.
Andrew Hubbard, in the city of London, was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, about 1743, and educated at Lincoln
college, Oxford, where he took his bachelor’s degree, but
left college in 1774, on being presented by Matthew Ridley, esq. to the curacy of Cramlington, a chapel of ease
to St. Nicholas at Newcastle, from which it is distant about
eight miles. While at the university, he published a poem
“On Illicit Love; written among the Ruins of Godstow
Nunnery,
” Observations on Popular Antiquities, including the whole of Mr. Bourne’s Antiquitates Vulgares,
with Addenda to every chapter of that work; as also an
Appendix, containing such articles on the subject as have
been omitted by that author,
” 8vo. This work is dated
from Westgate-street, Tyne, where the author then resided. He afterwards continued to augment his materials
by subsequent and more extensive researches, and left a
much enlarged edition in ms. which is now in the hands of
an eminent antiquary, and is intended for publication.
About the time of the publication of his “Popular Antiquities,
” he was admitted a member of the society of Antiquaries, and in 1784 was presented by the duke of Northumberland, who, if we mistake not, had been his earliest
friend and patron, to the rectory of St. Mary-hill. In the
same year he was elected resident secretary to the Society
of Antiquaries, on the death of Dr. Morell, the duties of
which office he performed with uncommon ability, and to
the entire satisfaction of the society, who continued to
re-elect him annually until his death.
, a painter of portrait and history, was born at Prague, in 1660; and having spent about four years in
, a painter of portrait and history, was born at Prague, in 1660; and having spent about four years in the school of John Schroeter, principal painter at that court, a kind of jealousy of his rising merit was excited in the mind of his master, which Brandel resented, and removed from him; and at the age of about iy years, commenced a master himself. Schroeter’s jealousy is thus accounted for by one of Brandel’s biographers. When in the fourth year of his apprenticeship, he was ordered 'to paint an altar-piece, which having executed in one day, he devoted the remainder of the time allowed to his pleasures, and when his master upbraided him with this apparent negligence of his orders, he produced the picture, which excited in Schroeter equal jealousy and astonishment. Most of the churches at Prague and Breslau are embellished with his works; and the prince of Hazfeld is said to have given 100 ducats for one picture of St. Jerome at half length. He spent most of his time at Prague, where the wealth which he acquired was dissipated by profusion and irregular conduct so that he died poor, in 1739, and was buried by charitable contributions. The Jesuits and monks, however, honoured his memory by appointing for him a solemn funeral procession, in which 300 tapers of wax were carried by ecclesiastics. Brandel was distinguished by a ready invention, an expeditious manner of painting, and natural colouring, except that his shadows were sometimes too black. His pencil was broad, easy, and free.
, a painter, was born at Poli, not far from Rome, in 1633, and studied in the
, a painter, was born at Poli, not
far from Rome, in 1633, and studied in the school of Lanfranc. The greater part of the churches and palaces at
Rome were embellished by his pencil. His best pictures
arc his “St. Rocco,
” in the church of Ripatta, and the
“Forty Martyrs
” in the Stigmata. An imagination full
of fire, a great facility, a feeble and incorrect colouring,
characterise his performances. He worked with uncommon rapidity, always preferring his pleasures and money
to fame. He died at Rome in 1691, aged 58, prince of
the academy of St. Luc, and chevalier of the order of
Christ. His daughter was married to the celebrated Rosa
da Tivoli, of whom Giacinto conceived a mean opinion,
because he painted only beasts. By this contemptuous
behaviour Rosa was so incensed, that he collected all the
clothes belonging to his bride, on the morning after
marriage, and sent them back to her father with a message, “that his daughter’s person was fortune enough to
make her husband happy; and that a good painter of
beasts was as likely to become rich, as a bad painter of
men.
”
, considered in the Helvetic school as an artist of the first rank, was born at Basil, in 1661. He acquired the knowledge of design
, considered in the Helvetic school as an artist of the first rank, was born at Basil, in 1661. He acquired the knowledge of design by studying and copying some good punis which were in the possession of his father; and from the appearapce of his having a strong natural talent, he was placed as a disciple with Caspar Meyer. When he quitted Basil, he went to Paris, and had the good fortune to be received into the school of Le Brun and the variety of works in which that eminent master was employed, proved an excellent means of instruction to the young artist. He so pleased Le Brun by the progress he made, that he was intrusted with several designs, under the immediate inspection of that great painter; but the particular respect and preference shewn by the master to the disciple, excited the envy and jealousy of others to such a degree, as might have been attended with unhappy consequences, if Brandmulier had not retired to his own country; though not before he had obtained the prize in the royal academy at Paris. He excelled in history and portrait, and his genius resembled that of Le Brun; his subjects being full of fire, and treated with elevation and grandeur. His design is correct, and his expression animated and just. He had a good method of colouring, laying on each mass in so proper a manner as to avoid breaking or torturing his tints; which made his colours retain their original beauty and strength without fading. He was fond of painting portraits in an historical style, and was generally commended for the resemblance of the persons who were his mpdels, and the agreeable taste in his compositions. He died in 1691, aged only thirty.
of a family who have made some figure in Swisserland, was a native of Biberach, in Suabia, where he was born in 1533. He imbibed the principles of the reformation from
, the
eldest of a family who have made some figure in Swisserland, was a native of Biberach, in Suabia, where he was
born in 1533. He imbibed the principles of the reformation from CEcolampadius, and became himself a preacher
in various reformed churches. In 1576 the magistracy of
Basil bestowed the rank of citizenship on him and his
posterity, and in 1581 he was appointed professor of Hebrew in that city. He had studied medicine and law, as
well as divinity, but confined himself chiefly to the latter,
which he taught for many years at Basil, where he died in
1596. He wrote many funeral discourses, or “consciones
funebres,
” as they were called, taken from the Old and New
Testament, which were printed at Basle, in 1752, and
some dialogues in the German language. We have seen
only a part of the former, entitled “Consciones Funebres,
”
Hanov.
, son of the preceding, was born in 1565, was master of arts in 1585, and two years after,
, son of the preceding, was
born in 1565, was master of arts in 1585, and two years
after, professor of poetry at Basil. In 1589 he received a
call from the church of Oberweiller, and preached there
for upwards of forty years. When Buxtorf went home to
Westphalia, Brandtnuller officiated for him as Hebrew
professor: he died Nov. 1, 1629, after having published
“Analysis typica librorum Veteris et Novi Testamenti,
”
Basil,
subject of the last article, followed the profession of the law, in which he became very eminent. He was born at Basil, Sept. 1617, and was educated partly in that city,
, grandson of James, the
subject of the last article, followed the profession of the
law, in which he became very eminent. He was born at
Basil, Sept. 1617, and was educated partly in that city,
and partly at Montbeliard. After taking his master’s degree, in 1634, he applied particularly to the study of civil
law, but without neglecting philology and philosophy.
According to the custom of his countrymen, he travelled fot
some time in France, England, Holland, and Germany,
where he became acquainted, and established a correspondence with the literati of those countries, particularly
with Salmasius. In 1649 he was made doctor of laws, and in
1652 professor of the institutes at Basil: and fourteen
years afterwards professor of the Pandects. He was also
twice rector of the university. His reputation brought a
great concourse of students thither, particularly foreigners,
and his agreeable conversation and temper not a little
contributed to increase the number of his pupils. Besides
his fame as a lawyer, he was not less esteemed for his acquaintance with Roman antiquities and polite literature in
general. It is said he wrote verse with as great facility as
prose, but his talents in versification have probably been
over- rated. He had more reputation from his success as
a teacher, and the perspicuous manner in which he lectured on subjects of law. He died Sept. 1677, leaving
several professional works “Dispntationes de lege
”
“Manuductio ad jus canonicum et civile
” “Dubia Juridica,
” &c.
, a learned ecclesiastical historian, was born at Amsterdam, July 2 5, 1626, and after having made distinguished
, a learned ecclesiastical historian,
was born at Amsterdam, July 2 5, 1626, and after having
made distinguished progress in Greek, Hebrew, Latin,
philosophy, and divinity, he was invited to be pastor of a
church of remonstrants at Nieukoop, where he married
Susanna, daughter of the celebrated professor Gaspard
Barleus. In 1660, he came to Hoorn, and in L667 to
Amsterdam. He died Oct. 11, 1685, leaving two sons,
both excellent scholars, Caspar and Gerard. He wrote
in German, 1. “A short history of the Reformation,
” and
of the war between Spain and the Netherlands, until 1600,
Amst. second edit. 1658, which has a continuation, in the
form of a chronicle, until that year. 2. Also in German,
“A history of the Reformation in the Low Countries, &c.
”
4 vols. 4to, 1671, and following years, a work of which
the pensionary Fagel said to bishop Burnet, that it was
worth while to learn German on purpose to read it. The
English public, however, has been long acquainted with
it, in a translation in 4 vols. fol. 1720, & seqq. The
translator was John Chamberlayne, whom Foppen has converted intoRichardCumberland, merely that he may add,with
true Popish bigotry, that he was “pseudo-episcopus Petro^
burgensis.
” Brandt’s history was also abridged in 1725,
in English, in 2 vols. 8vo, apparently from a French
abridgement. Ruleus or Ruillius, a minister of the reformed
church, having attacked some parts of his history, Brandt
published an apology. 3. “A history of Enkhuisen,
” a
celebrated mercantile town. 4. “The Life of De Ruyter,
” the celebrated Dutch admiral, Amst. Historical Diary,
”
with biographical notices of eminent men, Amst. Poemata,
” Rotterdam^ Poemata
sacra et prophana,
” Amst. Historia judicii habiti annis 1618 and 1619^ de tribus
captivis, Barnevelt, Hogerbeets, et Grotio,
” Rotterdam,
Bibl. Scriptorum Remonstrantium.
”
, eldest son of the preceding, was born in 1653, at Nieukoop, educated at Hoorn and Amsterdam,
, eldest son of the preceding, was born in 1653, at Nieukoop, educated at Hoorn and Amsterdam, and studied philosophy and divinity under Philip Limborch. After passing the usual examinations, he was licensed, in 1673, to the office of the ministry at Schoonhoven, where he remained tiiree years. He then removed to the Arminian congregation at Hoorn; to Alomar, in 1631; Rotterdam, in 1683; and finally to Amsterdam, where he died in 1696. He published some sermons and religious tracts in German, and in Latin the lives of Grotius and Arminius; the latter was republished at Brunswick, with a preface and notes by Mosheim, in 1725, 8vo.
, second son of Gerard, and brother to the preceding, was born in 1657. (Saxius says 1653, which is the year of the preceding),
, second son of Gerard, and brother to the preceding, was born in 1657. (Saxius says 1653, which is the year of the preceding), at Nieukoop, and studied with his brother for eight years, philosophy and divinity under Limborch, to which he joined the knowledge of Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Italian, French, and English. He was minister at Schoonhoven, at Dokkum, and at Rotterdam, where he died at the age of twenty-six, but Saxius says thirty, in 1683. He translated Dr. HeyJyn’s Quinqu articular History, or History of the Five Articles. In 1678, he published in German, without his name, and with only the letters V. T. V. a history of events in Europe for the years 1674 and 1675, and sixtyfive sermons.
, the youngest son of Gerard, and brother to the two preceding, was born at Nieukoop, July 6, 1660, 'and having gone through his
, the youngest son of Gerard, and
brother to the two preceding, was born at Nieukoop,
July 6, 1660, 'and having gone through his divinity course,
was chosen minister at Warmont in 1682, whence he was,
the following year, invited to Hoorn. He was afterwards
called to the Arminian church at the Hague, and some
time after that, to Amsterdam, where he died Jan. 13,
1708. He wrote in German a life of St. Paul, 1695, 4to;
a funeral oration on Mary queen of England, and a treatise
against Leidekker. In 1702 he published a collection of
letters, “Clarorum virorum Epistolae centum ineditae de
vario eruditionis genere, ex museo Joan. Brandt, G. F.
Gerardi filii,
” comprising some from Nich. Heinsius,
Grotius, Guy Patin, Huet, Rabelais, &c. He wrote also
some poems.
, or Brantz, a learned philologer, was born at Antwerp in Sept. 1554, and after receiving the early
, or Brantz, a learned philologer,
was born at Antwerp in Sept. 1554, and after receiving
the early part of his education at home, studied philosophy
at Louvain. The troubles in the Netherlands obliging him
to remove to France, he took that opportunity to study
law at Orleans under John and William Fournier, and then
at Bourges under the celebrated Cujacius. After
travelling for some time in Italy, he settled at Brussels, and for
five years practised as an advocate; but in 1591 was invited to Antwerp, and appointed secretary to the city,
which office he discharged for more than thirty years with
much reputation, and there he died iti 1639. He was
considered as a man of great learning, modesty, and candour, laborious in his own studies, and always desirous of
assisting others in theirs. His motto was “Libenter, Ardenter, Constanter,
” not inapplicable to a man of studious
industry. His principal works were, 1. “Notae cum Politico
turn CriticiE in C. Julii Cæsaris et A. Hirtii Commentaries,
” with the text of Cæsar in Greek and Latin, &c. Francfort, 1606, 4to, the same year in which Jungerman’s edition appeared, which is said to have been the first in which
theGreek translation of the commentaries was published, but
none of our bibliographers have noticed this contemporary
edition by Brandt. 2. “Elogia Ciceroniana llomanoruni
domi militiaque illustrium,
” Antwerp, Vita Philippi Rubenii,
” with
Rnbenius* posthumous works, Senator,
sive de perfect! et veri Senatoris officio,
” ibid. Spicilegium Criticum in Apuleium,
”
, a lawyer, poet, and historian, was born at Strasburgh, in 1448, and after prosecuting his first
, a lawyer, poet, and
historian, was born at Strasburgh, in 1448, and after prosecuting his first studies in that city, removed to Basil,
where he took his master’s degree in arts, and superintended the education of youth, as public professor, both
at Basil and Strasburgh. Here he arrived at the highest
honours of the law, being made count Palatine, and counsellor and chancellor of Strasburgh. He died in 1520,
leaving a great many works on subjects of law and'divinity,
some volumes of poetry, and the celebrated “Ship of
Fools,
” which has chiefly perpetuated his memory. It
was originally written in the German language. Locher,
his disciple, tran shite d it into Latin, Strasburgh, 1497, 4to.
A French translation of it by Bouchet and Riviere, was
published at Paris, in small folio, in the same year,
entitled “La nef des folz du monde.
” Our countryman
Alexander Barclay (See Barclay) was the author of the
English metrical version printed by Pynson in 1509.
The bibliographical history of Brandt’s work may be seen
in our authorities.
bastian, a German chemist, much addicted to the fanciful researches of the period in which he lived, was born in 1458, and died in May 1521. Leibnitz, in the Melanges
, or, as some call him, Sebastian,
a German chemist, much addicted to the fanciful researches of the period in which he lived, was born in 1458,
and died in May 1521. Leibnitz, in the Melanges de
Berlin for 1710, cited by Chaptal, in his “Elements of
Chemistry,
” vol. III. p. 350, mentions Brandt as a chemist
of Hamburg, who, during a course of experiments upon
urine, with a view of extracting a fluid proper for converting silver into gold, discovered phosphorus in 1667,
or, as others say, in 1669. He communicated his discovery to Kraft, who imparted it to Leibnitz, and, as it is
pretended, to Boyle. Leibnitz, says Chaptal, introduced
Brandt to the duke of Hanover, before whom he performed
the whole operation; and a specimen of it was sent to
Huygens, who shewed it to the academy of sciences at
Paris. It is said that Kunckel had associated himself with
Kraft to purchase the process from Brandt; but Kunckel
having been deceived by Kraft, who kept the secret to
himself, knowing that urine was made use of, set to work,
and discovered a process for making the substance and
hence it has been called Kunckel’s phosphorus.
, a famous physician, was born at Ferrara, in 1500, of a noble family. His knowledge was
, a famous physician,
was born at Ferrara, in 1500, of a noble family. His
knowledge was not confined to medicine. In consequence
of his having maintained at Paris, for three days successively, theses “de omni scibile,
” the surname of Musa
was given him by Francis I. He was physician to that
prince, who made him chevalier of the order of St. Michael; to the emperor Charles V. who bestowed on him
the title of count palatine; and to Henry VIII. of England. He was not of less consequence in his own country.
Successively first physician to the popes Paul III. Leo X.
Clement VII. and Julius III. cherished and favoured by
all the other princes of Italy, and particularly the dukes
of Ferrara, he was proceeding in this brilliant career,
when he died at Ferrara in 1555, at the age of 55, after
having long been a professor of medicine there with universal applause; leaving a great number of works, principally on medicine, and among others, 1. “Commentaries
on the aphorisms of Hippocrates and Galen,
” printed at
Basle, in Index refertissimus in Galeni
libros,
” Venice, opus indefessse elucubrationis & utilitatis
inexplicabilis.
”
f Thomas Brathwaite, of Warcop, near Appleby, in Westmoreland, descended of a respectable family. He was born in 1588, and at the age of sixteen became a commoner of
, whom
Warton calls one of the minor pastoral poets of the reign
of James I. was the second son of Thomas Brathwaite, of
Warcop, near Appleby, in Westmoreland, descended of
a respectable family. He was born in 1588, and at the
age of sixteen became a commoner of Oriel-college, Oxford, being matriculated as a gentleman’s son, and a native
of Westmoreland. While he continued in that college,
which was at least three years, Wood informs us, that
“he avoided as much as he could the rough paths of logic
and philosophy, and traced those smooth ones of poetry
and Roman history, in which, at length, he did excel.
”
He afterwards removed to Cambridge, where he spent
some time “for the sake of dead and living authors,
”
and then going into the north, his father gave him the
estate of Barnside, where he lived many years, having a
commission in the militia, and being appointed deputylieutenant in the county of Westmoreland, and a justice
of peace. In his latter days he removed to Appleton, near
Richmond, in Yorkshire, where he died May 4, 1673,
and was buried in the parish church of Catterick, near
that place, leaving behind him, says Wood, the character
of a “well-bred gentleman, and a good neighbour.
”
Wood has enumerated as his publications: 1. “Golden
Fleece, with other poems,
” Lond. The
Poet’s Willow, or the passionate shepherd,
” ibid. The Prodigal’s Tears, or his farewell to vanity,
” The Scholar’s Medley, or an intermixt discourse upon historical and poetical relations,
&c.
” Essays upon the Five Senses,
”
Nature’s Embassy, or the
wild man’s measures, danced naked by twelve Satyrs,
”
Time’s curtain
drawn: divers poems,
” The English
Gentleman,
” The English
Gentlewoman,
” Discourse of Detraction,
” The Arcadian
Princess, or the triumph of justice,
” Survey of History, or a nursery for gentry; a discourse historical and poetical,
” A spiritual
Spicery, containing sundry sweet tractates of devotion
and piety,
” Mercurius Britannicus,
or the English intelligencer,
” a tragi-comedy, acted at
Paris, and a satire upon the republicans, 16-H, second
edit. 4to. 15. “Time’s Treasury, or Academy for the
accomplishment of the English gentry in arguments of
discourse, habit, fashion, &c.
” Congratulatory poem on his Majesty, upon his happy
arrival in our late discomposed Albion,
” Regicidium,
” a tragi-comedy, Panedone, or health from Helicon,
” The
description of a Good Wife, or a rare one among women,
”
Arcadian Princess.
” It appears to us, that in his poetry, as
in his prose, he excels’most as a painter of manners, a subject which he had studied all his life, and of which he
delivered some of the earliest precepts. His style, however, must still render his works more acceptable to the
curious, than to the common reader.
ing Henry VI. who lies buried in the north aile of Worcester cathedral, in which county sir Reginald was born. One of this family (which were lords of Braie, or Bray,
, was second son of sir Richard
Bray, one of the privy council to king Henry VI. who lies
buried in the north aile of Worcester cathedral, in which
county sir Reginald was born. One of this family (which were lords of Braie, or Bray, in Normandy) came with
William the Conqueror into England, where they flourished
in the counties of Northampton and Warwick; but Edmond, the father of sir Richard, is styled of Eton Bray, in
the county of Bedford, which county they had represented
in parliament in 18 Ed. I. and 6 Ed. II. In 1 Rich. III.
this Reginald had a general pardon granted to him, probably on account of his having taken part with Henry VI.
to whose cause he had a personal as well as hereditary
attachment being receiver- general to sir Henry Stafford,
who married Margaret, countess of Richmond, mother to
the earl of Richmond, afterward king Henry VII. and
continued in her service after the death of sir Henry, and
was put in trust for her dowry, on her marriage to Thomas,
earl of Derby. When the duke of Buckingham had concerted with Morton, bishop of Ely (then his prisoner at Brecknock in Wales), the marriage of the earl of Richmond with the princess Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward I V. and the earl’s advancement to the throne, the
bishop recommended sir Reginald for the transaction of
the affair with the countess, telling the duke he had an old
friend with her, a man sober, secret, and well-witted,
called Reginald Bray, whose prudent policy he had known
to have compassed matters of great importance; and accordingly wrote to him in Lancashire, where he then was
with the countess, to come to Brecknock with all speed. He
readily obeyed the summons, entered heartily into the
design, and was very active in carrying it on; and soon
engaged sir Giles Daubeney (afterwards lord Daubeney),
sir John Ciieney, Richard GuiUbrd, esq. and many other
gentlemen of note, to take part with Henry. After the
success at Bosworth, he gradually rose into great favour
with the king, who eminently distinguished and liberally
rewarded his services. His attachment to that prince was
sincere and uriremitted; and such were his ptudence and
abilities, that he never forfeited the confidence he had
acquired, during an attendance of seventeen years on the
most suspicious monarch of his time. He was made a
knight banneret, probably at the battle of Bosworth; a
knight of the bath at the king’s coronation, and afterwards
a kni“ht of the garter. In the first year of the kind’s reign
he had a grant of the constableship of the castle of Oakham in Rutlandshire, and was appointed joint chie‘ justice,
with the lord Fitzwalter, of all the forests south of Trent,
and chosen of the privy council. After this he was appointed high-treasurer, chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, and nigh steward of the university of Oxford. At
the queen’s coronation, the ducliess of Norfolk, &c. sat at
one side-table at the other, lady Ferrars, v>f Chartley,
lady Bray, &c. At the christening of prince Arthur, sir
Reginald bore a rich salt of gold which was given by the
earl of Derby. He was amongst the knights bannerets
when Henry, the king’s second son, was created duke of
York in 1494. In the 7th year of the king, he by indenture covenanted to serve him in his wars beyond sea a
whole year, with twelve men, himself accompted, each
having his custrell and page, twenty-four demy lances,
seventy-seven archers on horseback, two hundred and
thirty-one archers, and bil’.es on foot twenty-four. In the
10th year he had a grant for life of the Isle of Wight,
castle of Carisbrook, and the manors of Swainston, Brixton,
Thorley, and Welow, in that isle, at th^ rent of 308l. 6s. 8rf.
Camden mentions the grant of the Isle of Wight at the
rent of 300 marks. In June 1497 he was at the battle of
Blackheath, when the lord Audley, having joined the
Cornish rebels, was taken prisoner; on whose execution
and attainder, his manor of Shire Vachery and Crap ley in
Surry, with a large estate there, was given to sir Reginald.
He received many other marks of the king’s bounty and
favour, and died 5th August 1503, possessed of a very
great estate; notwithstanding which, and his activity as
a minister, under a monarch whose love of, money was the
cause of great and just complaints amongst the people,
historians call him the father of his country, a sage and
grave person, a fervent lover of jusuce, and one who
would often admonish the king when he did any thing contrary to justice or equity. That he should do this, and
the king still continue his favour, is an ample proof of the
sense which his sovereign entertained of his services and
abilities. He appears to have taken great delight in architecture, and to have had no small skill in it, as he had
a principal concern and direction in building Henry Vllth’s
chapel in Westminster-abbey, and in the finishing and
bringing to perfection the chapel of St. George at Windsor, to which he was a liberal benefactor in his life-time,
and for the completion of which he made farther provision
by his will. His arms, crest, and device (R. B.) are exhibited on the cieling of the chapel at Windsor in many
places; and in the middle of the south aile is a spacious
chapel erected by him, and still called by his name, in
which also, by his own particular direction, he was interred, though his executors neglected to erect a tomb for
him, as he desired. Perhaps they thought his merit would
be the most lasting monument. It is supposed that he
is buried under the stone which covers Dr. Waterland;
for, on opening the vault for that gentleman, who died in
1740, a leaden coffin, of ancient form and make, was
found, which by other appearances also was judged to be
that of sir Reginald, and was, by order of the dean, immediately arcned over with great decency. He was of
great devotion, according to the piety of the times, and a
bountiful friend, in his life-time, to many churches. In
one of the letters of the dean and chapter of Westminster, John, abbot of Newminster in Northumberland, addresses him as founder of the monastery of Pipwell (in Northamptonshire); but this must be on account of some
donations, as that house was founded by William Boutevileyr in 1143. In 1494, being then high steward of Oxford, he gave 40 marks to repair the church of St. Mary’s,
in a window of which were the figures of him and his wife
kneeling, their coats of arms on their backs, remaining in
1584. The dean and chapter of Lincoln, in recompence
for his services to them, receive him and my lady his wife
to be brother and sister of their chapter, and to be partakers of all suffrages, prayers, masses, fastings, almsdeeds, and other good deeds, whatever they be, done in
the said church, both in their lives and after their deceases. The prior of the cathedral church of Durham
receives him in like manner. In a south window of the
priory church of Great Malvern in Worcestershire, were
the portraits of Henry VII. Elizabeth his queen, prince
Arthur, sir Reginald Bray, John Savage, and Thomas
LoveJ), esquires, with their coats of arms on their armour,
and the following words underneath:
” Orate pro bono
statu nobilissimi et excellentissimi Regis Henrici Septimi
et Elizabeths Reginse, ac Domini Arthuri Principis filii
eorundem, nee not) praedilectissimae consortis suoe, ac suorum trium militum." The portraits of the king and sir
Reginald remained in 1774, and are engraved in Mr.
Strutt’s View of the Arms and Habits of the English, vol. II,
plate 60. The others have been broken and destroyed.
He had no issue, and his elder brother John having only
one daughter, married to sir William Sandes, afterwards
lord Sandes of the Vine, he left the bulk of his fortune to
Edmund, eldest son of his younger brother John (for he had two brothers of that name). This Edmund was summoned to parliament in 1530, as baron of Eaton Bray;
but his son John lord Bray dying without issue in 1557,
the estate was divided amongst six daughters of Edmund.
Sir Reginald left very considerable estates to Edward and
Reginald, younger brothers of Edmund. From Edward
the manor of Shire Vachery and Cranley, above mentioned,
has descended to the rev. George Bray, who was owner in
1778. Reginald settled at Barrington in Gloucestershire,
where the male line of that branch became extinct about
sixty years ago.
, D.D. an eminent learned and pious divine of the seventeenth century, was born at Marton in Shropshire, in 1656, where his parents were
, D.D. an eminent learned and pious divine
of the seventeenth century, was born at Marton in Shropshire, in 1656, where his parents were persons of good reputation. His infancy discovering promising parts, he was
early sent to the school at Oswestry, in the same county,
and his close application to school-learning, determining
his parents to dedicate him to religion and learning, he
was entered of Hart-hall, Oxford. Here he soon made a
considerable proficiency in divinity, as well as other studies
necessary for the profession for which he was intended:
but, labouring under the common disadvantages of a narrow fortune, his circumstances not permitting a longer
residence at Oxford, he left the university soon after he
had commenced bachelor of arts. Much about this time
he entered into holy orders; and the first duty he had
was that of a parish near Bridgenorth in Shropshire, his
native county, from which curacy he soon removed into
Warwickshire, officiating as chaplain in sir Thomas Price’s
family, of Park-hall, and had the donative of Lac Marsin
given him by sir Thomas, which proved very advantageous; for living now in the neighbourhood of Coieshill, his
exemplary behaviour, and distinguished diligence in his
calling, introduced him into the acquaintance of Mr.
Kettlewell, sir Charles Holt, and the lord Simon Digby.
One incident which contributed to establish his character
at this juncture, was his preaching the assize sermon at
Warwick, on which occasion Mr. Bray, though but young,
acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the whole audience,
particularly the lord Digby, who was afterwards pleased to
honour him with many proofs of his friendship and esteem,
recommending him to the worthy and honourable patronage
of his brother, the fifth lord Digby, who some time after
gave him the vicarage of Over-Whitacre in the same
county, since augmented, by his patron’s uncommon generosity, with the great tithes. In 1690, the rectory of
Sheldon being vacant, by Mr. Digby Bull’s refusing to take
the oaths at the revolution, his lordship presented Mr. Bray
to it; which preferment he held till about a quarter of a
year before his death, when he resigned it by reason of his
advanced age, and the known worth and abilities of his
appointed successor, the Rev. Mr. Carpenter. Dec. 12,
1693, he took his master of arts degree in Hart-hall, Oxford. In this parish of Sheldon he composed his “Catechetical Lectures,
” a work which met with general approbation and encouragement, and produced to him the sum of
700l. This publication, which drew him out of his rural privacy to London, determined Dr. Compton, bishop of London, to pitch upon him as a proper person to model the
infant church of Maryland, and establish it upon a solid
foundation. Accordingly, in April 1696, he proposed
to Mr. Bray to go, on the terms of having the judicial office
of commissary, valued, as was represented to him, at four
hundred pounds per annum, conferred upon him, for his
support in that service. Mr. Bray, disregarding his own
interest, and the great profit which would have arisen from
finishing his course of lectures on the plan he had formed,
soon determined, in his own mind, that there might be a
greater field for doing good in the Plantations, than by his
labours here, and no longer demurred to the proposal, than
to inquire into the state of the country, and inform himself
what was most wanting to excite good ministers to embark
in that design, as well as enable them most effectually to
promote it. With this view he laid before the bishops the
following considerations: That none but the poorer sort
of clergy could be persuaded to leave their friends, and
change their native country for one so remote; that such
persons could not be able sufficiently to supply themselveswith books; that without such a competent provision of
books, they could not answer the design of their mission;
that a library would be the best encouragement to studious and sober men to undertake the service; and that, as
the great inducement to himself to go, would be to do the
most good of which he could be capable, he therefore
purposed, that if they thought fit to encourage and assist
htm in providing parochial libraries for the ministers, he
would then accept of the commissary’s office in Maryland.
This proposal for parochial libraries being well approved
of by the bishops, and due encouragement being promised
in the prosecution of the design, both by their lordships
and others, he set himself with all possible application to
provide missionaries, and to furnish them with libraries,
intending, as soon as he should have sent both, to follow
after himself. But, upon his accepting of this employment
of commissary of Maryland, it fell to his share to solicit at
home whatever other matters related to that church, more
particularly to the settlement and establishment thereof,
which he laboured to promote with unwearied diligence,
and spared neither expence or trouble. But, above all,
it was his greatest care, to endeavour to send over to Maryland, and the other colonies, pious men, of exemplary
lives and conversations, and to furnish those whom he had
a hand in sending, with good libraries of necessary and
useful bdbks, to render them capable of answering the ends
of their mission, and instructing the people in all things
ecessary to their salvation. The sense of the clergy and
inhabitants, with respect to these'important services, was
testified by the solemn letters of thanks, returned him
from the assemblies of Maryland, from the vestries of Boston and Baintrie in New England, from Newfoundland,
Rhode Island, New York, Philadelphia, North Carolina,
Bermudas, and by the acknowledgments of the royal
African company, on account of those procured for their
factories. About the same time it was, that the secretary
of Maryland, sir Thomas Lawrence, with Mr. Bray, waited on the then princess of Denmark, in behalf of that province, humbly to request her gracious acceptance of the
governor’s and country’s dutiful respects, in having denominated the metropolis of the province, then but lately
built, from her royal highness’s name, Annapolis: and Mr.
Bray being soon after favoured with a noble benefaction
from the same royal hand, towards his libraries in America,
he dedicated the first library in those parts, fixed at Annapolis, and which had books of the choicest kind belonging to it, to the value of four hundred pounds, to her memory, by the title of the Annapolitan Library, which words
were inscribed on the several books. Another design was
also set on foot, much about the same time, by Dr. Bray,
to raise lending libraries in every deanery throughout England and Wales, out of which the neighbouring clergy
might borrow the books they had occasion for, and where
they might consult upon matters relating to their function,
and to learning. Upon this, many lending libraries were
founded in several parts of the kingdom, besides above a
hundred and fifty parochial ones in Great Britain and the
plantations, from ten to fifty pounds value, those in South
Britain being afterwards secured to posterity, by an act of
parliament passed for that purpose in 1708. Soon after,
upon the repeated instances of the governor and some of
the country, Mr. Bray was at the charge of taking the degree of doctor of divinity, which, though it might be of
some use, as procuring a certain degree of respect,
did then but ill comport with his circumstances. He
took his degrees of bachelor of divinity, and doctor, together, by accumulation, not of Hart hall where he was
entered, but of Magdalen college, Dec. 17, 1696. Soon
after, the better to promote his main design of libraries,
and to give the missionaries directions in prosecuting their
theological studies, he published two books, one entitled,
“Bibiiothee* Paroctnalis or, a Scheme of such
Theological and other heads, as seem requisite to be perused, or
occasionally consulted by the reverend Clergy, together
with a catalogue of books, which may be profitably read on
each of those points,
” &c. The other, “Apostolic Charity, its nature and excellency considered, in a discourse
upon Daniel xii. 3. preached at St. Paul’s, at the ordination of some Protestant Missionaries to be sent into the
plantations. To which is prefixed, a general view of the
English colonies in America, in order to show what provision is wanting for the propagation of Christianity in those
parts, together with proposals for the promoting the same r
to induce such of the clergy of this kingdom, as are persons of sobriety and abilities, to accept of a mission.
”
During this interval, viz. in the year The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
in foreign parts,
” was laid before the society, and read
the ninth of June following. He received no advantage all
this time from his commissary’s place in Maryland; neither
was any allowance made him at home, or preferment give
him, to support the charge of living altogether in town, to
solicit the establishment and endowment of the church of
Maryland, and to provide missionaries for that and all the
colonies on the Continent; which, excepting Virginia, lay
upon him; all the benefactions that were received being to
be laid out to raise them libraries, which also he did faster
than money came in to answer the charge. This being observed by some of his friends, they endeavoured to persuade
him to lay his design of going abroad aside, and take two
good preferments that were then offered him at home, of
as good or better value than what was proposed to him in
Maryland, viz. that of sub-almoner, and the donative of
Aldgate, in the city of London. But he declined all offers
that were inconsistent with his going to Maryland, as soon
as it should become proper for him to take that voyage.
By the year 1699, having waited upwards of two years for
the return of the act of religion from Maryland, with such
amendments as would render it without exception at the
court of England; and it being presumed by his superiors,
that it would be requisite the doctor should now hasten
over, as well to encourage the passing of that act in their
assemblies, as to promote other matters for the service of
religion there, it was signified to him from them that
they would have him take the opportunity of the first
ship; and indeed, the doctor having, by this time, tried
all ways he could think of, and done all he was able
to do here, to serve those parts, and according to
proposal having provided Maryland, as also many other
colonies, with a competent number of missionaries, and
furnished them with good libraries, to be fixed in the
places where they were sent, to remain there for ever, he
was himself eager to follow, and did so accordingly, even,
in the winter, though he had no allowance made him towards his charge of the voyage, and the service he was to
do; but was forced to dispose of his own small effects, and
raise money on credit to support him. With this poor encouragement, and thus, on his own provision, he took the
voyage, December 16, 1699, and set sail from the Downs
the twentieth of the same month; but was driven back into
Plymouth-sound on Christmas-eve, and remained in harbour almost all the holydays, where his time was not unusefully spent, in the recovery of a tolerable library there
out of dust and rubbish, which was also indebted to him for
a benefaction of books and where he left a proposal for
taking in subscriptions to make it a sea- port library, for the
use of missionaries and sea-chaplains, as well as others.
After an extremely tedious and dangerous passage, the
doctor arrived at Maryland the twelfth of March, where he
applied himself immediately to repair the breach made in
the settlement of the parochial clergy; in order to which
he consulted, in the first place, the governor, whom he
found ready to concur in all proper methods for the re-establishment of their maintenance. Before the next assembly, which was to be in May following, he sent to all
the clergy on the western shore, who only could come together in that season, to learn from them the disposition of
the people, and to advise with them what was proper to be
done, in order to dispose the members of the assembly to
re-enact their law next meeting. Soon after he had dismissed their clergy, he made his parochial visitation, as
far as it was possible for him at that season; in which, he
met with very singular respect from persons of the best
condition in the country, which the doctor turned to the
advantage of that poor church. During the sessions of the
assembly, and whilst the re-establishment of the church
was depending, he preachod very proper and seasonable
sermons, with a tendency to incline the country to the establishment of the church and clergy; all which were so
well received, that he had the thanks of the assembly, by
messages from the house. The doctor was providentially
on such good term* with the assembly, that they ordered
the attorney-general to advise with him in drawing up the
bill; and that he himself might be the better advised in
that case, he sent for the most experienced clergy within
reach, to suggest to him, what they found would be of
advantage to them and the church, to be inserted in, or
left out of it; by which means the constitution of that
church had much the advantage of any in America. It may
not be amiss to observe in this place, that as well during the
general court or assize, which preceded the assembly, and
lasted thirteen days, as during the sessions of the assembly
itself, he was under a necessity of entertaining the gentlemen of the province, who universally visited him; a charge,
however, which he thought requisite as circumstances then
were, that he might strengthen his interest in them, the
better to promote the establishment of the clergy’s maintenance. The bill being prepared, passed with a nemiilt
contradicente; but it was on all hands declared and confessed, that it was very providential that Dr. Bray came
into the country at that juncture. Soon after the assembly
was up, the commissary cited the whole clergy of the province to a general visitation at Annapolis, to be held May
22, 1700. At the close of this visitation, the clergy taking
into consideration, that the opposition of the Quakers
against the establishment of that church would in all probability continue, so as to get the law for its establishment
so lately re-enacted, annulled again at home, they entered
into debates, whether it would not be of consequence to
the preservation and final settlement of that church, that
the doctor should be requested to go home with the law,
and to solicit the royal assent. It had been before voted,
at the passing the bill in the house of burgesses, that he
should be desired to request his grace of Canterbury, and
the bishop of London, to favour that good law, by obtaining his majesty’s royal assent to it with all convenient
speed; and the members who gave him an account of passing their vote, told him withal, that it was the general opinion of the house, that he could be most serviceable by
waiting personally on their lordships, rather, than by letters, in which he conld not crowd all that might be
necessary to be represented concerning the then state of the
church, and the necessity, at that time, of their utmost patronage: and it was in debate, whether this should not be
the desire of the assembly; but it was thought too unreasonable a request from them, who were sensible of the
great danger and fatigue he had already been at in the service of that province, as they had a few days before acknowledged by a message of thanks from that house. Such
were the sentiments of the members of the assembly, as to
the necessity of his coming home to solicit the establishment of that church; and the clergy meeting at their visitation, some weeks after, represented to him, as the earnest desire of the more sensible persons throughout the
country, as well as of the assembly-men, that he should go
over with the law for England; being aware that its opponents would make the utmost efforts against the establishment of that church, by false representations at home of
the numbers and riches of their party, and by insinuating,
that to impose upon them an established maintenance for
the clergy, would be prejudicial to the interest of the province, by obliging so many wealthy traders to remove from
thence, the falsity of which, or any other suggestions, they
thought him best able to make appear, by the information
he had gained from this visitation, There were also many
other advantages to the church in those parts, which they
proposed by his coming home at that time, upon the consideration of all which he took his voyage soon after. He
was no sooner arrived in England, but he found their apprehensions in Maryland'not ill grounded; but the objections raised against the plan, Dr. Bray refuted, by a printed
memorial, representing truly the state of the church of Maryland, to the full satisfaction of all to whom it was communicated. The quakers’ opposition to the establishment
now depending, was carried by united councils and contributions; but the doctor refuted their specious objections
by unanswerable reasons, and placed the affair in such an
advantageous light, that his majesty decided, without any
appearance of hesitation, in the church’s favour, and gave
the royal assent in these remarkable words: “Have the
Quakers the benefit of a toleration? let the established
church have an established maintenance.
” This chargeable and laborious undertaking having swallowed up the doctor’s own small fortune, lord Weymouth generously presented him with a bill of 300l. for his own private use, a,
large portion of which the doctor devoted to the advancement of his farther designs. Though he was vested with
the character of commissary, yet no share of the revenue
proposed was annexed to it; and his generosity even induced him to throw in two sums of fifty pounds each, that
were presented to himself in Maryland, towards defraying
the charges of their libraries and law. After the return of
Dr. Bray from thence in 1701, he published his “Circular
Letters to the Clergy of Maryland,
” a memorial, representing the present state of religion on the continent of
North America, and the acts of his visitation held at Annapolis; for which he had the thanks of the society above
mentioned. Not only the bishop of London approved entirely of all these transactions, but also the archbishop of
Canterbury declared, that he was well satisfied with the
reasons of Dr. Bray’s return from the West Indies, and
added, that his mission thither would be of the greatest
consequence imaginable to the establishment of religion in
those parts. In 1706, he had the donative of St. Botolph
without Aldgate offered him again, which he then accepted
of, worth about 150l. per annum. In the year 1712, the
doctor printed his “Martyrology; or, Papal Usurpation,
”
in folio. That nothing might be wanting to enrich and
adorn the work, he established a correspondence with
learned foreigners of the first distinction, and called in the
assistance of the most eminent hands. This work consists
of some choice and learned treatises of celebrated authors,
which were grown very scarce, ranged and digested into as
regular an history as the nature of the subject would admit.
He proposed to compile a second volume, and had, at no
small expence and pains, furnished himself with materials
for it; but he was afterwards obliged to lay the prosecution,
of his design aside, and bequeathed by will his valuable
collection of Martyrological Memoirs, both printed and
manuscript, to Sion college. He was, indeed, so great a
master of the history of popery, that few authors could be
presumed able, with equal accuracy and learning, to trace
the origin and growth of those exorbitant claims which are
made by the see of Rome. He was happily formed by nature both for the active and for the retired life. Charity
to the souls of other men, was wrought up to the highest
pitch in his own: every reflection on the dark and forlorn
condition of the Indians and negroes, excited in his bosoin the most generous emotions of pity and concern. His
voyage to Holland, to solicit king William’s protection and
encouragement to his good designs, and the proofs he gave
of a public spirit and disinterested zeal, in such a series of
generous undertakings, obtained him the esteem of M.
d‘Allone of the Hague, a gentleman not more celebrated
for his penetration and address in state affairs, than for a
pious disposition of mind. An epistolary correspondence
commenced very early between him and the doctor upon
this subject; the result of which was, that M. d’Allone
gave in his life-time a sum to be applied to the conversion
of negroes, desiring the doctor to accept the management
and disposal of it. But that a standing provision might be
inade for this purpose, M. d'Allone bequeathed by will a
certain sum, viz. 900 pounds, out of his English estate, to
Dr. Bray and his associates, towards erecting a capital fund
or stock, for converting the negroes in the British plantations. This was in the year 1723, much about which
time Dr. Bray had an extremely dangerous fit of illness,
so that his life and recovery were despaired of. In the year
1726, he was employed in composing and printing his
“Directorium Missionarium,
” his “Primordia Bibliothecaria,
” and some other tracts of the like kind. About this
time he also wrote a short account of Mr. Rawlet, the author of “The Christian Monitor;
” and reprinted the Life of
Mr. Gilpin. Some of these were calculated for the use of
the mission; and in one he has endeavoured to shew, that
civilizing the Indians must be the first step in any successful attempt for their conversion. In his “Primordia Bibliothecaria,
” we have several schemes of parochial libraries, and a method laid down to proceed by a gradual progression, from a collection not much exceeding one pound
in value, to one of a hundred. His attention to other good
works occasioned no discontinuance of this design, the success of which was so much the object of his desires; and
accordingly benefactions came in so fast, that he had business enough upon his hands to form the libraries, desired.
As trie furnishing the parochial clergy with the means of instruction, would be an effectual method to promote Christian knowledge, so another expedient, manifestly subservient to the same end, would be, he thought, to imprint on
the minds of those who are designed for the ministry, previously to their admission, a just sense of its various duties,
and their great importance. With a view to this, he reprinted the “Ecclesiastes of Erasmus.
” In the year
, a French poet, was born at Torigniin Lower Normandy, 1618. He was distinguished
, a French poet, was born at Torigniin Lower Normandy, 1618. He was distinguished chiefly by a translation of Lucan; which, notwithstanding its inflated style, its numerous antitheses, and its various false brilliancies, continued to be long admired. It engaged attention and applause so powerfully at first, that cardinal Mazarine made great promises of advancement to the translator; but died without fulfilling them. But the l>est and the most popular of his works is, the first book of Lucan travestied, an ingenious satire upon the great, who are described as never losing a moment’s sight of their greatness and titles; and upon the meanness and servility of those who, with a view of making their fortunes, submit to flatter them as gods. It is said of Brebeuf,. that he bad a fever upon him for more twenty years. He died in 1661, aged 4S; and, if the last anecdote of him be true, it is somewhat marvellous that he lived so long.
, a painter of landscapes and cattle, was born at Antwerp in 1630; studied landscape after nature, and
, a painter of landscapes and cattle, was born at Antwerp in 1630; studied landscape after nature, and adorned his designs with figures, correctly drawn and judiciously grouped. His icenes are generally enriched with elegant Roman buildings, fountains, monuments, and ruins. His style, though, inferior, resembled that of John Brueghel. He died in. 1681.
, a painter of history, landscape, and conversations, was born at Antwerp in 1683, and instructed by his father Alexander
, a painter of history, landscape,
and conversations, was born at Antwerp in 1683, and instructed by his father Alexander Van Breda, who was much
esteemed as an artist, with whom he continued, profiting
by good example and advice, till he was 18 years of age.
Having established his reputation in Holland, he accompanied Rysbrack the sculptor to London, where he was
highly esteemed and obtained considerable patronage, and
particularly that of the earl of Derwentwater, who was beheaded for rebellion in 1715. In London he was much employed by the court and nobility, and was hardly able to
supply the demands for his performances. From London,
after a residence of five years, he returned to Antwerp,
much enriched; and in 1746, when Louis XIV. visited that
city, he honoured this master by purchasing four of his pictures; viz. “Christ at the sea of Tiberias,
” “Christ performing miracles,
” and “two landscapes.
” He certainly approached nearer to those great masters whose manner he imitated, Brueghel and Wouwermans, than any other artist of
his time. His landscapes are in the style and taste of the
former; and his conversations, historical figures, fairs, and
battles, are in the manner of the latter. He died in 1750.
, a painter and engraver, was born at Utrecht in 1620, and went, at an early period, for improvement
, a painter and engraver, was born at Utrecht in 1620, and went, at an early period, for improvement to Rome, where the society of Flemish painters, called Bentvogels, distinguished him by the appellation of Bartolomeo. Among the superb ruins and beautiful objects, in and about the city, he acquired an elegant taste; and he peculiarly excelled in landscapes, which he enriched with historical subjects. The figures and animals, which he introduced, were elegantly disposed, and executed with spirit and freedom: especially when they were not larger than the small size, in which he usually painted them. His manner, particularly with respect to colouring, gradually improved; hia touch is light and spirited, his tone of colouring very pleasing, his taste altogether of the Roman school, and his pictures are distinguished both by force and delicacy. The draperies of his figures, which are gracefully proportioned and designed, are easy and ornamental, and in his smallest figures, the expression is lively, sensible, and natural. His pictures are exceedingly rare, and highly valued. We have of his etching a set of 24 views, and landscapes, ornamented with ruins, &c. from his own designs. Sir Robert Strange had an excellent small picture of Breenberg’s, a view of the monument of Caecilia Metella, situated near the banks of the Tiber, a few miles distant from Rome. The foreground is beautifully enriched with figures, and the whole painted with great transparency. The sky in particular is penciled with an elegance which exceeds any thing of the kind in the works of Wouwermans. Breenberg died in 1660.
, whom Meister calls the greatest reformer of the Swiss schools which the last century produced, was born at Zurich March 1, 1701, and after going through a course
, whom Meister calls the
greatest reformer of the Swiss schools which the last century produced, was born at Zurich March 1, 1701, and
after going through a course of academical instruction, was
admitted into orders in 1720. The space which usually
intervenes between the ordination of young ministers and
their establishment in a church, he employed principally
in the study of the ancient authors, familiarizing himself
with their language and sentiments, an employment which,
like Zuinglius, he did not think unworthy of the attention
of an ecclesiastic. Persius was his favourite poet, whom,
he studied so critically as to furnish the president Bouhier
with some happy elucidations, which the latter adopted,
Breitinguer, however, was not merely a verbal critic, and
considered such criticism as useful only in administering
to higher pursuits in philosophy and the belles-lettres.
The “Bibliotheque Helvetique
” which he and Bodmer
wrote, shews how criticism and philosophy may mutually
assist each other. He formed an intimacy with Bodmer
in early life, (see Bodmer), and both began their career
as reformers of the language and taste of their country.
Breitinguer found a liberal patron in the burgomaster
Escher, who himself proved that the study of the Greek
language is a powerful counterpoise to a bad taste, and
was the person who encouraged Breitinguer principally to
produce a new edition of the Septuagint translation. In
1731 he was chosen professor of Hebrew, and in ordeir to
facilitate the study of that language to his pupils, he wrote
his treatise on the Hebrew idioms. Some time after he
was appointed vice-professor of logic and rhetoric, and
from that time began the reformation which he thought
much wanted in the schools, with a treatise “De eo quod
nimium est in studio grammatico,
” and a system of logic
in Latin and German, which soon took the place of that
ofWendelin. He contributed also various papers to the
“Tempe Helvetica,
” and the “Musaeum Helveticum,
”
and at the request of the cardinal Quirini drew up an account of a ms. of the Greek psalms which was found in
the canons’ library. He published also the “Critical art
of Poetry.
” His biographer bestows great praise on all
those works, and different as the subjects are, assures us
that he treated each as if it had been the exclusive object
of his attention. His literary acquaintance was also very
extensive, and he numbered among his correspondents the
cardinals Passionei and Quirini, the president Bouhier,
the abbe“Gerbert de St. Blaise, with Iselin, Burmann,
Crusius, le Maitre, Vernet, Semler, Ernesti, &c. But he
chiefly excelled as a teacher of youth, and especially of
those intended for the church, having introduced two regulations, the benefit of which his country amply acknowledges. The one was that young divines should preach,
in turn, twice a week, on which occasion the sermon was
criticised by the whole body of students, aided also by
Breitinguer’s remarks. The other respects an institution
or society of Ascetics, as they were called. This was composed of the clergy, who assembled at stated hours, to
discuss subjects relative to their profession, and compose
sermons, prayers, hymns, &c. Some of them also were
employed in visiting the hospitals, others qualified for
schoolmasters, and all were to assist the poor with advice
or pecuniary aid. Breitinguer also prepared a catechism
for the young, on an improved plan, and a little before
his death, published
” Orationes Carolina? d'Hottinguer,“dedicated to Semlin. He continued his active exertions
almost to the last hour of his life, being present at an ecclesiastical council, on Dec. 13, 1776, but on his return
was seized with an apoplexy, of which he died the following day. Breitinguer had as much learning as Bodmer,
though not as much natural fire; and was an excellent
critic. To the works already noticed, we may add his
” Diatribe historico-Jiteraria in versus obscurissimos a
Persio Satir. I citatos," 1740, 8vo. His edition of the
Septuagint, in 4 vols. 4to, wa.t published at Zurich, (TigUnim,) 1730. The text is accurately compiled from the
Oxford edition of Grabe: to which are added at the bottom of each page the various readings of the Codex Vaticanus. Nothing is altered except a few typographical
errors, and some emendations of Grabe, which did not
coincide with the editor’s opinion. The clearness of the
type and beauty of the paper recommend it to the reader’s
attention; and the care, accuracy, and erudition displayed
throughout the work, may entitle it to bear, away the palm
even from Grabe’s edition. Such at least is the opinion of
Masch.
, an ingenious printer, letter-founder, and bookseller of Leipsic, was born in that city, Nov. 23, 17 It. An accidental perusal of
, an ingenious printer, letter-founder, and bookseller of Leipsic, was
born in that city, Nov. 23, 17 It. An accidental perusal
of a work by Albert Durer, in which the shape of the letters is deduced from mathematical principles, appears to
have suggested to him some valuable improvements in the
art of casting types, which gave his printing-office and
foundery great reputation. He was also the first who cast
musical types, now so common, although they possess so
little of the beauty or -accuracy of copper-plates as to be
seldom used. He also contrived to print maps with moveable types, and even to cQpy portraits by the same means,
but neither of these were found of much utility. He was
better employed in 1793, in endeavouring to print the
Chinese characters on moveable types, and succeeded so
far as to exhibit specimens, which were much admired.
He is said also to have discovered some improvements in
the composition of type-metal, and the process of melting
and casting, but what these were he concealed. He died
Jan. 28, 1794. In 1774, he published a small treatise,
containing a refutation of the opinion of those who pretend
that printing was first employed at Florence, Wirtzburg,
or Antwerp. In 1784, he published the first part of a
work, entitled “An Attempt to illustrate the origin of
Playing-cards, the introduction of paper made from linen,
and the invention of engraving on wood in Europe.
” The
latter part of this work was finished, but not published,
before his death. His last publication was a small “
Treatise on Bibliography, &c.
” published in 1793, and containing extracts from his larger works, with his reasons for
retaining the present German characters, and a refutation
of some assertions respecting typography.
, a member of the French academy of sciences, was born at Paris, Sept. 14, 1713, of a good family, and after having
, a member of the French academy of sciences, was born at Paris, Sept. 14, 1713, of a good family, and after having studied humanities in the Mazarin college, and a course of philosophy in the college of Beauvais, applied himself more particularly to medicine and law, and the oriental languages in the royal college. The great progress which he made in the latter, occasioned his being invited to Rheims to teach these languages, and to fill a professor’s chair; but this he declined out of respect to his father, who wished him to appear at the bar. Neither this, however, nor languages, were to his own liking, and his parents, after some consideration, allowed him to pursue his inclination for medicine, and natural history, to which he added a taste for general literature and criticism. In 1737, he began to give extracts from the London Philosophical Transactions, and this with so much judgment and ability as to excite the attention of the literati of France, who after revolving the plan, conceived that a translation of the Transactions with notes would be more useful than these extracts, and agreed that M. de Bremond should be requested to undertake it. He accordingly began the work, and published four vols. 4to. including the years 1731—1736, withacomplete index, and notes pointing out where the subjects are treated in the memoirs of other learned bodies, or in separate publications: some of these notes are complete dissertations. The royal society, on this, honoured him with the title of secretary; and on March 18, 1739, he was admitted into the French royal academy of sciences. The same year he read a learned paper on respiration. He joined afterwards with M. Morand, a celebrated surgeon, in collecting and translating all the English publications respecting Mrs. Stephens’s remedy for the stone, which once was thought infallible. He translated likewise Dr. Halley’s experiments on sea water, and Hauksbee’s experiments, 2 vols. 12mo; and Murdoch’s new loxodromic tables, for the construction of marine charts. This industrious writer died March 21, 1742, aged only twenty-nine. His eloge was composed by M. cle Mairan, then secretary to the academy.
, a learned lawyer in the seventeenth century, was born at Little Wool ford, in Warwickshire, in 1573, being the
, a learned lawyer in the seventeenth century, was born at Little Wool ford, in Warwickshire, in 1573, being the son of Anchor Brent of that place, gent. In 1589, he became pordonist, or post-master, of Merton-college, in Oxford; and, on the 20th of June 1593, took the degree of bachelor of arts. The year following he was admitted probationer-fellow of the college. On the 3 1st of October 1598; he took the degree of master of arts and then entered upon law studies. In 1607, he was one of the proctors of the university. Some years after, in 1613, &c. he travelled into foreign parts, and became acquainted with several of the most learned men abroad. After his return, he married Martha daughter and heir of Dr. Robert Abbot, bishop of Salisbury, and niece to Dr. George Abbot, archbishop of Canterbury, which was the cause of his succeeding great preferments. About the year 1618, he was sent to Venice by archbishop Abbot, on purpose to get a copy of the History of the Council of Trent, then newly composed by the most renowned Padre Paolo Sarpi; in procuring of which he exposed himself to very great dangers. In 1621, he Was elected warden of Merton-college, through the archbishop’s recommendation; who also made him his vicar-general, commissary of the diocese of Canterbury, master of the faculties, and at length judge of the prerogative. On the llth of October, 1623, he accumulated the degrees of bachelor and doctor of law. The 23d of August, 1629, he received the honour of knighthood from king Charles I. at Woodstock, being then supposed well-affected to the church and hierarchy. But in the great disputes that arose between archbishop Abbot and bishop Laud, he entirely sided with the first, and his adherents, the puritan party; and grew so inveterate against Laud, that he was a frequent witness against him at his trial. He likewise deserted Oxford when king Charles I. garrisoned that place, and took the covenant: for which reason he was deprived of his wardenship of Merton-college, by his majesty’s command; but restored again when Oxford garrison was surrendered for the parliament’s use, in 1646. In 1647 and 1648, he was appointed chief visitor of that university, and countenanced all the violent and arbitrary proceedings there used, not sparing his own college. When an order was made against pluralities, he was forced to leave Mertoncollege, on the 27th of November, 1651; at which time he refused also the oath called the Engagement. Upon this, retiring to his house in Little Britain, in London, he died there November 6, 1652, aged 79; and was buried, the seventeenth of the same month, with great solemnity, in the church of St. Bartholomew the Less.
, one of the supporters of the reformation, was born at Wile in Suabia, in 1499, a city of which his father
, one of the supporters of the reformation, was born at Wile in Suabia, in 1499, a city of which his father had been mayor for many years. He was educated at Heidelberg school and university, and when only fifteen years old commenced bachelor. Such was his thirst for learning, that he usually rose at midnight to his studies, which became afterwards so much a habit, that he never slept longer than midnight. At eighteen he took his master’s degree in arts, and about the same time the perusal of some of Luther’s writings induced him to change his mind in many important points, which he endeavoured to communicate to his fellow-students by lecturing to them from the gospel of St. Matthew, and his auditors increasing, it was objected to him by those who were jealous of his talents, that he was not fit for such a work, not being in orders. To remove that, he entered into orders, and became a very popular preacher. He was then called to be pastor at Hall in Suabia, where he gave such satisfaction that the senate confirmed him in the office, although he was only twenty-three years old. When Muncer and his adherents rose in arms in Germany, and threatened to besiege Hall, he not only wrote against these enthusiasts, but encouraged the citizens to defend the place, which they did with great bravery. We find him aftersvards attending a conference of the reformed clergy for the purpose of reconciling the contention between Luther and Zuinglius, respecting the real presence; and in 1530 he was at the diet of Augsburgh, where the celebrated confession of faith was drawn up. When Ulric, prince of Wirtemberg, meditated the introduction of the reformed religion in his dominions, and particularly in the university of Tubingen, he employed Brentius in that seat of learning, who accomplished the purpose to his entire satisfaction. In 1547, when the emperor Charles V. and his army came to Hall, Brentius found it necessary to make his escape; and some letters of his being found, in which he justified the protestant princes for taking arms against the emperor, he became still in more danger; but on the emperor’s removing his army, he returned to Hall again. In 1548, however, when the emperor had published the Interim, Brentius declared himself so strongly against it, that the emperor sent a commissary to Hall, charging him to bring Brentius to him, alive or dead. The magistrates and citizens would have still protected him, but, as the emperor threatened to destroy their city if he were not given up, they connived at his escape, and presently after Ulric prince of Wirtemberg afforded him an asylum, until he got to Basil. He remained^ in this kind of banishment until 1550, when Christopher duke of Wirtemberg, in room of his father Ulric deceased, resolved to restore the ministers who were driven away by the Interim, and to complete the reformation; and therefore sent for Brentius to his castle at Stutg&rd, where he might have his advice and assistance. Here at his request, Brentius drew up a confession of faith, including the controverted points, which the duke intended to send to the council of Trent; and the year after the pastor of Stutgard dying, Brentius was chosen in his room, and held the situation for life. In 1557 he went to the conferences at Worms, which ended unsatisfactorily, as the popish representatives would not admit the authority of scripture in deciding their controversies. A more important service he performed in his old age. As there were many monasteries in Wirtemberg, from which the friars had been expelled, he persuaded his prince to convert them into schools, which was accordingly done, and Brentius visited them once in two years, directing and encouraging their studies. He died in 1570, and was buried with every mark of public respect. His works were printed together in 8 vols. fol. at Tubingen, 1576 i)0: most of them had been printed separately at various periods of his life. His opinions coincided in general with those of Luther, except on the subject of the real presence, in which he held some sentiments peculiar to himself, although perhaps essentially not very different from those of the Lutheran church.
, a learned member of the French academy, and of that of Inscriptions, was born in the country of Caux in 1715, and died at Paris in 1795,
,
a learned member of the French academy, and of that of
Inscriptions, was born in the country of Caux in 1715, and
died at Paris in 1795, aged eighty. His youth was spent
in the acquisition of the learned languages, and he afterwards came to Paris to enjoy the company of the literati
of that metropolis. Being sent to England to search
for materials respecting the French history, he published
the result in a paper in the Memoirs of the Academy of
inscriptions in 1767, by which we find that he collected
in the British Museum, and the Tower of London, an invaluable treasure of letters and papers relative to the his-,
tory, laws, and constitution of France, which papers had
till then been unknown to the literary world. The same
Memoir concludes with some anecdotes relative to the famous siege of Calais in 1346, which do little honour to the
memory of Eustache de St. Pierre, and are, by no means,
consistent with the encomiums that have been lavished on
him, on account of his heroic patriotism. Brequigny was
of a very communicative disposition, and loved to encourage young men of learning, by lending them his books
and manuscripts, and imparting his ideas of any subject on
which they might be employed. In his writings, his style
is clear and simple, and he had the happy talent of extracting with judgment and accuracy, of which he left many
proofs in his notices inserted in the Journal des Savans,
and in the Memoirs of the Academy of inscriptions, to
which he was a frequent contributor. The substance of a
curious paper of his, on the life and character of Mahomet,
may be seen in the Monthly Review, vol. XXXIV. (1768.)
His principal works are, 1. “Histoire des Revolutions de
Genes,
” Paris, Strabo,
” vol. I. Gr. and Lat. Vies dfes anciens orateurs Grecs,
” with a translation of
many of their orations, Diplomata,
Chartaj ad res Franciscas spectantia,
” 4to. 5. “Table
chronologique des diplomes, chartes, et titres relatifs a
i'histoire de France,
” Ordonnances
des rois de France de la troisieme race:
” of this important
collection Brequigny published the last six volumes, enriched with learned notes and curious dissertations on the
ancient legislation of France. He also compiled and published in 1764, 8vo, the catalogue of the library of Clermont.
ghter of Mr. Thomas Hughes, of Bryn- Griffith near Mould in Flintshire, by Anne Jones, his wife, and was born in 1685. Being observed to be endowed by nature with a
, an English poetess, was the daughter of Mr. Thomas Hughes, of Bryn- Griffith near Mould in
Flintshire, by Anne Jones, his wife, and was born in 1685.
Being observed to be endowed by nature with a great capacity, her talents were assiduously cultivated by her father, who was himself a man of excellent parts. Mr.
Hughes, however, dying when she was only sixteen, she
soon lost these advantages; but early discovered a turn
for poetry, which her acquaintance encouraged. In Jan,
1711 she married Mr. Thomas Brereton, at that time a
commoner of Brazen-nose college, Oxford, only son of
major Brereton, son and heir of William Brereton, esq.
of Cheshire. Her husband soon spent his fortune, and
went over to Paris; and some time after this, a separation,
having taken place, she retired, 1721, to her native country, Wales, where she led a solitary life, seeing little company, except some intimate friends. About this time Mr.
Brereton obtained from lord Sunderland a post Belonging
to the customs at Park-gate near Chester; but in Feb.
1722, was unfortunately drowned in crossing the water of
Saltney, when the tide was coming in. Mrs. Brereton
then retired to Wrexham in Denbighshire, for the benefit
of her children’s education, where she died Aug. 7, 1740,
aged fifty -five, leaving two daughters, Lucy and Charlotte,
the latter probably the author of <c The Rattle,“a song,
in Fawkes and Woty’s
” Poetical Calendar," vol. XI. p. 14.
, the son of Thomas Brereton, esq. of the county Palatine of Chester, was born in 1715. He received his education partly at Westminster-school,
, the son of Thomas Brereton, esq. of the county Palatine of Chester, was born in 1715. He received his education partly at Westminster-school, on the foundation, and partly at Trinity college, Cambridge, and, on the death of his father, inherited the ancient family estates in the above-mentioned county, and in Flintshire. In 1738, Mr, Brereton was called to the bar, and in 1746 became recorder of Liverpool, which office he filled with great impartiality and dignity during fifty-two years. In 1796, on his proposing to resign, the corporation requested him to retain his situation, and appointed a person to discharge its active duties.
the son of Robert Brerewood, a reputable tradesman, who was three times mayor of Chester. Our author was born in that city in 1565, where he was educated in grammar
, a learned mathematician
and antiquary, was the son of Robert Brerewood, a reputable tradesman, who was three times mayor of Chester.
Our author was born in that city in 1565, where he was
educated in grammar learning at the free school; and was
afterwards admitted, in 1581, of Brazen-nose college, Oxford, where he soon acquired the character of a hard
student; as he has shewn by the commentaries he wrote
upon Aristotle’s Ethics, when no more than twenty-one
years of age. In 1596 he was chosen the first professor of
astronomy in Gresham college, being one of the two who,
at the desire of the electors, were recommended to them
by the university of Oxford. He loved retirement, and
wholly devoted himself to the pursuit of knowledge. And
though he never published any thing himself, yet he was
very communicative, and ready to impart what he knew to
others, either in conversation or in writing. His retired
situation at Gresham college being agreeable, it did not
appear that he had any other views, but continued there
the remainder of his life, which was terminated by a fever
the 4th of November 1613, at forty-eight years of age, in
the midst of his pursuits, and before he had taken proper
care to collect and digest his learned labours; which,
however, were not lost; being reduced to order, and published after his death, in the following order: 1. “De ponderibus et pretiis veterum nummorum, eorumque cum recentioribus collatione,
” Enquiries touching the
diversity of Languages and Religion, through the chief
parts of the world,
” Elementa Logicae in gratiam studiosae juventutis
in acad. Oxon.
” Tractatus quidam logici
de praedicabilibus et proedicamentis,
” Treatise of the Sabbath,
” 6.
” A second treatise
of the Sabbath,“1632, 4to. 7,
” Tractatus duo, quorum
primus est de meteoris, secundus de oculo,“1631. 8.
” Commentarii in Ethica Aristotelis,“1640,. 4to. Mr.
Wood tells us, that the original manuscript of this, written
with his own hand, is in the smallest and neatest character that his eyes ever beheld; and that it was finished by
him Oct. 27, 1586. 9.
” The patriarchal government of
the ancient Church," 1641, 4to.
, bishop of Hereford in the thirteenth century, was born in England, and educated there, and after he had made himself
, bishop of Hereford in the thirteenth century, was born in England, and educated there, and after he had made himself master of the Latin tongue, he applied himself to the study of the law, in which he made so great a progress, that he was created doctor of civil and canon law. He distinguished himself in this profession by his admirable talents in the decision of the most difficult causes; and by this means procured himself very considerable interest af the court of king Henry III. who raised him on account of his merit to the bishopric of Hereford. Bale acknowledges his eminent abilities in the law, but expresses himself in very severe terms against him on that account, as neglecting his episcopal duties. He made a large collection of the laws of England from various authors, digested into one volume, which Leland tells us was of great advantage to king Edward I. the son and successor of Henry III. and to the whole nation. He died in 1275, and was succeeded in his see by Thomas Cantilupe.
, advocate of the parliament of Paris, and an eminent law writer and pleader, was born at Montrotier, about four leagues from Lyons, Feb. 24,
, advocate of
the parliament of Paris, and an eminent law writer and
pleader, was born at Montrotier, about four leagues from
Lyons, Feb. 24, 1656. After studying languages and philosophy at Lyons, he came to Paris in 1677 to apply himself to law, and in 1680 was appointed an advocate. Having conceived a preference to the written over the common law, -he made the former his particular study, and
traced its origin with the true spirit of an antiquary. This
course of study produced a very much improved edition of
the works of Claude Henrys, 1708, 2 vols. fol. and afterwards a work of great utility in the French law, which he
undertook at the request of the chancellor D'Aguesseau,
entitled “Recueil des principals questions de droit qui
se jugent diversement dans differens tribunaux du royaume,
”
, a learned English divine, the son of Robert Brett, of Whitstanton, in Somersetshire, was born in London, in 1561, and entered a commoner of Hart-hall,
, a learned English divine, the son
of Robert Brett, of Whitstanton, in Somersetshire, was
born in London, in 1561, and entered a commoner of
Hart-hall, Oxford, in 1582, where he took one degree in
arts, and was then elected fellow of Lincoln-college, and
was distinguished for his progress in the learned languages.
About 1595 he was made rector of Quainton, near Aylesbury, and was admitted B. D. in 1597. In 1604 he was
appointed one of the seven Oxford divines who were to
translate the Bible by king James’s order; and was afterwards made one of the first fellows of Chelsea college, a
foundation which, we have already had occasion to remark^
was never completed. Wood represents him as a pious
and learned man, and critically skilled in Latin, Greek,
Hebrew, and the Oriental languages, a vigilant pastor,
a liberal benefactor, and a faithful friend. He died April
la, 1637, and was buried in the chancel of his church at
Quainton, under a monument with his effigies, and those
of his widow and four children kneeling. He published,
1. “Vitae Sanctorum Evangelist. Johannis et Lucae a Simeone Metaphraste concinnatae,
” Oxon, Agatharchidis et Memnonis Historicorum quae supersunt
omuia,
” ibid. Iconum sacraruni decas,
in qua e subjectis Typis compluscula sanae doctrinse capita
eruuntur,
” ibid.
, his wife, the daughter and heir of John Boys, esq. of Bettishanger, near Sandwich, in that county, was born at the seat of the latter, 3d Sept. 1667. His father disliking
an eminent English divine and controversial writer, the son of Thomas Brett, gent. of Spring-grove, in the parish of Wye, in Kent, by Letitia, his wife, the daughter and heir of John Boys, esq. of Bettishanger, near Sandwich, in that county, was born at the seat of the latter, 3d Sept. 1667. His father disliking the situation of the old house at Wye, where his ancestors had lived for many generations, rebuilt it in a more commodious place, near a small grove of trees and a pleasant spring of water in the same parish, from whence he gave it the name of Spring-grove. He came and settled there in 1674, and sent his son to its grammar-school; the master of which was then John Paris, A. M. but he dying about three years after, was succeeded by Samuel Pratt, under whose instruction the youth remained until 1684.
, a French antiquary, was born Sept. 17, 1528, and entered the society of the Benedictines
, a French antiquary, was born Sept. 17, 1528, and entered the society
of the Benedictines of St. Germain -des-Pres in 1549. He
published in 1601 an edition of Isidorus, fol.; and 1. “Le
Theatre des Antiquity’s de Paris,
” Supplementum antiquitatum Parisiensium,
” Antiquities of
Paris,
” published in Les Pastes de Paris,
”
by Bonfons, improved by our author, La Vie du cardinal Charles de Bourbon,
” uncle of
Henry IV. 1612, 4to. 5. “Chronicon Abbatum regalis
monast S. Germani a Pratis,
”
, a learned divine of the seventeenth century, was born in the Isle of Jersey, in the reign of king James I. and
, a learned divine of the seventeenth century, was born in the Isle of Jersey, in the reign
of king James I. and probably educated in grammar-learning in that place. From thence he went and studied logic
and philosophy in the Protestant university of Saumur,
where he took the degree of master of arts, on September
12, 1634. Coming to Oxford, he was, October 12, 1638,
incorporated M. A. as he stood at Saumur. About this
time king Charles I. having through archbishop Laud’s
persuasion founded three fellowships in the colleges of
Pembroke, Exeter, and Jesus, for the islands of Jersey
and Guernsey, alternately, Mr. Brevint was nominated
the first fellow at Jesus-college upon this foundation, in
1638. Here he continued till he was ejected from his fellowship by the parliament- visitors, for refusing to take the
solemn league and covenant, and withdrew to his native
country, but upon the reduction of that place by the parliament’s forces, he fled into France, and became minister
of a Protestant congregation in Normandy. Not long
after, he had the honour of being made chaplain to the
viscount de Turenne, afterwards marshal of France, whose
lady was one of the most pious women of her time. Whilst
he was in that station, he was one of the persons “employed about the great design then in hand, of reconciling
the Protestant and Popish religions; which gave him an access into, and made him acquainted with every corner of that
church,
” as he says himself. At the restoration of king
Charles II. he returned to England, and was presented by
that prince (wjio had known him abroad) to the tenth prebend in the church of Durham, vacant by the promotion of
Dr. J. Cosin to that see, and was installed March 15, 1660-61.
By bishop Cosiu, who had been his fellow-sufferer, he was
also collated to a living in the diocese of Durham. On the
27th of February, 1661-62, he took his degree of D. D. at
Oxford. Having during his exile seen Popery in its native
deformity, and observed all the mean and dishonest arts
that are used to support it, he in 1672 published “Missale Romanum; or, the depth and mystery of the Roman
Mass laid open and explained, for the use of both reformed
and unreformed Christians,
” and the next year, “The
Christian Sacramenc and Sacrifice, by way of discourse,
meditation, and prayer, upon the nature, parts, and blessings of the holy communipn,
” reprinted on the recommendation of Dr. Waterland, in 1739. And in 1674,
“Saul and Samuel at Endor, or the new waies of salvation
and service, which usually tempt men to Rome, and detain them there, truly represented and refuted,
” reprinted
A brief account of R. F.
his Missale Vindicaturo, or vindication of the Roman mass,
”
being an answer to “The depth and mystery of the Roman
Mass,
” above-mentioned. The learning and other eminent
qualifications of the author having recommended him to the
esteem of the world, and to the favour of his sovereign, he
was promoted to the deanery of Lincoln, and was installed
January 3, 1681-82, and had the prebend of WeltonPayns-hall annexed thereto, January 7th following. He
died May 5, 1695, and was buried in the cathedral church
of Lincoln, behind the high altar; where, on a gravestone, is an inscription to his memory. He was a person
of extensive reading, especially in the controversy between
the Protestants and Papists; zealous for the church of
England; and for his life and learning, truly praise-worthy.
Besides the above works, he published in Latin: 1. “Ecclesiae primitives Sacramentum & Sacrificium, a pontificiis
corruptelis, & exinde natis controversiis liberum,
” written at the desire of the princesses of Turenne and Bouillon.
2. “Eucharistiae Christianse prsesentia realis, & pontificia
ficta, luculentissimis non testimoniis modo, sed etiam fundamentis, quibus fere tota S. S. Patrum Theologia nititur,
hsec explosa, ilia suffulta & asserta.
” 3. “Pro Serenissima Principe Weimariensi ad Theses Jenenses accurata
Responsio.
” 4. “Ducentue plus minus Praelectiones in
Matthaei xxv capita, et aliorum Evangelistarum locos
passim parallelos.
” He also translated into Frenck
“The judgment of the university of Oxford concerning
the solemn League and Covenant.
”
, called Cavalier, a painter of landscapes, was born at Antsverp in 1677, and remained under the instruction
, called Cavalier, a painter of landscapes, was born at Antsverp in 1677, and remained under the instruction of old Rysbrack, the landscape painter, for three years, after which period he became, in consequence of his close application, competent to commence the practice of his art. Having been diverted from his purpose of visiting Italy by the encouraging reception which he met with at Francfort and Nuremberg, he spent two years with his brother, Francis Breydel, at the court of Hesse-Cassel; and afterwards went to Amsterdam, where he copied several views of the Rhine, from the designs of Griffier, and thus improved his colouring, pencilling, and taste of design, so that the works of this artist may be regarded as his second and best school. At length he settled at Ghent, where his performances were much admired; but he was reduced by extravagance to the necessity of earning money expeditiously, and to multiply pictures much inferior in design and execution to others which had been produced by his pencil. His health declined towards the close of his life; and his performances during the intervals of ease which he enjoyed, amidst recurring paroxysms of the gout, wanted the spirit, delicate finishing, and firmness of touch, of his better days. Whilst the ideas and style of Griftier were his models, his pictures, principally views of the Rhine, were well designed, neatly executed, and excellently coloured. But he changed this manner, in order to imitate Velvet Breughel, whose works were universally admired, and selected for his subjects battles, sieges, and encampments. He often copied the prints of Vandermeulen; but afterwards composed very readily in this style, without borrowing from any other artist. His best pictures are full of spirit, his touch is firm, and well adapted to his style, and his design is correct. Some of them appear too laboured, but others are full of harmony. He died in 1744.
, brother of the above, was born at Antwerp, in 1679, and it is generally supposed that
, brother of the above, was born at Antwerp, in 1679, and it is generally supposed that he was a disciple of old Rysbrack, as well as his brother Charles; but he chose very different subjects; for, at an early time of life he painted portraits with so great success, that he was appointed painter to the court of Hesse-Cassel, where his works were very much esteemed. He also painted conversations, feasts, assemblies, and carnivals, subjects very pleasing to the lovers of the art, and on that account he was induced to paint a great many in that style. However, from a levity of temper, he quitted the court of Hesse, where he was exceedingly caressed, and went to England, where, probably, he found sufficient encouragement, as he continued there for several years along with his friend Vandermyn. His conversations and other compositions are finely executed, agreeably coloured, and well disposed; and those pictures of his band are most preferred where he has endeavoured to give a proper variety to his figures. In those the dresses are usually in the mode of the time; the persons represented are of different ranks and occupations, mixed with some of the military order; and through the whole there is an appearance of nature, truth, and a great deal of spirit. He died in 17 So.
, one of the most eminent nonconformists of the seventeenth century, was born in 1600, and educated at Emmanuel college, Cambridge, where
, one of the most eminent nonconformists of the seventeenth century, was born in 1600, and educated at Emmanuel college, Cambridge, where he took his master’s degree, in 1626, and was several years a fellow. After preaching in Essex for five years, he was called to Norwich, where he preached in the parish of St. George’s Tombland, until 1636, when he was silenced by bishop Wren for nonconformity in some points, and remaining obstinate, he was excommunicated, and the writ de ca> pitndo issued against him. On this he quitted Norwich, where he had a lecture and two cures, and went into Holland. At Rotterdam he was chosen pastor to a congregational church, but returned to England in 1642, frequently preached before the long parliament, and was chosen one of the assembly of divines, although he agreed with them only in doctrinal matters. At length he fixed at Yarmouth, where he preached until the Bartholomew act took place, when he was ejected. He died March 12, 1670. He was a man of considerable learning, and possessing a library well furnished with the fathers, schoolmen, and critics, was a very close student, rising every morning, both in winter and summer, at four o'clock, and continuing in his library until eleven. He was inflexibly attached to the independent party, but too charitable towards men of opposite sentiments to follow their example in all respects. His principal works are collected in 2 vols. 4to, 1657, besides which he published many single sermons before the parliament, and some tracts enumerated by Calamy. In Peck’s Desiderata are two letters from him to Scobell, the clerk of the council, by which we learn that he was a leading man among the independents.
sq. who purchased that estate, by Elizabeth, sister of sir William Trumbull, secretary of state, and was born at Binfield in Berkshire, about 1666. His grandfather was
, esq. of Barton- Seagrave, in Northamptonshire, a celebrated antiquary and topographer, was son and heir of John Bridges, esq. who purchased that estate, by Elizabeth, sister of sir William Trumbull, secretary of state, and was born at Binfield in Berkshire, about 1666. His grandfather was col. John Bridges of Alcester in Warwickshire; not related to the Chandos family, nor bearing arms of any similitude to them, but said to be descended from Ireland. He was bred to the law, and a member of Lincoln’s-inn, of which he at last became bencher. His practical attention to his profession was probably prevented by his prospect of a private fortune, and the lucrative places which he enjoyed. In 1695 he was appointed solicitor of the customs; in 1711, commissioner of the same; and iii 1715, cashier of excise. He was also one of the governors of Bethlehem hospital, and a fellow of the royal society.
, rector of Lincoln college, Oxford, and who in his writings called himself Aqua Pontanus, was born in Yorkshire, but of a Somersetshire family. He was entered
, rector of Lincoln college,
Oxford, and who in his writings called himself Aqua Pontanus, was born in Yorkshire, but of a Somersetshire family. He was entered a student at Hart-hall, Oxford, and
thence removed to Brazen-nose college, where he was M. A*
1556, and about the same time took orders. Although he
outwardly complied with the reformed religion in queen
Elizabeth’s days, he lay under the suspicions, which he
afterwards confirmed, of being more seriously attached to
popery. While he preserved the disguise, however, he
was, May 1, 1562, made rector of Wooton-Courtney in the
diocese of Wells; and April 14, 1563, was chosen rector of
Lincoln college. On Nov. 28, 1570, he was made master
of Catherine’s hospital, near Bedminster, canon of Wells,
and archdeacon of Rochester. In 1574, however, being
no longer able to conceal his zeal for popery, he quitted
the rectorship of Lincoln, which Wood thinks he could no
longer have retained, without the danger of expulsion, and
after resigning his other preferments, went to the English
college at Doway, along with several students whom he had
instructed in the principles of popery. Afterwards he travelled to Rome, and thence to Germany. He was at Triers
in 1594, but no farther traces can be discovered of his progress, nor when he died. It is supposed that in his latter
days he became a Jesuit, but neither Pits or Alegambe
notice this circumstance. He published, 1. “Concertatio
Ecclesiae Catholicse in Anglia,
” first published by Fenn,
and Gibbons, at Triers, Confutatio virulentae disputationis Theologies, in qua Georgius Sohn, Prof. Acad. Heidelberg, conatus est docere,
Pontificem Romanum esse Antichristum, &c.
” ibid. An account of the Six Articles, usually proposed to the Missionaries that suffered in England.
”
, an able French geographer, was born at Abbeville in 1601, and entered the society of Jesuits
, an able French geographer, was born
at Abbeville in 1601, and entered the society of Jesuits in
1619. He taught humanities seven years, rhetoric seventeen, and was some time prefect of the classes, and lectured on the holy scriptures. His private character corresponded with his learning. He was appointed joint librarian with father Cossart of the library of the Jesuits’
college in Paris, where he died Dec. 9, 1668. He published, 1 “Xenia Delphino oblata nomine collegii Rothomagensis,
” Rouen, Parallela geographies
veteris et novae,
” 1648 and 1649, three volumes, 4to, a
very exact and methodical work, and ornamented with
plates well designed. These volumes, however, contain,
only Europe; and it can never be enough regretted, says
Niceron, that he did not publish the Parallels of Asia and
Africa, which were assuredly finished and ready, but somehow or other lost. He published also, 3. “Annales mundi,
”
in 7 vols. 12mo, from the beginning of the world to the
year of Christ 1663, often reprinted and enlarged; and
“Theatrum geographicum Europae veteris,
” Elogium patris
Jacobi Sirmundi,
” Paris, Acute dicta
omnium veterum poetarum Latinorum,
” Paris, Philippi Labbe et P.
Brietii concordia chronologica,
” Paris,
, one of the greatest mathematicians in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, was born at Daisy Bank adjoining to Warleywood, near Halifax, in
, one of the greatest mathematicians in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, was born at Daisy Bank adjoining to Warleywood, near Halifax, in Yorkshire, in 1556, but according to the Halifax register probably sooner, as it is there recorded that he was baptised Feb. 23, 1560. From a grammar-school 'in that country he was sent to St. John’s college, Cambridge, 1579; where, after taking both degrees in arts, he was chosen fellow of his college in 1588. He applied himself chiefly to the study of the mathematics, in which he greatly excelled; in consequence in 1592 he was made examiner and lecturer in that faculty; and soon after, reader of the physic lecture, founded by Dr. Linacer.
ily in Norfolk, and had been four times member of parliament for the city of Norwich, where this son was born about the year 1650, although his biographers differ very
, an eminent physician, was son of
Augustine Briggs, esq. who was descended of an ancient
family in Norfolk, and had been four times member of
parliament for the city of Norwich, where this son was
born about the year 1650, although his biographers differ
very widely on this point. At thirteen years of age he
was sent to Bene't-college in Cambridge, and placed under
the care of Dr. Thomas Tenison, afterwards archbishop of
Canterbury, whom he succeeded in his fellowship. He
took both his degrees in arts, and was chosen fellow of his
college, Nov. 1668. His genius leading him to the study
of physic, he travelled into France, where he attended the
lectures of the famous anatomist Mons. Vieussens at Montpelier; and, after his return, published his “Ophthalmographia
” in Theory
of Vision
” was published by Hooke. In Theory of Vision,
” at the
desire of Mr. (afterwards sir) Isaac Newton, with a recommendatory epistle from him prefixed to it. And for completing this curious and useful subject relating to the eye,
he promised, in the preface, two other treatises, one “De
usu partium oculi;
” and the other “De ejusdem affectibus;
” neither of which', however, appears to have been
ever published: but, in 1687, came out a second edition
of his “Ophthalmographia.
” He was afterwards made
physician in ordinary to king William, and continued in
great esteem for his skill in his profession till he died at
Town-Malling in Kent, Sept. 4, 1704, and was there
buried, although a cenotaph is erected to his memory in
the church of Holt in Norfolk. He married Hannah, sole
daughter and heiress of Edmund Hobart, grandson to sir
Henry Hobart, lord chief justice of the common pleas in
the reign of James I. by whom he left three children,
Mary, Henry, and Hannah. Henry died in 1748, rector
of Hoit.
, who appears to have had a taste for poetry and biography in the infancy of those studies, was born at or near to Caversham in Oxfordshire, but descended from
, who appears to have had a
taste for poetry and biography in the infancy of those
studies, was born at or near to Caversham in Oxfordshire,
but descended from the Brighams of Yorkshire. He was
educated at Hart-hall, Oxford, as Wood conjectures, and
afterwards studied at one of the inns of court. Having a
turn for poetry, he passed his hours in the perusal of the
best poets, and his admiration of Chaucer led him to be
at the expence of beautifying the monument of that
eminent poet in 1556, removing it to a more conspicuous
place in Westminster abbey, where we now find it. He
died in his prime, Dec. 1559, leaving, l.“De venationibus rerum rnemorabilium,
” a collection of notices of
characters and events, of which Bale has made much use.
2. “Memoirs,
” by way of Diary, in 12 bocks. 3. Miscellaneous Poems. But none of these are probably now m
existence.
, an English divine, attached to the principles of the puritans, was born at Nottingham in 1557, and was educated in Queen’s college,
, an English divine, attached
to the principles of the puritans, was born at Nottingham
in 1557, and was educated in Queen’s college, Cambridge,
and long maintained a controversy on the discipline and
ceremonies of the church, which seems to have led 'him
to write his Commentaries in Latin on the Song of Solomon
and the Revelations. This last was afterwards translated
under the title of “The Revelation of St. John illustrated,
” Brightman Redivivus, or the posthumian offspring of Thomas Brightman,
in four Sermons,
” 4to.
of the sixth century, and is named in the martyrology of Bede, and in all others since that age. She was born at Fochard in Ulster, soon after Ireland was converted,
, or Bridget, and by contraction Bride, (St.) a saint of the Romish church, and the patroness of Ireland, flourished in the beginning of the sixth century, and is named in the martyrology of Bede, and in all others since that age. She was born at Fochard in Ulster, soon after Ireland was converted, and took the veil in her youth from the hands of St. Mel, nephew and disciple of St. Patrick. She built herself a cell under a large oak, thence called Kill-dare, or the cell of the oak, and being joined soon after by several of her own sex, they formed themselves into a religious community, which branched out into several other nunneries throughout Ireland, all which acknowledge her for their mother and foundress. Her biographers give no particulars of her life, but what are too much of the miraculous kind for modern readers. Several churches in England and Scotland are dedicated to her, and some in Germany and France, by which we may guess at her past reputation. According to Giraltfus Cambrensis, her body was found, with those of St. Patrick and St. Columba, in a triple vault at Down-Patrick in 1185, and were all three translated to the cathedral of the same city, but their monument was destroyed in the reign of Henry VIII. She is commemorated in the Roman martyrology on the first of February. This Brigit was a virgin; but in the Roman calendar we find another Bridgit, a widow, the foundress of the monasteries of the Brigittines, who died July 23, 1373.
, an artist of whom very few particulars are mentioned; the most material are, that he was born at Antwerp, in 1550, and learned the rudiments of his art
, an artist of whom very few particulars are mentioned; the most material are, that he was born at Antwerp, in 1550, and learned the rudiments of his art in that city; that he went to study at Rome, and in a very few years manifested so much merit in landscape and history, that Pope Gregory XIII. employed him to work in the Vatican, and allowed him an honourable pension as long as he lived. He died in 1584, aged thirtyfive.
, an excellent artist, brother to Matthew Brill, was born at Antwerp, in 1554, but bred to the profession of painting
, an excellent artist, brother to Matthew Brill, was born at Antwerp, in 1554, but bred to the profession of painting under Daniel Voltelmans. From the time of his quitting that master till he went to Italy, his manner was rather stiff, his pictures had a predominant brown and yellow tinge, and his design and colouring were equally indifferent. But when he visited his brother Matthew at Rome, and saw the works of Titian and Caracci, he altered his Flemish manner entirely, and fixed upon a style that was abundantly pleasing, with a charming tone of colour. The pension and employment which his brother possessed at the Vatican were conferred upon Paul; and he so far surpassed him, that he daily rose in his reputation, till he was considered as the first in his profession. Annibal Caracci generally painted the figures in his landscapes, and by that means increased their value to a very high degree. His manner of painting is true, sweet, and tender; the touchings of his trees are firm, and yet delicate; his scenery, his situations, and distances, are admirable, most of them being taken from nature; and the masses of his light and shadow are strong, and very judicious; though, in some of his small easel-pictures, he may be sometimes accounted rather too green, or at least more greenish than could be wished. It is remarked of him, that, in the latter part of his life, his landscapes were always of a small size; but they are beautiful and exquisitely finished, and frequently he painted them on copper. The genuine works of this eminent master are now rarely to be met with, especially those of the larger size, and they afford prices that are extremely high in every part of Europe. Sandrart observes, that in his time the pictures of Paul Brill were eagerly coveted in all countries where the polite arts are encouraged; that abundance of purchasers appeared at the public sales, ambitious to possess them; and that very large sums of money were given for them whenever they could be procured. And it seems that their intrinsic value is not diminished, since, a very few years ago, one of the landscapes of this master sold in Holland for 160l. and another, at an auction in London, for 120 guineas or upwards, and yet they were deemed to be cheaply purchased. He died in 1626, aged seventytwo.
mechanical inventions, and who particularly excelled in planning and conducting inland navigations, was born at Tunsted, in the parish of Wormhill, and county of Derby,
, a man of a most uncommon genius for mechanical inventions, and who particularly excelled in planning and conducting inland navigations, was born at Tunsted, in the parish of Wormhill, and county of Derby, in 1716. His parents were possessed of a little freehold, the small income of which his father dissipated by a fondness for shooting and other field-diversions, and by keeping company with people above his rank. The consequence of this was, that his son was so totally neglected, that he did not receive the ordinary rudiments of education. The necessities of the family were so pressing, that young Brindley was obliged, as early as possible, to contribute towards its support; and, till he was nearly seventeen years of age, he was employed in those kinds of light labour which are usually assigned, in country places, to the children of the poor. At this period of his life, he bound himself apprentice to one Bennet, a mill-wright, near Macclesfield, in Cheshire, and soon became expert in the business; besides which, he quickly discovered a strong attachment to the mechanic arts in general, and a genius for extending them much farther than they had hitherto been carried. In the early part of his apprenticeship, he was frequently left by himself, for whole weeks together, to execute works concerning which his master had given him n previous instructions. These works, therefore, he finished in his own way; and Mr. Bennet was often astonished at the improvements his apprentice, from time to time, introduced into the mill-wright business, and earnestly questioned him from whence he had gained his knowledge. He had not been long at the trade, before the millers, wherever he had been employed, always chose him again, in preference to the master, or any other workman; and, before the expiration of his servitude, at which time Mr. Bennet, who was advanced in years, grew unable to work, Mr. Brindley, by his ingenuity and application, kept up the business with credit, and supported the old man and his family in a comfortable manner.
, a non-conformist divine, was born at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, in Leicestershire, in 1600. His father
, a non-conformist divine, was born at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, in Leicestershire, in 1600. His father was also a divine of the puritan kind, and master of the school at Ashby. The noted astrologer William Lilly, was at his school in 1613. His mother was sister to bishop Hall. After being educated by his father, he was admitted of Emanuel college, Cambridge, at the age of thirteen and a half. Having resided there three or four years, he attended his uncle Hall, then dean of Worcester, as his amanuensis, to the synod of Dort, and after his return, resumed his studies at Cambridge, and being elected schoJar of the house, resided there until he took his degrees. When ordained he preached first at Preston, near Chelmsford, then at Somerieyton in Suffolk, and lastly was called to Yarmouth, on the election of the township, but his principles being objected to by Dr. Harsnet, bishop of Norwich, he could only preach on the week days at a country village adjoining, whither the people of Yarmouth followed him, until the township applied to the king for his licence for Mr. Brinsley to preach in Yarmouth. This being granted by his majesty, he remained there until the restoration, when he was ejected with his numerous brethren, who refused the terms of conformity. Although a man of moderate sentiments, he appears to have been inflexible in the points which divided so large a tody of clergymen from the church, and is said to have refused considerable preferment to induce him to remain in it. He is praised by his biographer for piety, and extensive learning in theology. He died Jan. 22, 1665. He wrote several treatises enumerated by Calamy, none of which, we believe, are now much known. He had a son, Robert, who was ejected from the university, and afterwards studied and took his degree of M. D. at Leyden, and practised at Yarmouth.
, president of the parliament of Paris, and an eminent lawyer, was born at Fontenay in Poictou, about the middle of the sixteenth
, president of the parliament of
Paris, and an eminent lawyer, was born at Fontenay in
Poictou, about the middle of the sixteenth century. He
appeared at first with great eclat at the bar of the parliament; and, by his knowledge and skill in the law, recommended himself so powerfully to Henry III. of France,
that this prince first made him his advocate general, then
counsellor of state, and in 1580, honoured him with the
dignity of president of the parliament. Scsevola Sammarthanus relates, that Henry III. declared in his hearing,
that there was not a prince in Christendom, who could
boast of so learned a man as Barnaby Brisson. The king
employed him in several negociations, and sent him ambassador into England. At his return, he employed him to
make a collection of his own ordinances, and of those of
his predecessors; which he performed with wonderful expedition. He wrote some works in law: “De verbormxi,
qua) ad jus pertinent, significatione.
” “De formulis et
solemnibus populi Romani verbis,
” Paris, De
regip Persarum principatu,
” &c. 1580, 1590, 1599, 8voj
1606, 4to; but the best edition is that of Strasburgh, 1710,
8vo, with Sylburgius’ notes. H gave an expectation of
more considerable performances; but his life was shortened
by a very unfortunate accident. Living at Paris when
that rebellious city was besieged by Henry IV. he remonstrated against the treasonable practices of the leaguers,
who, under pretence of the holy union, contemned the
royal authority, which was much more sacred. These religious traitors, being dissatisfied with his loyalty, fell violently upon him, dragged him to prison, and cruelly
strangled him the 15th of Nov. 1591.
, an eminent French physician, was born at Fontenai-le-Comte, in Poitou, 147s, and about 1495 was
, an eminent French physician, was
born at Fontenai-le-Comte, in Poitou, 147s, and about
1495 was sent to Paris, where he went through a course
of philosophy under Villemar, a famous professor of those
times. By his advice, Brissot resolved to be a physician,
and studied physic there for four years. Then he began
to teach philosophy in the university of Paris; and, after
he had done this for ten years, prepared himself for the
examinations necessary to his doctor of physic’s degree,
which he took in May 1514, Being one of those men
who are not contented with custom and tradition, but
choose to examine for themselves, he made an exact comparison between the practice of his own times and the
doctrine of Hippocrates and Galen and he found that the
Arabians had introduced many things into physic that were
contrary to the doctrine of those two great masters, and to
reason and experience. He set himself therefore to reform physic; and for this purpose undertook publicly to
explain Galen’s books, instead of those of Avicenna, Rhasis, and Mesu'i, which were commonly explained in the
schools of physic; but, finding himself obstructed in the
work of reformation by his ignorance of botany, he resolved
to travel, in order to acquire the knowledge of plants, and
put himself into a capacity of correcting pharmacy. Before, however, he left Paris, he undertook to convince the
public of what he deemed an inveterate error; but which
now is considered as a matter of little consequence. The
constant practice of physicians, in the pleurisy, Was to
bleed from the arm, not on the side where the distemper
was, but the opposite side. Brissot disputed about it in
the physic-schools, confuted that practice, and shewed,
chat it was falsely pretended to be agreeable to the doctrine of Hippocrates and Galen. He then left Paris in
1518, and went to Portugal, stopping there at Ebora,
where he practised physic; but his new way of bleeding
in the pleurisy, notwithstanding his great success, did not
please every body, He received a long and rude letter
about it from Denys, physician to the king of Portugal;
which he answered, and would have published if death had
not prevented him in 1522. It was printed, however, three
years after at Paris, and reprinted at Basil in 1529. Renatus Moreau published a new edition of it at Paris in
1622, with a treatise of his own, “De missione sanguinis
in pleuritide,
” and the life of Brissot; out of which this
account is taken. He never would marry, being of opinion
that matrimony did not well agree with study. One thing
is related of him, which his biographer, rather uncharitably, says, deserves to be taken notice of, because it is
singular in the men of his profession; and it is, that he
did not love gain. He cared so little for it, that when he
was called to a sick person, he looked into his purse; and,
if he found but two pieces of gold in it, refused to go.
This, however, it is acknowledged, was owing to his great
love of study, from which it was very difficult to take him.
The dispute between Denys and Brissot raised a kind of
civil war among the Portuguese physicians. The business
was brought before the tribunal of the university of Salamanca, Where it was thoroughly discussed by the faculty
of physic; but in the mean time, the partisans of Denys
had recourse to the authority of the secular power, and
obtained a decree, forbidding physicians to bleed on the
same side in which the pleurisy was. At last the university of Salamanca gave their judgment; importing, that
the opinion of Brissot was the true doctrine of Hippocrates
and Galen. The followers of Denys appealed to the emperor about 1529, thinking themselves superior both in
authority and number; and the matter was brought before
Charles V. They were not contented to call the doctrine
of their adversaries false; they added that it was impious,
mortal, and as pernicious to the body as Luther’s schism
to the souL They not only blackened the reputation of
their adversaries by private arts, but also openly accused
them of ignorance and rashness, of attempts on religion,
and of being downright Lutherans in physic. It fell out
Unluckily for them, that Charles III. duke of Savoy, happened to die of a pleurisy, after he had been bled according to the practice which Brissot opposed. Had it not
been for this, the emperor, it is thought, would have granted every thing that Erissot’s adversaries desired of him;
but this accident induced him to leave the cause undecided.
“Two things,
” says Bayle, in his usual prattling way,
“occur in this relation, which all wise men must needs
condemn; namely, the base, the disingenuous, the unphilosophic custom of interesting religion in disputes about
science, and the folly and absurdity of magistrates to be
concerned in such disputes. A magistrate is for the most
part a very incompetent judge of such matters; and, as he
Jiiiows nothing of them, so he ought to imitate Gallio in
this at least, that is, not to care for them; but to leave
those whose business it is, to fight it out among themselves.
Besides, authority has nothing to do with philosophy and
the sciences; it should be kept at a great distance from
them, for the same reason that armed forces are removed
from a borough at the time of a % general assize; namely,
that reason and equity may have their full play.
”
, an eminent Roman catholic priest and writer in the reign of queen Elizabeth, was born at Worcester, in 1538. In 1555 he was entered of Exeter
, an eminent Roman catholic
priest and writer in the reign of queen Elizabeth, was born
at Worcester, in 1538. In 1555 he was entered of Exeter
college, Oxford, according to Pits, which Wood doubts;
but he took his degree of B. A. in I 559, and M. A. in 1562,
at which last time he was a member of Christ church. He
and the celebrated Campian were so esteemed for their
talents, as to be selected to entertain queen Elizabeth with
a public disputation in 1566. Bristow was afterwards, in
July 1567, made a fellow of Exeter college, by the interest
of sir William Petre, who had founded some fellowships in
that college, and who would have promoted him further,
had he not laid himself open to the suspicion of holding
popish tenets; and this appeared more plainly by his quitting the university on carvlinal Alan’s invitation. He went
then to Doway, and after prosecuting his theological studies in that academy, was admitted to his doctor’s degree
in 1579, and, says his biographer, was Alan’s “right hand
upon all occasions.
” He was made prefect of studies,
lectured on the scriptures, and in the absence of Alan acted
as regent of the college. His intense studies, however,
injured a constitution originally very weak, and after a
journey to Spa, which had very little effect, he was recommended to try his native air. On his return to England,
he resided for a very short time with a Mr. Bellamy, a gentleman of fortune, at Harrow on the Hill, where he died
Oct. 18, 1581. The popish historians concur in expressing the loss their cause suffered by his death, he being
teemed “an Alan in prudence, a Stapleton in acuteness, a
Campian in eloquence, a Wright in theology, and a Martin in languages.
” He wrote, 1. “Dr. Bristow’s motives,
”
Antwerp, A Reply to William Fulk (his ablest antagonist), in defence of
Dr. Allen (Alan’s) articles, and book of purgatory,
” Louvain, Fifty-one demands, to be proposed
by catholics to heretics,
” London, Veritates Aurese S. R. Ecclesiae,
” Tabula in summam theologicam S. Thomse Aquinatis,
” An Apology in defence of Alan and himself,
” and
notes upon the Rheims Testament.
, an eminent Italian scholar of the fifteenth century, was born in the Brescian territory, of a family originally from
, an eminent Italian scholar of the fifteenth century, was born in the Brescian territory, of a family originally from Great Britain; and having studied at Padua about the year 1470, kept school at Brescia, and distinguished himself by several learned annotations on various classic authors, particularly Juvenal, Lucan, Horace, Persius, and Statius in his Achiileid. He also wrote grammatical and other tracts, and an eulogy on Bartholomew Cajetan. He is supposed not to have long survived the year 1518, and did not live to publish his notes upon Pliny’s Natural History. His Statius was published in 1485, fol. and his Juvenal in 1512, Venice, fol.
, a Portuguese historian, was born at Almeida, Aug. 20, 1569, and entered young into the order
, a Portuguese historian, was born
at Almeida, Aug. 20, 1569, and entered young into the
order of the Cistercians, by whom he was sent to Italy to
be educated. During his studies he betrayed much more
fondness for history than for philosophy or divinity, yet
did not neglect the latter so far as to be unable to teach
both, which he did with reputation on his return home.
His abilities in investigating the affairs of Portugal procured him the office of first historiographer of Portugal,
and he was the first who endeavoured to give a regular
form to its history, two folio volumes of which he published in 1597, at Alcobasa, and 1609, at. Lisbon, under
the title of “Monarchia Lusitana.
” It is written with elegance; and was brought down to Alfonsus III. by Antony
and Francis Brandano, monks of the same order, making
in all 7 vols. He published also, 2. Panegyrics of the
kings of Portugal, with their portraits. 3. Ancient Geography of Portugal. 4. Chronicle of the Cistercian order.
The ' Guerra Brasilica," Lisbon, 1675, 2 vols. folio, is
by Francis de Brito, a different person from Bernard, who
died in 1617.
, a very singular personage, known by the name of the Musical Small-coal Man, was born at or near Hignam Ferrers, in Northamptonshire, about the
, a very singular personage, known
by the name of the Musical Small-coal Man, was born at
or near Hignam Ferrers, in Northamptonshire, about the
middle of the seventeenth century, and went from thence
to London, where he bound himself apprentice to a smallcoal man. He served seven years, and returned to Northamptonshire, his master giving him a sum of money not
to set up: but, after this money was spent, he returned again
to London, and set up the trade of small-coal, which he
continued to the end of his life. Some time after he had
been settled in business here, he became acquainted with
Dr. Garaniere, his neighbour, an eminent chemist, who,
admitting him into his laboratory, Tom, with the doctor’s
consent, and his own observation, soon became a notable
chemist; contrived and built himself a moving laboratory,
in which, according to Hearne, “he performed with little
expence and trouble such things as had never been done
before.
” Besides his great skill in chemistry, he became
a practical, and, as was thought, a theoretical musician.
Tradition only informs us that he was very fond of music,
and taat he was able to perform on the viol da gamba at
his own concerts, which he at first established gratis in his
miserable house, which was an old mean building, the
ground-floor of which was a repository for his small-coal;
over this was his concert-room, long, low, and narrow, to
which there was no other ascent than by a pair of stairs on
the outside, so perpendicular and narrow, as scarcely to
be mounted without crawling.
, a learned Frenchman, was born about the end of the fifteenth century, at Auxerre, or
, a learned Frenchman, was born about the end of the fifteenth century, at
Auxerre, or in that diocese; and in his education made
great progress in the learned languages, particularly the
Greek, from which he translated into Latin, Chrysostom’s
treatise on the priesthood; his first eight homilies on the
epistle of St. Paul to the Romans, and some other works,
which contributed very much to his reputation. He used
frequently to compose Greek verses, with which he entertained the literati at his house, where they were sure of an
open table. From 1512 he was secretary to queen Anne,
and archdeacon of Albi. In 1515 he had a canonry conferred upon him in the church of Auxerre, which, in 1520,
he resigned, on being promoted to the same rank at Paris.
He calls himself almoner to the king in the title of his rare
book “Germani Brixii, gratulatoriae quatuor ad totidem
viros classissimos, &c.
” Paris, Christ. Longolii perduellionis rei detensiones duae,
” Chordigera,
”.
where in three hundred hexameter verses, he described a
battle fought that year by a French ship, la Cordeliere,
and an English ship, the Regent. More, who was not
then in the high station which he afterwards reached, composed several epigrams in derision of this poem. Brixius,
piqued at this affront, revenged himself by the “AntiMorus,
” an elegy of about Flores
Epigrammatum
” of Leodegarius a Quercu, or Leger du
Che'ne. The third is in the “Corpus Poetarum Latinorum
” collected by Janus Gruterus, under the anagrammatic name of Ranutius Gerus. Erasmus says that More
despised this poem so much as to have intended to print
it; Erasmus at the same time advised More to take no notice of it. The chancellor’s great-grandson and biographer,
More, seems to think that he had written something in
answer to Brixius, before he received this advice from
Erasmus, but called in the copies, “so that,
” says his
biographer, “it is now very hard to be found; though
some have seen it of late.
” Much correspondence on the
subject may be perused in our authorities.
, son of the rev. W. Broad, of Rendcombe, in Gloucestershire, was born in 1577, and educated at St. Mary’s-hall, Oxford, which
, son of the rev. W.
Broad, of Rendcombe, in Gloucestershire, was born in
1577, and educated at St. Mary’s-hall, Oxford, which he
entered in 1594, but soon after went to Aiban-hall, where
he took his degrees in arts: In 1611, on the death of his
father, he became rector of Rendcombe, where he was
held in high esteem for piety and learning, and where he
died, and was buried in the chancel of his church, in June,
1635. He wrote: 1. a “Touchstone for a Christian,
”
Lond. The Christian’s Warfare,' ibid.
1613, 12mo. 3.
” Three questions on the Lord’s Day,
c.“Oxon. 1621, 4to. 4.
” Tractatus de Sabbato, in
quo doctrina ecclesise primitives declaratur ac defenditur,"
1627, 4to, and two treatises on the same subject, left in
manuscript, and published, with an answer, by George
Abbot (not the archbishop), as mentioned in his life.
, a German lawyer and poet, was born at Lubeck, Sept. 22, 1680, and after having studied and
, a German lawyer
and poet, was born at Lubeck, Sept. 22, 1680, and after
having studied and taken his degrees in the civil and canon
law, settled and practised at Hamburgh, where his merit
soon raised him to the senatorial dignity, to which the
emperor, without any solicitation, added the rank of Aulic
counsellor, and count Palatine. These counts Palatine
were formerly governors of the imperial palaces, and had
considerable powers, being authorized to create public
notaries, confer degrees, &c. Brockes published in five
parts, from 1724 to 1736, 8vo, “Irdisches Vergnugen in
Gott, &c.
” or “Earthly Contentment in God,
” consisting
of philosophical and moral poems, which were much
praised by his countrymen. He also published translations
from Marini, and other Italian poets, into German, and had
some thoughts of translating Milton, as he had done Pope’s
Essay on Man, a proof at least of his taste for English
poetry. His works form a collection of 9 vols. 8vo, and
have been often reprinted. He appears to have carefully
divided his time between his public duties and private
studies, and died much esteemed and regretted, Jan. 16,
1747.
e son of Richard Brocklesby, est}. of the city of Cork, by Mary Alloway, of Minehead, Somersetshire, was born at Minehead, where his mother happened to be on a visit
, an eminent English physician, the son of Richard Brocklesby, est}. of the city of
Cork, by Mary Alloway, of Minehead, Somersetshire, was
born at Minehead, where his mother happened to be on a
visit to her parents, Aug. 11, 1722. There he remained
until he was three years old, at which time he was carried
to Ireland, and privately instructed for some years in his
father’s house at Cork. At a proper age he was sent to
Ballytore school in the north of Ireland, at which Edmund
Burke “was educated, and although they were not exactly
contemporaries^ Dr. Brocklesby being seven years older,
this circumstance led to a long and strict friendship. Having finished his classical education at Ballytore, with diligence and success, his father, intending him for a physician, sent him to Edinburgh, where after continuing the
usual time, he went to Leyden, and took his degree under
the celebrated Gaubius, who corresponded with him for
several years afterwards. His diploma is dated June 28,
1745, and the same year he published his thesis,
” De
Saliva sana et morbosa."
, or John Broeckhuizen, a distinguished scholar in Holland, was born Nov. 20, 1649, at Amsterdam, where his father was a clerk
, or John Broeckhuizen, a distinguished scholar in Holland, was born Nov. 20, 1649, at Amsterdam, where his father was a clerk in the admiralty. He learned the Latin tongue under Hadrian Junius, and made a prodigious progress in polite literature, but his father dying when he was very young, he was taken from literary pursuits’, and placed with an apothecary at Amsterdam, with whom he lived some years. Not liking this, he went into the army, where his behaviour raised him to the rank of lieutenant-captain; and, in 1674, was sent with his regiment to America in the fleet under admiral de Ruyter, but returned to Holland the same year. In 1678 he was sent to the garrison at Utrecht, where he contracted a friendship with the celebrated Grsevius; and here, though a person of an excellent temper, he had the misfortune to be so deeply engaged in a duel, that, according to the laws of Holland, his life was forfeited: but Gnevius wrote immediately to Nicholas Heinsius, who obtained his pardon from the stadtholder. Not long after, he became a captain of one of the companies then at Amsterdam; which post placed him in an easy situation, and gave him leisure to pursue his studies. His company being disbanded in 1697, a pension was granted him; upon which he retired to a country-house near Amsterdam, where he saw but little company, and spent his time among his books. He died Dec. 15, 1707, and was interred at Amsterween, near Amsterdam; a monument was afterwards erected to his memory, with an inscription, the letters of which are arranged so as to form the date of the year, which we presume was considered as a great effort of genius: