, was born at Stoke Golding, in Leicestershire, Sept. 29, 1637, and
, was born at Stoke Golding, in
Leicestershire, Sept. 29, 1637, and educated at Trinity
college, Cambridge, and was afterwards rector of Rowley,
in the East riding of Yorkshire. He wrote a “Life of
Jesus Christ;
” and was a principal assistant to Mr. Nelson
in compiling his “Feasts and Fasts of the Church of England.
” He was also author of “An History of the government of the primitive Church, for the three first centuries,
and the beginning of the fourth,
” printed by W. B. The following
treatise challenges you for its patron, and demands its
dedication to yourself, in that I wrote it under your roof>
was encouraged in my studies by that respectful treatment
I there found, and still meet with; and withal, as I was
assisted in my work by your readiness to supply me, out
of your well-replenished library, with such books as I
stood in need of in collecting this history. I esteem myself, therefore, in gratitude obliged to make this public
acknowledgement of your favours, and to tell the world,
that when I was by God’s good providence reduced to
straits (in part occasioned by my care lest I should make shipwreck of a good conscience), I then found a safe retreat and kind reception in your family, and there both
leisure and encouragement to write this following treatise.
”
As Mr. Brokesby’s straits arose from his principles as a
nonjuror, he was, of course, patronised by the most eminent persons of that persuasion. The house of the benevolent Mr. Cherry, however, was his asylum; and there
he formed an intimacy with Mr. Dodwell, whose “Life
”
he afterwards wrote, and with Mr. Nelson, to whom the
Life of Dodwell is dedicated. He died suddenly soon after
that publication, in 1715. Mr. Brokesby was intimately
acquainted with the famous Oxford antiquary, Hearne,
who printed a valuable letter of his in the first volume of
Leland’s Itinerary; and was said to be the author of a tract,
entitled “Of Education, with respect to grammar-schools
and universities,
”
the restoration. Of his personal history, we have only a few notices in the Biographia Dramatica. He was born in 1620, and died June 30, 1666. He was an attorney in
, an English poet, has the reputation of ably assisting the royal party in the time of
Charles I. and of even having no inconsiderable hand in
promoting the restoration. Of his personal history, we
have only a few notices in the Biographia Dramatica. He
was born in 1620, and died June 30, 1666. He was an
attorney in the lord mayor’s court, and through the whole
of the protectorship, maintained his loyalty, and cheered
his party by the songs and poems in his printed works,
most of which must have been sung, if not composed, at
much personal risk. How far they are calculated to excite
resentment, or to promote the cause which the author
espoused, the reader must judge. His songs are in^neasures, varied with considerable ease and harmony, and have
many sprightly turns, and satirical strokes, which the
Roundheads must have felt. Baker informs us that he
was the author of much the greater part of those songs and
epigrams which were published against the rump. Phillips
styles him the “English Anacreon.
” Walton has draxvn a
very favourable character of him in the eclogue prefixed to
his works, the only one of the commendatory poems which
seems worthy of a republication; Mr. Ellis enumerates
three editions of these poems, the first in 1660, the second
in 1664, and the third in 1668. That, however, used in
the late edition of the English Poets is dated 1661. In
1660 he published “A Congratulatory Poem on the miraculous and glorious Return of Charles II.
” which we have
not seen. Besides these poems he published a “Translation of Horace,
” by himself, Fanshaw, Holliday, Hawkins,
Cowley, Ben Jonson, &c. and had once an intention to
translate Lucretius, In 1654 he published a comedy entitled “The Cunning Lovers,
” which was acted in
, an eminent English surgeon, was born in London, in 1712, and studied surgery under the celebrated
, an eminent English surgeon, was born in London, in 1712, and studied surgery
under the celebrated Ranby, by whose instructions he was
soon enabled to practise on his own account. In 1741, he
began to give lectures on anatomy and surgery, and soon
found his theatre crowded with pupils. Some years after,
in conjunction with the rev. Mr. Madan, he formed the
plan of the Lock hospital, into which patients were first
received Jan. 3, 1747, and was made first surgeon to that
establishment, an office he filled with advantage to the
patients and credit to himself for many years. With a
view of contributing to its success, he altered an old
comedy, “The City Match,
” written in A Narrative of a Physical Transaction with Mr. Aylet, surgeon, at
Windsor.
” This is a controversial piece of no consequence now, but the author clears himself from the imputation of having treated his antagonist improperly. Ira
1767, he published “Thoughts concerning the present
peculiar method of treating persons ^inoculated for the
Small-pox.
” This relates to the Suttons, who were now
in the zenith of their reputation. He thinks their practice of exposing their patients to the open air in the midst
of winter, of repelling the eruption, and checking or preventing the suppurative process, too bold, and hazardous,
On the whole, however, he acknowledges, they were deserving of commendation, for the improvements they had
introduced, in the treatment, both of the inoculated and
natural small-pox. His next work, the most considerable
one written by him, was “Chirurgical Cases and Observations,
” published in Notes
on Chirurgical Cases and Observations, by a Professor of
Surgery.
” The strictures contained in these notes are
keen and ingenious, and, though evidently the produce of
ill-humour, yet seem to have had the effect of preventing
so general a diffusion of the cases, as the character of the
author would otherwise have procured them. They have
never been reprinted. About this time the author took a
spacious mansion in Chelsea park, which he enlarged,
altered, and furnished in an elegant style. Hither he retired, after doing his business, which he began gradually
to contract into a narrower circle. With that view, a few
years after, he gave up his situation as surgeon to the Lock
hospital. His other appointments he kept to the time of
his death, which happened on the 24th of November, 1792,
in the 80th year of his age.
, of Nimeguen, where he was born in 1494, and therefore sometimes called NoviOMAGUS, was
, of Nimeguen, where he was
born in 1494, and therefore sometimes called NoviOMAGUS,
was an eminent mathematician of the sixteenth century,
and rector of the school of Daventer, and afterwards professor of mathematics at Rostock. He died at Cologne in
1570. Saxius says that he was first of Rostock, then of
Cologne, and lastly of Daventer, which appears to be probable from the dates of his writings. He wrote, 1. “Scholia in Dialecticam Georgii Trapezuntii,
” Cologne and
Leyden, Arithmetica,
” ibid, and Paris,
De Astrolabii compositione,
” Cologne, Urbis Pictaviensis (Poitiers) tumultus, ej usque
Restitutio,
” an elegiac poem, Pictav. Ven.
Bedae de sex mundi setatibus,
” with scholia, and a continuation to the 26th of Charles V. Cologne, 1537. He also
translated from the Greek, Ptolomy’s Geography.
, son of the preceding, was born at Daventer in 1554, and became one of the most celebrated
, son of the preceding,
was born at Daventer in 1554, and became one of the most
celebrated lawyers in the Netherlands. He studied at Cologne, Erfurt, Marpurg, Wittemberg, and Basil, at which
last place he took his doctor’s degree in 1579. He afterwards taught law at WittemHerg for a year, and at Erfurt
for two years, and returned then to his own country, where
he was appointed burgomaster of Daventer in 1586, and
the year following professor at Leyden, where he died
May 27, 1627. His principal works were: 1. “Centuriae
et conciliationes earundem controversiarum juris, Cent. II.
”
1621. 2. “Methodus Feudorum,
” Leyden, 8vo. 3.
“Aphorismi politici,
” first collected by Lambert Danseus,
and enlarged by Bronchorst, probably a good book, as it
was prohibited at Rome in 1646.
, an Italian physician, was born of wealthy parents, in Abadia, near Rovigo, in the Venetian
, an Italian physician, was
born of wealthy parents, in Abadia, near Rovigo, in the
Venetian territory, in 1577. After making great progress
in the study of the belles lettres, philosophy, and astronomy, he was sent to Padua, where he was initiated into
the knowledge of medicine and anatomy, and in 1597, was
made doctor. He now went to Venice, where he practised
medicine to the time of his death, in 1630. His publications are, “De innato calido, et naturali spiritu, in quo
pro veritate rei Galeni doctrina defenditur,
” Disputatio de Principatu Hepatis ex Anatome Lampetrse,
” Patav. 4to. Though from dissecting the liver of this
animal he was satisfied the blood did not acquire its red
colour there, yet he did not choose to oppose the doctrine
of Galen, His observation, however, was probably not
lost, but led the way to a more complete discovery of the
fact, by subsequent anatomists. He published also, “De
Principio Effective Semini insito.
”
, an amiable and ingenious writer, was a native of Ireland, where he was born in the year 1706. His father, the rev. William Brooke of
, an amiable and ingenious writer,
was a native of Ireland, where he was born in the year 1706.
His father, the rev. William Brooke of Rantavan, rector
of the parishes of Killinkare, Mullough, Mybullough, and
Licowie, is said to have been a man of grent talents and
worth; his mother’s name was Digby. His education appears to have been precipitated in a manner not very usual:
after being for some time the pupil of Dr. Sheridan, he
was sent to Trinity college, Dublin, and from thence removed, when only seventeen years old, to study law in
the Temple. Dr. Sheridan was probably the means of
his being introduced in London to Swift and Pope, who
regarded him as a young man of very promising talents.
How long he remained in London we are not told*, but on
his return to Ireland he practised for some time as a chamber counsel, when an incident occurred which interrupted
his more regular pursuits, and prematurely involved him
in the cares of a family. An aunt, who died at Westmgath
about the time of his arrival in Ireland, committed to him
the guardianship of her daughter, a lively and beautiful
girl between eleven and twelve years old. Brooke, pleased
with the trust, conducted her to Dublin, and placed her
at a boarding-school, where, during his frequent visits, he
gradually changed the guardian for the lover, and at length
prevailed on her to consent to a private marriage. In the
life prefixed to his works, this is said to have taken place
before she had reached her fourteenth year: another account, which it is neither easy nor pleasant to believe,
informs us that she was a mother before she had completed
that year. When the marriage was discovered, the ceremony was again performed in the presence of his family.
For some time this happy pair had no cares but to please
each other, and it was not until after the birth of their
third child that Brooke could be induced to think seriously
how such a family was to be provided for. The law had
long been given up, and he had little inclination to resume a profession which excluded so many of the pleasures
of imagination, and appeared inconsistent with the feelings
of a mind tender, benevolent, and somewhat romantic.
Another journey to London, however, promised the advantages of literary society, and the execution of literary
schemes by which he might indulge his genius, and be
rewarded by fame and wealth. Accordingly, soon after
his arrival, he renewed his acquaintance with his former
friends, and published his philosophical poem, entitled
“Universal Beauty.
” This had been submitted to Pope,
who, probably, contributed his assistance, and whose manner at least is certainly followed. At what time this occurred is uncertain. The second part was published in
1735, and the remainder about a year after. What fame
or advantage he derived from it we know not, as no mention is made of him in the extensive correspondence of
Pope or Swift. He was, however, obliged to return to
Ireland, where for a short time he resumed his legal profession.
n of William Brooke, M. D. of Fieidhead, near Dodsworth in Yorkshire, and a gentleman by descent. He was born in 1748, and put apprentice to Mr. James Kirkby, a chemist,
, late Somerset-herald, was the son of William Brooke, M. D. of Fieidhead, near Dodsworth in Yorkshire, and a gentleman by descent. He was born in 1748, and put apprentice to Mr. James Kirkby, a chemist, in Bartlett’s-buildings, London; but discovering a strong turn to heraldic pursuits, and having, by a pedigree of the Howard family, which he drew, attracted the notice of the then duke of Norfolk, he procured him a place in the college of arms, by the title of Rouge Croix pursuivant, in 1775, from which, in 1778. he was advanced to that of Somerset herald, which office he held at his death, and by the interest of the present duke of Norfolk he was also one of the lieutenants in the militia of the West Riding of Yorkshire. On Feb. 3, 1794, he was suffocated, with his friend Mr. Pingo of York, and many other persons, in attempting to get into the pit at the little theatre in the Hay market. It did not appear that he had been thrown down, but was suffocated as he stood; his countenance had the appearance of sleep, and even the colour in his cheeks remained. He was interred, with great respect, and the attendance of the principal members of the college and of the society of antiquaries, Feb. 6, in a vault under the heralds’ seat, in the church of St. Bennet, Paul’s Wharf. A mural monument, by Ashton, has since been placed over his remains by Edmund Lodge x esq. Lancaster herald.
laverly in Shropshire, by Margaret his wife, daughter of Hugh Grosvenor of Farmot in that county. He was born at Claverly, and studied in the university of Oxford, which
, lord chief justice
of the common pleas in the reign of queen Mary, and
author of several books in the law, was son of Thomas
Brooke of Claverly in Shropshire, by Margaret his wife,
daughter of Hugh Grosvenor of Farmot in that county.
He was born at Claverly, and studied in the university of
Oxford, which was of great advantage to him when he
studied the law in the Middle Temple, according to Mr.
Wood, though Mr. Stow, in his Annals under the year
1552, says he was of Gray’s-inn. By his prodigous application and judgment he became the greatest lawyer of his
time. In 1542 he was elected autumn or summer reader
of the Middle Temple, and in Lent, 1550, he was chosen
double reader. In 1552 he was by 'writ called to be serj ear* at law; and in 1553, which was the first of queen
Mary’s reign, he was appointed lord chief justice of the
common pleas, and not of the king’s bench, as some have
affirmed; and about that time he received the honour of
knighthood from the queen, in whose reign he was highly
^valued for his profound skill in the law, and his integrity in
all points relating to the profession of it. Mr. Wood mentions a manuscript in the Ashmolean library at Oxford,
which informs us, that he had likewise been common serjeant and recorder of the city of London, and speaker of
the house of commons; and that he died as he was visiting
his friends in the country, September 5, 1558, and was interred in the chancel of Claverly church, with a monument erected to him. In his last will, proved October 12
the same year, he remembers the church and poor of Putney near London. He left his posterity a good estate at
Madeley in Shropshire, and at one or two places in Suffolk. He wrote “La Graunde Abridgement,
” which contains, according to Mr. Wood, an abstract of the Yearbooks to the reign of queen Mary; and Nicolson, in his
“English Historical Library,
” tells us, that in this work
he followed the example of Nicholas Statham, one of the
barons of the exchequer in the time of Edward IV. who
t abridged the larger arguments and tedious reports of
the Year-books into a short system under proper heads and
common places to the reign of king Henry VI.; and that
our author, sir Robert Brooke, made in his “Graunde
Abridgement,
” an alphabetical abstract of all the choice
matters in our law, as contained in such commentaries, records, readings, &c. and that this work is a general epitome
of all that could be had upon the several heads’ there treated
upon. It has had several editions, particularly in London
in a small folio, 1573, 1576, 1586, &c. amongst which editions, says Nicolson, (as it commonly fares with the authors of that professsion) the eldest are still reckoned the best.
He collected likewise the most remarkable cases adjudged
in.*the court of common pleas from the sixth year of king
Henry VIII. to the fourth of queen Mary, which book is
entitled “Ascuns novelCases, c.
” and frequently printed,
particularly at London, A Reading on the Statute of Limitations
32 Henry VIII. cap. 2,
” London, 1647, 8vo. Mr. Wood
supposes that it had been printed likewise before that
time.
was born in Cheshire, as is said, of very mean parents. Of the place
was born in Cheshire, as is said, of very mean parents. Of the place of his birth, or the first part of his life, we have not been able to gain any intelligence. He was educated upon the foundation at Eton, and was captain of the school a whole year, without any vacancy, by which he might have obtained a scholarship at King’s college. Being by this delay, such as is said to have happened very rarely, superannuated, he was sent to St. John’s college by the contributions of his friends, where he obtained a small exhibition. At his college he lived for some time in the same chamber with the well-known Ford, by whom Dr. Johnson heard him described as a contracted scholar and a mere versifier, unacquainted with life, and unskilful in conversation. His addiction to metre was then such, that his companions familiarly called him Poet. When he had opportunities of mingling with mankind, he cleared himself, as Ford likewise owned, from great part of his scholastic rust.
, better known under the name of Farinello, was born the 24th of January, 1705, at Andria, in the kingdom of
, better known under the name of
Farinello, was born the 24th of January, 1705, at Andria,
in the kingdom of Naples, of a family noble, though poor.
From the patent of his knighthood of the order of Calatrava, it appears that he was indebted for the lasting agreeableness of his voice, not to a voluntary mutilation from
the thirst of gain, but that he was obliged to undergo the
cruel operation on account of a dangerous hurt he received
in his youth, by a fall from a horse. He owed the first
rudiments of the singing art to his father Salvatore Brosco,
and his farther formation to the famous Porpora. At, that
time there flourished at Naples three wealthy brothers of
the name of Farina, whose family is now extinct. These
persons vouchsafed him their distinguished patronage, and
bestowed on him the name of Farinello. For some time
his fame was confined to the convivial concerts of his patrons, till it happened that the count of Schrautenbach,
nephew of the then viceroy, came to Naples. To celebrate his arrival, -the viceroy and his familiar friend Antonio Caracciolo, prince della Torella, caused the opera
of “Angelica and Medoro
” to be represented, in which
Metastasio and Farinello plucked the first laurels of their
immortal fame.
, a French writer of great learning, was born at Dijon, in 1709, and became a counsellor of parliament,
, a French writer of great
learning, was born at Dijon, in 1709, and became a counsellor of parliament, in 1730, and president a worker in
1742. During the leisure which his public employments
afforded, he cultivated most of the sciences, and was allowed to be well acquainted with all. Voltaire only has
attacked his literary reputation, and this his countrymen
ascribe to the malice which that writer was seldom anxious
to conceal. Buffon, on the contrary, regarded him as a
scholar of the first rank, an acute philosopher, and an original and valuable writer; nor was he less estimable in
private life. In 1774 he was appointed president of the
parliament of Burgundy, but died soon after, at Paris, in
1777, whither he had come to visit his married daughter.
He was a member of the academy of Dijon, of the inscriptions and belles lettres, and other learned societies. He
wrote: 1. “Lettres sur la Decouverte de la ville d'Herculaneum,
” Histoire des Navigations aux
Terres Australes,
” Du
culte des dieux Fetiches, ou parallele de l'ancienne idolatrie avec celle des peuples de Nigritie,
” Traite de la formation mecanique des Langues,
”
Histoire de
la Republique Romaine dans la cours du VII siecle, par
Salluste,
” Dijon, 3 vols. 4to. This may be accounted his
principal work, and was long his principal employment.
He was so sensible of the loss of Sal lust’s principal work,
that he resolved to collect his fragments with greater care
than had ever been employed before; and by the most
accurate arrangement to trace out as near as possible the
plan and chief features of that work, and then to connect
these fragments in the manner of Freinshemius in his
“Fragmenta Livii.
” But as De Brosses soon became
sensible of the difficulty of assimilating his Latin diction
to that of Sallust, he changed his first design, and resolved
on translating both the fragments and his author’s histories
of the Catilinarian and Jugurthine wars into French, and
to attempt to supply the lost work from other ancient
writers. The first volume opens with a preface containing
remarks on the various methods of writing history, and
some information concerning Roman names, ranks, magistracies, and elections. The body of the work itself begins
with a translation of, and commentary on, Sallust’s Jugurthine war. The notes subjoined to this part treat chiefly
of the geography and population of Africa, and the text is
illustrated by a map of Africa, a plan of Meteilus’s march
against Jugurtha, and its illustration by a military connoisseur. After this follows the restoration of Sallust’s five
books, continued in vol. II. comprizing the war with Mithridates: a description of the Pontus Euxinus, with the
adjacent countries; the Gladiatorian war, raised by Spartacus, and the war of Greta. The third volume contains a
translation of the Catilinarian war, with its sequel, illustrated with historical and political notes; Sallust’s two letters to Caesar, commonly styled “Orat. de Rep. ordinanda,
” which De Brosses considers as genuine; a very minute collection of all the notices of Sallust’s life, writings,
gardens, buildings, and even of the remains discovered in
later times. The whole concludes with the abb Cassagne’s “Essay on the Art of composing History, and on
the works of Sailust.‘-’ Industrious as M. de Brosses has
been in this work, we believe that in the life of Sailust, at
least, he has been improved upon by Henry Stuart, esq.
in his late elaborate publication,
” The works of Sailust,“1806, 2 vols. 4to, Besides these, De Brosses contributed
many learned papers to the Paris and Dijon memoirs, but
his family disown 3 vols. of
” Lettres historiques et critiques sur l'Italie," published in 1799 in his name.
, of France, was born at Lyons in 1671. He was at first a Jesuit, but afterwards
, of France, was born at Lyons
in 1671. He was at first a Jesuit, but afterwards an advocate, a member of the academy of Lyons, and librarian
of the public library there. In 1716, he published the
works of Boileau, in 2 vols. 4to, with historical illustrations: and, after that, the works of Regnier. He reformed the text of both these authors from the errors of
the preceding editions, and seasoned his notes with many
useful and curious anecdotes of men and things. His only
fault, the fault of almost all commentators, is, that he did
not use the collections he had made with sufficient sobriety
and judgment; and has inserted many things, no ways necessary to illustrate his authors, and some that are even
frivolous. He wrote also “L'Histoire abrege*e de la ville
de Lyon,
” with elegance and precision, resembled Atticus. who kept terms, and
even cultivated friendship, at the same time with Caesar
and Pompey.
” The enmity between Rousseau and Voltaire is well known.
, an eminent classical scholar and editor, was born at Tanay, a small village of the Nivernois, in 1722, and
, an eminent classical scholar and
editor, was born at Tanay, a small village of the Nivernois, in 1722, and died at Paris, Feb. 12, 1789, at the
age of 67. In his youth he made it his practice to write
notes in every book that he read; and the margins of severaHn his library were entirely filled with them. Until his
last moment he pursued the same 'method of study. All
these he arranged wonderfully in his memory; and if it
had been possible after his death to have put his papers in
that order which he alone knew, they would have furnished
materials for several curious volumes. With this method,
and continued labour for twelve hours a day, the abbé
Brotier acquired an immense stock of various knowledge.
Except the mathematics, to which it appears he gave little
application, he was acquainted with every thing; natural
history, chemistry, and even medicine. It was his rule
to read Hippocrates and Solomon once every year in their
original languages. These he said were the best books
for curing the diseases of the body and the mind. But the
belles lettres were his grand pursuit. He had a good
knowledge of all the dead languages, but particularly the
Latin, of which he was perfectly master: he was besides
acquainted with most, of the languages of Europe. This
knowledge, however extensive, was not the only part in
which he excelled. He was well versed in ancient and
modern history, in chronology, coins, medals, inscriptions,
and the customs of antiquity, which had always been objects of his study. He had collected, a considerable quantity of materials for writing a new history of France, and
it is much to be regretted that he was prevented from undertaking that work. The akl>6 Brotier recalls to our remembrance those laborious writers, distinguished for their
learning, Petau, Sirmond, Labbu, Cossart, Hardouin, Souciet, &c. who have done so much honour to the college
of Louis XIV. in which he himself was educated, and where
fre lived several years as librarian; and his countrymen
say he is the last link of that chain of illustrious men, who
have succeeded one another without interruption, for near
two centuries. On the dissolution of the order of Jesuits,
the abbe Brotier found an asylum equally peaceful and
agreeable in the house of Mr. de la Tour, a printer, eminent in his business, who has gained from all connoisseurs
a just tribute of praise for those works which have come
from his press. It was in this friendly retirement that the
abbe Brotier spent the last twenty-six years of his life, and
that he experienced a happiness, the value of which he
knew how to appreciate, which arose from the care, attention, and testimonies of respect, bestowed upon him both
by Mr. and Mrs. de la Tour. It was there also that he
published those works which will render his name immortal; an edition of Tacitus, enriched not only with notes
and learned dissertations, but also with supplements, which
sometimes leave the reader in a doubt, whether the modern writer is not a successful rival of the ancient: this
was first published in 1771, 4 vols. 4to, and reprinted in
1776, in 7 vols. fcvo. He published also in 1779, 6 vols.
12mo, an edition of Pliny the naturalist, which is only a'
short abridgment of what he had prepared to correct and
enlarge the edition of Hardouin, and to give an historical
series of all the new discoveries made since the beginning
of this century; an immense labour, which bespeaks the
most extensive erudition. To these two editions, which
procured the abbe Brotier the applauses of all the literati
in Europe, he added in 1778, 8vo, an edition of Rapin on
gardens, at the end of which he has subjoined a history of
gardens, written in Latin with admirable elegance, and
abounding in the most delightful imagery: for the abbe
was not one of those pedants, according to the expression
of the poet, “herisses de Grec & de Latin;
” he possessed a lively imagination, and a fine taste, with clearness
and perspicuity; and above all, a sound judgment, which
never suffered him to adopt in writing any thing that
was not solid, beautiful, and true. His other works are,
1. “Examen de PApologie de M. I 7 Abbe de Prades,
” Conclusiones ex universa Theologia,
” Traite des Monnoies Romanies, Grecques, et
Hebr. compares avec les Monnoies de France, pour l'intelligencederEcriture Sainte, et de tous les auteurs Grecs,
et Remains,
” Prospectus d'une edit. Lat.
de Tacite,
” Supplementa, lib. 7.
loAnnal. Taciti,
” 17 v 55, 8vo. 6.“Cl. viri de la Caille
vita
”7 1763, 4to. 7. “Phaedri Fabularum, lib. v. cum
notis et suppl. access. Parallela J. de la Fontaine Fabulse,
”
Memoire du Levant
” Brumoy’s Theatre,
” Parolles Memorables,
” a work
of which Mr. Seward has made great use in his “Anecdotes.
”
, a popish ecclesiastical historian, was born at Great Stukely in Huntingdonshire, and studied for some
, a popish ecclesiastical historian, was born at Great Stukely in Huntingdonshire, and
studied for some time at Oxford, but it does not appear
that he entered any college, and only seems to have resided there for the purpose of consulting the public library.
He received his regular education at the English college
at Rheims, and took priest’s orders in 1593. He was afterwards sent into England as a missionary, and promoted the
popish interest as far as lay in his power, without giving
public offence. He died in 1634, and was buried in the
church of Great Stukely. His principal works were, “An
Ecclesiastical History of Great Britain; from the Nativity
to the conversion of the Saxons,
” Doway, A True Memorial of the
ancient, most holy, and religious state of Great Britain,
&c. in the time of the Britons, and primitive church of
the Saxons,
” Monasticon Britannicum,
”
, a learned divine, and one of the original writers of the Biographia Britannica, was born at London, July 5, 1704, in the parish of St. Andrew, Holborn;
, a learned divine, and one of the original writers of the Biographia Britannica, was born at London, July 5, 1704, in the parish of St. Andrew, Holborn; of which parish his father was minister. At an early age he was sent to Eton-school, where he soon distinguished himself by the acuteness of his genius and the studiousness of his disposition. Being superannuated on this foundation, he removed, about 1722, to the university of Cambridge; and, for the sake of a scholarship, entered himself of Gonville and Caius college. Here two of the principal objects of his attention were, the acquisition of the knowledge of the modern languages, and the study of the mathematics under the famous professor Sanderson. May 28, 1727, Mr. Broughton, after taking the degree of B. A. was admitted to deacon’s orders. In the succeeding year, Sept. 22, he was ordained priest, and proceeded to the degree of M. A. At this time he removed from the university to the curacy of Offley in Hertfordshire. In 1739, he was instituted to the rectory of Stepington, otherwise Stibmgton, in the county of Huntingdon, on the presentation of John duke of Bedford, and was appointed one of that nobleman’s chaplains. Soon after, he was chosen reader to the Temple, by which means he became known to bishop Sherlock, then master of it, who conceived so high an opinion of our author’s merit, that, in 1744, this eminent prelate presented Mr. Broughton to the valuable vicarage of Bedminster, near Bristol, together with the chapels of St. Mary Redcliff, St. Thomas, and Abbot’s Leigh, annexed. Some short time after, he was collated, by the same patron, to the prebend of Bedminster and Redcliff, in the cathedral of Salisbury. Upon receiving this preferment, he removed from London to Bristol, where he married the daughter of Thomas Harris, clerk of that city, by whom he had seven children, six of whom survived him. He resided on his living till his death, which happened Dec. 21, 1774, in the 71st year of his age. He was interred in the church of St. Mary RedclifF.
ouncker, of Castle Lyons in Ireland, son of sir William Brouncker, afterwards made viscount in 1645, was born about 1620; and, having received an excellent education,
, viscount Brouncker, of Castle Lyons in Ireland, son of sir William Brouncker, afterwards made viscount in 1645, was born about 1620; and,
having received an excellent education, discovered an
early genius for mathematics, in which he afterwards became very eminent. He was created M. D. at Oxford,
June 23, 1646. In 1657 and 1658, he was engaged in a
correspondence on mathematical subjects with Dr. John
Wallis, who published the letters in his “Commercium.
Epistoiicum,
” Oxford, Experiments on the recoiling of Guns,
” published in Dr. Sprat’s History of the
Royal Society; “An algebraical paper upon the squaring
of the Hyperbola,
” published in the Philosophical Transactions. (See Lowthorp’s Abr. vol. I. p. 10, &c.); “Several Letters to Dr. James Usher, archbishop of Armagh,
”
annexed to that primate’s life by Dr. Parr; and “A translation of the Treatise of Des Cartes, entitled Musicae
Compendium,
” published without his name, but enriched
with a variety of observations, which shew that he was
deeply skilled in the theory of the science of music. Although he agrees with his author almost throughout the
book, he asserts that the geometrical is to be preferred to
the arithmetical division; and with a view, as it is presumed, to the farther improvement of the “Systema
Participato,
” he proposes a division of the diapason by sixteen
mean proportionals into seventeen equal semitones; the
method of which division is exhibited by him in an algebraic process, and also in logarithms. The “Systema
Participato,
” which is mentioned by Bontempi, consisted
in the division of the diapason, or octave, into twelve equal
semitones, by eleven mean proportionals. Descartes, we
are informed, rejected this division for reasons which are
far from being satisfactory. Mr. Park, in his edition of
lord Orford’s “Royal and Noble Authors,
” to which we
are frequently indebted, points out an original commission,
among the Sloanian Mss. from Charles II. dated Whitehall, Dec. 15, 1674, appointing lord Brouncker and others
to inquire into, and to report their opinions of a method of
finding the longitude, devised by Sieur de St. Pierre.
, a French Protestant and martyr, was born at Nismes, in 1647, He was an advocate, and distinguished
, a French Protestant and
martyr, was born at Nismes, in 1647, He was an advocate, and distinguished by his 'pleadings at Castres and
Toulouse; and it was at his house that the deputies of the
Protestant churches assembled in 1683: where they took
a resolution to continue to assemble, although their churches
were demolished. The execution of this project occasioned violent conflicts, seditions, executions, and massacres, which ended at length in an amnesty on the part of
Lewis XIV. Brousson retired then to Nismes; but, fearing
to be apprehended with the principal authors of this project, who do not seem to have been comprised within the
amnesty, he became a refugee at Geneva first, and thence
at Lausanne. He shifted afterwards from town to town,
and kingdom to kingdom, to solicit the compassion of
Protestant princes towards his suffering brethren in France.
Returning to his own country, he travelled through several provinces, exercised some time the ministry in the
Cevennes, appeared at Orange, and passed to Berne, in
order to escape his pursuers. He was at length taken at
Oleron, in 1698, and removed to Montpellier; where,
being convicted of having formerly held secret correspondence with the enemies of the state, and of having
preached in defiance of the edicts, he was broke upon the
wheel the same year. He was a man of great eloquence
as well as zeal, greatly esteemed among strangers, and
regarded as a martyr by those of his own persuasion. The
states of Holland added six hundred florins, as a pension
for his widow, to four hundred which had been allowed to
her husband. His writings being principally those which,
arose out of the circumstances in which the reformed
church were then placed, we shall refer to Moreri for the
exact titles and dates, and give only the subjects, namely:
1. “The state of the reformed in France.
” 2. “Letters
to the French clergy in favour of the reformed religion.
”
3. “Letters from the Protestants in France to all other
Protestants,
” printed and circulated at the expence of the
elector of Brandenburg. 4. “Letters to the Roman Catholics.
” 5. “A summary relation of the wonders, wrought
by God in the Cevennes and Lower Languedoc, for the
consolation of his church.
” 6. A volume of Sermons.
7. “Remarks on Amelotte’s translation of the New Testament;
” and some religious tracts, which he published
for circulation in France.
, an eminent French naturalist, was born at Montpellier, Feb. 28, 1761, where his father was a reputable
, an eminent
French naturalist, was born at Montpellier, Feb. 28, 1761,
where his father was a reputable schoolmaster, and soon
discovered in him an insatiable thirst of knowledge, which
we may conclude he assisted him in gratifying. At the
early age of eighteen he was appointed by the university
of Montpellier to fill a professor’s chair, and six years after
he was admitted a member of the academy of sciences by
an unanimous vote, a case which had not occurred from
the foundation of that learned body, but their choice appeared amply justified by the several dissertations on natural history, botany, and medicine, which he published. It
was his earnest wish to establish the system of Linnæus more
extensively in France. With this view, as well as for his own
improvement, he went to Paris, and examined the collections and museums, but not finding sufficient materials for
his purpose, he determined to visit the most celebrated
foreign collections, and came first to England, where he
was admitted an honorary member of the royal society, and
where he began his labours on the celebrated work on
fishes. On his return to Paris, he was appointed perpetual
secretary of the society of agriculture, which the intendant
Berthier de Sauvigny resigned for him. In 1789 he was
appointed a member of the electoral college of Paris, and
like the other electors, was to supply such vacancies as
were occasioned by any interruptions in the exercise of the
office of magistracy; and the day it was his turn to go to
the Hotel de Ville, he saw his friend and protector, Berthier, barbarously murdered by the populace. Broussonet
was then ordered to superintend the provisions of the capital, and was frequently“in danger of his life at that turbulent period. In 1791 he had a seat in the legislative
assembly, but quitted Paris the year following for his
native city, from which he was soon obliged to make his
escape, and after many dangers, arrived at Madrid, where
he was gladly received, and liberally assisted by the literati of that city. There, however, the French emigrants
were so enraged at his having filled any office under the
revolutionary government, that they obliged him to leave
Madrid, and soon after, Lisbon, to which he had removed.
At last he had an opportunity of going out as physician to
an embassy which the United States sent to the emperor
of Morocco, and on this occasion, his friend sir Joseph
Banks, hearing of his distresses, remitted him a credit for
a thousand pounds. After his arrival at Morocco, he employed all his leisure hours in extending his botanical
knowledge, and learning that his native country was recovering from its late anarchy, he solicited and obtained
permission to return, when the directory appointed him
consul at the Canaries. In consequence of this he resided
for two years at Teneriffe. In 1796, on his return, he
was admitted a member of the Institute, and again became
professor of botany at Montpellier, with the direction of
the botanical garden. He was afterwards chosen a member of the legislative body, but died July 27, 1807, at
Montpellier, of an apoplectic stroke. It was to him that
France owes the introduction of the Merino sheep, and
Angola goats. His publications are: 1.
” Varise positiones
circa Respirationem,“Montpellier, 1778. 2.
” Ichthyologia, sistens Piscium descriptiones et icones,“London,
1782, containing descriptions of the most rare fishes.
3.
” Essai sur Phistoire naturelle de quelques especes de
Moines, decrites a la maniere de Linnee,“1784, 8vo,
This is the translation only of a Latin satire on the monks,
the original of which appeared in Germany, in 1783.
4.
” Annee rurale, ou calendrier a I'usage des cultivateurs,“Paris, 1787-8, 2 vols. 12mo. 5.
” Notes pour servir a
Thistoire de l‘ecole de medicine de Montpellier pendant
l’an VI.“Montpellier, J 1 9 5, 8vo. 6.
” La Feuille dn
cultivateur," 1788, and following years, 8 vols. 4to, which
he conducted with Messrs. Parmentier, Dubois, and Lefebure. He contributed also a great many dissertations to
the academy of sciences, the society of agriculture, &c.
and left many works in manuscript.
, a celebrated painter, according to some, was born at Oudenarde, in Flanders, or according to others, at Haerlem,
, a celebrated painter, according to some, was born at Oudenarde, in Flanders, or according to others, at Haerlem, in Holland, in 1608. His parents were of the poorer sort. His mother sold to the country people bonnets and handkerchiefs, on which Adrian, when almost in infancy, used to paint flowers and birds, and while thus employed, was discovered by Francis Hals, an eminent artist, who, charmed with the ease and taste he displayed in his art, proposed to take him as an apprentice, and Brouwer did not long hesitate about accepting such an dffer. His master soon discovered his superior talents, and separated him from his companions, that he might profit the better by him, locked him up in a garret, and compelled him to work, while he nearly starved him, but some pieces he painted by stealth, which probably irritated his jailor to be more watchful of him. By the advice, however, of Adrian Van Ostade, one of his companions, he contrived to make his escape, and took refuge in a church. There, almost naked, and not knowing where to go, he was recognised by some person, who brought him back to his master, and by means of a suit of clothes and some caresses, effected a temporary reconciliation; but being again subjected to the same mercenary and tyrannical usage, he made his escape a second time, and went to Amsterdam, where he had the happiness to find that his name was well known, and that his works bore a great price. A picture dealer with whom he lodged, gave him an hundred ducatoons for a painting representing gamesters, admirably executed, which Brouwer, who had never possessed so much money, spent in a tavern in the course of ten days. He then returned to his employer, and when asked what he had done with his money, answered that he had got rid of it, that he might be more at leisure; and this unfortunate propensity to alternate work and extravagance marked the whole of his future life, and involved him in many ridiculous adventures and embarrassments unworthy of a man of genius. As soon as ‘he had finished any piece, he offered it for sale; and if it did not produce a stipulated price, he burnt it, and began another with greater care. Possessing a vein of low humour, and engaging, both sober and drunk, in many droll adventures, he removed from Amsterdam to Antwerp, where he was arrested as a spy, and committed to prison. This circumstance introduced him to an acquaintance with the duke d’Aremberg, who, having observed his genius, by some slight sketches drawn with black lead while in custody, requested Rubens to furnish him with materials for painting. Brouwer chose for his subject a groupe of soldiers playing at cards in a corner of the prison; and when the picture was finished, the duke himself was astonished, and Rubens, when he saw it, offered for it the sum of 600 guilders. The duke, however, retained it, and gave the painter a much larger sum. Upon this, Rubens procured his release, and received him into his house; but, uninfluenced by gratitude to his benefactor, he stole away, and returned to the scenes of low debauch, to which he had been formerly accustomed. Being reduced to the necessity of flying from justice, he took refuge in France; and, having wandered through several towns, he was at length constrained by indigence to return to Antwerp, where he was taken ill, and obliged to seek relief in an hospital; and in this asylum of self-procured poverty and distress he died in his 32d year. Rubens lamented his death, and procured for him an honourable interment in the church of the Carmelites.
, a learned Jesuit, was born at Arnheim in 1559, and entered among the Jesuits at Cologne
, a learned Jesuit, was born
at Arnheim in 1559, and entered among the Jesuits at Cologne in 1580, among whom he was distinguished for his
talents. He taught philosophy at Treves, was afterwards
rector of the college of Fulde, and chiefly employed at his
leisure hours in composing his works, which procured him
great reputation, and the esteem of many men of learning,
especially cardinal Baronius, who often mentions Brower in
his annals of the church, with high praise. He died -at
Treves June 2, 1617. His writings are, 1. An edition of
“Venantius Fortunattis,
” with notes and additions, Cologne, Scholia on the poems of Rabanus
Maurus,
” in vol. VI. of the works of Maurus. 3. “Antiquitates Fuldenses,
” Sidera illustrium et
'S. S. Virorum qui Germaniam lebus gestis ornarunt,
”
Mentz, Historia Episcoporum Trevereusium, &c.
” Cologne, 162t>. He had also a principal hand
in the “Antiquities and Annals of Treves,
”
, an English traveller and scholar, the son of James Brown, M. D. (who died Nov. 24, 1733), was born at Kelso, in the shire or Roxburgh, in Scotland, May 23,
, an English traveller and scholar, the
son of James Brown, M. D. (who died Nov. 24, 1733), was
born at Kelso, in the shire or Roxburgh, in Scotland, May
23, 1709, and was educated under Dr. Freind at Westminster school, where he made great proficiency in the Latin
and Greek classics. In the latter end of 1722, he went
with his father to Constantinople, and having a great aptitude for the learning of languages, acquired a competent
knowledge of the Turkish, vulgar Greek, and Italian; and
on his return home in 1725, made himself master of the
Spanish tongue. About the year 1732, he first started the
idea of a very useful book in the mercantile world, although
not deserving a place in any literary class, “The Directory,
”
or list of principal traders in London; and having taken
some pains to lay the foundation of it, he gave it to the
late Mr. Henry Kent, printer in Finch-lane, Cornhill, who
continued it from year to year, and acquired an estate by it.
In 1741, Mr. Brown entered into an agreement with
twenty-four of the principal merchants of London, members of the Russia Company, as their chief agent or factor,
for the purpose of carrying on a trade, through Russia, to
and from Persia, and he sailed for Riga Sept. 29. Thence
he passed through Russia, down the Volga to Astracan, and
sailed along the Caspian sea to Reshd in Persia, where he
established a factory, in which he continued near four years.
During this time, he travelled in state to the camp of
Nadir Shah, commonly known by the name of Kouli Khan,
with a letter which had been transmitted to him from the
late George II. to that monarch. While he resided in this
country, he applied himself much to the study of that language, and made such proficiency in it that, after his return home, he compiled a very copious “Persian Dictionary and Grammar,
” with many curious specimens of
their writing, which is yet in manuscript. But not being
satisfied with the conduct of some of the merchants in London, and being sensible of the dangers that the factory was
constantly exposed to from the unsettled and tyrannical
nature of the government of Persia, he resigned his charge
to the gentlemen who were appointed to succeed him, returned to London Dec. 25, 1746, and lived to be the last
survivor of all the persons concerned in the establishment
of that trade, having outlived his old friend Mr. Jonas
Hanway above two years. In May 1787, he was visited
with a slight paralytic stroke, all the alarming effects of
which very speedily vanished, and he retained his wonted
health and chearfulness till within four 1 days of his death;
when a second and more severe stroke proved fatal Nov.
30, 1788. He died at his house at Stoke Newington,
where he had been an inhabitant since 1734, and was succeeded by his worthy son James Brown, esq. F. S. A. now
of St. Alban’s. Mr. Lysons informs us that the elder Mr.
Brown published also a translation of two “Orations of
Isocrates
” without his name. He was a man of the strictest
integrity, unaffected, piety, and exalted, but unostentatious benevolence; of an even, placid, chearful temper,
which he maintained to the last, and which contributed to
lengthen his days. Few men were ever more generally
esteemed in life, or more respectfully spoken of after death
by all who knew him.
, an ingenious English writer, descended from the Browns of Colstown near Haddington in Scotland, was born in Northumberland, Nov. 5, 1715, at Rothbury, of which
, an ingenious English writer, descended from the Browns of Colstown near Haddington in Scotland, was born in Northumberland, Nov. 5, 1715, at Rothbury, of which place his father was curate, but removed
almost immediately after to the vicarage of Wigton in.
Cumberland, where, at a grammar-school, he received the
first part of his education; and was thence removed, May
8, 1732, to St. John’s college in Cambridge. He remained
here, till in 1735 he took the degree of B. A. then returned
to Wigton, and soon after went into orders. His first settlement was in Carlisle, being chosen a minor canon and
lecturer in the cathedral there. This situation he afterwards resigned, on being reproved for omitting the Athanasian creed, which it is said was merely accidental. His
pride, however, was hurt, and next Sunday he read the
creed, out of course, and immediately after resigned. In
1739 he took a M. A. degree at Cambridge. In the rebellion of 1745, he acted as a volunteer at the siege of Carlisle, and behaved himself with great intrepidity; and, after
the defeat of the rebels, when some of them were tried at
Carlisle in 1746, he preached two excellent sermons in the
cathedral, “on the mutual connection between religious
truth and civil freedom; and between superstition, tyranny,
irreligion, and licentiousness.
” These are to be found in
the volume of his sermons.
, a Scotch artist, the son of a goldsmith and watchmaker, was born in 1752 at Edinburgh, and was early destined to take up
, a Scotch artist, the son of a goldsmith and watchmaker, was born in 1752 at Edinburgh, and was early destined to take up the profession of a painter. He travelled into Italy in 1771, and durmg the course of ten years residence there, the pencil and crayon were ever in his hand, and the sublime thoughts of Raphael and Michael Angelo ever in his imagination. By continual practice he obtained a correctness and elegance of contour, rarely surpassed by any British artist, but he unfortunately neglected the mechanism of the pallet till his taste was so refined that Titian, and Murillo, and Correggio made his heart to sink within him when he touched the canvass. When he attempted to lay in his colours, the admirable correctness of his contour was lost, and he had not self-sufficiency to persevere till it should be recovered in that tender evanescent outline which is so difficult to be attained even by the most eminent painters. At Rome he met with sir William Young and Mr. Townley; who, pleased with some very beautiful drawings done by him in pen and ink, took him with them, as a draftsman, into Sicily. Of the antiquities of this celebrated island he took several very fine views in pen and ink, exquisitely finished, yet still preserving the character and spirit of the buildings he intended to represent. He returned some years afterwards from Italy to his native town, where he was much beloved and esteemed, his conversation being extremely acute and entertaining on most subjects, but peculiarly so on those of art; and his knowledge of music 'being very great, and his taste in it extremely just and refined. Lord Monboddo gave him a general invitation to his elegant and convivial table, and employed him ip, making several drawings in pencil for him. Mr. Brown, however, in 1786, came to London, and was caressed by scholars and men of taste in that metropolis, where he was very much employed as a painter of small portraits in black lead pencil, which were always correctly drawn, and exhibited, with a picturesque fidelity, the features and character of the person who sat to him.:
emy for the education of young men for the ministry among the class called Seceders in that country, was born in 1722, in a village called Kerpoo, in the county of Perth.
, a clergyman of the church of Scotland, who long kept an academy for the education of
young men for the ministry among the class called Seceders in that country, was born in 1722, in a village
called Kerpoo, in the county of Perth. His parents died
when he was very young, leaving him almost destitute,
but by some means he contrived to obtain books, if not
regular education, and by dint of perseverance acquired a
considerable knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew,
with which last he was critically conversant. He could
also read and translate the French, Italian, German, Arabic, Persian, Syriac, and Ethiopic, but his favourite studies were divinity, and history both ecclesiastical and
civil. His principles being Calvinistic, his reading was
much confined to writers of that stamp, but he appears to
have studied every controversy in which the church has
been involved, with much attention. At what time he was
ordained, does not appear, but his extensive* learning
pointed him out to the associate synod, or synod of seceders, as a fit person to be their professor of divinity,
and train up young men, who had had a previous education, for the office of the ministry within their pale. His
residence was at Haddington, where he was preacher to a
numerous congregation of the seceders. At one time he
received a pressing invitation from the Dutch church in
the province of New York, to be their tutor in divinity,
which he declined. He died June 19, 1787. His principal works are, 1. An edition of the Bible, called “The
Self-interpreting Bible,
” from its marginal references,
which are far more copious than in any other edition, London, 1791, 2 vols. 4to, and since reprinted. 2. “Dictionary
of the Bible, on the plan of Calmet, but principally adapted
to common readers; often reprinted, 2 vols. 8vo. 3.
” Ex->
plication of Scripture Metaphors,“' 12mo. 4.
” History of
the Seceders,“eighth edition, 1802, 12mo. 5.
” The
Christian Student and Pastor,“1781, an abridgment of the
Lives of Pious Men. 6.
” Letters on the Government of
the Christian Church.“7.
” General History of the
Church,“1771, 2 vols. 12mo, a very useful compendium
of church history, partly on the plan of Mosheim, or
perhaps rather of Lampe. After his death appeared a volume entitled
” Select Hemains," with some account of
his life.
, M. D. author of what has been called the Brunonian system in medicine, was born in the parish of Buncle, in the county of Berwick, in the
, M. D. author of what has been called
the Brunonian system in medicine, was born in the parish
of Buncle, in the county of Berwick, in the year 1735, of
parents in a mean situation in life, but, in common with
the children of other villagers in Scotland, he received his
education at a grammar-school. As his mind was much
above the rank he was born in, his progress in literature
was proportionably superior to the rest of his school-fellows. He there imbibed a taste for letters, so that when
he was afterwards put apprentice to a weaver, instead of
attending to Ms business, his whole mind was bent on procuring books, which he read with great eagerness. Finding this disposition could not be conquered, his father
took him from the loom, and sent him to the
grammarschool at Dunse, where, under the tuition of Mr. Cruickshanks, he made such progress that he was soon regarded
as a prodigy. He read all the Latin classics with the
greatest facility, and was oo mean proficient in the knowledge of the Greek language. “His habits,
” we are told,
“were sober, he was of a religious turn, and was so
strongly attached to the sect of Seceders, or Whigs as tlrey
are called in Scotland, in which he had been bred, that he
would have thought his salvation hazarded, if he had attended the meetings of the established church. He aspired
to be a preacher of a purer religion.
” An accident, however, disgusted him with this society, before he was of art
age to be chosen a pastor, for which it appears he was intended. Having been prevailed on by some of his schoolfellows to attend divine service at the parish church of
Dunse, he was summoned before the session of the seceding congregation to answer for this offence; but his
high spirit not brooking to make an apology, to avoid the
censures of his brethren, and the ignominy of being expelled their community, he abdicated his principles, and
professed himself a member of the established church.
As his talents for literature were well known, he was
taken, at the age of twenty, to the house of a gentleman
in the neighbourhood of Dunse, as tutor to his son. Here
he did not long reside, but went the same year, 1755, to
Edinburgh, where he applied to the study of divinity, in
which he proceeded so far as to deliver, in the public hall,
a discourse upon a prescribed portion of scripture, the
usual step preliminary to ordination. But here his theological studies appear to have ended, and he suddenly left
Edinburgh, returned to Dunse, and officiated as an usher
in the school where he had been educated. He now exhibited himself as a free-liver and free-thinker, his discourse and manners being equally licentious and irregular,
which accounts for his dereliction of the study of theology.
At Dunse he continued about a year. During this time,
a vacancy happening in one of the classes in the high
school at Edinburgh, Brown appeared as a candidate, but
was not successful. Soon after he was applied to by a
student in medicine, at Edinburgh, to put his inaugural
thesis into, Latin. This he performed in so superior a
manner, that it gained him great reputation; it opened to
him a path which he had not probably before thought of,
for turning his erudition to profit. On the strength of the
character procured him by this performance, he returned
to 'Edinburgh, and determined to apply to the study of
medicine. “He had now,
” he said, “discovered his
strength, and was ambitious of riding in his carriage as a
physician.
” At the opening of the session he addressed
Latin letters to each of the professors, who readily gave
him tickets of admission to their lectures, which he attended
diligently for several years; in the interim, teaching Latin
to such of the pupils as applied, and assisting them in,
writing their theses, or turning them into Latin. The
price, when he composed the thesis, was ten guineas;
when he translated their compositions into Latin, five. If
he had been now prudent, or had not indulged in the most
destructive excesses, he might, it is probable, in a few
years, have attained the eminence he promised himself;
but he marred all by his intemperance. In no long time
after this, his constitution, which had been hardy and robust, became debilitated, and he had the face and appearance of a worn-out debauchee. His bad habits had not,
however, prevented his getting the friendship or assistance
of Dr. Cullen, who, desirous of availing himself of his
talents, employed him as a tutor to his sons, and made
use of him as an assistant in his lectures; Brown repeating
to his pupils in the evening, the lecture they had heard in
the morning, and explaining to them such parts as were
abstruse and difficult. In 1765 he married, and took a
house, which was soon filled with boarders; but, continuing his improvident course, he became a bankrupt at the
nd of three or four years. He now became a candidate
for one of the medical chairs, but failed; and as he attributed his missing this promotion to Dr. Cullen, he very unadvisedly broke off his connection with him, and became the
declared enemy to him and his system; which he had always
before strenuously defended. This probably determined him
to form a new system of medicine, doubtless meaning to annihilate that of his former patron. As he had read but few
medical books, and was but little versed in practice, his
theory must have been rather the result of contemplation
than of experience. That in forming it, he was influenced
by his attachment to spirituous liquors, seems probable
from internal evidence, and from the effects he attributed
to them of diminishing the number as well as the severity
of the fits of the gout, under which he suffered. He always
found them more severe and frequent, he says,
he lived abstemiously. One of his pupils informed Br;
Beddoes, “that he was used, before he began to read his
lecture, to take fifty drops of laudanum in a glass of
whisky; repeating the dose four or five times during the
lecture. Between the effects of these stimulants, and
voluntary exertions, he soon waxed warm, and by degrees
his imagination was exalted into phrenzy.
” His intention
seems to have been to simplify medicine, and to render
the knowledge of it easily attainable, without the labour
of studying other authors. All general or universal diseases were therefore reduced by him to two great families
or classes, the sthenic and the asthenic; the former depending upon excess, the latter upon deficiency of exciting power. The former were to be removed by debilitating, the latter by stimulant medicines, of which the
most valuable and powerful are wine, brandy, and opium.
As asthenic diseases are more numerous y and occur much
more frequently than those from an opposite cause, his
opportunities of calling in the aid of these powerful stimuli
were proportionately numerous. “Spasmodic and convulsive disorders, and even hemorrhages,
” he says, “were
found to proceed from debility; and wine, and brandy,
which had been thought hurtful in these diseases, he found
the most powerful of all remedies in removing them.
”
When he had completed his plan, 'he published his theory
or system, under the title of “Elementa Medicinse,
” from
his preface to which the preceding quotations have been
principally taken. Though he had been eleven or twelve
years at Edinburgh, he had not taken his degree of doctor;
and as he was now at variance with all the medical professors, not thinking it prudent to offer himself there, he
went to St. Andrew’s, where he was readily admitted to
that honour. He now commenced public teacher of medicine, making his “Elementa
” his text book; and convinced, as it seems, of the soundness of his doctrine, he
exultingly demands (preface to a new edition of the translation of his “Elementa,
” by Dr. Beddoes), whether the
medical art, hitherto conjectural, incoherent, and in the
great body of its doctrines false, was not at last reduced to
a science of demonstration, which might be called the
science of life? His method in giving his lectures was, first
to translate the text book, sentence by sentence, and then
to expatiate upon the passage. The novelty of the docfeine procured him at first a pretty numerous class of pupilsj
but as he was irregular in his attendance, and his habits
of drinking increased upon him, they were soon. reduced
in number, and he became so involved in his circumstances, that it became necessary for him to quit Edinburgh; he therefore came to London in the autumn of the
year 1786. Here, for a time, he was received with favour, but his irregularities in living increasing upon him,
he came to his lodgings, in the evening of the 8th of October, in 1788, intoxicated, and taking, as it was his
custom, a large dose of laudanum, he died in the course
of the night, before he had entered on his career of lecturing, for which he was making preparations. He had
the preceding year published “Observations on the Old
Systems of Physic,
” as a prelude to the introduction of his
own; but it was little noticed. His opinions have, however, ' met with patrons in Germany and Italy, as well as
in this country, and several volumes have been Written on
the subject of them; but they are now pretty generally,
and deservedly, abandoned.
ticulturist, and, from a word often employed by him in laying out gardens, called Capability Brown , was born at Kirkharle, in Northumberland, Aug. 1715. Of his education
, an eminent horticulturist, and, from a word often employed by him in laying out gardens, called Capability Brown , was born at Kirkharle, in Northumberland, Aug. 1715. Of his education we have no account, but he came early in life to the metropolis, and was employed by lord Cobham in improving the grounds at Stowe; and afterwards at Richmond, Blenheim, Luton, Wimbledon, Nuneham, &c. where he improved ornamental gardening in a very high degree, and approached more nearly to nature than his predecessors. In these operations he frequently discovered a very highly cultivated taste, and may be said to have led the fashion in horticulture for nearly half a century. He associated also with familiarity with many of his noble and opulent employers, and realized a handsome fortune. In 1770 he served the office of high sheriff for the counties of Huntingdon and Cambridge. He died suddenly in Hertfordstreet, May-fair, Feb. 6, 1783, being at that time head gardener to his majesty, at Hampton-court.
Charles -VI. They were of an ancient and noble family in Ireland. The subject of the present memoir was born at Basle, Oct. 24, 1705-. After having passed through the
, a celebrated general of the eighteenth century, was the son of Ulysses, baron
de Brown, colonel of a regiment of cuirassiers in the service of the emperors Leopold and Joseph, created in
1716, by the emperor Charles VI. a count of the holy Roman empire, his younger brother George receiving the
like dignity at the same time, who was general of foot,
counsellor of war, and a colonel of a regiment of infantry,
under Charles -VI. They were of an ancient and noble
family in Ireland. The subject of the present memoir
was born at Basle, Oct. 24, 1705-. After having passed
through the lessons of a school at Limerick in Ireland, he
was called to Hungary at ten years of age, by count
George de Brown, his uncle, and was present at the famous siege of Belgrade in 1717; about the close of the
year 1723, he became captain in his uncle’s regiment, and
then lieutenant-colonel in 1725. He went to the island of
Corsica in 1730, with a battalion of his regiment, and contributed greatly to the capture of Callansana, where he
received a wound of some consequence in his thigh. He
was appointed chamberlain to the emperor in 1732, and
colonel in 1734. He distinguished himself in the war of,
Italy, especially in the battles of Parma and Guastalla,
and burnt, in presence of the French army, the bridge
which the marechal de Noailles had thrown across the
Adige. Being appointed general in 1736, he favoured,
the year following, the retreat of the army, by a judicious
manoeuvre, and saved all the baggage at the memorable
day of Banjaluca in Bosnia, Aug. 3, 1737. This signal
piece of service procured him a second regiment of infantry, vacant by the death of count Francis de Wallis. On
his return to Vienna in 1739, the emperor Charles VI.
raised him to the dignity of general-neld-marechal-lieute.^
nanr, and gave him a seat in the Aulic council of war.
After the death of that prince, the king of Prussia having
entered Silesia, count de Brown, with but a small body oi
troops, disputed with him every foot of ground for the
space of two months. He commanded in 1741 the infantry of the right wing of the Austrian army at the battle of
Molvitz; and, though wounded, made a handsome retreat.
He then went into Bavaria, where he commanded the van
of the same army, made himself master of Deckendorf, an4
took much of the enemy’s baggage, and forced the French
to quit the banks of the Danube, which the Austrian army
afterwards passed in perfect safety; in commemoration of
which, a marble pillar was erected on the spot, with the
following inscription: “Theresise Austriacae Augustse Duce
Exercitus Carolo Alexandro Lotharingico, septemdecirn
superatis hostilibus VilHs, captoque Deckendorfio, renitentibus undis, resistentibus Gallis, Duce Exercitus Ludovico Borbonio Contio, transivit hie Danubium Ulysses
Maximilianus, S. R. I. Comes de Brown, Locumtenens
Campi Marashallusj Die 5 Junii, A. D. 1743.
” The queen
of Hungary sent him the s^me year to Worms, in quality
of her plenipotentiary to the king of Great Britain: where
he put the finishing Hand to the/ treaty of alliance between the courts of Vienna, London, and Turin, and she
declared him her actual privy counsellor at her coronation
qf Bohemia. The count de Brown, in 1744, followed
prince Lobkovitz jnto Italy, took the city of Veletri the
4th of August, notwithstanding the great superiority of the
enemy in numbers, penetrated into their camp, defeated
several regiments, and took a great many prisoners. Being
recalled to Bavaria, he performed several military exploits,
and returned to Italy in 1746. He drove the Spaniards
out of the Milanese; and, having joined the army of the
prince de Lichtenstein, he commanded the left wing of
the Austrian troops at the battle of Placentia, the 15th of
June 1746; and routed the right wing of the enemy’s
army, commanded by the marechal de Maillebois. After
this famous battle, the gaining of which was due to him, he
commanded in chief the army ordered against the Genoese,
made himself master of the pass of la Bochetta, though
defended by 4000 men, and took possession of the city of
Genoa. Count Brown then went to join the troops of the
king of Sardinia, and, in conjunction with him, took Montalbano and the territory of Nice. He passed the Var the
30th of November, in opposition to the French troops,
entered Provence, and captured the isles of Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. He had nearly made himself
master of all Provence, when the revolution at Genoa and
the army of the marechal de Belleisle obliged him to make
that fine retreat which acquired him the admiration of all
good judges of. military tactics. He employed the rest of
the year 1747 in defending the states of the house of
Austria in Italy. The empress-queen of Hungary, in reward of his signal campaigns in Italy, made him governor
of Transylvania in 1749. In 1752 he had the government
of the city of Prague, with the general command of the
troops of that kingdom; and the king of Poland, elector
of Saxony, honoured him in 1755 with the order of the
white eagle. The king of Prussia having invaded Saxony
in 1756, and attacked Bohemia, count Brown marched
against him; he repulsed that prince at the battle of Lobositz the 1st of October, although he had but 26,800
men, and the king of Prussia was at the head of at least
40,000. Within a week after this engagement, he undertook that celebrated march into Saxony, for delivering the
Saxon troops shut up between Pirna and Konigstein:
an action worthy of the greatest general whether ancient or
modern. He afterwards obliged the Prussians to retreat
from Bohemia; for which service he obtained the collar
of the golden fleece, with which he was honoured by
the empress March 6, 1757. Shortly after this count
Brown went into Bohemia, where he raised troops with the
utmost expedition, in order to make head against the king
of Prussia, who had entered it afresh at the head of his
whole army. On May 6th was fought the famous battle of
Potshernitz, or of Prague, when count Brown was dangerously wounded. Obliged to retire to Prague, he there
died of his wounds, the 26th of June 1757, at the age of
52. The count was not only a great general, he was an
equally able negotiator, and well skilled in politics. He
married, Aug. 15, 1726, Maria Philippina countess of Mar
tinitz, of an illustrious and ancient family in Bohemia, by
whom he had two sons. The life of this excellent commander was published in two separate volumes, one in
German, the other in French, printed at Prague in 1757.
, an English judge, the son of sir Weston Browne of Abhess-roding in Essex, was born in that county, and educated for some time at Oxford, whence
, an English judge, the son
of sir Weston Browne of Abhess-roding in Essex, was born
in that county, and educated for some time at Oxford,
whence he removed to the Middle Temple, where he became eminent in the law, and was chosen summer reader
in the first of queen Mary, 1553. The following year he
was made serjeant at law, and was the first of the call.
Soon after he was appointed serjeant to the king and queen,
Philip and Mary. In 1558, he was preferred to be lord
chief justice of the common pleas; but removed upon
queen Mary’s decease, to make way for sir James Dyer,
for though a Roman catholic, and queen Elizabeth might
not chuse he should preside in that court, she had such an
opinion of his talents that he was permitted to retain the
situation of puisne on the bench as long as he lived. It is
even said that he refused the place of lord keeper, which
was offered to him, when the queen thought of removing
sir Nicholas Bacon for being concerned in Hales’s book,
written against the Scottish line, in favour of the house of
Suffolk. This book sir Anthony privately answered , or
made large collections for an answer, which Leslie, bishop
of Ross, and Morgan Philips afterwards made use of, in
the works they published in defence of the title of Mary
queen of Scots. Sir Anthony Browne died at his house in
the parish of Southwold in Essex, May 6, 1567. The
only works attributed to him were left in ms.: namely,
1. “A Discourse upon certain points touching the Inheritance of the Crown,
” mentioned already, and 2. “A book
against Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester,
” mentioned by
Dr. Matthew Paterson, in his “Jerusalem and Babel,
”
a
judge of profound genius and great eloquence.
”
, an eminent physician, son of sir Thomas Browne, hereafter mentioned, was born about 1642. He was instructed in grammar learning at the
, an eminent physician, son of sir
Thomas Browne, hereafter mentioned, was born about
1642. He was instructed in grammar learning at the
school of Norwich, and in 1665 took the degree of bachelor of physic at Cambridge. Removing afterwards to Mertori college, Oxford, he was admitted there to the same
degree in 1666, and the next year created doctor. In
1668, he visited part of Germany, and the year following
made a wider excursion into Austria, Hungary, and Thessaly, where the Turkish sultan then kept his court at Larissa. He afterwards passed through Italy. Upon his return, he practised physic in London; was made physician
first to Charl-es II. and afterwards in 1682 to St. Bartholomew’s hospital. About the same time he joined his name
to those of many other eminent men, in a translation of
Plutarch’s Lives. He was first censor, then elect, and treasurer of the college of physicians; of which in 1705 he
was chosen president, and held this office till his death,
which happened in August 1708, after a very short illness,
at his seat at Northfleet, near Greenhithe in Kent. He
was acquainted with Hebrew, was a critic in Greek, and
no man of his age wrote better Latin. German, Italian,
French, &c. he spoke and wrote with as much ease as his
mother tongue. Physic was his business, and to the promotion thereof all his other acquisitions were referred.
Botany, pharmacy, and chemistry, he knew and practised.
King Charles said of him, that “he was as learned as any
of the college, and as well-bred as any at court.
” He was
married, and left a son and a daughter; the former, Dr.
Thomas Browne, F. R. S. and of the royal college of physicians, died in JiJy 17 Jo. The daughter married Owen
Brigstock, of Lechdenny, in the county of Carmarthen,
esq. to whom the public is indebted for part of the posthumous works of sir Thomas Browne.
, D.D. provost of Queen’s-college, Oxford, was born at a place called the Tongue, in Watermillock, Cumberland,
, D.D. provost of Queen’s-college, Oxford, was born at a place called the Tongue, in Watermillock, Cumberland, in 1700, and was baptised Dec. 19, of that year. His father, George Browne, was a reputable yeoman, who was enabled to give his son a classical education at Barton school, and afterwards sent him to Queen’s-college, where he was admitted a member March 22, 1716-17. Here his good behaviour and rapid progress in knowledge, procured him many friends that were of great service to him. In due time he was elected taberdar upon the foundation; and having gone through that office with honour, he took the degree of M. A. Nov. 4th, 1724, and was chosen one of the chaplains of the college. In 1726 he published, from the university press, a most beautiful edition of cardinal Barberini’s Latin poems, with notes and a life of the author, (who was afterwards pope Urban VIII.) and a dedication to his friend Edward Hassel, esq. of Dalemain* his friend and patron. In April 1731, he was elected fellow, and became an eminent tutor, having several young noblemen of the first rank intrusted to his care. In this useful and important station he continued many years, exercising strict discipline, and assiduously studying to promote the prosperity of the college. He took the degree of D. D. July 9, 1743, and was presented by the provost and society to the rectory of Bramshot, in Hampshire, May 1, 1746, The university also conferred upon him the professorship of natural philosophy in 1747, which he held till his death. At his living at Bramshot, he resided more than ten years, during which time he was collated to the chancellorship of Hereford, and was made a canon-residentiary by the right rev. lord James Beauclerk, bishop of that diocese, who had formerly been his pupil.
, esq. F. R. S. and a very ingenious and elegant poet of the last century, was born at Burton-upon-Trent, January 21, 1705-6; and was the son
, esq. F. R. S. and a very ingenious and elegant poet of the last century, was born at Burton-upon-Trent, January 21, 1705-6; and was the son of the rev. William Browne, minister of that parish, where he chiefly resided, vicar of Winge, in Buckinghamshire, and a prebendary of Litchfield, which last preferment was given him by the excellent bishop Hough. He was possessed, also, of a small paternal inheritance, which he greatly increased by his marriage with Anne, daughter of Isaac Hawkins, esq. all whose estate, at length, came to his only grandson and heir-at-law, the subject of this article. Our author received his grammatical education, first at Litchfield, and then at Westminster, where he was much distinguished for the brilliancy of his parts^ and the steadiness of his application. The uncommon rapidity with which he passed through the several forms or classes of Westminster school, attracted the notice, and soon brought him under the direction of the head master, Dr. Freind, with whom he was a peculiar favourite. Mr. Browne stayed above a year in the sixth, or head form, with a view of confirming and improving his taste for classical learning and composition, under so polite and able a scholar. When he was little more than sixteen years of age, he was removed to Trinity-college, Cambridge, of which college his father had been fellow. He remained at the university till he had taken his degree of M. A. and though during his residence there he continued his taste for classical literature, which through his whole life was his principal object and pursuit, he did not omit the peculiar studies of the place, but applied himself with vigour and success to all the branches of mathematical science, and the principles of the Newtonian philosophy. When in May 1724, king George the First established at both universities, a foundation for the study of modern history and languages, with the design of qualifying young men for employments at court, and foreign embassies, Mr. Browne was among the earliest of those who were selected to be scholars upon this foundation. On the death of that prince, he wrote an university copy of verses, which was the first of his poems that had been printed, and was much admired. About the year 1727, Mr. Browne, who had been always intended for the bar, settled at Lincoln’s-inn. Here he prosecuted, for several years, with great attention, the study of the law, and acquired in it a considerable degree of professional knowledge, though he never arrived to any eminence in the practice of it, and entirely gave it up long before his death. He was the less solicitous about the practice of his profession, and it was of the less consequence to him, as he was possessed of a fortune adequate to his desires; which, by preserving the happy mean between extravagance and avarice, he neither diminished nor increased.
, vicar of Olney in Buckinghamshire, and chaplain of Morden college, was born in 1703, and was originally a pen-cutter. Early in life
, vicar of Olney in Buckinghamshire, and chaplain of Morden college, was born in 1703,
and was originally a pen-cutter. Early in life he distinguished himself by his, poetical talents, and when only
twenty years of age, published a tragedy called “Polidus,
”
and a farce called “All-bedevilled,
” which were played
together at a private theatre in St. Alban’s-street, neither
of much merit. He became afterwards a frequent contributor to the Gentleman’s Magazine, and carried off several
of the prizes which Cave, the printer and proprietor of that
Magazine, then offered for the best compositions. When,
Cave published a translation of Du Halde’s China, he inscribed the different plates to his friends, and one to
“Moses Browne,
” with which familiar designation Browne
thought proper to be offended, and Cave, to pacify him,
directed the engraver to introduce Mr. with a caret under
the line. In 1729, he published his “Piscatory Eclogues,
”
without his name, which were reprinted in Poems on various subjects,
” 8vo, and again in an extended form, with notes, in 1773. For along time,
however, even after his abilities were known, he remained in
poverty, and in 1745, when it appears he had a wife and
seven children, we find him applying to Dr. Birch for the
situation of messenger, or door-keeper, to the royal society.
In 1750, he published an edition of Walton and Cotton’s
Angler, with a preface, notes, and some valuable additions,
which was republished in 1759 and 1772, and in the former year drew him into a controversy with sir John Hawkins, who happened to be then publishing an improved
edition of the same work. From his poems, as well as
from the scattered observations in the “Angler,
” he appears to have been always of a religious turn; and in 1752
published in verse, a series of devout contemplations, entitled “Sunday Thoughts,
” which went through a second
edition in The Nativity and Humiliation of Jesus
Christ, practically considered.
” In Percy Lodge,
” a seat of the
duke and duchess of Somerset, written by command of
their late graces, in 1749. In what year he was presented
to the vicarage of Sutton, in Lincolnshire, we are not informed; but in 1763, he was elected to the chaplainship of
Morden college in Kent, and some time after appointed the
late rev. John Newton for his curate at Olney. In 1765 he
published a sermon “preached to the Society for the
Reformation of Manners,
” and a few years after, a “Visitation Sermon,
” delivered at Stony Stratford. Besides
these, Mr. Browne is said to have published one or two political tracts; and in 1772, a translation of a work of John
Liborius Zimmerman, entitled “The Excellency of the
knowledge of Jesus Christ,
” London, 12mo. He died at
Morden college, Sept. 13, 1787, aged eighty-four. His
wife died in 1783. Mr. Browne was a man of some learning and piety, but as a poet, we fear he cannot be allowed
to rank higher than among versifiers.
t of considerable eminence, the fourth son of Edward Browne, esq. a gentleman of respectable family, was born at Woodstock, the paternal inheritance, in the parish of
, M. D. a naturalist of considerable eminence, the fourth son of Edward Browne, esq. a gentleman of respectable family, was born at Woodstock, the paternal inheritance, in the parish of Crossboyne, and county of Mayo, about 1720. After receiving the best education that country could afford, he was sent to a near relation in the island of Antigua in 1737; but the climate disagreeing very much with his constitution, he returned in about a year to Europe, and landing in France, went directly to Paris, where he speedily recovered his health, and with the approbation of his parents applied himself closely to the study of physic, and particularly to the science of botany, for which he always had a particular predilection. After five years spent at Paris, he removed to Leyden, where he studied near two years more, and from that university obtained his degree of M. D. Here he formed an intimacy with Gronovius and Muschenbroeck, and commenced a correspondence with Linnæus and other eminent botanists and learned men. From Holland he proceeded to London, where he practised near two years, and thence went out again to the West Indies, and after spending some months in Antigua and some others of the Sugar Islands, he proceeded to Jamaica, where he spent his time in collecting and preserving specimens of the plants, birds, shells, &c. of those luxuriant soils, with a view to the improvement of natural history.
he protestant dissenters, and who was remarkable for a mental disorder of a most extraordinary kind, was born at Shepton-Mallet, in Somersetshire, about 1680. He was
, an able and learned minister and
writer among the protestant dissenters, and who was remarkable for a mental disorder of a most extraordinary
kind, was born at Shepton-Mallet, in Somersetshire, about
1680. He was instructed in grammar by the rev. Mr.
Cumming, who was pastor of a congregation in that town;
from whence he was removed to Bridgewater, and finished
Jiis studies under the care of the rev. Mr. Moor. As he
possessed uncommon parts, which had been improved by
the most assiduous application, he was very early thought
qualified for the ministry; so that he began to preach some
time before he was twenty years of age. His talents soon
rendered him so conspicuous among the dissenters, that he
was chosen minister of a considerable congregation at
Portsmouth, in which situation he continued some years.
In 1706, he published a small treatise, entitled “A caveat
against evil Company.
” In 1709, he published, in one
volume, 8vo, “The true character of the real Christian.
” He
discharged the duties of the pastoral office at Portsmouth
with so much fidelity and diligence, as procured him universal esteem; but, in 1716, he removed to the great regret of his congregation, in consequence of his being invited to accept of the pastoral charge of the congregation
of protestant dissenters in the Old Jewry, London, which
was one of the most considerable in the kingdom. In
1720, he published, in one volume, 12mo, “Hymns and
Spiritual Songs, in three books.
” In Sermons,
” and about the same time a “Letter to the rev. Thomas Reynolds,
” in which he censures
that gentleman and other dissenters for requiring of their
brethren explicit declarations of their belief in the doctrine of the Trinity. At the Old Jewry he continued to
preach for about seven years with the greatest reputation,
mid was much beloved and esteemed by his congregation:
but, in 1723, a complicated domestic affliction, the loss of
his wife, and of an only son, so deeply affected him, that
he was at first in a state little different from distraction; and
the disorder which his imagination had sustained from the
shock that he had received, at length settled into a melancholy of a very extraordinary nature. He desisted from
the duties of his function, and could not be persuaded to
join in any act of worship, either public or private. He
imagined, " that Almighty God, by a singular instance of
divine power, had, in a gradual manner, annihilated in
him the thinking substance, and utterly divested him of
consciousness: that though he retained the human shape,
and the faculty of speaking, in a manner that appeared to
others rational, he had all the while no more notion of what
he said than a parrot. And, very consistently with this,
he looked upon himself as no longer a moral agent, a subject of reward or punishment. 7 ' He continued in this persuasion to the end of his life, with very little variation.
Nothing grieved him more, than that he could not persuade others to think of him as he thought of himself. He
sometimes considered this as questioning his veracity,
which affected him in the most sensible manner; and he
often took pains, by the most solemn asseverations, to remove such an imputation. At other times, and in a more
gloomy hour, he would represent the incredulity which was
manifested towards him, as a judicial effect of the same
divine power jhat had occasioned this strange alteration in
him, as if God had determined to proceed against him in
this way, and would have no application made in his behalf. Upon this account, for a long while, he was unwilling that any prayers should be made for him; which,
he would say, could be warranted by nothing but a faith
in miracles, and even refused to say grace at table, or if
urged to it, appeared in the greatest distress. At the beginning of his disorder, he was so unhappy in himself, as
to have frequent propensities to deprive himself of life;
but he afterwards grew more serene, and appeared to have
little or no terror upon his mind. He considered himself
as one who, though he had little to hope, had no more to
fear, and was therefore, for the most part, calm and composed; and when the conversation did not turn upon himself, as it was generally rational and very serious, so was
it often cheerful and pleasant. But his opinion concerning himself occasionally led him into inconsistencies; and
when these were pointed out to him, he sometimes appeared much puzzled.
, a clergyman of the church of England in the seventeenth century, was born in the county of Middlesex in 1604, was elected student
, a clergyman of the church of
England in the seventeenth century, was born in the
county of Middlesex in 1604, was elected student of Christ
church in 1620, and took the degrees in arts, that of master being completed in 1627. In 1636, he served the office of proctor, and the year after was made domestic
chaplain to archbishop Laud, and bachelor of divinity.
Soon after he became rector of St. Mary, Aldermary,
London, canon of Windsor in 1639, and rector of Oddington
in Oxfordshire. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he
was ejected from his church in London by the ruling party,
and retired to his majesty, to whom he was chaplain,
at Oxford, and in 1642 was created D. D. having then
only the profits of Oddington to maintain him. He appears afterwards to have been stripped even of this, and
went to the continent, where he was for some time chaplain to Mary, princess of Orange. After the restoration,
he was admitted again to his former preferments, but does
not appear to have had any other reward for his losses and
sufferings. He died at Windsor Dec. 6, 1673, and was
buried on the outside of St. George’s chapel, where Dr.
Isaac Vossius, his executor, erected a monument to his
memory, with an inscription celebrating his learning, eloquence, critical talents, and knowledge of antiquities.
Besides a sermon preached before the university in 1633,
he published, “A Key to the King’s Cabinet; or animadversions upon the three printed speeches of Mr. L'isle,
Mr. Tate, and Mr. Browne, members of the house of
commons, spoken at a common hall in London, July 1645,
detecting the malice and falsehood of their blasphemous observations upon the king and queen’s letters,
” Oxford,
De posthumo
Grotii;
” this he printed at the Hague, Dissertatio de Therapeutis
Philonis adversus Henricum Valesium,
” Loud. Tomus alter et idem; or the
History of the life and reign of that famous princess Elizabeth, &c.
” London, Concio ad Clerum,
” delivered for his divinity
bachelor’s degree in the revenues of
the clergy,
” which even at that period were threatened.
, an eminent physician and antiquary, was born in London, in the parish of St. Michael, Cheapside, Oct.
, an eminent physician and
antiquary, was born in London, in the parish of St.
Michael, Cheapside, Oct. 19, 1605. His father was a
merchant, of an ancient family at Upton in Cheshire. He lost
his father very early, and was defrauded by one of his
guardians, by whom, however, or by his mother, who soon
after his father’s death married sir Thomas Dutton, he was
placed at Winchester school. In 1623 he was removed
from Winchester to Oxford, and entered a gentlemancommoner of Broadgate-hall. Here he was admitted to his
bachelor’s degree, Jan. 31, 1626-27, being the first person
of eminence graduated from Broadgate-hall, when endowed and known as Pembroke-college. After taking his
master’s degree, he turned his studies to physic, and practised it for some time in Oxfordshire, but soon afterwards,
either induced by curiosity, or invited by promises, he
quitted his settlement, and accompanied his father-in-law,
who had some employment in Ireland, in a visitation of
the forts and castles, which the state of Ireland then made
necessary. From Ireland he passed into France and Italy;
made some stay at Montpelier and Padua, which were then
the celebrated schools of physic; and, returning home
through Holland, procured himself to be created M. D. at
Leyden, but when he began these travels, or when he
concluded them, there is no certain account. It is, however, supposed that he returned to London in 1634, and
that the following year he wrote his celebrated treatise,
the “Religio Medici,
” which he declares himself never
to have intended for the press, having composed it only
for his own exercise and entertainment. He had, however, communicated it to his friends, and by some means
a copy was given to a printer in 1642, and was no sooner
published than it excited the attention of the public by
the novelty of paradoxes, the dignity of sentiment, the
quick succession of images, the multitude of abstruse allusions, the subtlety of disquisition, and the strength of
language.
ly of Browne of Brownes-Ilash in the parish of Langtree near Great Torrington in Devonshire. His son was born in 1590, and became a student of Exeter college, Oxford,
, an ingenious English poet, was
the son of Thomas Browne of Tavistock in Devonshire,
gent, who, according to Prince, in his Worthies of Devon,
was most probably a descendant from the knightly family
of Browne of Brownes-Ilash in the parish of Langtree near
Great Torrington in Devonshire. His son was born in
1590, and became a student of Exeter college, Oxford,
about the beginning of the reign of James I. After making
a great progress in classical and polite literature, he removed to the Inner Temple, where his attention to the
study of the law was frequently interrupted by his devotion to the muses. In his twenty -third year (1613) he
published, in folio, the first part of his “Britannia’s Pastorals,
” which, according to the custom of the time, was
ushered into the world with so many poetical eulogies,
that he appears to have secured, at a very early age, the
friendship and favour of the most celebrated of his contemporaries, among whom we find the names of Selden
and Drayton. To these he afterwards added Davies of
Hereford, Ben Jonson, and others. That he wrote some
of these pastorals before he had attained his twentieth year,
has been conjectured from a passage in Book I. Song V.;
but there is sufficient internal evidence, independent of
these lines, that much of tham was the offspring of a juvenile fancy. In the following year, he published in 8vo,
“The Shepherd’s Pipe,
” in seven eclogues. In the fourth
of these he laments the death of his friend Mr. Thomas
Manwood, under the name of Philarete, the precursor, as
some critics assert, of Milton’s Lycidas.
, a physician of the last century, and a man of a singular and whimsical cast of mind, was born in 1692, and in 1707 was entered of Peterhouse, Cambridge,
, a physician of the last century, and a man of a singular and whimsical cast of mind,
was born in 1692, and in 1707 was entered of Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he took the degrees, B. A. 1710,
M, A. 1714, and M. D. 1721, and soon after settled at
Lynn, in Norfolk, where he published v Dr. Gregory’s
“Elements of catoptrics and dioptrics,
” translated from
the Latin original, to which he added: 1. A method for
finding the ibcrof all specula, as well as lenses universally; as also magnifying or lessening a given object by a
given speculum, or lens> in any assigned proportion.
2. A solution of those problems which Dr. Gregory has
left undemonstrated. 3. A particular account of microscopes and telescopes, from Mr. Huygens; with the discoveries made by catoptrics and dioptrics. By an epigram,
many of which he provoked, he appears to have been the
champion of the fair sex at Lynn, in 1748. On one
occasion, a pamphlet having been written against him, he nailed
it up against his house-door. Having acquired a competency
by his profession, he removed to Queen-square, Ormondstreet, London, where he resided till his death, which
happened March 10, 1774, at the age of 82. A great
number of lively essays, both in prose and verse, the production of his pen, were printed and circulated among his
friends. Among these were: 1. “Ode in imitation of
Horace,
” ode 3, lib. iii. addressed to the right hon. sir
Robert Walpole, on ceasing to be minister, Feb. 6, 1741;
designed, he says, as a just panegyric on a great minister,
the glorious revolution, protestant succession, and principles of liberty. To which was added the original ode,
“defended in commentariolo.
” It was inscribed to George
carl of Orford, as an acknowledgement of the favours conferred by his lordship as well as by his father and grandfather. On the first institution of the militia, our author
was appointed one of the earl’s deputy-lieutenants, and
was named in his lordship’s first commission of the peace.
2. Opuscula varia utriusque linguae, medicinam; medicorum collegium; literas, utrasque academias; empiricos,
eorum cultores; solicitatorem, prsestigiatorem; poeticen,
criticen; patronum, patriam; religionem, libertatem,
spectantia. Cum praefatione eorum editionem defendente.
Auctore D. Gulielmo Browne, equite aurato, M. D. utriusque et medicorum et physicorum S. R. S. 175, 4to.
This little volume (which was dated “Ex area dicta reginali, MDCCLXV. in nonas Januarias, ipso Ciceronis et auctoris natali
”) contained, I. Oratio Harveiana, in theatro
collegii medicorum Londinensis habita, 1751. II. A vindication of the college of physicians, in reply to solicitorgeneral Murray, 1753. III. Ode in imitation of Horace,
Ode I. addressed to the duke of Montague. With a new
interpretation, in commentariolo, 1765. IV. The Ode,
above-mentioned, to sir Robert Walpole. Some time before, sir William had published odes in imitation of Horace; addressed to sir John Dolben, to sir John Turner,
to doctor Askew, and to Robert lord Walpole. 3. Appendix altera ad opuscula; oratiuncula, collegii medicorum
Londinensis cathedrae vatedicens. In comitiis, postridie
jdivi Michaelis, MDCCLXXVII. ad collegii administrationem
renovandam designatis; machinaque incendiis extinguendis
apta contra permissos rebelies munitis; habita a D. GuBrowne, equite aurato, praeside? “1768? 4to, This
farewell oration contains so many curious particulars of sir
William’s life, that the reader will not be displeased to see
some extracts from it, and with his own spelling.
” The
manly age and inclination, with conformable studies, I diligently applied to the practice of physic in the country;
where, as that age adviseth, I sought riches and friendships.
But afterwards, being satiated witn friends, whom truth, not
flattery, had procured; satiated with riches, which Galen,
not fortune, had presented; I resorted immediately to this
college: where, in further obedience to the same adviser,
I might totally addict myself to the service of honour.
Conducted by your favour, instead of my own merit, I
have been advanced, through various degrees of honour,
a most delightful climax indeed, even to the very highest
of all which the whole profession of physic hath to confer.
In this chair, therefore, twice received from the elects,
shewing their favour to himself, he confesseth much more
than to the college, your præsident
, bishop of Exeter, was born at Ipswich in Suffolk, in 1592. His father, who was a merchant
, bishop of
Exeter, was born at Ipswich in Suffolk, in 1592. His father, who was a merchant of that place, dying when he
was but a few weeks old, his mother took due care of his
education, in which he made a very considerable progress.
At the age of fourteen, he was sent to Pembroke-hall in
Cambridge, of which he successively became scholar and
fellow; and there he distinguished himself by his facetious
and inoffensive wit, his eloquence, and his great skill and
knowledge in philosophy, history, poetry, &c. He took
his master’s degree in 1617, B. D. in 1621, and D. D. in
1626. He was appointed prevaricator when James I.
visited the university, and discharged that employment to
the universal aUmiration of the whole audience. His first
preferments were, the rectory of Barley in Hertfordshire,
and a prebend of Ely in 1621, to both which he was collated by Dr. Nicholas Felton, bishop of Ely. July 15, 1628,
he was incorporated doctor of divinity at Oxford. On the
2 1st of September, 16-29, he was collated to the prebend
of Tachbrook, in the cathedral church of Lichfield, which
he quitted September 19, 1631, when he was admitted to
the archdeaconry of Coventry. He was likewise master of
Catherine-hall in Cambridge, and proved a great benefit
and ornament both to that college and the whole university. In 1637, 1638, 1643, and 1644, he executed the
office of vice-chancellor, to the universal satisfaction of all
people, and to his own great credit. In 1641, he was
presented to the eleventh stall or prebend in the church of
Durham, by Dr. Thomas Morton, bishop of that diocese,
to whom he was chaplain. Upon the translation of Dr.
Joseph Hall to the bishopric of Norwich, Dr. Brown rig was
nominated to succeed him in the see of Exeter, in 1641.
Accordingly he was elected March 3 1, 1642; confirmed
May 14; consecrated the day following; and installed the
1st of June. But the troubles that soon after followed,
did not permit him long to enjoy that dignity. Before the
beginning of them, he was much esteemed, and highly
commended, by his relation John Pym, and others of the
presbyterian stamp: but they forsook him, only because
he was a bishop; and suffered him to be deprived of his
revenues, so that he was almost reduced to want. Nay,
once he was assaulted, and like to have been stoned by the
rabble, his episcopal character being his only crime. About
1645, he was deprived of his mastership of Catherine-hall>
on account of a sermon preached by him before the university, on the king’s inauguration, at some passages of
which, offence was taken by the parliament party; and
neither his piety, gravity, or learning, were sufficient to
preserve him in his station. Being thus robbed of all, he
retired to the house of Thomas Rich, of Sunning, esq. in
Berkshire, by whom he was generously entertained: and
there, and sometimes at London, at Highgate, and St.
Edmundsbury, spent several years. During this time, he
had the courage to advise Oliver Cromwell to restore king
Charles II. to his just rights, but yet he suffered in his
reputation, as not being zealous enough for the church.
About a year before his decease, he was invited to be a
preacher at the Temple, in London, with a handsome allowance; and accordingly he went and settled there, in
good lodgings furnished for him. But his old distemper,
the stone, coming upon him with greater violence than
usual, and being attended with the dropsy and the infirmities of age, they all together put an end to his life, on
the 7th of December, 1659: he was buried the 17th following in the Temple church, where there is an epitaph
over him. He was once married, but never had a child.
Though he was very elaborate and exact in his compositions, and completely wrote his sermons, yet he could not
be persuaded to print any thing in his life-time. Bishop
Brownrig, as to his person, was tall and comely. The
majesty of his presence was so allayed with meekness, candour, and humility, that no man was farther from any
thing morose or supercilious. He had a great deal of wit,
as well as wisdom; and was an excellent scholar, an admirable orator, an acute disputant, a pathetic preacher,
and a prudent governor, full of judgment, courage, constancy, and impartiality. He was, likewise, a person of
that soundness of judgment, of that conspicuity for an unspotted life, and of that unsuspected integrity, that he was
a complete pattern to all. Dr. Gauden, who had known
him above thirty years, declares that he never heard of any
thinor said or done by him, which a wise and good man
would have wished unsaid or undone. Some other parts
of Dr. Gauden’s character of him may be supposed to proceed from the, warmth of friendship. Echard says of him,
that “he was a great man for the Anti-Arminian cause (for he was a rigid Calvinist), yet a mighty champion for the
liturgy and ordination by bishops: and his death was highly
lamented by men of all parties.' 7 Baxter, Neal, and other
writers of the nonconformist party, are no less warm in his
praises. He was one of those excellent men with whom
archbishop Tillotson cultivated an acquaintance at his first
coming to London, and by whose preaching and example
he formed himself. After his death some of his sermons
were published, under the title
” Forty Sermons, &c."
1662, fol. and reprinted with the addition of twenty-five,
making a second volume, 1674, fol. His style is rather
better than that of many of his contemporaries.
, an eminent physician, a native of Cumberland, was born in 1711, and educated in medical science at Leyden, under
, an eminent physician, a
native of Cumberland, was born in 1711, and educated in
medical science at Leyden, under Albinus, Euler, and
Boerhaave. Having taken his medical degree in 1737, he
returned to his native country, and settled at Whitehaven,
where his practice became very extensive. About twenty
years before his death, he retired to Ormathwaite, where
he died, Jan. 7, 1800, in his eighty-ninth year, regretted
as a man of amiable and endearing virtues, and a most
skilful physician. His principal publications were, 1. His
inaugural thesis, “De Praxi medica ineunda,
” Leyden,
A treatise on the art of making common
Salt,
” Lond. An enquiry concerning the mineral elastic spirit contained in the water of Spa in Germany,
” printed in the Philosophical Transactions, vol. LV.
4. A treatise, “On the means of preventing the communication of pestilent contagion.
” A trip to the Spas of
Germany suggested to him the idea of analizing the properties of the Pyrmont springs, and of some others, and
led him into that train of nice and deep disquisition, which
terminated in the de-elementizing one of our elements,
and fixing its invisible fluid form into a palpable and visible
substance. All this he effected by producing the various
combinations of gases and vapours which constitute atmospheric air, and separating into many forms this long-supposed one and indivisible, whilst he solidified its fluid essence into a hard substance. That Dr. Brownrigg was the
legitimate father of these discoveries was not only known at
the time to his intimate and domestic circle, but also to the
then president of the royal society, sir John Pringle; who,
when called upon to bestow upon Dr. Priestley the gold
medal for his paper of “Discoveries of the Nature and
Properties of Air,
” thus observes, “And it is no disparagement to the learned Dr. Priestley, that the vein of these
discoveries was hit upon, and its course successfully followed up, some years ago, by my very learned, very penetrating, very industrious, but too modest friend, Dr.
Brownrigg.
” To habits, indeed, of too much diffidence,
and to too nice a scrupulosity of taste, the world has to attribute the fewness of his publications. One of his literary
projects was a general history of the county of Cumberland, but it does not appear that he had made much progress. He assisted Mr. West, however, in his entertaining.“Tour to the Lakes,
” forming the plan of that popular work.
, son of Gerard, one of the magistrates of Alost, in Flanders, was born in that city in 1531. Having passed through the usual school
, son of Gerard, one of the magistrates of Alost, in Flanders, was born in that city in 1531.
Having passed through the usual school education “at
Ghent, under Simon, a celebrated master, and at Paris
and Bruges, at which last place he taught school himself
with much credit, he was sent to Rome, where he taught
the mathematics for some years; then taming his mind to
the study of medicine, he went to Boulogne, and having
completed his studies, and taken his degree of doctor, he
travelled, for his further improvement, over a great part
of France. At Paris, he was introduced to the acquaintance of Adrian Turnebus and Peter Ramus. Returning to
Alost, he was made physician and principal magistrate of
the city. As he had become a convert to Lutheranism, he
readily accepted the invitation of John Albert, duke of
Mecklenburgh, to settle at Rostock, where he might with
safety profess his religion. He was here appointed professor in mathematics, and soon became popular also as a
physician. After residing here 25 years, he was seized
with an apoplexy, of which he died, December 31, 1593, His
writings were, 1.
” De Pritno Motu,“1580, 8vo. 2.
” Institutiones -Spherae,“8vo. 5.
” Propositiones de morbo.
Gallico,“Rostock, 1569, 4to. 4.
” Theses de hydrope
triplici,“ibid. 1587. 5.
” De scorbuto propositiones,“ib,
” 1589, 1591, 8vo, reprinted with Eugalenus’s “Liber
Observationum de Scorbuto,
” Leipsic, 1614. 6. “Epistolae
de variis rebus et argumentis medi^cis,
” printed with
“Smetii Miscellanea,
” Francf.
of Airth, dean of the faculty of advocates, and judge of the high court of admiralty in Scotland. He was born at the family residence of Kinnaird, in the county of Stirling,
, a celebrated modern traveller, descended of an ancient and honourable family, was the son of David Bruce, esq. of Kinnaird, by Marion Graham, daughter of James Graham, esq. of Airth, dean of the faculty of advocates, and judge of the high court of admiralty in Scotland. He was born at the family residence of Kinnaird, in the county of Stirling, Dec. 14, 1730. Of his first years few particulars are recorded of much consequence, except that his temper, contrary to the character which it afterwards assumed, was gentle and quiet; but as he advanced in life, became bold, hasty, and impetuous, accompanied, however, with a manly openness, that shewed the usual concomitant, a warm and generous heart. It having been determined to give him an English education, he was sent to London to the house of William Hamilton, esq. a barrister, and his uncle, with whom he remained for some time, and in 1742 he was placed at Harrow school, where he made great proficiency in classical learning. After leaving Harrow in May 1746, he lived about a year in the academy of a Mr. Gordon till April 1747, where he prosecuted his classical education, and studied French, arithmetic, and geometry. In May of that year he returned to Scotland in order to commence a course of study at the university of Edinburgh, preparatory to his following the profession of the law; but it does not appear that he made much progress, or indeed had much inclination for this study, and the precarious state of his health at this time rendered much study of any kind dangerous. His own expectations of success in the law became gradually abated, and various other circumstances determined him to relinquish it for ever.
, a laborious Italian writer, was born at Florence towards the conclusion of the fifteenth century.
, a laborious Italian writer, was
born at Florence towards the conclusion of the fifteenth
century. Having meddled in 1522 in the plot formed by
some Florentine citizens against cardinal Julius de Medicis,
afterwards pope Ciement VII. he was obliged to expatriate
himself, and withdrew into France. The Medici being
driven out of Florence in 1527, this revolution brought
him back to his country, where the liberty with which he
chose to speak against the monks and priests, raised a
suspicion of his being attached to the opinions of Luther.
He was put into prison, and would not have escaped an
ignominious death but for the kind offices of his friends;
who procured a mitigation of his punishment to an exile of
two years. He then retired to Venice with his brothers,
who were printers and booksellers, and employed their
presses in printing the greater part of his works, of which
the most known and the most in request, is the, whole Bible
translated into Italian, with annotations and remarks, which
was put by the papists in the number of heretical books of
the first class; but the protestants held it in such high
esteem that it passed through several editions. The most
ample and the most scarce is that of Venice, 1546 and
1548, 3 vols. folio. Brucioli pretends to have made his
translation from the Hebrew text: but the truth is, that,
being but moderately versed in that language, he made
use of the Latin version of Pagnini. His other works are,
1. Italian translations of the natural history of Pliny, and
several pieces of Aristotle and Cicero. 2. Editions of Petrarch and Bocace, with notes. 3. “Dialogues,
” Venice,
he “History of Philosophy,” was a Lutheran clergyman, of whose life we have very few particulars. He was born Jan. 22, 1606, at Augsburgh, and educated at Jena, whence
, the learned author of the
“History of Philosophy,
” was a Lutheran clergyman, of
whose life we have very few particulars. He was born
Jan. 22, 1606, at Augsburgh, and educated at Jena,
whence he returned to his native place, and in 1724, became rector of Kafbeueren. He was afterwards pastor of
St. Ulric’s church at Augsburgh, where he died in 1770.
Among his works are, I. “Tentamen introductionis in
historiam doctrinae de Ideis,
” Jena, Historia phijosophica doctrinae de Ideis,
” Augsburg, De Vita et Scriptis Cl. Etringeri,
” ibid. Otium Vindelicum, sive Meletematum Historico-philosophicorum Triga,
” ibid. Historia Vitae
Adolphorum Occonum,
” Lips. Dissertatio
Epistol. de Vita Hier. Wolfii,
” ibid. -De
Hoeschelii Meritis in Rem Literariam,
” ibid. 1739, 4to.
8. “Institutiones Historiae Philosophicae,
” ibid. Historia Critica Philosophiae,
” published at Leipsic between the years
, a German physician and botanist, was born at Mariensbal, near Helmstadt, Dec. 17, 1697, and having
, a German physician
and botanist, was born at Mariensbal, near Helmstadt, Dec.
17, 1697, and having completed his studies, was created
doctor in medicine there, in the year 1721. As his taste
inclined him to botany, he travelled over Bohemia, Austria,
and a great part of Germany, examining and collecting
plants indigenous to those countries, and other natural
productions. In return for his communications to the
Academia Nat. Curios. and of Berlin, he was made corresponding member of those societies. Having finished
his travels, he settled at Brunswick, where he died March
21st, 1753. When young, and before he had taken the
degree of doctor, he published: 1. “Specimen Botanicum, exhibens fungos subterraneos, vulgo tubera terræ
dictos,
” Helmst. Opuscula Medico botanica,
” Brunswick, Epistolæ Itineraries,
” containing his observations on vegetable and other natural productions, collected during his travels, in which we find a great body of
useful information. 4. “Historia naturalis τȢ ΑσβεσθȢ ejusque preparatorum chartæ lini lintei et ellychniorum incombustibilium,
” Brunsw. 1727, 4to. In this he has
discovered that the asbestos is susceptible of printing, and
he had four copies of the work printed on this species of
incombustible paper. 5. “Magnalia Dei in locis subterraneis,
” a description of all the mines and mineralogical
productions in every part of the world, Brunswick, and
Wolfenbuttel, 1727, and 1730, 2 vols. fol.
, a Lutheran divine, settled in England, was born in the small island of Cadsand, near the Belgic frontier,
, a Lutheran divine, settled in
England, was born in the small island of Cadsand, near
the Belgic frontier, Dec. 31, 1726, and was educated
with a view to the theological profession, chiefly at the
university of Franeker, whence he passed to Leyden,
There he obtained a pastorship, and profited by the society
of Hemsterhuis, of Valkenäer, and especially of the elder
Schultens. His literary acquirements were eminent; he
read the Hebrew and the Greek; he composed correctly;
and has preached with applause in four languages, Latin,
Butch, French, and English. In 1752, Mr. Columbine,
of a French refugee family, which had contributed to
found, and habitually attended, the Walloon church at
Norwich, was intrusted by that congregation, when he was
on a journey into Holland, to seek out a fit successor to
their late pastor, Mr. Valloton, and applied, after due inquiry, to Mr. Bruckner, who accepted the invitation, and
early in 1753 settled as French preacher at Norwich, where
he officiated during fifty-one years, with undiminished approbation. About the year 1766, Mr. Bruckner succeeded
also to Dr. Van Sarn, as minister of the Dutch church, of
which the duties gradually became rather nominal than
real, in proportion as the Dutch families died oft', and as
the cultivation of their language was neglected by the
trading world for the French. The French tongue Mr.
Bruckner was assiduous to diffuse, and gave public and
private lessons of it for many years. His income was now
convenient and progressive. He kept a horse and a pointer,
for he took great pleasure in shooting. He drew occasionally, and has left a good portrait of his favourite dog.
He cultivated music, and practised much on the organ.
In 1767 was printed at Leyden his “Theorie du Systme
Animal,
” in the seventh and tenth chapters of which there
is much anticipation of the sentiments lately evolved in
the writings of Mr. Mai thus. This work was well translated into English, under the title “A Philosophical
Survey of the Animal Creation,
” published for Johnson
and Payne in Criticisms on the Diversions of Purley,
” which attracted some hostile flashes from Mr. Home Tooke, in his
subsequent quarto edition. This pamphlet displays a profound and extensive knowledge of the various Gothic dialects, and states that the same theory of prepositions and
conjunctions, so convincingly applied in the “Epea pteroenta
” to the northern languages, had also been taught
concerning the Hebrew and other dead languages by
Schultens. Mr. Wakefield’s pamphlet against Social Worship drew from Mr. Bruckner, in 1792, a learned reply.
In the preface to these “Thoughts on Public Worship,
”
hopes are given of a continuation still desiderated by the
friends of religion. Mr. Bruckner began a didactic poem
in French verse, which had for its object to popularize in
another form, the principles laid down in. his Theory of
the Aoimal System. A gradual failure rather of spirits
than of health, seems often to have suspended or delayed
the enterprise; to have brought on a restless and fastidious vigilance; and to have prepared that termination of his life, which took place on the morning of Saturday, May 12, 1804. He was buried, according to his
own desire, at Guist, near the kindred of his respected
widow. His society was courted to the last; as his conversation was always distinguished for good sense, for
argument, and for humour. He was beloved for his attentions and affability; esteemed for his probity and prudence; and admired for his understanding and learning.
lled Old Brueghel, to distinguish him from his son, was the first of a family of eminent artists. He was born at Brueghel, a village near Breda, in 1510, and acquired
, called Old
Brueghel, to distinguish him from his son, was the first
of a family of eminent artists. He was born at Brueghel,
a village near Breda, in 1510, and acquired the first principles of his art from Peter Cock, or Koeck-van-Aelst,
whose daughter he married. He afterwards travelled in
France and Italy; studied nature, amidst the mountains of
Tyrol, and the scenery of the Alps; and availed himself
of the works of the greatest masters in Italy. On his return from Italy, he resided for some time at Antwerp, and
from thence he removed to Brussels. Whilst he was employed by the magistrates of this city, in taking views of
the canal which fails into the Scheldt, he sickened, and
died in 1570; after having caused to be burned in his
presence, all his licentious and satirical designs. He
chiefly excelled in landscapes, and droll subjects, re
sembling those of Jerom Bosche; and he was particularly
fond of representing the marches of armies, robberies,
skirmishes, sports, dances, weddings, and drunken quarrels; and in order to acquire greater skill and accuracy in
this kind of representations, he often assumed the habit of
a peasant, and joined the meaner boors at their feasts and.
amusements. His figures were correct, and their
draperies well chosen; the heads and hands were touched
with spirit; and his expression, though not elegant, was
true. Sir Joshua Reynolds says, that “he was totally ignorant of all the mechanical art of making a picture;
” hut
there is in his “Slaughter of the Innocents
” (which sir Joshua saw in his travels), a great quantity of thinking, a
representation of variety of distress, enough for twenty
modern pictures. His principal performance is in the
emperor’s collection at Vienna, which is the “Representation of the building of the tower of Babel, by Nimrod.
” Several of his paintings are in the cabinets of the
emperor and elector palatine, and dispersed through various parts of Europe. For his amusement he engraved
some few landscapes and grotesque subjects.
, or Feuweeler, was the son of Peter Brueghel the old, and consequently brother to the preceding. He was born at Brussels, in 1560, and was instructed, probably by his
, known, from his favourite dress,
by the name of Velvet Brueghel, or Feuweeler, was the
son of Peter Brueghel the old, and consequently brother
to the preceding. He was born at Brussels, in 1560, and
was instructed, probably by his father, and by other artists;
but, whoever were his instructors, he acquired an eminence in every art of painting; in colouring, in design,
and in pencilling, far superior to that of his father, and of
all his contemporaries in his style. He began with painting
flowers and fruit, which he executed with admirable skill;
and then proceeded to landscapes, sea-ports, and markets,
in which he introduced a number of small figures, surprisingly exact and correctly drawn. At Cologne, where
he resided for some time, he gained an extraordinary reputation; and his pictures were well known and admired
in Italy, in which country he spent some time. He died,
according to the most probable accounts, in 1625. That
the industry of this artist must have been singular, sufficiently appears from the number and variety of his pictures,
and the exquisite neatness and delicacy of their execution.
It has been lamented, however, by connoisseurs, that his
distances are overcharged with a bluish tinge. Brueghel
often decorated the pictures of his friends with small
figures, thus greatly enhancing their value; he was employed in painting flowers, fruits, animals, and landscape
scenery, in the pieces of history-paintings; and in this
way Rubens made occasional use of his pencil. He sometimes joined this master in larger works, which have been
much admired; and particularly in a “Vertumnus and
Pomona,
” a picture three feet high and four broad, highly
commended by Houbraken, and sold at Amsterdam for
above 2SOl. sterling; and “a Terrestrial Paradise,
” painted
for Charles I. king of England. In the gallery of the
archiepiscopal palace at Milan, there is an admirable
landscape of Brueghel, representing a desert, in which
Giovanna Battista Crespi painted the figure of St. Jerom;
and among a great number preserved in the Ambrosian library in that city, there is an oval picture of the Virgin,
painted by Rubens, which is encompassed by a garland of
flowers admirably executed by Brueghel. Most considerable cabinets possess specimens of the art of this master.
Some small engravings of landscapes, &c. are also ascribed
to Brueghel.
, a French writer of a singular character for versatility, was born at Aix, in 1640, and trained in the reformed religion,
, a French writer of a singular character for versatility, was born at Aix, in 1640,
and trained in the reformed religion, in defence of which
he published some controversial pieces, particularly against
Bossuet’s “Exposition de la Foi,
” or Exposition of the
faith; but the prelate, instead of answering, converted
him. Brueys, become catholic, combated with the Protestant ministers, with Jurieu, Lenfant, and La Roche; but
his airy spirit not rightly accommodating itself to serious
works, he quitted theology for the theatre. He composed,
jointly with Palaprat, his intimate friend, several comedies
full of wit and gaiety. We have also of this writer a
prosaic paraphrase or commentary on Horace’s art of poetry.
In his latter years he became again a controversial writer,
and, as his countrymen say, imitated Bellarmine and
Moliere by turns. He died at Moritpellier in 1723, aged
eighty -three; and all his dramatic pieces were collected,
1735, in 3 vols. 12mo. His comedies have some merit,
but his tragedies and other works are deservedly sunk into
oblivion.
, a French physician, was born at Bealivais about the end of the seventeenth century,
, a French physician, was born at Bealivais about the end of the seventeenth century, and after studying medicine, acquired
considerable reputation by his practice and his writings.
He also arrived at the honour of being royal censor of the
college, and a member of the academy or Angers. He
died in 1756, after having written or edited some works of
merit in his profession: 1. “Observations sur le manuel
des Accouchments,
” Paris, La Medicine Raisonnee,
” from Hoffman,
ibid. Caprices d'imagination, on
Lettres sur differens sujets,
” ibid. Memoires pour servir a la vie de M. Silva,
” ibid.
Traite des Fievres,
” from Hoffman, ibid.
La Pohtique du Medicin,
” from
the same, ibid. Traite des Alimens,
”
by Lemery, ibid. Dissertations
surPincertitude des signesde lamort, et Tabus des enterremens et embaumemens precipites,
” ibid.
, professor of natural philosophy and mathematics at Utrecht, was born at Gorcum in 1620. He went through a course of philosophy
, professor of natural
philosophy and mathematics at Utrecht, was born at Gorcum in 1620. He went through a course of philosophy at
Leyden; and then pursued his studies at Bois-le-duc,
where he was very much esteemed by Samuel des Marets,
who taught philosophy and divinity, in that place. He
went from thence to Utrecht, where he learnt the mathematics, and then removed to Leyden, where he obtained
leave to teach them. He was afterwards made professor at
Utrecht; and because the professors had agreed among
themselves that every one might teach at home such a part
of philosophy as he should think fit, de Bruin, not contented with teaching what his public professorship required, made also dissections, and explained Grotius’s book
“De jure belli et pacis.
” He had uncommon skill in dissecting animals, and was a. great lover of experiments.
He^made also observations in astronomy. He published
dissertations “De vi altrice,
” “De corporum gravitate et
levitate,
” “De cognitione Dei naturali,
” “De iucis causa
et origine,
” &c. He had a dispute with Isaac Vossius, to
whom he wrote a letter, printed at Amsterdam in 1663;
wherein he cites Vossius’s book De natura et propnetate
Iucis, and strenuously maintains the hypothesis of Descartes. He wrote also an apology for the Cartesian philosophy against a divine, named Vogelsang. In 1655, he
married the daughter of a merchant of Utrecht, sister to
the wife of Daniel Elzevir, the famous bookseller of Amsterdam, by whom he had two children who lived but a
few days. He died in 1675, and his funeral oration was
pronounced by Graevius.
, a celebrated French writer, was born at Rouen, Aug. 26, 1688, and commenced his noviciate among
, a celebrated French writer, was
born at Rouen, Aug. 26, 1688, and commenced his noviciate among the Jesuits of Paris, Sept. 8, 1704. In 1706,
he began his philosophical course in the royal college, and
in 1708 was sent to Caen to complete his studies that he
might take orders. Some of his pieces are dated from
that city in 1710 and 1712, and one from Bourges in 1719.
He appears indeed to have passed several years in the
country, where he taught rhetoric. In 1713, he returned
to Paris to study theology, and in 1722 he was again at
Paris, where he took the vows in the society of Jesuits,
and was intrusted with the education of the prince of Talmont. About the same time he assisted in the “Memoirs
of the Arts and Sciences,
” and continued his labours in
that journal until History of the Gallican church,
” of which six volumes
had been published by fathers Longueval and Fontenay.
In 1725, he was appointed professor of mathematics, and
filled that chair for six years with much reputation. It was
probably in this situation that he read his lecture, on the
“use of mathematical knowledge in polite literature,
”
now printed in the second volume of his works, nor did his
various public employments prevent his publishing many
other works, which were well received by the public. In
1722 he published, but without his name, his “Morale
Chretienne,
” Paris, a small volume, of which four editions
were soon bought up. In 1723, he also published the first
of his three letters, entitled “Examen du poema (de M. Racine) sur la grace,
” 8vo, and in La vie de
Timperatrice Eleonore,
” taken from that by father Ceva;
the same year, “Abreg des vertus de soeur Jeanne Silenie
de la Motte des Goutes,
” Moulins, 12mo; and a new edition of father Mourgues “Traite de la Poesie Francoise,
”
with many additions, 12mo. But the work which contributed most to his reputation was his “Greek Theatre,
”
entitled “Theatre des Grecs, contenant des traductions
ct analyses des tragedies Grecques, des discours et des remarques concernant la theatre Grec, &c.
” Brumoy,
” says Dr. Warton, “has displayed the excellencies of the Greek tragedy in a judicious and comprehensive manner. His
jtranslations are faithful and elegant; and the analysis of
those plays, which on account of some circumstances in
ancient manners would shock the readers of this age, and
would not therefore bear an entire version, is perspicuous
and full. Of all the French critics, he and the judicious
Fenelon have had the justice to confess, or perhaps the
penetration to perceive, in what instances Corneille and
Racine have falsified and modernized the characters, and
overloaded with unnecessary intrigues the simple plots of
the ancients.
”
, a French Jesuit, was born at Nantes in 1607, and died at Paris Sept. 1, 1663. He
, a French Jesuit, was born at
Nantes in 1607, and died at Paris Sept. 1, 1663. He
wrote many pieces of Latin poetry. The principal are,
1. “The Ignatiad,
” in xii books: the subject is the pilgrimage of St. Ignatius to Jerusalem. This poem forms a
part of his “Virgilius Christianus;
” in which he has imitated, with more piety than taste, the eclogues, the georgics,
and the Æneid. His “Ovidius Christianus
” is in the same
strain: the Heroic Epistles are changed into pastoral letters,
the Tristibus into holy lamentations, and the Metamorphoses
into stories of converted penitents. Father Le Brun also
wrote “Eloquentia Poetica,
” Paris,
riest of the oratory, who made considerable approaches to liberality and good sense in his writings, was born at Brignolle, in the diocese of Aix in Provence, in 1661,
, a French priest of the oratory, who
made considerable approaches to liberality and good sense
in his writings, was born at Brignolle, in the diocese of
Aix in Provence, in 1661, and became celebrated for his
knowledge of ecclesiastical history and antiquities; on which
subjects he lectured in the seminary of St. Magloire, at
Paris, for thirteen years. His first publication appears to
have been against the illusion of the divining rod; “Lettres
pour prouver l'illusion des philosophes sur la baguette,
”
Paris, Histoire critique des pratiques superstitieuses, &c.
” Of this there was a new edition in 3 vols.
12mo, 1732, with a life of the author by M. Bellon, his
nephew, and in 1737 the abbe Granet printed a collection
of pieces intended as a fourth volume. He also wrote
against the theatre, as an amusement improper for Christians; but his more elaborate work was that on “Liturgies,
”
published in 4 vols. 8vd, containing a history of liturgies,
prayers, ceremonies, &c. including those of the church of
England. This, owing to some liberal opinions, involved
him in a controversy, in which he defended himself with
great ability, but before the contest was over he died,
Jan. 6, 1729.
ted Greek scholar and critic, a member of the inscriptions and belles iettres, and of the institute, was born at Strasburgh, Dec. 30, 1729, and died in that city June
, a celebrated
Greek scholar and critic, a member of the inscriptions and
belles iettres, and of the institute, was born at Strasburgh,
Dec. 30, 1729, and died in that city June 12, 1803. Of
his history no detailed account has yet appeared in this
country, as far as we have been able to learn. We are only
told that he was first educated in the college of Louis le
Grand at Paris, and that having afterwards engaged in the
civil administration of affairs, he had long neglected the
cultivation of letters, when, in the course of the campaigns
in Hanover, he happened to lodge at Gie^sen, in the house
of a professor of the university. With him he read several
Latin and Greek authors, and was soon inspired with a
great predilection for the latter language; but the most
remarkable particular is, that some time before his death
he lost on a sudden all taste for the critical and classical
pursuits which he had followed so eagerly and successfully
for upwards of half a century, and this without any visible
decay of his powers either intellectual or physical. Yet,
such was the change, that he totally abandoned all study
of his favourite Greek, and could not be prevailed upon to
cast even a glance on any of his favourite authors, nor did he
appear to take the smallest interest in the discovery of a
manuscript of Aristophanes, which happened to confirm
the greater part of his notes and conjectures on that author,
a circumstance, which, at any other period of his life, would
have excited his warmest enthusiasm. The works for
which the learned world is indebted to his pen are, 1. “Analecta veterum Poetarum Graecorum,
” Strasburgh, Anacreontis Carmina,
” ibid. Æschyli
Tragcedioe, Prometheus, Persae, Septem ad Thebas: Sophoclis Antigone: Euripidis Medea,
” ibid 1779, 8vo. 4.
“Sophoclis Elettra, et Euripidus Andromache,
” ibid. Sophoclis Oedipus Tyrannus, et Euripidis Orestes,
” ibid. Euripidis Tragediae quatuor,
Hecuba, Phcenissa?, Hyppolytus et Bacchae,
” ibid. Apollonii Rhodii Argonautica,
” ibid. Aristophanis
Comœdiæ in Latinum Sermonem conversæ,
” ibid. Aristophanis Comcediae ex optimis exemplaribus emendatae,
” ibid. G-nomici
Poetae Graeci,
” ibid. Virgilius,
” ibid.
Sophoclis qua; extant omnia, cum veterum Grammaticorum scholiis,
” ibid. Plautus,
” Bipont. Terentius,
”
, an eminent Italian architect, was born at Florence in 1377. His father was a notary, and his sou
, an
eminent Italian architect, was born at Florence in 1377.
His father was a notary, and his sou for some time was
apprenticed to a goldsmith, but afterwards discovered a
turn for geometry, in which he was instructed by Paul
Toscanelli. A journey which he happened to take to
Rome gave him a taste for architecture, which he hftproved by the study of the edifices in that city, and had a
very early opportunity of trying his skill. A dome was
wanted for the church of St. Maria del Fiore at Florence;
the ablest architects had been requested to send in their
plans, and that of Brunelleschi was adopted, and carried
into execution with an effect which astonished Michael
Angelo himself. He was next employed by Cosmo the
Great in building the abbey of Fesoli, and was afterwards
solicited for the plan of a palace for Cosmo. Brunelleschi
accordingly gave in a design of great magnificence, but
Cosmo thought proper to prefer one more suited to the
prudent economy which was then necessary for him, and
Brunelleschi was so irritated that he destroyed his design.
Brunelleschi afterwards built the Pitti palace, in part, and
the church of St. Lorenzo in Florence almost entirely. He
also gave some designs in military architecture. He is
said to have been the first who attempted to restore the
Grecian orders of architecture, and under his control this
branch of the art attained a degree of perfection which it
had not known from the time of the ancients. Brunelieschi
died in 1446, greatly lamented, and was interred with
sumptuous funeral honours, and Cosmo erected a monument to his memory. He is said to have employed his
leisure hours in cultivating Italian poetry, and some of his
burlesque verses have been printed along with those of
Burchieiio: there is a separate poem, “Geta e Birna,
”
ascribed to him and to Domenico dal Prato, Venice, 1516,
8vo, but this seems doubtful. It is more certain that he
wrote architectural descriptions of all his works, some of
which are, or lately were, in Cosmo’s palace at Florence,
now the residence of the noble family of Riccardi.
minent scholar and historian, derived his name of Aretine, or Aretino, from Arezzo, in which city he was born in the year 1370, of parents sufficiently wealthy to bestow
, a very eminent scholar and historian, derived his name of Aretine, or Aretino,
from Arezzo, in which city he was born in the year 1370,
of parents sufficiently wealthy to bestow on him a good
education. In his early youth he was incited to a love of
letters by an extraordinary accident. A body of French
troops, who were marching to Naples to assist Louis of
Anjou in maintaining his claim to trie sovereignty of that
kingdom, at the solicitation of the partizans of a faction
which had been banished from Arezzo, made an unexpected attack upon that city; and, after committing a
great slaughter, carried away many of the inhabitants into
captivity; and, among the rest, the family of Bruni. Leonardo being confined in a chamber in which hung a portrait of Petrarch, by daily contemplating the lineaments of
that illustrious scholar, conceived so strong a desire to signalize himself by literary acquirements, that immediately
upon his enlargement he repaired to Florence, where he
prosecuted his studies with unremitting diligence, under
the direction of John of Ravenna, and Manuel Chrysoloras.
During his residence at Florence, he contracted a strict
intimacy with the celebrated Poggio Bracciolini, and the
latter being afterwards informed by Leonardo that he
wished to procure a presentation to some place of honour
or emolument in the Roman chancery, took every opportunity of recommending him. In consequence of this,
pope Innocent VII. invited him to Rome, where he arrived March 24, 1405, but was at first disappointed in his
hopes, the place at which he aspired being intended for
another candidate, Jacopo d'Angelo. Fortunately, however, the pope having received certain letters from the
duke of Berry, determined to assign to each of the competitors the task of drawing up an answer to them, and the
compositions being compared, the prize was unanimously
adjudged to Leonardo, who was instantly advanced to the
dignity of apostolic secretary, and by this victory considerably increased his reputation, as his competitor was a
man of very considerable talents. (See Angelo, James.)
In 1410 Leonardo was elected chancellor of the city of
Florence, but finding it attended with more labour than
profit, resigned it in 1411, and entered into the service of
pope John XXII. and soon after went to Arezzo, where
he married a young lady of considerable distinction in that
city. He was thought by his contemporaries rather too
attentive to the minutiae of economy, and having married a
lady who loved dress and ornaments, was somewhat disappointed. In a letter to his friend Poggio, after giving an
account of his marriage expences, he adds, “In short, I
have in one night consummated my marriage, and consumed my patrimony.
” In
, or Robert Mannyng, the first English poet who occurs in the fourteenth century, was born probably before 1270, as he was received into the order
, or Robert Mannyng, the first
English poet who occurs in the fourteenth century, was
born probably before 1270, as he was received into the
order of black canons at Brunne, about 1288. Malton
appears to have been his birth-place, but what Malton is
doubtful. He was, as far as can be discovered, merely a
translator. His first work, says Warton, was a metrical
paraphrase of a French book, written by Robert Grosthead,
bishop of Lincoln, called “Manuel Pecche
” (Manuel des Péchés), being a treatise on the decalogue, and on the
seven deadly sins, which are illustrated with many legendary stories. It was never printed, but is preserved in the
Bodleian library, Mss. No. 415, and in the Harleian Mss.
No. 1701. His second and more important work is a metrical chronicle of England, in two parts, the former of
which (from Æneas to the death of Cadwallader) is translated from Wace’s “Brut d'Angleterre,
” and the latter
(from Cadwallader to the end of the reign of Edward I.)
from a French chronicle written by Peter de Langtoft, an
Augustine canon of Bridlington in Yorkshire, who is supposed to have died in the reign of Edward II. and was
therefore contemporary with his translator. Hearne has
edited Robert de Brunne, but has suppressed the whole of
his translation from Wace, excepting the prologue, and a
few extracts which he found necessary to illustrate his
glossary. Mr. Ellis, to whom we are indebted for this article, has given some specimens of de Brunne’s work.
, a Swiss physician and anatomist of eminence, was born at Diessenhofen, the 16th of January, 1653. After passing
, a Swiss physician and anatomist of eminence, was born at Diessenhofen, the 16th of
January, 1653. After passing through the usual school
education, he was sent, at the age of sixteen, to Strasburgh, where, applying assiduously to the study of physic
and anatomy, he was created doctor in medicine in 1672.
For his thesis, he gave the anatomy of a child with two
heads, which he met with. He now went to Paris, and
attended the schools and hospitals there with such assiduity, as to attract the notice, and gain him the intimacy
of Dionis and du Verny, who were present while he made
the experiments on the pancreas, which enabled him, some
years after, to publish a more accurate description of that
viscus, than had been before given, under the title of “Experimenta nova circa Pancreas. Accedit Diatribe de Lympha et genuine Pancreatis usu,
” Leidse, Dissertatio Anatomica de Glandula pituitaria,
” Heidelb. 4to. From
this time he became in such great request for his knowledge and success in practice, that he was, in succession,
consulted by most of the princes in Germany. Among
others, in 1720, he was sent for to Hanover, to attend the
prince of Wales, afterwards king George II. In 1715 he
published at Heidelberg, “Glandula Duodeni sen Pancreas secundum detectum,
” 4to, which was only an improved edition of his “De Glandulis in Duodeno Intestino
detectis,
” which had been before twice printed. There
are some other lesser works, the titles and accounts of
which are given by Haller, in his Bib. Anat. In the latter
edition of Wepfer’s works are given dissections by our author, of the heads of some persons who died of apoplexy,
of whom he had had the care. Though early afflicted with
gravel, and in the latter part of his life with gout, he continued to attend to the calls of his patients, though living
a great distance from his residence. When in his 74th
year, he went in great haste to Munich, to attend the
elector Maximilian Emanuel; on his return, he was seized
with a fever, which, in a few days, put an end to his life,
October 2, 1727.
, an Italian writer to whom atheism has been generally, but unjustly, imputed, was born atNola in the kingdom of Naples, about the middle of the
, an Italian writer to whom atheism
has been generally, but unjustly, imputed, was born atNola
in the kingdom of Naples, about the middle of the sixteenth century. His talents are said to have been considerable, but this is hardly discoverable from his works: he
early, however, set up for an inquirer and innovator, and
very naturally found many things in the philosophy and
theology then taught in Italy, which he could not comprehend. Being fond of retirement and study, he entered
into a monastery of Dominicans, but the freedom of his
opinions, and particularly of his censures on the irregularities of the fraternity, rendered it soon necessary to
leave his order and his country. In 1582, he withdrew to
Geneva, where his heretical opinions gave offence to Calvin and Beza, and he was soon obliged to provide for his
safety by flight. After a short stay at Lyons he came to
Paris, and his innovating spirit recommended him to the
notice of multitudes, who at this time declared open hostilities against the authority of Aristotle. In a public disputation, held in the royal academy, in 1586, he defended,
three days successively, certain propositions concerning
nature and the world, which, together with brief heads of
the arguments, he afterwards published in Saxony, under
the title of “Acrotismus,
” or “Reasons of the physical
articles proposed against the Peripatetics at Paris.
” The
contempt with which Bruno, in the course of these debates,
treated Aristotle, exposed him to the resentment of the academic professors, who were zealous advocates for the old system; and he found it expedientto leave thekingdom of France.
According to some writers, he now visited England, in the
train of the French ambassador Castelneau, wherehe was hospitably received by sir Philip Sydney and sir Fulke Gre.ville,
and was introduced to queen Elizabeth. But though it is
certain from his writings that he was in England, he probably made this visit in some other part of his life, and we
should suppose before this, in 1583 or 1584. For, about
the middle of the same year in which he was at Paris, we
find him, at Wittenburg, a zealous adherent of Luther.
In this city he met with a liberal reception, and full permission to propagate his doctrines: but the severity with
which he inveighed against Aristotle, the latitude of his
opinions in religion as well as philosophy, and the contempt
with which he treated the masters of the public schools,
excited new jealousies; and complaints were lodged
against him before the senate of the university. To escape
the disgrace which threatened him, Bruno, after two years
residence in Wittenburg, left that place, and took refuge
in Helmstadt, where the known liberality of the duke of
Brunswick encouraged him to hope for a secure asylum.
But either through the restlessness of his disposition, or
through unexpected opposition, he went next year to
Francfort, to superintend an edition of his works, but before it was completed was obliged again, probably from
fear of persecution, to quit that city. His next residence
was at Padua; where the boldness with which h.e taught
his new doctrines, and inveighed against the court of
Rome, caused him to be apprehended and brought before
the inquisition at Venice. There he was tried, and convicted of his errors. Forty days being allowed him to deliberate, he promised to retract them, and as at the expiration of that term, he still maintained his errors, he obtained
a further respite for forty days. At last, it appearing that
he imposed upon the pope in order to prolong his life, sentence was finally passed upon him on the 9th of February
1600. He made no offer to retract during the week that
was allowed him afterwards for that purpose, but underwent his punishment on the 17th, by being burnt at a stake.
, a physician of the sixteenth century, and one of the first modern restorers of botany, was born at Mentz, and originally brought up to the church. After
, a physician of
the sixteenth century, and one of the first modern
restorers of botany, was born at Mentz, and originally brought
up to the church. After his theological studies he took
the habit of the Carthusians of Mentz, but was one of the
earliest converts to Lutheranism, and having made his escape from his monastery, became a zealous preacher of
the reformed religion. This appears to have involved him
with Erasmus, who, in Brunsfeis’ opinion, was rather a
time-server. Having lost his voice, however, by a disorder, he was obliged to give over preaching, and went to
Strasburgh, where the government of the college was committed to his care. During a residence of nine years in
this city he studied medicine, and was created doctor at
Basil in 1530. He was soon after invited to Berne in
Swisserland, where be died six months after, Nov. 23,
1534. Whilst at Strasburgh, he published two small tracts
to facilitate the study of grammar to children, annotations on
the gospels, and on the acts of the apostles, and an answer to
Erasmus’s “Spongia,
” in defence of Hutten. The following are the principal of his botanical and medical works
“Catalogus illustrium Medicorum,
” Herbarum
vivae icones, ad naturae imitationem, summa cum diligentia
*et artificioefficiatae, cum effectibus earundem,
” Theses, seu comounes
loci totius Medicinae, etiam de usu Pharmacorum, Argentinae,
”
orary member of the royal academy of sciences of Berlin, and second cousin to his Britannic majesty, was born at Brunswick, Oct. 20, 1741. He was the second son of Charles,
, a general of infantry in the Prussian army, an honorary member of the royal academy of sciences of Berlin, and second cousin to his Britannic majesty, was born at Brunswick, Oct. 20, 1741. He was the second son of Charles, reigning duke of Brunswick, by the duchess PhilippineCharlotte, daughter of Frederick William I. king of Prussia, and sister to Frederick the Great. His education was intrusted to men of talents and virtue, and his progress was in proportion. He entered the military service in 1761, as colonel of his father’s regiment of infantry in the allied army, under the commander in chief, his uncle, the duke Ferdinand. In that year, and in 17 2, he distinguished himself in several actions. In 1763, he entered into the service of Frederick II. king of Prussia, and in 1768 married the only daughter of the reigning duke of Wirtemberg-Oels. From that time he fixed his residence entirely at Berlin, where he devoted his time to military and literary studies. His father-in-law dying about the end of the year 1792, he succeeded him in the principality of Oels, to which he went in the month of June 1793. The following year he resigned all his military preferments, in order to attend to his principality, and was not more distinguished as a statesman and a soldier than as a patron of learning and learned men, contributing liberally to the publication of many useful works. He died at Weimar Oct. 8, 1805.
, a Latin historian and poet, was born at Egra in Bohemia, 1518. He was devoted to books from
, a Latin historian and poet,
was born at Egra in Bohemia, 1518. He was devoted to
books from his childhood, and especially to poetry; in
which he so happily succeeded, that he could make a great
number of verses, and those not bad ones, extempore.
He began early to publish some of them on several subjects; and acquired so much reputation, that he attained
to the poetical crown, to the dignity of poet laureat, and
of count palatine, which honour he received at Vienna
from Ferdinand of Austria, king of the Remaps, in 1552.
His business in that city was to present a work to Maximilian, king of Hungary, which he had dedicated to him,
the “First century of the German monasteries.
” In his
return from Vienna, he stopped at Passau; where, finding
a patron in Wolfgang bishop of Salms, he resolved to settle, and to remove his library and family. He hoped that
he could better go on there with a great work he had undertaken, which was, “The history of all the bishoprics and
bishops of Germany.
” He had travelled much, and looked
into several records *and libraries, to gather materials for
his purpose. How long he staid there does not appear;
but he was at Basil in June 1553, and lived in the citadel
of Oporin. Arx Oporina: the usual way of speaking of
that famous printer’s house, which stood on a rising ground.
Here he published writings he had finished at Passau,
some in prose, and others in verse. Bruschius was married, but had no children. He was far from being rich;
but his poetical patrons assisted him, and he received presents also from the abbots and abbesses, whose monasteries
he described. He was particularly well received by the
abbess of the convent of Caczi, and obtained some presents from her, which, Melchior Adam says, was owing to
his having described the antiquities of that convent. The
liberalities of some abbots, while he was with Oporin at
Basil, enabled him to buy a new suit of clothes; but when
he found that appearing well dressed in the streets procured him many marks of respect from the vulgar, he tore
his new finery to pieces, “as slaves (says the same author)
that had usurped their master’s honours.
”
, a very learned Venetian, was born about 1518, and studied at Padua. It appears from his letters,
, a very learned Venetian, was born about 1518, and studied at Padua. It appears from his letters, that he was obliged to leave his country as an exile; but he does not say upon what account, only that it was without any blemish to his honour. He travelled much, passing part of his life in Spain, England, France, Germany, Transylvania, and Poland. Notwithstanding this itinerant kind of life, he acquired great learning, as appears from his notes on Horace, Caesar, Cicero, &c. He was in Transylvania in 1574, having been invited thither by prince Stephen, in order to compose a history of that country. One of his letters, dated from Cracow, Nov. 23, 1577, informs us, that he had followed that prince, then king of Poland, in the expedition into Prussia. He had a convenient apartment assigned him in the castle of Cracow, that he might apply himself the better to his function of historiographer. He left Poland after the death of that monarch, and lived with William of St. Clement, ambassador from the king of Spain to the imperial court, where he was honoured with the title of his imperial majesty’s historiographer. He died afterwards in Transylvania, in 1594, in his seventy-sixth year.
niversal admiration, while their lives pass on in one uniform tenour, without incident or adventure, was born in 1639, 1640, or 1644, (for we have seen all these dates
, one of those celebrated persons whose writings attract universal admiration, while their lives pass on in one uniform tenour, without incident or adventure, was born in 1639, 1640, or 1644, (for we have seen all these dates given), in a village of France, near the town of Dourdan, in that part of the late province of the Isle of France which is now denominated the department of the Seine and Oise. Of his education, or of his youthful manners, we have no information. His first situation appears to have been at Caen, in the province of Normandy, where he had an office in the collection of the revenue. His literary talents, however, became soon too conspicuous to permit him to remain long in a situation so little corresponding with the expanding and elevating views of genius. The illustrious Bossuet appointed him to attend one of the royal children of France, to instruct him in history, with a pension of a thousand crowns a year. With this he might be considered at that period, and in that country, as in a state of affluence; and the literary distinctions, then the most courted by aspiring minds, were not withheld from him; for, in 163, he was elected by the express command of Lewis XIV. one of the forty members of the French academy. But he did not long enjoy that affluence which afforded him leisure to cultivate the fields of literature, nor the distinctions which he so well merited, and which were accompanied by the universal admiration of his countrymen, and indeed of all Europe. An apoplectic fit removed him from this transitory scene, in the year 1696, and in the fifty-third year of his age.
, an English poet and warrior, was born of a genteel family, educated at Oxford, and afterwards
, an English poet and warrior, was born of a genteel family, educated at Oxford, and afterwards spent some time in travelling abroad. In 1522, he attended, in a military capacity, the earl of Surrey on his expedition to the coast of Britany, and commanded the troops in the attack of the town of Morlaix, which he took and burnt. For this service he was knighted on the spot by the earl, which Tanner says took place in Germany, 1532, instead of Britany, 1522. In 1528 he was in Spain, but in what service is doubtful. In 1529 he was sent ambassador to France, and the following year ta Rome on account of the king’s divorce. He had also been therein 1522, in the same capacity, when cardinal Wolsey’s election to the holy see was in agitation. In 1533 he was one of those sent by Henry to be witnesses to the interview between the pope and the king of France at Marseilles. He was gentleman of the privy chamber to Henry VIII. and to his successor Edward VI. in the beginning of whose reign he marched with the protector against the Scots, and after the battle of Musselborough in 1547, in which he commanded the light horse with great bravery, he was made banneret. In 1549 he was appointed chief governor of Ireland, by the title of lord chief justice, and there he married the countess of Ormond. He appears to have died in 1550, and was buried at Walerford. He was nephew to John Bourchier, lord Berners, the translator of Froissart.
ish scholars of the eighteenth century, who adds a very illustrious name to the “Worthies of Devon,” was born at Plymouth in that county in 1715. His father held an
, one of the most learned English
scholars of the eighteenth century, who adds a very illustrious name to the “Worthies of Devon,
” was born at Plymouth in that county in
, a law-writer and antiquary, son and heir of John Bry<lal, esq. of the Rolls Liberty, was born in Somersetshire about 1635, and became a commoner of Queen’s
, a law-writer and antiquary, son and heir of John Bry<lal, esq. of the Rolls
Liberty, was born in Somersetshire about 1635, and became a commoner of Queen’s college, Oxford, in Michaelmas term, 1651, where he took a degree in arts in -1655,
but left the university without completing it by determination. He then settled in Lincoln’s inn, and after the
usual course of law studies was admitted to the bar. After
the restoration he became secretary to sir Harbottle Grirnston, master of the rolls. When he died is uncertain, as
he survived the publication of Wood’s Athenae, from which
we have extracted this brief notice of him, but he appears
to have been living in 1704. He published several law
treatises, some of which are still in estimation: 1. “Jus
imaginis apud Anglos, or the Law of England relating to
the Nobility and Gentry,
” Jus Sigilli; or the law of England touching the four principal
Seals, the great seal, privy seal, exchequer seal, and the
signet; also those grand officers to whose custody those
seals are committed,
” Speculum Juris
Anglicani; or a view of the Laws of England, as they are
divided into statutes, common-law, and customs,
” Jus criminis, or an abridgment of the laws of
treason, murther, conspiracies, poisonings, &c.
” Camera Regis, or a short view of Lon^
don, viz. antiquity, &c, officers, courts, customs, franchises,
” &c. Decus et tutamen; or a prospect of the laws of England, framed for the safeguard of
the king’s majesty,
” Ars transferendi; of
sure guide to the conveyancer,
” Non
compos mentis; or, the law relating to natural fools, mad
folks, and lunatic persons,
” Lex Spuriorum; or, the law relating to bastardy, collected from the
common, civil, and ecclesiastical laws,
” Declaration of the divers preheminences or privileges
allowed by the laws and customs of England, unto the firstborn among her majesty’s subjects the temporal lords in
parliament,
” Jura
Coronae; or, his majesty’s royal rights and prerogatives
asserted against papal usurpations, and all other antimonarchical attempts and practices,
”
, an eminent engraver, was born in 1528, at Leige, but resided chiefly at Francfort, where
, an eminent engraver, was born in 1528, at Leige, but resided chiefly at Francfort, where he carried on a considerable commerce in prints. It does not appear to what master he owed his instructions in the art, but the works of Sebast Beham were certainly of great service to him. He copied many of the plates engraved by that artist, and seems to have principally formed his taste from them. He worked almost entirely with the graver, and seldom called in the assistance of the point. He acquired a neat, free style of engraving, well adapted to small subjects in which many figures were to be represented, as funeral parades, processions, &c. which he executed in a charming manner. He also drew very correctly. His heads, in general, are spirited and expressive, and the other extremities of his figures well-marked. His backgrounds, though frequently very slight, are touched with a masterly hand. He died, as his sons inform us (in the third part of Boissard’s collection of portraits), March 27, 1598. The two first parts of that collection were engraved by De Brye, assisted by his sons, who afterwards continued it.
, chevalier and count of Nanay, was born near Livarot, in Normandy, March 2, 1752, and died on his
, chevalier and
count of Nanay, was born near Livarot, in Normandy,
March 2, 1752, and died on his estate at Nangay, Sept.
18, 1787. He was minister plenipotentiary in most of
the courts of Germany, and having a great taste -for history, politics, and antiquities, passed much of his time in
pursuits calculated to gratify it. He published the following works, all of which were well received by his
countrymen: i. “Tableau de gouvernement de PAllemagne,
” Origines, ou Pancien gouvernement de la France, de l‘Allemagne, et de l’Italie,
”
Hague, L‘Histoire ancienne des
peuples de l’Europe,
” Heche rches sur l‘Histoire d’Allemagne,
” Maximes du gouvernement monarchique,
” Charlemagne,
” printed, and of another, “Rosamond,
” which remains in manuscript.
, a learned antiquary, was born in Lincolnshire, in the sixteenth century, and flourished
, a learned antiquary, was born in Lincolnshire, in the sixteenth century, and flourished in the
beginning of the seventeenth. He was descended from
the ancient family of the Bucs, or Buckes, of West Stanton, and Herthill, in Yorkshire, and Melford-hall, in Suffolk. His great grandfather, sir John Buc, knight, was
one of king Richard the Third’s favourites, and attended
that unfortunate prince to the battle of Bosworth, where
he lost his crown and life. In the first parliament of king
Henry VII. this sir John Buc was attainted for being one
of the chief aiders and assistants to the king just now mentioned, in the battle of Bosworth, and soon after was beheaded at Leicester. By this attainder his posterity were
reduced to very great distress; but, through the interest
of Thomas duke of Norfolk, the great patron of the family, they had probably some of their estates restored to
them, and, among others, that in Lincolnshire, where our
author was born. In the reign of king James I. he was made
one of the gentlemen of his majesty’s privy-chamber, and
knighted. He was also constituted master of the revels,
whose office was then kept on St. Peter' s-hill, in London.
What he mostly distinguished himself by, was writing
“The Life and Reign of Richard III. in five books,
”
wherein, in opposition to the whole body of English historians, he endeavours to represent that prince’s person
and actions in a quite different light from what they have
been by others; and takes great pains to wipe off the
bloody stains that have been fixed upon his character. He
has also written: “The third universitie of England; or,
a treatise of the foundations of all the colledges, ancient
schooles of priviledge, and of houses of learning, and liberall arts, within and about the most famous citie of London.
With a briefe report of the sciences, arts, and faculties
therein professed, studied, and practised.
” And a treatise
t)f “The Art of Revels.
” Mr. Camden gives him the character of “a person of excellent learning,
” and thankfully
acknowledges that he “remarked many things in his historiei, and courteously communicated his observations to
him.
” He has since received very able support, and
Richard III. has found a powerful advocate in Horace
Walpole, the late lord Orford, who in his “Historic
Doubts
” has, with much ingenuity, at least, shewn that
the evidence produced in confirmation of Richard’s crimes,
is far from being decisive, But we have now an “historic
doubt
” to bring forward of more importance to the present article, which we find in a note on Malone’s Shakspeare, in the following words: “I take this opportunity
of correcting an error into which Anthony Wood has fallen,
and which has been implicitly adopted in the new edition
of the Biographia Britannica, and many other books. The
error I allude to, is, that this sir George Buc, who was
knighted at Whitehall by king James the day before his
coronation, July 23, 1603, was the author of the celebrated * History of king Richard the Third;' which was
written above twenty years after his death, by George
Buck, esq. who was, I suppose, his son. The precise
time of, the father’s death, I have not been able to ascertain, there being no will of his in the prerogative office;
but I have reason to believe that it happened soon after
the year 1622. He certainly died before August 1629.
”
, an eminent German reformer, was born in 1491, at Schelestadt, a town of Alsace. At the age of
, an eminent German reformer, was
born in 1491, at Schelestadt, a town of Alsace. At the
age of seven he took the religious habit in the order of St.
Dominic, and with the leave of the prior of his convent,
went to -Heidelberg to learn logic and philosophy. Having
applied himself afterwards to divinity, he made it his endeavour to acquire a thorough knowledge of the Greek
and Hebrew. About this time some of Erasmus’s pieces
came abroad, which he read with great avidity, and
meeting afterwards with certain tracts of Luther, and
comparing the doctrine there delivered with the sacred scriptures, he began to entertain doubts concerning several
things in the popish religion. His uncommon learning
and his eloquence, which was assisted by a strong and
musical voice, and his free censure of the vices of the
times, recommended him to Frederick elector palatine,
who made him one of his chaplains. After some conferences with Luther, at Heidelberg, in 1521, he adopted
most of his religious notions, particularly those with regard to justification. However, in 1532, he gave the
preference to the sentiments of Zuinglius, but used his
utmost endeavours to re-unite the two parties, who both
opposed the Romish religion. He is looked upon as one
of the first authors of the reformation at Strasburg, where
he taught divinity for twenty years, and was one of the
ministers of the town. He assisted at many conferences
concerning religion; and in 1548, was sent for to Augsburg to sign that agreement betwixt the Protestants and
Papists, which was called the Interim. His warm opposition to this project exposed him to many difficulties and
harships; the news of which reaching England, where his
fame had already arrived, Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury, g av e him an invitation to come over, which he
readily accepted. In 1549 an handsome apartment was
assigned him in the university of Cambridge, and a salary
to teach theology. King Edward VI. had the greatest regard for him; being told that he was very sensible of the
cold of this climate, and suffered much for want of a German stove, he sent him an hundred crowns to purchase one.
He died of a complication of disorders, in 1551, and was
buried at Cambridge, in St. Mary’s church, with great funeral pomp. Five years after, in the reign of queen Mary,
his body was dug up and publicly burnt, and his tomb demolished; but it was afterwards set up again by order of
queen Elizabeth. He married a nun, by whom he had
thirteen children. This woman dying of the plague, he
married another, and, according to some, upon her death,
he took a third wife. His character is thus given by Burnet:
“Martin Bucer was a very learned, judicious, pious, and
moderate person. Perhaps he was inferior to none of all
the reformers for learning; but for zeal, for true piety,
and a most tender care of preserving unity among the foreign churches, Melancthon and he, without any injury
done to the rest, may be ranked apart by themselves. He
was much opposed by the Popish party at Cambridge;
who, though they complied with the law, and so kept their
places, yet, either in the way of argument, as if it had
been for dispute’s sake, or in such points as were not determined, set themselves much to lessen his esteem. Nor
was he furnished naturally with that quickness that is necessary for a disputant, from which they studied to draw
advantages; and therefore Peter Martyr wrote to him to
avoid all public disputes.
” His writings were in Latin
and in German? and so numerous, that it is computed they
would form eight or nine folio volumes. His anxiety to
reconcile the Lutherans and Zuinglians led him to use
many general and perhaps ambiguous expressions in his
writings. He seems to have thought Luther’s notion of
the sacrament too strong, and that of Zuinglius too weak.
Verheiclen in Latin, and Lupton in English, have given a
list of his works, but without size or dates.
eper of an inn at Fitmy-Can, the half-way house between Banff and Portsoy, in the north of Scotland, was born in 1738; and, when she had completed her one-andtwentieth
, the foundress of a set of modern fanatics, and the daughter of John Simpson, the keeper of an inn at Fitmy-Can, the half-way house between Banff and Portsoy, in the north of Scotland, was born in 1738; and, when she had completed her one-andtwentieth year, was sent to Glasgow, where she entered into the service of Mr. Martin, one of the principal proprietors of the Delft-work there. In this situation she had remained but a short time, when she accepted proposals of marriage from Robert Buchan, one of the workmen in the service of the same Mr. Martin. For some years, Robert and Elspeth Buchan lived happily together, having many children, whom they educated in a manner suitable to their station in life. At the time of her marriage, Mrs. Buchan was of the episcopal persuasion, but the husband being a burgher-seceder, she adopted his principles, and entered into communion with that sect. She had always been a constant reader of the scriptures; and taking a number of passages in a strictly literal sense, she changed her opinions about the year 1776, became the promulgator of many singular doctrines, and soon brought over to her notions Mr. Hugh Whyte, a dissenting minister at Irvine, and connected with Mr. Bell in Glasgow, and Mr. Bain in Edinburgh; and who, upon Mr. Whyte’s abdication of his charge, settled Mr. Robertson in his place at Irvine. She went on continually making new converts till April 1790, at which time the populace in Irvine rose, assembled round Mr. Whyte’s house, and broke all the windows; when Mrs. Buchan and the whole of her converts, of whom the above-mentioned were a part, to the number of fortysix persons, left Irvine. The Buchanites (for so they were immediately called) went through Mauchlin, Cumnock old and new, halted three days at Kirconnel, passed through Sanquhar and Thornhill, and then settled at a farm-house, the out-houses of which they had all along possessed, paying for them, as well as for whatever they wanted.
, a medical writer of great popularity, descended of a respectable family in Roxburghshire, was born at Ancram in the year 1729. Having passed through the usual
, a medical writer of great popularity, descended of a respectable family in Roxburghshire,
was born at Ancram in the year 1729. Having passed
through the usual school education, he was sent to the
university at Edinburgh. His inclination leading him to
mathematics, he became so considerable a proficient in
that branch of science, as to be enabled to give private
lessons to many of the pupils. Having made choice of medicine for his profession, he attended the lectures of the
several professors, necessary to qualify him for practice;,
and as he was of a studious turn of mind, his progress ia
knowledge may be supposed to have been equal to his application.
After having passed a period of not less than nine years
at the university, he first settled in practice at Sheffield,
in Yorkshire. He was soon afterwards elected physician to
a large branch of the Foundling hospital then established at
Ackworth. In the course of two years he reduced the annual number of deaths among the children from one half
to one in fifteen; and by the establishment of due regulations for the preservation of health, greatly diminished the
previously burthensome expense of medical attendance.
In this situation, he derived from experience that knowledge of. the complaints, and of the general treatment of
children, which was afterwards published in “The Domestic Medicine,
” and in the “Advice to Mothers;
”
works which, considering their very general diffusion, have
no doubt tended to ameliorate the treatment of children,
and consequently to improve the constitutions of the present generation of the inhabitants of this country. When
that institution was dissolved, in consequence of parliament
withdrawing their support from it, Dr Buchan returned to
Edinburgh, where he became a fellow of the royal college
of physicians, and settled in the practice of his profession,
relying in some measure on the countenance and support
of the relations of the lady he married, who was of a respectable family in that city. On the death of one of the
professors, the doctor offered himself as a candidate for
the vacant chair, but did not succeed.
t, of great eminence, and uncommon abilities and learning, was descended from an ancient family, and was born at Killairn, in the shire of Lenox, in Scotland, in the
, a Scottish historian, and Latin poet, of great eminence, and uncommon abilities and
learning, was descended from an ancient family, and was
born at Killairn, in the shire of Lenox, in Scotland, in the
month of February 1506. His father died of the stone in
the prime of life, whilst his grandfather was yet living; by
whose extravagance the family, which before was but in
low circumstances, was now nearly reduced to the extremity of want. He had, however, the happiness of a very
prudent mother, Agnes, the daughter of James Heriot of
Trabrown, who, though she, was left a widow with five sons
and three daughters, brought them all up in a decent manner, by judicious management. She had a brother, Mr.
James Heriot, who, observing the marks of genius which
young George Buchanan discovered when at school, sent
him to Paris in 1520 for his education. There he closely
applied himself to his studies, and particularly cultivated
his poetical talents but before he had been there quite
two years, the death of his uncle, and his own ill state of
health, and want of money, obliged him to return home.
Having arrived in his native country, he spent almost a
year in endeavouring to re-escablish his health; and in
1523, in order to acquire some knowledge of military affairs, he made a campaign with the French auxiliaries,
who came over into Scotland with John duke of Albany.
But in this new course of life he encountered so many
hardships, that he was confined to his bed by sickness all
the ensuing winter. He had probably much more propensity to his books, than to the sword; for early in the following spring he went to St. Andrews, and attended the
lectures on logic, or rather, as he says, on sophistry, which
were read in that university by John Major, or Mair, a
professor in St. Saviour’s college, and assessor to the dean,
of Arts, whom he soon after accompanied to Paris. After
struggling for about two years with indigence and ill fortune, he was admitted, in 1526, being then not more than
twenty years of age, in the college of St. Barbe, where he
took the degree of B. A. in 1527, and M. A. in 1528, and
in 1529 was chosen procurator nationis, and began then to
teach grammar, which he continued for about three years.
But Gilbert Kennedy, earl of Cassils, a young Scottish
nobleman, being then in France, and happening to fall
into the company of Buchanan, was so delighted with his
wit, and the agreeableness of his manners, that he prevailed upon him to continue with him five years. According to Mackenzie, he acted as a kind of tutor to this young
nobleman; and, during his stay with him, translated Linacre’s Rudiments of grammar out of English into Latin;
which was printed at Paris, by Robert Stephens, in 1533,
and dedicated to the earl of Cassils. He returned to Scotland with that nobleman, whose death happened about two
years after; and Buchanan had then an inclination to return to France: but James V. king of Scotland prevented
him, by appointing him preceptor to his natural son,
James, afterwards the abbot of Kelso, who died in 1548,
and not, as some say, the earl of Murray, regent of that
kingdom. About this time, he wrote a satirical poem
against the Franciscan friars, entitled, “Somnium;
”
which irritated them to exclaim against him as a heretic.
Their clamours, however, only increased the dislike which
he hud conceived against them on account of their disorderly and licentious lives; and inclined him the more
towards Lutheranism, to which he seems to have had before
no inconsiderable propensity. About the year 1538, the
king having discovered a conspiracy against himself, in
which he suspected that some of the Franciscans were concerned, commanded Buchanan to write a poem against
that order. But he had probably already experienced the
inconveniency of exasperating so formidable a body; for
he only wrote a few verses which were susceptible of a
double interpretation, and he pleased neither party. The
king was dissatisfied, that the satire was not more poignant; and the friars considered it as a heinous offence, to
mention them in any way that was not honourable. But
the king gave Buchanan a second command, to write
against them with more seventy; which he accordingly
did in the poem, entitled, “Franciscanus;
” by which he
pleased the king, and rendered the friars his irreconcileable enemies. He soon found, that the animosity of these
ecclesiastics was of a more durable nature than royal favour: for the king had the meanness to suffer him to feel
the weight of their resentment, though it had been chiefly
excited by obedience to his commands. It was not the
Franciscans only, but the clergy in general, who were incensed against Buchanan: they appear to have made a
common cause of it, and they left no stone unturned till
they had prevailed with the king that he should be tried
for heresy. He was accordingly imprisoned at the beginning of 1539, but found means to make his escape, as he
says himself, out of his chamber-window, while his guards
were asleep. He fled into England, where he found king
Henry the Eighth persecuting both protestants and papists.
Not thinking that kingdom, therefore, a place of safety,
he again went over into France, to which he was the more
inclined because he had there some literary friends, and
was pleased with the politeness of French manners. But
when he came to Paris, he had the mortification to find
there cardinal Beaton, who was his great enemy, and who
appeared there as ambassador from Scotland. Expecting,
therefore, to receive some ill offices from him, if he continued at Paris, he withdrew himself privately to Bourdeaux, at the invitation of Andrew Govea, a learned Portuguese, who was principal of a new college in that city.
Buchanan taught in the public schools there three years; in
which time he composed two tragedies, the one entitled,
“Baptistes, sive Calurania,
” and the other “Jephthes,
Votum;
” and also translated the Medea and Alcestig
of Euripides. These were all afterwards published;-but
they were originally written in compliance with the rules
of the school, which every year required some new dramatic exhibition; and his view in choosing these subjects
was, to draw off the youth of France as much as possible
from the allegories, which were then greatly in vogue, to
a just imitation of the ancients; in which he succeeded beyond his hopes. During his residence at Bourdeaux, the
emperor Charles V. passed through that city; upon which
Buchanan presented his imperial majesty with an elegant
Latin poem, in which the emperor was highly complimented, and at which he expressed great satisfaction. But
the animosity of cardinal Beaton still pursued our poet:
for that haughty prelate wrote letters to the archbishop of
Bourdeaux, in which he informed him, that Buchanan had
fled his country for heresy; that he had lampooned the
church in most virulent satires; and that if he would put
him to the trial, he would find him a most pestilentious
heretic. Fortunately for Buchanan, these letters fell into
the hands of some of his friends, who found means to prevent their effects: and the state of public affairs in Scotland, in consequence of the death of king James V. gave
the cardinal so much employment, as to prevent any farther prosecution of his rancour against Buchanan.
, usually ranked among the German reformers, was born Sept. 28, 1529, at Schonaw near Wittemberg, at which university
, usually ranked among the German reformers, was born Sept.
28, 1529, at Schonaw near Wittemberg, at which university he was educated, and where he contracted an acquaintance with Melancthon, and while he was studying the
scriptures in their original languages, imbibed the principles of the reformation. In 1555 he went into Silesia,
where the senate of Grunbergue invited him to superintend a school newly erected in that city. This offer, by
Melancthon' s advice, he accepted in the following year,
and raised the school to a very high degree of reputation.
Melancthon had so good an opinion of him as to declare
that no young man could be supposed unfit for a university, who had been educated under Bucholtzer. Nor was
he less celebrated as a preacher; and upon account of his
services in promoting the reformation, enjoyed the favour
and patronage of Catherine, widow of Henry duke of
Brunswick, Ernest prince of Anhalt, and other persons of
rank. He died at Freistad in Silesia, Oct. 14, 1584. He
composed a chronology from the beginning of the world to
the year 1580, under the title of “Isagoge chronologica,
”
which was often reprinted.
, a popish divine of some note^ was born at West Harptre, the seat of an ancient family of his name
, a popish divine of some note^
was born at West Harptre, the seat of an ancient family
of his name in Somersetshire, about 1564. In 1579, he
was admitted commoner in Magdalen college, Oxford, and
afterwards passed some years in one of the inns of court.
Having at last embraced the popish religion, he spent seven years in Doway college, and being ordained priest,
returned to England, acted as a missionary for about twenty
years, and died in 1611. He published, 1. A translation
of the “Lives of the Saints
” from Surius. 2. “A Per.
suasive against frequenting Protestant Churches,
” 12mo.
3. “Seven sparks of the enkindled flame, with four lamentations, composed in the hard times of queen Elizabeth,
”
12mo. From this book, archbishop Usher, in a sermon
preached in 1640, on Nov. 5, produced some passages
hinting at the gun-powder plot. The passages are not,
perhaps, very clearly in point, nor can we suppose any
person privy to the design fool enough at the same time to
give warning of it. This Buckland also wrote “De Persecutione Vandalica,
” a translation from the Latin of Victor, bishop of Biserte, or Utica.
, D. D. a learned and ingenious English clergyman and antiquary, was born in 1716, and educated at Oriel college, Oxford, where he
, D. D. a learned and ingenious English clergyman and antiquary, was born in 1716, and educated at Oriel college, Oxford, where he took his master’s degree in 1739. He was afterwards elected a fellow of All-Souls college, where he proceeded B. D. in 1755, and D. D. in 1759. In 1755 he was presented to the vicarage of Cumner in Berkshire, by the earl of Abingdon. He was also rector of Frilsham in the same county. He died and was buried at Cumner, Dec. 24, 1780, being at that time likewise keeper of the archives in the university of Oxford, to which office he was elected in 1777. His talents would in all probability have advanced him to higher stations, had they been less under the influence of those honest principles, which, although they greatly dignify a character, are not always of use on the road to preferment. In truth, says the author of his epitaph, he preserved his integrity chaste and "pure: he thought liberally, and spoke openly; a mean action was his contempt. He possessed not great riches, secular honours, or court favours; but he enjoyed blessings of a much higher estimation, a competency, a sound mind, an honest heart, a good conscience, and a faith unshaken.
aris, an adjunct of the academy of sciences, and an ordinary associate of the royal medical society, was born at Paris, Feb. 18, 1746. His father intended him for the
, an eminent French
physician, censor royal, doctor-regent and professor of
chemistry in the faculty of medicine at Paris, an adjunct
of the academy of sciences, and an ordinary associate of
the royal medical society, was born at Paris, Feb. 18, 1746.
His father intended him for the bar, but his inclination
stfbn led him to relinquish that profession for the study of
the various sciences connected with medicine, in all which
he made great proficiency, and gave lectures on mineralogy and chemistry. His plan and familiar mode of
teaching soon procured him numerous pupils, and connecting himself with Lavoisier and other eminent chemists, he
instituted a variety of experiments which, while they procured him the notice and honours of his profession, much
impaired his health, and at a very early age, he was so debilitated in body and mind, as to require the use of stimulants to excite a momentary vigour; he is even said to
have taken one hundred grains of opium in a day. By
these means he was enabled to protract his existence until
Jan. 24, 1780, when he died completely exhausted, although only in his thirty-fourth year. Except his papers
in the literary journals, we know of only one publication
of Bucquet’s, “Introduction a Tetude des corps naturels,
tirés du regne vegetal,
”
, a celebrated Lutheran divine, was born June 25, 1667, at Anclam, a town in Pomerania, where his
, a celebrated Lutheran divine, was born June 25, 1667, at Anclam, a town in Pomerania, where his father was a clergyman, who bestowed
great pains on his education, with a view to the same profession. Before he went to the university, he was taught
Greek and Latin, Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Syriac, and had several times read the scriptures in their original tongues. In
1685, at the age of eighteen, he was sent to Wittemberg,
where he studied history, oriental learning, and the canon
law, under the ablest professors, and with a success proportioned to the stock of knowledge he had previously accumulated. In 1687 he received the degree of M. A. and
printed on that occasion his thesis on the symbols of the
Eucharist. In 1689 he was assistant professor of philosophy; and some time after, having removed to Jena, gave
lessons to the students there with the approbation and esteem of the professors. In 1692 he was invited to Cobourg, as professor of Greek and Latin, In 1693, when
Frederick, elector of Brandenburgh, afterwards king of
Prussia, founded the university of Halle, Buddeus was
appointed professor of moral and political philosophy, and
after filling that office for about twelve years, he was recalled to Jena in 1705, to be professor of theology. The
king of Prussia parted with him very reluctantly on this
occasion, but Buddeus conceived his new office so much
better calculated for his talents and inclination, that he
retained it for the remainder of his life, refusing many
advantageous offers in other universities; and the dukes of
Saxony of the Ernestine branch, to whom the university
of Jena belongs, looking upon Buddeus as its greatest ornament, procured him every comfort, and bestowed their
confidence on him in. the case of various important affairs.
In 1714, he was made ecclesiastical counsellor to the duke
of Hildburghausen; and afterwards was appointed inspector of the students of Gotha and Altenburgh; assessor of
the Concilium arctius, which had the care of the university
of Jena; and he was several times pro-rector, the dukes
of Saxony always reserving to themselves the rectorate of
that university. Under his care the university flourished
in an uncommon degree, and being an enemy to the scholastic mode of teaching, he introduced that more rational
and philosophical system which leads to useful knowledge.
Amidst all these employments, he was a frequent and popular preacher, carried on an extensive correspondence
with the learned men of his time, and yet found leisure for
the composition of his numerous works. He died Nov. 19,
1729. A very long list of his works is given in our authority; the principal are: 1. “Elementa Philosophic prarticæ, instrumentalis ct theoreticæ,
” 3 vols. 8vo. 2.
“Institutiones Theologiæ Moralis,
” Historia Ecclesiastica Veteris Testamenti,
” Institutiones Theologicse, Dogmaticae, variis observationibus iilustratse,
” Miscellanea Sacra,
”
and illustrious family in France, lord of Marli-la-ville, king’s counsellor, and master of requests, was born at Paris in 1467. He was the second son of John Budé, lord
, or Bude’ (William), an eminent scholar
and critic, the descendant of an ancient and illustrious
family in France, lord of Marli-la-ville, king’s counsellor,
and master of requests, was born at Paris in 1467. He
was the second son of John Budé, lord of Yere and Villiers,
secretary to the king, and one of the grand officers of the
French chancery. In his infancy he was provided with
masters; but such was the low state of Parisian education
at that time, that when sent to the university of Orleans to
study law, he remained there for three years, without
making any progress, for want of a proper knowledge of
the Latin language. Accordingly, on his return home, his
parents had the mortification to discover that he was as
ignorant as when he went, disgusted with study of any
kind, and obstinately bent to pass his time amidst the
gaieties and pleasures of youth, a coarse which his fortune
enabled him to pursue. But after he had indulged this
humour for some time, an ardent passion for study seized
him, and became irresistible. He immediately disposed
of his horses, dogs, &c. with which he followed the chace,
applied himself to study, and in a short time made very
considerable progress, although he had no masters, nor
either instruction or example in his new pursuit. He became, in particular, an excellent Latin scholar, and although
his style is not so pure or polished as that of those who
formed themselves in early life on the best models, it is
far from being deficient in fluency or elegance. His knowledge of the Greek was so great that John de Lascaris, the
most learned Grecian of his time, declared that Budé might
be compared with the first orators of ancient Athens. This
language is perhaps complimentary, but it cannot be denied that his knowledge of Greek was very extraordinary,
considering how little help he derived from instructions.
He, indeed, employed at a large salary, one Hermonymus,
but soon found that he was very superficial, and had acquired the reputation of a Greek scholar merely from
knowing a little more than the French literati, who at that
time knew nothing. Hence Budé used to call himself
ανἶομαθης & οψιμαϑης
i. e. self-taught and late taught. The work
by which he gained most reputation, and published under
the title “De Asse,
” was one of the tirst efforts to clear up
the difficulties relating to the coins and measures of the
ancients; and although an Italian, Leonardus Portius, pretended to claim some of his discoveries, Budé vindicated
his right to them with spirit and success. Previously to
this he had printed a translation of some pieces of Plutarch,
and “Notes upon the Pandects.
” His fame having
reached the court, he was invited to it, but was at first
rather reluctant. He appears to have been one of those
who foresaw the advantages of a diffusion of learning, and
at the same time perceived an unwillingness in the court
to entertain it, lest it should administer to the introduction
of what was called heresy. Charles VIII. was the first
who invited him to court, but died soon after: his successor Louis XII. employed him twice on embassies to
Italy, and made him his secretary. This favour continued
in the reign of Francis I. who sent for Budé to court when
it was held at Arches at the interview of that monarch with
Henry VIII. the king of England. From this time Francis
paid him much attention, appointed him his librarian, and
master of the requests, while the Parisians elected him
provost of the merchants. This political influence he employed in promoting the interests of literature, and suggested to Francis I. the design of establishing professorships for languages and the sciences at Paris. The excessive heats of the year 1540 obliging the king to take a
journey to the coast of Normandy, Budé accompanied his
majesty, but unfortunately was seized with a fever, which
carried him off Aug. 23/1540, at Paris. His funeral was
private, and at night, by his own desire. This circumstance created a suspicion that he died in the reformed religion; but of this there is ho direct proof, and although
he occasionally made free with the court of Rome and the
corruptions of the clergy in his works, yet in them likewise he wrote with equal asperity of the reformers. Erasmus called him porttntum Gallic, the prodigy of France.
There was a close connection between these two great
men. “Their letters/' says the late Dr. Jortin,
” though
full of compliments and civilities, are also full of little
bickerings and contests: which shew that their friendship
was not entirely free from some small degree of jealousy
and envy; especially on the side of Budé, who yet in
other respects was an excellent person." It is not easy
to determine on which side the jealousy lay; perhaps it
was on both. Budé might envy Erasmus for his superior
taste and wit, as well as his more extensive learning; and
perhaps Erasmus might envy Budé for a superior knowledge of the Greek tongue, which was generally ascribed
to him.
, a civilian of Oxford, the son of John Budden of Canford, in Dorsetshire, was born in that county in 1566, and entered Merton college in 1582,
, a civilian of Oxford, the son of John
Budden of Canford, in Dorsetshire, was born in that
county in 1566, and entered Merton college in 1582, but
was admitted scholar of Trinity college in May of the fol
lowing year, where he took his bachelor’s degree. He
was soon after ivmoved to Gloucester hall, where he took
his master’s degree, but chiefly studied civil law. He was
at length made philosophy reader of Magdalen college,
and took his bachelor and doctor’s degrees in civil law in
1602. In 1609 he was made principal of New-inn, and
soon after king’s professor of civil law, and principal of
Broadgate’s hall, where he died June 11, 1620, and was
buried in the chancel of St. Aldate’s church. Wood says
he was a person of great eloquence, an excellent rhetorician, philosopher, and civilian. He wrote the lives of
“William of Wainflete,
” founder of Magdalen college, in
Latin, Oxon, Batesii Vitæ
” and
of “Archbishop Morton,
” London, Common Wealth
of England;
” and from the French of P. Frodius, a civilian,
“A Discourse for Parents’ Honour and Authority over their
Children,
” Loud.
, esq. a very ingenious but unfortunate writer, was born at St. Thomas, near Exeter, about 1685, and educated at
, esq. a very ingenious but unfortunate writer, was born at St. Thomas, near Exeter,
about 1685, and educated at Christ-church, Oxford. His
father, Gilbert Budgell, D. D. descended of an ancient
family in Devonshire; his mother, Mary, was only
daughter of Dr. William Gulston, bishop of Bristol, whose
sister Jane married dean Addison, and was mother to the
famous Addison. After some years stay in the university,
Mr. Budgell went to London, and was entered of the Inner Temple, in order to study law, for which his father
always intended him; but his inclinations led him more to
study polite literature, and keep company with the genteelest persons in town. During his stay at the Temple,
he contracted a strict intimacy and friendship with Addison, who was first cousin to his mother; and when Addison was appointed secretary to lord Wharton,
lord-lieutenant of Ireland, he offered to make his friend Eustace one of the clerks of his office, which Mr. Budgell
readily accepted. This was in April 1710, when he was
about twenty-five years of age. He had by this time read
the classics, the most reputed historian^ and the best
French, English, and Italian writers, and became concerned with Steele and Addison, not in writing the Tatler,
as has been asserted, but the Spectator, which was begun
in 1711. Ail the papers marked with an X were written
by him, and the whole eighth volume is attributed to Addison and himself, without the assistance of Steele. Several little epigrams and songs, which have a good deal of
wit in them, together with the epilogue to the “Distressed
Mother,
” which had a greater run than any thing of the
kind before, were also written by Mr. Budgell near this
time; all which, together with the known affection of Addison for him, raised his character so much as to give him
considerable consequence in the literary and political
world. Upon the laying down of the Spectator, the
Guardian was set up; and to this work our author contributed, along with Addison and Steele. In the preface it
is said, that those papers marked with an asterisk were
written by Mr. Budgell.
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Florence in 1262, and was for some years a disciple
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Florence in 1262, and was for some years a disciple of Andrea Tassi. He was pleasant in his conversation, and somewhat ingenious in his compositions. A friend, whose name was Bruno, consulting him one day how he might give more expression to his subject, Buffalmacco answered, that he had nothing to do, but to make the words come out of the mouths of his figures by labels, on which they might be written, which had been before practised by Cimnbue. Bruno, thinking him in earnest, did so, as several German painters did after him; who, improving upon Bruno, added answers to questions, and made their figures enter into a kind of conversation. Buffalmacco died in 1340.
, a learned metaphysician, and voluminous writer, was born in Poland, of French parents, May 25, 1661. His parents
, a learned metaphysician, and voluminous writer, was born in Poland, of French parents,
May 25, 1661. His parents having removed to Rouen, he
was educated there, and afterwards entered among the Jesuits at Paris in 1679, and took the four vows “in 1695.
In 1698 he went to Rome, not at the invitation of the general of his order, as has been asserted, but merely to see
that celebrated city, in which he remained about four
months, and then returned to Paris, where he passed the
greater part of his life in the Jesuits college. Here he was
first employed on the
” Memoires de Trevoux,“and afterwards wrote his numerous separate publications. He died
May 17, 1737. His eloge appeared in the
” Memoires“in the same year, but principally regards his writings, as
his life appears to have passed without any striking or characteristic circumstances, being entirely devoted to the
composition of works of learning or piety, of which the
following is supposed to be a correct list: 1. Some French
verses on the taking of Mons and Montmelian, inserted in
the
” Recueil de vers choisis,“Paris, 1701, 12mo. 2.
” La
vie de PHermite de Compiegne,“Paris, 1692, 1737, 12mo.
3.
” Vie de Dominique George,“abbot of Valricher, Paris,
1696, 12mo. 4.
” Pratique de la memoire artificielle
pour apprendre et pour retenir la chronologic, Phistoire
universeile, c.“Paris, 1701, 3 vols. and often reprinted
and extended to 4 vols. 5.
” Verites consolantes du Christianisme,“ibid. 1718, 2d edit. 16mo. 6.
” Histoire de
Porigine du royaume de Sicile et de Naples,“ibid. 1701,
12mo. 7.
” La pratique des devoirs des cures,“from the
Italian, Lyons, 1702, 12mo. 8.
” Abrege de l‘histoire
d’Espagne,“Paris, 1704, 12mo. 9.
” Examen de prejuges vulgaires pour disposer F esprit a juger sainement
detout,“ibid. 1704, 12mo. 10.
” Les Abeilles,“a fable.
11.
” Le degat du Parnasse, ou La Fausse litterature,“a
poem, ibid. 1705. 12.
” La vie du comte Louis de Sales,“ibid. 1708, 12mo, afterwards translated into Italian, and
often reprinted. 13.
” Grammaire Franchise sur un plan
nouveau,“ibid. 1709, 12mo, often reprinted. 14. e6 Le
veritable esprit et le saint emploi des fetes de l'eglise,
”
ibid. 1712, 12mo. 15. “Les prlncipes du raisonnement
exposes en deu:: logiques nouvelles, avec des remarques
sur les logiques,
” &c. ibid. Geographic universelle avec le secours des vers artificiels et avec
des cartes,
” ibid. Homere en
arbitrage,
” ibid. Hist, chronologique da
dernier siecle, e.
” from the year Introduction a l‘histoire de maisons souveraines de
l’Europe,
” Paris, Exercice dela
piete,
” &c. ib. Tableau chronologique de l'histoire universelle en forme de jeu,
” Paris,
Nouveau x elomens d'histoire et de geographic,
” Paris, Sentimens Chretien sur les
principales verites de la religion,
” in prose and verse, and
with engravings, Traite* des premieres verites,
” Paris, First Truths, and the
origin of our opinions explained; with an inquiry into the
sentiments of moral philosophers, relative to our primary
notions of things,
” 8vo. The author has proved himself
to be a metaphysician of considerable abilities, and with
many it will be no diminution of his merit, that he starts
some principles here, which were afterwards adopted and
expanded by Drs. Reid, Oswald, and Beattie, under the
denomination of common sense. To prove how much
these gentlemen have been indebted to him, appears to be
the sole object of this translation, and especially of the
preface, which, says one of the literary Journals, “though
it is not destitute of shrewdness, yet is so grossly illiberal,
that we remember not to have read any thing so offensive
to decency and good manners, even in the rancorous productions of some of the late controvertists in metaphysics.
The writer hath exceeded Dr. Priestley in the abuse of the
Scotch doctors; but with a larger quantity of that author’s
virulence, hath unluckily too small a portion of his ingenuity and good sense, to recompense for that shameful affront to candour and civility which is too flagrant in every
page, to escape the notice or indignation of any unprejudiced reader.
”
ent French naturalist of the eighteenth century, the son of a counsellor of the parliament of Dijon, was born at Moytbard in Burgundy, September the 7th, 1707. Having
, the
most eminent French naturalist of the eighteenth century,
the son of a counsellor of the parliament of Dijon, was
born at Moytbard in Burgundy, September the 7th, 1707.
Having manifested an early inclination to the sciences, he
gave up the profession of the law, for which his father had
designed him. The science which seems to have engaged
his earliest attachment was astronomy; with a view to
which he applied with such ardour to the study of
geometry, that be always carried in his pocket the elements of
Euclid. At the age of twenty he travelled into Italy, and
in the course of his tour he directed his attention to the
phenomena of nature more than to the productions of art:
and at this early period he was also ambitious of acquiring
the art of writing with ease and elegance. In 1728 he
succeeded to the estate of his mother, estimated at about
12,000l. a year; which by rendering his circumstances affluent and independent, enabled him to indulge his taste
in those scientific researches and literary pursuits, to which
his future life was devoted. Having concluded his travels,
at the age of twenty-five, with a journey to England, he
afterwards resided partly at Paris, where, in 1739, he was
appointed superintend ant of the royal garden and cabinet,
and partly on his estate at Montbard. Although he was
fond of society, and a complete sensualist, he was indefatigable in his application, and is said to have employed
fourteen hours every day in study; he would sometimes
return from the suppers at Paris at two in the morning,
when he was young, and order a boy to call him at five;
and if he lingered in bed, to drag him out on the floor.
At this early hour it was his custom, at Montbard, to dress,
powder, dictate letters, and regulate his domestic concerns.
At six he retired to his study, which was a pavilion called
the Tower of St. Louis, about a furlong from the house, at
the extremity of the garden, and which was accommodated
only with an ordinary wooden desk and an armed chair.
Within this was another sanctuary, denominated by prince
Henry of Prussia “the Cradle of Natural History,
” in
which he was accustomed to compose, and into which
no one was suffered to intrude. At nine his breakfast,
which consisted of two glasses of wine and a bit of bread,
was brought to his study; and after breakfast he wrote for
about two hours, and then returned to his house. At dinner he indulged himself in all the gaieties and trifles which
occurred at table, and in that freedom of conversation,
which obliged the ladies, when any of character were his
guests, to withdraw. When dinner was finished, he paid
little attention either to his family or guests; but having
slept about an hour in his room, he took a solitary walk,
and then he would either converse with his friends or sit at
his desk, examining papers that were submitted to his
judgment. This kind of life he passed for fifty years; and
to one who. expressed his astonishment at his great
reputation, he replied, “Have not I spent fifty years at my
clesk?
” At nine he retired to bed. In this course he prolonged his life, notwithstanding his excessive indulgences
with women, and his excruciating sufferings occasioned by
the gravel and stone, which he bore with singular fortitude
and patience, to his 81st year; and retained his senses till
within a few hours of his dissolution, which happened on
the 16th of April, 1788. His body was embalmed, and
presented first at St. Medard’s church, and afterwards conveyed to Mont-bard, where he had given orders in his will
to be interred in the same vault with his wife. His funeral
was attended by a great concourse of academicians, and
persons of rank, and literary distinction; and a crowd of at
least 20,000 spectators assembled in the streets through
which the hearse was to pass. When his body was opened,
57 stones were found in his bladder, some of which were as
large as a small bean: and of these 37 were crystallized in
a triangular form, weighing altogether two ounces and six
drams. All his other parts were perfectly sound; his brain
was found to be larger than the ordinary size; and it was
the opinion of the gentlemen of the faculty who examined
the body, that the operation of the lithotomy might have
been performed without the least danger; but to this mode
of relief M. Buffon had invincible objections. He left one
son, who fell a victim to the atrocities under Robespierre.
This son had erected a monument to his father in the gardens of Montbard; which consisted of a simple column,
with this inscription:
, one of the German reformers, sometimes, from his native country, called Pomeranus, was born at Julin, or Wollin, near Stetin, in Pomerania, June 24,
, one of
the German reformers, sometimes, from his native country,
called Pomeranus, was born at Julin, or Wollin, near
Stetin, in Pomerania, June 24, 1485, and his parents being of some rank in the state were enabled to give him a
very liberal education. He was sent early to the university of Grypswald, where he employed his time so assiduously in classical learning, that, at the age of twenty, he
taught school at Treptow, and raised that school to a very
high degree of reputation. The first impressions he
appears to have received of the necessity of a reformation
was from a tract of Erasmus: this induced him to look
with more attention into the sacred volume, and he proceeded to instruct others by lecturing in his school on various parts of the Old and New Testament. As a preacher
he likewise became very popular, and chiefly on account
of his learning, in which he exceeded many of his contemporaries. His knowledge extending also to history and
antiquities, prince Bogislaus engaged him to write a “History of Pomerania,
” furnishing him with money, books,
and records, and this was completed in two years, but it
was long unpublished, the prince reserving it in manuscript, for the use of himself and his court. It appeared
at last in 1727, 4to. He was still, however, attached to
the religious principles in which he had been brought up,
until in 1521 Luther’s treatise on the Babylonish captivity
was published. Even when he began first to read this, he
declared the author to be “the most pestilent heretic that
ever infested the church of Christ;
” but after a more attentive perusal, he candidly recanted this unfavourable
opinion, in the following strong terms, “The whole
world is blind, and this man alone sees the truth.
” It is
probable that he had communicated this discovery to his
brethren, for we find that the abbot, two aged pastors of
the church, and some other of the friars, began to be convinced of the errors of popery about the same time. Bugenhagius now avowed the principles of the reformation sa
openly, that he found it necessary to leave Treptow, and
being desirous of an interview with Luther, went to Wittemberg, where he was chosen pastor of the reformed
^church. Here he constantly taught the doctrines of the
reformation, both by preaching and writing, for thirty-six
years. He always opposed the violent and seditious practices of Carlostadt, and lived on the most friendly terms
with Luther and Melancthon. At first he thought Luther
had been too.violent in his answer to Henry VIII. of England, but he changed his opinion, and declared that the
author had treated that monarch with too much lenity.
, a protestant dissenting minister, was born in London, Oct 18, 1719. His mother was the daughter, by
, a protestant dissenting minister,
was born in London, Oct 18, 1719. His mother was the
daughter, by a second wife, of the celebrated Matthew
Henry. He was educated first at Chester, from whence
he went to Dr. Doddridge’s academy at Northampton in
1736, and commenced preacher in the summer of 1740,
his first settlement being at Welford, in Northamptonshire.
He appears to have afterwards removed to London, but
quitted the presbyterian sect, was baptized by immersion,
and joined the general baptists. He preached likewise at
Colchester, but how long cannot be ascertained. In 1743,
he was chosen minister of a meeting in White’s alley,
Moorfields. In 1745, this congregation removed to Barbican, and in 1780 to Worship-street, Shoreditch, where
it remained until his death April 15, 1797. Before this
event his infirmities had unfitted him for. public service;
yet at one period he must have enjoyed great popularity,
as he was chosen to succeed Dr. James Foster, in the Old
Jewry lecture. Besides several single sermons, preached
on particular occasions, he published 1. “Discourses on
several subjects,
” A Vindication of Lord
Shaftesbury’s writings,
” Notes on Lord Bolingbroke’s Philosophical Writings,
” Observations on Natural Religion and Christianity, candidly
proposed in a Review of the Discourses lately published
by the lord bishop of London,
” 1757. 5. “Œconomy of the
Gospel,
” Discourses on the Parables and
Miracles of Christ,
” Catechetical Exercises,
” Preface to notes on the Bible,
” Notes on the Bible,
” 3 vols. 8vo.
, bishop of St. David’s, was born March 25, 1634, in the parish of St. Cuthbert, at Wells
, bishop of St. David’s, was born March 25, 1634, in the parish of St. Cuthbert, at Wells in Somersetshsre. He was descended from an ancient and genteel family, seated at Shapwick in that county. Our prelate’s father, Mr. George Bull, dedicated his son to the church from his infancy, having declared at the font, that he designed him for holy orders, but he died when George was but four years old, and left him under the care of guardians, with an estate of two hundred pounds per annum. When he was fit to receive the first rudiments of learning, he was placed in a grammar-school at Wells, from whence he was soon removed to the free-school of Tiverton, in Devonshire, where he made a very quick progress in classical learning, and became qualified for the university at fourteen years of age.
t for the county of Cornwall, by Jane, his second wife, one of the daughters of Allen earl Bathurst, was born in 1745, and educated at a private school in the west of
, bart. a judge of the court of king’s-bench and common-pleas, the son of James Buller, esq. member of parliament for the county of Cornwall, by Jane, his second wife, one of the daughters of Allen earl Bathurst, was born in 1745, and educated at a private school in the west of England. After this he removed ta London, and was admitted of the Inner Temple, Feb. 1763, and became a pupil of sir William Ashurst, who was at that time a very eminent spe'cial-pleader, but whom, it has been thought, he excelled. He was always ranked among the most eminent of the profession in this branch, and his business, as a common -law draughtsman, was immediate, and immense. His practice also at the bar, to which he was called by the honourable society of the Middle Temple in Easter Term, 1772, was at first considerable, and in a very short period, became equal to that of almost any of his brethren. Devoting himself entirely to it, he never came into parliament. On Nov. 24, 1777, he was appointed king’s-counsel, and on the 27th of the same month, second judge of the Chester circuit. In Easter term, May 6, 1778, by the patronage of lord Mansfield, who had a high opinion of his talents, he was made a judge of the king’s-bench, in the room of sir Richard Aston. During the indisposition of lord Mansfield, for the last three or four years that he held the office of chief justice, sir Francis Buller executed almost all the business at the sittings ap nisi prius, with great ability, and lord Mansfield left him 2000l. in his will, which, it is said, Mr. justice Buller declined receiving of his lordship, when offered as a compensation for his trouble. On the resignation of lord Mansfield, his expectations were directed to the succession to the high office so long and ably filled by that venerable lawyer, but, for various reasons, sir Lloyd Kenyon was preferred. In 1794, in consequence of his declining state of health, which rendered him unequal to the laborious duties of that court, he was, on the death of judge Gould, removed to the court of common-pleas, but his health still continuing to decay, he was about to have obtained his majesty’s leave to resign, when he died suddenly, at his house in Bedford-square, June 4, 1800, and was interred in a vault in St. Andrew’s burying-ground. He was created a baronet in 1789, and was succeeded in titles and estate by his son sir F. Buller Yarde, which last name he took for an estate. Sir Francis Buller was allowed to be ably and deeply versed in the law, and was certainly more distinguished for substantial than showy talents. His eloquence at the bar was seldom admired, but his addresses from the bench were perspicuous, dignified, and logical. He possessed great quickness of perception, saw the consequences of a fact, and the drift of an argument at its first opening, and could immediately reply to an unforeseen objection, but was on some occasions thought rather hasty. He seldom, however, formed his opinions without due ^consideration, and was particularly tenacious of what he had thus considered.
cademies of Besanc, on, Lyons, and Dijon, and a corresponding member of the academy of inscriptions, was born in 1699, and was professor of divinity in the university
, a learned French writer,
member of the academies of Besanc, on, Lyons, and Dijon,
and a corresponding member of the academy of inscriptions, was born in 1699, and was professor of divinity in
the university of Besangon from the year 1728; and afterwards dean. He had a surprising memory, and although
devoted to controversial -studies, was of a mild and affable
disposition. His works are of two kinds; some turning
on religious matters, and others on literary inquiry. They
are all accurate and solid; but we are not to look in them
for elegance of style. The principal of them are: 1 “History of the establishment of Christianity, taken from Jewish
and Pagan authors alone,
” The existence of God demonstrated by nature,
” 2 vols. 8vo. 3.
“Answer to some objections of unbelievers to the Bible,
”
3 vols. 12mo. 4. “De apostolica ecclesise Gallicanae origiue,
” Memoirs on the Celtic tongue,
”
Researches into the history of
Cards,
” A dissertation on the history of
France,
”
, a celebrated astronomer and scholar, was born of protestant parents, at Houdun in France, September the
, a celebrated
astronomer and scholar, was born of protestant parents, at
Houdun in France, September the 28th, 1605; and having finished his studies in philosophy at Paris, and in civil
law at Poictiers, he applied to mathematics, theology, sacred and profane history, and civil law, with such assiduity, that he became eminent in each of these departments, and acquired the reputation of an universal genius.
As he had travelled for his improvement into Italy, Germany, Poland, and the Levant, he formed an extensive
acquaintance with men of letters, and maintained a correspondence with the most distinguished persons of his
time. Although he had been educated a protestant, he
changed his profession at the age of 27 years, and became
a catholic priest. His life was prolonged to his 89th year;
and having retired to the abbey of St. Victor at Paris in
1689, he died there November the 25th, 1694. Besides
his pieces concerning ecclesiastical rights, which excited
attention, and the history of Ducas, printed at the Louvre,
in 1649, in the original Greek, with a Latin version and
notes, he was the author of several other works, chiefly
mathematical and philosophical. His “Treatise on the
Nature of Light
” was published in Philolaus, sive de vero Systema Mundi,
” or his
true system of the world, according to Philolaus, an ancient philosopher and astronomer, in the same year, and
republished in 1645, under the title of “Astronomia Philolaica,
” grounded upon the hypothesis of the earth’s motion, and the elliptical orbit described by the planet’s motion about a cone. To which he added tables entitled
“Tabulæ Philolaicæ:
” a work which Riccioli says ought
to be attentively read by all students of astronomy. He
considered the hypothesis, or approximation of bishop
Ward, and found it not to agree with the planet Mars;
and shewed in his defence of the Philolaic astronomy
against the bishop, that from four observations made by
Tycho on the planet Mars, that planet in the first and third
quarters of the mean anomaly, was more forward than it
ought to be according to Ward’s hypothesis; but in the 2d
and 4th quadrant of the same, the planet was not so far
advanced as that hypothesis required. He therefore set
about a correction of the bishop’s hypothesis, and made it
to answer more exactly to the orbits of the planets, which
were most eccentric, and introduced what is called by
Street, in his “Caroline Tables,
” the Variation: for these
tables were calculated from this correction of Bullialdus,
and exceeded all in exactness that went before. This correction is, in the judgment of Dr. Gregory, a very happy
one, if it be not set above its due place; and be accounted
no more than a correction of an approximation to the true
system: For by this means we are enabled to gather the
coequate anomaly a priori and directly from the mean, and
the observations are well enough answered at the same
time; which, in Mercator’s opinion, no one had effected
before. It is remarkable that the ellipsis which he has
chosen for a planet’s motion, is such a one as, if cut out of
a cone, will have the axis of the cone passing through one
of its foci, viz. that next the aphelion.
, one of the reformers, was born, at Bremgarten, “a village near Zurich, in Switzerland,
, one of the reformers, was born,
at Bremgarten, “a village near Zurich, in Switzerland,
July 18, 1504. At the age of twelve he was sent by his
father to Emmeric, to be instructed in grammar-learning,
and here he remained three years, during which his father,
to make him feel for the distresses of others, and be more
frugal and modest in his dress, and temperate in his diet,
withdrew that money with which he was wont to supply
him; so that Bullinger was forced, according to the custom of those times, to subsist on the alms he got by singing from door to door. While here, he was strongly inclined to enter among the Carthusians, but was dissuaded
from it by an elder brother. At fifteen years of age he
was sent to Cologn, where he studied logic, and commenced
B. A. at sixteen years old. He afterwards betook himself
to the study of divinity and canon law, and to the reading
of the fathers, and conceived such a dislike to the schooldivines, as in 1520, to write some dialogues against them;
and about the same time he began to see the errors of the
church of Rome, from which, however, he did not immediately separate. In 1522, he commenced M. A. and returning home, he spent a year in his father’s house, wholly
employing himself in his studies. The year after, he was
called by the abbot of La Chapelle, a Cistercian abbey
near Zurich, to teach in that place, which he did with great
reputation for four years, and was very instrumental in
causing the reformation of Zuinglius to be received. It is
very remarkable that while thus teaching and changing the
sentiments of the Cistercians in this place, it does not appear that he was a clergyman in the communion of the see
of Rome, nor that he had any share in the monastic
observances of the house. Zuinglius, assisted by Oecolampadius and Bucer, had established the reformed doctrines
at Zurich in 1523; and in 1527, Bullinger attended the
lectures of Zuinglius in that city, for some months, renewed his acquaintance with Greek, and began the study
of Hebrew. He preached also publicly by a licence from
the synod, and accompanied Zuinglius at the famous disputation held at Bern in 1528. The year following, he
was called to be minister of the protestant church, in his
native place at Bremgarten, and married a wife, who
brought him six sons and five daughters, and died in 1564.
He met with great opposition from the papists and anabaptists in his parish, but disputed publicly, and wrote several
books against them. The victory gained by the Romish
cantons over the protestants in a battle fought 1531, forced
him, together with his father, brother, and colleague, to
fly to Zurich, where he was chosen pastor in the room of
Zninglius, slain in the late battle. He was also employed
in several ecclesiastical negociations, with a view to reconcile the Zuiuglians and Lutherans, and to reply to the,
harsh censures which were published by Luther against the
doctrine of the Swiss churches respecting the sacrament.
In 1549, he concurred with Calvin in drawing up a formulary, expressing the conformity of belief which subsisted
between the churches of Zurich and Geneva, and intended
on the part of Calvin, for obviating any suspicions that he
inclined to the opinion of Luther with respect to the sacra,
ment. He greatly assisted the English divines who fled
into Switzerland from the persecution raised in England
by queen Mary, and ably confuted the pope’s bull excommunicating queen Elizabeth. The magistrates of Zurich,
by his persuasion, erected a new college in 1538. He
also prevailed with them to erect, in a place that had formerly been a nunnery, a new school, in which fifteen
youths were trained up under an able master, and supplied
with food, raiment, and other necessaries. In 1549, he
by his influence hindered the Swiss from renewing their
league with Henry It. of France; representing to them,
that it was neither just nor lawful for a man to suffer himself to be hired to shed another man’s blood, from whom
himself had never received any injury. In 1551 he wrote
a book, the purport of which was to shew, that the council
of Trent had no other design than to oppress the professors
of sound religion; and, therefore, that the cantons should
pay no regard to the invitations of the pope, which solicited their sending deputies to that council. In 1561 he
commenced a controversy with Brentius concerning the
ubiquity of the body of Christ, zealously maintained by
Brentius, and as vehemently opposed by Bullinger, which
Continued till his death, on the 17th of September, 1575.
His funeral oration was pronounced by John Stukius, and
his life was written by Josias Simler (who had married one of his daughters), and was published at Zurich in 1575,
4to, with Stukius’s oration, and the poetical tributes of
many eminent men of his time. Bullinger' s printed works
are very numerous, doctrinal, practical, and controversial,
but no collection has ever been made of them. His high
reputation in England, during the progress of the reformation, occasioned the following to be either translated into
English, or published here: 1.
” A hundred Sermons
upon the Apocalypse,“1561, 4to. 2.
” Bullae papisticae
contra reginam Elizabetham, refutatio,“1571, 4to. 3.
” The Judgment of Bullinger, declaring it to be lawful for the ministers of the church of England to wear the
apparel prescribed by the laws, &c.“Eng. and Lat. 1566,
8vo. 4.
” Twenty-six Sermons on Jeremiah,“1583. 5.
” An epistle on the Mass, with one of Calvin’s,“1548, 8vo.
6.
” A treatise or sermon, concerning Magistrates and
Obedience of Subjects, also concerning the affairs of War,“1549, 8vo. 7,
” Tragedies of Tyrants, exercised upon
the church of God from the birth of Christ unto this present year 1572,“translated by Tho. Twine, 1575, 8vo. 8.
” Exhortation to the ministers of God’s Word, &c.“1575,
8vo. 9.
” Two Sermons on the end of the World,“1596,
8vo. 10.
” Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia
by the adversaries of the same, and answered by M. H. Bullinger of Zurich, reduced into seventeen common places,“1572, 8vo. 11.
” Common places of Christian Religion,“1572 and 158J, 8vo. 12.
” Bullinger’s Decades, in Latin,“1586. 13.
” The Summe of the Four Evangelists,“1582,
8vo. 14.
” The Sum or Substance pf St. Paul’s Epistle to
the Thessalonians,“1538, 8vo. 15.
” Three Dialogues
between the seditious Libertine or rebel Anabaptist, and
the true obedient Christian,“1551, 8vo. 16.
” Fifty godly
and learned Sermons, divided into five decades, containing the chief and principal points of Christian religion," a
very thick 4to vol. 1577, particularly described by Ames.
This book was held in high estimation in the reign of queen
Elizabeth. In 1586, archbishop Whitgift, in full convocation, procured an order to be made that every clergyman of
a certain standing should procure a copy of them, read one
of the sermons contained in them every week, and make
notes of the principal matters.
the second son of Edward Buistrode of Hughley or Hedgley, near Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, and was born in 1588. 'In 1603 he became a commoner of St. John’s college,
, a lawyer of some note during the usurpation, was the second son of Edward Buistrode of Hughley or Hedgley, near Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, and was born in 1588. 'In 1603 he became a
commoner of St. John’s college, Oxford, but left it without
a degree, and removed to the Inner Temple, London,
where he studied law, under the patronage of sir James
Whitlock, whose learning Bulstrode celebrates in high
terms. After being called to the bar, he was in 8 Car. I.
Lent-reader, and taking part with the presbyterians in the
rebellion, was promoted to be one of the justices of North
Wales in 1649, by the interest of his nephew the celebrated Bulstrocle Whitlock. He was also an itinerant
justice, particularly at Warwick in 1653, in which county
he had an estate at Astley. He died at the Inner Temple,
of which he was a bencher, in April 1659, and was buried
in the Temple church. He published “A Golden Chain,
or Miscellany of divers sentences of the sacred scriptures,
and of other authors, &c.
” London, Reports of Cases in B. R.
regn. Jac. 1. & Car. I.
” which were first published in
, a learned French author, was born at Rouen in 1615, and succeeded his uncle, as king’s secretary,
, a learned French author, was born
at Rouen in 1615, and succeeded his uncle, as king’s secretary, which office he occupied for fourteen years, at
the end of which he withdrew to study and religious retirement among the Benedictines of St. Maur, with whom
he passed the remainder of his days. His principal works
were “An Essay on the monastic History of the East,
”
Abridgment of the History of
the Order of St. Benedict, as far as the tenth century,
”
Translation of the Dialogues of Gregory the Great,
” with notes, Treatise on the
precedence of the Kings of France over those of Spain,
” 1764,
4to. He died, dean of the king’s secretaries, in 1710.
, an elegant Latin scholar, was born at Toulouse in 1499, and studied at Paris, where he was
, an elegant Latin scholar, was born at Toulouse in 1499, and studied at Paris, where he was distinguished by his quick progress and promising talents. On his return to Toulouse, finding his family unable to maintain him, he went to Padua, where he was supported by Emilius Perrot. He was afterwards taken into the family of Lazarus de Baif, the French ambassador at Venice, by whose generosity he was not only maintained, but enabled to study the Greek tongue, and he afterwards studied Hebrew. George de Selve, bishop of Lavaur, who succeeded de Baif as ambassador, retained Bunel in his service, and when his embassy was finished, carried him with him to Levaur. Upon the death of that prelate, which happened in 1541, Bunel returned to Toulouse^ where he would have been reduced to the greatest indigence, had not messieurs de Faur, the patrons of virtue and science, extended their liberality to him unasked. One of these gentlemen appointed him tutor to his sons; but whilst he was making the tour of Italy with them, he was cut off at Turin by a fever, in 1546. Mr. Bayle says, that he was one of the politest writers of the Latin tongue in the sixteenth century; but though he was advantageously distinguished by the eloquence of his Ciceronian style, he was still more so by the strictness of his morals. The magistrates of his native town of Toulouse set up a marble statue to his memory in their town-house. He left som'e Latin epistles written with the utmost purity, which were first published by Charles Stevens in 1551, and afterwards by Henry Stevens in 1581. Another, but a more incorrect edition, was printed at Toulouse in 1687, with notes by Mr. Gravero, advocate of Nimes.
, descended from an ancient family in Yorkshire, was born at a house called the Vache, near Chalfont St. Giles’s,
, descended from an ancient family in Yorkshire, was born at a house called the Vache,
near Chalfont St. Giles’s, in Buckinghamshire, in 1540,
and when sixteen years old was sent to Oxford, and having
taken his bachelor’s degree, was elected probationer fellow of Magdalen college. He was at this time distinguished for his knowledge of logic and philosophy, and
soon after went to Staple’s Inn, and then to Gray’s Inn,
where he spent about two years in the study of the law,
which profession his father wished him to follow. His own
inclination, however, was for the study of divinity, which
displeased his father so much, that, to use his own words,
he “cast him off,
” although a man of piety himself, and
one that had fled for his religion in queen Mary’s days.
He returned accordingly to Oxford, and took his master’s
degree in 1564. In, the year following he was elected fellow of Merton college, an irregular act of the society,
which, however, Wood says was absolutely necessary, as
there was no person then in Merton college able to preach
any public sermon in the college turn; and not only there,
but throughout the university at large, there was a great
scarcity of theologists. In 1570 he was admitted to the
reading of the sentences, and about the same time became
chaplain to 'archbishop Grindall, who gave him a prebend
in that church, and the rectory of Bolton-Percy about six
miles distant. This rectory he held twenty-five years, and
then resigned it, but retained his prebend. In 1570 we
also find that he was subdean of York, which he resigned
in 1579. In 1585 he was collated, being then B. D. to a
prebend in Carlisle, and had likewise, although we know
not at what period, a prebend in St. Paul’s. It appears
that he preached and catechised very frequently, both in
Oxford and in many other places, travelling over a considerable part of the kingdom, and preaching wherever
there appeared a want of clergy. This zeal, his being a
Calvinist, and his preaching extempore, brought him under the imputation of being too forward and meddling,
against which he vindicated himself in “A Defence of his
labours in the work of the Ministry,
” written Jan. 20, 1602,
but circulated only in manuscript. He died at Cawood in
Yorkshire, Feb. 26 (on his monument, but 27 in archbishop Matthews’s ms diary) 1617, and was buried in
York cathedral. He published, 1. “The Sum of Christian
Religion,
” Lond. Abridgment of Calvin’s Institutions,
” from May’s translation, ibid. Sceptre of Judah,
” &c. ibid. The
Coronation of King David, &c.
” 4to, The Corner Stone, or a form of teaching Jesus Christ
out of the Scriptures,
” ibid.
, younger brother of the preceding, was born at Vache, May 8, 1543, came to Oxford in 1558, and after
, younger brother of the preceding,
was born at Vache, May 8, 1543, came to Oxford in 1558,
and after taking his bachelor’s degree, was chosen perpetual fellow of Magdalen college in 1562. He then took
his master’s degree, and entered into holy orders in 1567.
He was appointed chaplain to the earl of Bedford, and
leaving his fellowship in 1571, went to the north of England, where he became a frequent and popular preacher,
like his brother. In May 1572 he was inducted into a prebend of Durham; in 1573 he was made archdeacon of
Northumberland, and in 1578 he was presented to the rectory of Ryton in the bishopric of Durham, on which he
resigned his archdeaconry. He died April 16, 1617, a
few weeks after his brother, and wa’s buried in Ryton
church. Wood represents him as a zealous enemy of
popery, an admirer of Calvin, and a man of great charity.
His works are three tracts against cardinal Bellarmm and
popery; an “Exposition of Romans iii. 28, on Justification b) Faith,
” London, Plain and familiar exposition of the Ten Commandments,
” ibid.
, author of the justly-admired allegory of the “Pilgrim’s Progress,” was born at Elstow, near Bedford, 1628. His parents, though very
, author of the justly-admired allegory
of the “Pilgrim’s Progress,
” was born at Elstow, near
Bedford, Wilt thou leave thy sins and go to
heaven, or have thy sins and go to hell!
” This put him
into such a consternation, that he immediately left his
sport; and looking up to heaven, thought he saw the Lord
Jesus looking down upon him, as one highly displeased
with him, and threatening him with some grievous punishment for his ungodly practices. At another time, whilst
he was uttering many oaths, he was severely reproved by
a woman, who was herself a notorious sinner: she told
him he was the ugliest fellow for swearing that ever she
heard in all her life, and that he was able to spoil all the
youth of the town, if they came but into his company.
This reproof coming from a woman, whom he knew to be
very wicked, filled him with secret shame; and made him,
from that time, very much refrain from it. His father
brought him up to his own business, which was that of a
tinker. Being a soldier in the parliament army, at the
siege of Leicester, in 1645, he was drawn out to stand
sentinel; but another soldier of his company desired to
take his place, to which he agreed, and thus escaped being
shot by a musket-ball, which took off his comrade. About
1655 he was admitted a member of a baptist congregation
at Bedford, and soon after was chosen their preacher. In
1660, being convicted at the sessions of holding unlawful
assemblies and conventicles, he was sentenced to perpetual
banishment, and in the mean time committed to gaol, from
which he was discharged, after a confinement of twelve
years and an half, by the compassionate interposition of
Dr. Barlow, bishop of Lincoln. During his imprisonment,
his own hand ministered to his necessities, making many
an hundred gross of long-tagged thread laces, a trade which
he had learned since his confinement. At this time he
also wrote many of his tracts, particularly the “Pilgrim’s
Progress.
” Afterwards, being at liberty, he travelled into
several parts of England, to visit and confirm the brethren,
which procured him the epithet of Bishop Bunyan. When
the declaration of James II. for liberty of conscience was
published, he, by the contributions of his followers, built
a meeting-house in Bedford, and preached constantly to
a numerous audience. He died in London of a fever,
1688, aged sixty. He had by his wife four children, one
of whom, named Mary, was blind. This daughter, he
said, lay nearer his heart whilst he was in prison, than all
the rest; and that the thought of her enduring hardship
would be sometimes almost ready to break his heart, but
that God greatly supported him by these two texts of
scripture, “Leave the fatherless children, I will preserve
them alive; and let the widows trust in. me. The Lord
said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I
will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of
evil.
” Jer. xlix. 11. and chap. xv. 11. His works are collected in two volumes in folio, printed at London in 1736-7,
and reprinted in 1760, and often since in various forms.
The continuator of his life, in the second of those volumes,
tells us, that “he appeared in countenance to be of a
stern and rough temper, but in his conversation mild and
affable; not given to loquacity, or much discourse in company, unless some urgent occasion required it; observing
never to boast of himself or his parts, but rather seem low
in his own eyes, and submit himself to the judgment o
others; abhorring lying and swearing; being just in all
that lay in his power to his word; not seeking to revenge
injuries, loving to reconcile differences, and making friendship with all. He had a sharp quick eye; accompanied
with an excellent discerning of persons, being of good
judgment and quick wit. As for his person, he was tall of
stature, strong boned, though not corpulent: somewhat
of a ruddy face, with sparkling eyes, wearing, his hair oil
his upper lip, after the old British fashion; his hair reddish, but in his latter days time had sprinkled it with gray;
his nose well-set, but not declining or bending, and his
mouth moderately large; his forehead something high,
and his habit always plain and modest.
”
, an Italian historian, was born at Lucca in 1710, of a reputable family, and first embraced
, an Italian historian, was
born at Lucca in 1710, of a reputable family, and first embraced the ecclesiastical state. His studies being finished,
he went to Rome, and during a stay of some years in that
city, attracted the notice of the cardinal de Polignac, who
was desirous of gaining his attachment, but whom he refused, to accompany into France. Not meeting iif the
church with the advantages he had promised himself, he
gave it up, in order to bear arms in the service of the king
of the Two Sicilies, which, however, did not prevent his
devoting himself to the study of the belles-lettres. He
wrote in Latin the history of the war of Velletri in 1745,
between the Austrians and Neapolitans, in which he was
employed, under the title of “De rebus ad Velitras gestis
commentarius,
” Debello Italico commentarii,
” 4to,
in three books, for which he got the title of count to himself and his descendants. These two histories are much
esteemed for the correctness of the narration and the purity
of the Latinity, and have been several times reprinted.
The count de Buonamici also composed a treatise “De
scientia militari,
” but which has not hitherto been published. He died in 1761, at Lucca, the place of his nativity,
whither he was come for the benefit of his health. The
name of Castruccio being very famous in the history of
Lucca, he adopted it on his going into the Neapolitan service, instead of his baptismal name, which was FrancisJoseph-Mary. His work on the war in Italy was translated into English, and published in 1753 at London by
A. Wishart, M. A. under the title of “Commentaries of
the late war in Italy,
” 8vo.
, a most illustrious painter, sculptor, and architect, was born in the castle of Gaprese, in Tuscany, March 6, 1474, and
, a most illustrious
painter, sculptor, and architect, was born in the castle of
Gaprese, in Tuscany, March 6, 1474, and descended from
the noble family of the counts of Canossa. At the time of
his birth, his father, Lodovico di Leonardo Buonarroti Sinione, was podesta, or governor of Caprese and Chiusi,
and as he had not risen above the superstitious belief in
astrological predictions, so common in that age, he was
probably pleased to hear that “his chikl would be a very
extraordinary genius.
” His biographers indeed go so far
as to tell us of a prediction, that he would excel in painting, sculpture, and architecture. When of a proper age,
Michel Angelo was sent to a grammar-school at Florence,
where, whatever progress he might make in his books, he
contracted a fondness for drawing, which at first alarmed
the pride of his family, but his father at length perceiving
that it was hopeless to give his mind any other direction,
placed him under Domenico Ghirlanda‘io, the most eminent
painter at that time in Florence, and one of the most celebrated in Italy. He was accordingly articled for three
years to Ghirlanda’io, from April 1488, but is said to have
reaped no benefit from his instructions, as his master soon
became jealous of his talents. He rapidly, however, surpassed his contemporary students, by the force of his genius, and his study of nature; and adopted a style of drawing and design more bold and daring than Ghirlandaio had
been accustomed to see practised in his school; and, from
an anecdote Vasari tells, it would seem Michel Angelo
soon felt himself even superior to his master. One of the
pupils copying a female portrait from a drawing by Ghirlandu'io, he took a pen and made a strong outline round it
on the same paper, to shew him its defects; and the superior style of the contour was as much admired as the act
was considered confident and presumptuous. His great
facility in copying with accuracy whatever objects were
before him sometimes forced a compliment even from
Ghirlandaio himself.
uthors differ concerning his country and the time of his birth. The opinion most followed is that he was born at Florence about 1380. As to the epocha of his death,
, an Italian poet, was better known under this name than by that of Dominico, which was his true one. Authors differ concerning his country and the time of his birth. The opinion most followed is that he was born at Florence about 1380. As to the epocha of his death, it seems more certain: he died at Rome in 1448. This poet was a barber at Florence, and his shop the common rendezvous of all the literati of that town. His poems, which mostly consist of sonnets, and often very freely written, are of the comic and burlesque species; but so truly original, that some poets who came after him have endeavoured to imitate him by composing verses alia Burcbiellesca. They are however full of obscurities and aenigmas. Some writers have taken the pains to make comments on them, and, among others, le Doni; but the commentary is scarcely less obscure than the text. Burchiello nevertheless holds a distinguished place among the Italian poets of the satirical class. He may be censurable for not having had sufficient respect for good manners; but the licence of this poetical barber was much in the general taste of the times. The best editions of his poems are those of Florence, 1552 and 1568, 3vo. His sonnets were printed for the first time at Venice, 1475, 4to.
elebrity in his own country, and known in this by several translations of one of his terrific tales, was born in 1748, at Wolmerswende, in the principality of Halberstadt.
, a German poet of
considerable celebrity in his own country, and known in
this by several translations of one of his terrific tales, was
born in 1748, at Wolmerswende, in the principality of Halberstadt. His father was a Lutheran minister, and appears
to have given him a pious domestic education; but to school
or university studies young Burger had an insuperable
aversion, and much of his life was consumed in idleness
and dissipation, varied by some occasional starts of industry, which produced his poetical miscellanies, principally ballads, that soon became very popular from the
simplicity of the composition. In the choice of his subjects, likewise, which were legendary tales and traditions,
wild, terrific, and grossly improbable, he had the felicity
to hit the taste of his countrymen. His attention was also
directed to Shakspeare and our old English ballads, and
he translated many of the latter into German with considerable effect. His chief employment, or that from which he
derived most emolument, was in writing for the German
Almanack of the Muses, and afterwards the German Musaeum. In 1787 he lectured on the critical philosophy of
Kant, and in 1789 was appointed professor of belles-lettres
in the university of Gottingen. He married three wives,
the second the sister of the first, and the third a lady who
courted him in poetry, but from whom, after three years
cohabitation, he obtained a divorce. Her misconduct is
said to have contributed to shorten his days. He died in
June 1794. His works were collected and published by
Reinhard, in 1798—99, 4 vols. 8vo, with a life, in which
there is little of personal history that can be read with
pleasure. Immorality seems to have accompanied him the
greater part of his course, but he was undoubtedly a man
of genius, although seldom under the controul of judgment. His celebrated ballad of “Leonora
” was translated
into English in
a wit himself, and “the cause of wit in other men,” particularly dean Swift and his contemporaries, was born in 1645 at Staines in Middlesex, where his father then
, a dissenting divine of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, a wit himself, and “the
cause of wit in other men,
” particularly dean Swift and
his contemporaries, was born in 1645 at Staines in Middlesex, where his father then was minister, but was afterwards, at the restoration, ejected for nonconformity from
the living of Collingbourne Ducis, in Wiltshire. Daniel
was educated at Westminster school, and in 1660 went to
Magdalen-hall, Oxford, but having some scruples of the
nonconformist stamp, he left the university without a
degree. It would appear, however, that he had taken orders, as we are told that immediately after he was invited
to be chaplain to a gentleman of Chute in Wiltshire, and
afterwards to a Mr. Smith of Tedworth, where he was
tutor to that gentleman’s son. In 1667, the earl of Orrery,
lord president of Munster, took Mr. Burgess over to Ireland, and appointed him master of a school which he had
established at Charleville for the purpose of strengthening
the protestant interest in that kingdom, and Mr. Burgess,
while here, superintended the education of the sons of
some of the Irish nobility and gentry. After leaving this
school, he was chaplain to lady Mervin, near Dublin; but
about this time, we are told, he was ordained in Dublin as
a presbyterian minister, and married a Mrs. Briscoe in that
city, by whom he had a son and two daughters.
, a moral and political writer, was born at Madderty, in Perthshire, Scotland, in the latter end
, a moral and political writer, was born at Madderty, in Perthshire, Scotland, in the latter end of the year 1714. His father was minister of that parish, and his mother was aunt to the celebrated historian Dr. Robertson. His grammatical education he received at the school of the place which gave him birth, where he discovered such a quickness and facility in imbibing literary instruction, that his master used to say, that his scholar would soon acquire all the knowledge that it was in his power to communicate. In due time young Burgh was removed to the University of St. Andrew’s, with a view of becoming a clergyman in the church of Scotland; but he did not continue long at the college, on account of a bad state of health, which induced him to lay aside the thoughts of the clerical profession, and enter into trade, in the linen, way; which he was enabled to do with the greater prospect of advantage, as he had lately obtained a handsome fortune by the death of his eldest brother. In business, however, he was not at all successful; for, by giving injudicious credit, he was soon deprived of his property. Not long after this misfortune, he came to London, where his first employment was to correct the press for the celebrated Mr. Bowyer; and at his leisure hours he made indexes. After being engaged about a year in this way, during which, he became acquainted with some friends who were highly serviceable to him in his future plans of life, he removed to Great Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, as an assistant at the free grammar-school of that town; and whilst he continued in this situation, the school is said to have been considerably increased. During his residence at Marlow, he met with only one gentleman who was suited to his own turn of mind. With that gentleman, who was a man of piety, and of extensive reading in divinity, though no classicai scholar, he contracted a particular friendship. At Marlow it was that Mr. Burgh first commenced author, by writing a pamphlet, entitled Britain’s Remembrancer," and which was published, if we mistake not, a little after the beginning of the rebellion, in 1745. This tract contained an enumeration of the national blessings and deliverances which Great Britain had received; with pathetic exhortations to a right improvement of them, by a suitable course of piety and virtue. It appeared without Mr. Burgh’s name, as was the case with his works in general, and was so much read and applauded by persons of a religious temper, that it went through five editions in little more than two years, was reprinted in Scotland, Ireland, and America, and again in London 1766. Mr. Barker, at that time one of the most eminent ministers among the protestant dissenters in London, spoke highly of it, in a sermon preaghed at Salters’-hall and publicly thanked the unknown author, for so seasonable and useful a performance.
, was born at Rheims in 1691, and was member of the academy of be
, was born at Rheims in 1691,
and was member of the academy of belles-lettres at Paris,
He died in that city Oct. 8, 1785, at the age of ninetyfour, at that time the father of French literature, and
perhaps the oldest author in Europe. His great tranquillity of mind, and the gentleness of his disposition,
procured him the enjoyment of a long and pleasant old
age. In his youth he passed some time in Holland, and
was a writer in the Journal de l'Europe. On his return he
was much caressed by the learned, and in his latter days
had a pension of 2000 livres granted, without any application, by the last king of France. At ninety-two his
health was robust, his memory extensive, and he composed
and wrote with facility. His works are, 1. “A treatise on
the Authority of the Popes,
” History of the Pagan Philosophy,
” The*ologie pa'ienne.
” 3. “General History of Sicily,
” Porphyry on Abstinence from Meats,
”
History of the Revolutions of Constantinople,
” 3 vols. 12mo, 1750. 6. “Life of Grotius,
” Life of Erasmus,
” 1761, 12mo. 9.
” Life of cardinal
du Perron," 1768, 12mo. The historical works of M. de
Burigny are esteemed for the accuracy and abundance of
the facts they contain. But he is a cold narrator; has but
little force and expression in his portraits, and is sometimes rather prolix in his details. His Life of Grotius is a
very valuable work, and was published in English in 1754,
8vo. For that of Erasmus, Dr. Jortin may be consulted.
Mr. Burke’s biographers are not agreed as to his birthplace. Some say he was born in the city of Dublin; others, in a little town in the
Mr. Burke’s biographers are not agreed as to his birthplace. Some say he was born in the city of Dublin; others, in a little town in the county of Cork; but all are agreed in the date, Jan. 1, 1730. His father was an attorney of considerable practice, who had married into the ancient and respectable family of the Nagles, and besides the results of his practice, possessed a small estate of 150l. or 200l. a year. Edmund was his second son, and at a veryearly age, was sent to Balytore school; a seminary in the North of Ireland, well known for having furnished the bar and the pulpit of Ireland with many eminent characters. This school has been kept by quakers for near a century; and the son of Mr. Abraham Shackleton, to whom Mr. Burke was a pupil, has been for these many years past the head-master. It has been creditable to both parties (viz. the present preceptor and the quondam pupil of his father), that the strictest friendship has always subsisted between them; not only by a constant correspondence, but by occasional visits. At this school young Burke soon distinguished himself by an ardent attachment to study, a prompt command of words, and a good taste. His memory unfolded itself very early, and he soon became distinguished as (what was called) the best capper of verses in the school; but as this phrase is not so generally known in England as in Ireland, it may be necessary to explain it: What is called capping of verses is repeating any one line out of the classics, and following it up by another, beginning with the same letter with which the former line ended; for instance,
mentator on the New Testament, the son of the rev. Miles Burkitt, who was ejected for nonconformity, was born at Hitcharn, in Northamptonshire, July 25, 1650. He was
, a celebrated commentator on the New Testament, the son of the rev. Miles Burkitt, who was ejected for nonconformity, was born at Hitcharn, in Northamptonshire, July 25, 1650. He was sent first to a school at Stow Market, and from thence to another at Cambridge. After his recovery from the small pox, which he caught there a he was admitted of Pembroke-hall, at the age of no more than fourteen years; and upon his removal from the university, when he had taken his degree, he became a chaplain in a private gentleman’s family, where he continued some years. He entered young upon the ministry, being ordained by bishop Reynolds; and the first employment which he had was at Milden, in Suffolk, where he continued twenty-one years a constant preacher (in a plain, practical, and affectionate manner), first as curate, and afterwards as rector of that church. In 1692 he was promoted to the vicarage of Dedham, in Essex, where he continued to the time of his death, which happened in the latter end of October, 1703. He was a pious ancT charitable man. He made great collections for the French Protestants in the years 1687, &c. and by his great care, pains, and charges, procured a worthy minister to go and settle in Carolina. Among other charities, he bequeathed by his last will and testament the house wherein he lived, with the lands thereunto belonging, to be an habitation for the lecturer that should be chosen from time to time to preach the lecture at Dedham. He wrote some books, and among the rest a Commentary upon the New Testament, in the same plain, practical, and affectionate manner in which he preached. This has often been reprinted in folio, and lately with some alterations and improvements, by the rev. Dr. Glasse. Mr. Burkitt’s other works are small pious tracts for the use of his parishioners.
e Protestant religion, were obliged, about two centuries and a half since, to take refuge in Geneva, was born at Geneva in 1694, where he became honorary professor of
, an eminent civilian,
descended from one of those noble families of Lucca,
which, upon their embracing the Protestant religion, were
obliged, about two centuries and a half since, to take refuge in Geneva, was born at Geneva in 1694, where he
became honorary professor of jurisprudence in 1720.
After travelling into France, Holland, and England, he
commenced the exercise of his -functions, and rendered
his school famous and flourishing. One of his pupils was
prince Frederic of Hesse-Cassel, who, in 1734, took him
to his residence, and detained him there for some time.
Upon his return to Geneva, he surrendered his professorship; and in 1740 entered into the grand council, and,
as a member of this illustrious body, he continued to serve
his fellow-citizens till his death, in 1750. As a writer,
he was distinguished less by his originality than by his
clear and accurate method of detailing and illustrating the
principles of others; among whom, are Grotius, PufTendorf, and Barbeyrac. His works are: “Principles of
Natural Law, 77 Geneva, 1747, 4to, often reprinted, translated into various languages, and long used as a text-book
in the university of Cambridge; and
” Political Law,“Geneva, 1751, 4to, a posthumous work, compiled from
the notes of his pupils, which was translated into English
by Dr. Nugent, 1752, 8vo. His
” Principles of Natural
Law“were re-published in the original by Professor de
Felice, Yverdun, 1766, 2 vols. with additions and improvements. Another posthumous work of our author,
was his
” Elemens du Droit Naturel," being his text-book
on the Law of Nature, and admirable for perspicuity and
happy arrangement. Burlamaqui was much esteemed in
private life, and respected as a lover of the fine arts, and
a patron of artists. He had a valuable collection of pictures and prints; and a medal of him was executed by
Dassier, in a style of superior excellency.
fessor of divinity at Utrecht, was the son of Peter Burman, a Protestant minister at Frankendal, and was born at Leyden in 1632, where he pursued his studies. At the
, the first upon record of a very
learned family, and professor of divinity at Utrecht, was
the son of Peter Burman, a Protestant minister at Frankendal, and was born at Leyden in 1632, where he pursued his studies. At the age of twenty-three he was
invited by the Dutch congregation at Hanau, in Germany,
to be their pastor, and thence he was recalled to Leyden,
and chosen regent of the college in which he had been
educated. Before he had been here a year, his high reputation occasioned his removal to Utrecht, where he was
appointed professor of divinity, and one of the preachers;
Here he acquired additional fame by his learning, and the
flourishing state to which he advanced the university. He
was reckoned an excellent philosopher, an eminent scholar
in the learned languages, and a good preacher. He died
Nov. 10, 1679. His principal works are Commentaries on
some of the books of the Old Testament, in Dutch,
besides which he wrote in Latin: 1. “An Abridgment of
Divinity,
” Utrecht, De Moralitate Sabbati,
” Narratio de controversiis
nuperius in academia Ultrajectina motis, &c.
” Utrecht,
Exercitationes Academic^,
” Rotterdam,
Tractatus de Passione Christi,
”
Academical discourses,
” published
by Grasvius, with some account of the author, Utrecht,
1700, 4to, and the same year they were translated and
printed in Dutch.
, one of the sons of the preceding, was born at Utrecht, in 1671, studied polite literature under Graevius,
, one of the sons of the preceding,
was born at Utrecht, in 1671, studied polite literature
under Graevius, and afterwards went to the university of
Leyden, where he entered upon his philosophical, mathematical, and divinity course. After he had finished his
academical studies, he was chosen pastor of the church of
Condom, in Frieseland, and three years after, in 1698,
was invited to that of the Brille. In 1702 he accompanied,
as minister, a deputation of his countrymen to England.
On his return he preached at Enchuysen, and at Amsterdam, where he remained ten years. In 1715 he was appointed divinity-professor at Utrecht, where he died in
1719, leaving by his wife, Elizabeth Thierrens, four sons,
the eldest of whom, John, became in 1738 professor of
botany at Amsterdam; the second, Francis, was minister
at Nimeguen; the third, Abraham, a merchant at Amsterdam; a.nd Peter, the fourth, professor of humanity at
Franeker. His works are: 1. “Burmannorum pietas,
gratissimae beati parentis memoriae communi nomine ex^
hibita,
” with some letters of Burman and Limborg, UtrechtA defence of his father,
” in Dutch,
Francis Burman, whose life* we have given above, and was celebrated for philosophical knowledge. He was born at Amsterdam in 1713, and educated principally by his uncle,
, called the second, or the younger,
was son to Francis Burman and nephew to the first Francis
Burman, whose life* we have given above, and was celebrated for philosophical knowledge. He was born at Amsterdam in 1713, and educated principally by his uncle,
He rose to the offices of professor of history and eloquence
atFraneker; and in 1742 removed to Amsterdam, where
he died June 24, 1778, of an apoplexy. A year before, he
had resigned his professorship, and had retired to a country
house between Leyden and the Hague. He published
editions, 1. of “Aristophanes,
” properly Bergler^s edition,
but under the care of Burman, Leyden, 1760, 2 vols. 4to,
2. “Claudian,
” Amst. Anthologia,
” of
the Latin poets, Amst. Propertius,
”
Utrecht, Poematum Libri Quatuor,
” Leyden,
, an eminent law-writer, was born at Winton in Westmoreland some time about the beginning
, an eminent law-writer, was born at
Winton in Westmoreland some time about the beginning
of the last century; he was educated at Queen’s college,
Oxford, which university conferred on him March 22. 1762,
the honorary degree of LL. D. He died at Orton, of
which place he had been vicar forty-nine years, Novembet 20, 1785. He was one of his majesty’s justices of the
peace for the counties of Westmorland and Cumberland,
and was made by bishop Lyttelton chancellor of the diocese
of Carlisle. In 1755, he first published his “Justice of
Peace and Parish Officer, upon a plan entirely new, and
comprehending all the law to the present time, 57 2 vols.
8vo, reprinted in the same form in 1756, and in the same
year in folio, in 1757, 3 vols. 8vo, &c. The fourteenth
edition was enlarged to 4 vols. 8vo, in which form it has
passed, with gradual amendments and improvements,
through various editions; the last of which is the twentyfirst. In 1760 he published his
” Ecclesiastical Law,“2
vols. 4to, which afterwards was reprinted in 4 vols. 8vo.
Both works were strongly recommended by Judge Blackstone, and both are extraordinary examples of unrivalled
popularity and permanence. In 1764 he wrote
” A History of the Poor Laws,“8vo, and in 1776
” Observations
on the Bill proposed in parliament for erecting County
Workhouses.“He likewise published
” The History and
Antiquity of the two counties of Westmoreland and Cumberland, " in conjunction with Joseph Nicolson, esq. nephew to the bishop of Carlisle, 1771, 2 vols. 4to, in which
work he has given the above brief notices of himself.
, D. D. archdeacon of Leicester and vicar of Greenwich, was born in 1732, at Asfordby in Leicestershire, of which place
, D. D. archdeacon of Leicester
and vicar of Greenwich, was born in 1732, at Asfordby in
Leicestershire, of which place his father, grandfather,
and great grandfather, were in succession patrons and
rectors, as his youngest brother is at this time. He was
elected into Westminster college in 1748, but removed
from that school, and was entered of Queen’s college,
Cambridge, where he took his bachelor’s degree in 1754,
and his master’s in 1757. After having travelled through
the middle settlements in North America in 1759 and 1760,
Dr. Burnaby was appointed chaplain to the British factory
at Leghorn, were he resided five years; in occasional excursions visited Corsica, and almost every part of Italy;
and during the last of those years (sir John Dick having obtained his majesty’s leave to return to England for his private concerns) had the honour to do the consular business, by the appointment of government, under the denomination of proconsul. In 1769 he was presented to the
vicarage of Greenwich; and in 1786 the archdeaconry of
Leicester was conferred on him by bishop Thurlow, without the least expectation or solicitation on his part; both
which preferments he enjoyed till his death, March 9, 1812.
His widow, the heiress of John Edwyn, esq. of Bagrave in
Leicestershire, died on the 16th of the same month, aged
seventy-six. Dr. Burnaby was distinguished by the purest
integrity and benevolence of heart, the most unaffected
urbanity of manners, and a lively and ardent zeal for his
profession. His principal works were, 1. “Travels through
the middle settlements in North America in the years 1759
and 1760, with observations upon the state of the colonies,
”
A Journal of a Tour to Corsica in the year 1766, with a
series of original letters from general Paoli to the author,
referring to the principal events which have taken place in
that island from the year 1769 to 1302, with explanatory
notes,
”
, the celebrated bishop of Salisbury, was born at Edinburgh, Sept. 18, 1643. His father was the younger
, the celebrated bishop of Salisbury, was born at Edinburgh, Sept. 18, 1643. His father was the younger brother of an ancient family in the county of Aberdeen, and was bred to the civil law, which he studied for seven years in France. His excessive modesty so far depressed his abilities, that he never made a shining figure at the bar, though he was universally esteemed to be a man of judgment and knowledge in his profession. He was remarkably generous in his practice, never taking a fee from the poor, nor from a clergyman, when he sued in the right of his church; and bestowing great part of his profits in acts of charity and friendship. In 1637, when the troubles in Scotland were breaking out, he was so disgusted at the conduct of the governing bishops there, whom he censured with great freedom, and was, at the same time, so remarkable for his strict and exemplary life, that he was generally called a Puritan. But when he saw, that instead of reforming abuses in the episcopal order, the order itself was struck at, he adhered to it with great zeal and constancy, as he did to the rights of the crown, not once complying with that party which afterwards prevailed in both nations. For though he agreed with Barclay and Grotius (with the latter of whom he had been intimately acquainted) as to their notions of resistance where the laws are broken through by a limited sovereign, yet he did not think that was then the case in Scotland. He married the sister of the famous sir Archibald Johnstoun, called lord Warristoun; who, during the civil wars, was at the head of the presbyterian party, and so zealously attached to that interest, that neither friendship nor alliance could dispose him to shew favour to those who refused the solemn Jeague and covenant. Our author’s father, persisting in this refusal, was obliged, at three several times, to quit the kingdom; and, when his return was afterwards connived at, as his principles would not permit him to renew the practice of the law, much less to accept the preferments in it offered him by Oliver Cromwell, he retired to his own estate in the country, where he lived till the restoration, when he was made one of the lords of the session by the title of lord Cramond. His wife, our author’s mother, was very eminent for her piety and virtue, and a warm zealot for the presbyterian discipline, in which way she had been very strictly educated.
enth century, was descended from the ancient family of the Burnetts of Leys, in Kincardineshire, and was born at the family seat of Monboddo, in October or November,
, lord Monboddo, a learned writer of the eighteenth century, was descended from the ancient family of the Burnetts of Leys, in Kincardineshire, and was born at the family seat of Monboddo, in October or November, 1714. He was first educated at the parish school of Laurencekirk, whence he went to King’s college, Aberdeen, and after the usual courses there, studied civil law at Groningen. On his return in 1738, he was admitted to the Scotch bar, where he acquired considerable practice. During the rebellion in 1745, when the administration of justice was interrupted, he went to London, where he became acquainted with some of the literati of the time, particularly Mallet, Thomson, and Armstrong. These visits he often repeated, and enlarged his acquaintance and correspondence with the succeeding generations of learned men, most of whom he survived. During his practice at the Scotch bar, he was particularly distinguished for the part he took in the celebrated Douglas cause, and was eminently instrumental in assisting the family of Douglas, in the prosecution of a suit which was finally determined in their favour. On the death of his relation lord Milton, in 1767, he was promoted to the bench by the title of lord Monboddo, which political intrigue delayed for some time.
, a most ingenious and learned writer, was born at Croft, in Yorkshire, about the year 1635. His first
, a most ingenious and learned
writer, was born at Croft, in Yorkshire, about the year
1635. His first education was at the free-school of North-Alverton, in that county, from whence he was removed in
June 1651, to Clare-hall in Cambridge, where he had
Dr. Tillotson for his tutor. Dr. Cud worth was at that time
master of Clare-hall, but removed from it to the mastership
of Christ’s college, in 1654; and thither our author followed him. Under his patronage he was chosen fellow in
1657, commenced M. A. in 1658, and became senior
proctor of the university in 1661; but it is uncertain how
long after ward she continued his residence there. He was
afterwards governor to the young earl of Wiltshire, son of
the marquis of Winchester, with whom he travelled abroad ^
and gave such satisfaction, that, soon after his return to
England, he was invited and prevailed on by the first duke
of Ormond, to travel in the same capacity with the young
earl of Ossory, his grace’s grandson and heir-apparent.
These honourable connections introduced him into what
may properly be called the world: in which he afterwards
confirmed the reputation he already had for talents ad
learning, by the publication of his “Telluris theoria sacra,
orbis nostri originem & mutationes generales, quas olim
subiit et subiturus est, complectens.
” This Sacred Theory
of the Earth was originally published in Latin, in 2 vols.
4to, the two first books concerning the deluge, and paradise, 1681; the two last, concerning the burning of the
world, and the new heavens and new earth, in 1689. The
uncommon approbation this work met with, and the particular encouragement of Charles II. who relished its
beauties, induced the author to translate it into English.
Of this translation he published the two first books in 1684,
folio, with an elegant dedication to the king; and the two
last in 1689, with a no less elegant dedication to queen
Mary. “The English edition,
” he tells us, “is the same in
substance with the Latin, though, he confesses, not so
properly a translation, as a new composition upon the
same ground, there being several additional chapters in it,
and several new moulded.
”
, an eminent modern poet of Scotland, was born on the 29th day of January, 1759, in a small house about
, an eminent modern poet of Scotland, was born on the 29th day of January, 1759, in a small house about two miles from the town of Ayr, in Scotland. His father, William, after various attempts to gain a livelihood, took a lease of seven acres of land, with a view of commencing nurseryman and public gardener; and having built a house upon it with his own hands, he married, December 1757, Agnes Brown. The first fruit of his marriage was Robert, who in his sixth year was sent to a school at Alloway Miln, about a mile distant from his father’s house, where he made considerable proficiency in reading and writing, and where he discovered an inclination for books not very common at so early an age. With these, however, he appears at that time to have been rather scantily supplied; but what he could obtain he read with avidity and improvement. About the age of thirteen, or fourteen, he was sent to the parish school of Dalrymple, where he increased his acquaintance with English gramroar, and gained some knowledge of the French language. Latin was also recommended to him; but he was not induced to make any great progress in it. In the intervals from these studies, he was employed on his father’s farm, which, in spite of much industry, became so unproductive as to involve the family in great distress. This early portion of affliction is said to have been, in a great measure, the cause of that depression of spirits of which our poet often complained, and during which his sufferings appear to have been very acute. His father having taken another farm, the speculation was yet more fatal, and involved his affairs in complete ruin. He died Feb. 13, 1784.
, a puritan divine, was born in 1599, and educated at Cambridge, but was obliged to
, a puritan divine, was
born in 1599, and educated at Cambridge, but was obliged
to quit that university for nonconformity. He sheltered
himself for some time under the hospitable roof of the earl
of Warwick, and afterwards retired to Holland, where he
was chosen minister of an English congregation at Rotterdam. In 1642 he returned to England, and became
preacher of two of the largest and most numerous congregations in London, Stepney and Cripplegate. It was not
his object to spread sedition, but peace, for which he earnestly laboured. His “Irenicum
” was one of the last
subjects upon which he preached. He was a man of learning, candour, and modesty, and of irreproachable life. A
considerable number of his writings are in print, many of
Vhich were published after his death, which happened November 14, 1646. When the assembly of divines reformed
the church by placing that of Scotland in lieu of that of
England, Mr. Burroughes was a dissenter from their decrees, and lamented that after all the mischiefs of rebellion
and revolution, men were not allowed to have liberty of
conscience any more than before. These divisions are
said to have shortened his days. Baxter used to say that
if all presbyterians had been like Mr. Marshall, and all independents like Mr. Burroughes, their differences might
easily have been compromised. Such men, however, in
those distracted times were the “rari nantes in gurgite
vasto.
” We have before us a list of twelve quartos, and
four octavos, mostly published from his Mss. after his
death, among which is an “Exposition on Hosea,
” 3 vols.
but none of them seem, to have attained any great degree
of popularity.
, was born at Birsall in Yorkshire, about 1579; and educated at St.
, was born at Birsall in Yorkshire, about 1579; and educated at St. John’s college in Cambridge, where he took both his degrees in arts. He was afterwards incorporated M. A. at Oxford, and took the degree of B. D. He first was tutor to the sons of lord Carey of Lepington (created in 1625 earl of Monmouth), and afterwards, probably by his lordship’s interest, clerk of the closet to prince Henry; and after his death to prince Charles, whom he was appointed to attend into Spain in 1623; but, for reasons unknown, was set aside after part of his goods were shipped, and upon that prince' succession to the crown was removed from being his clerk of the closet. Burton, highly disgusted at this treatment, took every opportunity of expressing his resentment, particularly by railing against the bishops.
, a learned divine, was born in 1696 at Wemb worth in Devonshire, of which parish his
, a learned divine, was born in 1696
at Wemb worth in Devonshire, of which parish his father
wag rector. The first part of his grammatical education
he received at Okehampton, and the remainder at Ely,
under the rev. Sam. Bentham, his first cousin by the mother’s side. Such were the proofs which young Burton
afforded at school of his capacity, diligence, and worthy
dispositions, that the learned Dr. Ashton, master of Jesuscollege, Cambridge, designed to have him admitted into
his own college. But in the mean time, Dr. Turner, president of Corpus-Christi college, Oxford, having made an
accidental trial of Mr. Burton’s literary improvements, procured him a scholarship in that college in 1713, when he
was 17 years of age. Here he made so distinguished a
progress, that Dr. Mather, the president, appointed him
to the important office of tutor, when he was only B. A.
Soon after, the college conferred upon him the honour of
reading the Greek lecture. During the whole course of
his studies, he recommended himself both to the affection
of his equals and the esteem of his superiors. Dr. Potter,
in particular, at that time bishop of Oxford, conceived a
great regard for him. March 24, 1720, Mr. Burton was
admitted to the degree of M. A. In the exercise of his
duty as a tutor, no one could exceed him in attention,
diligence, and a zealous concern for the improvement of
his pupils. As he was himself unacquainted with mathematics, and ignorant of the Hebrew tongue, he took effectual care that the young men under his tuition should be
well instructed in these points. With regard to those of
his pupils who were upon charitable foundations, he was
solicitous that the acquisition of knowledge should be rendered as cheap to them as possible; and was so disinterested and beneficent in the whole of his conduct, that,
after having discharged the office of a tutor almost fifteen
years, he was scarcely possessed of 50l. when he quitted
the university. In revising, correcting, and improving
the exercises of the students, Mr. Burton displayed surprising patience and indefatigable diligence; and there
are still extant his themes, declamations, orations, and
poems of every kind, which he composed for the use of
his own pupils, and even of others. His attention was
also laudably and liberally directed to the restoration of
the credit of the university press, and to enable editors to
carry on their literary undertakings with diminished expence. With this view, he often prevailed upon Dr. Mather, Dr. Holmes, and other vice-chancellors, to order
new types; and, by the assistance of some noble friends,
he was so strenuous in behalf of the learned Hutchinson,
the editor of Xenophon, that no editors since that time
have had any delay or difficulty in obtaining the exemption from the duty on paper, which has been granted by
parliament to books printed at the Clarendon press. It was
also by Mr. Burton’s persuasion, that Mr. (afterwards lord)
Rolle gave WOl. to the university, for the purpose of lending it to editors; and that Dr. Hodges, provost of Orielcollege, bequeathed 200l. to the same use. In 1725,
when our learned tutor was pro-proctor and master of the
schools, he spoke, before the determining bachelors, a
Latin oration, entitled “Heli,
” which was both written
and published with a design of enforcing the salutary exercise of academical discipline. The same subject was still
more fully considered by him in four Latin sermons,
preached before the university; which, likewise, with appendices, were afterwards given to the public. Indeed,
the labour that Mr. Burton, during two years, cheerfully
went through, as master of the schools, was immense.
July 19, 1729, Mr. Burton was admitted to the degree of
B. D.; and in 1732, when the settlement of the colony of
Georgia was in agitation, being solicitous to give his assistance in promoting that undertaking, he preached a sermon
in its recommendation; and his discourse was afterwards
published, with an appendix concerning the state of the
colony. He was likewise, through his whole life, an ardent promoter of Dr. Bray’s admirable scheme of parochial
libraries.
, M.D. and F. R. S. and F. S.A. an eminent antiquary, of whom our accounts are very scanty, was born at Rjppon in Yorkshire 1697, and educated hi Christ church
, M.D. and F. R. S. and F. S.A. an
eminent antiquary, of whom our accounts are very scanty,
was born at Rjppon in Yorkshire 1697, and educated hi
Christ church college in Oxford for some time, but took
his degree in some foreign university; and on his settling
at York, became very eminent in his profession. In 1745
it is said that he proposed joining himself to the pretender,
then at Manchester; but that his friends had interest sufficient to dissuade him from a measure which must have terminated in his ruin. His conduct, therefore, appears to
have unjustly exposed him to censure, if his own account
may be relied on, to this purpose, that “going out of
York, with leave of the mayor, &c. to take care of his estates, on the approach of the rebels, he was taken by
them, and in consequence of that was apprehended Dec. 3,
1745, and detained till March 25, 1746—7.
” This is explained in “British liberty endangered, demonstrated by
the following narrative, wherein is proved from facts, that
J. B. has hitherto been a better friend to the English constitution, in church and state, than his persecutors. Humbly dedicated to the most reverend and worthy the archbishop of Canterbury, late of York (Herring). With a
proper preface, by John Burton, of York, M. D.
” London,
3 749. There was afterwards published “An account of
what passed between Mr. George Thomson of York, and
doctor John Burton of that city, physician and manmidwife, at Mr. sheriff Jubb’s entertainment, and the consequences thereon, by Mr. George Thomson,
” London,
A Treatise on the Non-naturals, in which the
great influence they have on human bodies is set forth, and
mechanically accounted for. To which is subjoined, a
short Essay on the Chin-Cough, with a new method of
treating that obstinate distemper,
” York, 1738, 8vo. In
the title of this work, he calls himself “M. B. Cant, and
M. D. Rhem.
” by which it would appear that his bachelor’s
was a Lambeth degree, and that he graduated as doctor at
Rheims. In 1751, he published “An Essay towards a
complete new system of Midwifery,
” 8vo, and in A Letter to William Smellie, M. D. containing critical
and practical remarks upon his Treatise on the theory and
practice of Midwifery,
” 8vo. But the work by which he is
principally known, and for which he was employed in
making collections during his latter years, was, his “Monasticon Eboracense; and the Ecclesiastical History of Yorkshire, &c.
” the first volume of which was published in
oly,” the younger brother of William Burton, the antiquary, the subject of the next article but one, was born at Lindley, Feb. 8, 1576, and had his grammatical education
, author of the “Anatomy of Melancholy,
” the younger brother of William Burton, the
antiquary, the subject of the next article but one, was born
at Lindley, Feb. 8, 1576, and had his grammatical education
at Sutton-Colfield; after which, in 1593, he was admitted
a commoner of Brazen-nose college, and elected a student
of Christ church, in 1599, under the tuition (though only for form’s sake) of Dr. John Bancroft, afterwards bishop of
Oxford. He took the degree of B. D. in 16 14, and was
in that year admitted to the reading of the sentences. In
1616, the dean and chapter of Christ church presented
him to the Vicarage of St. Thomas in Oxford, in which
parish he always gave the sacrament in wafers; and George
lord Berkeley bestowed upon him the rectory of Segrave
in Leicestershire. Both these preferments he held till his
decease, which happened at Christ church, January 25,
1639—4O. He was a curious calculator of nativities, and
among others, of his own; and the time of his death answering exactly to his own predictions, it was whispered in the
college, that (to use Anthony Wood’s language), rather
than there should be any mistake in the calculation, he
sent up his soul to heaven through a slip about his neck; but
for this insinuation there appears little foundation. He was
a general scholar and severe student, of a melancholy yet
humourous disposition, and appears to have been a man of
extensive learning, which his memory enabled him to produce upon every subject. In his moral character, he was a
man of great integrity, plain-dealing, and chanty. He
was principally known as the author of a very celebrated
and popular work, entitled “The Anatomy of Melancholy,
”
published first in quarto, and which afterwards went through
several editions in folio, so that the bookseller acquired an
estate by it. This book was compiled by our learned writer
with a view of relieving his own melancholy; but it encreased to such a degree, that nothing could divert him
but going to the bridge foot, and hearing the ribaldry of
the bargemen, which seldom failed to throw him into a
violent fit of laughter. In the intervals of his vapours, he
was one of the most facetious companions in the university.
The “Anatomy of Melancholy
” is for the greater part a
cento, though a very ingenious one. The quotations,
which abound in every page, are pertinent; but if the
author had made freer use of his invention, and less of his
common -place book, his work, perhaps, would have been
more valuable. However, he generally avoids the affected
language, and ridiculous metaphors, which were common
in that age. On Mr. Burton’s monument in Christ church
is his bust, with his nativity, and this description by himself, put up by his brother: “Faucis notus, paucioribus
ignotus, hie jacet Democritusjunior, cui vitam dedit et mortem Melancholia. Obiit viii. Id. Jan. A. C. MDCXXXIX.
”
He left behind him a choice collection of books, many of
which he bequeathed to the Bodleian library, and that of
Brazen-nose college. He left also a hundred pounds, for
a fund to purchase five pounds’ worth of books, every year,
for the library of Christ church.
the “History of Leicestershire,” and eldest son of Ralph Burton, esq. of Lindley in Leicestershire, was born August 24, 1575, educated at the school of Nuneaton in
, author of the “History of Leicestershire,
” and eldest son of Ralph Burton, esq. of
Lindley in Leicestershire, was born August 24, 1575, educated
at the school of Nuneaton in Warwickshire, and while
there distinguished himself by no common taste and skill in
Latin poetry. He was admitted of Brazen-nose college,
Oxford, 1591, and of the Inner Temple May 20, 1593,
B. A. June 22, 1594, and was afterwards a barrister and
reporter in the court of common pleas. But “his natural
genius,
” says Wood, “leading him to the studies of heraldry, genealogies, and antiquities, he became excellent
in those obscure and intricate matters; and, look upon him
as a gentleman, was accounted by all that knew him to be
the best of-his time for those studies, as may appear by his
description of Leicestershire.
” The author himself says, he
began his History of Leicestershire in 1597, not many ): ears
after his coming into the Inner Temple. In 1602 he corrected Saxton’s map of that county, with the addition of
eighty towns. His weak constitution riot permitting him
to follow his business, he retired into the country; and his
great work, the “Description of Leicestershire,
” was published in folio, he has undertaken to remove an eclipse from the sun without art or astronomical
dimension, to give light to the county of Leicester, whose
beauty has long been shadowed and obscured;
” and in his
preface declares himself one of those who hold that “gloria
totius res est vanissima mundi;
” and that he was unfit and
unfurnished for so great a business: “unfit,
” to use his
own words, “for that myself was bound for another study,
which is jealous, and will admit no partner; for that all
time and parts of time, that could possibly be employed
therein, were not sufficient to be dispensed thereon, by
reason of the difficulty of getting, and multiplicity of kinds
of learning therein. Yet if a partner might be assigned or
admitted thereto, there is no study or learning so fit or
necessary for a lawyer, as the study of antiquities.
” He
was assisted in this undertaking by his kinsmen John Beaumont of Gracedieu, esq. and Augustus Vincent, rougecroix; but the church notes were taken by himself. He
drew up the corollary of Leland’s life, prefixed to the
“Collectanea,
” with his favourite device, the sun recovering from an eclipse, and motto “Rilucera,
” dated Faledi
Antiquitates de Dadling-ton, manerio com. Leic, sive exemplificatio scriptorum,
cartarum veterum, inquisitionum, rotulorum curiarum, recordorum, et evidentium probantium antiquitates dicti
manerii de Dadlingtori, et hsereditatem de Burton in dicto
manerio de Dadlington, quoe mine sunt penes me Will'mum
Burton de Lindley com. Leic. modernum dominum dicti
manerii de Dadlington. Lahore et studio mei Will 1 mi
Burton de Lindley, apprenticii legum Angliae, et socii
Interioris Templi Londini; nuper habitatitis apud Falde
com. Staff, nunc apud Lindley, 25 Aug. 1625, set, 50.
”
He died at Falde, after suffering much in the civil wars
April 6, 1645, and was buried in the parish church thereto
belonging, called Hanbury. He left several notes, collections of arms and monuments, genealogies, and other
matters of antiquity, which he had gathered from divers
churches and gentlemen’s houses. Derby collections are
mentioned in Gascoigne’s notes, p. 53, probably by himself. In Osborne’s Catalogue, 1757, was “Vincent on
Brooke,
” with ms notes by William Burton, probably not
more than those on Cornwall, which Dr. Rawlinson had.
He was one of sir Robert Cotton’s particular friends, and
had the honour to instruct sir William Dugdale. He was
acquainted with Somner; and Michael Drayton, esq. was
his near countryman and acquaintance, being descended
from the Draytons of Drayton, or Fenny Drayton, near
Lindley. He married, 1607, Jane, daughter of Humphry
Adderley, of Wedington, Warwickshire; by whom he had
one son, Cassibelan, born 1609, heir of his virtues as well
as his other fortunes, who, having a poetical turn, translated Martial into English, which was published 1658. He
consumed the best part of his paternal estate, and died
Feb. 28, 1681, having some years before given most, if
not all, his father’s collections to Mr. Walter Chetwynd, to
be used by him in writing the antiquities of Staffordshire.
Several printed copies of Burton’s Leicestershire, with ms
notes by different persons, are existing in various collections *. “The reputation of Burton’s book,
” as Mr.
Gough justly observes, “arises from its being written early,
and preceded only by Lambarde’s Kent 1576, Carew’s Cornwall 1602, and Norden’s Surveys; and it is in comparison
only of these, and not of Dugdale’s more copious work,
that we are to understand the praises so freely bestowed
on it, and because nobody has treated the subject more remotely and accurately; for Dugdale, says Burton, as well
as Lambarde and Carevv, performed briefly. The present
volume, though a folio of above 300 pages, if the unnecessary digressions were struck out, and the pedigrees reduced
into less compass, would shrink into a small work. The
typographical errors, especially in the Latin, are so numerous, and the style, according to the manner of that time,
so loose, that the meaning is often doubtful. The description is in alphabetical order, and consists chiefly of pedigrees and moot-cases.
” The author, sensible of its defect,
greatly enlarged and enriched it with the addition of Roman, Saxon, and other antiquities, as appears from his letter
to sir Robert Cotton, dated Lindley, June 9, 1627, still extant among Cotton’s correspondences, in his library, Jul.
C. iii. This book, thus augmented, was, with other Mss.
by the same author, in the possession of Mr. Walter Chetwynd, of Ingestry, in Staffordshire, whom Camden in
Staffordshire calls “venerandae antiquitatis cultor maximus;
” and afterwards came to, or was borrowed by, Mr.
Charles King, tutor to Mr. Chetwynd, in whose hands
Brokesby mentions it, and says Mr. Chetwynd made considerable additions to it. He died in 1693. Lord Chetwynd
lent it to sir Thomas Cave, in whose hands Mr. Ashby saw
it in 1763 f. It is continued to 1642. It is not necessary to
say more of a work now so totally eclipsed, and rendered
useless, by the more elaborate, accurate, and satisfactory
“History of Leicestershire
” lately published by Mr.
Nichols, to which we may refer for many curious particu* These are particularized in the History of Hinckley, p. 131. A new edition
of the Description of Leicestershire was absurdly printed in 1777, without the
least improvement.
lars of Burton’s life, and especially an account by himself
in the form of a diary.
, another antiquary of the seventeenth century, son of William Burton of Atcham in Shrop^ shire, was born in Austin Friars, London, educated in St. Paul’s school,
, another antiquary of the seventeenth century, son of William Burton of Atcham in Shrop^
shire, was born in Austin Friars, London, educated in St.
Paul’s school, and became a student in Queen’s college,
Oxford, in 1625. When at the university, he was patronised by the learned Mr. Allen, of Glocester-hall, who appointed him Greek lecturer there. His indigence obliging
him to leave the university in 1630, after he had taken the
degree of bachelor of the civil law, he was for some time
usher to Mr. Thomas Farnaby, a famous schoolmaster in
Kent. He was afterwards master of the free grammarschool at Kingston upon Thames, in which station he continued till within two years of his death, when he retired
to London, where he died in 1657, and was buried in St.
Clement’s Danes, Strand. He published, 1. “Laudatio*
funebris in obitum D. Thomae Alleni,
” Oxon. Annotations on the first Epistle of Clement the Apostle to the Corinthians,
” Lond. Graecse Linguae Historia,
” ibid. Veteris Linguae Persicae Historia,
” with a recommendatory epistle by Langbaine. 4. “A Commentary on Antoninus’s Itinerary, or
Journey of the Roman Empire, so far as it concerneth Britain,
” Lond. The beloved city, or the Saints’ reign on
earth a thousand years, &c.
” Lond. Commentary on Antoninus
” procured him, from bishop
Kennett, the character of the best topographer since Camden.
, founder of the society of the priests, or fathers, of the Christian doctrine, was born of a noble family at Cavaillon, Feb. 3, 1544. He at first
, founder of the society of the priests,
or fathers, of the Christian doctrine, was born of a noble
family at Cavaillon, Feb. 3, 1544. He at first cultivated
poetry, and gave himself up to a life of pleasure, but afterwards reformed, lived in a most exemplary manner,
went into holy orders, and travelled from place to place,
confessing and catechising. His zeal having procured him
many disciples, he formed them into a society, whose principal duty was to teach what they called the Christian
doctrine. He was appointed general of this society in 1598,
the institution having been first approved by pope Clement VIII. in
the preceding year. That which goes by the
same name in Italy was founded by Mark Cusani, a Milanese knight, and was established by the approbation and
authority of Pius V. and Gregory XIII. Caesar de Bus had
also some concern in establishing the Ursulines of France.
He lost his sight about fourteen years before his death,
which happened at Avignon, April 15, 1607. He left only
a book of instructions, drawn up for his society, called
“Instructions familieres sur les quatre parties de la Doctrine Chretienne,
”
, an eminent teacher and writer on commerce, was born Jan. 3, 1728, in the district of Lunebourg, and was for
, an eminent teacher and writer
on commerce, was born Jan. 3, 1728, in the district of
Lunebourg, and was for thirty years director of the commercial academy at Hamburgh, to which young men from
all parts of Europe resorted for education in that branch.
This establishment was indeed the only one of its kind, as
professor Busch not only instructed his pupils in the
theory, but afforded them opportunities of being introduced to the practice of commerce, for which purpose he
had connexions with the first houses in Hamburgh, and
himself acquired that experience which gives a peculiar
value to his writings; these are all in the German language: 1. “The Theory of Commerce,
” Hamburgh, On Banks,
” ibid. On
the Circulation of Money,
” ibid. Various Essays on Commerce,
” ibid. 2 vols. 8vo.
5. “On Mathematical Studies as applicable to the business
of civil life,
” 8vo. 6. “Encyclopædia of Mathematics,
”
ibid. Experience and observations,
” ibid. A
circumstantial account of the Commercial Academy of
Hamburgh,
” 12mo; and in The Merchant’s
Library,
” eight numbers of which were to be published
annually, which perhaps is the work noticed above, “Experience,
” &c.
, an eminent geographer, was born at Stadthagen in Germany in 1724. After having been instructed
, an eminent geographer, was born at Stadthagen in Germany in 1724. After
having been instructed in the learned languages, mathematics, and astronomy, by M. Hauber, at Copenhagen, he
went, in 1744, to study divinity at Halle. In 1746, he
published his first work, “An Introduction to the Epistle
of St. Paul to the Philippians,
” which was followed by his
“Lectures
” on Isaiah and on the New Testament. Having been employed, in 1748, to superintend the education
of the son of count Lynar, he accompanied that nobleman
to Petersburgh in 1749, and in the course of this journey
planned his new system of geography, for the completion
of which he went in 1752 to Copenhagen. Here he edited
a periodical work on the state of the arts and sciences in
Denmark. In 1759, he accepted the office of extraordinary professor of philosophy at Gottingen, with a salary
of 200 rix-dollars to enable him to complete his geography. In consequence of the death of Mosheim, he wished
to succeed to the theological chair of Gottingen, but he
had so openly avowed the principles of the new German
theological school, that he was not only denied the professorship, but ordered afterwards to abstain from lecturing
on the subject, or publishing any thing not approved of by
the privy council of Hanover. This, however, did not
prevent his being appointed professor of philosophy in
1759; and in 1761 he became pastor to a Lutheran congregation at Petersburgh, where he established a public
school, sanctioned by Catherine the empress. He had a
dispute soon after with his congregation, and removed to
Altona. In 1766, he was appointed director of a school
at Berlin, where he passed the remainder of his life. He
died in 1793, and according to his own desire, was buried
in his garden, where he had formerly buried his wife,
In his own delineation of his character, he acknowledges, that though he was candid and open-hearted, affable, ready to assist others, and of a compassionate disposition, he had behaved with harshness to many persons,
and on various occasions. He expresses his confidence in
* the Supreme Being, his firm faith in the Saviour of the
world, and his satisfaction with the dispensations of providence. His temper, he says, was warm, and occasionally
irritable; and his firmness had sometimes assumed the appearance of obstinacy; and his quickness had betrayed
him occasionally into precipitation. “I am moderate,
”
says he, “in all things; contented with little, and master
of my appetites. In my intercourse with the world I expect too much from myself; I am therefore often dissatisfied with my own conduct; and on that account wish to
confine my intercourse within a very narrow circle, and to
shun society. I am free from pride, but not void of ambition, though I often struggle with this passion, and on
reflection endeavour to suppress it. I am so much attached
to labour, that it seems to me a requisite to life, and that
my impulse to it is greater than to any sensual pleasure
whatever.
” Thiebault, in his “Original Anecdotes of
Frederic the Great,
” assures us that in no country he met
with a man whose vanity was equal to that of Busching.
“I have heard,
” says Thiebault, “of two or three persons
in Europe, who said there were, in their time, no more
than three great men, Voltaire, Frederic, and themselves.
To these persons M. Busching cannot be compared, for he
never acknowledged any man to be so great as himself; in
short, his excessive vanity rendered him absolutely intolerable.
”
, first bishop of Bristol, was born in 1490, and became a student at the university of Oxford
, first bishop of Bristol, was born in 1490,
and became a student at the university of Oxford aboiU
1513, and five years after took the degree of B. A.
being then, Wood says, numbered among the celebrated
poets of the university. He afterwards became a brother
of the order called Bonhoms, and after studying some
time among the friars of St. Austin (now Wadham college)
he was elected provincial of his order at Edington in Wiltshire, and canon residentiary of Sarum. In that station he
lived many years, till at length king Henry VIII. being informed of his great knowledge in divinity and physic,
made him his chaplain, and advanced him to the newly
erected see of Bristol, to which he was consecrated June
25, 1542, at Hampton. Pits very erroneously says he
was made bishop of Bristol by Edward VI. partly with a
design to draw him from the ancient religion, and partly
because they could not find among the reformers any other
person of sufficient erudition. This author, however, allows that he denied the true faith by taking a wife, whom,
as an excuse, Pits turns into a concubine. In consequence of this connection he was, on the accession of
queen Mary, deprived of his dignity, and spent the remainder of his life in a private station at Bristol, where he
died in 1558. He was buried on the north side of the
choir of the cathedral, and a monument was afterwards
erected to his memory; his wife was also buried here in
1553. Pits, and after him a congenial lover of popery,
the late Mr. Cole, says, that he dismissed her of his own
accord; but that is improbable, as there could be no necessity for such dismission till queen Mary’s accession,
which happened in July 1553, and the bishop’s wife died
in October following.
Dr. Bush wrote, 1. “An exhortation to Margaret Burges, wife to John Burges, clothier, of Kingswuod, in the
county of Wilts,
” London, printed in the reign of Edward VI. 2. “Notes on the Psalms,
” London, Treatise in praise of the Crosse.
” 4. “Answer to
certain queries concerning the abuses of the Mass,
” in
Burnet’s History of the -Reformation, Records, No. 25.
5. “Dialogues between Christ and the Virgin Mary.
”
6. “Treatise of salves and curing remedies,
” 8vo. printed
by Redman, no date. 7. “A little Treatise in English,
called the Extirpation of Ignorancy, &c.
” in verse, printed
by Pinson, without date, 4to, and dedicated to the lady
Mary. 8. “Carmina diversa.
”
, a man once of considerable eminence for his philosophical pursuits, was born about 1594, of a good family at Cleve Prior, in Worcestershire,
, a man once of considerable eminence for his philosophical pursuits, was born about 1594,
of a good family at Cleve Prior, in Worcestershire, and
was educated at Oxford, as Wood thinks, in Baliol college. He was afterwards taken into the service of sir
Francis Bacon, who, when lord chancellor, made him
seal-bearer, and in other respects patronized him liberally.
He afterwards travelled, directing his attention chiefly to
mineralogy, some curious experiments in which he made
at Enston in Oxfordshire, where he constructed a curious
cistern, erected a banquetting house, &c. which in 1636,
he exhibited to king Charles 1. and his queen, who gave
orders that the place should be called after her, Henrietta.
Here likewise he entertained the royal visitors with a kind
of mask, poetical addresses, &c. which were afterwards
published under the title of “The several Speeches and
Songs at the presentment of the Rock at Enston, to the
queen’s most excellent majesty,
” Oxon. A just and true remonstrance of his Majesty’s Mines Royal in Wales,
” Lond. Extract, or Abstract of the lord chancellor Bacon’s Philosophical Theory of Mineral Prosecutions,
” Lond.
, a French Jesuit, was born in 1607, either at Villa Franca in Beaujolais, or at Lyons,
, a French Jesuit, was born in
1607, either at Villa Franca in Beaujolais, or at Lyons,
and became a very frequent and admired writer, although
little of his fame has reached modern times. He died in
1678. His French poetry is now forgot, but his Latin
poetry published at Lyons in 1675, 8vo, still has some admirers; and in his “Scanderbeg,
” an epic poem, and
his “Rhea,
” are some animated passages. He published
also an abridgment of the History of France, and another,
in Latin, of the universal history, called “Floscoli Historiarum,
” which he afterwards translated into French, under
the title “Parterre historique,
” Lyons, Memoires
de Ville Tranche en Beaujolais,
”
ves of the Saints,” the second son of Simon Butler, esq. of Appletree, in the county of Northampton, was born in 1710, and educated for a short time at a school in Lancashire,
, author of the “Lives of the Saints,
”
the second son of Simon Butler, esq. of Appletree, in the
county of Northampton, was born in 1710, and educated
for a short time at a school in Lancashire, whence in his
eighth year he was sent to the English college at Douay,
where he applied himself with uncommon diligence to the
studies prescribed in that Roman catholic seminary, and
was admired for his early piety. After completing his
course, he was admitted an alumnus, and appointed professor of philosophy, in lecturing on which he followed the
Newtonian system, then gaining ground in the foreign
universities, in preference to the systems of Wolfe and
Leibnitz, in which he discovered some things irreconcileable with the opinions of the church. He was next appointed professor of divinity, and while at this college
published his first work, “Letters on the History of the
Popes, published by Mr. Archibald Bower,
” which were
written with ease and good humour, and shew various and
extensive learning. In 1745 he accompanied the late earl
of Shrewsbury, and the hon. James and Thomas Talbot, on
their travels through France and Italy. On his 1 return from
these travels, he was sent on the English mission, and
wished to be settled in London; where he might have access to literary society and the public libraries, with a view
to complete his “Lives of the Saints,
” on which he had
long been engaged; but the vicar apostolic of the middle
district claimed him, as belonging to that district, and appointed him, much against his will, to a mission in Staffordshire. Here, however, he did not remain long, being
appointed chaplain to Edward duke of Norfolk, and to
superintend the education of Mr. Edward Howard, his
nephew and presumptive heir, whom he accompanied
abroad, but who died soon. During his being at Paris, on
this occasion, he completed and sent to press his “Lives
of the Saints, which is said to have cost him the labour of
thirty years. At the finishing of it he gave, what hisbiographer very truly calls, a very edifying instance of
humility. The manuscript of the first volume having been,
submitted to Mr. Cnalloner, the vicar-apostolic of the
London district, he recommended the omission of all the
notes, that the work might be less expensive and more
useful. It is easy to suppose what it must have cost our
author to consign to oblivion the fruit of so much labour.
He obeyed, however, and to this circumstance it is owing,
that in the first edition the notes.are omitted. Some years
after, he published the
” Life of Mary of the Cross,“a
nun in the English convent of the poor Clatvs at Rouen,
not, strictly speaking, apiece of biography, but a vehicle for
instructions on religious life on Roman catholic principles.
Sometime after our author’s return to England from his
travels with Mr. Edward Howard, he was chosen president
of the English college at St. Omer’s, in which station he continued until his death. He had projected many works
besides those already mentioned, and among them, his
treatise on the
” Moveable Feasts,“which was published,
after his death, under the inspection of Mr. Challoner.
He proposed writing the lives of bishop Fisher and Sir
Thomas More, and had made copious collections for both,
some of which are in the hands of his biographer. He had
begun a treatise on
” Natural and revealed religion,“being dissatisfied with what Bergier had published on those
subjects. Three volumes of his
” Discourses“have been
published since his decease. As a preacher, however, we
are told, that he almost wholly failed. His sermons were
sometimes interesting and pathetic; but they were always
desultory, and almost always immeasurably long. His
” Short
life of Sir Toby Matthews,“has lately been published by
his biographer. His literary correspondence was very extensive, and among other correspondents of distinction,
may be mentioned the learned Lambertini, afterwards pope
Benedict XIV. and the late Dn Lowth, bishop of London;
and the assistance he afforded to English men of literature
has been liberally acknowledged by Dr. Kennicot, and
others. After a life spent in devotion to his profession,
and in various studies, he died May 15, 1773, in the sixtythird year of his age; and was interred in the chapel of
the English college at St. Omers, where a monument of
white marble was erected to his memory, with an elegant
Latin inscription. His
” Lives of the Saints," although
run free from the peculiarities of his predecessors in that
branch of biography, is a work of great value and research.
It was first published in 1745, 5 vols. 4to; and in 1779, or
1780, an edition was published at Dublin, in 12 vols. 8vo;
and in 1799 1800, at Edinburgh, in the same form, to
which his nephew, Charles Butler, esq. barrister at law,
prefixed a life, from which the preceding sketch is taken.
, an ingenious writer of the seventeenth century, was born in 1559, at High Wycomb, in Buckinghamshire; and entered
, an ingenious writer of the seventeenth century, was born in 1559, at High Wycomb, in
Buckinghamshire; and entered a student into Magdalen
hall, Oxford, in 1579, where he took a degree in arts;
and was translated to Magdalen college, and made one of
the bible clerks. Soon after, he became master of the
free school at Basingstoke in Hampshire; and had the
cure of a small church in the neighbourhood. About 1600
he was promoted to the vicarage of Lawrence Wotton, in
Hampshire; which Wood thinks a very inadequate preferment for a scholar of his abilities. There, however, he
appears to have remained until his death, March 29, 1647,
in his eighty-eighth year. He wrote: 1. “The Feminine
Monarchy; or a Treatise on Bees,
” Oxon. Rhetoricee libri duo,
” Oxon. De
propinquitate matrimonium impediente regula generalis,
”
on the marriage of cousin-germans, a work much approved
by Dr. Prideaux, Oxon. 1625, 4to. 4. “Oratoriae libri duo,
”
Oxon. English Grammar,
”
Oxon. The Principles of Music,
” Lond. Grammar/' with a specimen of his
orthography from his
” Treatise on Bees.“Of his
” Principles uf Music," Dr. Burney says* that it was the only
theoretical or didactic work published on the subject of
music during the reign of king Charles I. and that it contains more knowledge in a small compass than any other
of the kind in our language; but the Saxon and new characters he uses, in order to explode such letters as are
redundant, or of uncertain powers, render this musical
tract somewhat difficult to peruse.
duke of Ormond, an eminent statesman, the son of Thomas Butler, esq. a branch of the Ormond family, was born at Newcastle house, in Clerkenwell, 1610. Oh the decease
, duke of Ormond, an eminent statesman, the son of Thomas Butler, esq. a branch of the Ormond family, was born at Newcastle house, in Clerkenwell, 1610. Oh the decease of Thomas, earl, of Ormond, his grandfather Sir Walter Butler, of Kilcash, assumed the title, and his father was styled by courtesy viscount Thurles. After the death of his father, in 1619, who left a widow and seven children in embarrassed circumstances, this title devolved upon him. In 1620 he was sent over to England by his mother, and educated partly at a school at Finchtey, in Middlesex, but king James claiming the wardship of him, he was put under the tuition of. archbishop Abbot, who instilled in him that love for the protestant religion which he afterwards displayed on so many occasions. On the death of king James he was taken home by his grandfather the carl of Ormond; and in 1629 he married his cousin, lady Elizabeth Preston, a match which terminated some disputes that had long been agitated between the families. In 1630 he purchased a troop of horse in Ireland, and two years after succeeded, by the death of his grandfather, to the earldom of Ormond. During the earl of Stratford’s viceroyalty in Ireland, his talents were much noticed by that nobleman, who predicted his future fame. On the commencement of the rebellion in Ireland in 1641, he was appointed lieutenant-generaJ and commander in chief of an army of only 3000 men, but with this inconsiderable force, and a few additional troops raised by himself, he resisted the progress of the rebels, and in 1642 dislodged them from the Naes near Dublin, raised the blockade of Drogheda, and routed them at Kiirush. His exertions, however, being impeded by the jealousies of the lords justices and of the lord lieutenant, the king, that he might act without controui, gave him an independent commission under the great seal, and created him marquis of Ormond. In 1643 he obtained a considerable victory with a very inferior force over the rebels under the command of the Irish general Preston, but for want of suitable encouragement, he was under a necessity of concluding a cessation of hostilities, for which measure he was much blamed in England; though he availed himself of it by sending over troops to the assistance of the king, who was then at war with the parliament. His majesty, however, duly appreciating his services, appointed him lord lieutenant of Ireland, in the room of the earl of Leicester, in the beginning of the year 1644; but in the exercise of this office, he had to contend both with the rebellious spirit of the old Irish, and the machinations of the English parliament, and after maintaining an unsuccessful struggle for three years, he was, in 1647, obliged to sign a treaty with the parliament’s commissioners, and to come over to England, where he waited on 'the king at Hampton-court, and obtained his majesty’s full approbation of all his proceedings; but in the hazardous state of public affairs he thought it most prudent to provide for his own safety by embarking for France.
, earl of Ossory, son of the former, was born in the castle of Kilkenny, July 9, 1634. He distinguished
, earl of Ossory, son of the former,
was born in the castle of Kilkenny, July 9, 1634. He
distinguished himself by a noble bravery, united to the
greatest gentleness and modesty, which very early excited
the jealousy of Cromwell, who committed him to the
Tower; where, falling ill of a fever, after being confined
near eight months, he was discharged. He afterwards
went over to Flanders, and on the restoration attended the
king to England; and from being appointed colonel of foot
in Ireland, was raised to the rank of lieutenant-general of
the army in that kingdom. On the 14th of September
1666, he was summoned by writ to the English house of
lords, by the title of lord Butler, of Moore-park. The
same year, being at Euston in Suffolk, he happened to
hear the firing of guns at sea, in the famous battle with
the Dutch that began the 1st of June. He instantly prepared to go on board the fleet, where he arrived on the
3d of that month; and had the satisfaction of informing
the duke of ^Ibemarle, that prince Rupert was hastening
to join him. He had his share in the glorious actions of
that and the succeeding day. His reputation was much
increased by his behaviour in the engagement off Southwold Bay. In 1673 he was successively made rear-admiral
of the blue and the red squadrons; and on the 10th of
September, the same year, was appointed admiral of the
whole fleet, during the absence of prince Rupert. In
1677 he commanded the English troops in the service of
the prince of Orange; and at the battle ojf Mons contributed greatly to the retreat of marshal Luxemburg, to
whom Lewis XIV. was indebted for the greatest part of his
military glory. His speech, addressed to the earl of
Shaftesbury, in vindication of his father, was universally
admired: it even confounded that intrepid orator, who
was in the senate what the earl of Ossory was in the field.
He died July 30, 1680, aged forty-six. The duke of Ormond his father said, “he would not exchange his dead
son for any living son in Christendom.
”
, late bishop of Hereford, was born at Hamburgh, probably of English parents, Dec. 1717. In
, late bishop of Hereford, was born at Hamburgh, probably of English parents, Dec. 1717. In his early days he acted as private tutor in the family of Mr. Child the banker. He was then a popular preacher in London, and possessed of sound parts, indefatigable industry, a good figure, and agreeable manners. Being introduced to Mr. Bilson Legge, he assisted that gentleman in the political controversy with lord Bute^ and rendered him farther services in calculations on public finance. It was probably through this connection that Dr^Hayter, bishop of London, appointed Mr. Butler his first chaplain, who obtained also the living of Everley in Wiltshire, about the same time. On the recommendation of lord Onslow, he was constituted one of the king’s chaplains, and obtained a prebend in Winchester cathedral. Commencing a political writer, he espoused the cause of lord North in all the measures of administration, and particularly in that of the American war, which he endeavoured to justify in several pamphlets. In reward of these services, he was n^ade archdeacon of Surrey, and procured-a Lambeth degree of D. D. from the archbishop of Canterbury. His next promotion was to the see of Oxford, which was given him by the minister (lord North) in 1777, on the advancement of Dn Lowth to the bishoprick of London; and the living of Cuddesden was held by Dr. Butler at the same time, being annexed to the see of Oxford; but this preferment was rendered locally unpleasant from the circumstance of his not having been regularly graduated at either of the universities. He, however, retained it till 1788, when he was advanced to the bishopric of Hereford, over which he presided until his death at his palace at Hereford, Dec. 10, 1802. He was twice married. His first wife was the mistress of a boarding-school in Westminster; his second, the sister and one of the coheiresses of sir Charles Vernon, of Farnham in Surrey; but he had issue by neither. He underwent the operation of lithotomy at the age of sixty, which he long survived, although in his latter days he was kept alive by great care and attention. Although charitable and even munificent in his lifetime, he left a very considerable fortune to his executors and friends. He was an eloquent, pleasing, and impressive preacher, always from short-hand notes, and very distinct and audible in his delivery, although his voice was weak.
, a prelate of the most distinguished character and abilities, was born at Wantage in Berkshire, in 1692. His father, Mr. Thomas
, a prelate of the most distinguished
character and abilities, was born at Wantage in Berkshire,
in 1692. His father, Mr. Thomas Butler, who was a reputable shopkeeper in that town, observing in his son
Joseph an excellent genius and inclination for learning,
determined to educate him for the ministry, among the
protestant dissenters of the presbyterian denomination.
For this purpose, after he had gone through a proper
course of grammatical literature, at the free grammarschool of his native place, under the care of the rev. Mr.
Philip Barton, a clergyman of the church of England,
he was sent to a dissenting academy, then kept at Gloucester, but which was soon afterwards removed to Tewkesbury, the principal tutor of which was Mr. Jones, a man of
uncommon abilities and knowledge. At Tewkesbury, Mr.
Butler made an extraordinary progress in the study of divinity; of which he gave a remarkable proof in the letters
addressed by him, whilst he resided at Tewkesbury, to
Dr. Samuel Clarke, laying before him the doubts that
had arisen in his mind concerning the conclusiveness of
some arguments in the doctor’s “Demonstration of the
Being and Attributes of God.
” The first of these letters
was dated November the 4th, 1713; and the sagacity and
depth of thought displayed in it immediately excited Dr.
Clarke’s particular notice. This condescension encouraged Mr. Butler to address the doctor again upon the
same subject, which, ^likewise, was answered by him; and
the correspondence being carried on in three other letters,
the whole was annexed to the celebrated treatise before
mentioned, and the collection has been retained in all the
subsequent editions of that work. The management of
this correspondence was entrusted by Mr. Butler to his
friend and fellow-pupil Mr. Seeker, who, in order to
conceal the affair, undertook to convey the letters to the
post-office at Gloucester, and to bring back Dr. Clarke’s
answers. When Mr. Butler’s name was discovered to the
doctor, the candour, modesty, and good sense with which
he had written, immediately procured him his friendship.
Our young student was not, however, during his continuance at Tewkesbury, solely employed in metaphysical
speculations and inquiries. Another subject of his serious
consideration was, the propriety of his becoming a dissenting minister. Accordingly, he entered into an examination of the principles of non-conformity; the result of
which was, such a dissatisfaction with them, as determined
him to conform to the established church. This intention
was at first very disagreeable to his father, who endeavoured to divert him from his purpose; and with that view
called in the assistance of some eminent presbyterian divines; but finding his son’s resolution to be fixed, heat
length suffered him to be removed to Oxford, where he
was admitted a commoner of Oriel college, on the 17th of
March, 1714. At what time he took orders is uncertain,
but it must have been soon after his admission at Oxford,
if it be true, as is asserted, that he sometimes assisted Mr.
Edward Talbot in the divine service, at his living of Hendred near Wantage. With this gentleman, who was the.
second son of Dr. William Talbot, successively bishop of
Oxford, Salisbury, and Durham, Mr. Butler formed an
intimate friendship at Oriel college, which laid the foundation of all his subsequent preferments, and procured for
him a very honourable situation when he was only twentysix years of age. In 1718, at the recommendation of Mr.
Talbot and Dr. Clarke, he was appointed by sir Joseph
Jekyll to be preacher at the Rolls. This was three years
before he had taken any degree at the university, where
he did not go out bachelor of law till the 10th of June,
1721, which, however, was as soon as that degree could
statutably be conferred upon him. Mr. Butler continued
at the Rolls till 1726, in the beginning of which year he
published, in one volume 8vo, “Fifteen Sermons preached
at that Chapel.
” In the mean time, by the patronage of
Dr. Talbot, bishop of Durham, to whose notice he had
been recommended (together with Mr. Benson and Mr. Seeker) by Mr. Edward Talbot on his death-bed, our author had been presented first to the rectory of Haughton,
near Darlington, in 1722, and afterwards to that of Stanhope in the same diocese, in 1725, At Haughton there
was a necessity for rebuilding a great part of the parsonagehouse, and Mr. Butler had neither money nor talents for
that work. Mr. Seeker, therefore, who had always the
interest of his friends at heart, and had acquired a very
considerable influence with bishop Talbot, persuaded that
prelate to give Mr. Butler, in exchange for Haughton,
the rectory of Stanhope, which was not only free from any
such incumbrance, but was likewise of much superior
value, being indeed one of the richest parsonages in England. Whilst our author continued preacher at the Rolls
chapel, he divided his time between his duty in town and
country; but when he quitted the Rolls, he resided, during seven years, wholly at Stanhope, in the conscientious
discharge of every obligation appertaining to a good parish
priest. This retirement, however^ was too solitary for his
disposition, which had in it a natural cast of gloominess:
and though his recluse hours were by no means lost either
to private improvement or public utility, yet he felt at
times very painfully the want of that select society of
friends to which he had been accustomed, and which could
inspire him with the greatest chearfulness. Mr. Seeker,
therefore, who knew this, was extremely anxious to draw
him out into a more active and conspicuous scene, and
omitted no opportunity of expressing this desire to such as
he thought capable of promoting it. Having himself been,
appointed king’s chaplain in 1732, he took occasion, in a
conversation which he had the honour of holding with
queen Caroline, to mention to her his friend Mr. Butler.
The queen said she thought he had been dead. Mr.
Seeker assured her he was not. Yet her majesty afterwards asked archbishop Blackburne if he was not dead?
His answer was, “No, madam, but he is buried.
” Mr.
Seeker, continuing his purpose of endeavouring to bring
his friend out of his retirement, found means, upon Mr.
Charles Talbot' s being made lord chancellor, to have Mr.
Butler recommended to him for his chaplain. His lordship accepted and sent for him; and this promotion calling
him to town, he took Oxford in his way, and was admitted
there to the degree of doctor of law, on the 8th of December, 1733. The lord chancellor, who gave him also a
prebend in the church of Rochester, had consented that
he should reside at his parish of Stanhope one half of the
year.
, a poet of a very singular cast, was born at Strensham in Worcestershire, and baptized Feb. 8, 1612.
, a poet of a very singular cast, was
born at Strensham in Worcestershire, and baptized Feb.
8, 1612. His father’s condition is variously represented.
Wood mentions him as competently wealthy; but the
author of the short account of Butler, prefixed to Hudibras,
who, Dr. Johnson erroneously says, was Mr. Longueville,
asserts he was an honest farmer with some small estates
who made a shift to educate his son at the grammar-school
of Worcester, under Mr. Henry Bright, from whose care
he removed for a short time to Cambridge; but, for want
of money, was never made a member of any college. Wood
leaves us rather doubtful whether he went to Cambridge of
Oxford; but at last makes him pass six or seven years at
Cambridge, without knowing in what hall or college: yet
it can hardly be imagined that he lived so long in either
university, but as belonging to one house or another; and
it is still less likely that he could have so long inhabited a
place of learning with so little distinction as to leave his
residence uncertain. Dr. Nash has discovered that his
father was owner of a house and a little land, worth about
eight pounds, a year, still called Butler’s tenement. Wood
had his information from his brother, whose narrative placed
him at Cambridge, in opposition to that of his neighbours,
which sent him to Oxford. The brother’s seems the best
authority, till, by confessing his inability to tell his hall
or college, he gives reason to suspect that he was resolved
to bestow on him an academical education, but durst not
name a college, for fear of detection. Having, however,
discovered an early inclination for learning, his father
placed him at the free-school of Worcester; whence he
was sent, according to the above report, for some time to
Cambridge. He afterwards returned to his native country,
and became clerk to one Mr. Jefferys of Earl’s Croomb, an
eminent justice of the peace for that county, with whom
he lived some years in an easy and reputable station. Here
he found sufficient leisure to apply himself to whatsoever
learning his inclinations led him; which was chiefly history and poetry; adding to these, for his diversion, music
and painting. He was afterwards recommended to that
great encourager of learning, Elizabeth countess of Kent;
in whose house he had not only the opportunity of consulting all kinds of books, but of conversing with Mr. Seldeo,
who often employed him to write letters beyond sea, and
translate for him. He lived some time also with sir Samuel
Luke, a gentleman of an ancient family in Bedfordshire,
and a famous commander under Oliver Cromwell. Whilst
he resided in this gentleman’s family, it is generally supposed that he planned, if he did not write, the celebrated
Hudibras; under which character it is thought he intended
to ridicule that knight. After the restoration of Charles II.
he was made secretary to Richard earl of Carbury, lord
president of the principality of Wales, who appointed him.
steward of Ludlow-castle, when the Court was revived there.
In this part of his life, he married Mrs. Herbert, a gentlewoman of a good family; and lived, says Wbod^ upon her
fortune, having studied the common law, but never practised it. A fortune she had, says his biographer, but it
was lost by bad securities. In 1663 was published the first
part, containing three cantos, of the poem of “Hudibras,
”
which, as Prior relates, was made known at court by the
taste and influence of the earl of Dorset, and when known,
it was necessarily admired: the king quoted, the courtiers
studied, and the whole party of the royalists applauded it.
Every eye watched for the golden shower which was to fall
upon the author, who certainly was not without his share
in the general expectation. In 1664 the second part appeared; the curiosity of the nation was rekindled, and the
writer was again praised and elated. But praise was his
whole reward. Clarendon, says Wood, gave him reason
to hope for “places and employments of value and credit;”
but no such advantages did he ever obtain. It is reported,
that the king once gave him 300 guineas; but of this temporary bounty we find no proof. Wood relates that he was
secretary to Villiers duke of Buckingham, when he was
chancellor of Cambridge: this is doubted by the other
writer, who yet allows the duke to have been his frequent
benefactor. That both these accounts are false there is
reason to suspect, from a story told by Pack, in his account
of the life ef Wycherley, and from some verses which Mr.
Thyer has published in the author’s Remains. “Mr. Wycherley,” says Pack, “had always laid hold of any opportunity which offered of representing to the duke of Buckingham how well Mr. Butler had deserved of the royal
family, by writing his inimitable Hudibras; and that it
was a reproach to the court, that a person of his loyalty
and wit should suffer in obscurity, and under the wants he
did. The duke always seemed to hearken to him with
attention enough; and, after some time, undertook to recommend his pretensions to his majesty. Mr. Wycherley,
in Jiopes to keep him steady to his word, obtained of his
grace to name a day, when he might introduce that modest and unfortunate poet to his new patron. At last an
appointment was made, and the place of meeting was
agreed to be the Roebuck. Mr. Butler and his friend attended accordingly: the duke joined them; but, as the
devil would have it, the door of the room where they sat
was open, and his grace, who had seated himself near it,
observing a pimp of his acquaintance (the creature too was a knight) trip by with a brace of ladies, immediately quitted his engagement, to follow another kind of business, at
which he was more ready than in doing good offices to
men of desert; though no one was better qualified than
he, both in regard to his fortune and understanding, to
protect them; and, from that time to the day of his death,
poor Butler never found the least effect of his promise!”
Such is the story. The verses are written with a degree
of acrimony, such as neglect and disappointment might
naturally excite; and such as it would be hard to imagine
Butler capable of expressing against a man who had any
claim to his gratitude. Notwithstanding this discouragement and neglect, he still prosecuted his design; and in.
1678 published the third part, which still leaves the poem
imperfect and abrupt. How much more he originally intended, or with what events the action was to be concluded,
it is vain to conjecture. Nor can it be thought strange
that he should stop here, however unexpectedly. To write
without reward is sufficiently unpleasing. He had now arrived at an age when he might think it proper to be in
jest no longer, and perhaps his health might now begin to
fail. He died Sept. 25, 1680; and Mr. Longueville, having unsuccessfully solicited a subscription for his internment in Westminster abbey, buried him at his own cost
in the chureb-yard of Covent Garden. Dr. Simon Patrick
read the service. About sixty years afterwards, Mr. Barber, a printer, lord mayor of London, bestowed on him a
monument in Westminster abbey.
, one of the greatest physicians, and most capricious humourists of his time, was born at Ipswich, about 1535, and educated at Clare-hall, Cambridge,
, one of the greatest physicians, and most capricious humourists of his time, was born at Ipswich, about 1535, and educated at Clare-hall, Cambridge, of which he became fellow. He afterwards settled at Cambridge as a physician, without taking a medical degree. His sagacity in judging of distempers was very great, and his method of cure was sometimes as extraordinary; he was bold and singular in his practice, and the oddity of his manners gave him a very great character among the vulgar, who conceived that he must possess extraordinary abilities. Mr. Aubrey informs us, that it was usual for him to sit among the boys, at St. Mary’s church, in Cambridge; and that when he was sent for to king James at Newmarket, he suddenly turned back to go home, and that the messenger was forced to drive him before him. We find he was consulted along with sir Theodore Mayerne and others in the sickness which proved fatal to prince Henry; and it is said that at the first sight of him, Butler from his cadaverous look made an unfavourable prognostic. The reputation of physic was very low in England before Butler’s time; hypothetical nonsense was reduced into system, not only in medicine, but also in other arts and sciences. Many droll stories have travelled down to us, of some extraordinary cures as strangely performed; for these the reader is referred to Winwood’s Memorials, vol. III. Richardi Parkeri, Sceletos Cantabrigiensis, Fuller, Prax. Mayern. p. 66; and Wood in his account of Francis Tresham, esq. He died Jan. 29, 1618, aged eighty-two, and lies buried in St. Mary’s church, in Cambridge, with an elegant and pompous epitaph over him. He left no writings behind him.
, M. D. a native of Derbyshire, or according to Mr. Bosvvell, of Scotland, was born“in 1726, After the usual school education, he went to Edinburgh,
, M. D. a native of Derbyshire, or
according to Mr. Bosvvell, of Scotland, was born“in 1726,
After the usual school education, he went to Edinburgh,
where he resided about seven years, and during his medical course of study, published
” A method of cure for
the Stone, chiefly by injections,“1754, 12mo, and
” Dissertatio de frigore quatenus morborom causa,“1757, Hvo.
In 1761 he took his degree of M. D. and published far
his inaugural thesis,
” Dissertatio Medica et Chirurgica
tie Arteriotomia,“a subject on which he is said to have
held some bold opinions, and when at Edinburgh, made
an attempt publicly to open the carotid artery of a patient
in the hospital, but after making the first incision, the patient fainted, and the operation, which he intended to renew
next day, was prevented by the interference of the managers of the hospital. He afterwards practised medicine
for several years at Derby, whence, in 1778, he removed
and settled in London. In 1773 he published a treatise
on the kink-cough, the name he gives to the tussis convulsiva, or whooping-cough. In the cure he relied principally on the efficacy of the extract of hemlock, which
he considered as a specific in the complaint. Two years
after, he gave an account of the puerperal fever, as it
appeared in Derbyshire and some of the adjacent counties,
8vo; in 1782,
” A Treatise on the Worm Fever;“in 1783,
” An improved method of opening the Temporal Artery;“and in 1794, a treatise on the angina pectoris, first described by Dr. Heberden. His account of it is published
in the second volume of
” Medical Transactions,“by
the royal college of physicians. Dr. Butter calls it the
diaphragmatic gout, and thinks it generally curable. In
the fit he gives opium with aromatics, and for the cure he
recommends pills with aloes and soap, to keep the body
soluble. These, with temperance, he says, will usually
succeed in putting an end to the complaint. In 1801, he
published
” A Treatise on the Venereal Rose," in which
he considers virulent gonorrhea as a species of erysipelas,
and resorts to his favourite hemlock for a cure. He died
at his house in Lower Grosvenor-street, March 21, 1805.
His practice in London was not very extensive, nor had
he the good fortune to procure the approbation of his,
brethren to his writings. Striving to be an inventor, he
became a nostrum-monger, and in his latter days his
manners had none of that polish which procures respect.
, an extraordinary calculator, was born at Elmeton, or Elmton, a small village not far from Chesterfield,
, an extraordinary calculator, was born at Elmeton, or Elmton, a small village not far from Chesterfield, in Derbyshire. His grandfather John Buxton was vicar of Elmeton, and his father William Buxton was schoolmaster in the same parish. We cannot precisely ascertain the year in which Jedediah was born; but it is probable that it was in 1704 or 1705. Notwithstanding the profession of his father, Jedediah’s education seems to have been totally neglected, for he was never taught either to read or write. How he came first to know the relative proportions of numbers, their denominations and powers, he never could remember; but upon these his attention was constantly riveted, and he scarcely took any notice of external objects, except with respect to their numbers. If any space of time was mentioned before him, he would soon after say that it contained so many minutes; and if any distance, he would assign the number of hair breadths in it, even when no question was asked him by the company. His power of abstraction was so great, that no noise whatever could disturb him, and when asked any question, he would immediately reply, and return to his calculation without any confusion, or the loss of more time than the answer required. A person who had heard of his astonishing performances, meeting with him accidentally, in order to try his calculating powers, proposed to him the following question: In a body whose three sides are 23,145,789 yards, 5,642,732 yards, and |4,965 yards, how many cubical eighths of an inch? After once naming the several figures distinctly, one after the other, in order to assure himself of the several dimensions, this self-taught calculator fell to work amidst more than a hundred of his fellow-labourers, and the proposer of the question leaving him for about five hours, returned and found Jedediah ready with his answer, which was exactly right. A variety of questions, too numerous to be here inserted, he would solve in very little time, by the mere force of memory. He would multiply any number of figures, either by the whole or any part of them, and at different times, and store up the various products in his memory, so as to give the answers several months after. He would work at several questions; first begin one and work it half through; then another, and so on, working in this manner six or eight questions, and would either as soon as finished, or several months after, tell the result. This extraordinary man would stride over a piece of land, and tell the contents of it with as much exactness as if he had measured it by the chain; and in this manner he measured the whole lordship of Elmton, of some thousand acres, belonging to sir John Rhodes, and brought him the contents, not only in acres, roods, and perches, but in square inches, and after this reduced them into square hair-breadths, computing forty-eight to each side of the inch, which produced an incomprehensible number,
, the first of a learned family, was born at Camen, in Westphalia, in 1564, and became an eminent
, the first of a learned family, was
born at Camen, in Westphalia, in 1564, and became an
eminent Calvinist divine, and professor of the Hebrew and
Chaldaic languages at Basil, a situation which he filled
with great reputation until his death, in 1629. During
his Hebrew studies, he availed himself of the assistance
of the ablest Jews, and from them acquired a fondness for
rabbinical learning. The first of his works was his great
dictionary, entitled “Lexicon Chaldaicum, Talmudicum
et Rabbinicum,
” printed at Basil in Treasury of the Hebrew Grammar,
” 2 vols. 8vo. He
also printed a great Hebrew Bible at Basil, in 1618, 4 vols.
fol. with the Rabbins, the Chaldaic paraphrases, and the
Massora, after the manner of the great Bible of Venice;
but father Simon thinks it incorrect. To this Bible is
commonly added the Tiberias of the same author, which
is a commentary upon the Massora; where he explains at
large what the Rabbins think of it, and expounds in Latin
the terms of the Massora, which are very difficult. He
follows rabbi Elias the Levite, in his exposition of those
terms. He has also published “Synagoga Judaica,
” Bibliotheca of the Rabbins, a curious
work; but there have been since his time a great many
discoveries made in that part of learning. They who have a
mind to write Hebrew, may make use of the collection of
Hebrew letters, which he has published under the title of
” Institutio Epistolaris Hebraica,“1629, 8vo. He compiled also,
” Concordantia3 Hebraicse," published by his
son in 1632.
, the son of the preceding, was born at Basil, in 1599, and became professor of the Oriental
, the son of the preceding, was born
at Basil, in 1599, and became professor of the Oriental
language there, with no less taste and skill in the Hebrew
and the Rabbins, than his father. He translated some
Rabbins, and among others, the “Moreh Nevochim
” of
Maimonides, and the book entitled Cosri. He also writ
upon the Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Syriac grammars. His
Hebrew Concordance is much esteemed; and being heir
of his father’s opinion as well as Jewish literature, he has
defended the antiquity of the points and vowels of the
Hebrew text against Lewis Capellus, in a book entitled
“Tractatus de punctorum vocalium & accentuum in libris
Veteris Testamenti Hebraicis origine, antiquitate, & auctoritate,
” Basil, Anticritica; seu vindiciæ veritatis Hebraicæ adversus
Ludovici Capelli criticam, quam vocat sacram,
” Basil,
1653. He composed several dissertations upon different
matters relating to the Jewish literature, in which he excelled; and died in 1664.
enth century, the son of Laurence Byam, of Luckham, or East Luckham, near Dunster, in Somersetshire, was born there Aug. 31, 1580, and in Act term 1697, was entered
, D.D. a learned preacher and loyalist
in the seventeenth century, the son of Laurence Byam,
of Luckham, or East Luckham, near Dunster, in Somersetshire, was born there Aug. 31, 1580, and in Act term
1697, was entered of Exeter college, Oxford, where, in
1699, he was elected a student of Christ-church. In both
colleges his application was such as to make him be considered as one of the greatest ornaments x)f the university;
and when he took orders, one of the most acute and eminent preachers of the age. After taking the degree of
B. D. in 1612, he succeeded his father in the rectory of
Luckham, and a Mr. Fleet in that of Salworthy, adjoining.
In 1631 he became a prebendary of Exeter, and on the
meeting of parliament, was unanimously chosen by the
clergy of his diocese, to be their clerk in convocation. In
the beginning of the rebellion he was one of the first who
were apprehended for their loyalty, but making his escape,
joined the king at Oxford, where he was, with others,
created D. D. In the king’s cause his zeal and that of
his family could not fail to render him obnoxious. He
had not only assisted in raising men and horse for his majesty, but of his five sons, four were captains in the
army. His estate, therefore, both clerical and private,
was exposed to the usual confiscations; and to add to his
sufferings, his wife and daughter, in endeavouring to escape to Wales by sea, were both drowned. When the
prince Charles, afterwards Charles II. fled from England,
Dr. Byam accompanied him first to the island of Scilly,
afterwards to that of Jersey, where he officiated as
chaplain until the garrison was taken by the parliamentary
forces. He contrived afterwards to live in obscurity until
the restoration, when he was made canon of Exeter, and
prebendary of Wells, but we do not find that his services
were rewarded by any higher preferment. He died June
16, 1669, and was buried in the chancel of the church at
Luckham, where a monument with an inscription by Dr.
Hamnet Ward was erected to his memory. His works
were: “Thirteen Sermons, most of them preached before
his majesty Charles II. in his exile,
” Lond. 1675, 8vo
These were published after his death by Hamnet Ward,
M. D. vicar of Sturminster-Newton-Castle, in Dorsetshire,
with some account of the author. Dr. Byam was the father of the governor alluded to in Southern’s play of
Oroonoko, whom the profligate Mrs. Behn endeavoured to
stigmatize from private pique.
ning of the seventeenth century, was the son of Richard Byfield, minister of Stratford-uponAvon, and was born in Warwickshire about the year 1579. He became a servitor
, a puritan divine of considerable
eminence in the beginning of the seventeenth century,
was the son of Richard Byfield, minister of Stratford-uponAvon, and was born in Warwickshire about the year 1579.
He became a servitor of Exeter college, Oxford, in Lent
term 1596, and remained at the university upwards of
four years, but left it without taking a degree. He was
admitted, however, into holy orders, and was soon after
invited to be pastor of St. Peter’s church, Chester, which
he gladly accepted, and continued there for several years,
“much followed and admired,
” says Wood, “by the precise party, who esteemed his preaching profitable, and his
life pious.
” He was a strict observer of Sunday, on which
subject he preached and wrote, and this involved him in
a controversy, particularly with Edward Brerewood the
mathematician. (See Brerewood.) The observation of
the Sabbath was at this time a subject of much controversy, and many pamphlets were written on both sides,
with the warmth natural at a period of increasing religious
dissension. From Chester Mr. Byfield removed, in 1615,
to the vicarage of Isleworth, where he died in 1622,
leaving behind him an excellent character for learning,
success in his ministry, and a pious and peaceable disposition. He was the author of many popular works, which
are enumerated by Wood. Of these, his “Commentary
on the First Epistle of St. Peter,
” 1637, fol. and “on
Colossians,
” 1628, fol. are held in the highest estimation,
and confirm the character which Wood, somewhat reluctantly, gives of him. Dr. Gouge, of Blackfriars, who drew
up an account of his death, informs us that on his body
being opened, a stone was taken out of his bladder that
weighed thirty-three ounces; and was in length and
breadth about thirteen inches, and solid, like a flint. A
print of him was published by Richardson, in 1790, with
an account of this very remarkable case. The noted Adonrram Byfield, a zealous adherent to the commonwealth
revolution, was his son; and Richard Byfield, another
ejected non-conformist, was his half brother; but neither
had his meek, loyal, and submissive spirit. Adoniram
is one of the few persons who have been, by name, stigmatized by Butler in his “Hudibras.
” He was the father
of Dr. Byfield, the noted Sal volatile doctor, who in his
epitaph is said to be “Diu volatilis tandem Jfcms.
”
was the eldest son of John Byng, esq. by Philadelphia, daughter of Mr. Johnson, of Loans, Surrey. He was born in 1663, and went a Volunteer to sea in 1678, at the age
, lord viscount Torrington, an eminent naval officer, was descended from a family long seated in Kent, his direct ancestor Robert Byng, of Wrotham, inthat county, being high sheriff of it in the 34th year of queen Elizabeth; and he was the eldest son of John Byng, esq. by Philadelphia, daughter of Mr. Johnson, of Loans, Surrey. He was born in 1663, and went a Volunteer to sea in 1678, at the age of fifteen, with the king’s letter given him on the recommendation of the duke of York. In 1681 he quitted the sea-service upon the invitation of general Kirk, governor of Tangier, and served as a cadet in the grenadiers of that garrison; until on a vacancy, which soon happened, the general made him ensign of his own company; and soon after a lieutenant. In 1684, after the demolition of Tangier, lord Dartmouth, general of the sea and land forces, appointed him lieutenant of the Oxford; from which time he constantly kept to the sea-service, remaining likewise an officer in the army several years after. In 1685 he went lieutenant of his majesty’s ship the Phoenix to the East Indies where, engaging and boarding a Zinganian pirate, who maintained a desperate fight, most of those who entered with him were killed, himself much wounded, and the pirate sinking, he was taken out of the sea with scarce any remains of life. In 1688, being first lieutenant to sir John Ashby, in the fleet commanded by lord Dartmouth, fitted out to oppose the designs of the prince of Orange, he was in a particular manner intrusted and employed in the measures then carrying on amongst the most considerable officers of the fleet in favour of that prince; and was the person confided in by them to carry their secret assurances of obedience to his highness, to whom he was privately introduced, at Sherburn, by admiral Russel, afterwards earl of Orford. After his return to the fleet, lord Dartmouth sent him with capt. Aylmer, and capt. Flastings, to carry a message of submission to the prince at Windsor; and made him captain of the Constant Warwick, a ship of the fourth rate. In 1690 he commanded the Hope, a third rate, and was second to sir George Rooke, in the battle off Beachy head. In the years 1691 and 1692, he was captain of the Royal Oak, and served under admiral Russel, who commanded in chief their Majesty’s fleet. In F693, that great officer distinguished him in a particular manner, by promoting him to the rank of his first captain; in which station he served in 1694 and 1695 in the Mediterranean, where the designs of the French against Barcelona were prevented: and also the next year, 1696, in the Channel, to oppose the intended invasion of king James with a French army from the coast of France; which, upon the appearance of the fleet, was laid aside. In 1702, upon the breaking out of the war, he accepted of the command of the Nassau, a third rate, and was at the taking and burning of the French and Spanish fleets at Vigo. The year following he was made rearadmiral of the red, and served in the fleet commanded by *ir Cloudesley Shovel, in the Mediterranean; who detached him with a squadron to Algiers, where he renewed and improved our treaties with that government. In 1704 he served in the grand fleet in the Mediterranean, and commanded the squadron that attacked and cannonaded Gibraltar; and, by landing the seamen, whose valour was very remarkably displayed on this occasion, the town was taken. He was in the battle of Malaga, which followed soon after, and, for his behaviour in that action, had the honour of knighthood conferred on him by his Majesty. In the winter of this year he was sent oat with a squadron to cruise against the French, which he^ did with great success, taking about twenty of their largest privateers in about two months time, with the Thetis, a French man of war of fifty guns. In 1705 he was made vice-admiral of the blue: and upon the election of a new parliament, was returned burgess for Plymouth, which place he represented in every succeeding parliament to the year 1721, when he was advanced to the peerage.
, an eminent landscape engraver, was born in 1742, and educated under an uncle, who engraved heraldry
, an eminent landscape engraver,
was born in 1742, and educated under an uncle, who engraved heraldry on plate; but young Byrne having succeeded in a landscape after Wilson, which obtained a premium from the society for the encouragement of arts, it
was regarded as the precursor of talent of a superior order,
and he was sent to Paris, at that time the chief seminary in
Europe for the study of engraving. There he studied successively under Aliamet and Wille: from the former of
whom he imbibed the leading traits of that style of engraving which he afterwards adopted as his own r under the
latter he engraved a large plate of a storm after Vernet;
but the manual dexterity of Wille was alien to his mind,
and probably contributed not rnuch to his improvement,
although he alw r ays spoke of Wille’s instructions with respect. When he returned to England, the success of
Woollett, as a landscape engraver, had set the fashion in
that department of the art; but Byrne, disdaining to copy
what he did not feel, or perhaps scorning the infiuence of
fashion in art, preserved the independence of his style;
and continued to study, and to recommend to his pupils*,
nature, Vivares, and the best examples of the French
school. His larger performances are after Zuccarelli and
Both: but his principal works (containing probably his best engraving) are the “Antiquities of Great Britain,
” after
Hearne; a set of “Views of the Lakes,
” after Farringdon;
and Smith’s “Scenery of Italy.
” His chief excellence
consisting in his aerial perspective, and the general effect
of his chiaroscuro, he was more agreeably and more beneficially employed, in finishing than in etching, and hence
he generally worked in conjunction with his pupils, who
were in his later years his own sons and daughters. His
manners were unassuming; his professional industry
unremitting; and his moral character exemplary. This ingenious artist died at his house in Great Titchfield street,
Sept. 24, 1805.
, an ingenious English writer, the younger son of Edward Byrom, a linen-draper of Manchester, was born at Kersall in the neighbourhood of that town, in 1691;
, an ingenious English writer, the younger son of Edward Byrom, a linen-draper of Manchester, was born at Kersall in the neighbourhood of that town, in 1691; and after receiving such education as his native place afforded, was removed to Merchant-Taylors school in London, where he made very extraordinary progress in classical learning, and was soon deemed fit for the university. At the age of sixteen, he was admitted a pensioner of Trinity college, Cambridge, under the tuition of Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Baker. During his residence here the proficiency he had made in classical knowledge, was probably neither remitted, nor overlooked; but he is said to have paid no greater share of attention to logic and philosophy, than was necessary to enable him to pass his examinations with credit. In 1711, he was admitted to his degree of bachelor of arts.
, a French physician of considerable eminence, the son of Mons. Cabanis, an able agriculturist, was born about 1756 and in his youth shewed much taste for scientific
, a French physician
of considerable eminence, the son of Mons. Cabanis, an
able agriculturist, was born about 1756 and in his youth
shewed much taste for scientific as well as polite literature,
which he pursued with success; although having caught the
revolutionary phrensy, his studies became interrupted by
his polkical engagements. He is said, however, to have
had no hand in any of the excesses which arose out of the
fury of contending parties. He was connected with Alirabeau, and attended him in his professional capacity on
his death-bed. He was also one of the Council of Five Hundred; and it was in consequence of a motion made by him,
that the Directory was dissolved. His principles, however,
do not appear to have been much more steady and consistent than those of his brethren. He published, 1. “Observations sur les Hopitaux,
” Paris, Journal
de la maladie et de la mort de Mirabeau,
” ibid. Travail sur I'education publique,
” a posthumous work of
Mirabeau, edited by Cabanis, 1791, 8vo. 4. “Melanges de
Litterature Allemande,
” Dudegrede certitude
delamedecine,
”Quelques considerations sur l'organization sociale en generale,
” &c. Des rapports du physique et du morale de Pnomme,
”
Coup d'ceil sur les revolutions
et la reforme de la medicine,
” Observations
sur les affections Catarrhales,
” &c. Magazin Encyclopedique;
”
and in the Moniteur for
, a painter of landscape, sea-ports, and cattle^ was born at Ryswickj in 1631, and became a disciple of John Van
, a painter of landscape, sea-ports, and cattle^ was born at Ryswickj in 1631, and became a disciple of John Van Goyen, under whose instruction and example he made a rapid progress in his profession, and by whom his name was changed from Vander Touw to Vander Cabel. He copied nature and designed every object before he inserted any in his compositions. His taste in designing animals and figures was formed after that of Castiglione; and in landscape his model was the style of Salvator Rosa. His manner is great, and much after the gout of the Italian school. The touchings of his trees arc excellent; his figures and animals are very correct, and marked with spirit. Although his different pictures have unequal merit, they are all distinguished by the freedom of his hand, and the fine touch of his pencil. In his colouring he was solicitous to imitate the Caracci and Mohi; but the beauty of his design and composition is often injured by too dark and deep tone of colouring. His etchings, of which some few remain, are performed in a slight, free style. He died in 1695.
, a navigator of great eminence? and abilities, was born at Bristol about the year 1477. He was son of John Cabot,
, a navigator of great eminence? and abilities, was born at Bristol about the year 1477. He was son of John Cabot, a Venetian pilot, who resided much in England, and particularly in the city of Bristol; and who was greatly celebrated Cor his skill in navigation. Young Cabot was early instructed by his father in arithmetic, geometry, geography, and those branches of knowledge which were best calculated to form an able and skilful seaman; and by the time he was seventeen years of age, he had already made several trips to sea, in order to add to the theoretical knowledge which he had acquired, a competent skill in the practical part of navigation. The first voyage of any importance in which he was engaged, appears to have been that made by his father, for the discovery of unknown lands; and also, as it is said, of a northwest passage to the East Indies. John Cabot was encouraged to this attempt by the discoveries of Columbus. It was in 1493 that Columbus returned from his first expedition; and in 1495, John Cabot obtained from king Henry VII. letters patent, empowering him and his three sons, Lewis, Sebastian, and Sanctius, to discover unknown lands, and to conquer and settle them, for which they were to be admitted to many privileges the king reserving to himself one- fifth part of the neat profits; and with this single restraint, that the ships they fitted O ut should be obliged to return to the port of Bristol. It was not till the year after these letters patent were granted, that any preparations were made for fitting out vessels for the intended voyage; and then John Cabot had a permission from his majesty, to take six English ships in any haven of the realm, of the burden of two hundred tons and under, with as many mariners as should be willing to go with him. Accordingly, one ship was equipped at Bristol, at the king’s expence; and to this the merchants of that city, and of London, added three or four small vessels, freighted with proper commodities.
, an artist, knqwn by the name of Moncalvo, from his long abode in that place, was born in 1568 at Montebone, in Montferrat, and marks perhaps
, an artist, knqwn by the name of Moncalvo, from his long abode in that place, was born in 1568 at Montebone, in Montferrat, and marks perhaps the brightest data of Piemontese art, though with less celebrity than merit, for no traces appear of his education: had he been a scholar of the Caracci, his first essays in fresco would have been made at Bologna, not at the stationary chapels of Monte Crea; his style of design would resemble that of Annibale more than the ideal line of Raffaello, or Andrea del Sarto, or Parmigiano; and his landscape have Jess of Paul Brill. His numerous small Madonnas breathe the spirit of the Roman and Florentine school, and one in the royal palace of Torino seems to have issued from the hands of Andrea, if we except the colour, which, though graceful and delicate, has more of the weakness that marked the tints of Sabbatini and the predecessors of the Caracci. The powers of Moncalvo were not, however, coiir fined to soft subjects: the contrary appears in the church of the Conventuals at that place in numerous instances, and still more in a chapel of S. Domenico at Chieri, where the Resuscitation of Lazarus, and the Multiplication of the Loaves, two collateral altar-pieces, vie with each other in pathetic imagery, legitimate composition, energy of expression and attitude, and correctness of design. He was assisted by several scholars of no very eminent note, but N. Sacchi of Casale, in energy of varied expression and decision of pencil, perhaps excelled the master. His two daughters i< raneesca and Orsola Caccia became, under his tuition, apt associates of his labours in fresco, a practice else unknown to female hands; they drew from the father the structure of bodies, but not their animation; and such was the similarity of their execution, that to avoid confusion, Francesca, the younger, marked her performances with a small bird, whilst Orsola distinguished her own by a flower; she founded the Conservatory of the Ursuliiies at Moncalvo, where, and at Casale, she left altar-pieces and numerous cabinet-pictures, touched in the manner of Paul Brill, and strewn with flowers; A holy family in that taste is among the rich collection of the palace Natta. Caccia died about 1625.
, a famous Venetian navigator, was born about the year 1422, and by his talents attracted the notice
, a famous
Venetian navigator, was born about the year 1422, and by
his talents attracted the notice of the infant don Henry of
Portugal. This prince, animated with the spirit of making
discoveries, like his father king John, resolved to gain the
attachment of Cadamosto. He accordingly applied to him,
through the consul of the Venetian republic in Portugal,
named Patrick Conti, for information concerning the advantageous commerce of the island of Madeira, conquered in
14150. Cadamosto, encouraged by the hopes of profit,
came to terms with don Henry, fitted out for him a caravelie, of which Vincent Diaz> a native of Lagos, was the
patron. It sailed the 22d of March, 1455; and, after having anchored at Madeira, they proceeded to reconnoitre
the Canaries, the cape Blanco, Senegal, cape Verd, and
the mouth of the river Gambia. In a second voyage which
he made the following year, with a Genoese named Anthony, they prosecuted their discoveries as far as the river
of St. Dominic, to which they gave that name, and from,
whence they returned to Portugal. He resided a long time
at Lagos, gaining the affection of the merchants and navigators of the place by acts of kindness and civility. On his
return to his native country in 1464, he published the account of his voyages, which was published at Vicenza,
under the title of “La Prima Navigatione per TOceano a
le terre de Negri della bassa Ktiopia,
”
and a striking instance of the effects of a strong understanding united with industry and integrity, was born in Wine-street, Bristol, on the 27th of October, 1742,
, an eminent bookseller, and a
striking instance of the effects of a strong understanding
united with industry and integrity, was born in Wine-street,
Bristol, on the 27th of October, 1742, O. S. After being
educated in his native city, he was apprenticed, in 1758,
to Mr. Andrew Millar, at that time at the head of his profession in London, anil the steady patron of Thomson, Fielding, and many other celebrated writers. In Mr. Cadell
he soon discovered a taste for business, a love of industry,
and an understanding uncommonly acute, which embraced
all the concerns of a trade that necessarily requires more
than mere mechanical talents; and Mr. Millar being Dow
advanced in life readily admitted Mr. Cadell into partnership in 1765, and in 1767, a year before his death, relinquished the whole to him. Mr. Cadell thus became, at a
very early period, at the head of his profession, and by
associating with himself the late William Strahan, esq.
secured the advice and assistance of a printer of corresponding liberality and taste. Introduced at the same time
by Mr. Millar to writers of the first rank in literature, to
Johnson, Hume, Robertson, Warburton, Hurd, &c, he
pursued the same commendable track, iind acting upon
the liberal principles of his predecessor in respect to authors, enlarged upon it to an extent, which, at the same
time that it did honour to his spirit, was well suited to the
more enlightened period in which he carried on business.
In conjunction with Mr. Strahan, already noticed, and
afterwards with his son Andrew Strahan, esq. the present
member for Aldborough, munificent remunerations were
held out to writers of the most eminent talents, and, as
Dr. Johnson was accustomed to aay, “the price of literature was raised.
” The names of some of the writers whose
works were brought forward under Mr. Cadell’s auspices
have already been mentioned; nor was he less fortunate
in the judicious connexions formed, upon the most liberal
principles, with Blackstone, Burn, Henry, Gibbon, and
many others whose works are to be found in every library.
Although in success such as Mr. Cadell experienced, and
which must depend ultimately on the pleasure of the public, chance may be supposed to have some influence, yet it
is but justice to add that Mr. Cadell had acquired, by whatever means, an uncommon discernment in the value of
books, which led him with apparent facility, and almost
always with success, to predict the future fate of what was
submitted to him; and when any plan of republication was
discussed in conjunction with his brethren, we have the
testimony of some yet living, and of many now off the
stage, that no man could see more clearly than Mr. Cadell
into the disposition and bias of the reading world, or
display more judgment in every arrangement of editions, &c
calculated to gratify public taste. Hence, in his individual capacity, it was universally remarked that he gave the
largest prices for the most successful works, and that at a
time when their success could be only in his own contemplation; and when that success seemed to be delayed beyond all reasonable hope, even in such cases the final
issue justified his original opinion, and proved that he had
formed it upon substantial grounds.
second son of Charles Sloan Cadogan, third baron, and first earl Cadogan of the new creation (1800), was born Jan. 22, 1751, at his father’s house in Bruton-street,
, grand nephew of the preceding, and second son of Charles Sloan Cadogan, third baron, and first earl Cadogan of the new creation (1800), was born Jan. 22, 1751, at his father’s house in Bruton-street, and was educated at Westminster-school, whence he was removed to Christ church college, Oxford, where he took the degree of B. A. At this university, he distinguished himself by obtaining several prizes for classical learning, and by a diligent application to the study of the holy scriptures. In 1774, the vicarage of St. Giles’s, Reading, became vacant, by the death of the rev. William Talbot, a very popular preacher of Calvinistic principles, and was conferred on Mr. Cadogan, unsolicited, in the following manner. Lord Bathurst, who was then chancellor, called at lord Cadogan’s house in Privy Gardens, and desired to see him. Lord Cadogan was not at home; and the servants, seeing lord Bathurst plainly dressed, admitted him no farther than the hall, on the table of which he wrote a note, requesting lord Cadogan to accept the vicarage of St. Giles’s for his son. The offer of so valuable a preferment, and so near to the family seat at Caversham, was peculiarly acceptable to lord Cadogan: but his son not being in priest’s orders, it was held by sequestration till he was ordained priest in 1775. Soon after, he was presented by lord Cadogan to the rectory of Chelsea, but as he could not hold two livings without being a master of arts, that degree was conferred upon him by archbishop Cornwallis and in the following year, being then of sufficient standing in the university, he was regularly admitted to the same degree of Oxford.
, an eminent botanist and physician, was born at Arezzo, in the district of Florence, in 1519. He was
, an eminent botanist and
physician, was born at Arezzo, in the district of Florence,
in 1519. He was educated under Luke Ghinus, superintendant of the public garden at Pisa, where he appears
to have acquired his taste for botanical pursuits. There
also he was appointed first professor of physic and botany
in the university, and afterwards first physician to pope
Clement VIII. a promotion which required his residence at
Home, where he died in 1603. He described, says Dr.
Pulteney, with exquisite skill, the plants of his own country, and left an herbarium of 768 species. He extended
Gesner’s idea, and commenced the period of systematic
arrangement. In his “Libri XVI de Plantis,
” published
in 1583, at Florence, he has arranged upwards of 800
plants into classes, founded, after the general division of
the trees from herbs, on characters drawn from the fruit
particularly, from the number of the capsules and cells;
the number, shape, and disposition of the seeds; and from
the situation of the corculum, radicle, or eye of t]ie seed,
which he raised to great estimation. The orders, or subdivisions, are formed on still more various relations. On
the other hand, the biographer of Linnceus remarks, that,
though his genius was inventive, his knowledge of botany
was neither original nor universal. He missed both leisure
and opportunity. Clusius had discovered more fresh plants
than he ever was acquainted with. His herbal did not contain nine hundred species, a fact fully proved by the Florentine botanist Micheli, who had it in his possession. A
provision of this kind was too small to give a comprehensive view of botany, and the knowledge which Ca?salpinus
acquired of the internal structure of plants was too defective
to point out the most perfect order. He was only directed
by the fruit, and mostly by that part on which tlui shoots or
germins repose. This system had its defects, but it brought
CiEsalpinus much nearer to the truth, and he discovered more
real similarities, more natural classes, than all the botanists
who preceded, and many who followed him. His speculations in anatomy are still more ingenious. He describes
very clearly the circulation of the blood through the heart,
and was acquainted with the uses of the valves. Douglas
thinks him entitled to equal praise with Harvey, who only completed what he had nearly achieved. He clearly, Douglas
says, describes the contraction and dilatation of the heart,
which is shewn from the following passage from his fourth
book “Question um Peripateticarum.
” “The lungs,
” he
says, “drawing the warm blood through a vein (the pulmonary artery) like the arteries, out of the right ventricle
of the heart, and returning it by an anastomosis to the
venal artery (the pulmonary vein) which goes to the left
ventricle of the heart, the cool air being in the mean time
let in through the canals of the aspera arteria, which are
extended along the venal artery, but do not communicate
with it by inosculations, as Galen imagined, cools it only
by touching. To this circulation of the blood out of the
right ventricle of the heart through the lungs into its left
ventricle, what appears upon dissection answers very well:
for there are two vessels which end in the right ventricle, and
two in the left: but one only carries the blood in, the other
sends it out, the membranes being contrived for that purpose.
” His works on the practice of medicine have also
their portion of merit. “Questionum Medicarum Libri
ii.;
” “De Facultatibus Medicamentorum Libri duo,
” Venet.
Speculum Artis Medicae Hippocraticae, exhibens dignoscendos curandosque morbos, in quo multa visuntur, quae a prjcclarissimis medicis intacta relicta erant,
”
Lyons,
ic offices in the commonwealth, till the time of Caius Julius Cæsar, the subject of this article. He was born at Rome the 12th of the month Quintilis, year of the city
, the illustrious Roman general and
historian, was of the family of the Julii, who pretended
they were descended from Venus by Æneas. The descendants of Ascanius son offlLneas and Creusa, and surnamed
Julius, lived at Alba till that city wns ruined by Tullus
Hostilius, king of Rome, who carried them to Rome, where
they flourished. We do not find that they produced more
than two branches. The first bore the name of Tullus, the
other that of Cæsar. The most ancient of the Caesars were
those who were in public employments in the llth year of
the first Punic war. After that time we find there was always some of that family who enjoyed public offices in the
commonwealth, till the time of Caius Julius Cæsar, the
subject of this article. He was born at Rome the 12th of
the month Quintilis, year of the city 653, and lost his
father anno 669, and the year after he was made priest of
Jupiter. Sylla was aware of his ambition, and endeavoured
to remove him but Cæsar understood his intentions, and,
to avoid discovery, changed every day his lodgings. He
was received into Sylla’s friendship some time after; and
the dictator told those who solicited the advancement of
young Cæsar, that they were warm in the interest of a man
who would prove some day or other the ruin of their
country and of their liberty. When Cæsar went to finish
his studies at Rhodes, under Apollonius Molo, he was
seized by pirates, who offered him his liberty for thirty
talents. He gave them forty, and threatened to revenge
their insults; and he no sooner was out of their power than
he armed a ship, pursued them, and crucified them all.
His eloquence procured him friends at Rome; and the
generous manner in which he lived, equally served to promote his interest. He obtained the office of high priest at
the death of Metellus; and after he had passed through the
inferior employments of the state, he was appointed over
Spain, where he signalized himself by his valour and intrigues. At his return to Rome he was made consul, and
soon after he effected a reconciliation between Crassus and
Pompey. He was appointed for the space of five years
over the Gauls, by the interest of Pompey, to whom he
had given his daughter Julia in marriage. Here he enlarged the boundaries of the Roman empire by conquest,
and invaded Britain, which was then unknown to the Roman people. He checked the Germans, and soon after
had his government over Gaul prolonged to five other
years, by means of his friends at Rome. The death of
Julia and of Crassus, the corrupted state of the Roman
senate, and the ambition of Cassar and Pompey, soon became the causes of a civil war. Neither of these celebrated
Romans would suffer a superior, and the smallest matters
were sufficient ground for unsheathing the sword. Cæsar’s
petitions were received with coldness or indifference bjr
the Roman senate; and by the influence of Pompey, a
decree was passed to strip him of his power. Antony, who
opposed it as tribune, fled to Cæsar’s camp with the news;
and the ambitious general no sooner heard this, than he
made it a plea of resistance. On pretence of avenging
the violence which had been offered to the sacred office of
tribune in the person of Antony, he crossed the Rubicon,
which was the boundary of his province. The passage of
the Rubicon was a declaration of war, and Cæsar entered
Italy sword in hand. Upon this, Pompey, with all the
friends of liberty, left Rome, and retired to Dyrrachium
and Cæsar, after he had subdued all Italy, in sixty days,
entered Rome, and provided himself with money from the
public treasury. He went to Spain, where he conquered
the partizans of Pompey, under Petreius, Afranius, and
Varro; and at his return to Rome was declared dictator,
and soon after consul. When he left Rome he went in
quest of Pompey, observing that he was marching against
a general without troops, after having defeated troops
without a general in Spain. In the plains of Pharsalia,
B.C. 48, the two hostile generals engaged, Pompey was
conquered, and fled into Egypt, where he was basely murdered. Cæsar, after he had made a noble use of victory,
pursued his adversary into Egypt, where he sometime
forgot his fame and character in the arms of Cleopatra, by
whom he had a son. His danger was great while at Alexandria but he extricated himself with wonderful success,
and made Egypt tributary to his power. After several
conquests in Africa, the defeat of Cato, Scipio, and Juba,
and that of Pompey‘a sons in Spain, he entered Rome,
and triumphed over five different nations, Gaul, Alexandria, Pomus, Africa, and Spain, and was created perpetual dictator. But now his glory was at an end, his uncommon success created him enemies, and the chiefest of
the senators, among whom was Brutus his most intimate
friend, conspired against him, and stabbed him in the seriate house on the ides of March. He died, pierced with
tuenty-tliree wounds, the 15th of March, B. C. 44, in the
fifty-sixth year of his age. Casca gave him the first blow,
and immediately he attempted to make some resistance;
but when he saw Brutus among the conspirators, he submitted to his fate, and fell down at tlu-ir feet, muffling up
his mantle, and exclaiming, M Tu quoque Brute 1*’ Cæsar
might have escaped the sword of the conspirators if he had
listened to the advice of his wife Calpurnia, whose dreams,
on the night previous to the day of his murder, were
alarming. He also received, as he went to the senatehouse, a paper from Artemidorus, which discovered the
whole conspiracy to him; but he neglected the reading of
what might have saved his life. When he was in his first
campaign in Spain, he was observed to gaze at a statue of
Alexander, and even he shed tears at the recollection that
that hero had conquered the world at an age in which he
himself had done nothing. The learning of Cæsar deserves
commendation, as well as his military character. He reformed the calendar. He wrote his commentaries on the
Gallic wars on the spot where he fought his battles, and
the composition has been admired for the elegance as well
as the correctness of its style. This valuable book was
nearly lost and when Cæsar saved his life in the bay of
Alexandria, he was obliged to swim from his ship, with his
arms in one hand and his commentaries in the other. Besides the Gallic and civil wars, he wrote other pieces which
are now lost. The history of the war in Alexandria and
Spain is attributed to him, and by others to Hirtius.
Cæsar has been blamed for his debaucheries and expences, and the first year he had a public office, his debts
were rated at 830 talents, which his friends discharged
yet, in his public character, he must be reckoned one of
the few heroes that rarely make their appearance among
mankind. His qualities were such, that in every battle he
could not be but conqueror* and in every republic, master;
and to his sense of his superiority over the rest of the world,
or to his ambition, we are to attribute his saying, that he
wished rather to be first in a little village, than second at
Rome. It was after his conquest over Pharnaces in one
day, that he made use of these remarkable words, to express the celerity of his operations, “Veni, vidi, vici.
”
Conscious of the services of a man, who in the intervals of
peace beautified and enriched the capital of his country
with pubiic buildings, libraries, and porticoes, the senate
permitted the dictator to wear a laurel crown on his bald
head; and it is said, that, to reward his benevolence, they
were going to give him the title or authority of king all
ovftr the Roman empire, except Italy, when he was murdered. In his private character, Cæsar has been accused
of seducing one of the Vestal virgins, and suspected of
being privy to Catiline’s conspiracy and it was his fondness for dissipated pleasures, which made his countrymen say, that he was the husband of all the women
at Rome. It is said that he conquered 300 nations,
took 800 cities, and defeated three millions of men, one
of which fell in the field of battle. Pliny says?, that he
could employ at the same time, his ears to listen, his
eyes to read, his hand to write, and his mind to dictate. His death was preceded, as many authors mention,
by uncommon prodigies and immediately after his death,
a large comet made its appearance. Cæsar when young,
was betrothed to Cossutia, a rich heiress, whom he dismissed to marry Cornelia, the daughter of Cinna, by whom
he had Julia. His attachment to Cornelia was so great,
that he never could be prevailed upon by the arts or threats
of Sylla to divorce her; but her attachment he boldly
preferred to his own personal safety. After her early
death, which he lamented with great bitterness of grief, he
married Pompeia, the grand-daughter of Sylla; and for
his fourth wife he took Calpurnia, the daughter of the
consul Piso, a connection formed from political motives.
The best editions of Cesar’s Commentaries, are the magnificent one by Dr. Clarke, Lond. 1712, Hoi.; that of Cambridge, with a Greek translation, 1727, 4to; that of Oudendorp, 2 vols. 4to, L. Bat. 1737; that of Elzevir, 8vo,
L. Bat. 1635; that of Homer, London, 1790, 2 vols. 8vo
and of Oberlin, Leipsic, 1805, 8vo.
, a learned civilian, was born near Tottenham, in Middlesex, in 1557. His father was Cæsar
, a learned civilian, was born near
Tottenham, in Middlesex, in 1557. His father was Cæsar
Adelmar, physician to queen Mary and queen Elizabeth
lineally descended from Adelmar count of Genoa, and admiral of France, in the year 806, in the reign of Charles
the Great. This Cæsar Adelmar’s mother was daughter to
the duke de Cesarini, from whom he had the name of
Cæsar which name Mary I. queen of England, ordered
to be continued to his posterity and his father was Peter
Maria Dalmarius, of the city of Trevigio in Italy, LL. D.
sprung from those of his name living at Cividad del Friuli.
Julius, who is the subject of this article, had his education in
the university of Oxford, where he took the degree of B. A.
May 17, 1575, as a member of Magdalen hall. Afterwards
he went and studied in the university of Paris where, in
the beginning of 1581, he was created D. C. L. and had
letters testimonial for it, under the seal of that university,
dated the 22d of April, 1531. He was admitted to the
same degree at Oxford, March the 5th, 1583; and also
became doctor of the canon law. In the reign of queen Elizabeth, he was master of requests, judge of the high court
of admiralty, and master of St. Catherine’s hospital near
the Tower. On the 22d of January, 1595, he was present
at the confirmation of Richard Vaughan, bishop of Bangor,
in the church of St. Mary-le-Bow, London. Upon kingJames’s accession to the throne, having before distinguished
himself by his merit and abilities, he was knighted by that
prince, at Greenwich, May 20, 1603. He was also constituted chancellor and under- treasurer of the exchequer
and on the 5th of July, 1607, sworn of his majesty’s privy
council. January 16th, in the eighth of king James I. he
obtained a reversionary grant of the office of master of the
rolls after sir Edward Phillips, knight; who, departing this
life September 11, 1614, was succeeded accordingly by
sir Julius, on the 1st of October following; and then he
resigned his place of chancellor of the exchequer. In
1613 he was one of the commissioners, or delegates employed in the business of the divorce between the earl of
Essex and his countess; and gave sentence for that divorce.
About the same time, he built a chapel at his house, <on
the north side of the Strand, in London, which was consecrated, May 8, 1614. As he had been privy-counsellor
to king James I. so was he also to his son king Charles I.;
and appears to have been custos rotulorum of the county
of Hertford. We are likewise informed by one author,
that he was chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster. After
having thus passed through many honourable employments,
and continued in particular, master of the rolls for above
twenty years, he departed this life April 28, 1636, in the
seventy-ninth year of his age. He lies buried in the church
of Great St. Helen’s within Bishopgate, London, under
a fair, but uncommon monument, designed by himself;
being in form of a deed, and made to resemble a ruffled
parchment, in allusion to his office as master of the rolls.
With regard to his character, he was a man of great gravity and integrity, and remarkable for his extensive bounty
and charity to all persons of worth, or that were in want:
so that he might seem to be almoner-general of the nation.
Fuller gives the following instance of his uncommon charity
“A gentleman once borrowing his coach (which was as well known to poor people as any hospital in England)
was so rendezvouzed about with beggars in London, that
it cost him all the money in his purse to satisfy their importunity, so that he might have hired twenty coaches on
the same terms.
” He entertained for some time in hisr
house the most illustrious Francis lord Bacon, viscount
St. Alban’s. He made his grants to all persons double
kindnesses by expedition, and cloathed (as one expresses it) his very denials in such robes of courtship, that it was
not obviously discernible, whether the request or denial
were most decent. He had also this peculiar to himself,
that he was very cautious of promises, lest falling to an
incapacity of performance he might forfeit his reputation,
and multiply his certain enemies, by hisoiesign of creating
uncertain friends. Besides, he observed a sure principle
of rising, namely, that great persons esteem better of such
they have done great courtesies to, than those they have
received great civilities from; looking upon this as their
disparagement, the other as their glory.
a celebrated artist, called Paul Veronese, the great master of what is called the ornamental style, was born at Verona in 1530, and was the disciple of Antonio adile.
, a celebrated artist, called Paul Veronese, the great master of what is called the ornamental style, was born at Verona in 1530, and was the disciple of Antonio adile. When young, in concurrence with Batista del Moro, Domenico Brusasorci, and Paol Farinato, he painted at the summons of cardinal Ercole Gonzaga, in the cathedral of Mantua, and left no doubt of his superiority in the. contest. He then went to Venice, and with the procurator Grimani to Rome, where, from the frescos of M. Angelo and Raffael, he acquired the idea of that breadth which distinguishes him in all his allegorical and mythologic pictures; and though the simplicity inseparable from real grandeur vras not a principle to be courted by him who aimed at captivating the debauched Venetian eye, he gave proofs, that, if he did not adopt, he had a sense for its beauties. The Apotheosis of Venice in the ducal palace, in magnificence of combination, loftiness, splendor, variety, offers in one picture the principles and the elemental beauties of his style. It was, however, less to this work, than to his Cene, or convivial compositions, that Paolo owed his celebrity. He painted four at Venice, for four refectories of convents, all of enormous dimensions and equal copiousness of invention. The first, with the Nuptials of Cana, once in the refectory of*St. Giorgio Maggiore, now in the Louvre, and known by numerous copies, is thirty palms long, comprizes 130 figures, with a number of distinguished portraits; and yet was painted, says Lanzi, for no more than ninety ducats. The second, better preserved, was painted for the convent of S. Giovanni and Paolo, and represents the call of St. Matthew; it is chiefly praised for the character of the heads, which Ricci copied for his studies at an advanced age. The third, at St. Sebastian, is the Feast of Simon, which is likewise the subject of the fourth, painted for the refectory o/ the Servi, but sent to Lewis XIV. and placed at Versailles. This, perhaps, is the master-piece of the four, though placed in an unfavourable light, and greatly injured by neglect, and the dampness of the place.
, a noted impostor, whose true name was Joseph Balsamo, was born at Palermo the 8th of June 1743; Peter Balsamo being his
, a noted impostor, whose true name was Joseph Balsamo, was born at Palermo the 8th of June 1743; Peter Balsamo being his father, and Felix Braconieri his mother, both of humble parentage. He was still a child when his father died; and was therefore brought up by the relations of his mother, who caused him to be instructed in the first principles of religion and philosophy, but it was not long before he shewed how little he was disposed to either, by running away more than once from the seminary of St. Roche at Palermo, where he had been placed for education. In his thirteenth year his guardians delivered him to the care of the general of the friars of mercy, who took him along with him to the monastery of that order at Cartagirone; where he was entered as a novice, and committed to the tuition of the apothecary; under whom, as he says, he found means of acquiring the first elements of chemistry and physic. But neither here did he make any long stay. He continued to shew himself on his worst side, and his superiors were frequently obliged to give him correction for obliquities in his conduct. When, according to the custom oi monastic foundations, it came to his turn to read during dinner-time, he never read what was contained in the book, but delivered a lecture according to the dictates of his fancy. He himself confesses, that in reading from the martyrology, instead of the names of the holy women, he inserted those of the most noted courtesans of the town. At length, being weary of repeated chastisement, he threw off the cowl, and went back to Palermo, where for a time he studied drawing; and without making any reform in his manners, addicted himself to excesses of every kind. It was his greatest pleasure to rove about armed, and to frequent the company of the most profligate young men of the town. There was no fray in which he was not concerned, and he enjoyed nothing more than when he could resist the magistrate, and deliver the prisoner from his authority. He even stooped to the mean felony of forging the tickets of admission to the theatres; and from an uncle, with whom he lived, he stole considerable sums of money and other property. In a love intrigue between a person of rank and a cousin of his, he made himself the letter-carrier, and occasionally demanded of the lover at one time money, at another a watch, and always something of value, in the name of the fair one, which he appropriated to himself. He then insinuated himself into the good graces of a notary, to whom he was related; and, for the sake of a bribe, counterfeited a will in favour of a certain marchese Maurigi. The forgery was discovered some years afterwards, and the affair being brought before the judges, was fully proved; but this was at a time when the persons interested were not at Palermo. He was likewise charged with having murdered a canon, and with obtaining several sums of money from a monk for giving him written permits of absence from his convent at various times; all of which papers were found to be forged.
, was born in 1525 at Montrichard in Touraine, of a poor family, and
, was born
in 1525 at Montrichard in Touraine, of a poor family, and
was at first a protestant divine, attached to Catherine of
Bourbon, sister of Henry IV. but was deposed in a synod
on a charge of practising the arts of magic, and for having
written a book in favour of public stews. This sentence
accelerated his abjuration, which he delivered at Paris in
1595, and died in 1610, at the age of eighty-five, doctor
of Sorbonne, and professor of Hebrew in the college royal.
Caiet was of a kind and officious disposition, and was so
unfortunate as to have for his enemies all whom he had
obliged. His slovenly dress, his manner of life, and his
absurd attempts to discover the philosopher’s stone, drew
upon him no less contempt than his learning brought him
respect. Notwithstanding his humble and shabby exterior,
Henry IV. continued to admit him to court, not without
wishing, however, to avoid it, which he shewed by presenting him with a small estate in the country, a philosophical retreat sufficient to satisfy the ambition of a scholar.
The Calvinists, whom he had deserted, endeavoured to
expose his principles and conduct, and as after his abjuration he had had a conference with Du Moulin, this was a
fresh reason for their animosity. Caiet did not remain
silent, but published, in 1603, against Du Moulin, the
book emphatically entitled “The fiery Furnace, and the
reverberatory Furnace, for evaporating the pretended waters of Silofim (the title of Du Moulin’s work), and for
strengthening the fire of purgatory.
” The intimacy between the count de Soissons and the sister of Henry IV.
proceeded such lengths, that they ordered Caiet to marry
them immediately. On his refusal to do it, the prince
threatened to kill him. “Kill me then,
” replied Caiet;
“I had much rather die by the hand of a prince than by
that of the hangman.
”
, a cardinal, was born in 1469, at Cajeta, a town in the kingdom of Naples. His
, a cardinal, was born in 1469, at Cajeta, a
town in the kingdom of Naples. His proper name was
Thomas de Vio, but he took that of Cajetan from the place
of his nativity. He was entered of the order of Dominic,
of which he became an illustrious ornament; and having
taken a doctor’s degree when he was about twenty-two
years of age, he taught philosophy and divinity first at
Paris, and afterwards at Rome. He went regularly through
all the honours of his order, till he was made general of
it; which office he exercised for ten years. He defended
the authority of the pope, which suffered greatly at the
council of Nice, in a work entitled “Of the Power of
the Pope;
” and for his zeal upon this occasion, was made
bishop of Cajeta. Then he was raised to the archiepiscopal see of Palermo; and in 1517 was made a cardinal by
pope Leo X. The year after he was sent a legate into
Germany, to quell the commotions which Luther had
raised by his opposition to Leo’s indulgences: buJt Luther,
being under the particular protection of Frederic elector
of Saxony, set him at defiance; and though, in obedience
to the cardinal’s summons, he repaired to Augsburg, yet
he rendered his endeavours of no effect. Cajetan indeed
was the most improper person that could have been selected to oppose Luther, having nothing to advance hut
the arrogant dictates of mere authority. He was, however,
more advantageously employed in several other negotiations and transactions, being not only a man of letters,
but having a peculiar turn for business; and at length died,
in 1534, when he was sixty-five years old.
, an eminent French Inathematician and astronomer, was born at Rumigiiy in the diocese of Rheims on March 15, 1713.
, an eminent French
Inathematician and astronomer, was born at Rumigiiy in
the diocese of Rheims on March 15, 1713. His father
having quitted the army, in which he had served, amused
himself in his retirement with studying mathematics and
mechanics, in which he proved the author of several inventions of considerable use to the public. From this example of his father, our author “almost in his infancy took a
fancy to mechanics, which proved of signal service to him
in his maturer years. At school he discovered early tokens
of genius. He came to Paris in 1729; where he studied
the classics, philosophy, and mathematics, and afterwards
divinity in the college de Navarre, with a view to the
church, but he never entered into priest’s orders, apprehending that his astronomical studies, to which he had
become much devoted, might too much interfere with his
religious duties. His turn for astronomy soon connected
him with the celebrated Cassini, who procured him an
apartment in the observatory; where, assisted by the counsels of this master, he soon acquired a name among the
astronomers, in 1739 he was joined with M. Cassini de
Thury, son to M. Cassini, in verifying the meridian through
the whole extent of France; and in the same year he was,
named professor of mathematics in the college of Mazarine.
In 1741 or author was admitted into the academy of
sciences as an adjoint member for astronomy and had
many excellent papers inserted in their memoirs; beside
which he published several useful treatises, viz. Elements
of Geometry, Astronomy, Mechanics, and Optics. He also
carefully computed all the eclipses of the sun and moon
that had happened since the Christian sera, which were
printed in the work entitled
” L'Art de verifier les dates,“&c. Paris, 1750, 4to. He also compiled a volume of astronomical ephemerides for the years 1745 to 1755; another
for the years 1755 to 1765 and a third for the years 1765
to 1775 as also the most correct solar tables of any; and
an excellent work entitled
” Astronomic fundamenta novissimis solis et stellarum observationibus stabilita."
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at St. Edmund’s-Bury, in Suffolk, about the year 1635.
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at St. Edmund’s-Bury, in Suffolk, about the year 1635. In h,is junior years he was carefully instructed by his father, and when he had acquired a sufficient fund of learning, he was transferred to the university of Cambridge, where he was entered of Sidney college, March 28, 1651. He took the degree of bachelor of arts in 1654-5. Then be removed to Pembroke-hall, where he took the degree of master of arts in 1658. He became afterwards fellow of that colleg e; and on April 20, 1659, was presented to the living of Moreton in Essex, which he held till he was removed by f;he act of uniformity in 1G62. After his ejectment he ret ired to London, and kept a meeting privately in his house in Aldermanbury. When Charles II. published his declarati< >n for indulgence, he set up a public meeting in Curriers-hall, near Cripplegate. But when the dissenters were again persecuted, he had recourse to his former methodl and though he was very assiduous in his duty, yet he escaped imprisonment, notwithstanding warrants were frequently out against him but he had the misfortune, with several other of his brethren, to fall under a crown-office prosecution, which put him to a great deal of trouble and expence. As he was a person of much learning and unaffected piety, so he was very careful to avoid whatever might draw upon him the imputation of party. In the earlier part of life he declined taking the covenant, and through the whole course of it shewed a spirit of moderation and charity agreeable to his calling. He was, though a nonconformist, a man of very free notions, and one who never pretended to confine the church of Christ within the bounds of any particular sect. He had a great contempt for the goods of this world, and was such a lover of obscurity and retirement, that though he was a very able preacher, and was known to have done much good in the space of three and twenty years that he exercised the ministry in London, yet he would never be prevailed on to appear in print, but satisfied himself with the consciousness of having performed his duty. Having thus led a private and peaceable, though not a quiet life, he exchanged it for a better in the month of May 1685, being taken off by a consumption. He left behind him a son and four daughters.
mund Calamy (who was ejected out of the living of Moreton in Essex, on St. Bartholomew’s day, 1662), was born April 5, 1671. Having made a considerable progress in grammar
, a very eminent divine among the
nonconformists, grandson to Mr. Edmund Calamy, minister
of Aldermanbury, by his eldest son Mr. Edmund Calamy
(who was ejected out of the living of Moreton in Essex, on St. Bartholomew’s day, 1662), was born April 5, 1671.
Having made a considerable progress in grammar learning
at several private schools, and under Mr. Hartcliffe at Merchant Taylors, where he contracted a close friendship with
Mr. Dawes, afterwards sir William Dawes, and archbishop
of York, as also with Mr. Hugh Boulter, the primate of
Ireland, he went through a course of logic, natural philosophy, and metaphysics, under the tuition of Mr. Samuel
Craddock at the academy kept by him at Wickham Brook
in Suffolk. In March 1688, he went over to the university of Utrecht, where he studied philosophy under De
Vries, and civil law under Vander Muyden, and attended
Graevius’s lectures upon Sophocles and Puffendorf’s Introduction. His application to his studies at this place
was so great, that he spent one whole night every week
among his books; and his proficiency gained him -the
friendship of two of his countrymen at that university, who
rose afterwards to very high stations in church and state,
lord Charles Spencer, the famous earl of Sunderland, and
his tutor Mr. Charles Trimnell, afterwards successively
bishop of Norwich and of Winchester, with both of whom
he kept up his acquaintance as long as he and they lived.
Whilst he resided in Holland, an oiler of a professor’s chair
in the university of Edinburgh was made him by Mr. Carstairs, principal of that university, sent over on purpose to
find a person properly qualified lor such an office; which
he declined, and returned to England in 1691, bringing
with him letters from Graevius to Dr. Pocock, canon of
Christ-church, and regius professor of Hebrew, and to Dr.
Edward Bernard, Savilian professor of astronomy, who obtained leave for him to prosecute his studies in the Bodleian
library; and his resilience at Oxford procured him the acquaintance of the learned Mr. Henry Dodvvell. Having
resolved to make divinity his principal study, he entered
into an examination of the controversy between the conformists and nonconformists, and was led to join the latter.
Coming to London in 1692, he was unanimously chosen
assistant to Mr. Matthew Sylvester at Blackfriars; and oa
June 22, 1694, was ordained at Mr. Annesley’s meetinghouse in Little St. Helen’s, which was the first public transaction of the kind, after the passing of the act of uniformity, and was not undertaken without some timidity on
the part of the elder nonconformists, such as Mr. Howe
and Dr. Bates, who seemed afraid of giving offence to government. Six other young ministers were ordained at
the same time, and the ceremony lasted from ten o'clock
in the morning to six in the evening. He was soon after
invited to become assistant to Mr. Daniel Williams in
Hand-alley, Bishupsgate-street. Oct. 20, 1702, he was chosen
one of the lecturers at Salters’-lmll, and in 1703 succeeded
Mr. Vincent Alsop, as pastor of v. congregation in Westminster. He drew up the table of contents to Mr. Baxter’s
History of his life and times, which was sent to the press
in 1696, made some remarks on the work itself, and added
to it an index; and reflecting on the usefulness of the
book, he saw the expediency of continuing it, for Mr.
Baxter’s history came no lower than 1684. Accordingly
he composed an abridgment of it; with an account of many
others of those ministers who were ejected after the restoration of Charles II. their apology for themselves and their
adherents; containing the grounds of their nonconformity
and practice, as to stated and occasional communion witlx
the church of England; and a continuation of their history
till the year 1691. This work was published in 1702. The
following year Mr. Hoadly (afterwards bishop of
Winchckter) published the two parts of his “Reasonableness of
Conformity to the Church of England, &c. in answer to Mr.
Calamy’s Abridgement of Mr. Baxter’s history, &c.
” As a
reply to these treatises, Mr. Calamy published the same
year, “A Defence of moderate Nonconformity;
” and soon
after Mr. Hoadly sent abroad, “A serious admonition to
Mr Calamy,
” occasioned by the first part of his “Defence,
of moderate Nonconformity.
”
, a canon of the church of Ferrara, and a poet and orator of considerable distinction, was born at Ferrara in 1479, and, as generally supposed, was the
, a canon of the church of Ferrara, and a poet and orator of considerable distinction,
was born at Ferrara in 1479, and, as generally supposed,
was the natural son of a person who was an apostolic notary. He studied under Peter Pomponazzo, but devoting
himself to a military life, served under the emperor Maximilian. He afterwards engaged in the service. of Julius II.
and was employed in several important negociations. Returning to Ferrara, he obtained the particular favour of the
family of Este, and was chosen to accompany the cardinal
Ippolito on his journeyMiuo Hungary. About the year
1520, he was appointed professor of the belles lettres in
the university of Ferrara, which situation he filled with
great credit until his death in 1541. He was interred in
the library of the Jacobins, to which he bequeathed his
books, and on which are two inscriptions to his memory,
one signifying that “by continual study, he had learned to
despise earthly things, and not to be insensible of his own
ignorance,
” (ignorantiam suam non ignorare.) His works
were published at Basil in 1541, one vol. folio, or according to Moreri, in 1544, and contain sixteen books of epistles, and philosophical, political, and critical dissertations
on various subjects, and he also wrote some Latin poetry,
which the critics of his time prefer to his prose, the latter
being heavy, unequal, and affected; his poetry was published with the poems of John Baptista Pigna and Louis
Ariosto, at Venice, 1553, 8vo. He appears to have corresponded with Erasmus, whom, like many others, he
blamed for his undecided character in the questions which
arose out of the reformation.
, a historical and portrait painter, was born at Calcar, a city of Cleves, in 1499, and was the principal
, a historical and portrait painter, was born at Calcar, a city of Cleves, in 1499, and was the principal disciple of Titian; and by the precepts of that great master, made such progress, that several of his designs and paintings have been accounted, by very sufficient judges, the work of Titian’s own hand. Even Goltzius himself, when at Naples he was examining some of Calcar’s portraits, was of opinion they were Titian’s, nor could he be undeceived till he saw the name of Calcar inscribed on others, which were equally excellent. It is also affirmed by Sandrart, that he imitated the works of Raphael with such exactness, as to deceive the connoisseurs. Vasari, who knew him at Naples, says that it is impossible to observe in the works of this master, the smallest traces of the Flemish taste. He designed all the heads for the works of Vasari, and the anatomical figures in the works of Vesalius. Rubens possessed a most capital picture by Calcar, a nativity, afterwards purchased by Sandrart, and sold by him to the Emperor Ferdinand. Calcar died in 1546.
, a man of great learning in the fifteenth century, was born at Torn sul lago, in 1445. Such was his early reputation,
, a man of great learning in
the fifteenth century, was born at Torn sul lago, in 1445.
Such was his early reputation, that at the age of twentyfour he was invited by Paul II. to take upon him the office
of public lecturer on the belles-lettres at Rome; and Sixtus
IV. appointed him apostolic secretary. After a short life
of incessant study and literary warfare, he was cut off by a.
fever in 1477, when only thirty-two years of age. To him
is attributed the praise of having first pointed out and exemplified the true method of elucidating ancient authors,
by combining with verbal criticism, the lights of antiquity
and general erudition. The literary reputation of Calderinus procured him many rivals during his life-time, as
George Merula, Aurispa, Aug. Sabinus, Nic. Perottus,
Trapezuntius, &c. and it is certain that Politian draws his
character with much more blame than praise. Of his talents, indeed, his application and skill in Latin, Politian
speaks in handsome terms, and acknowledges that his proficiency in Greek was not inconsiderable; but adds, that
he was so vain of his own talents, and so tenacious of any
opinion he had once adopted, as to adhere to it in open
defiance of conviction and truth. The style of his compositions is haughty, contemptuous, and overbearing; he
cavils on every trifling pretext, and attacks all without
discrimination. These were propensities which involved
him in numberless disputes with the learned of the day.
Yet while he was the object of undisguised hatred to persons of this description, such was his authority in letters,
that even in his youth he carried away the palm of celebrity from all the Roman professors. Politian adds more
to the same purpose, which may be seen in our authority
on the other hand, the learned world are under unquestionable obligations to Calderinus, and probably, had he lived
longer, he would have corrected that vivacity of passion
which involved him so often with his contemporaries.
Among his works, is an ample Commentary on Martial,
Venice, 1474, fol.; another on Juvenal, ibid. 1475, fol.
The edition of Virgil of 1492, has some notes of his; and
he commented on Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Persius, and Catullus. His notes “In Ibin
” were published at Venice,
Sylvae
” of Statins, Brixiae,
, or Chaldwell, an English physician, was born in Staffordshire about 1513, and was admitted into Brazen-nose
, or Chaldwell, an English physician, was born in Staffordshire about 1513, and was admitted into Brazen-nose college in Oxford, of which he
was in due season elected fellow. In 1539 he took his
degree of M. A. and became one of the senior students of
Christ Church in 1547, which was a little after its last
foundation by king Henry VIII. Afterwards he studied
physic and took the degrees in that faculty, and became
so highly esteemed for his learning and skill, that he was
examined, approved, admitted into, and elected censor
of, the college of physicians at London in the same day.
Six weeks after, he was chosen one of the elects of the said
college, and in 1570 made president of it. Wood tells
us, that he wrote several pieces upon subjects relating to
his profession; but does not say what they were. He mentions a book written by Horatio Moro, a Florentine physician, and called “The Tables of Surgery, briefly comprehending the whole art and practice thereof;
” which
Caldwall translated into English, and published at London
in 1585. We learn from Camden, that Caldwall founded
a chirurgical lecture in the college of physicians, and endowed it with a handsome salary. He died in 1585, and
was buried at the church of St. Bennet near Paul’s wharf.
, a literary gentleman of Ireland, was the son of Charles Caldwell, esq. an eminent solicitor, and was born in Dublin, 1732. He received part of his education in one
, a literary gentleman of Ireland, was the son of Charles Caldwell, esq. an eminent solicitor, and was born in Dublin, 1732. He received part
of his education in one of the universities in Scotland, from
whence he removed to London; and after a residence of
about five years at the Temple, returned to Dublin, where
he was admitted to the bar in 1760; but his father being
possessed of a good estate, fully adequate to his son’s wishes,
he never paid much attention to the profession of the law,
and for several years before his death had entirely quitted
it. His studious disposition, and taste for the tine arts,
always afforded him sufficient employment, and he was a
liberal patron of those who excelled in any of the various
branches of art. He had studied architecture with particular attention; and about the year 1770, published, anonymously, some very judicious “Observations on the public buildings of Dublin,
” and on some edifices, which at
that time were about to be erected in that city at the expence of the state. The only other known production of
his pen that has been published, is a very curious “Account of the extraordinary escape of James Stewart, esq.
(commonly called Athenian Stewart) from being put to
death by some Turks, in whose company he happened to
be travelling;
” the substance of which had been communicated to Mr. Caldwell by the late Dr. Percy, bishop of
Dromore, as related to his lordship by Stewart himself.
Of this narrative, of which only a small number was printed
at London in 1304, for the use of the author’s friends, it
is believed not more than a dozen copies were distributed
in this country. Mr. Cald well’s love of literature naturally
led him to collect an ample library, which was particularly
rich in natural history. His manners were gentle and
pleasing, and his benevolence, various knowledge, and cultivated taste, endeared him to a very numerous circle of
friends. He died at the house of his nephew, major-general Cockburn, near Bray in the county of Wicklow, July
2, 1808, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.
, called IL Cremonese, an eminent artist of Ferrara, where he was born about 1600, studied and imitated, beyond all others, the
, called IL Cremonese, an eminent artist of Ferrara, where he was born about 1600, studied and imitated, beyond all others, the tones of Titian, and carried the illusion to such a degree, that his half-figures, bacchanals, and small histories, entered the best galleries of Rome and Bologna as originals: nor is he easily discovered by the best eye or taste, but from the admission of some more modern conceit, or carelessness of execution. That he possessed talents superior to what mere mimickry can confer, is evident from his St. Mark, in the church of S. Benedetto at Ferrara, a majestic, correct, expressive figure, girt by a profusion of volumes, whose picturesque arrangement and truth of touch procured him the name of the Book-Painter (Pittor da' Libri). Immediately after the execution of this work, some say that he disappeared, and was heard of no more: whilst others, with less probability of conjecture, extend the date of his death to 1660.
a learned divine of the sixteenth century, otherwise named Calfield, Cawfield, Chalfhill, or Calfed, was born in Shropshire, in 1530. Strype, however, says he was a
, a learned divine of
the sixteenth century, otherwise named Calfield, Cawfield,
Chalfhill, or Calfed, was born in Shropshire, in 1530.
Strype, however, says he was a Scotchman, and cousin to
Toby Malhew, afterwards archbishop of York. He received his education at Eton school, and from thence was
sent, in 1545, to King’s college in Cambridge, from which
he was removed, with many Other Cambridge men, in 1548,
to Christ Church in Oxford, newly founded by king Henry
VIII. Here be shewed himself to be a person of quick
wit and great capacity; being an excellent poet and author of a tragedy, with other theatrical performances. In
1549, he took his degree of bachelor of arts; and that of
master in 1552, being junior of the act celebrated in St.
Mary’s church, July 18. He was made, in 1560, canon of
the second canonry in Christ Church cathedral, Oxon; and,
On the 12th of December 1561, took the degree of bachelor
of divinity. In 1562 he was proctor for the clergy of London and the chapter of Oxford in the convocation that
made the XXXIX Articles and on the 16th of May, the
same year, was admitted to the rectory of St. Andrew
Wardrobe, London. The 4th of October following, he
was presented by the crown to the prebend of St. Pancras,
in the cathedral church of St. Paul; and May 4, 1565, was
collated by Matthew Parker, archbishop of Canterbury, to
the rectory of Booking, in Essex; and on July 16th following, to the archdeaconry of Colchester in Essex, by
Edmund Grindal, bishop of London. The same year, December 17th, he took the degree of doctor in divinity. In
1568, he preached two sermpns in Bristol cathedral, on purpose to confute Dr. Cheney, who held that see in commendam, and who had spoken disrespectfully of certain opinions of Luther and Calvin. In 1569 he made application
to secretary Cecil, chancellor of the university of Cambridge, for the provostship of king’s college, but Dr.
Goad’s interest prevailed. Upon the translation of.Dr. Edwin Sandys from the bishopric of Worcester to that of
London in 1570, Dr. Calfhiil was nominated by queen
Elizabeth to succeed him 3 but before his consecration he
died, about the beginning of August (having a little before resigned his canonry of Christ Church, and rectory of St. Andrew Wardrobe), and was buried in the chancel of
Bocking church. His works were, 1. “Querela Oxoniensis Academise ad Cantabrigiam,
” Lond. Historia de exhumatione Catherines nuper
uxoris Pet. Martyris;
” or, The History of the digging up
the body of Catherine late wife of Peter Martyr, Lond.
1562, 8vo. The remains of this lady had been deposited
in the cathedral of Christ Church, near to the relics of St.
Frideswide, and in queen Mary’s reign were dug up and
buried in the dunghill near the stables belonging to the
dean; but on the accession of queen Elizabeth, an order
was given to replace them with suitable solemnity. This
order our author partly executed, and the remains of
Martyr’s wife were on this occasion purposely mixed with
those of St. Frideswide, that the superstitious worshippers
of the latter might never be able to distinguish or separate
them. 3. Answer to John Martiall’s “Treatise of the Cross,
gathered out of the Scriptures, Councils, and ancient Fathers of the primitive Church,
” Lond. Progne,
” a tragedy, in Latin; whichprobably was never
printed. It was acted before que^n Elizabeth at Oxford
in 1566, in Christ Church hall; but, says Wood, “it did
not take half so well as the much admired play of Palsemon
and Arcyte,
” written by Edwards. 5. “Poemata varia.
”
As to his character, we are informed, that he was in his
younger days a noted poet and comedian and in his elder,
an exact disputant, and had an excellent faculty in speaking and preaching. One who had heard him preach, gives
this account of him: “His excellent tongue, and rhetorical tale, tilled with good and wholesome doctrine, so
ravished the minds of the hearers, that they were all in
admiration of his eloquence.
” One John Calfhill, chaplain to Dr. Matthew, archbishop of York, a prebendary of
Durham, &c. who died in 1619, was probably son to our
author.
, an eminent Lutheran divine, was born at Medelbui, in Holstein, Dec. 14, 1586. His father, who
, an eminent Lutheran divine, was born at Medelbui, in Holstein, Dec. 14, 1586. His father, who was also a minister, intended him for the same profession, and sent him to study at Helmstadt, Jena, and Giessen, and most of the protestant schools of Germany. He travelled also with Matthias Overbeck, a rich Lutheran, who resided in Holland, and conceiving a high opinion of Calixtus, became his liberal patron, as he had been to Herman Conringius and many others. After travelling also in France and England, Calixtus returned to Germany, and was appointed professor of theology at Helmstadt in 1614, and there he died, March 18, 1656, after a long theological warfare, both with his brethren and the Roman catholic, excited by his endeavours to effect a comprehension between the Roman and the Lutheran and Calvinist churches. According to Mosheim, Calixtus was the first person that reduced theology into a regular system, and gave it a truly scientific and philosophical form. As he had imbibed the spirit of the Aristotelian school, he arranged the substance of Christianity according to the method of the Stagirite; and divided the whole science of divinity into three parts, viz. the end, the subject, and the means. He was also the first who separated the objects of faith from the duties of morality, and exhibited the latter under the form of an independent science. These innovations rendered him the object of much censure and opposition. In his attempt to reunite the several bodies of Christians, and to comprehend " the different churches in one profession of religion, he was a principal promoter of that system which was called syncretism. The controversy which was thus occasioned, subsisted long after his death; and though he seemed, in his efforts for comprehension, to give advantage to the Romish church, no one attacked its tyranny and corruption with greater vigour. Mosheim has entered largely into his system and the consequence of it, but it appears to us to be in some parts inconsistent; and experience has shewn that all plans of comprehension are impracticable, without such sacrifices as the respective parties either cannot or will not make. His writings, which are extremely numerous, on various subjects of controversy, are enumerated by Freher, but without the necessary appendages of size, dates, &c.
, a French mathematician, was born on the 25th of October 1744, at Versailles, where he received
, a French mathematician, was born on the 25th of October 1744, at
Versailles, where he received a good education, and acquired an early taste for the mathematics. In 1768 he
came to Paris, where he had an opportunity of being more
thoroughly instructed. In 1774 he formed some distinguished pupils for the school of engineers, where the examinations were strict, and admission difficult to be obtained. In 1779 he gained the prize proposed by the society of arts at Geneva, for escapements. In 1783 he completed his edition of “Gardiner’s Tables of Logarithms,
”
which were exceedingly convenient, of great utility, and
very correct; and which possessed advantages above all
the others. In 1788 he was appointed professor of hydrography at Vann.es, afterwards at Dunkirk; and in 1792 he
returned to Paris, and was for a few years professor des ingenieurs geographes at the depot of war. This place having been suppressed, he continued to teach in Paris, where
he was always considered as one of the best mathematical
masters lo whom pupils could apply. In 1795 he published
the new stereotype edition of the “Tables of Logarithms,
”
considerably enlarged with logarithmic tables of the sines,
according to the new decimal division of the circle. These
are the first which ever appeared. Towards the end of
3797 he presented to the National Institute the plan of a
new telegraph and a telegraphic language, accompanied
with a dictionary of 12,000 French words adapted to it by
A combination worthy of so able a mathematician. These
labours had injured his health, and he had been a long time
asthmatic, but, notwithstanding his condition, he published
that year an excellent memoir on finding the longitude at
sea, under the modest title of “A Supplement to the
Trigonometry and Navigation of Bezout.
” He died on
the 14th of November, 1798, leaving behind him a daughter, born at Vannes in 1793. According to a tradition in
the family, he was descended from Descartes.
, an ancient Greek poet, was born at Cyrene, a town in Africa, and flourished under the Ptolemies
, an ancient Greek poet, was born at
Cyrene, a town in Africa, and flourished under the Ptolemies Philadelphus and Euergetes; Berenice, queen of
the latter, having consecrated her locks in the temple of
Venus, ad a flattering astronomer having translated them
from thence into a constellation in the heavens, gave occasion to the fine elegy of this poet, which we have now
only in the Latin of Catullus. He may be placed, therefore, about 280 B. C. His common name Battiades has
made the grammarians usually assign one Battus for his
father; but perhaps he may as well derive that name from
king Battus, the founder of Cyrene, from whose line, as
Strabo assures us, he declared himself to be descended. But
whoever was his father, the poet has paid all his duties
and obligations to him in a most delicate epitaph, which
we find in the Anthologia; and which shews that Martial
had good reason to assign him, as he has done, the crown
among the Grecian writers of the epigram. He was educated under Hermocrates, the grammarian; and before
he was recommended to the favour of the kings of Egypt,
he taught a school at Alexandria; and had the honour of
educating Apollonius, the author of the Argonautics. But
Apollonius making an ungrateful return to his master for
the pains he had taken with him, Callimachus was provoked
to revenge himself in an invective poem, called Ibis;
which, it is known? furnished Ovid with a pattern and title
for a satire of the same nature. Suidas relates, that Callimachus wrote above 800 pieces; of which we have now
remaining only a few hymns and epigrams, Quintilian is
very justifiable in having asserted, that Callimachus was
the first of all the elegiac poets. He has the credit of having first spoken the proverbial saying, “a great book is a
great evil,
” which critics have been fonder of repeating
than authors.
, a learned Benedictine of the college of St. Vanncs, was born at Mesnil-la-Horgue, near Commercy, Feb. 26, 1672, and
, a learned Benedictine of the
college of St. Vanncs, was born at Mesnil-la-Horgue, near
Commercy, Feb. 26, 1672, and was first educated in the
priory of Breuii. In 1687 he went to study at the
university of Pont-a-Mousson, where he was taught a course of
rhetoric. On leaving this class, he entered among the
Benedictines in the abbey of St. Mansuy, in the fauxbourg
of Toul, Oct. 17, 1688, and mad,e profession in the same
place Oct. 23, 1689. He began his philosophical course
in the abbey of fcfe. Evre, and completed that and his theological studies in the abbey of St. Munster. At his leisure
hours he studied the Hebrew language with great attention
and success, and likewise improved his knowledge of the
Greek. In 1696 he was sent with some of his companions
to the abbey of Moyenmoutier, where they studied the
Holy Scriptures under P. D. Hyacinthe Alliot. Two years
aftef, in 1698, Calmet was appointed to teach philosophy
and theology to the young religious of that monastery, an
employment which he filled until 1704, when he was sent,
with the rank of sub-prior, to the abbey of Munster. There
he was at the head of an academy of eight or ten religious,
with whom he pursued his biblical studies, and having,
while at Moyenmoutier written commentaries and dissertations, on various parts of the Bible, he here retouched and
improved these, although without any other design, at this
time, than his own instruction. During a visit, however,
at Paris, in 1706, he was advised by the abbe Duguet, to
whom he had been recommended by Mabillon, to publish
his commentaries in French, and the first volume accordingly appeared in 1707. In 1715 he became prior of Lay,
and in 1718 the chapter-general appointed bim abb 6 of
St. Leopold, of Nancy, and the year following he was
made visitor of the congregation. In 1728 he was chosen
abbe* of Senones, on which occasion he resigned his priory
of Lay. When pope Benedict XIII. confirmed his election, the cardinals proposed to his holiness that Calmet
should also have the title of bishop in partibus infiddium,
with power to exercise the episcopal functions in those
parts of the province which are exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary; but this Calmet refused, and wrote
on the subject to Rome. The pope in Sept. 1729, addressed a brief to him, accepting of his excuses, and some
time after sent him a present of his works, in 3 vols. fol.
Calmet took possession of the abbey of Senones, January
3, 1729, and continued his studies, and increased the library and museum belonging to the abbey with several
valuable purchases, particularly of the medals of the deceased M. de Corberon, secretary of slate, and of the
natural curiosities of M, Voile. Here be died Oct. 25, 1757,
respected by all ranks, Roman catholics and Protestants,
for his learning and candour, and by his more particular
friends and those of his own order, for his amiable temper
and personal virtues. His learning, indeed, was most extensive, as the greater part of his long life was devoted to
study, but amidst such vast accumulation of materials, we
are not surprized that he was sometimes deficient in selection, and appears rather as a collector of facts, than as
an original thinker. His principal works are, 1. “Commentaire litteral sur tous les livres de l'Aneten et da Nouyeau Testament,
” Dissertations and Prefaces
” belonging to his commentary,
published separately with nineteen new Dissertations,
Paris, 1720, 2 vols. 4to. 3. “Histoire de PAncien et du
Nouveau Testament,
” intended as an introduction to Fleury’s “Ecclesiastical History,
” 2 and 4 vols. 4to; and 5 and
7 vols. 12mo. 4. “Dictionnaire historique, critique, et
chronologique de la Bible.
” Paris, Histoire ecclesiasiique et civile de la Lorraine,
” 3 vols.
fol. reprinted 1745, in 5 vols. fol. 6. “Bibliotheque des
Ecrivains de Lorraine,
” fol, Histoire
universelle sacrée et profane,
” 15 vols. 4to. This Calmet did not
live to finish, and in other respects it is not his best work.
7. “Dissertations sur les apparitions des Anges, des Demons,
et des Esprits, et sur les Revenans et Vampires de Hongrie,
”
Paris, 1754, 2 vols. 4to. 10.
” De la Poesie et Musique des anciens Hebreux," Amst. 1723, 8vo. His conjectures on this subject, Dr. Burney thinks, are perhaps as
probable as those of any one of the numerous authors who
have exercised their skill in expounding and defining what
some have long since thought involved in Cimmerian darkness. Calmet also left a vast number of manuscripts, or
rather manuscript collections, as it had long been his practice to copy, or employ others to copy, whatever he found
curious in books. In 1733, he deposited in the royal
library, a correct transcript of the Vedam, a work which
the natives of Hiudostan attribute to their legislator Brama,
who received it, according to their tradition, from God
himself. This copy came into Calmet' s possession by means
of a bramin who had been converted by the Jesuit missionaries. Calmet’s life was written by Dom Fange, his
nephew and successor in the abbey of Senones, and published in 8vo. It was afterwards translated into Italian by
Benedetto Passionei, and published at Rome in 1770.
, who was born at Venice about the year 1510, became celebrated both as
, who was born at Venice about the
year 1510, became celebrated both as a comedian and an
author. He composed several comedies in prose, of which
the best is his Rodiana, which in fact belongs to him,
though printed under the name of Ruzzante. There is
also by him a volume of letters, entitled “Discorsi Piacevoli,
” Le Giocose moderne, e facetissime Egloghe Pastorali,
” Venice,
, an eminent but unfortunate French minister, was born at Douay in 1734. His father was president of the parliament
, an eminent but unfortunate French minister, was born at Douay in 1734. His father was president of the parliament of Flanders, and descended from a noble family, originally of Tournay, and well known in the history of that city, which makes honourable mention of his ancestors in the remotest times. Having finished his studies at the university of Paris with extraordinary success, young Calonne was appointed, in histwenty-third year, advocate or solicitor- general of the superior council of Artois and before he had attained the age of twenty -five, was promoted to the office of procurator-general of the parliament of Flanders, the duties of which he performed with distinguished ability for six years. He was then called as rapporteur to the king’s council, to report to his majesty the most momentous affairs of administration, of which arduous and laborious task he acquitted himself in a manner that evinced his profound knowledge of the government, constitution, history, and jurisprudence of France, and established his reputation as a writer of no less perspicuity and judgment, than elegance and energy of diction.
, a celebrated Lutheran divine, and one of the ablest opponents of the Socinians of his time, was born Aug. 16, 1612, at Morungen in the duchy of Brunswick, where
, a celebrated Lutheran divine,
and one of the ablest opponents of the Socinians of his
time, was born Aug. 16, 1612, at Morungen in the duchy
of Brunswick, where his father was a man of some consequence. Having finished his studies, and especially distinguished himself by his knowledge in oriental languages,
he came to Rostock, where, in 1637, he took his doctor’s
degree in divinity, and some time after was made professor
of that faculty. He was very rigid in adhering to the Lutheran tenets, and the firmness he displayed in a controversy with John Bergius, a protestant divine, on the
subject of the Lord’s supper, occasioned his being appointed
visitor of the churches and schools of the circle of Samlande
in Prussia, and counsellor in the court of justice. In 1643
he was invited to Dantzic, and made rector of the college.
He carried on several controversies, especially with Martin
Statins, a Lutheran deacon, with Henry Nicolai, professor
of philosophy, and with John Cæsar, a protestant minister
of Dantzic. In 1650 he was appointed professor of divinity
at Wittemberg, and became one of the warmest opponents
of the comprehending system proposed by Calixtus (see Calixtus), and the partizans of the respective combatants
were called Calixtins and Calovians. This dispute, conducted with much intemperance on both sides, lasted until
his death, Feb. 20, 1686. His principal works, exclusive
of those he wrote against Bergius, Nicolai, and Calixtus,
were, 1. “Metaphysica divina, etaliascriptaphilosopbica.
”
2. “Criticus sacer Biblicus.
” 3. “Socinianismus profligatus.
” 4. “Systema locorum theologicorum.
” 5. “Conlideratio Arminianismi.
” 6. “Biblia iilustrata,
” a German
Bible with Luther’s notes. His “Historia Syncretistica,
”
first published in
, a French dramatic and romance writer, was born in the chateau of Toulgon in Perigord, in the diocese of
, a French dramatic and romance writer, was born in the chateau of
Toulgon in Perigord, in the diocese of Cahors, about the
year 1612, and became gentleman in ordinary to the king.
He is said to have conciliated the good opinion of the court
by his happy talent for telling agreeable stories. When a
very young man he wrote several tragedies and comedies
which procured him some reputation, particularly his
“Mithridates
” and the “Earl of Essex,
” but he was most
celebrated for his romances, particularly “Cassandra,
”
“Cleopatra,
” and “Pharamond,
” which gave place, however, to a better taste in the course of some years, and are
now thought intolerable by their insipidity and tediousness.
Calprenede had an excellent opinion of himself, and when
the cardinal Richelieu said of some of his verses, that they
were dull, he replied that “nothing dull belonged to the
family of Calprenede.
” He died in 1663.
, an artist, was born at Antwerp in 1553, and first painted landscapes, having
, an artist, was born at Antwerp in 1553, and first painted landscapes, having accustomed himself to retire to groves and fields, to study such scenes and objects after nature, as might be useful to him in that branch of his profession. But being desirous to obtain a better manner of designing figures, to adorn his landscapes, he determined to travel to Italy. In his journey he stopped at Bologna, where he unexpectedly met with many inducements to detain him in that city for some time; and became the disciple of Prospero Fontana, who had every qualification requisite for the improvement of his pupils, as well by his precepts as his performances. In such a situation Calvart applied himself diligently to his studies, not only carefully examining, but also copying the works of Coreggio and Parmigiano; and when he afterwards quitted the school of Fontana, he placed himself with Lorenzo Sabattini, with whom fie travelled to Rome, where he perfected himself in design, in perspective, architecture, and anatomy. At his return from Rome to Bologna, which city he now considered as the place of his nativity, he there opened an academy; and his style of colour procured him a large number of disciples, among whom were some of the first rank for genius; he is celebrated as the first instructor of Guido, Albano, and Domenichino, as well as of several other excellent painters. He died in 1619. In the Palazzo Ranuzzi, at Bologna, there is a fine picture by Calvart, representing two hermits, which is correctly designed, beautifully coloured, and delicately pencilled and in the Pembroke collection, at Wilton, there is a Nativity painted by him.
cient and noble house of Calvert, in the earldom of Flanders, and afterwards created lord Baltimore, was born at Kipling in Yorkshire, about 1582. In 1593 he became
, descended from the ancient and noble house of Calvert, in the earldom of Flanders, and afterwards created lord Baltimore, was born at Kipling in Yorkshire, about 1582. In 1593 he became a commoner of Trinity college, Oxford, and in Feb. 1597 he took the degree of B. A. At his return from his travels he was made secretary to Robert Cecil, one of the principal secretaries of state to James I. who continued him in his service when he was raised to the office of lord high -treasurer. On Aug. 30, 1605, when king James was entertained by the university of Oxford, he was created M. A. with several noblemen and gentlemen. Afterwards he was made one of the clerks of the privy council, and in 1617 received the honour of knighthood, and in Feb. 1619 he was appointed to be one of the principal secretaries of state. Thinking the duke of Buckingham had been the chief instrument of his preferment, he presented him with a jewel of great value; but the duke returned it, acknowledging he had no hand in his advancement, for that his majesty alone had made choice of him on account of his great abilities. In May 1620 the king granted him a yearly pension of 1000l. out of the customs. After having held the seals about five years, he resigned them in 1624, frankly owning to the king, that he was become a Roman catholic. The king, nevertheless, continued him a privy counsellor all his reign; and in Feb. 1625 created him (by the name of sir George Calvert of Danbywiske in Yorkshire, knight) baron of Baltimore in the county of Longford in Ireland. He was at that time a representative in parliament for the university of Oxford.
, Lord Baltimore, a descendant of the preceding, and eldest son of Charles, the sixth lord, was born in 1731, and succeeded to the title on the death of his
, Lord Baltimore, a descendant of the preceding, and eldest son of Charles, the sixth
lord, was born in 1731, and succeeded to the title on the
death of his father in 1751, and also to the proprietorship
of Maryland. After returning from his travels he married
lady Diana Egerton, youngest daughter of the duke of
Bridgwater. In 1768 he was indicted at the Kingston assizes for a rape, but acquitted. He went soon after to
reside on the continent, and died at Naples, Sept. 14, 1771,
without issue by marriage, leaving his fortune to his sister,
Mrs. Eden. In 1767, he published “A Tour to the East
in the years 1763 and 1764, with remarks on the city of
'Constantinople and the Turks. Also select pieces of Oriental wit, poetry, and wisdom,
” Lond. Gaudia Poetica, Latina, Anglica,
et Gallica, Lingua composita, anuo 1769. Augustse Litteris Spathianis, 1770.
” It is dedicated, in Latin, to LinIkeiis, and consists of various pieces in Latin, French, and
English, prose and verse, of very little merit. A copy,
the only one said to be known in this country , was sold
at Mr. Isaac Reed’s sale, who likewise had another performance of his lordship’s, equally rare, and valued only
for its rarity, entitled “Coelestes et Inferi,
” Venetiis,
, the son of Robert Calvert, a grocer and sheriff of York, was born on the Pavement in that ancient city. He was educated at
, the son of Robert Calvert, a grocer and sheriff of York, was born on the Pavement in that
ancient city. He was educated at Clare-hall, Cambridge,
where he was contemporary with the famous archbishop
Tillotson. He was bred up under Mr. David Clarkson,
and was a graduate in the university. He had been for
several years at Topcliff, when he was silenced by the act
of uniformity after which he retired to York, lived privately, but studied hard; and there it was that he wrote
his learned book concerning the ten tribes, entitled “Naphthali, seu colluctatio theologica de reditu decem tribuum,
conversione Judaeorum et mens. Ezekielis,
” Lond.
, uncle to the preceding, was born at York in 1606, and studied at Sidney college, Cambridge.
, uncle to the preceding, was born
at York in 1606, and studied at Sidney college, Cambridge.
After being chaplain for some time to sir T. Burdet, in
Derbyshire, he held the vicarage of Trinity in the king’s
court, York. He also preached at Christ Church, and was
one of the four preachers who officiated at the cathedral
during the time of Oliver Cromwell. On passing the act
of uniformity he was ejected from Allhallows parish in that
city, and lived privately. His studies appear to have been
much directed to the scriptures in the original languages,
and to the Jewish rabbins. He was much disturbed in mind
and injured in his property by an extravagant son, but was
greatly comforted in the excellent character of his nephew,
the subject of the preceding article. He died March 1679.
His works are, 1. “Mel Cceli, an exposition of Isaiah,
chap. 53,
” The blessed Jew of Morocco
a demonstration of the true Messias, &c. by Rabbi Samuel,
a converted Jew, &c.
” Christus
Triumphans;
” “Comcedia Apocalyptica;
” Gerard’s “Schola Consolatoria,
” with additions, and wrote some poetical
pieces, elegies, and a practical work entitled “Heartsalve for a wounded Soul, &c.
”
, one of the chief reformers of the church, was born at Noyon in Picardy, July 10, 1509. He was instructed in
, one of the chief reformers of the
church, was born at Noyon in Picardy, July 10, 1509. He
was instructed in grammar at Paris under Maturinus Corderius, to whom he afterwards dedicated his Commentary
on the first epistle of the Thessalonians, and studied philosophy in the college of Montaigu under a Spanish professor. His father, uho discovered many marks of hitf
early piety, particularly in his reprehensions of the vices of
his companions, designed him for the church, and got him
presented, May 21, 1521, to the chapel of Notre Dame
de la Gesine, in the church of Noyon. In 1527 he was
presented to the rectory of Marteville, which he exchanged
in 1529 fortlie rectory of Pont I‘Eveque near Noyon. His
father afterwards changed his resolution, and would have
him study law; to which Calvin, who, by reading the
scriptures, had conceived a dislike to the superstitions of
popery, readily consented, and resigned the chapel of Gesine and the rectory of Pont l’Eveque in 1534. He had
never, it must here be observed, been in priest’s orders, and
belonged to the church only by having received the tonsure.
He was sent to study the law first under Peter de l'Etoile
(Petrus Stella) at Orleans, and afterwards under Andrew
Alciat at Bourges, and while he made a great progress in
that science, he improved no less in the knowledge of divinity by his private studies. At Bourges he applied to the
Greek tongue, under the direction of professor Wolmar.
His father’s death having called him back to Noyon, he
staid there a short time, and then went to Paris, where he
wrote a commentary on Seneca’s treatise “De dementia,
”
being at this time about twenty- four years of age. Having
put his name in Latin to this piece, he laid aside his surname Cauvin, for that of Calvin, styling himself in the
title-page “Lucius Calvinus civis Romanus.
” He soon
made himself known at Paris to such as had privately embraced the reformation, and by frequent intercourse with
them became more confirmed in his principles. A speech
of Nicholas Cop, rector of the university of Paris, of which
Calvin furnished the materials, having greatly displeased
the Sorbonne and the parliament, gave rise to a persecu^
tion against the protestants; and Calvin, who narrowly escaped being taken in the college of Forteret, was forced to
retire to Xaintonge, after having had the honour to be introduced to the queen of Navarre, who allayed this first storm
raised against the protestants. Calvin returned to Paris in
1534. This year the reformed met with severe treatment,
which determined him to leave France, after publishing a
treatise against those who believe that departed souls are
in a kind of sleep. He retired to Basil, where he studied
Hebrew; at this time he published his “Institutions of the
Christian Religion,
” a work well adapted to spread his fame,
though he himself was desirous of living in obscurity. It
is dedicated to the French king, Francis I. This prince
being solicitous, according to Beza, to gain the friendship
of the Protestants in Germany, and knowing that they
were highly incensed by the cruel persecutions which their
brethren suffered in France, he, by advice of William de
Bellay, represented to them that he had only punished
certain enthusiasts, who substituted their own imaginations
in the place of God’s word, and despised the civil magistrate. Calvin, stung with indignation at this wicked evasion, wrote this work as an apology for the Protestants who
were burnt for their religion in France. The dedication to
Francis I. is one of the three that have been highly admired: that of Thuanus to his history, and Casaubon’s to
Polybius, are the two others. But this treatise, when first
published in 1555, was only a sketch of a larger work.
The complete editions, both in Latin and in French, with
the author’s last additions and corrections, did not appear
till 1558. After the publication of this work, Calvin went
to Italy to pay a visit to the duchess of Ferrara, a lady of
eminent piety, by whom he was very kindly received.
Prom Italy he came back to France, and having settled his
private affairs, he purposed to go to Strasbourg, or Basil,
in company with his sole surviving brother Antony Calvin;
but as the roads were not safe on account of the war, except through the duke of Savoy’s territories, he chose that
road. “This was a particular direction of Providence,
”
says Bayle; “it was his destiny that he should settle at
Geneva, and when he was wholly intent on going farther,
he found himself detained by an order from heaven, if I
may so speak.
” William Farel, a man of a warm enthusiastic temper, who had in vain used many entreaties to
prevail with Calvin to be his fellow-labourer in that part of
the Lord’s vineyard, at last solemnly declared to him, in
the name of God, that if he would not stay, the curse of
God would attend him wherever he went, as seeking himself and not Christ. Calvin therefore was obliged to
comply with the choice which the consistory and magistrates of Geneva made of him, with the consent of the,
people, to be one of their ministers, and professor of divinity. It was his own wish to undertake only this last
office, but he was gbliged to take both upon him in August
1536. The year following he made all the people declare,
upon oath, their assent to a confession of faith, which contained a renunciation of Popery: and because this reformation in doctrine did not put an entire stop to the immoralities that prevailed at Geneva, nor banish that spirit of
faction which had set the principal families at variance,
Calvin, in concert with his colleagues, declared that they
could not celebrate the sacrament whilst they kept up their
animosities, and trampled on the discipline of the church.
He also intimated, that he could not submit to the regulation which the synod of the canton of Berne had lately
made *. On this, the syndics of Geneva summoned an assembly of the people; and it was ordered that Calvin,
Farel, and another minister, should leave the town in two
days, for refusing to administer the sacrament. Calvin'
retired to Strasbourg, and established a French church in
that city, of which he was the first minister; he was also
appointed to be professor of divinity there* During his
stay at Strasbourg, he continued to give many marks of
his affection for the church of Geneva; as appears, amongst
other things, by the answer which he wrote in 1539, to the
beautiful but artful letter of cardinal Sadolet, bishop of
Carpentras, inviting the people of Geneva to return into
the bosom of the Romish church. Two years after, the
divines of Strasbourg being very desirous that he should
assist at the diet which the emperor had appointed to be
held at Worms and at Ratisbon, for accommodating religious differences, he went thither with Bucer, and had a
conference with Melancthon. In the mean time the people
of Geneva (the syndics who promoted his banishment being now some of them executed, and others forced to fly their country for their crimes), entreated him so earnestly to
return to them, that at last he consented. He arrived at
Geneva, Sept. 13, 1541, to the great satisfaction both of
the people and the magistrates; and the first measure ha
adopted after his arrival, was to establish a form of church,
discipline, and a consistorial jurisdiction, invested with,
the power of inflicting censures and canonical punishments,
, a learned German chronologist, the son of a Lutheran peasant, was born at Gorschleben, a village of Thuringia, in 1556. Being
, a learned German chronologist,
the son of a Lutheran peasant, was born at Gorschleben,
a village of Thuringia, in 1556. Being very poor in his
youth, he got his livelihood by his skill in music, which
he learned very early, and was so liberally encouraged at
Magdeburgh, that he was enabled to study for some time
at the university of Helmstadt, where he made great progress in the learned languages, and in chronology and
astronomy. He died at Leipsic, where he held the office
of chantor, in 1615. His “Opus Chronologicum
” appeared first in Elenchus calendarii a papa Gregorio XIII.
comprobati;
” or, a “Confutation of the calendar, approved and established by pope Gregory XI 11.
” Vossius
tells us, that he not only attempts in this work to shew the
errors of the Gregorian calendar, but offers also a new and
more concise, as well as truer method of reforming the calendar. He was the author also of “Enodatio duarum
questionum, viz. circa annum Nativitatis et Tempus Ministerii Christi,
” Ertbrd, Chronology
”
was often reprinted. Of his musical talents, he has left
ample proofs to posterity in his short treatise called
“Μελοποια, sive Melodiæ condendæ ratio, quam vulgò
musicam poeticam vocant, ex veris fundamentis extracta
et explicata,
” 1592. This ingenious tract contains, though
but a small duodecimo volume, all that was known at the
time concerning harmonics and practical music; as he has
compressed into his little book the science of most of the
best writers on the subject; to which he has added short
compositions of his own, to illustrate their doctrines and
precepts. With respect to composition, he not only gives
examples of concords and discords, and their use in combination, but little canons and fugues of almost every kind
then known. He composed, in 1615, the 150th psalm in
twelve parts, for three choirs, as an Epithalamium on the
nuptials of his friend Casper Ankelman, a merchant of
Hamburgh, and published it in folio at Leipsic the same
year. Several of his hymns and motets appear in a collection of Lutheran church music, published at Leipsic, 1618,
in eight volumes 4to, under the following title: “Florilegium portens CXV. selectissimas Cantiones, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
voc. prsBstantissimorum Auctorum.
” Some of these which
Dr. Burney had the curiosity to score, have the laws of
harmony and fugue preserved inviolate.
, an ingenious English writer, was born in London, Feb. 14, 1717, of ancestors belonging to the
, an ingenious English writer, was born in London, Feb. 14, 1717, of ancestors belonging to the county of Gloucester. His father, who was a younger brother, had been bred to business as a Turkey merchant, and died in London not long after the birth of his son, the care of whom then devolved on his mother and his maternal uncle Thomas Owen, esq. who adopted him as his future representative. He was sent to Eton, school, where quickness of parts supplied the place of diligence; yet although he was averse to the routine of stated tasks, he stored his mind with classical knowledge, and amuseid it by an eager perusal of works addressed to the imagination. He became early attached to the best English poets, and to those miscellaneous writers who delineate human life and character. A taste likewise for the beauties of rural nature began to display itself at this period, which he afterwards exemplified at his seat in Gloucestershire, and that at Twickenham. In 1734, he entered as a gentleman commoner of St. John’s college, Oxford, and, without wishing to be thought a laborious scholar, omitted no opportunity of improving his mind in such studies as were suitable to his age and future prospects. His first, or one of his first, poetical effusions was on the marriage of the prince of Wales, which was published with the other verses composed at Oxford on the same occasion. In 1737, he became a member of Lincoln’s-inn, where he found many men of wit and congenial habits, but as he had declined taking a degree at Oxford, he had now as little inclination to pursue the steps that lead to the bar; and in 1741, in his twenty-fourth year, he married Miss Trenchard, the second daughter of George Trenchard, esq. of Woolverton in Dorsetshire, a lady who contributed to his happiness for upwards of half a century, and by whom he had a family equally amiable and affectionate. She died Sept. 5, 1806, Laving survived her husband four years.
, one of the most eminent English antiquaries, was born in the Old Bailey, London, May 2, 1551. His father, Samson
, one of the most eminent English
antiquaries, was born in the Old Bailey, London, May 2,
1551. His father, Samson Camden, was a native of Lichfield, whence he was sent very young to London, where
he practised painting, and settling in London, became a
member of the company of Puinter-stainers. The inscription on the cup left by his son to the company calls him
Pictor Londinensis, which may refer either to his profession or to his company. His mother was of the ancient
family of the Curwens of Workington in Cumberland.
Their son received his first education at Christ’s hospital,
which was founded the year after his birth by king Edward
VI.; but the records of that house being destroyed in the
fire of London, the date of his admission is lost. Bishop
Gibson treats his admission at Christ’s hospital as a fiction,
because not mentioned by himself; but as it is by Wheare,
who pronounced his funeral oration very soon after his
death, it seems to have some foundation, especially if we
consider the lowness of his circumstances, and his dependence on Dr. Thornton at Oxford. Dr. Smith (his biographer) says, some infer from hence, that he had lost his father, and was admitted as an orphan; but it is certain
Wheare does not give it that turn. Being seized with the
plague in 1563, he was removed to Islington, or perhaps
was seized with it there, “peste correptus Islingtonue
”
but on his recovery, he completed his education at St.
Paul’s school; where under Mr. Cook or Mr. Malin, he
made such progress in learning as laid the foundation of
his future fame.
, one of the most learned writers of his age, was born at Bamberg April 12, 1500. The ancient family name was
, one of the most learned writers of his age, was born at Bamberg April 12, 1500. The ancient family name was Leibhard, but it was afterwards changed into that of Cammermeister, in Latin Camerarius, or Chamberlain, from one of his ancestors having held that office at court. He was sent to a school at Leipsic when he was 13 years of age, and soon distinguished himself by his application to Greek and Latin authors, which he read without ceasing. When Leipsic, on one occasion, was in a tumult, Camerarius shewed no concern about any thing but an Aldus’s Herodotus, which he carried under his arm; and which indeed to a scholar at that time was of some consequence, when printing was in its infancy, and Greek books not easily procured. It is yet more to his praise that his Greek professor, when obliged to be absent, entrusted him to read his lectures, although at that time he was but sixteen years old. In 1517 he studied philosophy under Moseilanus; and this was the year, when the indulgences were preached, which gave occasion to the reformation. Camerarius was at St. Paul’s church in Leipsic with Heltus, who was his master in Greek and Latin literature, when these indulgences were exposed from the pulpit; but Heltus was so offended with the impudence of the Dominican who obtruded them, that he went out of the church in the middle of the sermon, and ordered Camerarius to follow him. When he had staid at Leipsic five years, he went to Erford; and three years after to Wittemberg, where Luther and Melancthon were maintaining and propagating the reformation. He knew Melancthon before lived afterwards in the utmost intimacy with him and, after Melancthon' s death, wrote a very copious and accurate life of him. He was also soon after introduced to Erasnrus, and his uncommon abilities and industry made him known to all the eminent men of his time.
, son of the preceding, was born at Nuremberg, in 1534, and there first educated. As his
, son of the preceding, was
born at Nuremberg, in 1534, and there first educated.
As his mind was early turned to the study of botany and
medicine, with the view of improving himself he visited
the principal seminaries in Germany, and thence went to
Padua, and afterwards to Bologna, where he took the degree
of doctor in 1562. Two years after he returned to Nuremberg, and by his superior skill and ability, seemed the
legitimate inheritor of his father’s fame. In 1592, he
founded a medical college, of which he was appointed dean
or president, and continued to direct its affairs for the remainder of his life. He formed an extensive garden, stored
with the choicest plants, the cultivation of which he superintended with great assiduity, and assisted the landgrave of Hesse in forming a botanical garden; and with a
view of disseminating the knowledge of plants, he purchased the collections of Gesner and Wolfe, which he
methodised, and corrected, and with considerable additions from his own stores, together with the works of
Matthiolus, he published them in 1586, under the title of
“De Plantis Epitome utilissima Petri Andrew Matthioli
novis Iconibus et Descriptionibus plurimis diligenter
aucta,
” 4to. “Hortus Medicus et Philosophicus, in quo
piurimarum Stirpium breves Descriptiones, novae Icones
non paucae, continentur,
” Opercula de Re
Rustica, quibus, praeter alia, Catalogus Rei Botanicac et
Rusticae Scriptorum veterum et recentiorum insertus est,
”
De recta et necessaria Ratione preservandi a Pestis Contagione,
”
, one of the most famous divines of the seventeenth century, among the French Protestants, was born at Glasgow, in Scotland, about the year 1580, and educated
, one of the most famous divines of
the seventeenth century, among the French Protestants,
was born at Glasgow, in Scotland, about the year 1580,
and educated at the university of his native city. After
reading lectures on the Greek language for a year, he began his travels in 1600, and at Bourdeaux evinced so much
ability and erudition, that the ministers of that city appointed him master of a college which they had established
at Bergerac, for teaching Greek and Latin; and from this
the duke de Bouillon removed him to the philosophical
professorship at Sedan, where he remained for two years.
He then went to Paris, and from Paris to Bourdeaux,
where he arrived in 1604, and began his divinity studies, and in 1608 was appointed one of the ministers
of Bourdeaux, and officiated there with such increasing
reputation, that the university of Saumur judged him worthy to succeed Gomarus in the divinity chair. Having
accepted this offer, he gave his lectures until 1620, when
the university was almost dispersed by the civil war. He
now came over to England with his family, and was recommended to king James, who appointed him professor
of divinity at Glasgow, in the room of Robert Boyd, of
Trochrig, (whom Bayle and his translators call Trochoregius), because he was supposed to be more attached to the
episcopal form of church government. This situation,
however, not suiting his taste, he returned to Saumur in
less than a year; but even there he met with opposition,
and the court having prohibited his public teaching, he was
obliged to read lectures in private. After a year passed in
this precarious state of toleration, he went in 1624 to Montauban, where he was chosen professor of divinity, but
having declared himself too openly against the party which
preached up the civil war, he created many enemies, and
among the rest an unknown miscreant who assaulted him
in the street, and wounded him so desperately as to occasion his death, which took place, after he had languished a
considerable time, in 1625. Bayle says, he was a man of
a great deal of wit and judgment, had a happy memory,
was very learned, a good philosopher, of a chcarful temper,
and ready to communicate not only his knowledge, but
even his money: he was a great talker, a long preacher,
little acquainted with the works of the fathers, obstinate
in his opinions, and somewhat troublesome. He frankly
owned to his friends, that he found several things still to
reform in the reformed churches. He took a delight in
publishing particular opinions, and in going out of the
beaten road; and he gave instances of this when he was a
youth, in his theses “De Tribus Frederibus,
” which he
published and maintained at Heidelberg, although yet
but a proposant, or candidate for the ministry. He also
mixed some novelties in all the theological questions
which he examined; and when in explaining some passages of the holy scripture, he met with great difficulties,
he took all opportunities to contradict the other divines,
and especially Beza; for he pretended that they had not
penetrated into the very marrow of that science. It was
from him that monsieur Amyraut adopted the doctrine of
universal grace, which occasioned so many disputes in
France, and will always be found, at least upon Amyraut’s
principles, to be too inconsistent for general belief. Cameron’s works are his “Theological Lectures,
” Saumur,
Myrothecium
Evangelicum.
”
alled the Virgil of Portugal, was descended from an illustrious, and originally, Spanish family, and was born at Lisbon about the year 1524. His father Simon Vaz de
, a very celebrated
Portuguese poet, and from his much-admired poem the
“Lusiadas,
” called the Virgil of Portugal, was descended
from an illustrious, and originally, Spanish family, and was
born at Lisbon about the year 1524. His father Simon
Vaz de Camoens is said to have perished by shipwreck in
the year which gave being to his son, although this is somewhat doubtful. It appears, however, that our poet was
sent to the university of Coimbra, and maintained there
by his surviving parent. On his arrival in Lisbon, he became enamoured of Donna Catarina de Ataide, whom he
addressed with all the romantic ardour of youth and poetry,
but according to the prescribed reserve, or prudery of the
age, obtained no higher mark of her favour, after many
months of adoration, than one of the silken fillets which,
encircled her head. His impatience, however, hurried him
into some breaches of decorum, while pursuing his coy
mistress, who was one of the queen’s ladies, and her parents took this opportunity to terminate an intercourse
which worldly considerations rendered, on her part, of the
highest imprudence. This interference produced its usual
effect. Camoens was banished the court, and on the
morning of his departure, Catarina confessed to him the
secret of her long-concealed affection. Thus comforted, he
removed to Santarem, the place of his banishment, but is
said to have speedily returned to Lisbon, where he was
again detected, and again sent into exile.
, a celebrated Italian philosopher, was born at Stilo, a small village in Calabria, Sept. 5, 1568. At
, a celebrated Italian philosopher, was born at Stilo, a small village in Calabria, Sept. 5, 1568. At thirteen he understood the ancient orators and poets, and wrote discourses and verses on various subjects; and the year after, his father purposed to send him to Naples to study law: but young Campanella, having other views, entered himself into the order of the Dominicans. Whilst he was studying philosophy at San Giorgio, his professor was invited to dispute upon some theses which were to be maintained by the Franciscans; but finding himself indisposed, he sent Campanella in his room, who argued with so much subtilty and force, as to charm his auditory. When his course of philosophy was finished, he was sent to Cosenza to study divinity: but his inclination led him to philosophy. Having conceived a notion that the truth was not to be found in the peripatetic philosophy, he anxiously examined all the Greek, Latin, and Arabian commentators upon Aristotle, and began to hesitate more and more with regard to the doctrines of that sect. His doubts still remaining, he determined to peruse the writings of Plato, Pliny, Galen, the Stoics, the followers of Democritus, and especially those of Telesius; and he found the doctrine of his masters to be false in so many points, that he began to doubt even of uncontroverted matters of fact. At the age of twenty- two he began to commit his new system to writing, and in 1500 he went to Naples to get it printed. Some time after he was present at a disputation in divinity, and took occasion to commend what was spoken by an ancient professor of his order, as very judicious;but the old man, jealous, perhaps, of the glory which Campanella had gained, bade him, in a very contemptuous manner, be silent, since it did not belong to a young man, as he was, to interpose in questions of divinity. Campanella 'fired at this, and said, that, young as he was, he was able to teach him; and immediately confuted what the professor had advanced, tothe satisfaction of the audience. The professor conceived a mortal hatred to him on this account, and accused him to the inquisition, as if he had gained by magic that vast extent of learning which he had acquired without a master. His writings now made a great noise in the world, and the novelty of his opinions stirring up many enemies agaiast him at Naples, he removed to Rome; but not meeting with a better reception in that city, he proceeded to Florence, and presented some of his works to the grand duke, Ferdinand I. the patron of learned men. After a short stay there, as he was passing through Bologna, in his way to Padua, his writings were seized, and carried to the inquisition at Rome, which, however, gave him little disturbance, and he continued his journey. At Padua, he was employed in instructing some young Venetians in his doctrines, and composing some pieces. Returning afterwards to Rome, he met with a hetter reception than before, and was honoured with the friendship of several cardinals. In 1598 he went to Naples, where he staid but a short time, then visited his own country. Some expressions which he dropped, with regard to the government of the Spaniards, and the project of an insurrection, being reported to the Spaniards, he was seized and carried to Naples in 1599, as a criminal against the state, and put seven times to the rack, and afterwards condemned to perpetual imprisonment. At first he was not permitted to see any person, and denied the use of pen, ink, and paper; but, being afterwards indulged with these implements, he wrote several of his pieces in prison; some of which Tobias Adamus of Saxony procured from him, and published in Germany. Pope Urban VIII. who knew him from his writings, having obtained his liberty from Philip IV. of Spain in May 1626, Campanella went immediately to Rome, where he continued some years in the prisons of the inquisition, but was a prisoner only in name. In 1629 he was discharged, but the resentment of the Spaniards was not abated. The friendship shewn him by the pope, who settled a considerable pension, and conferred many other favours on him, excited their jealousy; and his correspondence with some of the French nation, gave them new suspicions of him. Being informed of their designs against him, he went out of Rome, disguised like a minim, in the French ambassador’s coach, and, embarking for France, landed at Marseilles in 1634. Mr. Peiresc, being informed of his arrival, sent a letter to bring him to Aix, where he entertained him some months. The year following he went to Paris, and was graciously received by Lewis XIII. and cardinal Richelieu; the latter procured him a pension of 2000 livres, and often consulted him on the affairs of Italy. He passed the remainder of his days in a monastery of the Dominicans at Paris, and died March 21, 1639.
, an Italian poet and prelate, was born in 1427 at Cavelli, a village of Campania, of parents so
, an Italian poet and prelate, was born in 1427 at Cavelli, a village of Campania, of parents so obscure that he bore no name but that of his country, and was employed in his early years as a shepherd, in which situation an ecclesiastic discovering some promise of talents in him, sent him to Naples, where he studied under Laurentius Valla. He went afterwards to Perugia, where he rose to be professor of eloquence, and filled that chair with so much reputation, that when, in 1459, pope Pius II. happened to pass through Perugia in his way to the council of Mantua, he bestowed his patronage on him, and made him bishop of Crotona, and secondly of Teramo. Enjoying the same favour under pope Paul II. this pontiff sent him to the congress of Ratisbon, which assembled for the purpose of consulting on a league of the Christian princes against the Turks. Sixtus IV. who had been one of his scholars at Perugia, made him successively governor of Todi, of Foligno, and of Citta di Castello; but the pope having thought proper to besiege this last named city, because the inhabitants made some scruple about receiving his troops, Campano, touched with the hardships they were likely to suffer, wrote to the pope with so much freedom and spirit as to enrage his holiness, and provoke him to deprive him of his government, and banish him from the ecclesiastical states. Campano on this went to Naples, but not rinding the reception he expected, he retired to his bishopric at Teramo, where he died July 15, 1477, of chagrin and disappointment. His works, which were first printed at Rome in 1495, fol. consist of several treatises on moral philosophy, discourses, and funeral orations, and nine books of letters, in which there is some curious information with respect both to the political and literary history of his times. This volume contains likewise, the life of pope Pius II. and of Braccio of Perugia, a famous military character, and lastly, of eight book of elegies and epigrams, some of which are rather of too licentious a nature to accord with the gravity of his profession. These, or part of them, were reprinted at Leipsic in 1707, and in 1734. Campano was at one time a corrector of the press to Udalric, called Gallus, the first printer of Rome, and wrote prefaces to Livy, Justin, Plutarch, and some other of the works which issued from that press.
the church of Scotland, and principal and professor of divinity of the Marischal college, Aberdeen, was born in that city Dec. 25, 1719. His father, the rev. Colin
, a very learned divine of the church of Scotland, and principal and professor of divinity of the Marischal college, Aberdeen, was born in that city Dec. 25, 1719. His father, the rev. Colin Campbell, who was one of the ministers of Aberdeen, and a man of primitive piety and worth, died in 1728. George, the subject of this article, who was his youngest son, was educated in the grammar-school of his native city, and afterwards in Marischal college, but appears to have originally intended to follow the profession of the law, and for thatpurpose served an apprenticeship to a writer of the signet in Edinburgh. By what inducements he was made to alter his purpose we are not told; but in 1741 he began to study divinity at the university of Edinburgh, and continued the same pursuit both in King’s college and Marischal college, Aberdeen and here he delivered, with great approbation, those discourses, which are usually prescribed to students of divinity in the Scotch universities. After studying the usual number of years at the divinity hall, he was, according to the practice of the Scotch church, proposed to the Synod; and having undergone the ordinary trials before the presbytery of Aberdeen, was licensed as a probationer, or preacher of the gospel, on the llth of June, 1746. In this rank he remained two years, before he obtained a settlement in the church of Scotland, but at the end of that period was presented to the church of Banchory Ternan, about seventeen miles west from Aberdeen, and was ordained June 2, 1748.
e of Argyle, and duke of Greenwich and baron of Chatham, grandson to the unfortunate earl of Argyle, was born on the 10th of October, 1678. He was son to Archibald,
, second duke of Argyle, and duke of Greenwich and baron of Chatham, grandson to the unfortunate earl of Argyle, was born on the 10th of October, 1678. He was son to Archibald, duke of Argyle, by Elizabeth, daughter of sir Lionel Talmash, of Helmingham, in the county of Suffolk. He very early -gave signs of spirit and capacity, and at the age of fifteen, made considerable progress in classical learning, and in some branches of philosophy, under the tuition of Mr. Walter Campbell, afterwards minister of Dunoon, in Argyleshire. It soon, however, appeared, that his disposition was towards a military life; and being introduced at the court of king William, under the title of Lord Lorn, he was preferred by that prince to the command of a regiment of foot in 1694, when he was not quite seventeen years of age; and in that station he gave signal proofs of courage and military capacity during the remainder of king William’s reign, and till the death of his father, the first duke of Argyle, 28th of September, 1703, whom he succeeded in his honours and estate and was soon after sworn of queen Anne’s privy council, appointed captain of the Scotch horseguards, and one of the extraordinary lords of session. He was likewise made one of the knights of the order of the thistle the following year, on the restoration of that order.
, an eminent historical, biographical, and political writer, was born at Edinburgh, March 8, 1708. His father was Robert Campbell,
, an eminent historical, biographical, and political writer, was born at Edinburgh, March 8, 1708. His father was Robert Campbell, of Glenlyon, esq. and captain of horse in a regiment commanded by the then, earl of Hyndford; and his mother, Elizabeth, the daughter
, an eminent physician and surgeon, the son of Florence Camper, a minister of the reformed church, was born at Leyden May 11, 1722, and was first taught design and
, an eminent physician and surgeon, the son of Florence Camper, a minister of the reformed church, was born at Leyden May 11, 1722, and was first taught design and painting, which enabled him in his future studies to draw his anatomical preparations. He afterwards studied medicine under Boerhaave, and the other eminent professors of Leyden, and in 1746 took his degree of M. D. In 1748, he attended the hospitals and anatomical lectures in London, and afterwards at Paris. In 1749, he was appointed professor of philosophy, medicine, and surgery at Franeker; and in 1755 taught these sciences at Amsterdam, which he quitted in 1761. After two years’ residence at his country-house in Friesland, he was appointed professor of medicine, surgery, anatomy, and botany at Groningen, where he resided until June 1773, when he settled at Franeker, in order to superintend the education of his sons* In 1762, he had been appointed a representative in the assembly of the province of Friesland; but in 1787, he was nominated one of the council of state, and was therefore obliged to reside at the Hague, where he died in April 1789, in the sixty- seventh year of his age. The immediate cause of his death was a pleurisy, but his eulogist seems to attribute it remotely to his patriotic exertions, and the grief which oppressed him when he saw the independence of his country attacked. Whichever account be true, he was lamented as a learned and ingenious promoter of science, and an ornament to his country. He was at the time of his death a member of the royal society of London, and of the academies of Petersburg!), Berlin, Edinburgh (the college of physicians), Gottingen, Manchester, Haerlem, Rotterdam, &c. and other learned societies in various parts of Europe.