ghter of William Pierrepoint, second son of Robert earl of Kingston, he had a daughter Gertrude, who was married to Philip Stanhope, third earl of Chesterfield, and
By his first wife, daughter of Henry Spencer, earl of
Sunderland, he had a son William, who succeeded him;
and by a second wife, the daughter of William Pierrepoint,
second son of Robert earl of Kingston, he had a daughter
Gertrude, who was married to Philip Stanhope, third earl
of Chesterfield, and was mother to the celebrated earl, who,
says Maty, may be perhaps justly compared to his grandfather in extent of capacity, fertility of genius, and brilliancy of wit. They both, adds he, distinguished themselves in parliament by their eloquence; at court, by their
knowledge of the world; in company, by their art of pleasing. They were both very useful to their sovereigns,
though not much attached either to the prerogative or to
the person of any king. They both knew, humoured, and
despised the different parties. The Epicurean philosophy
was their common study. William, the second marquis of
Halitax, died in 1699, when the dignity became extinct in
his family, but was revived in 1700 in the person of Charles
Montague. The -marquis William left three daughters
Anne, married to Charles Bruce, earl of Aylesbury Dorothy, to Richard Boyle, the last earl of Burlington; and
Mary, to Sackville Tuftou, earl of Thanet.
George,: marquis of Halifax, was the author of some
tracts, written with considerable spirit and elegance. Besides his “Character of a Trimmer,
” he wrote “Advice to
a Daughter;
” “The Anatomy of an Equivalent;
” “A
Letter to a Dissenter, upon his Majesty’s laie Glorious Declaration of Indulgences;
” “A rough Draught of a new
Model at Sea, in 1694;
” “Maxims of State.
” Ah which
were printed together after his death; and the third edition came out in 1717, 8vo. Since these, /there was alsa
published under his name, “The Character of king Charles
the Second to which is subjoined, Maxims of State, &c,
”
Character of Bishop Burnet,
” printed at the
end of his “History of his own Times;
” “Historical Observations upon the Reigns of Edward I. II. III. and Richard
II. with Remarks upon their faithful Counsellors and false
Favourites,
” 1689. He also left memoirs of his own times*
from a journal which he kept every day of all the conversations which he had with Charles II. and the most distinguished men of his time. Of these memoirs two fair copies
were made, one of which fell into the hands of Daniel earl,
of Nottingham, and was destroyed by him. The other
devolved on the marquis’s grand-daughter, lady Burlington, in whose possession it long remained; but Pope, as
the late lord Orford informed Mr. Mai one, finding, on a
perusal of these memoirs, that the papists of those days
were represented in an unfavourable light, prevailed on her
to burn them; and thus the public have been deprived of
probably a curious and valuable work.
, a most learned man, and a great benefactor to the learning of his country, was the son of Henry Savile of Bradley, in the township of Stainland,
, a most learned man, and a great
benefactor to the learning of his country, was the son of
Henry Savile of Bradley, in the township of Stainland, in
the parish of Halifax, Yorkshire, by Ellen, daughter of
Robert Ramsden. He was born at Bradley, Nov. 30, 1549,
and first entered of Brasen-nose college, Oxford, whence
he was elected to Merton-college in 1561, where he took
the degrees in arts, and was chosen fellow. When he
proceeded master of arts in 1570, he read for that degree
on the Almagest of Ptolemy, which procured him the reputation of a man wonderfully skilled in mathematics and
the Greek language; in the former of which, he voluntarily read a public lecture in the university for some time.
Having now great interest, he was elected proctor for two
years together, 1575 and 1576, an honour not very common, for as the proctors were then chosen out of the whole
body of the university, by the doctors and masters, and the
election was not, as now, confined to particular colleges,
none but men of learning, and such as had considerable
interest, durst aspire to that honour. In 1578 he visited
the continent, became acquainted with various learned
foreigners, and obtained many valuable Mss. or copies of
them. He is said to have returned a man of high accomplishment*, and was made tutor in the Greek tongue to
queen Elizabeth, or, as it is otherwise expressed, he read
Greek and mathematics with her majesty, who had a great
esteem for him. In 1585 he was made warden of Mertoncollege, which he governed six and thirty years with great
credit, and greatly raised its reputation for learning, by
a judicious patronage of students most distinguished for
talents and industry. In 1596, he was chosen provost of
Eton-college, of which society also he increased the fame
by rilling it with the most learned men, among whom was
the ever-memorable John Hales. It is said, however, that
he incurred some odium among the younger scholars by
his severity, and his dislike of those who were thought
sprightly wi s. He used to say, “Give me the plodding
student. If I would look for wits, I would go to Newgate,
there be the wits.
” John Earte, afterwards bishop of Salisbury, was the only scholar he ever accepted on the recommendation of being a wit. James 1. upon his accession to
the crown of England, expressed a particular regard for
him, and would have preferred him either in church or
state; but sir Henry declined it, and only accepted the
honour of knighthood from his majesty at Windsor on Sept.
21, 1604. His only son dying about that time, he devoted
his fortune entirely to the promoting of learning. In 1619
he founded two lectures, or professorships, one in geometry, the other in astronomy, in the university of Oxford;
which he endowed each with a salary of 160l. a year, besides a legacy of 600l. for purchasing more lands for the
same use. In the preamble of the deed, by which a salary
was annexed to these two professorships, it is expressly
said that “geometry was almost totally unknown and abandoned in England.
” Briggs was his first professor of geometry; but Aubrey says, on the authority of bishop Ward,
that he first sent for Gunter for that purpose, who, coming
with his sector and quadrant, “fell to resolving of triangles and doing a great many fine things. Said the grave
knight, ‘ Do you call this reading of Geometric This is
shewing of tricks, man,’ and so dismissed him with scorne,
and sent for Brings.
” Sir Henry also furnished a library
with mathematical hooks near the mathematical school, for
the use of his professors; and gave 100l. to the mathematical chest of his own appointing; adding afterwards a
legacy of 4C/. a year to the same chest, to the university
and to his professors jointly. He likewise gave 120l. towards the new-building of the schools; several rare manuscripts and printed books to the Bodleian library; and a
good quantity of matrices and Greek types to the printingpress at Oxford. Part of the endowment of the professorships was the manor of Little Hays in Essex. He died, at
Eton -college, Feb. 19, 1621-2, and was buried in the
chapel there, on the south side of the communion table,
near the body of his son Henry, with an inscription on a
black marble stone. The university of Oxford paid him
the greatest honours, by having a public speech and verses
made in his praise, which were published soon after in 4to,
under the title of “Ultima Linea Savilii,
” and a sumptuous honorary monument was erected to his memory on the
south wall, at the upper end of the choir of Merton- college
chapel. Sir Henry Savile, by universal consent, ranks
among the most learned men of his time, and the most
liberal patrons of learning; and with great justice the
highest encomiums are bestowed on him by all the learned
of his time: by Isaac Casaubon, Mercerus, Meibomius,
Joseph Scaliger, and especially the learned bishop Montagu; who, in his “Diatribes
” upon Selden’s “History of
Tithes,
” styles him “that magazine of learning, whose
memory shall be honourable amongst not only the learned,
but the righteous for ever.
”
Military Matters, or commentaries concerning Roman Warfare;” which, soon after its first appearance, was translated into Latin by Marquardus Freherus, and printed at
We have already mentioned several noble instances of
his munificence to the republic of letters: and his works
exhibit equal zeal for the promotion of literature. In 1581,
he published an English version of, 1. “Four Books of
the Histories of Cornelius Tacitus, and the Life of Agricola; with notes upon them,
” folio, dedicated to queen
Elizabeth. The notes were esteemed so valuable as to be
translated into Latin by Isaac Gruter, and published at
Amsterdam, 1649, in 12mo, to which Gruter subjoined a
treatise of our author, published ia 1598, under the title,
2. “A View of certain Military Matters, or commentaries
concerning Roman Warfare;
” which, soon after its first
appearance, was translated into Latin by Marquardus Freherus, and printed at Heidelberg in 1601, but having become exceeding scarce, was reprinted by Gruter. In 1596,
he published a collection of the best ancient writers of our
English history, entitled, 3. “Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores post Bedain praecipui, ex vetustissimis codicibus nunc
primum in lucem editi:
” to which he added chronological
tables at the end, from Julius Caesar to the coming in of
William the Conqueror. This was reprinted at Francfort
in 1601, which edition has a complete index to it. The
collection contains William of Malmsbury’s history of the
kings of England, and the lives of the English bishops; the
histories of Henry of Huntingdon the annals of Roger de
Hoveden the chronicle of Ethelvverd, and the history of
Ingulphus with a dedication to queen Elizabeth, &c.
Wharton, in the preface to his “Anglia Sacra,
” objects
only to Malmsbury’s history, which he says was printed
from an incorrect ms. 4. He undertook and finished an
edition, most beautifully printed, of “St. Chrysostom’s
Works
” in Greek, printed in that, having himself visited, about
twelve years before, all the public and private libraries in
Britain, and copied out thence whatever he thought useful
to his design, he then sent some learned men into France,
Germany, Italy, and the East; to transcribe such parts as
he had not already, and to collate the others with the best
manuscripts.
” At the same time, he makes his acknowledgment to several great men for their assistance; as
Thuanus, Velserus, Schottus, Isaac Casaubon, Fronto Duca3us, Janus Gruterus, Hoeschelius, &c. In the eighth
volume are inserted sir Henry Savile’s own notes, with those
of the learned John Bois, Thomas Allen, Andrew Downes,
and other learned men. The whole charge of this edition,
including the several sums paid to learned men, at home
and abroad, employed in finding out, transcribing, and
collating, the best manuscripts, is said to have amounted
to no less than 8000l.; but, as soon as it was finished, the
bishops and clergy of France employed, somewhat unfairly,
as has been said, Fronton Due, or Fronto Ducaeus, who
was a learned Jesuit, to reprint it at Paris, in 10 vols. folio,
with a Latin translation, which lessened the price of sir
Henry’s edition; yet we are told, that the thousand copies
which he printed were all sold*. In 1618, he published a
Latin work, written by Thomas Bradwarclin, abp. of Canterbury, against Pelagius, entitled, 5. “De Causa Dei
contra Pelagium, et de virtute causarum;
” to which he
prefixed the life of Bradwardin. This book was printed
from six Mss. carefully collated. 6. “Nazianzen’s Steliteutics,
” which was a singular courtesy, and done because of his affection to the storing and preserving of the
library,
” as if any thing could have been refused to such a
benefactor. 7. “Xenophon’s Institution of Cyrus,
” Gr.
4to.
9.
” Oratio coram Elizabetha Regina Oxonice hahita, anno
1592,“Oxon. 1658, 4to; published by Dr. Barlow from
the original in the Bodleian library, and by Dr. Lamphire,
in the second edition of *' Monarchia Britannica,
” Oxford,
Six letters of his,
written to Hugo Blotius, and Sebastian Tenguagelius,
keepers of the imperial library, were published in Lambecius’s
” Bibliotheca,“vol. III.; four are printed among
” Camdeni fcpistolae,“and others are in the Cotton and,
Harleian Mss. He was also concerned in the new translation of the Bible, executed by command of James I. being one of the eight persons at Oxford who undertook to
translate the four Gospels, Acts, and Revelations. He left
behind him several Mss. some of which are now in the
Bodleian library, such as 1.
” Orations.“2.
” Tract of
the original of Monasteries.“3.
” Tract concerning the
Union of England and Scotland, written at the command
of king James I.' 1 He wrote notes likewise upon the margin of many books in his library, particularly of Eusebius’s
* This work required such long and before Chrysostom was finished, when
* This work required such long and before Chrysostom was finished, when
book too, and then you would a little would be a great pity, for he was one
book too, and then you would a little would be a great pity, for he was one
standing by, replied, “.You must then apostles’ times;” with which she was,
standing by, replied, “.You must then apostles’ times;
” with which she was,
a member of the society of Antiquaries, in the introduction to the “Archseologia,” and indeed there was no literary honour at that time of which he was not worthy.
change every year“which answer dis- not do it for all the world.
”
pleased her. The same lady, a little
“Ecclesiastical History,
” which were afterwards used, and
thankfully acknowledged, by Valesius, in his edition of
that work in 1659. He is mentioned as a member of the
society of Antiquaries, in the introduction to the “Archseologia,
” and indeed there was no literary honour at that
time of which he was not worthy.
He had a younger brother, Thomas Savile, who was admitted probationer-fellow of Merton college, Oxford, in 1580;
He had a younger brother, Thomas Savile, who was admitted probationer-fellow of Merton college, Oxford, in 1580; afterwards travelled abroad into several countries; upon his return, was chosen fellow of Eton college; and died at London in 1592-3, whence his body was removed to Oxford, and interred with great solemnity in the choir of Merton college chapel. He was a man of great learning, and an intimate friend of Camden; among whose letters there are fifteen of Mr. Savile' s to him.
There was another Henry Savile, related to the above family, and familiarly
There was another Henry Savile, related to the above
family, and familiarly called Long Harry Savile, who entered a student of Merton college in 1587, during the wardenship of sir Henry, and was soon after made one of the
portionists, commonly called postmasters. After taking
the degree of B. A. he left Merton college, and removed to
St. Alban-hall, where in 1595, he took the degree of M. A.
Under the inspection of his learned kinsman, he became an
eminent scholar, especially in the mathematics, physic (in which faculty he was admitted by the university to practise), chemistry, painting, heraldry, and antiquities. Afterwards, in order to extend his knowledge, he travelled into
Italy, France, and Germany, where he greatly improved,
himself He is said to have written several things, but non$
have been published. He gave Camden the ancient copy
of ^sser Menevensis, which he published in 1602, and
which contains the legendary story of the discord between
the new scholars which Grimbald brought with him to Oxford, at the restoration of the university by king Alfred,
&c. This Henry Savile lived some years after his return
from the continent, in the parish of St. Martin’s in the
Fields, London, and dying there April 29, 1617, aged
forty-nine, was buried in the chancel belonging to the parish church, where was a monument to his memory. Among
the Cotton Mss. is a letter from him to Camden, “concerning antiquities near Otley in Yorkshire.
”
ere still remains one of this family to be noticed, sir John Savile, elder brother to sir Henry, who was born at Bradley in 1545, and entered a commoner of Brasenose
There still remains one of this family to be noticed, sir
John Savile, elder brother to sir Henry, who was born at
Bradley in 1545, and entered a commoner of Brasenose
college about 1561, whence, without taking a degree, he
went to the Middle Temple for the study of the law. Being called to the bar, he became autumn reader of that
house in 1586, steward of the lordship of Waken“eld, serjeant at law in 1594, one of the barons of the exchequer
in 1598, and at the same time one of the justices of assize.
In July 1603, a little before his coronation, king James
conferred the honour of knighthood on him, being one of
the judges who were to attend that solemnity. He died at
London, Feb. 2, 1606, aged sixty-one, and was buried at
St. Dunstan’s church, Fleet-street, but his heart was buried in Methley church, Yorkshire, where is a monument
to his memory, erected by his son. Camden acknowledges
the assistance he received from sir John Savile in his historical labours. He left at his death several pieces fit for
publication, but none have appeared, except
” Reports of
divers cases in the courts of common pleas and exchequer,
from 22 to 3 6Elizabeth," a thin folio, printed first in 1675,
and again in 1688.
, a celebrated Italian monk, was born at Ferrara in 1452. In 1466 he became a Dominican at Bologna,
, a celebrated Italian monk, was born at Ferrara in 1452. In 1466 he became a Dominican at Bologna, and afterwards preached at Florence, but with very little success, and left the place. In 1489 he was invited by Lorenzo de Medici to return to Florence, where he became a very popular preacher. By pretensions to superior sanctity, and by a fervid eloquence, he hurried away the feelings of his hearers, and gained an ascendancy over their minds by his prophecies, which were directed both against church and state. Having by these means acquired a powerful influence, he began to despise the patronage of Lorenzo, and avoided his presence. After the death of Lorenzo, he placed himself at the head of a popular party in Florence, who aimed at the establishment of a free constitution. Savonarola seems to have promised them something between a republic and a theocracy. By such means his party became very formidable; and to flatter them yet more, he denounced terrible judgments to the court of Rome, and to the rest of the Italian states. In 1498 many complaints having been carried to Rome, in which he was accused of having reproached, in his sermons, the conduct of that court and the vices of the clergy, he was publicly excommunicated, which at first he regarded so far as to abstain from preaching, but finding that silence was considered as submission, and would ruin his cause, he resumed his function, and renewed his invectives against the pope and the court of Rome. But when the pope Alexander threatened to interdict the city, the magistrates commanded him to desist from preaching. At length he procured the assistance of a friar of his own convent, named Fra. Domenico da Pescia, who proposed to confirm his master’s doctrines by the ordeal of xvalking through the flames, provided any one of their adversaries would do the same. The challenge was accepted by a Franciscan friar, and a day was appointed for the trial. Savonarola, finding that the adverse party were not to be intimidated, proposed that Domenico should be allowed to carry the host with him into the fire. This was exclaimed against by the whole assembly as an impious and sacrilegious proposal. It was, however, insisted upon by Domenico, who thereby eluded the ordeal. But the result was fatal to the credit of Savonarola, who was deserted by the populace, apprehended and dragged to prison, and condemned to be first strangled and then burnt, which sentence was put into execution on the 23d of May, 1498.
d intentions, though perverted by a spirit of fanaticism; and there seems no reason to doubt that he was really a friend to the liberty of Florence, and felt an honest
Various opinions have been entertained of this man’s
real character. Some of the friends of liberty and protestantism have considered him as a man who had elevated
views and good intentions, though perverted by a spirit of
fanaticism; and there seems no reason to doubt that he was
really a friend to the liberty of Florence, and felt an honest
indignation at the profligacy of the court of Rome, and
the corruption of the catholic church. For these last reasons, some have even admitted him among the reformers
and martyrs. But his title to this honour seems very questionable, and the character of a leader of a party is as discernible in his conduct as that of a reformer. There are a
great number of his sermons remaining, and other works
in Latin and Italian, most of them on religious subjects.
His life, inserted in Bates’ s “Vitse Selectorum,
” was written
in Latin by John Francis Picus de Mirandola, prince of
Concordia. Queti published an edition of it, to which he
added notes, with the Latin translation of some of Savonarola’s works, and a list of them.
, an eminent lawyer in the seventeenth century, was a member of Magdalen college, Cambridge, where he took his degree
, an eminent lawyer in the seventeenth century, was a member of Magdalen college,
Cambridge, where he took his degree of M.A. in 1655,.
and was the same year admitted ad eundem at Oxford. He
was afterwards a benefactor to the library of his college.
After studying law at the Inner Temple, he was admitted
to the bar, and had a large share of practice fit London,
and on the Oxford circuit. In 1661 he was knighted, and
in Feb. 1680, was appointedattorney-general, As a lawyer
he formed himself after the lord chief justice Hale, under
whom he practised, and of whom he was a just admirer.
Like that excellent person, he was a man of general learning, and, according to Granger, of an integrity that nothing
could corrupt; but bishop Burnet represents him as a dull
hot man, and forward to serve all the designs of the court.
Had this been always the case, however, king James would
not have dismissed him from the office of attorney general,
which he did in 1687, because he perceived that sir Robert could not have been prevailed upon to njould the laws
to such purposes as were never intended by the legislatureOn the other hand, Granger allows that he was justly censured for his harsh treatment of lord Russel on his trial,
and it is certain that he supported some of king James’s
arbitrary measures, being the manager in depriving the
city of London of its charter. At the time of the revolution, he sat as member of parliament for the university of
Cambridge, and was expelled the house for being concerned, as attorney-general, in the prosecution of sir Thomas Armstrong, who was executed for being one of the
conspirators in the Rye-house plot. In the next sessions
he was re-chosen, and appears to have sat quietly for the
remainder of his life. He died in 1692, at Highclear in
Hampshire, where he had an estate, and rebuilt the parish
church. His only daughter married the earl of Pembroke,
and died in 1706. Under his name, and those of Heneage
Finch, sir George Treby, and Henry Pollexfen, were published in 1690, folio, “Pleadings and arguments with other
proceedings in the court of king’s bench upon the Quo
Warranto, touching the charter of the city of London, with
the judgment entered thereupon.
”
, a celebrated commander, was born October 19, 1696, at Dresden, and was the natural son of
, a celebrated commander,
was born October 19, 1696, at Dresden, and was the
natural son of Frederick Augustus If. king of Poland, and
Aurora, countess of Konigsinarc. He gave evident proofs
of his taste for military affairs from his childhood; was
taught to read and write with the utmost difficulty; nor
could he ever be prevailed upon to study a few ho irs in
the morning, otherwise than by a promise that he should
ride on horseback in the afternoon. He liked to have
Frenchmen about him, for which reason their language was
the only foreign one which he willingly learnt grammatically. He attended the elector in all his military expeditions; was at the siege of Lisle in 1708, when only twelve
years old, and mounted the trenches several times both at
the city and at the fortress, in sight of the king, his father,
who admired his intrepidity. Nor did he discover less courage at the siege of Tournay, the year following, where he
twice narrowly escaped death; and at the buttle of Malplaquet, far from being shocked by the dreadful carnage
which attended the engagement, he declared in the evening, “that he was well pleased with the day.
” In 1711,
he followed the king of Poland to Stralsund, where he
swam over the river, in sight of the enemy, with his pistol
in his hand, during which time he saw, /vithout any seeming emotion, three officers and above twenty soldiers fall
by his side. When he retired to Dresden, the king, who
had been witness to his courage and abilities, raised a company of horse for him. Count Saxe spent the whole winter in teaching his regiment some new evolutions, which
he had invented, and marched them against the Swedes
the year following. This regiment suffered much st the
battle of Gadelbusli, where he made them return three
times to the attack. This campaign being ended, mad. de
Konigsmarc married him to the young countess de Loben,
a rich and amiable lady, whose name Avas Victoria, which
name, count Saxe afterwards said, contributed as much to
fix his choice on the countess, as her beauty and largtr fortune. This lady brought him a son, who died young, and
the count having at length a disagreement with her, procured his marriage to be dissolved in 1721, but promised
the countess never to marry again, and kept his word. She
married a Saxon officer soon after, by whom she had three
children, and they lived in harmony together. It was with,
great reluctance that the countess had consented to her
Carriage being dissolved, for she loved count Saxe; and
the latter frequently repented afterwards of having taken
such a step. He continued to signalize himself in the war
against Sweden, was at the siege of Stralsund in December
1715, when Charles XII. was blocked up, and had the
satisfaction of seeing him in the midst of his grenadiers“.
The behaviour of this celebrated warrior inspired count
Saxe with a high degree of veneration, which he ever retained for his memory. He served against the Turks in
Hungary in 1717, and on his return to Poland in 1718,
received the order of the white eagle from the king. In
1720, he visited France, and the duke of Orleans, then regent, gave him a brevet of marechal de camp. Count Saxe
afterwards obtained leave from his Polish majesty to serve
in France, where he purchased a German regiment in 1722,
which afterwards bore his name. He changed the ancient
exercise of this regiment for one of his own invention; and
the chevalier Folard, on seeing this exercise, foretold immediately, in his Commentary on Polybius, torn. III. b. ii.
chap. 14, that count Saxe would be a great general. During his residence in France, he learnt mathematics and the
art of fortification with astonishing facility, till 1725, when
prince Ferdinand, duke of Courland, falling dangerously
ill in the month of December, he turned his thoughts to
obtaining the sovereignty of Courland. With this view, he
set out for Mittau, and arrived there, May 18, 1726. He
was received with open arms by the states, and had several private interviews with the duchess dowager of Courland, who had resided there since her husband’s decease.
This lady was Anne Iwanaw, second daughter of the czar
I wan Alexiowitz, brother of Peter the Great. Count Saxe,
having communicated his design to her, soon engaged her
in his interests; and she acted with such indefatigable ardour, and conducted affairs so well, that he was unanimously elected duke of Courland, July 5, 1726. Thia
choice being; opposed by Poland and Russia, the duchess
supported count Saxe with all her interest, and even went
to Riga and Petersburg, where she redoubled her solicitations in favour of the late election. There seems indeed
to be no doubt, but that, if the count had returned her
passion, he would not only have maintained his ground in
Courland, but shared the throne of Russia, which this princess afterwards ascended; but, during his stay at Mittau,
an affair of gallantry between him and one of her ladies
broke off the marriage, and induced the duchess to abandon him. From that moment the count’s affairs took an
unhappy turn, and he was forced to go back to Paris in
1729. The following remarkable circumstance occurred
during the course of his enterprise: Having written from
Ccmrlandto France for a supply of men and money, mademoiselle le Couvreur, a celebrated actress, who was at that
time attached to him, pawned her jewels and plate, and
sent him 40,000 livres. When count Saxe returned to
Paris, he applied himself to obtain a complete knowledge
of the mathematics, and acquired a taste for mechanics.
He refused the command of the Polish army offered him
by the king, his brother, in 1733, and distinguished himself on the Rhine under marechal Berwick, particularly at
the lines of Etlingen, and the siege of Philipsburg, after
which he was made lieutenant-general August 1, 1734.
Hostilities having recommenced on the death of the emperor Charles VI. count Saxc took Prague by assault, Nov.
26, 1741, then Egra and Ellebogen, raised a regiment of
Hullans, and brought back marechal de Broglio’s army
upon the Rhine, where, he fixed various posts, and seized
the trenches of Lanterburg. He was appointed marechal
of France, March 26, 1744, and commanded the main
bocly of the army in Flanders, where he so exactly observed the motions of the enemies, who were superior in,
number, and made use of such excellent manoeuvres, that
he reduced them to remain inactive, for they were afraid
to undertake any thing. This campaign in Fianders did
count Saxe great honour, and was considered as a chefd'ceuvre of the military art. He won the famous battle of
Fonterioi, under the king’s command, May 11, 1745, where,
though sick and weak, he gave his orders with such presence of mind, vigilance, courage, and judgment, as made
him the admiration of the whole army. This victory was
followed by the capture of Tournay, which the French be^
sieged; of Ghent, Bruges, Oudenarde, Ostend, Ath, &c.
and at the time that the campaign was supposed to be
finished, he took Brussels, February 28, 1746. Nor was
the next campaign less honourable to count Saxe. He
won the battle of Kauconx, Oct. I 1, the same year, 1746;
and his majesty, to reward such a constant series of glorious services, dtrlurod him marechal general of his camps
and armies, Jan. 12, 1747. Marechal Saxe carried troops
into Zealand, gained the battle of Lanfeldt, July 2 following-, approved the siege of Bergen-op-Zoom, of which M.
de Loewen made himself master, and took Maestrecht,
May 7, 1748. In consequence of these victories a peace
was concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle, Oct. 18, the same year.
Marechai Saxe went afterwards to Chambord, which the
king had given him, ordered his regiment of Hullans thither, and kept a stud of wild horses, more proper for light
cavalry than those used by the French. He visited Berlin
some time after, and was magnificently entertained by his
Prussian majesty. On his return to Paris, he formed a plan
for the establishment of a colony in the island of Tobago;
but gave it up, when he found that England and Holland
opposed it. Count Saxe died, after a nine days 7 illness, at
Chambord, Nov. 30, 1750, in the fifty-fourth year of his
age. He wrote a book on the art of war, called
” Mes
Reveries/ 1 of which a very splendid edition, with his life,
was published in 1757, 2 vols. 4to. There is also an English translation of it. His “Life
” was printed in
Count Saxe was a man of ordinary stature, of a robust constitution, and extraordinary
Count Saxe was a man of ordinary stature, of a robust
constitution, and extraordinary strength. To an aspect,
noble, warlike, and mild, he joined many excellent qualities of disposition. Affable in his manners, and disposed
to sympathize with the unfortunate, his generosity sometimes carried him beyond the limits of his fortune. He
was remarkably careful of the lives of his men. One day
a general officer was pointing out to him a post which would
have been of great use “It will only cost you,
” said he,
“a dozen grenadiers:
” “That would do very well,
” replied
the marshal, “were it only a dozen lieutenant-generals.
”
He had been educated and died in the Lutheran religion.
“It is a pity (said the queen of France, when she heard of his death) that we cannot say a single De-profundis for a
man who has made as sing so many Te Dennis
” Religion
had not much influence on his general conduct, but on his
death-bed he is said to have reviewed his errors with remorse,
and expressed much penitence.
, or Sassi [Joseph Anthony), an ecclesiastical historian, was born at Milan in 1673. He for some time taught the belles lettres
, or Sassi [Joseph Anthony), an ecclesiastical
historian, was born at Milan in 1673. He for some time
taught the belles lettres in his native city, and afterwards
was employed as a missionary. In 1703 he was admitted a
doctor of the Ambrosian college at Milan, and eight years
afterwards was appointed director of that college, and keeper
fits fine library. He died about 1756. He was author
of many theological, historical, and chronological works,
among which are, 1. “Epistola ad Card. Quirium de Literatura Mediolanensium,
” 4to. 2. “De Studiis Mediolanensium Antiquis et Novis,
” Milan, Archiepiscoporum Mediolanensium Series critico-chronologica,
”
ibid. St. Caroli Borromei Homilise, prefatione et notis,
” Rerum Italicarum Scriptores
” by Muratori.
, a very learned philologer and literary historian, was born at Eppendorff, a village between Chemnitz and Freyberg,
, a very learned philologer and
literary historian, was born at Eppendorff, a village between
Chemnitz and Freyberg, in Saxony, where his father was
a clergyman, Jan. 13, 1714. His proper name was Christopher Gottlob Sach, which, when he commenced author,
he Latinized into Sachsius, and afterwards into Saxius,
dropping the Gottlob altogether. His father first gave him
some, instructions in the teamed languages, which he afterwards improved at the school of Chemnitz, but more effectually at the electoral school of Misnia, where he also studied classical antiquities, history, and rhetoric, and in 1735
went to Leipsic with the strongest recommendations for industry and proficiency. Here he studied philosophy under
the celebrated Wolff, but as he had already perused the
writings both of the ancient and modern philosophers with
profound attention, he is said to have had the courage to
differ from the current opinions. Philosophy, however, as
then taught, was less to his taste than the study of antiquities, classical knowledge, and literary history, to which he
determined to devote his days; and the instructions of professor Christ, and his living in the house with Menkenius,
who had an excellent library, were circumstances which
very powerfully confirmed this resolution. He had not been
here above a year, when two young noblemen were confided
to his care, and this induced him to cultivate the modern
languages most in use. His first disputation had for its
subject, “Vindiciae secundum libertatem pro Maronis
jEneide, cui manum Jo. Harduinus nuper assertor injecerat,
” Leipsic, Nova acta
eruditorum,
” and other literary journals, from this year to
Onomasticon Literarium,
” or Literary
Dictionary, consisting of a series of biographical and critical notices or references respecting the most eminent writers
of every age or nation, and in every branch of literature,
in chronological order. The first volume of this appeared
in 1775, 8vo, and it continued to be published until seven
volumes were completed, with a general Index, in 1790.
To this, in 1793, he added an eighth or supplementary volume, from which we have extracted some particulars of his
life, as given by himself. This is a work almost indispensable to biographers, and as the work of one man, must
have been the production of many years* labour and attention. Some names, however, are omitted, which we might
have expected to find in it; and the English series, as in
every foreign undertaking of the kind, is very imperfect.
We have seen no account of his latter days. He lived to a
very advanced age, dying at Utrecht. May 3, 1806, in his
ninety-second year.
een distinguished in war, which indicates that they were of no ignoble race. His name of Grammaticus was titular, and expressive of his attainments in literature. There
, a Danish historian, is supposed to have been a native of Denmark, but this has been a disputed point. As to his name Sachse, it is evident from many monuments of Danish antiquity, that it is of no obscure or late origin in the history of Denmark. Saxo himself calls the Danes his countrymen, Denmark his country; and speaking of the kings, he terms them our kings. Some attribute his origin to Ambria, others with more reason to Sialandia, a Danish island. The name Scalandicus is also added to that of Saxo, in some editions of his works. He has been called Longus, which has induced some to attribute his descent to the noble family of the Langii. Others have rather chosen to ascribe this name to the height of his stature. Saxo, in his preface, speaks of his ancestors as having been distinguished in war, which indicates that they were of no ignoble race. His name of Grammaticus was titular, and expressive of his attainments in literature. There are different opinions concerning the year of his birth. It is, however, certain that he flourished in the twelfth century. Carpzovius endeavoured, by some acute and subtile reasonings, to ascertain the date. The education of Saxo is equally involved in uncertainty. Pontoppidan supposes that he studied at Paris,and there acquired the eleg.ance of style for which he afterwards was distinguished. It is certain, that in the 12th century the Cimbri and the Danes frequently went to France for education. It may, however, be doubted, whether in the rage for trifle which then prevailed at Paris, Saxo could have procured a master who was capable of instructing him. We must be rather inclined to suppose that he owed his attainments to his own industry and talents. It appears that he applied to theology, for we find him appointed capitular in the bishopric of Lundens, and afterwards a prefect in the cathedral of Roschiid. While he 'filled this office he was sent, in 1161, by Absalon, the bishop of Roschiid, to Paris, with a view of inviting some monks from St. Genevieve, who might correct^the depraved morals of those which belonged to Eskilsco. William Abbas accepted the invitation of Saxo, and three brothers followed him. These monks introduced into Denmark the monastic discipline which had been prescribed by St. Augustine. Various opinions have been offered about the date of Saxo’s death. Pontanus supposes it to have been in the year 1208. Some conjecture the time to have been 1190, others in 1201. But, when we reflect that in his preface he speaks of Waldemar II. who ascended the throne of Denmark in 1203, and that Andrew Suno, to whom the history is dedicated, succeeded Absalon in the bishopric in 1202, we cannot agree with those who have adopted the earlier dates. Though some others have fixed the date in 1204, and others in 1206, the general opinion is, that he died in 1208, aged upwards of seventy. He was buried in the cathedral of Roschild. Three centuries afterwards, an inscription was’ added to his tomb by Lago Urne, bishop of Scalandre. Though more elegant verses might have been invented, says Klotzius, none could have been more true.
, and at last rendered it worthy the expectations of Absalon who, however, died be* fore the history was completed, which Saxo inscribed to Andrew Suno, who was the
Absalon, bishop of Roschild, first instigated Saxo to undertake the history of Denmark, and assisted him with his
advice and with books. Saxo employed twenty years in
accomplishing his undertaking, and at last rendered it worthy the expectations of Absalon who, however, died be*
fore the history was completed, which Saxo inscribed to
Andrew Suno, who was the successor to the see. After
remaining in ms. for three hundred years, Christianus Petra3us undertook the publication, having received the manuscript accurately written from Bergeius the archbishop
of Lundens. It was delivered to be printed to Jodocus Radius Ascensius, and was published at Paris in 1514, and
re-published at Basil, in 1534, by Oporinus. A third edition appeared at Francfort on the Maine, in 1576. At last,
Stephanus Johannes Stephanius, historian to the king, and
professor of eloquence and history in the university of Sora,
with the aid of some Danish nobles, and the liberal contribution of the king, was enabled to publish an edition of
Saxo, in folio, printed at Sora, 1644. A second part of
the volume appeared in the following year, containing the
“Prolegomena,
” and copious notes. There is a later edition by Christ. Adolphus Klotz, printed at Leipsic in
1771, 4to, and there are several Danish translations. The
credibility of Saxo is somewhat doubtful, but his style is
good, and much praised by critics of authority.
, a dissenting minister of considerable talents, was born in 1675, and was the second son of the Rev. Giles Say,
, a dissenting minister of considerable talents, was born in 1675, and was the second son of the Rev. Giles Say, who had been ejected from the vicarage of St. Michael’s in Southampton by the Bartholomew-act in 1662; and, after king James the second’s liberty of conscience, was chosen pastor of a dissenting congregation at Guestwick in Norfolk, where he continued till his death, April 7, 1692. Some years after, the subject of this article being at Southwark, where he had been at school, and conversing with some of the dissenters of that place, met with a woman of great reputation for piety, who told him, with joy, that a sermon on Ps. cxix. 130, preached by his father thirty years before, was the means of her conversion. Being strongly inclined to the ministry, Mr. Say entered as a pupil in the academy of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Rowe at London about 1G92, where he had for his fellow-students Mr (afterwards Dr.) Isaac Watts, Hughes the poet, and Mr. Josiah Hort, afterwards archbishop of Tuam. When he had finished his studies, he became chaplain to Thomas Scott, esq. of Lyrninge in Kent, in whose family he continued three years. Thence he removed to Andover in Hampshire, then to Yarmouth in Norfolk, and soon after to Lowestoffin Suffolk, where he continued labouring in word and doctrine eighteen years. He was afterwards copastor with the Rev. Mr. Samuel Baxter at Ipswich nine years; and lastly was called, in 1734, to succeed Dr. Edmund Caiamy in Westminster, where he died at his house in James-street, April 12, 1743, of a mortification in his bowels, in the sixty-eighth year of his age.
In the preface to his works, we are told that Mr. Say te was a tender husband, an indulgent father, and of a most benevolent,
In the preface to his works, we are told that Mr. Say
te was a tender husband, an indulgent father, and of a most
benevolent, communicative disposition, ever ready to do
good, and to distribute. He was well versed in astronomy
and natural philosophy; had a taste for music and poetry,
was a good critic, and a master of the classics. Yet so
great was his modesty, that he was known only to a few
select friends, and never published above two or three sermons, which were in a manner extorted from him.“Among
the modern Latin poets Broukhusius was his favourite;
among the English, Milton, whose head, etched by Mr.
Richardson, is prefixed to his second essay, A letter. from
Mr. Say to Mr. Hughes, and two from Mr. Say to Mr. Duncombe, with a Latin translation of the beginning of
” Pa*
radise Lost,“are printed among the
” Letters of Eminent
Persons deceased,“vol. J. and vol. II. His characters of
Mrs. Bridget Bendysh, grand-daughter of Oliver Cromwell,
in the appendix to vol. II. first appeared (without a name)
jn Gent. Mag. 1765, p. 357. In the same volume, p. 423,
” The Resurrection illustrated by the Changes of the Silkworm“is by the same hand. And some of his poetical
pieces are in Nichols’s
” Select Collection, vol. VI.
, an Italian, eminent as a statesman and man of letters, when letters were just reviving in Europe, was born about 1424, some say 1430. He was only the son of a miller
, an Italian, eminent as a statesman and man of letters, when letters were just reviving in Europe, was born about 1424, some say 1430. He was only the son of a miller but, going early to Florence, he fell under the notice of Cosmo de Medici who, observing uncommon parts in him and a turn for letters, took him under his protection, and gave him an education. He studied the law; and, taking a doctor’s degree in that faculty, frequented the bar. After the death of Cosmo in 1464, Peter de Medici shewed the same regard for him; and Scala, through his means, was trusted by the republic in the most important negociations. In 1471, the freedom of the city was conferred on him and his Descendants; and the year after he obtained letters of nobility; he was then secretary or chancellor of the republic. In 1484, the Florentines sent a solemn embassy to Innocent VIII, to congratulate him on his being raised to the pontificate; when Scala, one of the embassy, delivered a speech so very pleasing to the pope, that he was made by him a knight of the golden spur, and senator of Rome. In 1436, he was made holy-standard-bearer to the republic. He died at Florence in 1497; and left, among other children, a daughter, named Alexandra, who afterwards became famous for her learning and skill in the Greek and Latin tongues.
a di Vitaliani Borromeo;” both printed at Rome in 1677, 4to. This history of the Florentine republic was written in twenty books, and deposited in the Medicean library;
During his life-time were published the above-mentioned
speech to pope Innocent; another speech which he made
as chancellor of Florence, “Pro Imperatoriis miiitaribus
siguis dandis Constantio Sfortise Imperatori,
” Apologia contra vituperatores civitatis Florentiae,
” De Historia Floremina,
” and “Vita di Vitaliani Borromeo;
” both
printed at Rome in Apologues,
”
and of some Latin and Italian “Poems.
” Some few of his
letters have been published; and there are eight in the
collection of Politian, with whom Scala, as appears from
the correspondence, had the misfortune to be at variance.
Politian probably despised him for being his superior in
every thing but letters, and Scala valued himself too much
on his opulence. Erasmus also has not passed a very favourable judgment on him: he represents him as a Ciceronian in his style. Scala' s daughter Alexandra, above mentioned, was no less distinguished by her personal beauty,
than her literary acquirements. She gave her hand to the
Greek Marullus (See Mahullus); and Politian is numbered
among her unsuccessful admirers; a circumstance that may
in some degree account for the asperities which marked his
controversy with her father. She is said to have been assisted in her studies by. John Lascaris, and Demetrius Chalcondylas. In evidence of her proficiency, we are told
that she replied to a Greek epigram, which the gallantry of
Politian addressed to her, in the same language and measure; and in a public representation of the “Electra
” of
Sophocles at Florence, she undertook to perform the principal female character, which, according to Politian, she
did with great success. She died in 1506.
, a very learned and eminent critic, was born, according to his son’s account, April 23, 1484, at Ripa,
, a very learned and eminent critic, was born, according to his son’s account, April
23, 1484, at Ripa, a castle in the territory of Verona, and
was the son of Benedict Scaliger, who, for seventeen years,
commanded the troops of Matthias, king of Hungary, to
whom he was related. His mother was Berenice Lodronia,
daughter of count Paris. From the same authority we
learn, that Scaliger was a descendant from the ancient
princes of Verona; but while other particulars of the birth
and family ol Scaliger are called in question, this seems to
be refuted by the patent of naturalization which Francis I.
granted him in 1528, in which such an honourable descent
would unquestionably have been noticed, whereas in this
instrument he is called only “Julius Caesar della Scala de
Bordons, doctor of physic, a native of Verona.
” When
therefore, his critical asperities had raised him enemies,
they did not fail to strip him of his royal origin, and instead of it, asserted that he was the son of a school-master
(some say an illuminator) of Verona, one Benedict Borden, who, removing to Venice, took the name of Scaliger,
either because he had a scale for his sign, or lived in a street
called from that instrument; and although Thuanus seems
inclined to consider this story as the fabrication of Augustine Niphus, out of pique to Scaliger, it is certain that the
royal origin of the Scaligers has always appeared doubtful, and we have now no means to remove the uncertainty.
He was taught Latin at home, and, according to his son, had for his
He was taught Latin at home, and, according to his son, had for his preceptor John Jocundus of Verona, whom he himself in various parts of his works mentions as his master; but even this circumstance his opponents are not disposed to credit, and tell us, that as he was the descendant of princes, it was necessary to provide him with a preceptor like Jocundus, who was a man not only of high character, but a gentleman by birth. They also add some circumstances which certainly make it doubtful whether Scaliger really was taught by Jocundus, because it was neither by his knowledge of Latin, nor by philosophy or theology, that Jocundus acquired his reputation, but by his skill in the fine arts. (See Jocundus,) It appears, however, less questionable, that at the age of twelve Scaliger was presented to the emperor Maximilian, who made him one of his pages, and that he served that emperor seventeen years, and gave proofs of his valour and dexterity in several expeditions, in which he attended his master. He was at the battle of Ravenna in 1512, in which he lost his father and brother Titus, whose bodies he conveyed to Ferrara, where his mother resided, who some time after died wkj> grief. His father dying in narrow circumstances, Scaliger found himself almost without a maintenance, and therefore resolved to enter into the Franciscan order, for which purpose he went to Bologna, and applied himself vigorously to study, especially to logic and Scotus’s divinity; but changing his views of the ecclesiastical profession, he agaiiv entered into the army, and served some time in Piedmont. A physician, whom he knew at Turin, persuaded him to study physic and accordingly he prosecuted it at his leisure hours, while he was in the army he likewise learned the Greek language, of which he had been entirely ignorant till then. At length, frequent attacks of the gout determined him, at forty years of age, to abandon a military life, and devote himself entirely to the profession of physic. In this he had already acquired both skill and fame, and the bishop of Agen, being indisposed, and apprehending some need of a physician in his journey to his diocese, requested Scaliger to attend him. Scaliger consented upon condition that he should not stay at Ageu above eight days: there, however, he conceived an attachment for a young lady, said to be not more than thirteen years of age, and remained at Agen waiting for her parents’ consent. That obtained, he married her in 1529, lived with her twenty-nine years, and had fifteen children by her, seven of whom survived him. Whatever his origin, he must have been now a man of some consideration, for this lady was of a noble and opulent family.
which were granted him by Francis I. in 1528, give him this title. As he began his studies late, it was proportionably so before he commenced author, none of his works
After his settlement at Agen, he bega'n to apply himself
seriously to those general studies which made him most
known in the literary world. He learned the French tongue
at his first coming, which he spoke perfectly well in three
months; and then made himself master of the Gascon,
Italian, Spanish, German, Hungarian, and Sclavonian
During these studies, he maintained himself by the practice of physic. It is probable that he had taken a doctor’s
degree in this faculty at Padua; for, the letters of naturalization, which were granted him by Francis I. in 1528,
give him this title. As he began his studies late, it was
proportionably so before he commenced author, none of
his works having appeared until he was forty-seven; but
he soon gained a name in the republic of letters, which
was both great and formidable. From this time, composition and controversy employed him till his death, which
happened in 1558, in the seventy-fourth year of his
age. His epitaph was, “Julii Gaesaris Scaligeri quod
fuit.
”
prodigious memory; singularly averse to every departure from truth, and so charitable that his house was a kind of hospital to the indigent and distressed. With these
His son Joseph has described him as a man with many
excellent qualities both of body and mind; tall, well-made,
of a noble and venerable air, and very strong and active
even to old age of such sagacity, that he could divine
the characters of men from their looks of a prodigious
memory; singularly averse to every departure from truth,
and so charitable that his house was a kind of hospital to
the indigent and distressed. With these good qualities,
however, he had an insupportable pride and vanity, and
a fastidious and petulant temper, which was excited to fury
by every difference from his opinions, and every, the least
contradiction, or fancied mark of disrespect. This appeared particularly in his treatment of Erasmus, who, in
his “Ciceronianus, sive de optimo dicendi genere,
” had
ridiculed certain of the learned in Italy, who would allow
no expressions to be pure latinity but what were to be
found in Cicero; and had even criticised the style of Cicero himself, for whom, nevertheless, he had the profoundest veneration. This provoked Scaliger to publish
two orations in his defence; in which he treated his antagonist with the utmost virulence of contempt. The death
of Erasmus, however, which happened while the second
oration was printing, appears to have softened Scaliger' s
heart, and he wrote a poem, in which he expressed great
grief at his dying before they were reconciled, and shewed
a willingness to acknowledge his great virtues and merit.
Julius Caesar Scaliger was certainly a man of extraordinary capacity, and of great talents
Julius Caesar Scaliger was certainly a man of extraordinary capacity, and of great talents both natural and acquired; but those who were his contemporaries, or who
lived nearest to his times, have spoken of him in language'
too nearly approaching to extravagance. Colerus does not
scruple to say, that he was the greatest philosopher since
Aristotle, the greatest poet since Virgil, and the greatest
physician since Hippocrates. Lipsius goes a little farther,
and not only gives us Homer, Hippocrates, Aristotle, and
Scaliger, as the four greatest men that ever appeared, but
adds, that he prefers Scaliger to the three others. The
elder Vossius ascribes to him a sort of human divinity; and
Huet thinks he was expressly formed by nature as a consolation for our degeneracy in these latter days. From
these, and other encomiums, which might be multiplied
by a reference to the works of his contemporaries and im>
mediate successors, it is evident that his reputation was
great and extensive; and if he began to study and to write
so late in life as has been reported, it is easy to believe that
his endowments and application must have been of the
most extraordinary kind. A list of his principal works,
therefore, seems necessary to illustrate his character. 1.
“Exotericarum exercitationum liber quintus decimus de
subtilitate ad Hieronymum Cardanum,
” Paris, Exercitationes,
” which had no
relation to Cardan. These, however, never were published. 2. “In Theophrasti libros sex de causis plantarum commentarii,
” Geneva, Commentarii in Aristoteli adscriptos libros duos de plantis,
” ibid.
Aristotelis Hist. Animalium liber decimus,
ac versione et commentario,
” Lyons, Aristotelis Hist. Animalium, Gr.
& Lat. ex versione et cum commentaries J. C. Scaligeri.
”
5. “Animadversiones in Theophrasti historias plantarum,
”
Lyons, Commentarii in Hippocratis librum de Insomniis,
” Gr. & Lat. Lyons, De causis lingua? Latinos
libri XIII.
” Lyons, 1540, 4to, &c. This is esteemed one
of his most valuable works. 8. “J. C. Scaligeri adversus
Desiderium Erasmum orationes duae eioquentiae Romance
vindices, cum ejusdem epistolis opusculis,
” Toulouse,
Epistolse,
” Leyden, Epistolce nonnullee ex manuscripto Bibliothecre Z. C. ab Uffenbach,
” printed in the sixth and eighth
volumes of the “Arncenitates Litterarise,
” by Schelhorn.
They all relate to his orations against Erasmus. 11. “De
Analogia sermonis Latini,
” subjoined to Henry Stephen’s
“Appendix ad Terentii Varronis assertiones analogies sermonis Latini,
” Poetices Libri Septem,
”
Heroes,
” or epigrams on various personages
of antiquity, Lyons, 1539, 4to. 14. “Epidorpides, seu
carmen de sapientia et beatitudine,
” ibid, Poemata in duas partes divisa,
” 1.574 and 1600, 8vo.
16. “De comicis dimensionibus,
” prefixed to an edition
of Terence printed at Paris, 1552, fol.
, son of the preceding, and heir to his talents and temper, was born at Agen in 1540; and, at eleven years of age, was sent
, son of the preceding, and
heir to his talents and temper, was born at Agen in 1540;
and, at eleven years of age, was sent with two of his brothers to the college of Bordeaux, where he was taught
Latin. Three years after, on the appearance of the plague,
he was obliged to return home to his father, who then
superintended his education. He required of him everyday a short exercise or theme upon some historical subject, and made him transcribe some poems, which he himself had composed. This last task is supposed to have inspired him with a taste for poetry, and so eager was he to
show his proficiency, that he wrote a tragedy upon the
story of Oedipus before he was seventeen. His father
dying in 1558, he went to Paris the year following to study
Greek, and attended the lectures of Turnebus for two
months. But finding the usual course too dilatory, he resolved to study it by himself, and with the assistance of
some knowledge of the conjugations, attempted to read
Homer with a translation, in which he succeeded very
soon, and at the same time formed to himself a kind of
grammar, with which he was enabled to proceed to the
other Greek poets, and next to the historians and orators,
and by persevering in this course, he gained in the space
of two years a perfect knowledge of the language. He
afterwards turned his thoughts to the Hebrew, which he
learned by himself in the same manner. All are agreed
indeed, that he had an extraordinary capacity for learning
languages, and is said to have been well skilled in no less
than thirteen. He made the same progress in the sciences,
and in every branch of literature; and he at length obtained
the reputation of being the most learned man of his age,
and his biographers have handed down to us little else than
the progress of his studies and the chronology of his publications. In 1503 he was invited to the university of Leyden, to be honorary professor of Belles Lettres, on which
occasion, if we may believe the “Menagiana,
” Henry IV,
of France treated him with great coldness and neglect.
Scaliger had determined to accept the offer; and, waiting
upon the king to acquaint him with his journey, and the
occasion of it, “Well, Mr. Scaliger,
” said his majesty,
“the Dutch want to have you with them, and to allow you.
a good stipend I am glad of it,
” adding some other remarks of a grosser kind. Henry was no patron of learning
or learned men: but some have supposed that he wished to
mortify Scaliger, who had already shewn too much of his
father’s vanity and arrogant spirit. He now went to Leyden, where he spent the remainder of his life; and died
there of a dropsy, Jan. 21, 1609, without having ever been
married. He was a man of perfect sobriety of manners,
and whose whole time was well spent in study. He had as
great parts as his father, and far greater learning, having
been trained to it from his infancy, which his father had
not. He had a profound veneration for his father, and unfortunately extended it to an imitation of his irritable temper, and disrespect for his learned contemporaries. But he
was often a discerner and encourager of merit. While at
Leyden he was so struck with the early appearance of talent in Grotius, that he undertook to direct his studies.
Grotius repaid his care by the utmost respect, and Scaliger' s counsels were commands to him. The elder Scaliger
lived and died in the church of Rome: but the son embraced the principles of Luther, and relates that his father
also had intentions of doing so.
which he has collected every thing which might serve to establish the principles of chronology, and was the first who undertook to form a complete system. He has in
The works of Joseph Scaliger are very numerous and
various: but his “Opus de Emendatione Temporum,
”
printed at Paris Thesaurus
Temporum, complectens Eusebii Pamphili Chronicon cum
Isagogicis Chronologiae Canonibus,
” in which he has cor*
reeled and reformed many things in his “Opus cle Emerrdatiorte Temporum,
” seems to give him a sufficient claim
to the title. The best edition of “De Emendatione Temporurn
” is that of Geneva, Thesaurus
Temporum
” that of Amsterdam,
ius observes, that his conjectures are too'boki, and quotes Peter Victorias, who said, that Scaliger was born to corrupt the ancients rather than to correct ttiehh -It
He wrote notes and animadversions upon almost all the
Greek and Latin authors: those upon Varro “de Lingua
Latlrra
” were written by him at twenty years of age; but
scarcely any of his editions of the classics are now held in
esteem. Gerard Vossius observes, that his conjectures are
too'boki, and quotes Peter Victorias, who said, that Scaliger was born to corrupt the ancients rather than to correct
ttiehh -It is certain, at least, that he dealt too much in
cdhjeettiral criticism, although he ofteif shows a great degree of ingenuity, even in the most fanciful of the freedoms he take’s’ with his author’s meaning, and always leaves
the reader impressed with his extensive learning.
oyed less time in translating it than others who understood Arabic would have done in reading it. He was also obliged to write some controversial pieces: and his controversy
He wrote some dissertations upon subjects of antiquity;
and gave specimens of his skill in all branches of literature.
He made a Latin translation to two centuries of Arabian
proverbs, which were published at Leyden, 1623, with the
notes of Erpenius, at the request of Isaac Casaubon, who
tells us, that he employed less time in translating it than
others who understood Arabic would have done in reading
it. He was also obliged to write some controversial pieces:
and his controversy with Scioppius, concerning the biography of his family in his work, entitled “De vetustate &
splendore gentis Scaligeranaj,
” is a wretched example of
literary rancour and personal obloquy. His “Poemata,
”
in which there is not much poetical spirit, were published
at Leyden, 1615, 8vo; his “Epistolse,
” which are learned,
and contain many interesting particulars of literary history,
were edited by Daniel Heinsius, at the same place, 1637,
8vo. ??? 4
, a celebrated architect, was born at Vicenza in 1550). He was educated under his father,
, a celebrated architect, was
born at Vicenza in 1550). He was educated under his
father, also an able architect, and went to Venice for improvement, where afterwards, on Palladio’s death, he became the first architect, and was employed in various
works, particularly the additions to the Library of St. Mark,
the Olympic theatre at Vicenza, and the. new theatre at
Sabbioneta. In 1615 he published in 2 vois. small folio* a
work entitled “L‘ Idea- deli’ Architettura universale,
”, in
six books, the sixth of which, containing the five orders of
architecture, is most esteemed. The French have a translation of his works, and an abridgment by Joubert. Seamozzi also published “Discorsi sopra leantichitadi Roma,
”'
ury. Being employed by Henry Stephens, the celebrated printer, as a corrector to his press, while he was publishing his “Thesaurus Linguee Groecoe,” Scapula extracted
, the reputed author of a Greek Lexicon, studied first at Lausanne, but has his name recorded
in the annals of literature, neither on account of his talents
and learning, nor for his virtuous industry, but for a gross
act of disingenuity and fraud which he committed against
an eminent literary character of the sixteenth century.
Being employed by Henry Stephens, the celebrated printer, as a corrector to his press, while he was publishing his
“Thesaurus Linguee Groecoe,
” Scapula extracted those
words and explications which he reckoned most useful,
comprised them in one volume, and published them as an
original work, with his own name. The compilation and
printing of the Thesaurus had cost Stephens immense labour
and expence; but it was so much admired by the learned
men to whom he had shown it, and seemed to be of such
essential importance to the acquisition of the Greek language, that he reasonably hoped his labour would be
crowned with honour, and that the money he had expended
would be repaid by a rapid and extensive sale. Before,
however, his work came abroad, Scapula’s abridgment appeared; which, from its size, price, and obvious utility,
was quickly purchased, while the Thesaurus itself lay neglected in the author’s hands. The consequence was a
bankruptcy on the part of Stephens, while he who had occasioned it was enjoying the fruits of his treachery. Scapula’s Lexicon was first published in 15SO, in 4to. It was
afterward enlarged, and published in folio. It has gone
through several editions, the best of which is the Elzevir
of 1652, some copies of which have the following imprint,
“Londini, impeusis Josuae Kirkton et Samuelis
Thompson;
” but it is the genuine Elzevir edition, the names of
Kirkton and Thompson being appended only to the copies
they purchased from the Leyden proprietors. Stephens
charges the author with omitting a great many important
articles, and with misunderstanding and perverting his
meaning, and tracing out absurd and trifling etymologies,
which he himself had been careful to avoid. Dr. Busby,
so much celebrated for his knowledge of the Greek language, and his success in teaching it, would never permit
his scholars in Westminster-school to make use of Scapula.
, an eminent physician and mathematician, was born about 1616. After the usual classical education he was
, an eminent physician and mathematician, was born about 1616. After the
usual classical education he was admitted of Caius college,
Cambridge, in 1632, and took his first degree in arts in
1636. He was then elected to a fellowship, and commencing A. M. in 1640, he took pupils. In the mean
time, intending to pursue medicine as his profession, he
applied himself to all the preparatory studies necessary for
that art. Mathematics constituted one of these studies:
and the prosecution of this science having obtained him
the acquaintance of Mr. (afterwards bishop) Seth Ward,
then of Emanuel college, they mutually assisted each other
in their researches. Having met with some difficulties in
Mr. Ougbtred’s “Clavis Mathematical which appeared to
them insuperable, they made a joint visit to the author,
then at his living of Aldbury, in Surrey. Mr. Oughtred
(See Oughtred) treated them with great politeness, being
much gratified to see these ingenious young men apply so
zealously to these studies, and in a short time fully resolved
all their questions. They returned to Cambridge complete
masters of that excellent treatise, and were the first that
read lectures upon it there. In the ensuing civil wars, Mr.
Scarborough became likewise a joint sufferer with his fellow-student for the royal cause, being ejected from his fellowship at Caius. Upon this reverse of fortune he withdrew to Oxford, and entering himself at Merton college,
was incorporated A.M. of that university, 23d of June,
1646. The celebrated Dr. Harvey was then warden of
that college, and being employed in writing his treatise
” De Generatione Animaiium,“gladly accepted the assistance of Mr. Scarborough. The latter also became acquainted with sir Christopher Wren, then a gentleman
commoner of Wadham college, and engaged him to translate
” Oughtred’s Geometrical Dialling" into Latin, which
was printed in 1649.
the metropolis, where he practised with great reputation. In the College of Physicians, of which he was a fellow, he was particularly respected as a man of uncommon
Upon leaving Oxford, and taking the degree of doctor of physic, Dr. Scarborough settled in the metropolis, where he practised with great reputation. In the College of Physicians, of which he was a fellow, he was particularly respected as a man of uncommon talents; and, in 1658, by the special appointment of the president, he introduced, with an elegant Latin speech, the marquis of Dorchester for his admission into the college that year. In the mean time Dr. Scarborough began to read his highly celebrated anatomical lectures at Surgeons’ Hall, which he continued for sixteen or seventeen years, and was the first who introduced geometrical and mechanical reasonings upon the muscles.
him the order of knighthood in 1669, and at the same time appointed him his principal physician. He was nominated to the same honourable office by his majesty’s brother,
Such extraordinary merit did not escape the notice of
king Charles II., who conferred on him the order of knighthood in 1669, and at the same time appointed him his
principal physician. He was nominated to the same honourable office by his majesty’s brother, which he held both
before and after his accession to the throne; and he also
served king William in the same capacity. He was likewise appointed physician to the Tower of London, and held
that office till his death, which occurred about 1696. Sir
Charles Scarborough was married and left a son, who was
created doctor of civil law at Oxford, in August 1702. In
1705, this gentleman printed in folio, from his father’s
manuscript, “An English Translation of Euclid’s Elements,
with excellent explanatory notes.
” Sir Charles also wrote
<c A Treatise upon Trigonometry;“”A Compendium of
Lily’s Grammar;“and
” An Elegy on Mr. Abraham.
Cowley."
, an eminent burlesque French writer, was the son of Paul Scarron, a counsellor in parliament, and born
, an eminent burlesque French writer, was the son of Paul Scarron, a counsellor in parliament, and born at Pari’s in 1610. Although deformed, and
of very irregular manners, his lather designed him for an
ecclesiastic, and he went to Italy for that purpose, in his
twenty-fourth year, whence he returned equally unfit for
his intended profession, and continued his irregularities until he lost the use of his limbs, and could only use his
hands and tongue. This happened in his twenty-seventh
year but, melancholy as his condition was, his burlesque
humour never forsook him he was continually talking and
writing in this strain and his house became the rendezvous of all the men of wit. Afterwards, a fresh misfortune
overtook him: his father, who had hitherto supplied his
wants, incurred the displeasure of cardinal Richelieu, and
was banished, and although Scarron presented an humble
request to Richelieu, which from its humour pleased
that minister, no answer appears to have been returned,
and both Richelieu and his father died soon after. Scarron at length, helpless, and deformed as he was, conceived thoughts of marriage; and, in 1651, was actually
married to mademoiselle d'Aubigne, afterwards the celebrated madam de Maintenon, who lodged near him, and
was about sixteen years of age. Unequal as this match
was, she, had influence enough to produce some salutary
change in his manners and habits, and her wit and beauty
served to increase the good company which frequented his
house. Scarron died in 1660, and within a few minutes of
his death, when his acquaintance were about him all in
tears, “Ah! my good friends, 7 ' said he,
” you will never
cry for me so much as I have made you laugh."
, a learned German, was born at Nuys, in the electorate of Cologne, 1646; his father
, a learned German, was born at
Nuys, in the electorate of Cologne, 1646; his father was
a major in the army of the landgrave of Hesse Cassel. He
was educated for the church at Dxiisbourg; and, having
rnacle the Oriental tongues his particular study, became
professor of them in that university in 1677. In 1679 he
removed to Leyden, to fill the same post for a larger stipend.; aud there continued till 1729, when, he died of an
apoplexy. He published some useful books in the Oriental way as, 1. “Opus Aramseum, complectens
Grammaticam Chaldaicam & Syriacam,
” 1686, 8vo. 2. “Nq-,
vuin Testamenturn Syriacum, cum versione Latina,
” 1708,'
4to. The Latin version is that of Tii./melHus retouched.
Leusdeu laboured jointly with hini in this work till death,
which happened when they were got to Luke xv. 20 and,
Scbaaf wrote the remainder by himself. At the end of it
is subjoined, “Lexicon Syriacum Concordantiale.
” 3.
“Epitome Grammaticae Hebraicae,
” A
Letter in Syriac of the bishop Mar Thomas, written from,
Malabar to the patriarch of Antioch, and a Latin version by
himself,
” Sermo Academicus de Linguarum Orientalium scientia,
” an Inauguration-Speech, In
, an ingenious painter, was born at Dort, in 1643. His father placed him first with Solomon
, an ingenious painter, was
born at Dort, in 1643. His father placed him first with
Solomon Van Hoogstraten, and afterwards with Gerard
Dow, from whom he caught a great delicacy of finishing;
but his chief practice was to paint candle-lights. He
placed the object and a candle in a dark room; and looking through a small hole, painted by day-light what he saw
in the dark chamber. Sometimes he drew portraits, and
came with that view to England, but found the business
too much engrossed by Kneller, Closterman, and others.
Yet he once drew king William; but, as the piece was to
be by candle-light, he gave his majesty the candle to hold,
till the tallow ran down upon his fingers. As if to justify
this ill-breeding, he drew his own picture in the same situation. Delicacy was no part of his character: having
drawn a lady who was marked with the small-pox, but had
handsome hands, she asked him, when the face was finished,
if she must not sit for her hands “No,
” replied Schalken,
“1 always draw them from my house-maid.
” After carrying on his business for some time in England, he settled at
the Hague, where he died in 1706. Some additional anecdotes of him may be found in our authority.
, a very learned chemist, was born in 1742, at Stralsund in the capital of Swedish Pomerania,
, a very learned chemist, was born in 1742, at Stralsund in the capital of Swedish Pomerania, where his father was a tradesman. Having shown an inclination to learn pharmacy, he was bound apprentice to an apothecary at Gottenburg, with whom he lived eight years, and at his leisure hours contrived to make himself master of the science of chemistry, reading the best authors, and making such experiments as his confined means would permit. From Gottenburg, he went to Malmo, and two years after to Stockholm. In 1773 he went to Upsal, and resided for some time in the house of Mr. Loock. Here Bergman first found him, saw his merit and encouraged it, adopted his opinions, defended him with zeal, and took upon him the charge of publishing his treatises. Under this liberal patronage (for Bergman procured him also a salary from the Swedish academy), Scheele produced a series of discoveries which at once astonished and delighted the world. He ascertained the nature of manganese discovered the existence and singular properties of oxymuriatic acid and gave a theory of the composition of muriatic acid, which promises fair to be the true one. He discovered a new earth which was afterwards called barytes; and he determined the constituents of the volatile alkali. All these discoveries are related in one paper published about 1772. He discovered and ascertained the properties of many acids, the nature of plumbago and molybdena; analyzed fluor spar, which had eluded the searches of all preceding chemists; and determined the constituents of tungstate of lime. His two essays on the prussic acid are particularly interesting, and display the resources of his mind, and his patient industry, in a very remarkable point of view. His different papers on animal substances are particularly interesting, and replete with valuable and accurate information. On one occasion, in his treatise on fire, Scheele attempted the very difficult and general subject of combustion; but his attempt was not crowned with success. The acuteness, however, with which he treated it deserves our admiration; and the vast number of new and important facts, which he brought forward in support of his hypothesis, is truly astonishing, and perhaps could not have been brought together by any other man than Scheele. He discovered oxygen gas, and ascertained the composition of the atmosphere, without any knowledge of what had been previously done by Dr. Priestley. His views respecting the nature of atmospheric air were much more correct than those of Priestley; and his experiments on vegetation and respiration, founded on those views, were possessed of considerable value. These and other discoveries which stamp the character of Scheele as a philosopher, are to be found generally in the transactions of the Royal Society of Stockholm. Dr. Beddoes published an English translation of mo t of his dissertations, with useful and ingenious notes. There is also an English translation of his dissertation on air and fire, with notes by Richard Kirwan, esq.
In 1777 he was appointed by the medical college to be apothecary at Koping;
In 1777 he was appointed by the medical college to be apothecary at Koping; and in this situation he remained until his death, although it was often wished that he had obtained a more conspicuous situation. He is said to have been offered an annuity of 300l. if he would settle in England, and that his death only prevented his accepting it. On May 19, 1786, he was confined to his bed; on the 21st he bequeathed his whole* property to the widow of his predecessor at Koping, whom, when his end was approaching, he married out of a principle of gratitude, and on the same day he died, aged only forty-four.
According to the report of his friends, the moral character of this ingenious man was irreproachable, and though his manners were reserved, and he
According to the report of his friends, the moral character of this ingenious man was irreproachable, and though his manners were reserved, and he mixed little in company, he was of a very friendly and communicative disposition. He attained high fame under very disadvantageous circumstances. He understood none of the modern languages, except the German and Swedish, so that he had not the benefit of the discoveries made by foreigners, unless by the slow and uncertain medium of translations. The important services, however, which he rendered to natural philosophy, entitled him to universal reputation, and he obtained it.
, a learned German, was born at Strasburg in 1621, and probably educated there. He applied
, a learned German, was born at
Strasburg in 1621, and probably educated there. He applied himself principally to the study of Greek and Latin
antiquities, and of history; and made himself a tolerable
verbal critic upon Latin and Greek authors. He was driven out of his own country by the wars; and, as Christina
of Sweden was at that time the general patroness of all men
of letters, he withdrew into her kingdom in 1648. He was
made, the same year, professor of eloquence and politics
at Upsal afterwards, honorary professor, royal of the law
of nature -and nations, andassessor of the royal college of
antiquities; and, at length, librarian of the university of
Upsal. He died in 1679, after havingpublished a great
number of works. Many of his pieces relate to Qreek and
Roman antiquities, and are to be found in. the collection of
Qrseyius and Gronovius. He wrote notes uppn many ancient authors upon Ælian, Phaedrus, “Arrianl Tactica,
”
of which last he made also a Latin version Petronius, Hyginus, Julius Obsequens, Justin, &c. He was one of those
who stoutly defended the authenticity of that fragment of
Petronius, pretended to have been fou.nd at Trau which,
however, is generally judged to be a forgery, and accordingly rejected by Burman and other critics.
, a considerable mathematician and astronomer, was born at Mundeilheitn in Schwaben, in 1575. He entered into the
, a considerable mathematician and astronomer, was born at Mundeilheitn in Schwaben, in 1575. He entered into the society of the Jesuits whenhe was twenty; and afterwards taught the Hebrew tongue and the mathematics at Ingolstadt, Friburg, Brisac, and Rome. At length, he became rector of the college of the Jesuits at Neisse in Silesia, and confessor to the archduke Charles. He died in 1650, at the age of seventylive.
Scheiner was chiefly remarkable for being one of the first who observed the
Scheiner was chiefly remarkable for being one of the
first who observed the spots in the sun with the telescope,
though not the very first for his observations of those
spots were first made, at Ingolstadt, in the latter part of
1611, whereas Galileo and Harriot both observed them in
the latter part of the year before, or 1610. Scheiner continued his observations on the solar phenomena for many
years afterwards at Rome, with great assiduity and accuracy, constantly making drawings of them on paper, describing their places, figures, magnitude, revolutions, and
periods, so that Riccioli delivered it as his opinion that there
was little reason to hope for any better observations of those
spots. Des Cartes and Hevelius also say, that in their
judgment, nothing can be expected of that kind more satisfactory. These observations were published in 1630, in
one volume folio, under the title of “Rosa Ursina,
” &c.
Almost every page is adorned with an image of the. sun
with spots. He wrote also several smaller pieces relating
to mathematics and philosophy, the principal of which are,
1. “Ocultis, sive Fundamentnm Opticum,
” &c, which
was reprinted at London, in 3.
” De Controversiis ct NovttacihiM Astronomicis."
, a celebrated German physician and philosopher, was born March 3, 1649, at Jena,.;ui was son of Christopher Schelhamm
, a celebrated German physician and philosopher, was born March
3, 1649, at Jena,.;ui was son of Christopher Schelhamm T, a it an- lessor of anatomy and surgery in that
city, and fir where he was also physician to the duke
of Holstei“uthier died January 11, 1716, in his sixtyseventieth year leaving
” Introductio in artem medicam,"
Hali. 1726, 4to, and a great number of valuable and learned wor > physu;, of which it is to be wished that a complete co: v'Jtion was published. He published also some
botanical dissertations, and first described the peculiar
change wliici during germination, takes place in the cotyledon of palms. The Schelhammera, in botany, was so
called in honour of him. His life, by Scheffelius, in Latin,
Visnr*r, 17 % 8vo, is prefixed to the letters written to him
by several of the literati.
, an eminent physician and naturalist, was the son of a very learned physician of the same mimes at Zurich,
, an eminent physician
and naturalist, was the son of a very learned physician of
the same mimes at Zurich, where he was born, August 2,
1672. His father dying in the prime of life, he appears
to have been left to the care of his mother, and his maternal grandfather. He was educated at Zurich under the
ablest professors, of whom he has left us a list, but Says
that he might with great propriety add his own name to
the on cber, as he went through the greater part of his
studies with no other guide than his own judgment. In
1692 he commenced his travels, and remained some time
at \ltdorf, attending the lectures of Wagenseil, Hoffman^
father and son, Sturm, &c. In 1693 he went to Utrecht,
where he took his degree of doctor of physic in Jan. 1694,
and Pi 1695 returned to Nuremberg and Altdorf to study
mathematics under Sturm and Eimmart. To Sturm he addressed a learned letter on the generation of fossil shells,
which iie attempted to explain on mathematical principles;
but, discovering the fallacy of this, he adopted the theory
of our Dr. Woodward, whose work on the subject of the
natural history of the earth he translated into Latin, and
published at Zurich in 1704.
Returning to Zurich, before this period, he was appoint-,
ed first physician of the city, with the reversion of the professorship of mathematics. He now began to write various
dissertations on subjects of natural history, particularly that
of Swisserland, and wrote a system of natural history in
German, which he published in parts in the years 1705, 6,
and 7, the whole forming three small 4to volumes. He
published afterwards three more in 1716, 1717, and 1718,
which complete the natural history of Swisserland, with
the exception of the plants, of which he had formed an
herbal of eighteen vast volumes in folio. His “Nova litteraria Helvetica
” began in Itinera Alpina,
” one volume of which
was published at London in Physica sacra,
” in
4 vols. folio, which was immediately republished in French
at Amsterdam, in both instances enriched with a profusion
of fine plates illustrative of the natural history of the Bible.
This had been preceded by some lesser works on the same
subject, which were now incorporated. He did not long
survive this learned publication, dying at Zurich about the
end of June 1733. He was a member of many learned societies, of our Royal Society, and of those of Berlin, Vienna,
&c. and carried on a most extensive correspondence with the
principal literati of Europe. He left a well-chosen and numerous library, a rich museum of natural history, and a collection of medals. Besides the works we have incidentally
noticed, he published, 1. “Herbarium Diluvianum,
” Zurich, Piscium querelse et vindicise,
” Zurich, Oratio cle Matheseos su in Theologia,
” ibid. Museum Diluvianum,
” ibid. Homo
diluvii testis,
” ibid. De Helvetii aeribus,
aquis, locis, specimen,
” ibid. .Sciagraphia lithologica curiosa, seu lapidum figuratorum nomenclator, olim a Jo. Jac. Scheuchzero conscriptus, auctus et
illustratus,
” 4to. Of his “Physica Sacra,
” we have noticed the first edition published at Augsburgh, 1731—1735,
four vols. folio, or rather eight volumes in four, the text
of which is in German; this edition is valued on account of
its having the first impressions of the plates. The Amsterdam edition, 1732 38, 8 vols. has, however, the advantage
of being in French, a language more generally understood,
and has the same plates. Scheuchzer had a brother, professor of natural philosophy at Zurich, who died in 1737,
and is known to all botanists by his laborious and learned
“Agrostographia,
” so valuable for its minute descriptions
of grasses. He had a son with whom we seem more interested, John Gaspak Scheuchzer, who was born at Zurich
in 1702, and after studying at home came over to England,
and received the degree of' M. D. at Cambridge, during the
royal visit of George I. in 1728, and died at London April
13, 1729, only twenty-seven years old. He had much of
the genius and learning of his family, and was a good antiquary, medallist, and natural historian. He translated into
English Koempfec’s history of Japan, 1727, 2 vols. folio, and
had begun a translation 1 of Koempfer’s travels in Muscovy,
Persia, &c. but did not live to complete it. He wrote also
a treatise on inoculation. Some part of the correspondence
of this learned family is in the British Museum.
, named Medula, an eminent artist, was born in 1522, at Sebenico, in Dalimtia. His parents, who were
, named Medula, an eminent
artist, was born in 1522, at Sebenico, in Dalimtia. His
parents, who were poor, placed him with a house-painter at
Venice, where, at his leisure hours, he acquired a superior
taste, by studying the etchings and compositions of Parmigiano and the works of Giorgione and Titian in the public
buildings of the city. At length, Titian, being informed
of his unfortunate situation and promising talents, took
him under his care, and soon afterwards employed him in
the library of St. Marco, where Schiavoni is said to have
painted three entire cielings. Feeling. his strength, he ventured to paint, in competition with Tintoretto, a picture
for the church of the Santa Croce, representing the visitation of the Virgin to Elizabeth; and though he did not
equal his antagonist, yet he received a considerable share
of applause. Schiavoni was accounted one of the finest
colourists of the Venetian school, and to colouring sacrificed almost every other attribute of the art; yet his compositions are managed with great dexterity, and executed
with astonishing freedom. Two of his most admired works
are in the church of the Padri Teatini at Rimini, representing the Nativity and the Assumption of the Virgin, and
his “Perseus and Andromeda,
” and the “Apostles at the
Sepulchre,
” are in the royal collection at Windsor. He
died at Venice in 1582, at the age of sixty.
, a very ingenious artist, was born at Bassano, in the Venetian territory, April 1, 1765. His
, a very ingenious artist, was born at Bassano, in the Venetian territory, April 1, 1765. His father was a stationer, who was enabled to give him a useful, but limited education. From his infancy he had a peculiar taste for drawing; and attained such proficiency, that an able painter, Julius Golini, to whom some of his productions were shewn, undertook to instruct him in that art. At the age of thirteen Lewis was put under his care, and the high opinion he had formed of the hoy’s genius was confirmed by the rapid progress he made, while his amiahle disposition endeared him so much, that he loved him as his own son* After three years of useful instruction, he had the misfortune to lose this master, who expired in his arms. Left to pursue his own course, he turned his views to Count Remaudini, whose extensive typographical and chalcographical concern is rendered more famous by the giving employment to Bartolozzi and Volpato; and the works of those artists gave fresh impulse to the youth’s ardour for improvement. About this time he became acquainted with one Lorio, an indifferent engraver, with whom he worked about twelve months, when, finding he bad exhausted his fund of instructions, he resolved to alter his situation. A copy of a holy family in the line manner, from Bartolozzi, after Carlo Maratta, gained him immediate employment from Count Remaudini, and attracted the notice of Mr. Suntach, an engraver and printseller in opposition to Remaudini. About this time came to Bassano a wretched engraver of architecture, but a man of consummate craft ancf address. He became acquainted with Schiavonetti at Mr. Sumach’s, and was ultimately the means of bringing him to England, where he became acquainted with Bartolozzi, and lived in his house until he established himself on his own foundation; after which Schiavonetti cultivated his genius with a success; that answered the expectations which vtere first formed' of it, and conducted all his affairs with an uprightness and integrity that will cause his memory to be equally revered as a gentleman and an artist. He died at Bromptoiv June 7, 1810, in the forty-fourth year of his age; and on the -14-th was buried in Paddington church-yard, with a solemnity worthy of his talents and character.
In his person, Mr. Schiavonetti was rather ' tall, and well made, and his amiable modesty, equability
In his person, Mr. Schiavonetti was rather ' tall, and well made, and his amiable modesty, equability of temper, ancj promptness to oblige, won the good will of all who saw and conversed with him. Many acts of his private life showed the excellence of his character; among others, as soon as he began to derive profit from his profession, he devoted a portion of it to the support of his relatives in Italy; and constantly remitted to his aged parent a stipend sufficient to ensure him comfort. suo
avowal in conversation at various times since he undertook it, and even during his last illness, it was a performance on which he meant to concentrate all his powers,
Some of his principal performances are, the “Madre
Dolorosa,
” after Vandyke the Portrait of that Master in
the character of Paris Michael Angelo’s celebrated Cartoon
of the Surprize of the Soldiers on the Banks of the Arno
a series of Etchings, from designs by Blake, illustrative of
Blair’s Grave: the Portrait of Mr. Blake, after Phillips, for
the same work: the Landing of the British Troops in Egypt,
from Loutherbourg; and the Etching of the
Pilgrimage, from Stotbard’s esteemed picture.
There is no circumstance which more forcibly shews Mr.
Schiavonetti’s power of delineation, than his print from the
Cartoon, considering the disadvantages under which he
produced it. He had neither the benefit of an original, or
an authentic copy, but engraved after a copy painted by H.
Howard, II. A. from Sangallo’s copy of his own study of
Michael Angelo’s Cartoon. The work of the “Canterbury
Pilgrims
” being no farther advanced than the etched state,
is another and still more striking example of his powers as
a draughtsman; every line is expressive of the object it
aims to represent. This is the last great work of Mr, Schiavonetti’s hand. From his own avowal in conversation at
various times since he undertook it, and even during his last
illness, it was a performance on which he meant to concentrate all his powers, and to build his reputation. He had,
however, others in view, particularly a portrait of the president of the Royal Society, from a picture by Mr. Phillips,
and the splendid representation of the Stag Hunt, by Mr.
West, in which Alexander III. king of Scotland was rescued
from the fury of a stag by Colin Fitzgerald. Schiavonetti,
in the opinion of his biographer, classes with Gerard Audran, with Edelinck, Strange, and Woollett. He not only
possessed the powers of delineation, the harmony of lines,
the union in tones and in a general effect, which severally
distinguish these eminent men; but he added a brilliancy
and playful movement to his productions, approaching more
nearly to the free pencilling of the painter, than any thing
that can be found in the performances of those artists.
, or rather Schedone (Bartolomeo), was born at Modena in 1560. He is said to have acquired the principles
, or rather Schedone (Bartolomeo), was born at Modena in 1560. He is said to have acquired the principles of the art of painting in the school of the Caracci, but must have remained there a very short time, as it is difficult to meet with any traces of their style in his works. He afterwards studied, and with the greatest success, the works and manner of Corregio. When his early works came to be admired, Ranuccio, duke of Parma, took him into his service, and for this patron he painted several pictures, which were among the principal ornaments of the collection of the king of Naples, who was heir to the Farnese family. Sir Robert Strange counted in that palace and the city of Naples near fourscore pictures by this artist. There are but few in the other collections. In the cathedral of Modena there is an admirable picture of his, of S. Geminiano restoring a dead child to life; there are also a few at Parma, but in general they are seldom to be met with to purchase. In all he is the imitator of Corregio, and between their works some connoisseurs have found it difficult to distinguish, nor has any artist so successfully imitated him, either in the harmony of his colouring, his knowledge of light and shadow, or the graces he has diffused throughout many of his compositions. Schidoni is said to have been addicted to gaming, which wasted his substance, and disturbed his mind; and at last to have fallen a sacrifice to it, not being able to overcome the mortification of having one night lost more than he was able to pay. He died at the age of fifty-six, in 1616.
, a German writer, principally known in this country as a dramatist, was born Nov. 10, 1759, at Marbach, in the duchy jf Wurtemberg,
, a German writer, principally
known in this country as a dramatist, was born Nov. 10,
1759, at Marbach, in the duchy jf Wurtemberg, where
his father was lieutenant in the service of the duke. While
a boy, he was distinguished by uncommon ardour of imagination, which he never sought to limit or controul. When
young, he was placed in the military school at Stuttgard,
but disliked the necessary subordination. He was intended
for the profession of surgery, and which he studied for some
time; but from the freedom of his opinions, he was obliged
to withdraw himself through apprehension of the consequences, and it is said that, at this time, he produced his
first play, “The Robbers.
” This tragedy, though full of
faults and pernicious extravagancies, was the admiration of
all the youth of enthusiastic sentiments in Germany, and
several students at Leipsic deserted their college, with the
avowed purpose of forming a troop of banditti in the forests
of Bohemia; but their first disorders brought on them a
summary punishment, which restored them to their senses,
and Schiller’s biographer gravely tells us, that this circumstance added to his reputation. The tragedy certainly was
quite adapted to the taste of Germany, was soon translated into several foreign languages, and the author appointed to the office of dramatic composer to the theatre of
Mauheim. For this he now wrote his ' Cabal and Love,“the
” Conspiracy of Fiesco,“and
” Don Carlos,“and published a volume of poems, which procured him a wife of
good family and fortune. This lady fell in love with
him from reading his works, and is said to have roused
him from those habits of dissipation in which he had in*
dulged, and to which he was in great danger of falling a
victim. He was now patronized by the duke of Saxe- Weimar, who conferred on him the title of aulic counsellor, and
nominated him to the professorship of history and philosophy at the university of Jena. He had previously written
an account of the
” Revolt of the Netherlands from the
Spanish government,“and he now set about composing his
4< History of the thirty Years’ War in Germany,
” a work
which has been much admired in his own country. At
length he removed to Weimar, where the pension, as honorary professor from the duke, was continued to him; and
produced the “History of the most memorable Conspira
cies,
” and the “Ghost-Seer,
” which displayed the peculiar
turn of his mind, and were much read. In the latter part
of his life he conducted a monthly work published at Tubingen, and an annual poetical almanac, and composed a
tragedy entitled “The Maid of Orleans.
” He was the author of other dramatic pieces, some of which are known,
though imperfectly, in this country, through the medium
of translation. He died at Weimar, May 9, 1805, and
he was interred with great funeral solemnity. In his private
character Schiller was friendly, candid, and sincere. In
his youth he affected eccentricity in his manners and appearance, and a degree of singularity seems always to have adhered to him. In his works, brilliant strokes of genius are
unquestionably to be found, but more instances of extravagant representation of passion, and violation of truth and
nature. They enjoyed some degree of popularity here,
during the rage for translating and adapting German plays
for our theatres; and although this be abated, they have contributed to the degeneracy of dramatic taste, and have not
produced the happiest effects on our poetry.
, an eminent jurist, was born at Pegaw in Misnia, Aug. 29, 1632, and studied at Leipsic
, an eminent jurist, was born at Pegaw in Misnia, Aug. 29, 1632, and studied at Leipsic and
Naumberg, where in 1651, he removed for two years to
Jena, and then completed his course at Leipsic. In 1655
he took the degree of doctor in philosophy, as he did the
same in the faculty of law at Strasburgh some years after.
He practised for gome time as an advocate at Naumberg,
where prince Maurice of Saxe made him keeper of his
archives, and intendant or director of the territory of Sul in
the county of Henneberg. About 1686 he accepted an
invitation to Strasburgh, where he was appointed counsellor
and advocate of the state, and honorary professor of the
academy. He died there, May 14, 1705, in the seventythird year of his age. He wrote a great many volumes on
subjects connected with antiquities and with his profession,
the principal of which are, 1. “Codex juris Alemannici
feudalis,
” Thesaurus antiquitatum
Teutonicarum,
” Institutiones Canonici,
” Institutiones juris publici,
”
, a learned German, was born May 11, 1740, at Nordheim, and studied law at Gottingen.
, a learned German, was born
May 11, 1740, at Nordheim, and studied law at Gottingen.
In 1762 he visited St. Petersburgh in company, with count
Munich, in whose family he had been tutor for some time,
but returned to his studies, and took his law degrees at Gottingen, whence he removed to Helmstadt. He was soon
after appointed professor in the Caroline college at Brunswick, where he lectured on history, public law, and statistics until 1779, when the prince made him a counsellor and
keeper of the archives at Wolfenbuttel. In 1784, the
prince added the title of aulic counsellor. He died in 1801.
In his visit to Russia he contracted a fondness for that country and its language, and employed much of his time on
its history. This produced various works, published in
German, “Letters on Russia,
” “Materials for a knowledge
of the Constitution and Government of Russia,
” “An attempt towards a new introduction to the History of Russia,' 1
&c. &c. He published also
” A manual of History,“V Historical miscellanies,
” and “A History of Germany,
” which
is spoken of as an eloquent and useful work.
, an excellent Greek scholar, was born at Delitzch in Misnia, 1560, and became eminent for his
, an excellent Greek scholar, was
born at Delitzch in Misnia, 1560, and became eminent for
his skill in the Greek tongue and in the mathematics; both
which, although they are accomplishments seldom found
in the same person, he professed with great reputation for
many years at Wittemberg, where he died in 1637. He
published an edition of “Pindar
” in Editorum Pindari facile princeps.
” He wrote notes
also upon Lycophron, Dionysius Periegetes, and Hesiod
which last was published at Geneva in Jfi93 an excellent
Concordance to the Greek Testament,“fol. the best edition of which is that of 1717 and a
” Commentary on the
New Testament," much esteemed, Argent. 1650, fol.
, a learned Lutheran divine, was born at Worms, in 1652. In his twenty-seventh year, he hurt
, a learned Lutheran divine,
was born at Worms, in 1652. In his twenty-seventh year,
he hurt his right arm with a fall so much, that he could
never recover the use of it: he learned to write, however,
so well with the left, as to be able to compose near a hundred publications, without the help of an amanuensis, but
they are chiefly theses upon subjects of ecclesiastical history. One of his pieces is entitled “Arcana dominationis
in rebus gestis Oliverii Cromwelli;
” another is against a
book, supposed to be Le Clerc’s, with this title, “Liberii
de sancto amore Epistolse Theoiogicse*
” He translated Pardie’s “Elements of Geometry
” out of French into Latin.
He died in
, was son of a native of Zurich, in Switzerland, lieutenant in the
, was son of a native of Zurich, in Switzerland, lieutenant in the Dutch army at the
memorable siege of Bergen-op-Zoom in 1747; when, after
a gallant resistance of two months, it was, as generally believed, surprised by the French under marshal Lowendal.
Upon quitting the service Mr. Schnebbelie came over to
England, and settled in the business of a confectioner, in
which capacity he had frequently the honour of attending
on king George II. He afterwards opened a shop at Rochester, where one of his sons still resides; and the same
profession his son Jacob (who was born Aug. 30, 1760, in Duke’s Court, in the parish of St. Martin in the Fields)
followed for some time, first at Canterbury, and afterwards
at Hammersmith till, nature pointing out to him the proper road to fame and credit, he quitted his shop and commenced self-taught teacher, at Westminster and other
public schools, of the art of drawing, in which he made a
proficiency which introduced him to the notice of many
among the learned and the great. To the earl of
Leicester’s notice he was first introduced by accidentally
sketching a view in his park near Hertford, and was employed by him in taking some of the most picturesque
landscapes about Tunbridge Wells, with a view to their
publication for his benefit. At their noble president’s express recommendation he was appointed draughtsman of
the society of antiquaries; and filled that office with equal
credit to himself and his patron. The merits of his pencil
are too generally known and acknowledged to require any
exaggerated eulogium, Happy in a quick eye and a discriminating taste, he caught the most beautiful objects in
the happiest points of view; and for fidelity and elegance
of delineation, may be ranked high among the list of firstrate artists. The works put forth on his own account are
not numerous. In 1781 he intended to publish six views
of St. Augustine’s Monastery, to be engraved by Mr. Rogers, &c. five of which. were completed, and one small
view of that religious house was etched by himself. In
1787 he etched a plate representing the Serpentine River,
part of Hyde Park, with the house of earl Bathurst, a distant view of Westminster Abbey, &c. now the property
and in the possession of Mr. Jukes, intended to be aquatinted for publication, Mr. Jukes purchased also from him
several views of Canterbury cathedral, St. Augustine’s monastery, &c. In March 1788 he published four views of
St. Alban’s town and abbey, drawn and etched by himself;
which in the November following were published, aquatinted by F. Jukes. About the same time that he set on
foot the “Antiquaries Museum,' he became an associate with
the late James Moore, esq. F. S. A. and Mr, Parkyns, in the
f< Monastic Remains*;
” which, after five numbers had appeared, he relinquished to his coadjutors. The assistance
he occasionally gave to “The Gentleman’s Magazine,
” the
smallest part of his merit, it will be needless to particularize; his masterly hand being visible on whatever it was
exerted. It is of more consequence to his fame to point
out the beauties of many of the plates in the second and
third volumes of the “Vetusta Monumenta
” of the Society
of Antiquaries and in the second volume of the “Sepulchral Monuments of Great Britain ,
” the far greater part
of the numerous plates in which are after him; or in the
very many drawings he had finished, and the sketches he
had designed, for Mr. Nichols’s “History of Leicestershire.
” He had completed also some views of King’s
college chapel at Cambridge, in a style worthy that most
beautiful and most perfect of all our gothic buildings, and
in a manner which had so far recommended him to royal
notice, that, had his life been spared, there is no doubt
but he would have been properly distinguished.
Mr. Schnebbelie was not contented with drawing the remains of antiquity; his close
Mr. Schnebbelie was not contented with drawing the
remains of antiquity; his close pursuits had made him a
proficient in the study of our national antiquities, and a
judge of the different styles of Gothic architecture and monuments. His description of the various places and buildings which he had examined were judicious and accurate,
and discovered what attention he paid to them. An outline, if we may so call it, of Gothic architecture, had been
suggested to him, to have been illustrated by drawings of
the various parts; and he had actually begun to compile a
work under the title of “Antique Dresses since the reign
of William the Conqueror, collected from various works;
with their authorities.
” It may be safely affirmed, that
few artists have produced more specimens of their talents,
in their particular departments, than Mr. Schnebbelie in
the four last years of his life, which is the short space qt"
time since he seriously took up the pursuit.
three children. Two sons and a daughter died during the last year of their father’s life; and a son was born five days after his death. He was interred in the burying-ground
He died in Poland-rstreet, Feb. 21, 1792, in. the thirtysecond year of his age, after an illness of six weeks, which commenced with a rheumatic fever, occasioned by too intense an application to his professional engagements, and terminated in a total debility of body; leaving an amiable widow and three children. Two sons and a daughter died during the last year of their father’s life; and a son was born five days after his death. He was interred in the burying-ground belonging to a new chanel then building for St. James’s parish, in the road from Tottenham court to Hampstead.
by much store for his surviving family, who received a handsome relief from the Society to which he was draughtsman.
The very small portion of time which elapsed after the talents of Mr. Schnebbelie became universally acknowledged, did not enable him to lay by much store for his surviving family, who received a handsome relief from the Society to which he was draughtsman.
, a learned historian and antiquary, was born September 6, 1694-, at Sulzbourg, a town in the margraviate
, a learned historian and
antiquary, was born September 6, 1694-, at Sulzbourg, a
town in the margraviate of Baden Dourlach; his father,
holding an honourable office in the margrave’s court, died
soon after in Alsace, leaving his son to the care of his mother. After tei: years studying at Dourlach and Basil, he
kept a public exercise on some contested points of ancient
history with applause, and finished his studies in eight
years more at Strasbourg. In 1717, he there spoke a
Latin panegyric on Ge^manicus, that favourite hero of
Germany, which was printed by order of the city. In
return for this favour he spoke a funeral oration on M.
Barth, under whom he had studied; and another on Kuhn,
the professor of eloquence and history there, whom he was
soon after elected to succeed in 1720, at the age of twenty ix. The resort of students to him from the Northern nations was very great, and the princes of Germany sent their
sons to study law under him. The professorship of history
at Francfort on the Oder was offered to him; the czarina
invited him to another at St. Petersburg, with the title of
historiographer royal; Sweden offered him the same professorship at Upsal, formerly held by Scheffer and Boeder,
his countrymen; and the university of Leyden named him
successor to the learned Vitriarius. He preferred Strasbourg to all. Amidst the succession of lectures public and
private, he found time to publish an innumerable quantity
of historical and critical dissertations, too many to be here
particularised. In 1725 he pronounced a congratulatory
oration before king Stanislaus, in the name of the university, on the marriage of his daughter to the king of France;
and, in 1726, another on the birth of the dauphin, besides
an anniversary one on the king of France’s birthday, and
others on his victories. In 1726 he quitted his professorship, and began his travels at the public expence. From
Paris he went to Italy, stayed at Rome six months, re*
ceived from the king of the Two Sicilies a copy of the
“Antiquities of Herculaneum,
” and from the duke of
Parma the “Museum Florentinum.
” He came to England at the beginning of the late king’s reign, and left it
the day that Pere Courayer, driven out of Paris by theological disputes, arrived in London. He was now honoured
with a canonry of St. Thomas, one of the most distinguished
Lutheran chapters, and visited Paris a third time in 1728.
Several dissertations by him are inserted in the “Memoirs
of the academy of inscriptions and belles lettres;
” one,
ascribing the invention of moveable types to Guttenberg of
Strasbourg, 1440, against Meerman,
that at Venice. The chancellor D'Aguesseau sent for him to Paris, 1746, with the same view. His plan was to write the History of Alsace, and to illustrate its geography
In 1733, he narrowly escaped from a dangerous illness,
He had long meditated one of those works, which alone, by
their importance, extent, and difficulty, might immortalise
a society, a “History of Alsace.
” To collect materials
for this, he travelled into the Low Countries and Germany
in 1738, and into Switzerland 1744. At Prague he found
that the fragment of St. Mark’s Gospel, so carefully kept
there, is a continuation of that at Venice. The chancellor
D'Aguesseau sent for him to Paris, 1746, with the same
view. His plan was to write the History of Alsace, and to
illustrate its geography and policy before and under the
Romans, under the Franks, Germans, and its present governors; and, in 1751, he presented it to the king of
France, who had before honoured him with the title of
“Historiographer Royal and Counsellor,
” and then gave
him an appointment of 2000 livres, and a copy of the catalogue of the royal library. He availed himself of this opportunity to plead the privileges of the Protestant university of Strasbourg, and obtained a confirmation of them.
His second volume appeared in 1761; and he had prepared,
as four supplements, a collection of charters and records,
an ecclesiastical history, a literary history, and a list of
authors who had treated of Alsace: the publication of these
he recommended to Mr. Koch, his assistant and successor
in his chair. Between these two volumes he published his
^Vindiciae Celticse,“in which he examines the origin,
revolution, and language of the Celts. The
” History of
Baden“was his last considerable work, a duty which he
thought he owed his country. He completed this history
in seven volumes in four years; the first appeared in 176 3,
the last in 1766. Having by this history illustrated his
country, he prevailed upon the marquis of Baden to build
a room, in which all its ancient monuments were deposited
in 1763. He engaged with the elector palatine to found
the academy of Manheim. He pronounced the inaugural
discourse, and furnished the electoral treasury with antiques. He opened the public meetings of this academy,
which are held twice a year, by a discourse as honorary
president. He proved in two of these discourses, that no
electoral house, no court in Germany, had produced a
greater number of learned princes than the electoral house.
In 1766, he presented to the elector the first volume of the
” Memoirs of a Rising Academy," and promised one every
two years.
end to humanity, and not in the least jealous ohis literary property, he made his library public. It was the most complete in the article of history that ever belonged
A friend to humanity, and not in the least jealous ohis literary property, he made his library public. It was the most complete in the article of history that ever belonged to a private person, rich in Mss. medals, inscriptions, figures, vases, and ancient instruments of every kind, collected by him with great judgment in his travels. All these, in his old age, he presented to the city of Strasbourg, without any other condition except that his library should be open both to foreigners and his own countrymen. The city, however, rewarded this disinterested liberality by a pension of a hundred louis. He was admitted to the debates in the senate upon this occasion, and there complimented the senate and the city on the favour they had shewn to literature ever since its revival in Europe. November 22, 1770, closed the fiftieth year of the professorship of Mr. S.; this was celebrated by a public festival: the university assembled, and Mr. Lobstein, their orator, pronounced before them a discourse in praise of this extraordinary man, and the whole solemnity concluded with a grand entertainment. Mr. S. seemed born to outlive himself. Mr. Ring, one of his pupils, printed his life in 1769. In 1771, he was attacked by a slow fever, occasioned by an obstruction in his bowels and an ulcer in his lungs, after an illness of many months. He died August 7, the first day of the eleventh month of his seventy-seventh year, sensible to the last. He was buried in the collegiate church of St. Thomas, the city, in his favour, dispensing with the law which forbids interment within its limits.
, a learned English clergyman, was born July 6, 1756, and educated at Southampton-school, where
, a learned
English clergyman, was born July 6, 1756, and educated
at Southampton-school, where he laid the foundation of his
classical learning, and displayed his taste in some juvenile
performances which were much approved. He afterwards
cultivated these attainments under Dr. Warton at Winchester-school, whence he removed to Magdalen -college, Oxford, of which he became M. A. in 1781, and fellow and
tutor. Although formed to excel in polite literature, his
inclination led him into other pursuits, and the whole ceconomy of human life became the subject of his observation.
The interests of nations, the relations of arts, the circuitous channels and the secret recesses of commerce, and
the wide range of operations in manufactures and agriculture, were open to his intuition. His “Chronological
View of the Roman Laws,
” published in in which he clearly investigated the origin, and elegantly described the nature, of the
maritime codes which bore an analogy to the Rhodian
laws. During the intervals of his occupation as tutor of
the college, he visited the principal seats of commerce and
manufactures in England and on the continent. The result of these researches was given, in 1787, in* his
” Historical and Political Remarks on the Tariff of the Commercial Treaty with France/' which proved the very enlightened progress he had made in the science of political
ceconomy. From that time he had, with minute attention,
observed the effects of that famous treaty upon both nations; and he had made a considerable progress in printing a series of facts and collateral deductions, under the
title of “Present State and Manufactures in France,
”
when he was interrupted by an excruciating disorder,
which proved fatal April 6, 1792, at Bath, whither he had
gone in hopes of relief from the waters. He was a man
of an amiable disposition, and greatly lamented by his
friends. He had taken orders, but had no preferment in
the church.
, a distinguished general, was descended of a noble family in Germany, and waa the son of count
, a distinguished general, was descended of a noble family in Germany, and waa the son of count Schomberg, by his first wife, an English lady, daughter of the lord Dudley; which count was killed at the battle of Prague in Bohemia in 1620, together with several of his sons. The duke was born in 1608. He served first in the army of the United Provinces, and afterwards became the particular confident of William II. prince of Orange; in whose last violent actions he had so great a share, and particularly in the attempt upon Amsterdam, that, on the prince’s death in 1650, he retired into France. Here he gained so high a reputation, that, next to the prince of Conde, and Turenne, he was esteemed the best general in that kingdom; though, on account of his firm adherence to the Protestant religion, he was not for a considerable time raised to the dignity of a marshal. In Nov. 1659 he offered his service to Charles II. for his restoration to the throne of England; and, the year following, the court of France being greatly solicitous for the interest of Portugal against the Spaniards, he was sent to Lisbon; and in his way thither passed through England, in order to concert measures with king Charles for the suppoxt of Portugal. Among other discourse which he had with, that prince, he advised his majesty to set up for the head of the Protestant religion; which would give him a vast ascendant among the princes of Germany, make him umpire of all their affairs, procure him great credit with the protestants of France, and keep that crown in perpetual fear of him. He urged him likewise not to part with Dunkirk, the sale of which was then in agitation; since, considering the naval power of England, it could not be taken, and the possession of it would keep both France and Spain in a dependence upon his majesty.
In Portugal he performed such eminent services to that kingdom that he was created a grandee of it, by the title of count Mertola, with
In Portugal he performed such eminent services to that kingdom that he was created a grandee of it, by the title of count Mertola, with a pension of 5000l. to himself and his heirs. In 1673 he came over again into England, to command the army; but, the French interest being then very odious to the English, though he would at any other time of his life have been acceptable to them, he was at that crisis looked on as one sent over from France to bring our army under French discipline. Finding himself, therefore, obnoxious to the nation, and at the same time not loved by the court, as being found not fit for the designs of the latter, he soon returned to France. In June 1676, he was left by the king of France, upon his return to Parisy with the command of his army in Flanders; and soon after obliged the prince of Orange to raise the siege of Maestricht, and was made a marshal of France. But, when the prosecution against those of the reformed religion was begun in that kingdom, he desired leave to return into his own country; which was denied him, aud all the favour he could obtain was to go to Portugal. and, though he had preserved that nation from falling under the yoke of Castile, yet now, when he came thither for refuge, the inquisition represented that matter of giving harbour to an heretic so odiously to the king, that he was forced to send the marshal away. He went thence to England; and, passing through Holland, entered into a particular confidence with the prince of Orange; and, being invited by the elector of Brandenburgh to Berlin, was made governor of Prussia, and placed at the head of all the elector’s armies. He was treated likewise by the young elector with the same regard that his father had shewn him; and, in 1688, was sent by him to Cleves, to command the troops which were raised by the empire for the defence of Cologne.
When the prince of Orange was almost ready for his expedition into England, marshal Schomberg
When the prince of Orange was almost ready for his expedition into England, marshal Schomberg obtained leave of the elector of Brandenbourg to accompany his highness in that attempt; and, after their arrival at London, he is supposed to have been the author of that remarkable stratagem for trying the affections of the people, by raising an universal apprehension over the kingdom of the approach of the Irish with fire and sword. Upon the prince’s advancement to the throne of England, he was appointed master of the ordnance, and general of his majesty’s forces; in April 1689, knight of the garter, and the same month naturalized by act of parliament; and, in May, was created a baron, earl, marquis, and duke of this kingdom, by the name and title of baron Teys, earl of Brentford, marquis of Harwich, and duke of Schomberg. The House of Commons likewise voted to him 100,000l. for the services which he had done; but he received only a small part of that sum, the king after his death paying his son 5000l. a year for the remainder. In Aug. 1689 he sailed for Ireland, with an army, for the reduction of that kingdom; and, having mustered all his forces there, and finding them to be not above 14,000 men, among whom there were but 2000 horse, he marched to Dundalk, where he posted himself; king James being come to Ardee. within five or six miles of him, with above thrice his number. Schomberg, therefore, being disappointed of the supplies from England, which had been promised him, and his army being so greatly inferior to the Irish, resolved to keep himself on the defensive. He lay there six weeks in a rainy season; and his men, for want of due management, contracted such diseases that almost one half of them perished.
He was censured by some for not making a bold attempt; and such complaints
He was censured by some for not making a bold attempt;
and such complaints were sent of this to king William, that
his majesty wrote twice to him, pressing him on the subject. But the duke saw that the enemy was well posted
and well provided, and had several good officers among
them; and knew that, if he met with a check, his whole
army, and consequently all Ireland, had been lost, since
he could not have made a regular retreat. The surest method was to preserve hi’s army; which would save Ulster,
and although his conduct exposed him to the reproaches of
some persons, better judges thought, that his management
of this campaign was one of the greatest actions of his life.
At the battle of the Boyne, July 1, 1690, he passed the
river in his station, and immediately rallied and encouraged the French Protestants, who had been left exposed
by the death of their commander, with this short harangue;
“Aliens, messieurs, voila vos persecuteurs,
” pointing to
the French Papists in the enemy’s army. But these words
were scarcely uttered, when a few of king James’s guards,
who returned full speed to their main body, after the
slaughter of their companions, and whom the French refugees suffered to pass, thinking them to 1 be of their own
party, fell furiously upon the duke, and gave him two
wounds over the head, which, however, were not mortal.
Upon this, the French regiment acknowledged their error
by committing a greater; for, firing rashly on the enemy,
they shot him through the neck, of which wound he instantly died. He was buried in St. Patrick’s cathedral,
where the dean and chapter erected a small monument to
his honour, at their own expence, with an elegant inscription by Dr. Swift, which is printed in the Dean’s works.
Burnet tells us, that he was “a calm man, of great application and conduct, and thought much
Burnet tells us, that he was “a calm man, of great application and conduct, and thought much better than he
spoke; of true judgment, of exact probity, and of an humble and obliging temper.
” And another writer observes,
that he had a thorough experience of the world; knew
men and things better than any man of his profession evet
clicl; and was as great in council as at the head of an army.
He appeared courteous and affable to every person, and
yet had an air of grandeur that commanded respect from all.
In king William’s cabinet are the dispatches of the duke
of Schomberg in Ireland to king William, which sir John
Dalrymple has printed in the second volume of his memoirs “because,
” he remarks, " they paint in lively colours the state of the army in that country clear Schoinberg of inactivity, which has been unjustly thrown upon
him; and do honour to the talents of a man, who wrote
with the elegant simplicity of Caesar, and to whose reputation and conduct, next to those of king William, the
English nation owes the revolution.
, one of a family of physicians of some note in their day, was the son of Dr. Meyer Schomberg, a native of Cologne, a Jew,
, one of a family of physicians of some note in their day, was the son of Dr. Meyer Schomberg, a native of Cologne, a Jew, and, as it was said, librarian to some person of distinction abroad, which occupation he left, and came and settled in London, where he professed himself to be a physician; and, by art and address, obtained a lucrative situation amidst the faculty. In 1740 he had outstripped all the city physicians, and was in the annual receipt of four thousand pounds. He died March 4, 1761. This, his son, was born abroad, and at the age of two or three years was brought to England, where he received a liberal education, and afterwards studied at Leyden. After his return to London he set up in practice, but had a dispute with the college of physicians, as, we are told, his father had before him. The particulars of this dispute are not uninteresting in the history of the college.
e of their intention to examine him in the usual form, and to admit him a licentiate. This notice he was thought to have treated with contempt; for, instead of submitting
After Dr. Schomberg had practised some years as a physician in London, he received a notice from the college of their intention to examine him in the usual form, and to admit him a licentiate. This notice he was thought to have treated with contempt; for, instead of submitting tothe examination, he objected to the names of some persons vyho were to be examined at the same time, and behaved, it is said, with some haughtiness to those of the college who, he complained, had used him ill, in ordering him to be examined in such company. The college considering themselves the sole judges of what persons they should upon, refused to attend to the doctor’s objection, but examined the persons against whom he seemed most to except; but this not tending to make up the dispute, they proceeded to interdict the doctor from practice until he had given such satisfaction as his conduct required. In the mean time the doctor submitted to be examined, and in 1750 procured the degree of doctor of physic to be conferred on him by the university of Cambridge; and, thus supported, demanded his admittance a second time, not as a licenciate, but one of the body. This demand was refused to be complied with, and it was objected, that the doctor, though naturalized, could not hold the office of censor of the college, which was an office of trust; and this refusal brought the determination of the business to the decision of the lawyers. A petition was presented to the king, praying him, in the person of the lord chancellor, to exercise his visitatorial power over the college, and restore the licenciates to their rights, which, by their arbitrary proceedings, the president and fellows had for a succession of ages deprived them of. This petition came on to be heard at Lincoln’s Inn hall, before the lord chief justice Willis, baron Smythe, and judge Wilmot, lords commissioners of the great seal; but the allegations therein contained not being established, the same was dismissed. This attack on the college was the most formidable it erer sustained.
In this dispute Dr. Schomberg was supposed to have Employed his pen against his adversaries with
In this dispute Dr. Schomberg was supposed to have
Employed his pen against his adversaries with considerable
effect. It is certain he was well supported by his friends;
One of whom, Moses Mendez, esq. exposed his opponents
to ridicule, in a performance entitled “The Battiad,
” since
Reprinted in Billy’s Repository.
ut the success that inferior talents sometimes experienced. On the last illness of David Garrick, he was fcalled in, and hailed, by his dying friend, in the affectionate
From this period Dr. Schomberg took his station in the
medical profession, with credit and approbation, though
without the success that inferior talents sometimes experienced. On the last illness of David Garrick, he was
fcalled in, and hailed, by his dying friend, in the affectionate
terms of “though last not least in'our dear love.
” He survived Garrick but a short time, dying at his house in Conduit-street, the 4th of March, 1780; and the following
character was given of him by one who seems to have
known him well:
nd humanity recommended him to the friendship and esteem, as well as veneration, of his patients. He was endued with uncommon quickness and sagacity in discovering the
"His great talents and knowledge in his profession, were universally acknowledged by the gentlemen of the faculty; and his tenderness and humanity recommended him to the friendship and esteem, as well as veneration, of his patients. He was endued with uncommon quickness and sagacity in discovering the sources, and tracing the progress of a disorder; and though in general a friend to prudent regimen, rather than medicine, yet, in emergent cases, he prescribed with a correct and happy boldness equal to the occasiom He was so averse from that sordid avarice generally charged, perhaps often with great injus* tice, on the faculty, that many of his friends in affluent cii> cumstances found it impossible to force on him that reward for his services which he had so fairly earned, and which his attendance so well merited. As a man he was sincere and just in his principles, frank and amiable in his temper, instructive and lively in conversation; his many singulari* ties endearing him still further to his acquaintance, as they proceeded from an honest plainness of manner, and visibly flowed from a benevolent simplicity of heart. He was, for many days, sensible of his approaching end, which he encountered with a calmness and resignation, not easily to be imitated by those who now regret the loss of so good a man, so valuable a friend, and so skilful a physician/'
nsiderable success, he tried his skill upon the funds of a public charity, and, detection following, was obliged to make a precipitate retreat from Bath, and from public
Dr. Schomberg had a younger brother, Ralph Schomberg, M. D. who first settled at Yarmouth as a physician^
and published some works on professional subjects that indicated ability, and others from which he derived little reputation. Of the former kind are, 1. “Aphorismi practici, sive observationes medicse,
” for the use of students,
and in alphabetical order, 1750, 8vo. 2. “Prosperi Martiani Annotationes in csecas praenotationes synopsis,
” Van Swieten’s Commentaries
” abridged. 4. “A
Treatise of the Colica Pictonum, or Dry Belly-ache,
” Duport de signis morborum libri quatuor,
”
An Ode on the present rebellion,
”
An Account of the present rebellion,
” The Life of Maecenas,
” A critical Dissertation on the characters and Writings of Pindar and Horace,
in a letter to the right hon. the earl of B
” also a shame*
ful instance of plagiarism from Blondell’s “Comparison de
Pindare et D' Horace.
” It would have been well if his pilferings had only been from books; but after he had removed
to Bath, and practised there some years with considerable
success, he tried his skill upon the funds of a public charity, and, detection following, was obliged to make a precipitate retreat from Bath, and from public practice. He
appears to have hid himself first at Pangbourn in Berkshire,
and afterwards at Heading, where he died June 29, 1792.
In the obituary he is called “Ralph Schornberg, Esq.
”
, a noted German philosopher and mathematician, was born at Carolostadt in 1477, and died in 1547, aged seventy.
, a noted German philosopher and
mathematician, was born at Carolostadt in 1477, and died
in 1547, aged seventy. From his uncommon acquirements,
he was chosen mathematical professor at Nuremberg when
he was but a young man. He wrote a great many works,
and was particularly famous for his astronomical tables,
which he published after the manner of those of Regiomontanus, and to which he gave the title of Resolute, on account of their clearness. But, notwithstanding his great
knowledge, he was, after the fashion of the times, much
addicted to judicial astrology, which he took great pains
to improve. The list of his writings is chiefly as follows:
I. “Three Books of Judicial Astrology.
” 2. “The astronomical tables named Resolutoj.
” 3. “De Usu Globi
Stelliferi; De Compositione Giobi Ccelestis De Usu Globi
Terrestris, et de Compositione ejusdem.
” 4. “Æquatorium Astronomicum.
” 5. “Libeilus de Distantiis Locorum per Instrumenturn et Numeros investigandis.
” 6. “De
Compositione Torqueti.
” 7. “In Constructionem et Usum
Rectangnli sive Radii Astronomic! Annotationes.
” S.
“Horarii Cylindri Canones.
” 9. “Planisphserium, sen
Meteoriscopium.
” 10. “Organum Uranicum.
” 11.“Instrumentum Impedimentorum Luna3.
” All printed at Nuremberg, in
, a learned Norwegian, was born at Skatnaes, in Nordland, in 1722. He went in 1740 to the
, a learned Norwegian, was born at Skatnaes, in Nordland, in 1722. He went in 1740 to the school of Drontheim, the rector of which conceived so high an opinion of
his talents, as to assist him in carrying on his studies at
Copenhagen, where in 1758, he was elected a member of
the academy of sciences at Copenhagen. In 1764 he was
appointed professor of history and eloquence at Sora, and
received literary honuurs from various societies. In 1773,
1774, and 1775, he went on a tour, at the king’s expence,
through various parts of Norway, to examine the remains
of antiquity, but was recalled to Copenhagen to be keeper
of the archives, and in 1776 was appointed a member of
the society formed for publishing Icelandic works from the
collection of Arnas Magnaeus. He died July 18, 1780.
He is said to have passed his time and employed his
thoughts entirely on his peculiar studies, having an utter
aversion to theological controversy, and being equally partial to men of merit of all persuasions. His works are numerous, but many of them are academical dissertations.
Among those of a more permanent form are “An Essay
towards the ancient Geography of the Northern Countries,
particularly Norway
” “Observations on the old Northern
Marriages and Weddings
” “De Anni Ratione apud veteres Septentrionales
” “History of Norway from the
foundation of the kingdom till the time of Harold Haarfager,
” Travels through Norway,
” &c. He was also
the contributor of many papers to the Transactions of the
Norwegian society, and of the academy of sciences at Copenhagen, on subjects of antiquity, bearing some relation
to the northern nations.
, a learned and very laborious writer, was born April 1, 1614, at Utrecht, and was successively professor
, a learned and very laborious
writer, was born April 1, 1614, at Utrecht, and was successively professor of languages, rhetoric, history, natural
philosophy, logic, and experimental philosophy in that
city, at Deventer, Groningen, and lastly, at Francfort
upon Oder, where he died in 1665, aged fifty-one. Schoockius delighted in singular subjects, and has left a prodigious number of works. Burman says he never knew a
man who published so much and acquired so little fame in
the learned world. Some of his works are critical, others
on philosophy, divinity, history, and literature, chiefly ia
12 mo or 8vo, &c. The most known are, tracts on turfs,
“De Turffis, seu de cespitibus Bituminosis
” “On Butter;
” “On Antipathy to Cheese
” “On Eggs and Chickens;
” “On Inundations
” “De Harengis, seu
Halecibus
” “De Signaturis foetus
” “De Ciconiis
” “De Nihilo
” “De Sternutatione
” “De figmento legis Regies
”
“De Bonis Ecclesiasticis et Canouicis,
” 4toj “De Statu
Reipublicse faederati Belgii,
” &c. c. He wrote also against
Des Cartes, at the request of the famous Voetius, with
whom he was much connected. Some other pieces on singular subjects are in his “Exercitationes variae,
” Martini Themidis exercitationes,
”
, professor of mathematics at Leyden about the middle of the seventeenth century, was a very acute proficient in that science. He published, in 1649,
, professor of mathematics at
Leyden about the middle of the seventeenth century, was
a very acute proficient in that science. He published, in
1649, an edition of Descartes’s geometry, with learned
and elaborate annotations on that work, as also those of
Beaume, Hudde, and Van Heauralt. Schooten published
also two very useful and learned works of his own composition; “Principia Matheseos universalis,
” Exercitationes Mathematics,
”
, a very learned German, to whom the republic of letters has been considerably indebted, was born at Antwerp, Sept. 12, 1552; and educated at Louvain. Upon
, a very learned German, to whom
the republic of letters has been considerably indebted, was
born at Antwerp, Sept. 12, 1552; and educated at Louvain. Upon the taking and sacking of Antwerp in 1577,
he retired to Douay; and, after some stay there, went to
Paris, where Busbequius received him into his house, and
made him partner of his studies. Two years after, he went
into Spain, and was at first at Madrid; then he removed
to Alcala, and then in 1580 to Toledo, where his great
reputation procured him a Greek professorship. The cardinal Gaspar Quiroga, abp. of Toledo, conceived at the
same time such an esteem for him, that he lodged him in
his palace, and entertained him as long as he remained in
that place. In 1584, he was invited to Saragossa, to teach
rhetoric and the Greek language; and, two years after,
entered into the society of Jesuits, and was called by the
general of the order into Italy to teach rhetoric at Rome,
He continued three years there., and then returned to his
own country, where he spent the remainder of a long life
in study and writing books. He was not only well skilled
in Latin and Greek learning, but had also in him a candour
and generosity seldom to be found among the men of his
order. He had an earnest desire to oblige all mankind, of
what religion or country soever and would freely communicate even with heretics, if the cause of letters could her
served: hence protestant writers every where mention him
with respect. He died at Antwerp Jan. 23, 1629, after
having published a great number of books. Besides works
more immediately connected with and relating to his own
profession, he gave editions of, and wrote notes upon, several of the classics; among which were Aurelius Victor,
Pomponius Mela, Seneca Rhetor, Cornelius Nepos, Vale*
rius Flaccus, &c. He wrote the life of Francis di Borgia,
and “Hispania illustrata,
” 4 vols. folio, hut there are reasons for doubting whether the “Bibliotheca Hispana,
” $
vols. in one, 4to, was a publication of his own; it seems
rather to have been compiled from his Mss. He published,
however, an edition of Basil’s works, and is said to have
translated Photius; but this has been thought to be so much
below the abilities and learning of Schott, that some have
questioned his having been the author of it.
, a learned Jesuit, was born in 1608, in the diocese of Wurtzburg. His favourite studies
, a learned Jesuit, was born in 1608,
in the diocese of Wurtzburg. His favourite studies were
philosophy and mathematics, which he taught till his death.
He passed several years at Palermo, whence he removed
to Rome, where he contracted an intimacy with the celebrated Kircher, who communicated to him several of his
observations on the arts and sciences. Schott was author
of several works, of which the most remarkable are, 1,
“Physica curiosa; sive Mirabilia Naturae et artis,
” Magia naturalis et artificialis,
” Technica curiosa,
” Norimberg, Anatomia Physico-hydrostatica Fontium et
Fluminum.
” 5. “Organum Mathematicum.
” In the various writings of this Jesuit are to be met with the germs of
the greater part of modern experiments in physics. Complete sets of them should consist of 20 vols., but they are
not easily procured, as they were almost entirely forgotten,
till brought to notice in 1785 by the abbé Mercier, in his
“Notice des ouvrages de Caspar Schott.
”
, a Dutch commentator, was the son of Theodore Schrevelius, first rector of the school
, a Dutch commentator, was the son of Theodore Schrevelius, first rector of the school at Haerlem, the history of which city he published, and afterwards rector of that of Leyden. He was born probably at the former place, and removed to Leyden with his father in 1625, who being then advanced in years resigned his office in favour of Cornelius in 1642. Cornelius appears before this to have studied and took his degrees in medicine, but his promotion to the school turned his attention to classical pursuits, in the course of which he pub]ished editions variorum of Hesiod, Homer, Claudian, Virgil, Lucan, Martial, Juvenal and Persius, Erasmus’s colloquies, &c. none of which have been so fortunate as to obtain the approbation of modern critics. He applied, however, to lexicography with more success, and besides a good edition of the Greek part of Hesychius’s Lexicon, published himself a Greek and Latin Dictionary, which has been found so useful to beginners, that perhaps few works of the kind have gone through so many editions. Those of this country, where it still continues to be printed, have been enlarged and improved by Hill, Bowyer, and others. Schrevelius died in 1667.
, a German divine, was bora at Groningen, where he studied till 1706, and greatly
, a German divine, was bora at
Groningen, where he studied till 1706, and greatly distinguished himself by taste and skill in Arabic learning. He
became a minister of Wassenar, and professor of the oriental tongues at Franeker. At length he was invited to Leyden, where he taught Hebrew and the oriental languages
with reputation till his death, which happened in 1750.
There are many works of Schultens, which shew profound
learning and just criticism as, “Commentaries upon Job
and the Proverbs
” a book, entitled “Vet us et regia via
Hebraizandi
” “A Treatise of Hebrew Roots,
” &c. He
had a son John Jacob Schultens, who was professor of divinity and oriental languages at Leyden, in his room. This
John Jacob was father to the subject of the following article.
, was born Feb. 15, 1749, at Herborn (where his father was at that
, was born Feb. 15, 1749, at Herborn (where his father was at that time divinityprofessor), and was educated at the university at Leyden, where he applied himself with great diligence to the Arabic, under his father’s instructions, and those of Scheidius, who then lodged in his house. By his father’s advice, he commenced his study of the eastern languages by learning the Arabic, to which he applied during two years, before he began the Hebrew. This, among other reasons, may account for the preference which he always gave to the Arabic literature, and which was so great that he was often heard to wish that the duties of his station would allow him to devote the whole of his time to it. He, however, studied the Greek and Latin classics with the utmost diligence under Hemsterhuis, Rhunkenius, and Valkenaar. He also cultivated an acquaintance with the best modem writers, among whom he in general gave the preference to the English; he was remarkably fond of Pope; and of Shakspeare he was an enthusiastic admirer.
he British Museum, and to secure to him the reversion of his own place but the ambition of Schultens was to be a professor of Eastern languages and as there was no probability
In 1772, when only in his twenty-third year, he published a work entitled “Anthologia Sententiarum Arabicarum,
” with a Latin translation and notes, of which sir William Jones testified his approbation. Soon after this Schultens went to England, in order to examine the Arabic Mss.
in the Bodleian library, and resided for some time at Oxford, as a gentleman commoner of Wadham college. Here
in less than three months during the short winter days, he
transcribed Pocock’s “Meidanius
” with his translation and
notes, a work which took up no less than 646 folio pages.
The late professor White, in a letter to the father of Schultens, says of him: “It is impossible for any one to be
more generally respected in this place, or indeed to be
more deserving of it. His abilities, his amiable disposition,
and his polite behaviour, recommend him strongly to all
those among us who know him only by reputation, and endear him to all who are personally acquainted with him.
”
The university testified its sense of his extraordinary merit,
by conferring on him (in May 1773) the degree of M. A.
by diploma. He also visited Cambridge, where he spent
a fortnight; during which time he corrected several errors
in the catalogue of Arabic manuscripts, and made several
additions to it. In London he published a specimen of
Pocock’s “Meidanius.
” Dr. Morton offered to make him
his assistant at the British Museum, and to secure to him
the reversion of his own place but the ambition of Schultens was to be a professor of Eastern languages and as
there was no probability of this appointment in England,
he determined to return to Holland. Sir William Jones,
whose friendship he assiduously cultivated, advised him to
study the Persian, which he did with great diligence but
he complained that this pursuit was often interrupted by
other avocations, and that he was not able to devote so
much time to it as he wished.
Soon alter his arrival in the United Provinces, he was chosen professor of oriental languages in the academical school
Soon alter his arrival in the United Provinces, he was
chosen professor of oriental languages in the academical
school of Amsterdam, where he resided during five years,
and enjoyed the esteem and friendship of a numerous acquaintance. Besides Latin Lectures to the students, he delivered some in Dutch, on the Jewish antiquities and oriental history, which were much frequented and greatly admired. On the death of his father, in 1773, he was called
to Leyden as his successor. In Nov. 1792, he was attacked by a malignant catarrhal fever that terminated in a consumption, of which he died in August 1793. Some time
before his death, his physician found him reading the latter
part of St. John’s gospel, of which he expressed the warmest
admiration, and added, “It is no small consolation to me,
that, in the vigour of health, I never thought less highly of
the character and religion of Christ, than I do now, in the
debility of sickness. Of the truth and excellence of Christianity I have always been convinced, and have always, as
far as human frailty would allow, endeavoured so to express
this conviction that, in these my last hours, I might with
confidence look forwards to a blessed immortality.
” Schultens, in his private character, was in every respect an
amiable and worthy man.
tens had the happy talent of rendering the driest subjects plain and interesting to his pupils. This was particularly the case with the principles of the Hebrew grammar,
As a teacher, professor Schultens had the happy talent
of rendering the driest subjects plain and interesting to his
pupils. This was particularly the case with the principles
of the Hebrew grammar, an intimate and accurate knowledge of which he recommended as indispensably necessary
to all who wished to understand the Old Testament in the
original language. In translating and explaining the Bible,
he preserved a judicious medium between those who^
thought the Hebrew text too sacred to be the subject of
criticism; and those who, like Houbigant, without a sufficient acquaintance with the genius of the language, ventured on needless alterations. Hence he was. much displeased with a work by professor Kocherus of Berne, entitled “Vindiciue sacri textus Hebraei Esaiae vatis, adversus
11. Lowthi criticam;
” concerning which he said, in a letter
to Dr. Findlay, of Glasgow, “It violates the bounds of
moderation and decency by the assertion that the text of
Isaiah could not gain any thing by Dr. Lowth’s conjectures.
I am of a very different opinion. When at Oxford and
London, I was intimately acquainted with bishop Lowth,
had an opportunity of knowing his excellent disposition,
and am therefore much vexed that Kocherus, from his fiery
zeal against innovation, should have been induced to treat
him with seventy, as if the bishop had been a rash and petulant critic.
” Schultens’s sentiments on this subject are
more fully expressed in some articles which he wrote for
the “Bihliotheca Critica,
” published by Wyttenbach, particularly in the review of Kennicoi’s Bible. These judicious sentiments, together with his extensive abilities and
knowledge of the subject, his eulogist observes, rendered
him admirably qualified to have given a new version of the
Old Testament. This at one time he designed, and nearly
finished a translation of the book of Job, which was published after his death by Herman Muntinge, 1794, 8vo, but
his sentiments of this portion of sacred writ are so much at
variance with those of the most able and popular commentators, that we question if it will meet with general approbation.
, a most learned German lady, was the daughter of parents who were both descended from noble Protestant
, a most learned German
lady, was the daughter of parents who were both descended
from noble Protestant families, and was born at Cologne, in
1607. She discovered from her infancy an uncommon facility in acquiring various accomplishments, as cutting with
her scissors upon paper all sorts of figures, without any
model, designing flowers, embroidery, music vocal and instrumental, painting-, sculpture, and engraving; and is said
to have succeeded equally in all these arts. Mr. Evelyn,
in his “History of Chalcography,
” has observed, that “the
very knowing Anna Maria a Schurman is skilled in this art
with innumerable others, even to a prodigy of her sex.
”
Her hand-xvriting in all languages was inimitable; and some
curious persons have preserved specimens of it in their
cabinets. M. Joby, in his journey to Minister, relates, that
he was an eye-witness to the beauty of her writing, in
French, Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, and Arabic; and of her
skill in drawing in miniature, and making portraits upon
glass with the point of a diamond. She painted her own
picture by means of a looking-glass; and made artificial
pearls so like natural ones, that they could not be distinguished but by pricking them with a needle.
er brothers were examined in Latin, she often whispered to them what they were to answer, though she was only a casual hearer of their lessons. Her father therefore
The powers of. her understanding were not inferior to her skill in those arts: for at eleven, when her brothers were examined in Latin, she often whispered to them what they were to answer, though she was only a casual hearer of their lessons. Her father therefore began to instruct her more perfectly in that knowledge which made her so justly celebrated; and very soon the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages became so familiar to her, that she not only wrote, but spoke them, in a manner which surprised the most learned men. She made a great progress also in the Syriac, Chaldee, Arabic, and Ethiopic; and of the living languages, she understood and spoke readily, the French, English, and Italian. She was competently versed in geography, astronomy, philosophy, and the sciences, so as to be able to judge of them with exactness: but all these accomplishments yielded at last to divinity, and the study of the scriptures.
Her father, who had settled at Utrecht while she was an infant, and afterwards removed to Franeker for the more convenient
Her father, who had settled at Utrecht while she was an
infant, and afterwards removed to Franeker for the more
convenient education of his children, died there in 1623.
His widow then returned to Utrecht, where Anna Maria
continued her studies very intensely; which probably prevented her from marrying, as she might have done advantageously v.ith Mr. Cats, pensionary of Holland, and a
celebrated poet, who wrote verses in her praise when she
was only fourteen. Her modesty, which was as great as
her knowledge, would have kept her in obscurity, if Rivetus, Spanheim, and Vossius, had not made her merit known.
Salmasius also, Beverovicius, and Huygens, maintained a
literary correspondence with her; and, by shewing her
letters, spread her fame into foreign countries. This
procured her a correspondence with Balzac, Gassendi, Mersennus, Bo chart, Conrart, and other eminent men; persons
of the first rank paid her visits, and cardinal Richelieu
likewise shewed her marks of his esteem. About 1650, a
great alteration took place in her religious system. She
performed her devotions in private, without frequenting
any church, upon which it was reported that she was inclined to popery; but she attached herself to the famous
mystic Labadie, and embracing his principles and practice,
lived some time with him at Altena, in Holstein, and attended him at his death there in 1674. She afterwards
retired to Wiewart, in Friseland, where the famous Penn,
the Quaker, visited her in 1677; she died at this place in
1678. She took for her device these words of St. Ignatius:
“Amor meus crucifixus est.
”
wards, “Eukleria, seu rnelioris partis electio.” This is a defence of her attachment to Labadie, and was printed at Altena in 1673, when she was with him.
She wrote “De vitae humanae termino,
” Ultraj. Dissertatio de ingenii muliebris ad doctrinam et meliores
literas aptitudine,
” L. Bat. A. M. a Schurman Opuscula Hebrsea, Grseca,
Latina, Gallica; prosaica & metrica
” enlarged in a 2d
edition at Leyden, 1650, 12 mo. She wrote afterwards,
“Eukleria, seu rnelioris partis electio.
” This is a defence
of her attachment to Labadie, and was printed at Altena in
1673, when she was with him.
, a learned German, was born December 1641, at Corback, in the county of Waldeck. Having
, a learned
German, was born December 1641, at Corback, in the
county of Waldeck. Having taken a doctor’s degree in
philosophy at Wittemberg, in 1664, he returned to Corbac,
where he taught during some time instead of his father,
and then returning to Wittemberg, published a learned
piece, entitled “Judicium de novissimis prudentise civilis
scriptoribus,
” &c. under the assumed name of “Eubulus
Theodatus Sarckmasius.
” Jn this little work, which consists but of a leaf and half, the author passes judgment very
freely on fifteen German lawyers, or political writers, which
raised him many enemies, and engaged him in a literary
war, which produced a great number of pieces collected
by Crusius, 8vo, under the title of “Acta Siirckmasiana,
”
and even occasioned his being struck out from the list of
doctors by the university of Wittemberg. He was, however, not only restored to that title two years after, but
appointed professor of history, then of poetry, and at
length of Greek. In 1700, Schurtztieisch succeeded to the
rhetorical chair, and became counsellor and librarian to the
duke of Saxe-Weimar, and died July 7, 1708. He left a
great number of learned works on history, poetry, criticism,
literature, &c. the most celebrated of which are, “Disputationes historic^ civiles,
” Leipsic, Historia Ensiferorum ordinis Teutonic!,
” Wittemberg,
o passes for being the discoverer of that fatal composition so well known by the name of gun-powder, was born at Friburg in Germany in the thirteenth century, and is
, who passes for being the discoverer of that fatal composition so well known by the name of gun-powder, was born at Friburg in Germany in the thirteenth century, and is said to have discovered this dangerous secret in prison, as he was making some chemical experiments. Albertus Magnus speaks of him as a Cordelier, and says that he invented some sorts of firearms. The discovery of this fatal secret has been attributed by some to the Chinese, and by others to our countryman, Roger Bacon: however, the use of artillery was introduced about the time of the battle of Crecy, 1346, and made an absolute change in the whole art of war; whether a beneficial one, has not yet been decided.
, a learned German writer, and one of the most arrogant and contentious critics of his time, was born about 1576; and studied first at Amberg, then at Heidelberg,
, a learned German writer, and
one of the most arrogant and contentious critics of his time,
was born about 1576; and studied first at Amberg, then at
Heidelberg, afterwards at Altdorf, at the charges of the
elector palatine. Having made a considerable stay at Ingolstadt, he returned to Altdorff, where he began to publish
some of his works. Ottavia Ferrari, a celebrated professor
at Padua, says, that he “published books when he was but
sixteen, which deserved to be admired by old men;
” some,
however, of his early productions do not deserve this encomium. He took a journey into Italy; and, after he had
been some time at Verona, returned into Germany, whence
he went again into Italy, and published at Ferrara a panegyric upon the king of Spain and pope Clement VIII. Iti
1599, he embraced the Roman catholic religion, but had
an extraordinary antipathy to the Jesuits; against whom,
Baillet tells us, he wrote about thirty treatises under
fictitious names. Nor was he more lenient to the Protestants,
and solicited the princes to extirpate them by the most
bloody means, in a book which he published at Pavia in
1619, under the title of “Gasp. Scioppii Consiliarii Regii
Classieum belli sa'cri, sive, Heldus Redivivus.
” The following is the title of another, printed at Mentz in 1612,
against Philip Mornay du Plessis; and which, as he tells
us in the title-page, he sent to James I. of England, by
way of new-year’s gift: “Alexipharmacum Regium felli
clraconum et veneno aspidum sub Philippi Mornaei de Piessis nuper Papatus historia abdito appositum, et sereniss.
Jacobo Magnae Britanniae Regi strenae Januariae loco muneri missum.
” He had before attacked the king of England,
by publishing in 1611, two books with these titles; “Ecclesiasticus auctoritati Sereniss. D. Jacob), &c. oppositus,
”
and “Collyrium Regium Britanniae Regi graviter ex oculis
laboranti muneri missum;
” that is, “An Eye-salve for the
use of his Britannic majesty.
” In the first of these pieces
he ventured to attack Henry IV. of France in a most violent
manner which occasioned his book to be burnt at Paris.
He gloried, however, in this disgrace and, according to
his own account, had the farther honour of being hanged
in effigy in a farce, which was acted before the king of
England. He did not, however, always escape with impunity; for, in 1614, the servants of the English ambassador
are said to have beaten him with great severity at Madrid.
Of the wounds he received in this conflict, he, as usual,
made his boasts, as he also did of having been the principal contriver of the Catholic league, which proved so
ruinous to the Protestants in Germany. In his way through
Venice in 1607, he had a conference with father Paul,
whom he endeavoured by promises and threats to bring over
to the pope’s party; which, perhaps, with other circumstances, occasioned his being imprisoned there three or four
days. After he had spent many years in literary contests,
he applied himself to the prophecies of holy scripture, and
flattered himself that he had discovered the true key to
them. He sent some of these prophetical discoveries to
cardinal Mazarine, who paid no attention to them. It has
been said that he had thoughts at last of going back to the
communion of Protestants; but this, resting upon the single testimony of Hornius, has not been generally believed.
He died in 1649.
He was indisputably a very learned man; and, had his moderation and
He was indisputably a very learned man; and, had his
moderation and probity been equal to his learning, might
justly have been accounted an ornament to the republic of
letters: his application to study, his memory, the multitude
of his books, and his quickness of parts, are surprising.
Ferrarius tells us that he studied day and night; that, during the last fourteen years of his life, he kept himself shut
tip in a little room, and that his conversation with those
who went to visit him ran only upon learning; that, like
another Ezra, he might have restored the holy scripture, if
it had been lost, for that he could repeat it almost by heart;
and that the number of his books exceeded the number of
his years. He left behind him also several manuscripts,
which, as Morhoff tells us, “remained in the hands of
Picruccius, professor at Padua, and are not yet published,
to the no small indignation of the learned world.
” He was
nevertheless a man of a malignant and contentious spirit,
and lived in continual hostility with the learned of his time,
nor did he spare the best writers of ancient Rome, even
Cicero himself, whose language he censured for improprieties and barbarisms. Niceron enumerates upwards of an
hundred different publications by Scioppius, all of which
are now fallen into oblivion, or only occasionally consulted.
They are mostly polemical, on subjects of criticism, religious opinions, the Jesuits, Protestants, &c. many of them
under the fictitious names of Nicodemus Macer, Oporinus
Grubinius, Aspasius Crosippus, Holofernes Krigsoederus,
and other barbarous assumptions.
, an eminent naturalist, was born in 1725, at Cavalese, in the bishopric of Trent. He studied
, an eminent naturalist, was
born in 1725, at Cavalese, in the bishopric of Trent. He
studied at Inspruck, and at twenty years old obtained the
degree of licentiate in medicine, and afterwards was intrusted with the care of the hospitals of Trent, and of hi*
native town Cavalese; but as this stage was too small for his
ambition, he requested that his parents would permit him
to go to Venice. In that city, under the auspices of Lo
taria Lotti, he extended his knowledge of medicine, and
added to it a more intimate acquaintance with pharmacy,
botany, and natural history. On his return he traversed
the mountains of Tirol and Carniola, where he laid the
foundation of his “Flora
” and “Entomologia Carniolica.
”
In Anni tres Historico-naturales,
”
, was born near Haddington, in East Lothian, 1675, and brought up
, was born near Haddington, in East Lothian, 1675, and brought up to the law in Edinburgh; but never made any figure at the bar. Attached to the royal family of Stewart, he refused to take the oaths to the revolution-settlement, which brought him into many difficulties, and sometimes imprisonment. He had no great knowledge of history; but an opinion of his own abilities induced him to write that of Scotland, which was published in 1727, in one volume folio. Jt is a performance of not much value. He died at Haddington, 1741—2, aged sixty-seven.
, a dissenting minister, was the son of a merchant in London, and was educated with Butler
, a dissenting minister, was the son of
a merchant in London, and was educated with Butler and
Seeker, afterwards eminent prelates in the church of England, under the learned Mr. Jones, at Tewkesbury, in
Gloucestershire, from whose seminary he removed to
Utrecht, in Holland, pursued his studies with indefatigable
zeal, and took his degree of doctor of laws. While he was
in this city, he changed his opinion concerning the mode
of baptism, and became a baptist, but occasionally joined
in communion with other denominations. On his return to
England, he settled in London or Colchester, and devoted
his time to various learned and useful treatises. In 1725
appeared his “Essay towards a Demonstration of the Scripture Trinity,
” without his name, which was for some time
ascribed to Mr. James Pierce, of Exeter. In 1738, a second edition, with some enlargements, was sent out from
the press, and in both editions the author’s friends have
laboured to prove that dishonourable methods were taken to
prevent the spread of it. A new edition of this Essay, freed
from the learned quotations with which it abounded, was
printed, some years back, in 4to, and, without any dishonourable means, added very little to the Socinian cause.
In 1741, he appeared to more advantage in “A New Version of St. Matthew’s Gospel, with Critical Notes and an
Examination of Dr. Mill’s Various Readings
” a very learned and accurate performance. At the persuasion of his
dignified friends, Seeker and Butler, to whom he dedicated
his work, he published, in 1745, in two volumes, folio, an
“Appendix to H. Stephen’s Greek Lexicon;
” a monument
of his amazing diligence, critical skill, and precision. He
lost several hundred pounds bj this publication, and, by
his close application to it for many years, broke his health
and spirits. He was never married, and died suddenly, in
a retirement near London, March 29, 1759.
ting minister at Ipswich, author of a poetical version of the Book of Job, a second edition of which was printed in 1774. This has been thought more valuable as a commentary
His father, by his first wife, had a son, Thomas Scott, a
dissenting minister at Norwich, who published several occasional sermons, and died in 1746, leaving two sons, one
Thomas Scott, a dissenting minister at Ipswich, author of
a poetical version of the Book of Job, a second edition of
which was printed in 1774. This has been thought more
valuable as a commentary than as a translation. His other
son was Dr. Joseph Nicol Scott, who was first a dissenting
minister, and published 2 vols. of sermons “preached in
defence of all religion, whether natural or revealed.
” He
was a strenuous opponent of the doctrine of eternal punishments. He afterwards practised physic in London, and
died about 1774.
, a learned member of the royal society, and of the board of longitude, was the eldest son of Mr. Scott, of Bristow, in Scotland, who married
, a learned member of the
royal society, and of the board of longitude, was the eldest
son of Mr. Scott, of Bristow, in Scotland, who married
Miss Stewart, daughter of sir James Stewart, lord advocate of Scotland in the reigns of William III. and queen
Anne. That lady was also his cousin-german, their mothers being sisters, and both daughters of Mr. Robert
Trail, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, of the same family as the rev. Dr. William Trail, the learned author of
the “Life of Dr. Robert Simson, professor of mathematics
at Glasgow.
”
ic character; and he had three sons born while residing at the court of Hanover. The eldest of these was our author, George Lewis, named, in both these names, after
Mr. Scott, the father, with his family, lived many years
abroad, in a public character; and he had three sons born
while residing at the court of Hanover. The eldest of these
was our author, George Lewis, named, in both these names,
after his god-father, the elector, who was afterwards George
I. George Lewis Scott was a gentleman of considerable
talents and general learning; he was well-skilled also in the
mathematical sciences , for which he manifested at times
a critical taste, as may be particularly seen in some letters
which, in 1764, passed between him and and Dr. Simson,
of Glasgow, and are inserted in Dr. Trail’s account of “The
Life and Writings of Dr. Simson.
” Mr. Scott was also the
author of the “Supplement to Chambers’s Dictionary,
” in
2 large folio volumes, which was much esteemed, and for
which he received 1,500l. from the booksellers, a considerable price at the time of that publication. Mr.
Scott was sub-preceptor, for the Latin language, to his
present majesty when prince of Wales. After that he was
appointed a commissioner of excise; a situation which his
friends considered as not adequate to his past deserts, and
interior to what he probably would have had, but for the
freedom of his political opinions. From some correspondence with Gibbon, to whom, in particular, he wrote an
excellent letter of directions for mathematical studies, we
may infer that he did not differ much from that gentleman
in matters of religious belief. Mr. Scott died. Dec. 1730.
He was elected F. S. A. in 1736, and F. R. 8. in 1737.
tt, his widow, survived him about fifteen years, and died at Catton, near Norwich, in Nov. 1795. She was sister to the late celebrated Mrs. Montagu, of Portmansquare.
Mrs. Scott, his widow, survived him about fifteen years,
and died at Catton, near Norwich, in Nov. 1795. She was
sister to the late celebrated Mrs. Montagu, of Portmansquare. From the pen of a very intelligent and equally
candid writer, we have the following account of this lady
“She was an excellent historian, of great acquirements,
extraordinary memory, and strong sense; and constantly
employed in literary labours; yet careless of fame, and
tree from vanity and ostentation. Owing to a disagreement
of tempers, she soon separated from her husband; but in
every other relation of life she was, with some peculiarities,
a woman of exemplary conduct, of sound principles, enlivened by the warmest sense of religion, and of a charity
so unbounded, so totally regardless of - herself, as to be
almost excessive and indiscriminate. Her talents were not
so brilliant, nor her genius so predominant, as those of her
sister, Mrs. Montagu: but in some departments of literature she was by no means her inferior. When she left her
husband she united her income with that of her intimate
friend, lady Bab Montagu, the sister of lord Halifax, and
they continued to live together to the death of the latter.
From that period Mrs. Scott continually changed her habitation, for restlessness was one of her foibles. Her intercourse with the world was various and extensive; and
there were few literary people of her day with whom she
had not either an acquaintance or a correspondence. Yet
when she died, not one of her contemporaries who knew
her literary habits came forward to preserve the slightest
memorial of her; and she went to her grave as unnoticed
as the most obscure of those who have done nothing worthy
of remembrance. Under these circumstances, the writer
of this article trusts to a candid reception of this imperfect
memoir, while he laments that Mrs. Scott herself shut out
some of the best materials, by ordering all her papers and
voluminous correspondence, which came into the hands of
her executrix, to be burnt; an order much to be lamented,
because there is reason to believe, from the fragments
which remain in other hands, that her letters abounded with
literary anecdote, and acute observations on character and
life. Her style was easy, unaffected, and perspicuous;
her remarks sound, and her sagacity striking. Though her
fancy was not sufficiently powerful to give the highest attraction to a novel, she excelled in ethical remarks, and
the annals of the actual scenes of human nature. In dramatic effect, in high-wrought passion, and splendid imagery,
perhaps she was deficient.
”
, a learned English divine, was son of Mr. Thomas Scott, a substantial grazier, and was born
, a learned English divine, was son
of Mr. Thomas Scott, a substantial grazier, and was born
in the parish of Chippingham, in Wiltshire, in 1638. Not
being intended for a literary profession, he served an apprenticeship in London, much against his will,- for about
three years but, having an inclination as well as talents
for learning, he quitted his trade and went to Oxford.
“He was admitted a commoner of New Inn in 1657, and
made a great progress in logic and philosophy; but left
the university without taking a degree, and being ordained.,
came to London, where he officiated in the perpetual curacy of Trinity in the Minories, and as minister of St.
Thomas’s in Southwark. In 1677 he was presented to the
rectory of St. Peter Le Poor; and was collated to a prebend
in St. Paul’s cathedral in 1684. In 1685 he accumulated
the degrees of bachelor and doctor in divinity, having
before taken no degree in any other faculty. In 1691 he
succeeded Sharp, afterwards archbishop of York, in the
rectory of St. Giles in the Fields; and the same year was
made canon of Windsor. Wood says that*; he might soon
have been a bishop, had not some scruples hindered him;‘.’
and Hickes lias told us that he refused the bishopric of
Chester, because he could not take the oath of homage;
and afterwards another bishopric, the deanery of Worcester, and a prebend of the church of Windsor, because
they were all places of deprived men. This, however,
Dr. Isham attributes entirely to his growing infirmities.
He died in 1694, and was buried in St. Giles’s church: his
funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Isham, and afterwards
printed in 1695. In this sermon we are told that
” he had
many virtues in him of no ordinary growth piety towards
God kindness, friendship, affability, sincerity, towards
men zeal and constancy in the discharge of the pastoral
office and, in a word, all those graces and virtues which
make the good Christian and the good man.“When popery was encroaching under Charles II. and James II. he was
one of those champions who opposed it with great warmth
and courage, particularly in the dedication of a sermon
'preached at Guildhall chapel, Nov. 5, 1683, to sir William Hooker, lord-mayor of London, where he declares
that
” Domitian and Dioclesian were but puny persecutors and bunglers in cruelty, compared with the infallible cut-throats of the apostolical chair."
llent work, called “The Christian Life,” which has been often printed, and much read. The first part was published 1681, in 8vo, wiih this title, “The Christian Life,
This divine wrote an excellent work, called “The Christian Life,
” which has been often printed, and much read.
The first part was published 1681, in 8vo, wiih this title,
“The Christian Life, from its beginning to its consummation in glory, together with the several means and instruments of Christianity conducing thereunto, with directions
for private devotion and forms of prayer, fitted to the several states of Christians;
” in wherein,
the fundamental principles of Christian duty are assigned,
explained, and proved;
” in 1686, another part, “wherein
the doctrine of our Saviour’s mediation is explained and
proved.
” To these volumes of the “Christian Life
” the
pious author intended a continuation, had not long infirmity, and afterwards death, prevented him. This work is
not now much read, although the ninth edition was published in 1729. Mr. Orton, in his “Letters to young Ministers,
” seems to recommend the first volume only.
Dr. Scott published two pieces against the papists: I.
“Examination of Bellarmine’s eighth note concerning sanctity of doctrine.
” 2. “The texts examined, which papists
cite out of the Bible concerning prayer in an unknown
tongue.
” Both these pieces were printed together, Oct.
Certain Cases of Conscience resolved, concerning the
lawfulness of joining with forms of prayer in public worship,
” A collection of Cases and other Discourses lately written to recover Dissenters to the Communion of the Church of England,
”
, a poet of considerable genius, and a very amiable man, was the youngest son of Samuel and Martha Scott, and was born January
, a poet of considerable genius, and a very amiable man, was the youngest son of Samuel and Martha Scott, and was born January 9, 1730, in the GrangeWalk, in the parish of St. Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey. His father was a draper and citizen of London, a man of plain and irreproachable manners, and one of the society of the people called quakers, in which persuasion our poet was educated, and continued during the whole of his life, although not with the strictest attention to all the peculiarities of that sect. In the seventh year of his age he was put under the tuition of one John Clarke, a native of Scotland, who kept a school in Bermondsey-street, attended young Scott at his father’s house, and instructed him in the rudiments of the Latin tongue. In his tenth year his father retired with his family, consisting of Mrs. Scott and two sons, to the village of Amwell in Hertfordshire, where, for some time, he carried on the malting trade. Here our poet was sent to a private day-school, in which he is said to have had few opportunities of polite literature, and those few were declined by his father from a dread of the smallpox, which neither he nor his son had yet caught* This terror, perpetually recurring as the disorder made its appearance in one quarter or another, occasioned such frequent removals as prevented his son from the advantages of regular education. The youth, however, did not neglect to cultivate his mind by such means as were in his power. About the age of seventeen he discovered an inclination to the study of poetry, with which he combined a delight in viewing the appearances of rural nature. At this time he derived much assistance from the conversation and opinions of one Charles Frogley, a person in the humble station of a bricklayer, but who had improved a natural taste for poetry, and arrived at a considerable degree of critical discernment. This Mr. Scott thankfully acknowledged when he had himself attained a rank among the writers of his age, and could return with interest the praise by which Frogley had cheered his youthful attempts. The only other adviser of his studies, in this sequestered spot, was a Mr. John Turner, afterwards a dissenting preacher. To him he was introduced in 1753 or 1754, and, on the removal of Mr. Turner to London, and afterwards to Colleton in Devonshire, they carried on a friendly correspondence on matters of general taste.
d lived here about twenty years, at a distance from any literary society or information. His reading was chiefly confined to books of taste and criticism; but the latter
Mr. Scott’s first poetical essays were published in the
Gentleman’s Magazine, “.the great receptacle for the ebullitions of youthful genius.
” Mr. Hoole, his biographer,
has not been able to discover all the pieces inserted by
him in that work, but has reprinted three of them, which
are added to his works in the late edition of the English
poets. With the taste of the public during his retirement
at Arnwell he could have little acquaintance. He had
lived here about twenty years, at a distance from any literary society or information. His reading was chiefly confined to books of taste and criticism; but the latter at that
time were not many nor very valuable. In the ancient or
modern languages it does not appear that he made any
progress. Mr. Hoole thinks he knew very little of Latin,
and had no knowledge of either French or Italian. Those
who know of what importance it is to improve genius by
study, will regret that such a man was left, in the pliable
days of youth, without any acquaintance with the noble
models on which English poets have been formed. They
will yet more regret, that the cause of this distance from
literary society, the source of all generous and useful
emulation, was a superstitious dread of the small-pox,
already mentioned as obstructing his early studies, and
which continued to prevail with his parents to such a der
gree, that although at the distance of only twenty miles,
their son had been permitted to visit London but once in
twenty years. His chief occupation, when not in a humour
to study, was in cultivating a garden, for which he had
a particular fondness, and at length rendered one of trie
most attractive objects to the visitors of Amwell.
ontinual dread of the smallpox, and had the courage to submit to the operation of inoculation, which was successfully performed by the late baron Dimsdale. He now visited
In 1761, during the prevalence of the small-pox at
Ware, he removed to St. Margaret’s, a small hamlet about
two miles distant from Amwell, where, Mr. Hoole informs
us, he became first acquainted with him, and saw the first
sketch of his poem of Amwell, to which he then gave the
title of “A Prospect of Ware and the Country adjacent,
”
In Notwithstanding the great difference of their political principles, Scott had too much
love for goodness and genius, not to be highly gratified in
the opportunity of cultivating a friendship with that great
exemplar of human virtues, and that great veteran of human learning; while the doctor, with a mind superior to
the distinction of party, delighted with equal complacency
in the amiable qualities of Scott, of whom he always spoke
with feeling regard.
”
7, he married Sarah Frogley, the~daughter of his early friend and adviser Charles Frogley. The bride was, previous to her nuptials, admitted a member of the society
In 1767, he married Sarah Frogley, the~daughter of his early friend and adviser Charles Frogley. The bride was, previous to her nuptials, admitted a member of the society of quakers. For her father he ever preserved the highest respect, and seems to have written his Eleventh Ode with a view to relieve the mind of that worthy man from the Apprehension of being neglected by bim. The connection he had formed in his family, however, was not of long duration. His wife died in childbed in 1768, and the same year he lost his father and his infant-child. For some time he was inconsolable, and removed from Amwell, where so many objects excited the bitter remembrance of all he held dear, to the house of a friend at Upton. Here, when time and reflection had mellowed his grief, he honoured the memory of his wife by an elegy in which tenderness and love are expressed in the genuine language of nature. As he did not wish to make a parade of his private feelings, a few copies only of this elegy were given to his friends, nor would he ever suffer it to be published for sale. It procured him the praise of Dr. Hawkesworth, and the friendship of Dr. Langhorne, who, about this time, had been visited by a similar calamity. His mother, it ought to have been mentioned, died in 1766; and, in 1769, he lost his friend and correspondent Mr. Turner.
sent state of the parochial and vagrant Poor.” It is needless to add, that his advice in this matter was rather approved than followed. Some of his propositions, indeed,
Although we have hitherto contemplated our author as a
student and occasional poet, he rendered himself more
conspicuous as one of those reflectors on public affairs
who employ much of their time in endeavouring to be useful. Among other subjects, his attention had often been
called to that glaring defect in human polity, the state of
the poor; and having revolved the subject in his mind,
with the assistance of many personal inquiries, he published
in 1773 “Observations on the present state of the parochial and vagrant Poor.
” It is needless to add, that his
advice in this matter was rather approved than followed.
Some of his propositions, indeed, were incorporated in
Mr. Gilbert’s Bill, in 1782; but the whole was lost for want
of parliamentary support.
n no Tyranny.” On the commencement of the llowleian controversy, he took the part of Chatterton, and was among the first who questioned the authenticity of the poems
At, such intervals as our author could spare, he wrote
various anonymous pamphlets and essays, on miscellaneous
subjects, and is said to have appeared among the enemies
of the measures of government who answered Dr. Johnson’s
“Patriot,
” “False Alarm,
” and “Taxation no Tyranny.
”
On the commencement of the llowleian controversy, he
took the part of Chatterton, and was among the first who
questioned the authenticity of the poems ascribed to Rowley. This he discussed in some letters inserted in the Gentleman’s Magazine. Of course he was led to admire the
wonderful powers ~of the young impostor, and in his XXIst
ode pays a poetical tribute to his memory, in which, with
others of his brethren at that time, he censures the unfeeling rich for depriving their country of a new Shakspeare
or Milton.
These, however, were his amusements; the more valuable part of his time was devoted to such public business as is ever best conducted- by
These, however, were his amusements; the more valuable part of his time was devoted to such public business as is ever best conducted- by men of his pure and independent character. He gave regular attendance at turnpike-meetings, navigation trusts, and commissions of land tax*, and proposed and carried various schemes of local improvement, particularly the fine road between Ware and Hertford, and some useful alterations in the streets of Ware. Among his neighbours he frequently, by a judicious interference or arbitration, checked that spirit of litigation which destroys the felicity of a country life. During the meritorious employments of his public and political life, it can only be imputed to him that in his zeal for the principles he espoused, he sometimes betrayed too great warmth; and in
* When once asked whether he was that an oath and an affirmative are subin the commission of
* When once asked whether he was that an oath and an affirmative are subin the commission of the peace, he stantially the same, and that the mode
the Society, His own opinion was, Review, yol. VII. N. S. p. 257. answering Dr. Johnson’s pamphlets,
the Society, His own opinion was, Review, yol. VII. N. S. p. 257. answering Dr. Johnson’s pamphlets, it has been allowed that he made use of expressions which would better become those who did not know the worth of that excellent character.
towed great pains, and added the decorations of some beautiful engravings. A very favourable account was given of the whole of its contents in the Monthly Review; but
In 1778, he published a work of great labour and utility, entitled “A Digest of the Highway and general Turnpike laws.
” In this compilation, Mr. Hoole informs us,
all the acts of parliament in force are collected together,
and placed in one point of view; their contents are arranged under distinct heads, with the addition of many
notes, and an appendix on the construction and preservation of public roads, probably the only scientific treatise on
the subject. A part of this work appeared in 1773, under
the title of a “Digest of the Highway Laws.
” In the
spring of
nder which she laboured at that time; but on the 1st of December, while at his house at Radtliff, he was attacked by a putrid fever, which proved fatal on the 12th of
After this contest, he began to prepare a work of the
critical kind. He had been dissatisfied with some of Dr.
Johnson’s Lives of the Poets, and had amassed in the course
of his own reading and reflection, a number of observations
on Denham, Milton, Pope, Dyer, Goldsmith, and Thomson, which he sent to the press, under the title of “Critical Essays,
” but did not live to publish them. On the
25th of October 1783, he accompanied Mrs. Scott to London for the benefit of medical advice for a complaint under
which she laboured at that time; but on the 1st of December, while at his house at Radtliff, he was attacked by a
putrid fever, which proved fatal on the 12th of that month,
and he was interred on the 18th in the Quaker
burying-ground at Radcliff. He had arrived at his fifty-fourth year,
and left behind a widow and a daughter, their only child,
then about six years old. His death was the more lamented as he was in the vigour of life, and had the prospect of
many years of usefulness. “In his person he was tall and
slender, but his limbs were remarkably strong and muscular he was very active, and delighted much in the exercise of walking his countenance was cheerful and animated.
” The portrait prefixed to his works is not a very
correct likeness, nor was he himself satisfied with it.
were, except that he cherished a general reverence for piety, is somewhat doubtful. Professedly, he was one of the society called Quakers, but the paper which that
His public and private character appears to have been in every respect worthy of imitation, but what his religious opinions were, except that he cherished a general reverence for piety, is somewhat doubtful. Professedly, he was one of the society called Quakers, but the paper which that society, or some of his relations, thought it necessary to publish after his death, seems to intimate that in their opinion, and finally in his own, his practice had riot in all respects been consistent.
rst, are among the best of his performances. Simplicity appears to have been his general aim, and he was of opinion that it was too little studied by modern writers.
His “Critical Essays
” were published in Elegies,
” as they
were the first, are among the best of his performances.
Simplicity appears to have been his general aim, and he
was of opinion that it was too little studied by modern
writers. In the “Mexican prophecy,
” however, and in
“Serim,
” there is a fire and spirit worthy of the highest
school. His “Amwell
” will ever deserve a distinguished
place among descriptive poems, but it is liable to all the
objections attached to descriptive poetry. His feeblest
effort is the “Essay on Painting,
” a hasty sketch, in which
he professed himself, and that not in very humble terms,
to be the rival of Hayley. Upon the whole, however, the
vein of pious and moral reflection, and the benevolence
and philanthropy which pervade all his poems, will continue to make them acceptable to those who read to be improved, and are of opinion that pleasure is not the sole end
of poetry.
Balwirie, a learned Scotch author of the fifteenth century, made the tour of France and Germany, and was received with some distinction at the court of the emperor Frederick
, of Balwirie, a learned Scotch author
of the fifteenth century, made the tour of France and Germany, and was received with some distinction at the court
of the emperor Frederick II. Having travelled enough to
gratify his curiosity, he returned to Scotland, and gave
himself up to study and contemplation. He was skilled in
languages; and, considering the age in which he lived,
was no mean proficient in philosophy, mathematics, and
medicine. He translated into Latin from the Arabic, the
history of animals by the celebrated physician Avicenna.
He published the whole works of Aristotle, with notes, and
affected much to reason on the principles of that great philosopher. He wrote a book concerning “The Secrets of
Nature,
” and a tract on “The nature of the Sun and Moon,
”
in which he shews his belief in the philosopher’s stone.
He likewise published what he called “Mensa Philosophica,
” a treatise replete with astrology and chiromancy.
He was much admired in his day, and was even suspected
of magic, and had Roger Bacon and Cornelius Agrippa
for his panegyrists.
, a learned English gentleman, was a younger son of sir John Scot, of Scot’s-hall, near Smeeth
, a learned English gentleman, was
a younger son of sir John Scot, of Scot’s-hall, near Smeeth
in Kent, where he was probably born; and, at about seventeen, sent to Hart-hall, in Oxford. He retired to his native
country without taking a degree, and settled at Smeetb;
and, marrying soon after, gave himself up solely to reading, to the perusing of obscure authors, which had by the
generality of scholars been neglected, and at times of leisure to husbandry and gardening. In 1576, he published
a second edition, for we know nothing of the first, of “A
perfect platform of a Hop-garden,
” &c. in 4to and, in
The Discoverie of Witchcraft,
” &c. reprinted in
Scot’s Discovery of Witchcraft; proving the common opinion of witches contracting
with devils, spirits, familiars, and their power to kill, torment, and consume, the bodies of men, women, and children, or other creatures, by diseases or otherwise, their
flying in the air, &c. to be but imaginary erroneous conceptions and novelties. Wherein also the practices of witch.
mongers, conjurors, inchanters, soothsayers, also the
delusions of astrology, alchemy, legerdemain, and many other
things, are opened, that have long lain hidden, though
very necessary to be known for the undeceiving of judges,
justices, and juries, and for the preservation of poor people, &c. With a treatise upon the nature of spirits and
devils,
” &c, In the preface to the reader he declares, that
his design in this undertaking, was “first, that the glory
of God be not so abridged and abased, as to be thrust into
the hand or lip of a lewd old woman, whereby the work of
the Creator should be attributed to the power of a creature secondly, that the religion of the gospel may be seen
to stand without such peevish trumpery thirdly, that favour and Christian compassion be rather used, towards
these poor souls, than rigour and extremity,
” &c.
A doctrine of this nature, advanced in an age when the reality of witches was so universally believed, that even the great bishop Jewel, touching
A doctrine of this nature, advanced in an age when the
reality of witches was so universally believed, that even
the great bishop Jewel, touching upon the subject in a
sermon before queen Elizabeth, could “pray God they
might never practise farther than upon the subject,
” exposed the author to every species of obloquy and persecution; and accordingly Voetius, a foreign divine, informs
us in his “Disput. Theolog.
” vol. III. p. 564, though Wood
says nothing of it, that his book was actually burnt. It
was also opposed, and, as it should seem, by great authority too: for, James I. in the preface to his “Demonologie,
” printed first at Edinburgh in wrote that book
chiefly against the damnable opinions of Wierus and Scott;
the latter of whom is not ashamed,
” the king says, “in
public print to deny, that there can be such a thing as
witchcraft, and so maintains the old error of the Sadducees
in the denying of spirits,
” an inference which by no means
follows from Scot’s premises. Dr. John Raynolds, in his
“Praslectiones upon the Apocrypha/' animadverts on several passages in Scot’s
” Discovery;“Meric Casaubon
treats him as an illiterate person; and Mr. Joseph Glanvil,
one of the greatest advocates for witchcraft, affirms, that
” Mr. Scot doth little but tell odd tales and silly legends,
which he confutes and laughs at, and pretends this to be a
confutation of the being of witches and apparitions: in all
which his reasonings are trifling and childish; and, when
he ventures at philosophy, he is little better than absurd."
Scot did not live to see the full effects of his endeavours to
abate the prejudices of the times, nor could this indeed be
the work of a single hand, contending against the king on
the thfone, many very learned men, almost the whole body
of the people, and what was the last to yield, the statutelaw of the land. His work, however, was reprinted in 1651,
4to, and in 1665, folio, with additions, and was translated
into German.
t of these qualities, and he is universally allowed to have had also the two last) died in 1599, and was buried among his ancestors in the church at Smeeth.
This sensible, learned, upright, and pious man (for we know that he possessed the two first of these qualities, and he is universally allowed to have had also the two last) died in 1599, and was buried among his ancestors in the church at Smeeth.
, alias Rotheram (Thomas), a munificent benefactor to Lincoln college, Oxford, was born at Rotheram, in Yorkshire, from whence he took his name,
, alias Rotheram (Thomas), a munificent benefactor to Lincoln college, Oxford, was born at Rotheram, in Yorkshire, from whence he took his name, but that of his family appears to have been Scot. He rose by his talents and learning to the highest ranks in church and state, having been successively fellow of King’s college, Cambridge, master of Pembroke Hall, chancellor of that university, prebendary of Sarum, chaplain to king Edward IV. provost of Beverley, keeper of the Privy Seal, secretary to four kings, bishop of Rochester and Lincoln, archbishop of York, and lord chancellor. His buildings at Cambridge, Whitehall, Southwell, and Thorp, are eminent proofs of his magnificent taste and spirit.
He was promoted to the see of Lincoln in 1471, and we learn from his
He was promoted to the see of Lincoln in 1471, and we
learn from his preface to his body of statutes, that a visit
through his diocese, in which Oxford then was, proved the
occasion of his liberality to Lincoln college. On his arrival there, in 1474, John Tristroppe, the third rector of
that society, preached the visitation sermon from Psalm
Ixxx. 14, 15. “Behold and visit this vine, and the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, &c.
” In this
discourse, which, as usual, was delivered in Latin, the
preacher addressed his particular requests to the bishop,
exhorting him to complete his college, now imperfect and
defective both in buildings and government. Rotheram is
said to have been so well pleased with the application of
the text and subject, that he stood up and declared that he
would do what was desired. Accordingly, besides what he
contributed to the buildings, he increased the number of
fellows from seven to twelve, and gave them the livings of
of Twyford in Buckinghamshire, and Long Combe in
Oxfordshire. He formed also in 1479, a body of statutes,
in which, after noticing with an apparent degree of displeasure, that although Oxford was in the diocese of Lincoln, no college had yet made provision for the natives of
that diocese, he enjoined that the rector should be of the
diocese of Lincoln or York, and the fellows or scholars
should be persons born in the dioceses of Lincoln and
York, and one of Wells, with a preference, as to those
from the diocese of York, to his native parish of Rotheram.
This prelate died in 1500 at Cawoud, and was buried in
the Chapel of St. Mary, under a marble tomb which he
had built.
, an eminent Scotch divine, and second son of Patrick Scougal, bishop of Aberdeen, was born June 1650, at Salton, in East Lothian, where his father,
, an eminent Scotch divine, and second son of Patrick Scougal, bishop of Aberdeen, was born June 1650, at Salton, in East Lothian, where his father, the immediate predecessor of Bishop Burnet, was rector. His father, designing him for the sacred ministry, watched over his infant mind with peculiar care, and soon had the satisfaction of perceiving the most amiable dispositions unfold themselves, and his understanding rise at once into the vigour of manhood. Relinquishing the amusements of youth, young Scougal applied to his studies with ardour: and, agreeably to his father’s wish, at an early period directed his thoughts to sacred literature. He perused the historical parts of the bible with peculiar pleasure, and then began to examine its contents more minutely. He was struck with the peculiarities of the Jewish dispensation, and felt an anxiety to understand why its rites and ceremonies were abolished. The nature and evidences of the Christian religion also occupied his mind. He perused sermons with much attention, committed to writing those passages which most affected him, and could comprehend and remember their whole scope. Nor was he inattentive to polite literature. He read the Roman classics, and made considerable proficiency in the Greek, Hebrew, and other oriental languages. He was also well versed in history and mathematics. His diversions were of a manly kind. After becoming acquainted with Roman history, he formed, in concert with some of his companions, a little senate, where orations of their own composition were delivered.
taught, and applied himself to the study of natural philosophy: and in consequence of this, when he was only about eighteen years of age, he wrote the reflections and
At the age of fifteen he entered the university, where he behaved with great modesty, sobriety, and diligence. He disliked the philosophy then taught, and applied himself to the study of natural philosophy: and in consequence of this, when he was only about eighteen years of age, he wrote the reflections and short essays since published: which, though written in his youth, and some of them left unfinished, breathe a devotion, which shows that his mind was early impressed with the most important concerns of human life. In all the public meetings of the students he was unanimously chosen president, and had a singular deference paid to his judgment. No sooner had he finished his courses, than he was promoted to a professorship in the university of Aberdeen, where he conscientiously performed his duty in training up the youth under his care in such principles of religion and learning as might render them ornaments to church and state. When any divisions and animosities happened in the society, he was very instrumental in reconciling and bringing them to a good understanding. He maintained his authority among the students in such a way as to keep them in awe, and at the same time to gain their love and esteem. Sunday evenings were spent with his scholars in discoursing of, and encouraging religion in principle and practice. He allotted a considerable part of his yearly income for the poor; and many indigent families of different persuasions, were relieved in their difficulties by his bounty, although so secretly that they knew not whence their supply came.
Having been a professor of philosophy for four years, he was at the age of twenty-three admitted into holy orders, and settled
Having been a professor of philosophy for four years, he was at the age of twenty-three admitted into holy orders, and settled at Auchterless, a small village about twenty miles from Aberdeen. Here his zeal and ability in his great Master’s service were eminently displayed. He catechised with great plainness and affection, and used the most endearing methods to recommend religion to his hearers. He endeavoured to bring them to a close attendance on public worship, and joined with them himself at the beginning of it. He revived the use of lectures, looking upon it as very edifying to comment upon and expound large portions of scripture. In the twenty-fifth year of his age, he was appointed professor of divinity in the King’s college, Aberdeen, which he at first declined, but when induced to accept it, he applied himself with zeal and diligence to the exercise of this office. After he had guarded his pupils agajnst the common artifices of the Romish missionaries in making proselytes, he proposed two subjects for public exercise the one, of the pastoral care, the other, of casuistical divinity.
positions of this excellent man are best seen in his writings, to which his pious and blameless life was wholly conformable. His days, however, were soon numbered: in
The inward dispositions of this excellent man are best
seen in his writings, to which his pious and blameless life
was wholly conformable. His days, however, were soon
numbered: in the twenty-seventh year of his age, he fell
into a consumption, which wasted him by slow degrees:
but during the whole time of his sickness he behaved with
the utmost resignation, nor did he ever shew the least impatience. He died June 20, 1678, in the twenty-eighth
year of his age, and was buried in King’s college church,
in Old Aberdeen. His principal work is entitled “The
Life of God in the Soul of Man,
” which has undergone
many editions, and has been thought alike valuable for the
sublime spirit of piety which it breathes, and for the purity
and elegance of its style. He left his books to the library
of his college, and five thousand marks to the office of professor of divinity. He composed a form of morning and
evening service for the cathedral church of Aberdeen,
which may be seen in Orem’s “Description of the Chanonry of Old Aberdeen,
” printed in No. 3 of the “Bibliotheca Topographica Britannica.
” His treatise on the
“Life of God,
” &c. was first printed in his life-time by
bishop Burnet about 1677, without a name, which the
author’s modesty studiously concealed. It went through
several -subsequent editions, and was patronised by the
society for promoting Christian knowledge, and was reprinted in 1726 with the addition of “Nine discourses on
important subjects,
” by the same author, and his funeral
sermon, by Dr. G. G.
tain. He wrote a treatise “De Compositione Medicamentorum,” which is very often quoted by Galen, but was pillaged by Marcellus the empiric, according to Dr. Freind.
, a Roman physician, lived in
the reign of Claudius, and is said to have accompanied this
emperor in his campaign in Britain. He wrote a treatise
“De Compositione Medicamentorum,
” which is very often
quoted by Galen, but was pillaged by Marcellus the empiric, according to Dr. Freind. At a time when it was the
practice of many physicians to keep their compositions
secret, Scribonius published his, and expressed great confidence in their efficacy; but many of them are trifling,
and founded in superstition, and his language is so inferior
to that of his age, that some have supposed he wrote his
work in Greek, and that it was translated into Latin by
some later hand: but Freind and others seem of a
different opinion. The treatise of Scribonius has been
several times reprinted, and stands among the “Medicse
Artis Principes
” of Henry Stephens,
, one of the most learned men of the sixteenth century, was born at Dundee in Scotland, in 1506, and after making great
, one of the most learned men of the sixteenth century, was born at Dundee in Scotland, in 1506, and after making great progress in the Greek and Latin languages at the grammar school of that place, studied philosophy at St. Andrew’s university with equal success* He afterwards studied civil law at Paris and Bourges. At this latter city he became acquainted with the Greek professor, James Amiot, who recommended him to be tutor to two young gentlemen; and this served also to introduce him to Bernard Bornetel, bishop of Rennes, a celebrated political character, who invited Mr. Scrimzeor to accompany him to Italy. There he became acquainted with the most distinguished scholars of the country. The death of the noted Francis Spira * happened during his visit at Padua, and as the character and conduct of this remarkable person at that time engaged the attention of the world, Mr. Scrimzeor is said to have collected memoirs of him, which, however, does not appear in the catalogue of his works.
ed his mind with the literature of foreign countries, and satisfied his curiosity as a traveller, it was his intention to have revisited Scotland; but, on his journey
After he had stored his mind with the literature of foreign countries, and satisfied his curiosity as a traveller, it was his intention to have revisited Scotland; but, on his journey homeward, through Geneva, the syndics and other magistrates requested him to set up the profession of philosophy in that city; promising a suitable compensation. He accepted the proposal, and established the philosophical
* Francis Spira was a lawyer of great plied. Shortly after he fell into * reputation
* Francis Spira was a lawyer of great plied. Shortly after he fell into *
reputation at Cittadella in the Venetian deep melancholy, lost his health, and
State, at the beginning of the sixteenth was removed to Padua for the adcentury. He had imbibed the prin- vice of physicians and divines but
ciples of 'he Reformation, and was ac- his disorders augmented. The recused before John de la Casa, arch- cantation, which he said he had made
bishop of Benevento, the pope’s nun- from cowardice and interest, filled his
cio at Venice. He made some con- mind with continual horror and remorse,
cessions, and asked pardon of the pa- and no means being found to restore
pal minister for hi* errors. But the either his health or peace of mind, be
nuncio insisted upon a public recanta- fell a victim to his miserable situation
tion. Spira was exceedingly averse to in 1548. Collier’s Diet. art. Spira.
this measure but at the pressing in- There have been many editions of a
stances of his wife and his friends, who “Life of Spira
” published in England
represented to him, that tie must lose and Scotland, as a “warning to aposhis practice and ruin his affairs by tales.
”
persisting against it, he at last
comchair; but after he had taught for some time at Geneva, a
fire broke out in his neighbourhood, by. which his house
was consumed, and he himself reduced to great distress.
At this time flourished at Augsburg that famous mercantile
family, the. Fuggers. Ulric Fugger, its then representative, a man possessed of prodigious wealth, and a munificent patron of learned men, having heard of the misfortune which had befallen Mr. Scrimzeor, immediately sent
him a pressing invitation to accept an asylum beneath his
roof till his affairs could be re-established. Mr. Scrimzeor,
gladly availing himself of such a hospitable kindness, lost no
time in going to Germany.
Whilst residing at Augsburg with Mr. Fugger, he was much employed in augmenting his patron’s library by vast collections,
Whilst residing at Augsburg with Mr. Fugger, he was much employed in augmenting his patron’s library by vast collections, purchased from every corner of Europe, particularly manuscripts of the Greek and Latin authors. He also composed many works of great learning- and ingenuity, whilst he continued in a situation so peculiarly agreeable to the views and habits of a scholar; and when he was desirous of returning to Geneva to print them, Fugger recommended him, for this purpose, to the very learned Henry Stephens, one of his pensioners.
Immediately on his arrival at Geneva, 1563, he was earnestly solicited by the magistrates to resume the chair of
Immediately on his arrival at Geneva, 1563, he was
earnestly solicited by the magistrates to resume the chair
of philosophy. With this he complied, and notwithstanding the dedication of much of his time to the study of physics, he, two years afterwards, instituted a course of lectures
in the civil law,and had the honour of being its first professor at Geneva. Being now settled here, he intended
to have printed his various works, but a suspicion which
Henry Stephens entertained, that it was his intention to
set up a rival press at Geneva, occasioned great dissentions
between them. The result of the dispute was, that almost
all Scrimzeor’s publications were posthumous-. Among
them are critical and explanatory notes upon Athenaeus’s
“Deipnosophists,
” published by Isaac Casaubon at Leyden in Justinian’s Novels
”
into Greek. This was printed at Paris in The Basilica,
” or Basilics, a
collection of Roman Laws, which the Eastern emperors
Basil and Leo, who reigned in the fifth century, commanded to be translated into Greek, and which preserved
their authority till the dissolution of the Eastern empire.
Almost the whole of his life, although he arrived at old age, was spent in his library. The time of his death is uncertain; but
Almost the whole of his life, although he arrived at old age, was spent in his library. The time of his death is uncertain; but it appears most likely, from a comparison of different accounts, that it happened very near the expiration of 1571, or at the beginning of the succeeding year, about the sixty-sixth year of his age. He died in the city of Geneva.
, a considerable philologer and poet, was born at Harlem in 1576. He was educated at Harlem and at Leyden,
, a considerable philologer and poet, was born at Harlem in 1576.
He was educated at Harlem and at Leyden, where he read
law in his early days, but devoted himself afterwards to a
private and studious life, which ended April 30, 1660, in
the eighty-fourth year of his age. His works are: “
Batavia illustrata.
” “Batavise comitumq. omnium Historia.
”
“Miscellanea Philologica.
” “Carmina Latina & Belgica.
”
“Populare Hollandise Chronicon.
” “Collectanea Veterum Tragicorum.
” He likewise corrected the copyof
“Vegetius,
” and enlarged and wrote notes upon Aquilius’s
<c Chronicon Geldricum" and was the author or editor of
various other works, classical and historical.
, a French writer of eminence in his day, was descended from an ancient and noble family of Apt in Provence,
, a French writer of eminence
in his day, was descended from an ancient and noble
family of Apt in Provence, and born at Havre-de-Grace
in 1603. He spent part of his youth at Apt, and afterwards came and settled at Paris, where at first he subsisted
by the efforts of his pen, particularly in poetry, and dramatic pieces, none of which are now in any estimation,
and we may, therefore, be spared the trouble of giving
their titles. In 1627 he published observations upon the
“Cid
” of Corneille, with a view of making his court to
cardinal Richelieu, who was absurdly envious of that great
poet, and did every thing he could to oppose the vast reputation and success of the “Cid:
” and by his influence
alone enabled even such a man as Scuderi “to balance,
”
as Voltaire says, “for some time, the reputation of Corneille.
” Scuderi was received a member of the academy
in 1650. He had before been made governor of the castle
of Notre-Dame de la Garde, in Provence; and although
this was a situation of very little profit, Scuderi, who was
still more vain than indigent, gave a pompous description
of it in a poem, which drew upon him the raillery of Chapelle and Bachaumont. Scuderi died at Paris, May 14,
1667, leaving a name now better known than his works.
, sister of the preceding, and his superior in talents, was born at Havre-de-Grace in 1607, and became very eminent for
, sister of the preceding,
and his superior in talents, was born at Havre-de-Grace in
1607, and became very eminent for her wit and her writings. She went earty to Paris, where she gained admission into the assemblies of learning and fashion. Having
recourse, like her brother, to the pen, she gratified the taste
of the age for romances, by various productions of that
kind, which were very eagerly read, and even procured
her literary honours. The celebrated academy of the
Ricovrati at Padua complimented her with a place in their
society; and some great personages showed their regard
by presents, and other marks of esteem. The prince of
Paderborn, bishop of Munster, sent her his works and a
medal; and Christina of Sweden often wrote to her, settled on her a pension, and sent her her picture. Cardinal
Mazarin left her an annuity by his will: and Lewis XIV.
in 1683, at the solicitation of M. de Maintenon, settled
a good pension upon her, which was punctually paid.
His majesty also appointed her a special audience to receive
her acknowledgments, and paid her some very flattering
compliments. She had an extensive correspondence with
men of learning and wit: and her house at Paris was the
rendezvous of all who would be thought to patronize genius. She died in 1701, aged 94; and two churches contended for the honour of possessing her remains, which
was thought a point of so much consequence, that nothing
less than the authority of the cardinal de Noailles, to whom
the affair was referred, *was sufficient to decide it. She
was a very voluminous writer as well as her brother, but of
more merit; and it is remarkable of this lady, that she obtained the first prize of eloquence founded by the academy. There is much common-place panegyric upon her
in the “Menagiana,
” from the personal regard Menage
had for her but her merits are better settled by Boileau,
in the “Discours
” prefixed to his dialogue entitled “Les
Hero des Roman.
” Her principal works are, “Artamene,
ou le Grand Cyrus,
” Clelie,
” Celanire, ou la Promenade de Versailles,
”
Ibrahim, ou l'Illustre Bassa,
” Almahide, ou PEsclave Reine,
” 1661, 8vo
” Mathilde d'Aguiiar,“1667, 8vo;
” Conversations et Entretiens," 10 vols. c. These last
conversations are thought the best of Mad Scuderi’s wo^ks,
but there was a time when English translations of her prolix
romances were read. What recommended them to the
French public was the traits of living characters which she
occasionally introduced.
, an eminent protestant divine, was born at Grumberg in Silesia, Aug. i?4, 1556, and after having
, an eminent protestant divine, was born at Grumberg in Silesia, Aug. i?4, 1556, and after having studied there till 1582, was sent to BresUw to continue his progress in the sciences He was recalled soon after, his father, who had lost all his fortune in the fire of Grunberg, being no longer able to maintain him at the college, and therefore intending to bring him up to some trade. The young man was not at all pleased with such a proposal; and looked out for the place of a tutor, which he found in the family of a burgomaster of Freistad, and this gave him an opportunity of hearing the sermons of Melancthon and of Abraham Bucholtzer. In 1584 he took a journey into Poland, and went to Gorlitz in Lusatia the year following, and resided there above two years, constantly attending the public lectures, and reading private lectures to others. He employed himself in the same manner in the university of Wittemberg in 1588 and 1589, and afterwards in that of Heidelberg till he was admitted into the church in 1594. He officiated in a village of the palatinate for some months; after which he was sent for by the elector palatine to be one of his preachers. In 1598 he was appointed pastor of the church of St. Francis at Heidelberg, and two years after was made a member of the ecclesiastical senate. He was employed several times in visiting the churches and schools of the palatinate, and among these avocations wrote some works, which required great labour. He attended the prince of Anhalt to the war at Juliers in 1610, and applied himself with great prudence and vigilance to the re-settlement of the affairs of the reformed church in those parts. He attended Frederic V. prince palatine into England in 1612, and contracted an acquaintance with the most learned men of that kingdom, but Wood speaks of his having resided some time at Oxford in 1598. He took a journey to Brandenburg in 1614, the elector John Sigismond, who was about renouncing Lutheranism, being desirous of concerting measures with him with respect to that change; and on his return to Heidelberg he accepted the place of courtpreacher, which he relinquished when appointed professor of divinity in 1618. He was deputed soon after to the synod of Dort, where he endeavoured at first to procure a reconciliation of the contending parties; but finding nothing of that kind was to be expected, he opposed vigorously the doctrines of the Arminians. He preached at Francfort the year following during the electoral diet held there, his master having appointed him preacher to the deputies whom he sent thither. He also attended that prince in his journey into Bohemia; and retiring into Silesia after the fatal battle of Prague, resolved to return to Heidelberg in order to discharge the functions of his professorship there; but the fury of the war having dispersed the students, he went to Bretten, and afterwards to Schorndorf in the country of Wirtemberg, whence he removed to Embden in August 1622. The king of Bohemia his master had consented that the city of Embden should offer Scultetus the place of preacher, but he did not enjoy it very long; for he died October the 24th, 1625.
The principal works of this learned divine, who, as Freher says, was reckoned another Chrysostom, are, 1. “Confutatio disputationis
The principal works of this learned divine, who, as Freher says, was reckoned another Chrysostom, are, 1. “Confutatio disputationis Baronii de baptismo Constantini,
”
Neost. Annales Evangelii per Europara
15 Seculi renovati, Decad. 1 et 2,
” Heidelberg, Axiomata concionancii,
” Han. Observationes in Pauli
Epistolas ad Timotheum, Titum, et Philernonem.
” 5. “Medulla Patrum,
”
, a distinguished surgeon, was born in 1595, at Ulm, and studied medicine at Padua, where he
, a distinguished
surgeon, was born in 1595, at Ulm, and studied medicine
at Padua, where he took his degrees in that faculty in 1621.
On his return to his native city, he practised with great
reputation for twenty years, until being called to Stutgard
to a patient, he was there attacked with a fit of apoplexy,
which terminated his life December 1, 1645. He appears
to have practised surgery extensively, and with great boldness in the operations of bronchotomy, of the trephine, and
forempyema. His principal work is entitled “Armamentarium Chirurgicum, 43 tabulis acre incisis ornatum;
” and
was published after his death, at Ulm, in
, an ancient mathematician and geographer, was a native of Caryanda, in Caria, and is noticed by Herodotus,
, an ancient mathematician and geographer, was a native of Caryanda, in Caria, and is noticed by Herodotus, and by Suidas, who, however, has evidently confounded different persons of the same name. There is a Periplus which still remains, bearing the name of Scylax, and which is a brief survey of the countries along the shores of the Mediterranean and Euxine seas, together with part of the western coast of Africa surveyed by Hanno; but it seems doubtful to what Scylax it belongs. This Periplus has come down to us in a corrupted state: it was first published from a palatine ms by Hoeschelius and others in 1600. It was afterwards edited by Isaac Vossius in 1639, by Hudson in 1698, and by Gronovius in 1700.
, called also CuRopalates, from an office he held in the household of the emperor of that name, was a Greek historian, known for his abridgment of history from
, called also CuRopalates, from an office he held in the household of the emperor of that name, was a Greek historian, known for his abridgment of history from the death of Nicephorus Logothetes, in 811, to the deposition of Nicephorus Botoniates, in 1081. This history, from 1067, is the same as that of Cedrenus, which has raised a doubt whether Cedre-. nus or Scylitza was the original author. Scylitza is thought to have been a native of Lesser Asia, and a prefect of the guards before he attained the dignity of curopalates. A Latin translation of his history entire, was published at Venice in 1570; and the part concerning which there is no dispute was printed in Greek and Latin conjointly with that author, at Paris, in 1647.
, a very learned German, was descended from ancient and noble families; and born at Aurach,
, a very learned German, was descended from ancient and noble families; and
born at Aurach, a town of Franconia, Dec. 20, 1626. He
made good use of a liberal education, and was not only a
master of the French, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages,
but had also some skill in mathematics and the sciences,
The great progress he made in his youth coming to the ears
of Ernest the pious, duke of Saxe-Goth'a, this prince sent
for him from Cobourg, where he then was, to be educated
with his children. After remaining two years at Gotha, he
went, in 1642, to Strasbnrg; but returned to Gotha in.
1646, and was made honorary librarian to the duke. In
1651, he was made an lie and ecclesiastical counsellor;
and, in 1663, a counsellor of state, first minister, and
sovereign director of the consistory. The year after, he
went into the service of Maurice, duke of Saxe-Zeist, as
counsellor of state and chancellor; and was no less regarded
by this new master than he had been by the duke of SaxeGotha. He continued with him till his death, which happened in 1681; and then preferred a life of retirement,
during which he composed a great many works; but Frederic III. elector of Brandenburg, again brought him into
public life, and made him^. counsellor of state and chancellor
of the university of Halle, dignities which he did not enjoy
long, for he died at Halle Dec. 18, 1692, in the sixty-sixth
year of his age. He was twice married, but had only one
son, who survived him. Besides his knowledge of languages,
he was learned in law, history, divinity; and is also said to
have been a tolerable painter and engraver. Of his numerous writings, that in most estimation for its utility, was
published at Francfort, 1692, 2 vols. folio, usually bound
up in one, with the title, “Commentarius Historicus &
Apologeticus de Lutheranisrno, sive de lleformatione Religionis ductu D. Martini Lutberi in magna Germania, aliisque regionibus, & speciatim in Saxonia, recepta & stabilita,
” &c. This work, which is very valuable on many accounts, and particularly curious for several singular pieces
and extracts that are to be found in it, still holds its repu^
tation, and is referred to by all writers on the reformation.
, an eminent English prelate, was born in 1693, at asmail village called Sibthorpe, in the vale
, an eminent English prelate, was born in 1693, at asmail village called Sibthorpe, in the vale of Belvoir, Nottinghamshire. His father was a Protestant dissenter, a pious, virtuous, and sensible man, who, having a small paternal fortune, followed no profession. His mother was the daughter of Mr. George Brough, of Shelton, in the county of Nottingham, a substantial gentleman farmer He received his education at several private schools in the country, being obliged by various accidents to change his masters frequently; yet at the age of nineteen he had not only made a considerable progress in Greek and Latin, and read the best and most difficult writers in both languages, but had acquired a knowledge of French, Hebrew, Chaldee, and Syriac, had learned geography, logic, algebra, geometry, conic sections, and gone through a course of lectures on Jewish antiquities, and other points preparatory to the study of the Bible. At the same time, in one or other of theseacademies, he had an opportunity of forming an acquaintance with several persons of great abilities. Among the rest, in the academy of Mr. Jones at Tewkesbury, he laid the foundation of a strict friendship with Mr. Joseph Butler, afterwards bishop of Durham.
ondon and Paris. During his stay at Paris, he kept up a constant correspondence with Mr. Butler, who was now preacher at the Rolls. Mr. Butler took occasion to mention
Mr, Seeker had been designed by his father for orders among the dissenters. With this view, his studies were directed chiefly, and very assiduously, to divinity, but not being able to decide upon certain doctrines, or determine absolutely what communion he should embrace, he resolved to pursue some profession, which should leave him at liberty to weigh these things more maturely in his thoughts, and therefore, about the end of 1716, he applied himself to the study of physic, both at London and Paris. During his stay at Paris, he kept up a constant correspondence with Mr. Butler, who was now preacher at the Rolls. Mr. Butler took occasion to mention his friend Mr. Seeker, without his knowledge, to Mr. Edward Talbot, who promised, in case he chose to take orders in the church of England, to engage the bishop, his father, to provide for him. This was communicated to Mr. Seeker, in a letter, about the beginning of May 1720. He had not at that time come to any resolution of quitting the study of physic, but he began to foresee many obstacles to his pursuing that profession: and having never discontinued his application to theology, his former difficulties, both with regard to conformity, and some other doubtful points, had gradually lessened, as his judgment became stronger, and his reading and knowledge more extensive. It appears also from two of his letters from Paris, both of them prior to the date of Mr. Butler’s communication above mentioned, that he was greatly dissatisfied with the divisions and disturbances which at that particular period prevailed among the dissenters. In this state of mind Mr. Butler’s unexpected proposal found him, and after deliberating carefully on the subject of such a change for upwards of two month*, he resolved to embrace the offer, and for that purpose quitted France about July 1720.
hised the young and ignorant, received his country neighbours and tenants kindly and hospitably, and was of great service to the poorer sort by his skill in physic,
At Houghton Mr. Seeker applied himself with alacrity to all the duties of a country clergyman, omitting nothing which he thought could be of use to his Bock. He brought clown his conversation and his sermons to the level of their understandings; visited them in private, catechised the young and ignorant, received his country neighbours and tenants kindly and hospitably, and was of great service to the poorer sort by his skill in physic, which was the only use he ever made of it. Though this place was in a very remote part of the world, yet the solitude of it perfectly suited his studious disposition, and the income arising from it bounded his ambition. Here he would have been content to live and die here, as he has often been heard to declare, he spent some of the happiest hours of his life and it was no thought or choice of his own that removed "him to a higher and more public sphere. But Mrs. Seeker’s health, which was thought to have been injured by the dampness of the situation, obliged him to think of exchanging it for a more healthy one. On this account he procured an exchange of Houghton for a prebend of Durham, and the rectory of Ryton, in 1727; and for the two following years he lived chiefly at Durham, going over every week to officiate at Ryton, and spending there two or three months together in the summer. In July 1732, the duke of Grafton, then lord chamberlain, appointed him chaplain to the king. For this favour he was indebted to bishop Sherlock, who having heard him preach at Bath, thought his abilities worthy of being brought forward into public notice. From that time an intimacy commenced betwixt them, and he received from that prelate many solid proofs of esteem and friendship. This preferment produced him also the honour of a conversation with queen Caroline. Mr. Seeker’s character was now so well established, that on the resignation of Dr. Tyrwhit, he was instituted to the rectory of St. James’s, May 18, 1733, and in the beginning of July went to Oxford to take his degree of doctor of laws, not being of sufficient standing for that of divinity. On this occasion he preached his celebrated Act sermon, on the advantages and duties of academical education, which was printed at the desire of the heads of houses, and quickly passed through several editions. The queen, in a subsequent interview, expressed her high opinion of this sermon, which was also thought to have contributed not a little to his promotion to the bishopric of Bristol, to which he was consecrated Jan. 19, 1735.
and reproved the follies and vices of every rank amongst them without distinction or palliation.” He was certainly one of the most popular preachers of his time, and
Dr. Seeker immediately set about the visitation of his dioeese, confirmed in a great many places, preached in several
churches, sometimes, twice a day, and from the information
received in his progress, laid the foundation of a parochial
account of his diocese, for the benefit of his successors.
Finding at the same time, the affairs of his parish of St.
James’s in great disorder, he took the trouble, in concert
with a few others, to put the accounts of the several officers
into a regular method. He also drew up for the use of his
parishioners that course of “Lectures on the Church Catechism,
” which have since been so often reprinted. “The
sermons,
” says bishop Porteus, “which he set himself to
compose were truly excellent and original. His faculties
were now in their full vigour, and he had an audience to
speak before that rendered the utmost exertion of them necessary. He did not, however, seek to gratify the higher
part by amusing them with refined speculations or ingenious essays, unintelligible to the lower part, and unprofitable to both; but he laid before them all, with equal freedom
and plainness, the great Christian duties belonging to their
respective stations, and reproved the follies and vices of
every rank amongst them without distinction or palliation.
”
He was certainly one of the most popular preachers of his
time, and though, as his biographer observes, his sermons,
may not now afford the same pleasure, or produce the same
effects in the closet, as they did from the pulpit, accompanied as they then were with all the advantages of his delivery, yet it will plainly appear that the applause they met
with was founded no less on the matter they contained,
than the manner in which they were spoken.
On the translation of Dr. Potter to the archbishopric of Canterbury, Dr. Seeker was translated to the bishopric of Oxford, in May 1737. When the
On the translation of Dr. Potter to the archbishopric of
Canterbury, Dr. Seeker was translated to the bishopric of
Oxford, in May 1737. When the unfortunate breach happened between the late king and the prince of Wales, his
highness having removed to Norfolk-house, in the parish
of St. James’s, attended divine service constantly at that
church. Two stories are told of this matter, which, although without much foundation, served to amuse the public for a while. The one was, that the first time the prince
made his appearance at church, the clerk in orders, Mr.
Bonney, began the service with the sentence, “I will arise
and go to my father,
” &c- The other, that Dr. Seeker
preached from the text, “Honour thy father and thy mother,
” &c. Dr. Seeker had the honour of baptizing all his
highness’s children except two, and though he did not attend his court, which was forbidden to those who went to
the king’s, yet on every proper occasion he behaved with
all the submission and respect due to his illustrious rank.
In consequence of this, his influence with the prince being
supposed much greater than it really was, he was sent, by
the king’s direction, with a message to his royal highness;
which not producing the effects expected from it, he had
the misfortune to incur his majesty’s displeasure, who had
been unhappily persuaded to think that he might have done
more with the prince than he did, though indeed he could
not For this reason, and because he sometimes acted
with those who opposed the court, the king did not speak
to him for a great number of years. The whole of Dr,
Seeker’s parliamentary conduct appears to have been loyalj
manly, and independent. His circular letter to his clergy,
and his sermon on the subject of the rebellion in 1745, rank
among the best and most efficacious documents of the kind
which that melancholy event produced. In the spring of
1748 his wife died, to whom he had now been married upwards of twenty years.
In December 1750, he was promoted to the deanery of St. Paul’s, in exchange for the rectory
In December 1750, he was promoted to the deanery of
St. Paul’s, in exchange for the rectory of St. James’s and
the prebend of Durham. Having now more leisure both to
prosecute his own studies, and to encourage those of others,
he gave Dr. Church considerable assistance in his “first
and second Vindication of the Miraculous powers,
” against
Dr. Middleton, and in his " Analysis of Lord Bolingbroke’s
Works,' 7 which appeared a few years afterwards. He likewise assisted archdeacon Sharpe in his controversy with the
Hutchinsonians, which was carried on to the end of the
year 1755.
During the whole time that he was dean of St. Paul’s, he attended divine service constantly in
During the whole time that he was dean of St. Paul’s, he attended divine service constantly in that cathedral twice every day, whether in residence or not and in concert with the three other residentiaries, established the custom of always- preaching their own turns in the afternoon, or exchanging with each other only, which, excepting the case of illness, or extraordinary accidents, was very punctually observed. He also introduced many salutary regulations in the financial concerns of the church, the keeping of the registers, &c. &c. In the summer months he resided constantly at his episcopal house at Ctiddesden, the vicinity of which to Oxford rendered it very pleasing to a man of his literary turn. His house was the resort of those who were most distinguished for academical merit, and his conversation such as was worthy of his guests, who always left him with a high esteem of his understanding and learning. And though in the warm contest in 1754, for representatives of the county (in which it was scarce possible for any person of eminence to remain neuter), he openly espoused that side 'which was thought most favourable to the principles of the revolution; yet it was without bitterness or vehemence, without ever departing from the decency of his profession, the dignity of his station, or the charity prescribed by his religion.
His conduct as a prelate was in the strictest sense of the word, exemplary. In his charges,
His conduct as a prelate was in the strictest sense of the word, exemplary. In his charges, he enjoined no duty, &nd imposed no burthen, on those under his jurisdiction, which he had not formerly undergone, or was not still ready, as far as became him, to undergo. He preached constantly in his church at Cuddesden every Sunday morning, and read a lecture on the catechism in the evening; (both which he continued to do in Lambeth chapel after he became archbishop) and in every other respect, within his own proper department, was himself that devout, discreet, disinterested, laborious, conscientious pastor, which he wished and exhorted every clergyman in his diocese to become. At length such distinguished merit prevailed over all the political obstacles to his advancement; and on the death of archbishop Hutton, he was appointed by the king to succeed him in the diocese of Canterbury, and was accordingly confirmed at Bow-church on April 21, 1758. The use he made of this dignity very clearly shewed that rank, and wealth, and power, had in no other light any charms for him, than as they enlarged the sphere of his active and industrious benevolence.
per precedents and directions. He had before, when rector of St. James’s, baptized the new king (who was born in Norfolk-house, in that parish) and he was afterwards
In little more than two years after his grace’s promotion to the see of Canterbury, died the late George II. Of what passed on that occasion, and of the form observed in proclaiming our present sovereign (in which the archbishop of course took the lead), his grace has left an account in writing. He did the same with regard to the subsequent ceremonials of marrying and crowning their present majesties, which in consequence of his station he had the honour to solemnize, and in which he found a great want of proper precedents and directions. He had before, when rector of St. James’s, baptized the new king (who was born in Norfolk-house, in that parish) and he was afterwards called upon to perform the same office for the greatest part of his majesty’s children a remarkable, and perhaps unexampled concurrence of such incidents in the life of one man.
hich he presided, but of learning, virtue, and religion at large; and, from the eminence on which he was placed, looked round with a watchful eye on every thing that
As archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Seeker considered himself as the natural guardian, not only of that church over which he presided, but of learning, virtue, and religion at large; and, from the eminence on which he was placed, looked round with a watchful eye on every thing that concerned them, embracing readily all opportunities to promote their interests, and opposing, as far as he was able, all attempts to injure them. Men of real genius or extensive knowledge, he sought out and encouraged. Even tho^e- of humbler talents, provided their industry was great, and their intentions good, he treated with kindness and condescension. Both sorts he would frequently employ in undertakings suited to their respective abilities, and rewarded them in ways suited to their respective wants. He assisted them with books, promoted subscriptions to their 5 works, contributed largely to them himself, talked with them on their private concerns, entered warmly into their interests, used his credit for them with the great, and gave them preferments of his own. He expended upwards o 300l. in arranging and improving the ms library at Lambeth. Arid having observed with concern, that the library of printed books in that palace had received no accessions since the time of archbishop Tenison, he made it his business to collect books in all languages from most parts of Europe, at a very great expence, with a view of supplying that chasm; which he accordingly did, by leaving them to the library at his death.
h, to which he afterwards added near 100l. more. To the society for promoting Christian knowledge he was a liberal benefactor; and to that for propagating the gospel
All designs and institutions that tended to advance good
morals and true religion he patronized with zeal and
generosity. He contributed largely to the maintenance of
schools for the poor, to rebuilding or repairing parsonagehouses and places of worship, and gave at one time no less
than 500l. towards erecting a chapel in the parish of Lambeth,
to which he afterwards added near 100l. more. To the society for promoting Christian knowledge he was a liberal
benefactor; and to that for propagating the gospel in foreign parts, of which he was the president, he paid much
attention, was constant at the meetings of its members, and
superintended their deliberations with consummate prudence and temper. He was sincerely desirous to improve
to the utmost that excellent institution, and to diffuse the
knowledge and belief of Christianity as wide as the revenues
of the society, and the extreme difficulty of establishing
schools and missions amongst the Indians, and of making
any effectual and durable impressions of religion on their
uncivilized minds, would admit. But Dr. Mayhew, of
Boston in New England, having in an angry pamphlet accused the society of not sufficiently answering these good
purposes, and of departing widely from the spirit of their
charter, with many injurious reflections interspersed on the
church of England, and the design of appointing bishops
in America, his grace on all these accounts thought himself
called upon to confute his invectives, which he did in a
short anonymous piece, entitled “An Answer to Dr.
Mayhew’s Observations on the charter and conduct of the Society for propagating the Gospel,
” London, 1764, reprinted
in America. The strength of argument, as well as fairness
and good temper, with which this answer was written, had
a considerable effect on all impartial men; and even on the
doctor himself, who plainly perceived that he had no common adversary to deal with; and could not help acknowledging him to be “a person of excellent sense, and of a
happy talent at writing; apparently free from the sordid
illiberal spirit of bigotry; one of a cool temper, who often
shewed much candour, was well acquainted with the affairs
of the society, and in general a fair reasoner.
” He was
therefore so far wrought upon by his “worthy answerer,
”
as to abate much in his reply of his former warmth and
acrimony. But as he still would not allow himself to be
“wrong in any material point,
” nor forbear giving way too
much to reproachful language and ludicrous misrepresentations, he was again animadverted upon by the late Mr.
Apthorpe, in a sensible tract, entitled, “A Review of Dr.
Mayhew’s Remarks,
” &c.
Seeker espoused it, no sooner did the American provinces become independent states, than application was made to the English bishops by some of those states to consecrate
It appeared evidently in the course of this controversy that Dr. Mayhew, and probably many other worthy men amongst the Dissenters, both at home and abroad, had conceived very unreasonable and groundless jealousies of the church of England, and its governors; and had, in particular, greatly misunderstood the proposal for appointing bishops in some of the colonies. The nature of that plan is fully explained in bishop Porteus’s life of our archbishop, to which we refer. The question is now of less importance, for notwithstanding the violent opposition to the measure, when Dr. Seeker espoused it, no sooner did the American provinces become independent states, than application was made to the English bishops by some of those states to consecrate bishops for them according to the rites of the church of England, and three bishops were actually consecrated in London some years ago: one for Pennsylvania, another for New York, and a third for Virginia.
ristianity, he did his utmost to stop the circulation of them yet the wretched authors themselves he was so far from wishing to treat withany undue rigour, that he has
Whenever any publications came to the archbishop’s knowledge that were manifestly calculated to corrupt good morals, or subvert the foundations of Christianity, he did his utmost to stop the circulation of them yet the wretched authors themselves he was so far from wishing to treat withany undue rigour, that he has more than once extended his bounty to them in distress. And when their writing* could not properly be suppressed (as was too often the case) by lawful authority, he engaged men of abilities to answer them, and rewarded them for their trouble. His attention was everywhere. Even the falsehoods and misrepresentations of writers in the newspapers, on religious or ecclesiastical subjects, he generally took care to have contradicted: and when they seemed likely to injure, in any material degree, the cause of virtue and religion, or the reputation of eminent and worthy men, he would sometimes take the trouble of answering them himselfOne instance of this kind, which does him honour, and deserves mention, was his defence of Bishop Butler, who, in a pamphlet, published in 1767, was accused of having died a papist.
uct which he observed towards the several ditisions and denominations of Christians in this kingdom, was such as shewed his way of thinking to be truly liberal and catholic.
The conduct which he observed towards the several ditisions and denominations of Christians in this kingdom, was such as shewed his way of thinking to be truly liberal and catholic. The dangerous spirit of popery, indeed, he thought should always be kept under proper legal resiraints, on account of its natural opposition, not only to the religious, but the civil rights of mankind. He therefore observed its movements with care, and exhorted his clergy to do the same, especially those who were situated in the midst of Roman catholic families: against whose influence they were charged to be upon their guard, and were furnished with proper books or instructions for the purpose. He took all opportunities of combating the errors of the church of Rome, in his own writings; and the best answers that were published to some bold apologiesfor popery were written at his instance, and under his direction.
With the dissenters his grace was sincerely desirous of cultivating a good understanding. He considered
With the dissenters his grace was sincerely desirous of cultivating a good understanding. He considered them, in general, as a conscientious and valuable class of men. With some of the most eminent of them, Watts, Doddridge *, Leland, Chandler, and Lardner, he maintained an
etters from archbishop Seckthe hierarchy, setm never to exult er to that dirine, forgetting; that he was more than when they can produce uot archbishop until several
* The biographers of eminent dis- drulge’s Letters,“in his zeal, has* presenters, with all tlx-ir prejudices against duced two letters from archbishop Seckthe hierarchy, setm never to exult er to that dirine, forgetting; that he was
more than when they can produce uot archbishop until several year after
the correspondence of a distinguished Duddridge’s death,
prelate. But the editor of
” Dr. Dod
intercourse of friendship or civility. By the most candid
and considerate part of them he was highly reverenced and
esteemed: and to such among them as needed help he
shewed no less kindness and liberality than to those of his
own communion.
Nor was his concern for the Protestant cause confined to his own country
Nor was his concern for the Protestant cause confined to his own country he was well known as the great patron and protector of it in various parts of Europe from whence he had frequent applications for assistance, which never failed of being favourably received. To several foreign Protestants he ailowed pensions, to others he gave occasional relief, and to some of their universities was an annual benefactor.
ber of the British legislature. From his entrance into the House of Peers, his parliamentary conduct was uniformly upright and noble. He kept equally clear from the
In public affairs, his grace acted the part of an honest citizen, and a worthy member of the British legislature. From his entrance into the House of Peers, his parliamentary conduct was uniformly upright and noble. He kept equally clear from the extremes of factious petulance and servile dependence: never wantonly thwarting administration from motives of party zeal or private pique, or personal attachment, or a passion for popularity: nor yet going every length with every minister, from views of interest or ambition. He seldom, however, spoke in parliament, except where the interests of religion and virtue seemed to require it: but whenever he did, he spoke with propriety and strength, and was heard with attention and deference. Though he never attached himself blindly to any set of men, yet his chief political connections were with the late duke of Newcastle, and lord chancellor Hardwicke. To these he owed principally his advancement: and he lived long enough to shew his gratitude to them or their descendants.
th, the dreadful pains he felt had compelled him to think of trying the Bath waters: but that design was stopped by the fatal accident which put an end to his life.
During more than ten years that Dr. Seeker enjoyed the see of Canterbury, he resided constantly at his archiepiscopal house at Lambeth. A few months before his death, the dreadful pains he felt had compelled him to think of trying the Bath waters: but that design was stopped by the fatal accident which put an end to his life. His grace had been for many years subject to th gout, which, in the latter part of his life, returned with more frequency and violence, and did not go off in a regular manner, but left the parts affected for a long time very weak, and was succeeded by pains in different parts of the body. About a year and a half before be died, after a fit of the gout, he was attacked with a pain in the arm, near the shoulder, which having continued about twelve months, a similar pain seized the upper and outer part of the opposite thigh, and the arm soon became easier. This was much more grievous than the former, as it quickly disabled him from walking, and kept him in almost continual torment, except when he was in a reclining position. During this time he had two or three fits of the goat: but neither the gout nor the medicines alleviated these pains, which, with the want of exercise, brought him into a general bad habit of body.
On Saturday July 30, 1768, he was seized, as he sat at dinner, with a sickness at his stomach.
On Saturday July 30, 1768, he was seized, as he sat at dinner, with a sickness at his stomach. He recovered before night: but the next evening, while his physicians were attending, his servants raising him on his couch, he suddenly cried out that his thigh-bone was broken. He lay for some time in great agonies, but when the surgeons arrived, and discovered with certainty that the bone was broken, he was perfectly resigned, and never afterwards asked a question about the event. A fever soon ensued: on Tuesday he became lethargic, and continued so till about five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, when he expired with great calmness, in the seventy- fifth year of his age. On examination, the thigh-bone was found to be carious about four inches in length, and at nearly the same distance from its head. He was buried, pursuant to his own directions, in a covered passage, leading from a private door of the palace to the north door of Lambeth church: and he forbade any monument or epitaph to be placed over him.
In person, Dr. Seeker was tall and comely in the early part of his life slender, and rather
In person, Dr. Seeker was tall and comely in the early part of his life slender, and rather consumptive but as he advanced in years, his size increased, yet never to a degree of corpulency that was disproportionate or troublesome. His countenance was open, ingenuous, and expressive.
en-hospital, the Lock-hospital, the Small- pox and Inoculation-h ispital, to each of which his grace was a subscriber, '6001. each to the incurables at St. Luke’s hospital,
By his will, he appointed Dr. Daniel Burton, and Mrs. Catherine Talbot (daughter of the Rev. Mr. Edward Talhot), his executors; and left thirteen thousand pounds in the three per cent, annuities to Dr. Porteus and Dr. Stinton his chaplains, in trust, to pay the interest thereof to Mrs. Talbot and her daughter during their joint lives, or the life of the survivor; and, after the decease of both those ladies, eleven thousand to be transferred to the following charitable purposes: To the society for propagation of the gospel in foreign parts, for the general uses of the society, lOOOl.; to the same society, towards the establishment of a bishop or bishops in the king’s dominions in America, 1000; to the society for promoting Christian knowledge, 600l. to the Irish protestant working schools, 500l. to the corporation of the widows and children of the poor clergy, 500L to the society of the stewards of the said charity, 200l. to Bromley college in Kent, 500l. to the hospitals of the archbishop of Canterbury, at Croydon, St. John at Canterbury, and St. Nicholas Harbledown, 500l. each to St, George’s and London hospitals, and the Jying-in-hospital in Brownlow-s-treet, 500l. each; to the Asylum in the parish of Lambeth, 400l. to the Magdalen-hospital, the Lock-hospital, the Small- pox and Inoculation-h ispital, to each of which his grace was a subscriber, '6001. each to the incurables at St. Luke’s hospital, 500l. towards the repairing or rebuilding of houses belonging to ppor livings in the diocese of Canterbury, 2.00Q/.
The life prefixed to his works was written by Dr. Porteus, the late very amiable and much admired
The life prefixed to his works was written by Dr. Porteus, the late very amiable and much admired bishop of
London, and reprinted separately by his lordship in 1797,
in consequence of bishop Kurd’s having, in his life of
Warburton, “judged it expedient to introduce into his life
of bishop Warburton, such observations on the talents,
learning, and writings of archbishop Seeker, as appeared,
both to Dr. Porteus and to many other of his grace’s
friends extremely injurious to his literary character, and
the credit of his numerous and useful publications; and
therefore highly deserving of some notice from those who
loved him in life, and revered him after death.
” These
observations are indeed fully refuted in this excellent piece
of biography, as well as the other slanders which the steady
and upright conduct of archbishop Seeker drew upon him
from persons notoriously disaffected to religion and the
church; and time, which never fails to do ample justice to
such characters as his, has almost effaced the remembrance
of them. Yet, as some have lately attempted to revive the
calumny, and suppress the refutation, we have given some
references in the note on this subject, not without confidence that archbishop Seeker’s character will suffer little
while he has a Porteus for his defender, and a Hollis, a
Walpole, a Blackburn, and a Wakefield for his accusers.
, a French historian, was born January 8, 1691, at Paris. He began to study the law in
, a French historian, was
born January 8, 1691, at Paris. He began to study the
law in obedience to his father’s desire, who was an able advocate; but losing both his parents shortly after, he quitted
the bar, for which he had not the least taste, and devoted
himself wholly to the belles lettres, and French history.
His unwearied application to books, which no other passion
interrupted, soon made him known among the learned; and
he was admitted into the academy of inscriptions in 1723,
and chosen by chancellor d'Aguesseau five years after, to
continue the great collection of statutes, made by the
French kings, which M. de Laurier had begun. As Secousse possessed every talent necessary for such an important undertaking, the voiumes which he published were
received with universal approbation. He died at Paris,
March 15, 1754, aged sixty-three, leaving a library, the
largest and most curious, in French history, that any private person had hitherto possessed. His works are, the
continuation of the collection of statutes before mentioned,
to the ninth volume inclusively, which was printed under
the inspection of M. de Villevault, counsellor to the court
of aids, who succeeded M. Secousse, and published a table,
forming a tenth volume, and since, an eleventh and twelfth.
Secousse also wrote many dissertations in the memoirs of
the academy of inscriptions editions of several works, and
of several curious pieces “Memoirs for the History of
Charles the Bad,
” 2 vols. 4to,
, a French dramatic writer, was born at Paris, June 4, 1719. Abandoned by his friends, he was,
, a French dramatic writer,
was born at Paris, June 4, 1719. Abandoned by his friends,
he was, at the age of thirteen, obliged to quit his studies,
in which he was little advanced, and to practise a trade for
his subsistence. He was first a journeyman, and then a
master mason* and architect; which businesses he conducted with uncommon probity. Natural inclination led
him to cultivate literature, and particularly the drama, for
which he wrote various small pieces and comic operas, the
most popular of which were, “Le Deserteur;
” and “Richard
Coeur de Lion.
”“All of them met with great success, and
still continue to be performed, but the French critics think
that his poetry is not written in the purest and most correct
style, and that his pieces appear to more advantage on the
stage than in the closet. He possessed, however, a quality
of greater consequence to a dramatic writer the talent of
producing stage effect. He was elected into the French
academy, in consequence of the success of his
” Richard
Coeur de Lion," and was intimately connected with all the
men of letters, and all the artists of his time. He died in
May 1797, aged seventy-eight.
, a nonconformist divine, was born at Marlborough in Wiltshire, in 1600, and educated first
, a nonconformist divine, was
born at Marlborough in Wiltshire, in 1600, and educated
first at Queen’s college, and then at Magdalen-hall, Oxford. After taking his degrees in arts, he was ordained,
and became chaplain to lord Horatio Vere, whom he accompanied into the Netherlands. After his return, he
went again to Oxford, and was admitted to the reading of
the sentences in 1629. Going then to London he preached
at St. Mildred’s, Bread-street, until interrupted by the
bishop, and in 1639 became vicar of Coggeshall in Essex,
where he continued three or four years. The commencement of the rebellion allowing men of his sentiments
unconstrained liberty, he returned to London, and preached
frequently before the parliament, inveighing with extreme
violence against the church and state: to the overthrow of
both, his biographers cannot deny that he contributed his
full share, in the various characters of one of the assembly
of divines, a chaplain in the army, one of the triers, and
pne of the ejectors of those who were called “ignorant and
scandalous ministers.
” In 1646 he became preacher at
St. Paul’s, Covent-garden, where he appears to have continued until the decay of his health, when he retired to
Marl borough, and died there in January 1658. As a divine, he was much admired in his day, and his printed
works had considerable popularity. The principal of them
are, “The Fountain opened,
” An exposition of
Psalm xxiii.
” The Anatomy of Secret Sins,
”
The Parable of the Prodigal,
” Synopsis
of Christianity,
” &c. &c. He had a brother, John, an ad*,
herent to the "parliamentary cause, and a preacher, but of
less note; and another brother Joseph, who became batler
in Magdalen college in 1634, and B.A. in 1637, and then
went to Cambridge, where he took his master’s degree, and,
was elected fellow of Christ’s college. After the restora-^
tion he conformed, and was beneficed in the church; in
1675 he was made prebendary of Lincoln, and was also
rector of Fisherton, where he died Sept. 22, 1702, in the
seventy-fourth year of his age, leaving a son John Sedgwick, who succeeded him in the prebend, and was vicar of
Burton Pedvvardine in Lincolnshire, where he died in 1717.
, a dramatic and miscellaneous writer, was the son of sir John Sedley, of Aylesford in Kent, by a daughter
, a dramatic and miscellaneous writer, was the son of sir John Sedley, of Aylesford in Kent, by a daughter of sir Henry Savile, and was born about 1639. At seventeen, he became a fellowcommoner of Wadham college in Oxford; but, taking no degree, retired to his own country, without either traveling, or going to the inns of court. At the restoration he came to London, and commenced wit, courtier, poet, and man of gallantry. As a critic, he was so much admired, tfiat he became a kind of oracle among the poets; and no performance was approved or condemned, till sir Charles Sedley had given judgment. This made king Charles jestingly say to him, that Nature had given him a patent to be Apollo’s viceroy; and lord Rochester placed him in the first rank of poetical critics. With these accomplishments, he impaired his estate by profligate pleasures, and was one of that party of debauchees whom we have already mentioned in our account of Sackville lord Buckhurst, who having insulted public decency, were indicted for a riot, and all severely fined; sir Charles in 500l. The day for payment being appointed, sir Charles desired Mr. Henry Killigrew and another gentleman, both his friends, to apply to the king to get it remitted; which they undertook to do; but at the same time varied the application so far as to beg it for themselves, and they made Sedley pay the full sum.
t, in the parliament which begun May 8, 1661, and continued to sit for several parliaments after. He was extremely active for the revolution, which was at first thought
After this affair, his mind took a more serious turn; and
he began to apply himself to politics. He had been chosen
to serve for Romney in Kent, in the parliament which begun May 8, 1661, and continued to sit for several parliaments after. He was extremely active for the revolution,
which was at first thought extraordinary, as he had received favours from James II. but those were cancelled by that
prince’s having taken his daughter into keeping, whom he
created countess of Dorchester. This honour by no
means satisfied sir Charles, who, libertine as he had
been, considered his daughter’s disgrace as being thereby
made more conspicuous. Still his wit prevailed over his
resentment, at least in speaking on the subject; for, being
asked, why he appeared so warm for the revolution, he is
said to have answered, “From a principle of gratitude;
for, since his majesty has made my daughter a countess,
it is fit I should do all I can to make his daughter a queen.
”
He died Aug. 20, 1701.
rding to Spence, thought him very insipid, except in some of his little loveverses. Malone thinks he was the Luideius of Dryden’s “Essay on dramatic poetry,” and Dryden
His works were printed in 1719, 2 vols. 8vo; and consist
of plays, translations, songs, prologues, epilogues, and small
occasional pieces. His poems are generally of the licentious kind, and do not afford great marks of genius, and
his dramas are quite forgotten. Pope, according to Spence,
thought him very insipid, except in some of his little loveverses. Malone thinks he was the Luideius of Dryden’s
“Essay on dramatic poetry,
” and Dryden certainly shewed
his respect for him by dedicating to him his “Assignation.
”
s Turrinensis, and others. Sedulius afterwards wrote a piece on the same subjects in prose. The poem was printed by Aldus in the collection of sacred poets, in 1502.
, a priest and poet,
either Irish or Scotch, of the fifth century, is recorded as
the writer of an heroic poem, called “Carmen Paschale,
”
divided into five books. The first begins with the creation
of the world, and comprehends the more remarkable passages of the Old Testament. The next three describe the
life of Jesus Christ. This performance has been highly
commended by Cassiodorus, Gregorius Turrinensis, and
others. Sedulius afterwards wrote a piece on the same
subjects in prose. The poem was printed by Aldus in the
collection of sacred poets, in 1502. It is also in Maittaire’s
“Corp. Poet.
” and has since been published by itself, with
learned notes, by Arntzenius, 1761, 8vo, and by Arevale
at Rome, 1794, 4-to.
, an English divine, who was born at Clifton, near Penrith, in Cumberland, of which place
, an English divine, who was born at
Clifton, near Penrith, in Cumberland, of which place his
father was rector, had his school-education at Lowther, and
his academical at Queen’s college, in Oxford. Of this society he was chosen fellow in 1732. The greatest part of
his life was spent at Twickenham, where he was assistant or
curate to Dr. Waterland. In 1741, he was presented by
his college to the living of Enham in Hampshire, at which
place he died in 1747, without ever having obtained any
higher preferment, which he amply deserved. He was
exemplary in his morals, orthodox in his opinions, had an
able head, and a most amiable heart. A late romantic
writer against the Athanasian doctrines, whose testimony
we choose to give, as it is truth extorted from an adversary,
speaks of him in the following terms: “Notwithstanding
this gentleman’s being a contender for the Trinity, yet he
was a benevolent man, an upright Christian, and a beautiful writer; exclusive of his zeal for the Trinity, he was in
every thing else an excellent clergyman, and an admirable
scholar. 1 knew him well, and on account of his amiable
qualities very highly honour his memory; though no two
ever differed more in religious sentiments.
” He published
in his life-time, “Discourses on several important Subjects,
” 2 vols. 8vo and his “Posthumous Works, consisting of sermons, letters, essays, &c.
” in 2 vols. 8vo, were
published from his original manuscripts by Jos. Hall, M. A.
fellow of Queen’s college, Oxford, 1750. They are all
very ingenious, and full of good matter, but abound too
much in antithesis and point.
, an eminent painter, was born at Antwerp in 1.589. Under the instructions of Henry van
, an eminent painter, was born at Antwerp in 1.589. Under the instructions of Henry van Balen, and Abraham Janssens, he had made considerable progress in the art before he went to Italy. On his arrival at Rome, he became the disciple of Bartolommeo Manfredi; and from him adopted a taste for the vigorous style of Michael Angelo Caravaggio, to which he added somewhat of the tone and colour he had brought with him from his native country; producing the powerful effect of candle-light, though often falsely applied in subjects which appertain to the milder illumination of the day. He at length accepted the invitation of cardinal Zapara, the Spanish ambassador at Rome, to accompany him to Madjrid, where he was presented to the king, and was engaged in his service, with a considerable pension. After some years he returned to Flanders, and his fellow-citizens were impatient to possess some of his productions; but they who had been accustomed to the style of Rubens and Vandyke, were unable to yield him that praise to which he had been accustomed, and he was obliged to change his manner, which he appears to have done with facility and advantage, as many of his latter pictures bear evident testimony. His most esteemed productions are, the principal altar-piece in the church of the Carmelites at Antwerp, the subject of which is the marriage of the virgin; and the adoration of the magi, the altar-piece in the cathedral of Bruges. The former is much after the manner of Rubens. Vandyke painted his portrait among the eminent artists of his country, which is engraved by Pontius. He died in 1651, aged sixty-two. His son Daniel, who was born at Antwerp in 1590, was a painter of fruit and flowers, which he, being a Jesuit, executed at his convent at Rome. He appears, indeed, to have painted more for the benefit of the society to which he had attached himself, than for his private advantage: and when he had produced his most celebrated picture, at the command of the prince of Orange, it was presented to that monarch in the name of the society, which was munificently recompensed in return. He frequently painted garlands of flowers, as borders for pictures, which were filled up with historical subjects by the first painters. He died at Antwerp in 1660, aged seventy.
, an early Italian writer, was born at Florence about the close of the fifteenth century. He
, an early Italian writer, was born
at Florence about the close of the fifteenth century. He
was educated at Padua, where he became an accomplished
classical scholar, but appears afterwards to have gone into
public life, and was employed in various embassies and
iiegociations by duke Cosmo, of Florence. He wrote an
excellent history of Florence from 1527 to 1555, which,
however, remained in ms. until 1723, when it appeared,
together with a life of Niccolo Capponi, gonfalonier of
Florence, Segni’s uncle. He likewise translated Aristotle’s
Ethics. “L‘Etica d’Aristotele, tradotta in volga Fiorentino,
” Florence, DelP Anima d'Aristotele,
”
, a French poet, was born at Caen in 1624, and first studied in the college of the
, a French poet, was born
at Caen in 1624, and first studied in the college of the
Jesuits there. As he grew up, he applied himself to
French poetry, and was so successful as to be enabled to
rescue himself, four brothers, and two sisters, from the
unhappy circumstances in which the extravagance of a
father had left them. In his twentieth year he met with a
patron who introduced him to Mad. de Montpensier, and
this lady appointed him her gentleman in ordinary, in
which station he remained many years, until obliged to
quit her service, for opposing her marriage with count de
Lauzun. He immediately found a new patroness in Mad.
de la Fayette, who admitted him into her house, and assigned him apartments. Her he assisted in her two romances, “The princess of Cleves
” and “Zaida.
” After
seven years, he retired to his own country, with a resolution to spend the rest of his days in solitude; and there
married his cousin, a rich heiress, about 1679. Mad. de
Maintenon invited him to court, as tutor to the duke of
Maine: buthedid notchooseto exchange theindependenceof
a retired life for the precarious favours of a court, and therefore continued where he was. He was admitted of the
French academy in 1662; and was the means of re-establishing that of Caen. He died at this place, of a dropsy,
in 1701. He was very deaf in the last years of his life, bufe
was much courted for the sake of his conversation, which
was replete with such anecdotes as the polite world had
furnished him with. A great number of these are to be
found in the “Segraisiana;
” which was published many
years after his death, with a preface by Mr. de la Monnoye; the best edition of it is that of Amsterdam, 1723,
12mo.
ir style, which may be considered as a standard. Of this kind are his “Nouvelles Francoises;” but he was chiefly admired for his poems, which consist of *' Diverses
The prose writings of Segrais, though for the most part
frivolous enough, yet have great merit as to their style,
which may be considered as a standard. Of this kind are
his “Nouvelles Francoises;
” but he was chiefly admired
for his poems, which consist of *' Diverses Poesies,“printed
at Paris in 1658, 4to;
” Athis," a pastoral and a translation of Virgil’s Georgics and Æneid. Of his eclogues,
and particularly of his translation of Virgil, Boileau and
D'Alembert speak very highly, but his Virgil is no longer
read.
only daughter of Mr. Thomas Baker of Rushington, descended from the family of th Bakers in Kent. He was born Dec, 16, 1584, at a house called the Lacies at Salvinton,
, one of the most learned men of the
seventeenth century, wasthe son of John Selden, a yeoman, by Margaret his wife, only daughter of Mr. Thomas
Baker of Rushington, descended from the family of th
Bakers in Kent. He was born Dec, 16, 1584, at a house
called the Lacies at Salvinton, near Terring in Sussex, and
educated at the free-school at Chichester, where he made a
very early progress in learning. In 159$, at fourteen years
of age, as some say, but according to Wood, in 1600, he
was entered of Hart-hall, Oxford, where under the tuition
of Mr. Anthony Barker (brother to his schoolmaster at Chichester) and Mr. John Young, both of that hall, he studied
about three years, and then removed to Clifford’s Inn,
London, for the study of the law, and about two years
afterwards exchanged that situation for the Inner Temple.
Here he soon attained a great reputation for learning, and
acquired the friendship of sir Robert Cotton, sir Henry
Spelman, Camden, and Usher. In 1606, when only twentytwo years of age, he wrote a treatise on the civil government of Britain, before the coming in of the Normans,
which was esteemed a very extraordinary performance for
his years. It was not printed, however, until 1615, and
then very incorrectly, at Francfort, under the title “Analects Anglo-Britannicwv Hbri duo, de civile administratione
Britanniae Magnae usque ad Normanni adventum,
” 4to.
Nicolson is of opinion that these “Analecta
” do not so
clearly account for the religion, government, and revolutions of state among our Saxon ancestors, as they are reported to do. It was an excellent specimen, however, of
what might be expected from a youth of such talents and
application.
or utility, his “Titles of Honour,” Lond. 4to, with an encomiastic poem by his friend Ben Jonson. It was reprinted with additions in 1631, fol. and again in 1671, and
In 1614 he published a work which has always been
praised for utility, his “Titles of Honour,
” Lond. 4to, with
an encomiastic poem by his friend Ben Jonson. It was reprinted with additions in 1631, fol. and again in 1671, and
translated into Latin by Simon John Arnold, Francfort,
1696, Nicolson remarks that a as to what concerns our
nobility and gentry, all that come within either of those
lists will allow, that Mr. Selden’s Titles of Honour ought
first to be perused, for the gaining of a general notion of
the distinction of a degree from an emperor down to a
country gentleman.“In 1616 appeared his notes on sir
John Fortescue’s work sc De laudibus legum Anglise,
” and
sir Ralph’s Hengham’s “Sums,
” Lond. 8vo. In Pilgrimage.
” In the same year he published his very
learned work, “De Diis Syriis syntagmata duo.
” This is
not only a treatise on the idolatry of the ancient Syrians,
but affords a commentary on all the passages in the Old
Testament, where mention is made of any of the heathen
deities. This first edition (Lond, 8vo.) being out of print,
Ludovicus de Dieu printed an edition at Leyden in 1629,
which was revised and enlarged by Selden. Andrew Beyer
afterwards published two editions at Leipsic, in 1668 and
1672, with some additions, but, according to Le Clerc, of
little importance. Le Clerc offers also some objections to
the work itself, which, if just, imply that Selden had not
always been judicious in his choice of his authorities, nor
in the mode of treating the subject. It contributed, however, to enlarge the reputation which he already enjoyed
both at home and abroad.
nd one of his most memorable performances, he did not earn th*e fame of it without some danger. This was his “Treatise of Tythes,” the object of which was to prove that
In his next, and one of his most memorable performances, he did not earn th*e fame of it without some danger. This was his “Treatise of Tythes,
” the object of
which was to prove that tithes were not due by divine
right under Christianity, although the clergy are entitled
to them by the laws of the land. This book was attacked
by sir James Sempill in the Appendix to his treatise entitled “Sacrilege sacredly handled,
” London, Animadversions upon Mr. Selden’s History of Tithes,
”
London, Animadversions,
” London, Animadversions upon Mr. Selden’s History of Tithes, and
his Review thereof. Before which (in lieu of the two first chapters purposely praetermitted) is premised a catalogue of
72 authors before the yeare 1215, maintaining the Jus divinum of Tythes, or more, to be paid to the Priesthood
under the Gospell.
” Selden’s book was likewise answered
by Dr. Richard Montague in his “Diatribe,
” London,
Answer to
the Jewish Part of Mr. Selden’s History of Tythes,
” Oxford, Arguments
about Tithes,
” London, An Historical Vindication of the Divine Right of Tithes,
&c.
” London, 1G&1, in 4to.
This work also excited the displeasure of the court, and
the author was called before some of the lords of the high
commission, Jan. 28, 1618, and obliged to make a publicsubmission, which he did in these words: “My good Lords,
I most humbly acknowledge my errour, which 1 have committed in publishing the ‘ History of Tithes,’ and especially
in that I have at all, by shewing any interpretation of Holy
Scriptures, by meddling with Councils, Fathers, or Canons,
or by what else soever occures in it, offered any occasion
of argument against any right of maintenance ' Juredivino*
of the Ministers of the Gospell; beseeching your Lordships to receive this ingenuous and humble acknowledgment, together with the unfeined protestation of my griefe,
for that through it I have so incurred both his Majestie’s
and your Lordships’ displeasure conceix-ed against mee in
behalfe of the Church of England.
” We give this literally,
because some of Mr. Selden’s admirers have asserted that
he never recanted any thing in his book. The above is at
least the language of recantation; yet he says himself in
his answer to Dr. Tillesley, “I confesse, that I did most
willingly acknowledge, not only before some Lords of the
High Commission (not in the High Commission Court) but
also to the Lords of his Majesty’s Privy Council, that I
was most sorry for the publishing of that History, because
it had offended. And his Majesty’s most gracious favour
towards me received that satisfaction of the fault in so untimely printing it; and I profess still to all the world, that
I am sorry for it. And so should I have been, if I had
published a most orthodox Catechism, that had offended.
But what is that to the doctrinal consequences of it, which
the Doctor talks of? Is there a syllable of it of less truth,
because I was sorry for the publishing of it Indeed,
perhaps by the Doctor’s logic there is; and just so might
he prove, that there is the more truth in his animadversions,
because he was so glad of the printing them. And because he hopes, as he says, that my submission hath cleared
my judgment touching the right of tithes: what dream
made him hope so? There is not a word of tithes in that
submission more than in mentioning the title; neither was
my judgment at all in question, but my publishing it; and
this the Doctor knows too, as I am assured.
” Selden,
therefore, if this means any thing, was not sorry for what
he had written, but because he had published it, and he
was sorry he had published it, because it gave offence to
the court and to the clergy.
In 1621, king James having, in his speech to the parliament, asserted that their privileges were originally grants
from the crown^ Selden was consulted by the House of
Lords on that question, and gave his opinion in favour of
parliament; which being dissolved soon after, he was committed to the custody of the sheriff of London, as a principal promoter of the famous protest of the House of Commons, previous to its dissolution. From this confinement,
which lasted only five weeks, he was released by the interest of Dr. Andrews, bishop of Winchester, and returned
to his studies, the first fruits of which were> a learned epistle prefixed to Vincent’s “Discovery of errors in two editions of the Catalogue of Nobility by Ralph Brooke,
”
Lond. Spicilegium in
Eadmeri sex libros Historiarum,
” fol.
ledge of constitutional antiquities, he had not yet obtained a seat in that assembly; but in 1623 he was chosen a member for Lancaster, and in the parliament called
Although he had already been consulted by parliament on account of his knowledge of constitutional antiquities, he had not yet obtained a seat in that assembly; but in 1623 he was chosen a member for Lancaster, and in the parliament called in 1625, on the accession of Charles L he was chosen for Great Bed win in Wiltshire) and novr took an active p>rt in opposition to the measures of the court*. In 1626 he was chosen of the committee for
* In Trinity term, 1624, he was concerning him were respited until this chosen reader of Lyon’s-lnn,
* In Trinity term, 1624, he was concerning him were respited until this
chosen reader of Lyon’s-lnn, but re- term. Now this day being called agairt
fused to perform that office. In the to the table, he doth absolutely refuse
register of the Inner Temple is the fol- to read. The masters of the bench,
lowing passage “Whereas an order taking into consideration his contempt
was made at the Bench-Table this term, add offence, and for that it is without
ince the last parliament, and entered precedent, that any man elect-d to
into the buttery-book in these words; read in chancery has been discharged
Jovtslldie Octobrls 1624. Memoran- in like case, much less has with such
dum, that whereas John Selden, esq. wilfulness refused the same, have orone of the utter barristers of this house, dered, that he shall presently pay to
*ras in Trinity term last, chosen reader the use of this house the sum of 20J.
of Lyon’s-lnn by the gentlemen of the for his fine, and that he stand and be
same house, according to the order of disabled ever to be called to the bench,
their house, which he then refused to or to be a reader of this house. Now
take upon him, and perform the same, at this parliament the said order is coriwithout some sufficient cause or good firmed; and it is further ordered, that
reason, notwithstanding many ccwirte- if any of this house, which hereafter
ous and fair persuasions and admoni- shall be chosen to read in chancery,
tions by the masters of the bench made shall refuse to read, every such offender
to him; forwhich cause he having been shall be fined, and be disabled to be
twice convented before the masters of called to the bench, or to be a reader
the bench, it was then ordered, that of this house.
” However, in Michaelthere should be a nt reclpiatur entered mas term 1632, it was ordered, that
upon his name, which was done accord- Mr. Seldea “shall stand enabled and
ingly and in respect the beneh was be capable of any preferment in the
not then full, the farther proceedings House, in such a manner as other
drawing up articles of impeachment against the duke of
Buckingham, and was afterwards appointed one of the managers for the House of Commons on his trial. In 1627
he opposed the loan which the king endeavoured to raise,
and although he seldom made his appearance at the har,
pleaded in the court of King’s Bench for Hampden, who
had been imprisoned for refusing to pay his quota of that
loan. After the third parliament of Charles I. in which he
sat for Lancaster, had been prorogued, he retired to Wrest
in Bedfordshire, a seat belonging to the earl of Kent, where
he finished his edition of the
” Marmora Arundelliana,"
Loud. 1621), 4to, reprinted by Prideaux, with additions at
Oxford, in 1676, folio, and by Maittaire, at London, 1732,
in folio.
nst the measures of the court, to which he had made himself so obnoxious, that after that parliament was dissolved, he was committed to the Tower by an order of the
In the next session of parliament he continued his activity against the measures of the court, to which he had
made himself so obnoxious, that after that parliament was
dissolved, he was committed to the Tower by an order of
the Privy-council, where he remained about eight months,
and as he then refused to give security for his good behaviour, he was removed to the King’s Bench prison, but
was allowed the rules. It was about this time that he wrote
his piece “De successionibns in bona defuncti, secundum
leges Hebraeorum,
” Lond. De
successione in pontificatum Hebracorum libri duo,
” reprinted at Leyden, De
Jure naturali et gentium, juxta disciplinam Hebneorum,
”
utter barristers of this House are to all standing-; and accordingly he was called intents and purposes, any former act to the beach Michaelmas
utter barristers of this House are to all standing-; and accordingly he was called
intents and purposes, any former act to the beach Michaelmas following.“of parliament to the contrary
notwithand his
” lixor Hebraica,“on the marriages, divorces, &c.
of the ancient Hebrews. In 1633 he was one of the committee appointed for preparing the mask exhibited by the
gentlemen of the Inns of Court, before the king and queen
on Candlemas night, in order to show their disapprobation,
of Prynne’s book against stage-plays, called
” Histriomastix:" so various were Selden’s pursuits, that he could even,
superintend mummery of this kind, while apparently under
the displeasure of the court. His next publication, however, effectually reconciled the court and ministers.
had their claims supported by Grotius, who, in his “Mare liberum” contended that fishing on the seas was a matter of common right, Selden now published his celebrated
During king James’s reign, Selden had been ordered by his majesty to make such collections as
might shew the right of the crown of England to the
dominion of the sea, and he had undertaken the work,
but, in resentment for being imprisoned by James, declined the publication. An occasion offered now in which
it might appear to advantage. In 1634, a dispute having
arisen between the English and Dutch concerning the
herring -fishery upon the British coast, to which the Dutch
laid claim, and had their claims supported by Grotius,
who, in his “Mare liberum
” contended that fishing on the
seas was a matter of common right, Selden now published
his celebrated treatise of “Mare Clausum,
” Lond. The supreme authoritie of the nation and parliament
of the Commonwealth of England,
” which is of course not
prefixed to the translation by J. H. Gent published after
the restoration in 1663. Nicolson observes, that when
Selden wrote this book, he was not such an inveterate
enemy to the prerogative doctrine of ship-money, as afterwards: for he professedly asserts, that in the defence of
their sovereignty at sea, our kings constantly practised the
levying great sums on their subjects without the concurrence of their parliaments. The work having been attacked
by Peter Baptista Burgus, Selden published in 1653, 4to,
a treatise in its defence, with rather a harsh title, “Vindicise secundum integritatem existimationis suae per eonvitium de scriptione Maris Clausi petulantissimum et
mendacissimum Maris Liberi, &c.
”
In this same year, 1640, Selden was chosen member for the university of Oxford, and that year and
In this same year, 1640, Selden was chosen member for the university of Oxford, and that year and the following continued Jo oppose the measures of the court, but his. coneliiet may to some appear unsteady. In truth, he attempted what in those days was impossible, to steer a middle course. He supported the republican party in the measures preparatory to the sacrifice of the earl of Strafford, but was not one of their Committee for managing the impeachment, and his name was even inserted in a list of members, posted up in Old Palace Yard by some party zealots, and branded with the appellation of " enemies of justice.*' On the subject of church-government, although he seems to have entertained some predilection for the establishment, yet he made no effort to prevent its fall, at all commensurate to his knowledge and credit. In the debates on the question whether bishops sat in parliament as barons and peers of the realm, or as prelates, he gave it as his opinion that they sat as neither, but as representatives of the clergy; and this led to the expulsion of them from parliament. Afterwards we find him concurring with other members of the House of Commons in a protestation that they would maintain the protestant religion according to the doctrine of the church of England, and would defend the person and authority of the king, the privileges of parliament, and the rights of the subject. In the prosecution of archbishop Laud, Selden was among those who were appointed to draw up articles of impeachment against him, an office which must have produced a severe contest between his private feelings and his public duties.
him so well, that they concluded he would absolutely refuse the place, if it were offered to him. He was in years, and of a tender constitution be had for many years
Notwithstanding all this, the royalists were unwilling to
believe that a man so learned and so well informed as
Selden could be seriously hostile, and there were even
some thoughts of taking the great seal from the lord
keeper Littleton, and giving it to him. Clarendon tells us,
that lord Falkland and himself, to whom his majesty referred the consideration of this measure, “did not doubt
of Mr. Selden’s affection to the king; but withal they
knew him so well, that they concluded he would absolutely
refuse the place, if it were offered to him. He was in
years, and of a tender constitution be had for many
years enjoyed his ease, which he loved was rich, and
would not have made a journey to York, or have lain out
of his own bed, for any preferment, which he had never
affected.
” But in all probability his majesty’s advisers savy
that his want of iirmness, and his love of safety, were the
real impediments. When the king found him opposing in
parliament the commission of array, he desired lord
Falkhad to write to Selden on the subject, who vindicated
his conduct on that point, but declared his intention to-be
equally hostile to the ordinance for the militia, which was
moved by the factious party, and which he justly declared
to be without any shadow of law, or pretence of precedent,
and most destructive to the government of the kingdom.
Accordingly he performed his promise, but tins remarkable
difference attended his efforts, that his opposition to the
commission of array did the king great injury among
many of his subjects, while the ordinance which armed the
parliamentary leaders against the crown was carried: and,
according to Whitelocke, Selden himself was made a
deputy -lieutenant under it. There was an equally remarkable difference in the treatment he received for this
double opposition. The king and his friends, convinced
that he acted honestly, bore no resentment against him;
but the popular leaders, most characteristically, inferred
from this, that he must be hostile to their cause, and made
vain endeavours to induce Waller to implicate him in the
plot which he disclosed in 1643. Nor was his exculpation
sufficient: for he was obliged, by an oath, to testify his
hostility against the traitorous and horrible plot for the subversion of the parliament and state,
In 1643, he was appointed one of the lay-members to. sk in the assembly of divines
In 1643, he was appointed one of the lay-members to. sk in the assembly of divines at Westminster, in which, his admirers tell us, he frequently perplexed those divines with his vast learning; and, as Whitelocke relates, *‘ sometimes when they had cited a text of scripture to prove their assertion, he would tell them, ’ perhaps in your little pocket-bibles with gilt leaves,' which they would often pull out and read, < the translation may be thus’ but the Greel^ and the Hebrew signify thus and thus and so would totally silence them." This anecdote, which has often been repeated to Selden’s praise, may afford a proof of his wit, such as it was; but as a reflection on the divines of that assembly, it can do him no credit, many of them certainly understanding the original languages of the Bible as well as himself. It was in truth, as an able critic has observed, a piece of wanton insolence.
parliament in point of judicature/' 4to, which some have, however, ascribed t sir Simonds D'Ewes. It was followed by” A discourse concerning the rights and privileges
It is now necessary to revert to his publications, which
were seldom long interrupted by his political engagements.
In 1642, he published “A brief discourse concerning the
power of peers and commons in parliament in point of
judicature/' 4to, which some have, however, ascribed t
sir Simonds D'Ewes. It was followed by
” A discourse
concerning the rights and privileges of the subjects, in a
conference desired by the lords in 1628,“Lond. 1642, 4to
” Privileges of the Baronage of England, when they sit in
parliament,“ibid. 1642, and 1681, 8vo and an edition of
Eutychius’s
” Origines,“with a translation and notes,
Lond. 4to, under this title,
” Eutychii Ægyptii, Patriarchs
orthodoxorum Alexandrini, Ecclesia* sine origines ex ejusdem Arabico, nunc primum edidit ac versione et commentario auxit Joannes Seldenus." Pocock (see Pocock, Vol. XXV. p. 91) inserted this work in his edition of the
annals of Eutychius, which he translated at the desire of
Mr. Selden, at whose expence they were printed at Oxford,
in 1656, 4to. Mr. Selden’s book has been animadverted
upon by several writers, particularly Abraham Ecchellensis,
John Morin, and Eusebius Renaudot.
ded every proof of his adherence to the republican party, by taking the covenant; and the same year, was by the parliament appointed keeper of the records in the Tower.
In 1643, he afforded every proof of his adherence to the
republican party, by taking the covenant; and the same
year, was by the parliament appointed keeper of the records in the Tower. In 1644, he was elected one of the
twelve commissioners of the admiralty and nominated to
the mastership of Trinity- college, in Cambridge, which he
did not think proper to accept. In this year, he published
his treatise “De Anno civili et Calendario Judaico,
” 4to.
In Dissertation annexed to
(a book called) Fleta,
” which he discovered in the Cottonian library. A second edition was published in 1685,
but in both are said to be many typographical errors. In
1771, R. Kelham Esq. published a translation with notes.
This work contains many curious particulars relating to
those ancient authors on the laws of England, Bracton,
Britton, Fleta, and Thornton, and shews what use was
made of the imperial law in England, whilst the Romans
governed here, at what time it was introduced into this
nation, what use our ancestors made of it, how long it continued, and when the use of it totally ceased in the king’s
courts at Westminster.
Selden continued to sit in Parliament after the murder of the king, and was the means of doing some good to learning, by his own reputation
Selden continued to sit in Parliament after the murder of the king, and was the means of doing some good to
learning, by his own reputation and influence in that reipect. He preserved archbishop Usher’s library from
being sold, and rendered considerable services to the university of Oxford, taking all occasions, as in the cases of Pocock
and Greaves, to moderate the tyranny of the parliamentary
visitors, and often affording a generous protection to
other eminent men who were about to be ejected for their
adherence to the king. He also was instrumental in preserving the books and medals at St. James’s, by persuading his friend Whitelocke to accept the charge of them.
Of his conduct while the death of the king was pending,
we have no account at that critical period, he retired, it is
said, as far as he could and it is certain that he refused
to gratify Cromwell by writing an answer to the Eikoti
Basilike. In 1650, he published his first book, “De
Synedriis et prcefecturis Hebraeorum,
” 4to; the second appeared in The power of the
Keys.
” In Decem Scriptores Historic Anglicanae,
” printed at London
that year, in folio.
lterations in his will, but when he came he found Selden’s weakness to be so much increased, that he was not able to perform his intention . He died Nov. 30, in the
In the beginning of 1654 his health began to decline, and he began to see the emptiness of all human learning; and owned, that out of the numberless volumes he had read and digested, nothing stuck so close to his heart, or gave him such solid satisfaction as a single passage out of St. Paul’s Epistle to Titus, ii. 11, 12, 13, *14. On Nov. lOof that year, he sent to his friend Bulstrode Whitelocke, in order to make some alterations in his will, but when he came he found Selden’s weakness to be so much increased, that he was not able to perform his intention . He died Nov. 30, in the seventieth year of his age, in White Friars, at the house of Elizabeth, countess of Kent, with whom he had lived some years in such intimacy, that they were reported to be man and wife, and Dr. Wilkins supposes, that the wealth, which he left at his death, was chiefly owing to the generosity of that countess: but there is no good reason for either of these surmises. He was buried in the Temple church, where a monument was erected to him; and abp. Usher preached his funeral sermon. He left a most valuable and curious library to his executors, Matthew Hale, John Vaughan, and Rowland Jewks, esqs. which they generously would have bestowed on the society of the Inner Temple, if a proper place should be provided to receive it: but, this being neglected, they gave it to the university of Oxford. Selden, himself, had originally intended it for Oxford, and had left it so in his will , but was offended because when he applied for a manuscript in the Bodleian library, they asked, according to usual custom, a bond of 1OOO/. for its restitution. This made him declare, with some passion, that they should never have his collection. The executors, however, considered that they were executors of his will and not of his passion, and therefore destined the books, amounting to 8000 volumes, for Oxford, where a noble room was added to the library for their reception, Bumet says, this collection was valued at some thousands of pounds, and was believed to be one of the most curious in Europe. It is supposed that sir Matthew Hale gave some of Selden’s Mss respecting law to Lincoln’s-Inn library, as there is nothing of that kind among what were sent to the Bodleian; and a few Mr. Selden gave to the library of the college of physicians.
Selden was a man of extensive learning, and had as much skill in the Hebrew
Selden was a man of extensive learning, and had as much
skill in the Hebrew and Oriental languages as perhaps any
man of his time, Pocock excepted. Grotius, over whom
he triumphed in his “Mare clausum,
” styles him “the glory
of the English nation.
” He was knowing in all laws, human
and divine, yet did not greatly trouble himself with the
practice of law: he seldom appeared at the bar, but sometimes gave counsel in his chamber. “His mind also,
” says
Whitelocke, “was as great as his learning; he was as hospitable and generous as any man, and as good company to
those he liked.
” Wilkins relates, that he was a man of
uncommon gravity and greatness of soul, averse to flattery,
liberal to scholars, charitable to the poor; and that, though
he had a great latitude in his principles with regard to ecclesiastical power, yet he had a sincere regard for the church
of England. Baxter remarks, that “he was a resolved se->
rious Christian, a great adversary, particularly, to Hobbes’s
errors;
” and that sir Matthew Hale affirmed, “how he had
seen Selden openly oppose Hobbes so earnestly, as either
to depart from him, or drive him out of the room.
” But
the noblest testimony in his favour is that of his intimate
friend the earl of Clarendon, who thus describes him in all
parts of his character: “Mr. Selden was a person,
” says
he, “whom no character can flatter, or transmit in any
expressions equal to his merit and virtue. He was of such
stupendous learning in all kinds and in all languages, as
may appear from his excellent and transcendant writings,
that a man would have thought he had been entirely conversant among books, and had never spent an hour but in
reading or writing; yet his humanity, courtesy, and affability, was such, that he would have been thought to have
been bred in the best courts, but that his good-nature, charity, and delight in doing good, and in communicating all
he knew, exceeded that breeding. His style in all his
writings seems harsh, and sometimes obscure; which is not
wholly to be imputed to the abstruse subjects of which he
commonly treated, out of the paths trod by other men, but
to a little undervaluing the beauty of a style , and too much
propensity to the language of antiquity: but in his conversation he was the most clear discourser, and had the best
faculty in making hard things easy, and present to the understanding, of any man that hath been known.
” His
lordship also used to say, that *' he valued himself upon
nothing more than upon having had Mr. Selden’s acquaintance, from the time he was very young; and held it with
great delight as long as they were suffered to continue together in London: and he was very much troubled always
when he heard him blamed, censured, and reproached for
staving in London, and in the parliament, after they- were
in rebellion, and in the worst times, which his age obliged
him to do; and how wicked soever the actions were, which
were every day done, he was confident he had not given his
consent to them, but would have hindered them if he could
with his own safety, to which he was always enough indulgent. If he had some infirmities with other men, they
were weighed down with wonderful and prodigious abilities
and excellences in the other scale.“The political part of
Selden’s life, is that which the majority of readers will contemplate with least pleasure; but on this it is unnecessary
to dwell. The same flexibility of spirit, which made him.
crouch before the reprehension of James I. disfigured the
rest of his life, and deprived him of that dignity and importance which would have resulted from his standing erect
in any place he might have chosen. Clarendon seems to
have hit the true cause of all, in that anxiety for his own
safety to which, as he says,
” he was always indulgent
enough."
the nativity of our Saviour to be on the 25th of December,” Lond. 1661, 8vo, with his portrait. This was answered in the first postscript to a treatise entitled tc A
Several other works of his were printed after his death,
or left in manuscript. I. “God made man, A Tract proving the nativity of our Saviour to be on the 25th of December,
” Lond. Lond. 1671, 8vo,
by John Butler, B. D. chaplain to James duke of Ormonde,
and rector of Litchborow, in the diocese of Peterboroup-h.
2.
” Discourse of the office of Lord Chancellor of England,“London, 1671, in fol. printed with Dugdale’s catalogue of
lord chancellors and lord keepers of England from the Norman conquest. 3, Several treatises, viz.
” England’s Epinomis;“already mentioned, published 1683, in fol. by
Redman Westcot, alias Littleton, with the English translation of Selden’s
” Jani Anglorum Facies altera.“4.
” Ta.
ble talk: being the discourses or his sense of various maU
ters of weight and high consequence, relating especially to
Religion and State,“London, 1689, 4to, published by
Richard Mil ward, amanuensis to our author. Dr. Wilkins
observes, that there are many things in this book inconsistent with Seiden’s great learning, principles, aud character.
It has, however, acquired popularity, and still continues to
be printed, as an amusing and edifying manual. 5.
” Letters to learned men;“among which several to archbishop
Usher are printed in the collection of letters at the end of
Parr’s life of that prelate; and two letters of his to Mr.
Thomas Greaves were first published from the originals by
Thomas Birch, M. A. and F. R. 8. in the life prefixed to
Birch’s edition of the
” Miscellaneous works of Mr. John
Greaves,“Lond. 1737, in two volumes, 8vo. 6.
” Speeches,
Arguments, Debates, &c. in Par! lament.“7. He had a
considerable hand in, and gave directions and advice towards, the edition of
” Plutarch’s Lives,“printed in 1657,
with an addition of the year of the world, and the year of
our Lord, together with many chronological notes and explications. His works were collected by Dr. David Wiljvins, and printed at London in three volumes fol. 1726.
The two first volumes contain his Latin works, and the
third his English. The editor has prefixed a long life of
the author, and added several pieces never published before, particularly letters, poems, &c. In 1675 there was
printed at London in 4to,
” Joannis Seldeni Angli Liber
de Nummis, &c. Huic accedit Bibliotheca Nummaria.“But this superficial tract was not written by our author, but
by Alexander Sardo of Ferrara, and written before Selden
was born, being published at Mentz, 1575, in 4to. The
” Bibliotheca Nummaria" subjoined to it was written by father Labbe the Jesuit.
, whose adventures have given rise to the popular romance of Robinson Crusoe, was born at Largo, in Fifeshire, in Scotland, about 1676, and was
, whose adventures have given
rise to the popular romance of Robinson Crusoe, was born
at Largo, in Fifeshire, in Scotland, about 1676, and was
bred a seaman. He left England in 1703, in the capacity
of sailing-master of a small vessel, called the Cinque- PortsGalley, Charles Pickering captain and in the month of
September, the same year, he sailed from Cork, in company with another ship of 26 guns and 120 men, called the
St. George, commanded by captain William Dampier, intended to cruise against the Spaniards in the South sea. On
the coast of Brasil, Pickering died, and was succeeded in
the command by lieutenant Stradling. They proceeded
round Cape Horn to the island of Juan Fernandez, whence
they were driven by the appearance of two French ships of
36 guns each, and left five of Stradling’s men on shore,
who were taken off by the French. Hence they sailed to
the coast of America, where Dampier and Stradling quar^
relied, and separated by agreement. This was in the month
of May 1704; and in the following September, Stradling
came to the island of Juan Fernandez, where Selkirk and
his captain having a quarrel, he determined to remain there
alone. But when the ship was ready to sail, his resolution
was shaken, and he desired to be taken on board; but now
the captain refused his request, and he was left with hm
clothes, bedding, a gun, and a small quantity of powder
and ball, some trifling implements, and a few books, with
certain mathematical and nautical instruments. Thus left
sole monarch of the island, with plenty of the necessaries,
of life, he found himself at first in a situation scarcely supportable; and such was his melancholy, that he frequently
determined to put an end to his existence. It was full
eighteen months, according to his own account, before he
could reconcile himself to his lot. At length his mind became calm, and fully reconciled to his situation: he grew
happy, employed his time in building and decorating his
huts, chasing the goats, whom he soon equalled in speed,
and scarcely ever failed of catching them. He also tamed
young kids, and other animals, to be his companions. When
his garments were worn out, he made others from the skins
of the goats, whose flesh served him as food. His only
liquor was water. He computed that he had caught, during his abode in the island, about 1000 goats, half of which
he had suffered to go at large, having first marked them
with a slit in the ear. Commodore Anson, who went there
30 years after, found the first goat which they shot, had
been thus marked; and hence they concluded that it had
been under the power of Selkirk. Though he constantly
performed his devotions at stated hours, and read aloud,
yet when he was taken from the island, his language, from
disuse of conversation, had become scarcely intelligible.
In this solitude he remained four years and four months,
during which only two incidents occurred which he thought
worthy of record. The first was, that pursuing a goat eagerly, he caught at the edge of a precipice, of which he
was not aware, and he fell over to the bottom, where he
lay some time senseless; but of the exact space of time
in which he was bereaved of his active powers he could not
ferm an accurate estimate. When, however, he came to
himself, he found the goat lying under him dead. It was
with difficulty that he could crawl to his habitation, and it
was not till after a considerable time that he entirely recovered from his bruises. The other event was the arrival
of a ship, which he at first supposed to be French, but,
upon the crew’s landing, he found them to be Spaniards,
of whom he had too great a dread to trust himself in their
hands. They, however, had seen him, and he found it
extremely difficult to make his escape. In this solitude
Selkirk remained until the 2d of February, 1709, when he
saw two ships come to the bay, and knew them to be English. He immediately lighted a fire as a signal, and he
found, upon the landing of the men, that they were two
privateers from Bristol, commanded by captains Rogers and
Courtney. These, after a fortnight’s stay at Juan Fernandez, embarked, taking Selkirk with them, and returned byway of the East Indies to England, where they arrived on
the 1st of October, 1711; Selkirk having been absent eight
years. The public curiosity being much excited, he, after
his return, drew up some account of what had occurred
during his solitary exile, which he put into the hands of
Defoe, vvho made it the foundation of his well-known
work, entitled “Robinson Crusoe.
” The time and place
of Selkirk’s death are not on record. It is said, that so
late as 1798, the chest and musket, which Selkirk had with
him on the island, were in possession of a grand nephew,
John Selkirk, a weaver in Largo, North Britain. Such are
the particulars of this man’s history as recorded in “The
Englishman,
” No. 26, and elsewhere, but what credit is
due to it, we do not pretend to say.
physic of Rheims, and a bachelor of that of Paris; which last degree he obtained in 1724 or 1725. He was a man of profound erudition, united with great modesty, and
, a distinguished French physician, wag born in Gascony about the close of the seventeenth century, and is said to have been a doctor of the faculty of physic of Rheims, and a bachelor of that of Paris; which last degree he obtained in 1724 or 1725. He was a man of profound erudition, united with great modesty, and became possessed, by his industry in the practice of his profession, of much sound medical knowledge. His merits obtained for him the favour of the court, and he was appointed consulting physician to Louis XV. and subsequently succeeded Chicoyneau in the office of first physician to that monarch. He was also a member of the royal academy of sciences at Paris, and of the royal society of Nancy. He died in December 1770, at the age of about Seventy-seven years.
A work under the assumed name of Julien Morison, entitled “Lettres sur la Choix des Saignees,” 1730, was from his pen; but the “Nouveau Cours de Chymie suivant les Principes
This able physician left some works of great reputation,
particularly his “Traite de la Structure du Coeur, de son
Action, et de ses Maladies,
” Paris, De recondita febrium intermittentium et
reuiittentium natura,
” Amst. Discours sur la Methode de
Franco, et sur celle de M. Rau touchant l'Operation de la
Taille,
” Traite des Causes, des Accidens, et de
la Cure de la Peste,
” Lettres sur la Choix des
Saignees,
” Nouveau
Cours de Chymie suivant les Principes de Newton et de
Stahl,
” Paris,