Another de Bie (Jacob or James), who was born at Antwerp, in 1581, was an eminent engraver of antiquities, coins, &c. and published, 1.
Another de Bie (Jacob or James), who was born at
Antwerp, in 1581, was an eminent engraver of antiquities,
coins, &c. and published, 1. “Imperatorum Roman. Numismata,
” from Julius Caesar to Heraclius, Ant. Numismata Graecise,
” ibid. foi. 3. “La France
Metallique, &c.
” Paris,
, an eminent patron of literature, was born at Rouen in 1626, of
, an eminent patron of literature, was born at Rouen in 1626, of an ancient family,
and having no inclination to rise in the offices of magistracy, as many of his ancestors had done, nor to enter
into the church, he determined to devote his time and
fortune to the study and advancement of polite literature.
His father, dean of the court of aids in Normandy, left
him a library of six thousand volumes, including upwards
of five hundred manuscripts, to which he made so many
additions, that at his death it was valued at forty thousand
franks and that it might not be scattered, he entailed it
on his family, with handsome funds for the support and
enlargement of it. It was, however, sold in July 1706,
and the catalogue, which was printed, is in considerable
request among bibliographers. During his life-time this
library was the resort of a number of men of letters, who
held frequent meetings here, in which Bigot presided.
His travels in Holland, England, Germany, and Italy, procured him the acquaintance and correspondence of most of
the literati of Europe, who frequently consulted him, and
paid great regard to his opinions. His sole passion was to
contribute by his wealth and studies to the perfection and
illustration of the best Greek and Latin authors, and he
employed these advantages with the utmost liberality and
modesty. Having discovered in the library at Florence,
the Greek text of the “Life of St. Chrysostom by Palladius, he published it at Paris in 1680, 4to, with some
other ancient Greek remains, hitherto in manuscript, the
whole accompanied with a Latin translation by Ambrose of
Camaldoli. To this he added St. Chrysostom’s epistle to
Cesarius, but it being discovered that this was an attack
on the doctrine of transubstantiation, the licensers refused
its being published, and caused the leaves on which it was
printed to be cut out. A copy of these leaves, however,
having fallen into the hands of Mr. (afterwards archbishop)
Wake, was published by him in his
” Defence of the Exposition of the Doctrine of the Church of England against
the exceptions of M. de Meaux, &c.“Lond. 1686, 4to.
In this Wake has given a curious account not only of the
suppression of this letter, but of the controversy to which
it gave rise in archbishop Cranmer’s time. Du Pin says,
that after Bigot’s death, some of his literary correspondence
was published but this appears a mistake, if we except a
letter of his written, in 1672, to the bishop of Trulle
against the abbé de St. Cyran’s book
” Le Cas Royal," and
printed at Basil in 1690. Menage and Heinsius were
among his most intimate friends, and such was his general
knowledge and communicative disposition, that he was
consulted by every one fond of literary history and anecdote. He died Oct. 18, 1689.
, an eminent German philosopher and statesman, was born at Camstadt
, an eminent German
philosopher and statesman, was born at Camstadt in Wirtemberg, Jan. 23, 1693; his father was a Lutheran minister. By a singular hereditary constitution in this family,
Biliinger was born with twelve fingers and eleven toes,
which, in his case, is said to have been remedied by amputation when he was an infant. From his earliest years,
he showed an uncommon capacity for study, joined to a
retired and thinking turn of mind. Happening, when
studying at Tubingen, to learn mathematics in the works
of Wolf, he imbibed likewise a taste for the sceptical philosophy of that writer, and for the system of Leibnitz,
which for a time took off his attention from his other studies. When entered on his theological course, he found
himself disposed to connect it with his new ideas on philosophy, and with that view wrote a treatise, “De Deo,
anima, et mundo,
” which procured him considerable fame,
and was the cause of his being chosen preacher at the
castle of Tubingen, and repeater in the school of divinity.
But fancying Tubingen a theatre too contracted, he obtained of one of his friends a supply of money, in 1719,
which enabled him to go to Halle to study more particularly under Wolf himself. This, however, did not produce all the good consequences expected. When after
two years he returned to Tubingen, the Wolfian philosophy was no longer in favour, his patrons were cold, his
lessons deserted; himself unable to propagate his new doctrines, and his promotion in the church was likely to suffer.
In this unpleasant state he remained about four years,
when, by Wolf’s recommendation, he received an invitation from Peter I. to accept the professorship of logic and
metaphysics in the new academy at St. Petersburgh. Thither accordingly he went in 1725, and was received with
great respect, and the academical memoirs which he had
occasion to publish increased his reputation in no small
degree. The academy of sciences of Paris having about
that time proposed for solution the famous problem, on
the cause of gravity, Bilfinger carried off the prize, which
was one thousand crowns. This made his name be known
in every part of Europe, and the duke Charles of Wirtemberg having been reminded that he was one of his subjects,
immediately recalled him home. The court of Russia,
after in vain endeavouring to retain him, granted him a
pension of four hundred florins, and two thousand as the
reward of a discovery he had made in the art of fortification. He quitted Petersburgh accordingly in 1731, and
being re-established at Tubingen, revived the reputation
of that school not only by his lectures, but by many salutary changes introduced in the theological class, which he
effected without introducing any new opinions. His
greatest reputation, however, rests on his improvements
in natural philosophy and mathematics, and his talents
as an engineer seem to have recommended him to the
promotion which the duke Charles Alexander conferred
upon him. He had held many conversations with Bilfinger
on the subject of fortifications, and wished to attach him
to government by appointing him a privy-councillor in
1735, with unlimited credit. For some time he refused a
situation which he thought himself not qualified to fill, but
when he accepted it, his first care was to acquire the knowledge necessary for a member of administration, endeavouring to procure the most correct information respecting
the political relations, constitution, and true interests of
the country. By these means, he was enabled very essentially to promote the commerce and agriculture of his
country, and in other respects to improve her natural resources, as well as her political connections, and he is
still remembered as one of the ablest statesmen of Germany. The system of fortification which he invented is
yet known by his name, and is now the chief means of
preserving it, as he died unmarried, at Stuttgard, Feb. 18,
1750. He is said to have been warm in his friendships,
but somewhat irascible; his whole time during his latter
years was occupied in his official engagements, except an
hour in the evening, when he received visits, and his only
enjoyment, when he could find leisure, was in the cultivation of his garden. To his parents he was particularly affectionate, and gratefully rewarded all those who had
assisted him in his dependent state. His principal works
are 1. “Disputatio de harmonia praestabilita,
”
Tubinguen, De harmonia animi et corporis
humani maxime prsestabilita commentatio hypothetica,
”
Francfort, De
origine et permissione Mali, &c.
” ibid. Specimen doctrinae veterum Sinarum moralis et politicae,
”
ibid. Dissertatio historico-catoptrica de
speculo Archimedis,
” Tubingen, Dilucidationes philosophies; de Deo, anima, &c.
” before
mentioned, ibid. Bilfingeri et Holmanni
epistolae de barmonia praestabilita,
” Disputatio de natura et legibus studii in theologica Thetici,
”
ibid. Disputatio de cuku Dei rationali,
”
ibid. Notae breves in Spinosae methodum.
explicandi scripturas,
” ibid. De mysteriis Christianae fidei generatim spectatis sermo,
” ibid. La Citadelle coupee,
” Leipsic, Elementa physices,
” Leipsic,
ars in his studies at the university of Oxford, during which time he contracted an acquaintance with an eminent mathematician, whose name was Whitehead, and who had
, an excellent mathematician, and lord-mayor of London in the reign of queen
Elizabeth, was son to Roger Biilingsley of Canterbury. He
spent near three years in his studies at the university of Oxford, during which time he contracted an acquaintance with
an eminent mathematician, whose name was Whitehead, and
who had been an Augustin friar at Oxford, but Biilingsley
being removed from the university, and bound apprentice
to an haberdasher in London, he afterwards raised himself
so considerable a fortune by trade, that he was successively
chosen sheriff, alderman, one of the commissioners of the
customs for the port of London, and at last lord mayor of
that city in 1597, and received the honour of knighthood.
He made a great progress in the mathematics, by the assistance of his friend Mr. Whitehead, who being left destitute upon the dissolution of the monasteries in the reign of
king Henry VIII. was received by Mr. Biilingsley into his
family, and maintained by him in his old age in his house
at London and when he died, he gave our author all the
mathematical observations, which he had made and collected, with his notes upon Euclid’s Elements, which he
had drawn up and digested with prodigious pains. He was
one of the original society of antiquaries. Sir Henry Billingsley died very much advanced in years, Nov. 22, 1606, and
was interred in the church of St. Catherine Coleman, London. He translated the Elements of Euclid into English,
to which he added a great number of explanations, examples, scholia, annotations, and inventions, collected from
the best mathematicians both of the former times, and
those in which he lived, published under the title of “The
Elements of Geometry of the most antient philosopher
Euclid of Megara, faithfully translated into the English
tongue. Whereunto are added certain scholia, annotations,
” &c. London,
for he died in 1723. Here it may not be amiss to observe how frequently it occurs that the merits of an eminent ancestor derive honour and emolument on their posterity.
Of such importance have the works of this eminent writer been esteemed in foreign countries, that they have all
been correctly translated into Latin by Grichow, a divine
of Halle in Germany, 11 vols. 4to, 1724 38, and were
reprinted in 1751—61. But he did not live to receive
this flattering mark of approbation, for he died in 1723.
Here it may not be amiss to observe how frequently it occurs that the merits of an eminent ancestor derive honour
and emolument on their posterity. It is presumed that
the character of the person whose life we have been writing, was the means of procuring the living of Havant for
his eldest son, and the late learned and excellent bishop
of London, Dr. Lowth, expressly assigns that reason for
bestowing a comfortable living on his grandson. “I venerate (says he in a letter which conveyed the presentation)
the memory of your excellent grandfather, my father’s
particular and most intimate friend. He was not rewarded
as he ought to have been I therefore give you this living
as a small recompense for his great and inestimable merits.
”
We shall conclude this article by giving the general character of this divine As a writer his learning was extensive
and acute his style zealous and persuasive, and his application uncommonly persevering. His temper, on all
common and indifferent occasions, was mild and benevolent and to these he united great zeal in the cause in
which he was engaged. Though his passions were so
wholly subject to the guidance of religion and virtue, that
no worldly losses were sufficient to discompose him, yet
whenever he believed the important interests of the church
to be in danger, he was always eager to step forth in its
defence.
, an eminent musician and composer, was one of the children of the
, an eminent musician and composer,
was one of the children of the chapel in the reign of Edward VI. and, as asserted by Wood in the Ashmolean
ms. was bred up under Tallis. It appears, that in 1575
Tallis and Bird were both gentlemen and also organists of
the royal chapel but the time of their appointment to
this latter office cannot now be ascertained with any exactness. The compositions of Bird are many and various
those of his younger years were mostly for the service of
the church. He composed a work entitled “Sacrarurn
Cantionum, quinque vocum, printed in 1589 among
which is that noble composition
” Civitas sancti tui,“which
for many years past has been sung in the church as an
anthem, to the words
” Bow thine ear, O Lord!“He was
also the author of a work entitled
” Gradualia, ac Cantiones sacrae, quinis, quaternis, trinisque vocibus conciunatae, lib. primus.“Of this there are two editions, the
latter published in 1610. Although it appears by these
works, that Bird was in the strictest sense a church
musician, he occasionally gave to the world compositions
of a secular kind and he seems to be the first among
English musicians that ever made an essay in the composition of that elegant species of vocal harmony, the madrigal the
” La Verginella“of Ariosto, which he set in
that form for five voices, being the most ancient musical
composition of the kind to be met with in the works of
English authors. Of his compositions for private entertainment, there are extant,
” Songs of sundry natures,
some of gravitie, and others of myrth, fit for all companies
and voyces, printed in 1589;' and two other collections
of the same kind, the last of them printed in 1611. But
the most permanent memorials of Bird’s excellences are
his motets and anthems; to which may be added a fine
service in the key of D with the minor third, the first
composition in Dr. Boyce’s Cathedral Music, vol. III.
and that well-known canon of his, “Non nobis, Dornine.
”
Besides his salaries and other emoluments of his profession,
it is to be supposed that Bird derived some advantages
frotn the patent granted by queen Elizabeth to Tallis and
him, for the sole printing of music and music-paper Dr.
Ward speaks of a book which he had seen with the letters
T. E. for Thomas East, Est, or Este, who printed music
under that patent. Tallis dying in 1585, the patent, by
the terms of it, survived to bird, who, no doubt for a valuable consideration, permitted East to exercise the right
of printing under the protection of it and he in the titlepage of most of his publications styles himself the “assignee of William Bird.
” Bird died in 1623.
Dr. Black continued in the university of Glasgow from 1756 to 1766, much respected as an eminent professor, much employed as an able and most attentive
Dr. Black continued in the university of Glasgow from 1756 to 1766, much respected as an eminent professor, much employed as an able and most attentive physician, and much beloved as an amiable and accomplished gentleman, and happy in the enjoyment of a small but select society of friends. Often, however, says Dr. Robison, have I seen how oppressive his medical duties were on his spirits, when he saw that all his efforts did not alleviate the sufferings of the distressed. When his dear friend Dr. Dick, professor of natural philosophy, was carried off, Dr. Black’s distress indeed was exceedingly great, particularly as he thought that another mode of treatment might have been more successful.
, an eminent English divine, was born in London, 1654, and educated
, an eminent English
divine, was born in London, 1654, and educated at Catherine-hail, Cambridge. In 1690, he was inducted into
the living of South Okenden, Essex, and four years afterwards to the rectory of St. Mary Aldermary, London and
was successively chosen lecturer of St. Olave’s, and of St.
Dunstan’s in the West. He was likewise appointed chaplain to king William. He preached before the house of
commons Jan. 30, 1699, and in his sermon animadverted
on Mr. Toland for his asserting in his life of Milton, that
Charles I. was not the author of “Icon Basilike,
” and for
some insinuations against the authenticity' of the holy
scriptures which drew him into a controversy with
that author. In 1700, he preached a course of sermons at
Boyle’s lecture, in the cathedral church of St. Paul, which
were afterwards published. In 1707, he was consecrated
to the bishopric of Exeter. Burnet, having mentioned
him and sir William Dawes as raised to bishoprics, tells
us, “that these divines were in themselves men of value
and worth; but their notions were all on the other side.
They had submitted to the government but they, at least
Blackall, seemed to condemn the revolution, and all that
had been done pursuant to it.
” And it is asserted in an
anonymous pamphlet, published in 1705, that he had refused for two years to take the oath of allegiance to king
William. But what contributed most to his fame in his
life- time was a controversy he had with Mr. (afterwards bishop) Hoadly, which was occasioned by his sermon upon
Rom. xiii. 3, 4, entitled, “The Divine Institution of
Magistracy, and the gracious design of its institution,
”
preached before the queen at St. James’s on Tuesday,
March 8, 1708, being the anniversary of her majesty’s
happy accession to the throne, and published by her majesty’s special command. The next year, 1709, Mr.
Hoadly animadverted upon the bishop’s sermon, in a piece,
entitled “Some Considerations humbly offered to the right
reverend the lord bishop of Exeter, occasioned by his lordship’s sermon before her majesty, March 8, 1708.
” Upon
this the bishop published “An Answer to Mr. Hoadly’s Letter,
” dated from Bath, May the 10th, 1709. Mr. Hoadly endeavoured to vindicate himself, in “An humble Reply to the
right reverend the lord bishop of Exeter’s answer; in which
the Considerations offered to his lordship are vindicated,
and an apology is added for defending the foundation of
the present government,
” London, 1709, in 8vo. In this
controversy, bishop Blackall defends the High-church,
Tory, principles (as they usually are called), of the divine
institution of magistracy, and unlimited passive obedience
and non-resistance; which Mr. Hoadly opposes. There
were several pamphlets written on the side of the bishop
against Mr. Hoadly particularly one, entitled, “The best
Answer that ever was made, and to which no answer will
be made
” supposed to be wi'itten by Mr. Lesley, a nonjuring clergyman, and which Mr. Hoadly animadverts upon
in the postscript to his humble reply. The wits in the
Tatler engaged in this controversy on the side of Hoadly,
and with an illiberality not usual in the writers of that paper.
He died at Exeter, Nov. 29, 1716, and was interred in
the cathedral there. Archbp. Dawes, who had a long and
intimate friendship with him, declares, that in his whole
conversation he never met with a more perfect pattern of a
true Christian life, in all its parts, than in him: so much
primitive simplicity and integrity; such constant evenness of mind, and uniform conduct of behaviour; such unaffected and yet most ardent piety towards God such orthodox and steadfast faith in Christ such disinterested and
fervent charity to all mankind such profound modesty,
humility, and sobriety such an equal mixture of meekness
and courage, of cheerfulness and gravity such an exact
discharge of all relative duties and in one word, such an
indifferency to this lower world and the things of it and
such an entire affection and joyous hope and expectation
of things above. He says also, that his “manner of
preaching was so excellent, easy, clear, judicious, substantial, pious, affecting, and upon all accounts truly useful and edifying, that he universally acquired the reputation of being one of the best preachers of his time.
” Felton, in his Classics, commends him as an excellent writer.
M. de la Roche, in his memoirs of literature, tells us, that
our prelate was one of those English divines, who, when
they undertake to treat a subject, dive into the bottom of
it, and exhaust the matter. His works were published by
archbishop Dawes, in 2 vols. fol. 1723, consisting of Practical discourses on our Saviour’s Sermon on the mount, and
on the Lord’s Prayer, together with his sermons preached
at Boyle’s lecture, with several others upon particular occasions.
, an eminent surveyor and architect, was born in the borough of Southwark,
, an eminent surveyor and
architect, was born in the borough of Southwark, on the
20th of December, 1750. His father was a respectable
tradesman in St. John’s parish, and his mother was a native
of Spain. The whole of his grammatical education was
derived from a common seminary in the neighbourhood;
and at a proper age he was placed under a surveyor of no
eminence, but from whom he derived very few advantages
in the knowledge of his profession. However, from the
natural bent of an ardent mind, he sought the acquaintance of men of genius, several of whom belonged to the
Jioyal Academy. Into that academy he was admitted as a
student; and in 1773 he was presented with the medal for
the best drawing of the inside of St. Stephen’s church in
Walbrook. This prize he bore away from many competitors and, at the delivery of it, received a high compliment to his abilities from the late sir Joshua Reynolds, the
president. About the same time he entered into business
for himself in Southwark, and carried it on for some
years with increasing success among his private connections, when an event occurred which brought him into
public notice and reputation. An act of parliament had
passed in 1779, declaring, that “if any offenders convicted of crimes for which transportation had been usually
inflicted, were ordered to solitary imprisonment, accompanied by well regulated labour and religious instruction,
it might be the means, under providence, not only of deterring others from the commission of the like crimes, but
also of reforming the individuals, and enuring them to the
habits of industry.
” By this act his majesty was authorised
to appoint three persons to be supervisors of the buildings
to be erected; and the supervisors were to fix upon any
common, heath, or waste, or any other piece of ground,
in Middlesex, Essex, Kent, or Surrey, on which should
be erected two plain strong edifices, to be called “Penitentiary Houses
” one for the confinement and employment of six hundred males, the other of three hundred females. In the same year in which the act was passed,
three supervisors were appointed to carry it into execution.
These were John Howard, esq George Whatley, esq. and
Dr. John Fothergill. This commission however was dissolved, first by the death of Dr. Fothergill, and soon after
that event by the resignation of Mr. Howard, who found it
not in his power to coalesce with his remaining colleague.
Another set of supervisors was therefore appointed in 1781,
being sir Gilbert Elliot, bart. sir Charles Bunbury, bart.
and Thomas Bowdler, esq. One of the principal objects
with these gentlemen was to provide that they should be
constructed in the manner most conducive to the ends of
solitary confinement, useful labour, and moral reformation.
Accordingly, the supervisors proposed premiums for the
best plans that should be produced of the penitentiary
houses intended to be erected. The highest premium was
a hundred guineas, which xvas unanimously assigned to Mr.
Blackburn, in the month of March 1782. This preference,
as a pecuniary consideration, was a matter of little
consequence. The grand advantage that was to be expected
from it, with regard to Mr. Blackburn, was, that he should
be employed as the architect and surveyor of the buildings
proposed. And in fact he was appointed by the supervisors to that office and the plan of a penitentiary house
for male offenders was accordingly arranged by him, and
proper draughts were made for the use of the workmen;
and a great part of the work was actually contracted for by
different persons. Yet the designs of government were
not carried into execution the circumstances of the times
having diverted the attention of public men from this important object nor has it ever since been resumed. Nevertheless, though Mr. Blackburn might in this respect be
disappointed of his just expectations, he did not lose his
reward, nor was the nation deprived of the benefit arising
from his ingenuity. A spirit of erecting prisons in conformity to his plans was immediately excited and many
county gaols, and other structures of the same nature,
were built under his inspection. Besides the completion
of several prisons, Mr. Blackburn was engaged in other
designs of a similar nature, when he was arrested by the
hand of death, in the fortieth year of his age. He departed this life on the 28th day of October, 1790, at Preston in Lancashire, being on a journey to Scotland, whither
he was going at the instance of his grace the duke of Buccleugh, and the lord provost of Glasgow, with a view to
the erection of a new gaol in that city. From Preston his
remains were removed to London, and interred in the
burying-ground of Bunhill-fields.
and instructive. In February, 1783, Mr. Blackburn married Lydia, the daughter of Mr. Joshua Hobson, an eminent builder in his neighbourhood an amiable woman, with
The person of Mr. Blackburn was of the middle stature; and from his early youth he was so very corpulent, that his friends were filled with apprehensions, too unhappily verified, that his life would not be a long one. Till he became twenty-five years of age, he drank nothing but water. But at that time, in consequence of a severe fit of sickness, he was advised by the late Dr. John Fothergill to change his beverage for malt liquor, and occasionally to take a glass of wine. The affliction of another severe illness, later in life, was sustained by him with eminent and exemplary resignation and fortitude. Previously to his last journey he was considerably better, and entertained hopes that travelling might contribute to the restoration of his former health: but it was ordered otherwise by the supreme Disposer of events. By a sudden stroke he was for ever taken from his beloved wife and children; who, with a number of select friends, were left to lament a loss, which they must feel so long as they remain in this world. The character of Mr. Blackburn was, in every view of it, amiable and respectable. In discharging the duties and relations of life, he was uniform and consistent. He was very cheerful in his- temper, and affable and engaging in his behaviour. Being endued with a great flow of spirits, and much vivacity of mind, his conversation was at once agreeable and instructive. In February, 1783, Mr. Blackburn married Lydia, the daughter of Mr. Joshua Hobson, an eminent builder in his neighbourhood an amiable woman, with whom he lived in the most perfect harmony, and by whom he left four children.
it is more interesting than any detail of his minor tracts. On Commencement Sunday 1757, Dr. Powell, an eminent tutor of St. John’s college, Cambridge, published a
His next publications were on the subjects of the new
style Archdeacon Sharpe’s charges the Jew naturalization-bill a letter to archbishop Herring, on church reformation none of which require much notice. When in
1755, Dr. Law’s notion appeared concerning the soul and
the state of death, or what was called “the soul-sleeping
system,
” Mr. Blackburne adopted, and defended it in a tract
entitled “No proof in the Scriptures of an intermediate
state of happiness or misery, between death and the resurrection,
” and he urged the same opinion in a subsequent
tract but as the Confessional is the publication on which
his fame principally rests, the history of it is more interesting than any detail of his minor tracts. On Commencement Sunday 1757, Dr. Powell, an eminent tutor of St.
John’s college, Cambridge, published a sermon on subscription to the Liturgy and XXXIX articles, in which he
maintained that a latitude was allowed to subscribers, even,
so far as to admit of the assent and conserit of different
persons to different and even opposite opinions, according
to their different interpretations of the propositions to be
subscribed. Dr. Powell’s casuistry on the subject appeared
to Mr. Blackburne so detestable, and so subversive of the
principles of good faith among men, that he determined to
expose and refute it to the best of his power, and accordingly published “Remarks on the rev. Dr. Powell’s Sermon in defence of Subscriptions, &c.
”
ere worthy of the attention of the discerning, and some of them having been, shewn to Dr. Stevenson, an eminent physician of Edinburgh, he formed the benevolent design
In this manner his life appears to have passed for the first nineteen years, at the end of which he had the misfortune to lose his father, who was killed by the accidental fall of a malt-kiln. For about a year after this, he continued to live at home, and began to be noticed as a young man of genius and acquirements, such as were not to be expected in one in his situation. His poems, which had increased in number as he grew up, were now handed about in manuscript, with confidence that they were worthy of the attention of the discerning, and some of them having been, shewn to Dr. Stevenson, an eminent physician of Edinburgh, he formed the benevolent design of removing the author to that city, where his genius might be improved by a regular education. He came accordingly to Edinburgh in the year 1741, and continued his studies in the university, under his kind patron, till the year 1745. In 1746 a volume of his poems, in octavo, was published, but with what effect we are not told. The rebellion, however, which then raged in Scotland, disturbed arts and learning, and our author returned to Dumfries, where he found an asylum in the house of Mr. M'Murdo, who had married his sister, and who, by company and conversation, endeavoured to amuse his solitude, and keep up his stock of learning. At the close of the rebellion he returned to Edinburgh, and pursued his studies for six years longer.
at a subsequent period, a tragedy; Crosbie, then an eminent advocate at
at a subsequent period, a tragedy; Crosbie, then an eminent advocate at
ackstone, a silkman, and citizen and bowyer of London, who was the third son of Mr. John Blackstone, an eminent apothecary, in Newgate-street, descended from a family
, knight, and LL. D. an illustrious English lawyer, was born July 10, 1723, in Cheapside, in the parish of St. Michael-le-Querne, at the house of his father, Mr. Charles Blackstone, a silkman, and citizen and bowyer of London, who was the third son of Mr. John Blackstone, an eminent apothecary, in Newgate-street, descended from a family of that name in the west of England, at or near Salisbury. His mother was Mary, eldest daughter of Lovelace Bigg, esq. of Chilton Foliot, in Wiltshire. He was the youngest of four children, of whom, John died an infant, Charles, the eldest, and Henry, the third, were educated at Winchester-school, under the care of their uncle Dr. Bigg, warden of that society, and were afterwards both fellows of New college, Oxford. Charles became a fellow of Winchester, and rector of Wimering, in Hampshire; and Henry, after having practised physic for some years, went into holy orders, and died in 1778, rector of Adderbury, in Oxfordshire, a living in the gift of New-college. Their father died some months before the birth of the subject of this article, and their mother died before he was twelve years old. from his birth, the care both of his education and fortune was kindly undertaken by his maternal uncle, Mr. Thomas Bigg, an eminent surgeon in London, and afterwards, on the death of his eldest brothers, owner of the Chilton estate, which, if we mistake not, is still enjoyed by that family. The affectionate care of this uncle, in giving all his nephews a liberal education, supplied the great loss they had so early sustained, and compensated, in a great degree, for their want of more ample fortunes, and it was always remembered by them with the sincerest gratitude. In 1730, being about seven years of age, he was put to school at the Charter-house, and in 1735 was, by the nomination of sir Robert Walpole, on the recommendation of Charles Wither, of Hall, in Hampshire, esq, his cousin by the mother’s side, admitted upon the foundation.
Mr. Rand, an eminent apothecary, was at that time demonstrator to the company
Mr. Rand, an eminent apothecary, was at that time
demonstrator to the company of apothecaries, in the garden at Chelsea, and by his advice she took up her residence opposite the physic garden, in order to facilitate her
design, by receiving the plants as fresh as possible. He
not only promoted her work with the public, but, together
with Mr. Philip Miller, afforded her all possible direction
and assistance in the execution of it. After she had completed the drawings, she engraved them on copper, and
coloured the prints with her own hands. During her
abode at Chelsea, she was frequently visited by persons of quality, and many scientific people who admired her performances, and patronized her
undertaking. On publishing the first volume in 1737, she obtained
a recommendation from Dr. Mead, Dr. Sherard, Mr. Rand,
and others, to be prefixed to it. And being allowed to
present, in person, a copy to the college of physicians,
that body made her a present, and gave her a public testimonial of their approbation; with leave to prefix it to her
book. The second volume was finished in 1739, and the
whole published under the title, “A curious Herbal, containing 500 cuts of the most useful plants whicih are now
used in the practice of physic, engraved on folio copperplates, after drawings taken from the life. By Elizabeth
Blackwell. To which is added, a short description of the
plants, and their common uses in physic,
” 2 vols. fo!.
, an eminent printer, and publisher of geographical maps and charts,
, an eminent printer, and publisher
of geographical maps and charts, was born at Amsterdam
in 1571, and died there in 1638. He was the scholar and
friend of Tycho-Brahe, and applied himself, besides his
particular art, to the study of geography and astronomy.
When he had formed the design of his celebrated “Atlas,
”
he gave liberal prices to the most experienced geographers
and draughtsmen for original maps, which he procured to
be engraved with great care, and all the elegance which
the state of the arts in his time could admit. Eager, however, as he was to render this work perfect, as he was
obliged to trust to the incomplete and dubious relations of
travellers, the work is now valued chierly as a beautiful
specimen of engraving, and bears a considerable price,
especially when coloured. It was entitled the “Grand
Atlas geographique,
” or “Theatrum Mundi
” and including the celestial and hydrographical maps, forms 14 vols.
fol. 1663 67, very little of it having been published in his
life-time, but. the whole completed by his sons. He published also, “Instruction astronomique de l'usage des
globes et sphere celestes et terrestres,
” Amst. Theatrum urbium
et munimentorum,
” was another collection of views and
maps in much esteem. These and other designs were pursued and completed by his sons John and Cornelius, and,
the latter dying young, chiefly by John, who was also the
printer of a great many classics, which yield in beauty
only to the Elzevirs. Among the geographical works of
John Blaeu, are, 1. “Novum ac magnum theatrum civitatum totius Belgiae,
” Civitates et
admirandae Italiae,
” Theatrum Sabaudise et Pedemontii,
” Theatre de
Piemont e de la Savoie,
” by James Bernard, Hague, Erythraei Pinacotheca,
” a work to which we have sometimes referred,
was published with Cologne in the title page, instead of
Amsterdam, and Jodocus Kalcovius, instead of John Blavius, or Blaeu.
, an eminent mathematician, who flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries,
, an eminent mathematician, who
flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries, was the son of
John Blagrave, of Bulmarsh, esq. and was born at Reading, but in what year is not known. He acquired the rudiments of his education at Reading, whence he removed
to St. John’s college, Oxford, but soon quitted the university, and retired to Southcote Lodge at Reading, where
he devoted his time to study and contemplation. His
genius seemed to be turned most to mathematics; and that
he might study this science without interruption, he devoted himself to a retired life. He employed himself
chiefly in compiling such works as might render speculative mathematics accurate, and the practical parts easy.
He accordingly finished some learned and useful works, in
all which he proposed to render those sciences more universally understood. He endeavoured to shew the usefulness of such studies, that they were not mere amusements
for scholars and speculative persons, but of general advantage, and absolutely indispensable in many of the necessaries and conveniences of life with this view he published
the four following works: 1. “A Mathematical Jewel,
shewing the making and most excellent use of an instrument so called: the use of which jewel is so abundant, that
it leadeth the direct path-way through the whole art of
astronomy, cosmography, geography,
” &c. Of the making and use of the Familiar Staff, so called
for that it may be made useful and familiarly to walk with,
as for that it performeth the geometrical mensuration of all
altitudes,
” Astrolabium uranicum generale a necessary and pleasant solace and recreation for
navigators in their long journeying containing the use of
an instrument, or astrolabe,
” &c. The
art of Dialling, in two parts.
”
seen by Dr. Campbell, the author of that article, and had been bought at the sale of the library of an eminent physician near Covent-garden. In the first leaf it was
, probably a relation of the preceding, was born in the parish of St. Giles, Reading, in
1610, and was a great enthusiast in astrological studies.
He published “An introduction to Astrology,
” An account of
all the Drugs that were sold in the druggists and apothecaries shops, with their dangers and connexions.
” To this
book is subjoined “A new tract of Chirurgery,
” 8vo. He
was also author of “The Astrological practise of Physick,
discovering the true method of curing all kinds of diseases,
by such herbs and plants as grow in our nation,
” 8vo.
In the Biographia Britannica, is an account of a manuscript which had been seen by Dr. Campbell, the author
of that article, and had been bought at the sale of the library of an eminent physician near Covent-garden. In
the first leaf it was said to be written by Mr. J. Blagrave,
and was dedicated to Mr. B. (Backhouse) of Swallowfield.
It appeared, from some mention of the royal society, and
its members, to have been written in 1669, or 1670. The
title was, “A remonstrance in favour of Ancient Learning
against the proud pretensions of the moderns, more especially in respect to the doctrine of the Stars.
” From
the distribution of the several heads, and the extracts from
them, it seems to be the work of an ingenious writer; one
far superior to Joseph Blagrave in style and composition;
and might, possibly, as Mr. Coates conjectures, be an unpublished work of Mr. John Blagrave, the mathematician,
by whose will he inherited an estate in Swallowfield, yet
we know not how to reconcile this with the dates respecting the royal society, which certainly did not exist in the
mathematician’s time. This Joseph Blagrave died in
1679.
, D.D. an eminent divine of the church of Scotland, was born at Edinburgh,
, D.D. an eminent divine of the church
of Scotland, was born at Edinburgh, April 7, 1718. His
father, John Blair, a respectable merchant in that city,
was a descendant of the ancient family of Blair, in Ayrshire, and grandson of the famous Mr. Robert Blair, minister of St. Andrew’s, chaplain to Charles I. and one of
the most zealous and distinguished clergymen of the peilod in which he lived. Of the two sons who survived him,
David, the eldest, was a clergyman of eminence in Edinburgh, and father to Mr. Robert Blair, minister of Athelstanford, the author of the well-known poem entitled
“The Grave.
” From his youngest son, Hugh, who engaged in business as a merchant, and had the honour to
fill a high station in the magistracy of Edinburgh, the object of the present memoir descended.
, son to the preceding, was an, eminent physician at Franeker, and one of the most voluminous
, son to the preceding, was an,
eminent physician at Franeker, and one of the most voluminous compilers of his time. He published large works
on every branch of medicine and surgery, taken from all
preceding and even contemporary authors, without either
judgment or honesty; for while he took every thing good
and bad which he could find, he in general published all
as his own. His “Anatomia practica rationalis,
” Lexicon medicum GraecoLatinum,
” which has gone through a great many editions,
some of which have been improved by more able scholars.
The best, we believe, is that printed at Louvain, 1754,
2 vols. 8vo. An English translation, under the title of the
“Physical Dictionary,
” printed first in
, an eminent painter, called the French Titian, was born at Paris
, an eminent painter, called the French Titian, was born at Paris in 1600. He learned the rudiments of his profession under his uncle Nicholas Bellori, but left him at twen'y years of age with an intention to travel to Italy. He stopped at Lyons in his way thither, where he staid for son e time; and during his residence here reaped both profit and amusement. He passed onto Rome, where he continued about two years. From thence he went to Venice, where he was so much pleased with the works of Titian, Tintoret, and Paul Veronese, that he resolved to follow their manner; and in this he succeeded so far, that at his return to Paris he soon got into high employment being generally esteemed for the novelty, beauty, and force of his pencil. He painted two galleries at Paris, one belonging to the first president, Perrault, and the other to monsieur de Bullion, superintendant of the finances. But his capital pieces are those in the church of Notre Dame, St. Andrew kneeling before the cross, and the Holy Ghost descending. Blanchard was in a likely way of making his fortune; but a fever and an imposthume in the lungs carried him off in his thirty-eighth year. Of all the French painters Blanchard was esteemed the best colourist, having studied this branch with great care in the Venetian school. There are few grand compositions of his; but what he has left of this kind shew him to have had great genius. He was mostly taken up with Madonnas, half-lengths, which prevented his employing himself in subjects of greater extent.
, D. D. an eminent Hebrew critic, canon of Christ church, regius professor
, D. D. an eminent Hebrew critic, canon of Christ church, regius professor of Hebrew in
the university of Oxford, 1787, and rector of Polshot, was
first of Worcester college, where he proceeded M. A. 1753;
afterwards fellow of Hertford college, where he took the
degree of B. D. 1768, and of D. D. 1787 and was installed
Hebrew professor Dec. 7. of that year. He was also some
time a Whitehall preacher. He distinguished himself
greatly as a scriptural commentator and translator. He
published, 1. “A dissertation, by way of enquiry into the
true import and application of the Vision related Dan. is.
20 to the end, usually called Daniel’s Prophecy of Seventy
Weeks with occasional remarks on Michaelis’s letters to sir
John Pringle on the same subject, 1775,
” 4to. 2. “Jereiniah and Lamentations, a new translation, with notes critical, philosophical, and explanatory, 1784,
” 8vo. 3. “The
Sign given to Ahaz, a discourse on Isaiah vii. 14, 15, 16,
delivered in the church of St. John, Devizes, at the
triennial visitation of Shute, lord bishop of Sarum, July 26,
1786 with a proposed emendation of a passage in his dissertation on Daniel,
” Christ the greater
glory of the temple, a sermon, preached before the university of Oxford, at Christ church, Nov. 9, 1788,
” 4to.
J. “Zechariah, a new translation, with notes critical,
philosophical, and explanatory and an Appendix, in
reply to Dr. Eveleigh’s Sermon on Zechariah i. S 1 1 (to which is added, a new edition, with alterations, of the dissertation on Daniel), 1797,
” 4to. In this dissertation
on Daniel the study and criticism of this learned divine
produced a translation very different from that in the common English Bible, as well as from that of Michaelis. It
.
is less liable to objection, particularly as it has no recourse
to that ingenious but uncertain and unsatisfying method of
computation by lunar years; it extends also to those verses
of the chapter which Dr. Michaelis seemed to give up as
inexplicable, almost in despair of ever attaining a probable
solution of the difficulty. The translation of Jeremiah and
Lamentations is on the plan of Dr. Lowth’s Isaiah, and
does credit to its author both as a translator and a critic.
The same may be said respecting the translation of Zechariah and it may be added, that the candour and liberality which Dr. Blayney opposes, in this instance, to the intemperance and acrimony of one of his antagonists, do him
great honour. The doctor also took uncommon pains in
correcting the text of the edition of the common version of
the English Bible, which was printed at the Clarendon
press in 1769, 4to. He made a great number of additional
references in the margin, and produced the most correct
Bible in our language; but, unfortunately, a large part of
the impression was soon after burned at the Bible warehouse in Paternoster row, and it is now ranked among the
most scarce and valuable editions.
, an eminent naturalist, and a Jew hy birth, was born at Anspech,
, an eminent naturalist, and
a Jew hy birth, was born at Anspech, in 1723, of very
poor parents. He began to study very late at the age of
nineteen, he knew neither German or Latin, and had read
only some of the writings of the Rabbis, notwithstanding
which, he was employed as a tutor in the family of a Jew
surgeon at Hamburgh. There he himself was taught
German, and a poor Bohemian Catholic gave him some
instructions in Latin; he picked up also some knowledge
of anatomy. Afterwards he made rapid progress in regaining lost time, and having removed to live with some
relations he had at Berlin, he applied himself with eagerness and success to the study of anatomy and natural history, and received a doctor’s degree at Francfort on the
Oder, with which he returned to practise as a physician
at Berlin. Here the celebrated naturalist Martini procured
him to be elected a member of the society of the “Curious
in nature,
” and he soon became highly distinguished
among the scientific men of his time. He died Aug. 6,
1799, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His principal
work was his “Natural history of Fishes, particularly those
of the Prussian states,
” four parts, Berlin, Natural history of
foreign Fishes,
” Berlin, The natural history
of German Fishes,
” Ichthyology, or the natural history of
Fishes,
” Berlin, Treatise on the generation of worms in the
intestines, and on the method of destroying them,
” which
gained the prize offered by the royal society of Denmark,
and was printed at Berlin, 1782, 4to, and a “Treatise on
the waters of Pyrmont,
” both in German, Hamburgh,
, younger son of sir Henry Blount, and brother to sir Thomas Pope Blount hereafter mentioned, an eminent writer in the last century, was born at his grandfather’s
, younger son of sir Henry Blount,
and brother to sir Thomas Pope Blount hereafter mentioned,
an eminent writer in the last century, was born at his
grandfather’s seat at Upper Holloway, in the county of
Middlesex, April 27, 1654. He was endowed by nature
with a great capacity, and with a strong propensity to
learning; which excellent qualities were properly cultivated
by the assiduous care of his father, and under so able an
instructor, he quickly acquired an extraordinary skill in
the arts and sciences, without any thing of that pedantry,
which is too frequently the consequence of young men’s
application to study in the common course. His pregnant
parts and polite behaviour brought him early into the
world, so that his father, who was a true judge of men,
thought fit, when he was about eighteen, to marry him to
Eleanora, daughter of sir Timothy Tyrrel, of Shotover in
the county of Oxford, and gave him a very handsome estate, having always respected him as a friend, as well as
loved him with the affection of a father. The year after
his marriage, he wrote a little treatise, which he published
without his name, in defence of Dryden, whose “Conquest of Granada
” was attacked by Richard Leigh, a player.
In Anima
Mnndi,
” in which it is said, and with great probability,
that he had the assistance of his father. It had been long
before handed about in manuscript among the acquaintance
of its author, with several passages in it much stronger than
in that which was transmitted to the press, and licensed by
sir Roger L'Estrange. This, however, did not hinder its
giving great offence, insomuch that complaint was made to
Dr. Compton, then Lord Bishop of London, who, upon
perusal, signified that he expected it should be suppressed,
and intimating, that he would thereupon rest satisfied. But
afterwards, when the Bishop was out of town, an opportunity was taken by some zealous person to burn the book,
which however has been reprinted since. The same year
he published a broad sheet under the title of “Mr.
Hobbes’s last Words and dying Legacy.
” It was extracted
from the “Leviathan,
” and was intended to weaken and
expose his doctrine yet he could be no very warm antagonist, since there is still extant a letter of his to Mr.
Hobbes, wherein he professes himself a great admirer of his
parts, and one who would readily receive his instructions. He
afterwards gave a strong testimony in favour of liberty, in
a pamphlet on the Popish Plot, and the fearof a Popish
successor, entitled, “An Appeal from the country to the
city for the preservation of his majesty’s person, liberty,
property, and the Protestant religion.
” This treatise is
subscribed Junius Brutus, and is the strongest invective
against Popery and Papists that was published even in that
age, when almost all the wit of the nation was pointed that
way. There are in it likewise such express recommendations of the Duke of Monmouth, as might well hinder the
author from owning it, and give it, in the eyes of the lawyers of those times, an air of sedition at least, if not of
treason. In 1680, he printed that work which made
him most known to the world, “The Life of Apollonius
Tyaneus,
” which was soon after suppressed, and only a
few copies sent abroad. It was held to be the most dangerous attempt, that had been ever made against revealed
religion in this country, and was justly thought so, as
bringing to the eye of every English reader a multitude of
facts and reasonings, plausible in themselves, and of the
fallacy of which, none but men of parts and learning can
be proper judges. For this reason it is still much in esteem
with the Deists, and the few copies that came abroad contributed to raise its reputation, by placing it in the lists of
those that are extremely rare. In the same year he published his “Diana of the Ephesians,
” which, as the author
foresaw, raised a new clamour, many suggesting that, under colour of exposing superstition, he struck at all Revelation, and while he avowed only a contempt of the Heathen, seemed to intimate no great affection for the Christian priesthood. The wit, learning, and zeal of our author, had, by this time, raised him to be the chief of his
sect; and he took a great deal of pains to propagate and
defend his opinions in his discourses and familiar letters,
as well as by his books, but he had the usual inconsistency
of the infidel, and we find him owning, in a letter to Dr. Sydenham, that in point of practice, Deism was less satisfactory than the Christian scheme. The noise his former
pieces had made, induced him to conceal, industriously,
his being the author of a book, entitled, “Religio Laici,
”
published in Janus Scientiarum or an Introduction to Geography,
Chronology, Government, History, philosophy, and all
genteel sorts of Learning,
” London, 8vo. He concurred
heartily in the Revolution, and seems to have had very honest intentions of punishing those who were king James’s
evil counsellors, after the government was re-settled, by
declaring the prince and princess of Orange king and
queen. He gave another strong testimony of his sincere
attachment to his principles, and inviolable love to freedom, by a nervous defence of the liberty of the press
wherein he shews that all restraints on it can have no other
tendency than to establish superstition and tyranny, by
abasing the spirits of mankind, and injuring the human understanding. This little piece, therefore, has been always
esteemed one of the best he ever wrote; and has furnished
their strongest arguments to many succeeding writers. The
warmth of Mr. Blount’s temper, his great affection for king
William, and his earnest desire to see certain favourite projects brought about, led him to write a pamphlet, in which,
he asserted king William and queen Mary to be conquerors, which was not well relished by the house of commons. The title of this very singular and remarkable
piece at large, runs thus: “King William and queen
Mary conquerors; or, a discourse endeavouring to prove
that their majesties have on their side, against the late
king, the principal reasons that make conquest a good
title; shewing also how this is consistent with that declaration of parliament, king James abdicated the government, &c. Written with an especial regard to such as
have hitherto refused the oath, and yet allow of the title
of conquest, when consequent to a just war,
”
, an eminent writer towards the close of the seventeenth century,
, an eminent writer towards the close of the seventeenth century, was the eldest
“son of sir Henry Blount before mentioned, and was born
at Upper Holloway in the county of Middlesex, Sept. 12,
1649. He was carefully educated under the eye of his
father, who took care to acquaint him with the several
branches of polite literature most worthy the notice of a
person of his rank; and so great was the improvement he
made under so able an instructor, that, even in his junior
years, he was considered both as a judicious and learned
man, and on this account, as well as for other marks of
worth and genius, he was, by king Charles II. advanced
to the degree of a baronet, by apatent dated Jan. 27,1679,
in the thirtieth year of his majesty’s reign, and in the lifetime of sir Henry Blount his father. He was elected burgess for St. Albari’s in Hertfordshire, in the parliaments in
the thirtieth and thirty-first of king Charles II. and was
knight of the shire in three parliaments after the Revolution, having also the honour to be elected commissioner of
accounts for the three last years of his life by the house of
commons. He always distinguished himself as a lover of
liberty, a sincere friend to his country, and a true patron
of learning. His strong attachment for literature and criticism, and his extensive acquaintance with the best writers in all ages and sciences, appearecLfully in the
” Censura," which he composed, first for his own use and satisfaction, and then published in the universal language
for the benefit of others. His talents for original remark
appear from his essays, which, in point of learning, judgment, and freedom of thought, are certainly no way inferior to those of the famous Montaigne. His knowledge
and modesty are equally conspicuous in another piece
of his, wherein he presents the public with the fruits of
his reading on natural history, without depriving those
from whom he drew his knowledge, of any part of their
reputation. What he has written on poetry was likewise
drawn together for his own information, and afterwards
sent abroad for public use. Having thus satisfied in his
riper years, the great expectations which his friends had
of him in his youth, having been steady to one party,
without violence towards others, after acquiring honour in
his several public characters, esteem in private conversation, and affection in domestic life, he quietly ended his
days at his seat at Tktenhanger, June 30, 1697, in the
forty-eighth year of his age, and was buried the eighth of
July following, in the vault of his family, at Ridge in
Hertfordshire. He married Jane, daughter of sir Henry
Caesar, of Benington Place in the county of Hertford,
knight, and by her left issue five sons and nine daughters,
but the baronetage is now extinct.
, an eminent literary lady of France, and a member of the academies
, an eminent
literary lady of France, and a member of the academies of
Rome, Bologna, Padua, Lyons, and Rouen, was born at
Rouen, Oct. 22, 1710. She was educated at Paris in the
convent of the Assumption, where she made a very rapid
progress in every branch of education. At a very early
age, she studied the English language, that she might be
enabled to transfuse the beauties of Pope’s Temple of Fame
into French but she concealed her performance for many
years, nor did it appear till 1764, in the collection of her
works. She had, however, given an ample proof of her
poetical talents in 1746, by gaining the first prize givea
by the academy of Rouen, which was founded the year
preceding by the duke of Luxembourg. This procured
her the homage and the society of the most eminent nits
and scholars of the day. From this time she published
nothing without her name. Having acquired an uncommon relish for the “Paradise Lost
” of Milton, she endeavoured to translate a part of it into French, and was highly
complimented by Voltaire on her success. She imitated
also, but with much more success and more ease, Gesner’s
“Death of Abel.
” In The Amazons
” was represented on one of the Paris stages with considerable applause: but her fame rests principally on an
epic poem, entitled “The Columbiad, or Discovery of
America,
” in ten cantos, which procured her the highest
reputation at that time from the critics of her own country,
although the execution is very far from corresponding with
the magnitude of the undertaking.
, an eminent musical composer, was born at Lucca, Jan. 14, 1740,
, an eminent musical composer,
was born at Lucca, Jan. 14, 1740, where he resided till
1768, when he went to Paris, and where he continued till
1780. He then removed to Madrid, where he died in
1806. His instrument was the violoncello, and he has
perhaps supplied the performers on bowed-instruments and
lovers of music with more excellent compositions than any
master of the present age, except Haydn. His style is at
once bold, masterly, and elegant. There are movements
in his works, of every style, and in the true genius of the
instruments for which he writes, that place him high in
rank among the greatest masters who have ever written for
the violin or violoncello. There i$ perhaps no instrumental
music more ingenious, elegant, and pleasing, than his
quintets; in which invention, grace, modulation, and good
taste, conspire to render them, when well executed, a
treat for the most refined hearers and critical judges of
musical composition. The works of this excellent composer would be of use to judicious collectors, as his genius, taste, and judgment were too fertile and refined, to
suffer him to commit to paper frivolous or indigested
thoughts. His productions of forty years ago have lost
nothing of their worth, nor will forty years more wholly
deprive them of their bloom. They consist of fifty-eight
collections of symphonies, quintets, &c. In the religious
cast he has only one piece, a “Stabat mater.
”
, an eminent Italian scholar, was born at Bologna in 1488, of a noble
, an eminent Italian scholar, was
born at Bologna in 1488, of a noble family. In his studies
he made uncommon proficiency, and had distinguished
himself at the early age of twenty by his very learned
work on Plautus. According to the custom of the age, he
attached himself to various princes, but at first to the celebrated Albert Pio, count of Carpi. Having become imperial orator at the court of Rome, he obtained by his
talents and knowledge of business, the titles of chevalier
and count Palatine, and was intrusted with some important
functions, such as that of bestowing the degree of doctor,
of creating notaries, and even legitimizing natural children. At Bologna he was professor of Greek and Latin,
rhetoric and poetry, and was chosen one of the Auziani in
1522. Having acquired a handsome fortune, he built a
palace, and in 1546 founded an academy in it, named from
himself Academia Bocchiana, or Bocchiale. It was also
called Ermatena, agreeable to its device, on which was
engraven the two figures of Mercury and Minerva. He
also established a printing-office in his house, and he and
his academicians employed themselves in correcting the
many beautiful editions which they printed. Bocchi was
a good Hebrew scholar, and well versed in antiquities and
history, particularly that of his own country. The senate
of Bologna employed him on writing the history of that
city, and bestowed on him the title of Historiographer.
Cardinal Sadolet, the two Flaminio’s, John Phil. Achillini,
and Lcl. Greg. Giraldi, were among his particular friends,
who have all spoken very favourably of him in their works.
This last was much attached to him, and it is supposed
that he meant to express this attachment by giving him
the name of Phileros (loving friend), or Philerote, which
is on the title of some of his works. Bocchi died at Bologna, Nov. 6, 1562. He wrote, 1. “Apologia in Plautum,
cui accedit vita Ciceronis authore Plutarcho,
” Bologn.
, an eminent German critic and historian, and counsellor to the emperor
, an eminent German critic
and historian, and counsellor to the emperor and to the
elector of Mentz, was born in 1611, at Cronheim in Franconia, and was during a long life reputed one of the ablest
men Germany had produced, particularly in Greek, Latin,
and Hebrew, in history, and political and legal knowledge. He was only twenty when thought worthy of being
appointed professor of eloquence at Strasburgh, and in
1640 was made a canon of St. Thomas. Christina, queen of
Sweden, invited him to Upsal in 1648, to be professor of
eloquence, and the following year conferred on him the
place of historiographer of Sweden, with a pension of eight
hundred crowns, which she generously continued when
his health obliged him to return to Strasburgh. He was
then elected professor* of history at Strasburgh, and in
1662 the elector of Mentz appointed him his counsellor.
The year after, the emperor Ferdinand III. bestowed the'
same honour upon him, with the title of count Palatine.
Louis XIV. offered him a pension pf two thousand livres,
but the court of Vienna, unwilling to lose him, induced
him to decline it, and made up his loss by another pension
of six hundred rix-dollars. Boeder, honoured and enriched by so many favours, pursued his studies with unremitting ardour, until his death in 1692. He published
with notes or commentaries, editions of Herodian, Strasburgh, 1644, 8vo Suetonius, ibid. 1647, 4to Manilius,
ibid. 1655, 4to Terence, ibid, 1657, 8vo Cornelius
Nepos, Utrecht, 1665, 12mo; Polybius, 1666, 1670,
1681, 4to; part of Tacitus, Velleius Paterculus, Virgil,
Herodotus, and Ovid. His other works were 1 “De
Jure Galliae in Lotharingiam,
” Strasburgh, Annotationes in Hippolytum a Lapide,
”
ibid. De ratione status imperii Romano-Germanici,
” by Chemnitz or
James de Steinberg. 3. “Dissertatio de scriptoribus
Graecis et Latinis, ab Homero usque ad initium XVI seculi,
” ibid. 1674, 8vo, and reprinted by Gronovius in the
tenth vol. of his Grecian antiquities. 4. “Bibliographia
historico-politico-philologica,
” Historia
Belli Sueco-Danici annis 1643 1645,
” Stockholm, Historia universalis ab orbe
comlito ad J. C. nativitatem,
” ibid. Notitia sacri imperii
Romani,
” ibid. De rebus saeculi
post Christum XVI. liber memorialis,
” Kiel, 1697, 8vo:
10. “Historia universalis IV saeculorum post Christum,
”
1699, 8vo, reprinted at Rostock, 4to, with a life of the
author, by J. Theophilus Moller. 11. Various “Letters
”
in Jaski’s collection, Amsterdam, Commentatio in Grotii librum de jure belli ac pacis,
” Strasburgh, Bibliographia critica,
” Leipsic,
Dissertations, and smaller pieces,
” published by J. Fabricius, ajt
Strasburgh,
, an eminent professor of botany and anatomy in the university of
, an eminent professor of
botany and anatomy in the university of Wittetnberg, who
was born in 1723, and died in 1803, was the disciple of
Ludwig, and the author of a great many treatises on every
branch of botanical science, much admired for original
thoughts, perspicuity of method, and extensive knowledge. The principal of these were, 1. “Flora Lipsiae
indigena,
” Leipsic, Definitiones plantarum Ludwigianas auctas et emendatas edidit G. R.
Boehmer,
” ibid. Bibliotheca
scriptorum historic naturalis, oeconomisc, aliarumque artium ac scientiarum ad illam pertmentium, realis systematica,
” ibid. 9 vols. 8vo, a very valuable bibliographical
work, with references to the literary journals, &c. 4. “A
history of plants used in arts and manufactures,
” ibid.
o my mind. I have always before my eyes the venerable simplicity of that great man, who possessed in an eminent degree the power of persuasion. How often have I heard
The following anecdotes respecting an important feature
in Boerhaave’s character will not be read without interest
“Fifty years are now elapsed,
” says the learned baron
Haller, “since I was the disciple of the immortal Boerhaave but his image is continually present to my mind.
I have always before my eyes the venerable simplicity of
that great man, who possessed in an eminent degree the
power of persuasion. How often have I heard him say,
when he spoke of the precepts of the Gospel, that the Divine Teacher of it had much more knowledge of the human
heart than Socrates He particularly alluded to that sentence in the New Testament, * Whosoever looketh after
a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery
with her in his heart' for, added my illustrious master,
” the first attacks of vice are always feeble reason has
then some power over the mind. It is then in the very
moment that such thoughts occur as have a tendency to
withdraw us from our duty, that, if we with diligence suppress them, and turn our attention to something else, we
may avoid the approaching danger, and not fail into the
temptations of vice."
, an eminent French poet, usually called by his countrymen Despreaux,
, an eminent French
poet, usually called by his countrymen Despreaux, was
born on November 1, 1636. His parents were Gilles
Boileau, register of the great chamber, and Ann de Nielle,
his second wife; but it is uncertain whether he was born
at Paris or Crone. In his early years, he was the reverse
of those infantine prodigies who often in mature age scarcely
attain to mediocrity; on the contrary, he was heavy and
taciturn; nor was his taciturnity of that observing kind
which denotes sly mischief at the bottom, but the downright barren taciturnity of insipid good-nature. His father,
on comparing him with his other children, used to say,
“as for this, he is a good-tempered fellow, who will never
speak ill of any one.
” In his infancy, however, he ap“pears to have been of a very tender constitution, and is
said to have undergone the operation for the stone at the
age of eight. Through compliance with the wishes of his
family, he commenced with being a counsellor; but the
tlryness of the Code and Digest soon disgusted him with
this profession, which, his eulogist thinks, was a loss to
the bar. When M. Dongois, his brother-in-law, register
of parliament, took him to his house in order to form him
to the style of business, he had a decree to draw up in an
important cause, which he composed with enthusiasm,
while he dictated it to Boileau with an emphasis which
shewed how much he was satisfied with the sublimity of
his work; but when he had finished, he perceived that
Boileau was fallen asleep, after having written but few
words. Transported with anger, he sent him back to his
father, assuring him he
” would be nothing but a blockhead all the rest of his life." After this he began to study
scholastic divinity, which was still less suited to his taste,
and at length he became what he himself wished to be a
Poet; and, as if to belie, at setting out, his father’s prediction, he commenced at the age of thirty, with satire,
which let loose against him the crowd of writers whom he
Her death was much lamented by many, as she had been an eminent patroness of men of learning and genius, and in all
Her death was much lamented by many, as she had been an eminent patroness of men of learning and genius, and in all other respects of a most generous and charitable disposition; and it is highly probable, that, if she had lived, the vast sums of money, which were raised by the suppression of religious houses, would have been employed in the promotion of the most public and valuable purposes.
, an eminent puritan divine, and one of the best scholars of his
, an eminent puritan divine, and
one of the best scholars of his time, was born at Blackburn
in Lancashire, in 1572, and educated in queen Elizabeth’s
free-school in that place, where he made such proficiency
as to be accounted a young man of extraordinary talents
and industry. In his eighteenth year he went to Oxford,
and entered of Lincoln college, under the tuition of Mr.
John Randal, where he went through a course of logic and
philosophy with distinguished approbation, and particularly took pains to acquire a critical knowledge of Greek,
transcribing the whole of Homer with his own hand. By
this diligence he attained a greater facility than was then
usual, writing, and even disputing, in Greek with great
correctness and fluency. From Lincoln he removed to
Brazen-nose, in hopes of a fellowship, as that society
consisted most of Lincolnshire and Cheshire men. In 1596
he took his bachelor’s degree in this college, and was
kindly supported by Dr. Brett of Lincoln, himself a good
Grecian, and who admired the proficiency Bolton had
made in that language, until 1602, when he obtained a
fellowship, and proceeded M. A. the same year. His reputation advancing rapidly, he was successively chosen
reader of the lectures on logic, and on moral and natural
philosophy in his college. In 1605, vrhen king James
came to Oxford, the vice-chancellor (Abbot, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury) appointed him to read in natural
philosophy in the public schools, and to be one of the
disputants before his majesty. Afterwards he increased
his stock of learning by metaphysics, mathematics, and
scholastic divinity. About this time, one Anderton, a
countryman and schoolfellow, and a zealous Roman catholic, endeavoured to seduce him to that religion, and a
place of private conference was fixed, but Anderton not
keeping his appointment, the affair dropped. Mr. Bolton,
with all his learning, had been almost equally noted for
immorality, but about his thirty-fourth year, reformed his
life and manners, and became distinguished for regularity
and piety. In 1609, about two years after he entered into
holy orders, which he did very late in life, he was presented to the living of Broughton in Northamptonshire, by
Mr. afterwards sir Augustine Nicolls, serjeant at law, who
sent for him to his chamber* in Serjeant’s Inn and gave
him the presentation. Dr. King, bishop of London, being
by accident there at the same time, thanked the serjeant
for what he had done for Broughton, but told him that he
had deprived the university of a singular ornament. He
then went to his living and remained on it until his death,
Dec. 17, 1631. He was, says Wood, a painful and constant preacher, a person of great zeal in his duty, charitable and bountiful, and particularly skilled in resolving
the doubts of timid Christians. Of his works, the most
popular in his time, was “A Discourse on Happiness.
”
Lond. Mr. Bolton’s last and learned work of the
Four last Things, Death, Judgment, Hell, and Heaven,
with an Assize Sermon, and Funeral Sermon for his patron
Judge Nichols,
” Loncl. 1633. Prefixed to this is the life
of Mr. Bolton, to which all his subsequent biographers
have been indebted.
, an eminent cardinal of the church of Rome, and author of several
, an eminent cardinal of the church of
Rome, and author of several derotional pieces, was born
the 19th of October, 1609, at Mondovi, a little city in
Piedmont, of a noble family. Having finished his first
studies with great success, he entered himself in a monastery of the order of St. Bernard near Pignerol in July 1625,
when he was but fifteen years of age, and was professed
there the 2d of August the year following, according to
Bertolot, who wrote his Life; though Moroti, in “Cistercii
reflorescentis Historia,
” places this. in
, an eminent physician and medical writer, was born at Geneva, March
, an eminent physician and medical writer, was born at Geneva, March 5,
1620, and following the steps of his father and grandfather,
early attached himself to the practice of physic. After visiting several foreign academies, he was admitted doctor
in medicine at Bologna, in 1643, and was soon after made
physician to the duke de Longueville. Though he soon
attained to high credit in his profession, and had a large
share of practice, he dedicated a considerable portion of
his time to reading, and to dissecting such subjects as the
hospital afforded him, with a view of discovering the seats
of diseases, minuting every deviation he observed from the
natural structure of the viscera, or other parts of the body,
and thus opening a new road for improving the science he
cultivated. He also appears to have made extracts of every
thing he deemed worthy of notice, from the various works
he read. His hearing from some accident becoming defective, he withdrew from practice, and employed the last
ten or twelve years of his life in arranging the materials he
had collected. The first fruit of his labour, which he gave
to the public in 1668, was “Pharos Medicoru in,
” 2 vols.
12mo. This was printed again, much improved and enlarged, in 1679, in 4to, under the title of “Labyrinthi
Medici, extricati,
” &c. compiled principally from Bellonius
and Septalius. In 1675, “Prodromus Anatomise practicas,
sive de abditis morborum causis,
” fol.; the precursor of
his principal work, “Sepulchretum, seu Anatome practica,
ex cadaveribus morbo denatis proponens historias et observationes,
” &c. Genev. De sedibus et causis Morborum,
” by which
the “Sepulchretum
” is in a great measure superseded.
The author begins with observations on the appearances of
the brain and other parts of the head; then of the contents of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis; and lastly, of
the extremities; forming an immense body of dissections,
which he has illustrated by many pertinent and ingenious
observations. “Cours de medicine, et de la chirurgie,
”
Medicina
septentrionalis, collectitia,
” Mercurius compilatitius, seu index medico-practicus,
” Epitome operum Sennerti,
” J. D. Turqueti de
Mayerne, de Arthritide,
” Rohaulti tractatus physicus, e Gallico in Latinam versus,
”
, an eminent Italian lawyer, poet, and historian, was born in 1547,
, an eminent Italian lawyer, poet,
and historian, was born in 1547, at Rovigo in the state of
Venice, and educated at Padua, where, during his lawstudies, he composed some pieces for the theatre which
were much approved. After marrying at Trevisa, or Trevigni, Elizabeth Martinagi, the daughter and heiress of
Marc Antonio, he settled in that place, of which he wrote
the history, and acquired so much reputation that the republic of Venice bestowed on him the office of judge’s
counsellor or assessor, the duties of which he executed
with great probity; and during his holding it wrote his
law tracts. In 1588, he published his commentary on the
feudal law of Venice. After the death of his wife, he
married a lady of Padua, where he was admitted to the
rank of citizenship, and where he resided for the remainder of his life. He died June 23, 1635, at a very advanced age, and was buried in the church of St. James,
with a modest inscription written by himself in 1630. His
principal writings are, 1. “Storia Trevigiana,
” Trevisi,
Letiere Famigliari,
” Rovigo, Orazione
&c. per dirizzare una Statua a Celio Ricchiero Rodigino,
”
ibid. Lezione sopra im Sonetto del Petrarca,
” ibid. Lezione sopra un altro Sonetto del Petrarca,
” ibid. L'arte de
Cenni,
” Vicenza, Discorso del modo
di ben formare a questo tempo una Tragedia,
” Padua,
Discorso sopra la sua Impresa neli'
Accademia Filarmonica,
” ibid. La Re^
publica delle Api, con la quale si dimostra il modo di ben
formare un nuovo Governo Democratico,
” Rovigo, 1627,
4to. 10. “Comentario sopra la legge dell' Senato Veneta,
&c.
” ibid. Comment,
de Furtis, et de componendis Epitaphiis,
” but without
giving the exact titles or dates.
, an eminent natural philosopher, was born at Geneva, on the 13th
, an eminent natural philosopher,
was born at Geneva, on the 13th of March, 1720. His
ancestors, who were compelled to emigrate from France,
in 1572, after the dreadful slaughter of St. Bartholomew’s
day, established themselves at Geneva, where his grandfather was advanced to the magistracy. His father, who
preferred the station of a private citizen, paid unremitted
attention to the education of his son, which the latter recompensed, at a very early period, by the amiableness of
his disposition, and the rapid progress he made in general
literature. When about sixteen years of age, he applied
himself, with great eagerness, to the perusal of “Le
Spectacle de la Nature,
” and this work made such a deep
impression on his mind, that it may be said to have directed the taste and the studies of his future life. What
that publication had commenced, was confirmed by the
work of La Pluche; but having accidentally seen the treatise of Reaumur upon insects, he was in a transport of joy.
He was very impatient to procure the book, but, as the
only copy in Geneva belonged to a public library, and as
the librarian was reluctant to entrust it in the hands of a
youth, it was with the utmost difficulty that he could obtain his end. By the possession of this treasure, our assiduous youth was enabled to make several new and curious experiments, which he communicated to Reaumur himself; and the high applause he gained, from so great a
naturalist, added fresh vigour to his assiduity.
, an eminent artist, was born at Ferra.ra in 1569, and died in 1632.
, an eminent artist, was born at
Ferra.ra in 1569, and died in 1632. He was the scholar of
Bastaruolo, and the rival of Scarsellino, whose suavity of
manner he attempted to eclipse by energy and grandeur.
He studied at Bologna, for that purpose, the Carracci; at
Rome, with nature and the antique, perhaps the Roman
style; at Venice, Paolo, and at Parma, Corregio. In
compositions of a few figures only, he resembles Lod.
Carracci sometimes to a degree of delusion; but in works
of numerous grouping, such as the “Feast of Herod,
”
and the “Nuptials of Cana,
” at Ferrara, and chiefly in
the “Supper of Ahasuerus,
” at Ravenna, he rivals in
abundance and arrangement the ornamental style of Paolo.
At St. Maria in Vado at Ferrara, his science in Corregiesque fore-shortening and forcible effects of chiaroscuro,
fixed and astonished the eye of Guercino. His cabinet
pictures possess a high degree of finish. That such powers
should not hitherto have procured Bonone an adequate degree of celebrity in the annals of painting, proves only,
that no felicity of imitation can ever raise its possessors to
the honours of originality and invention.
, Baron, an eminent mineralogist, was born of a noble family at Carlsburg,
, Baron, an eminent mineralogist, was
born of a noble family at Carlsburg, in Transylvania, Dec.
26, 1742. He came early in life to Vienna, and studied
under the Jesuits, who, perceiving his abilities, prevailed
on him to enter into their society, but he remained a member only about a year and a half. He then went to Prague,
where, as it is the custom in Germany, he studied law, and
having completed his course, made a tour through a part
of Germany, Holland, the Netherlands, and France, and
returning to Prague, he engaged in the studies of natural
history, mining, and their connected branches, and in,
1770, he was received into the department of the mines
and mint at Prague. The same year he visited the principal mines of Hungary and Transylvania, and during this
tour kept up a correspondence with the celebrated Ferber,
who, in 1774, published his letters. It was in this town,
also that he so nearly lost his life, and where he was struck
with the disease which embittered the rest of his days. It
appears from his eighteenth letter to Mr. Ferber that, when
at Felso-Banya, he descended into a mine, where fire was
used to detach the ore, to observe the efficacy of this means,
but too soon after the fire had been extinguished, and while
the mine was full of arsenical vapours raised by the heat.
How greatly he suffered in his health by this accident appears from his letter, in which he complained that he could
hardly bear the motion of his carriage. After this he was
appointed at Prague counsellor of the mines. In 1771, he
published a small work of the Jesuit Poda, on the machinery
used about mines, and the next year his “Lithophylacium
Borneanum,
” a catalogue of that collection of fossils, which
he afterward disposed of to the lion. Mr. Greville. This
work drew on him the attention of mineralogists, and
brought him into correspondence with the first men in that
study. He was now made a member of the royal societies
of Stockholm, Sienna, and Padua; and in 1774, the same
honour was conferred on him by the royal society of
London.
, an eminent Romish saint and cardinal, was born the 2d of October
, an eminent Romish saint and
cardinal, was born the 2d of October 1538, of a good family, in the castle of Arona, upon lake Major in the Milanese. He addicted himself at an early period to retirement
and study. His maternal uncle, Pius IV. sent for him to
the court of Rome, made him cardinal in 1560, and afterwards archbishop of Milan. Charles was then but 22
years of age, but conducted the affairs of the church with
disinterested zeal and prudence. The Romans were at
that time ignorant and lazy: he therefore formed an academy composed of ecclesiastics and seculars, whom, by his
example and his liberality, he animated to study and to
virtue. Each of them was to write upon some chosen subject, either in prose or verse, and to communicate to each
other in frequent conferences the fruits of their studies.
The works produced by this society have been published in
many volumes, under the title of “Noctes Vaticanas,
”
their assemblies being held in the Vatican, and at night,
after the business of the day was over. About the same
time he also founded the college at Pavia, which was dedicated to St. Justina.
, an eminent French architect, was born at Bissona in the diocese
, an eminent French architect,
was born at Bissona in the diocese of Como in 1599, and
acquired great reputation at Rome, where he was more
employed than any architect of his time. A great number of his works are seen in that city, but the major part
are by no means models for young artists. Thjey abound
in deviations from the received rules, and other singularities; but, at the same time, we cannot fail of perceiving
in them talents of a superior order, and strong marks of
genius. It was in his violent efforts to outdo Bernini, whose
fame he envied, that he departed from that simplicity
which is the true basis of the beautiful, in order to give extravagant ornaments in that taste; which have induced some
to compare his style in architecture to the literary style of
Seneca or Marini. With his talents, had he studied the great
masters in their greatest perfections, he would have been
the first architect of his time, merely by following their
track; but he unfortunately deviated into the absurdities of
singularity, and has left us only to guess from the college
of the Propaganda, and a few other buildings at Rome,
what he might have been. Even in his own time, his false
taste was decried, and it is supposed that the mortifications
he met with brought on a derangement of mind, in one of
the fits of which he put an end to his life in 1667. From a
vain opinion of his superiority, he is said to have destroyed
all his designs, before his death, lest any other architect
should adopt them. There was published, however, in
1725, at Rome, in Italian and Latin, his “Description of
the church of Vallicela,
” which he built, with the plans
and designs, and a plan of the church of Sapienza, at
Rome.
, an eminent philologer and historian, was born at Leipsic, June
, an eminent philologer and
historian, was born at Leipsic, June 17, 1626, and succeeded so rapidly in his first studies, that he was admitted
to his bachelor’s degree in the college of his native city
when he had scarcely attained his fifteenth year; and afterwards wrote and defended some theses, as is the custom
at Leipsic. In 1643 he went to study at Wittemberg,
lodging first with Balthasar Cellarius, and afterwards with
J. C. Seldius, two learned men, by whose assistance he
was enabled to improve what he heard from the public
lecturers. In 1645 he returned to Leipsic, and again attended some of the able professors under whom he was
first educated, particularly Muller and Rivinus; and the
following year, after a public disputation, in which he acquitted himself with great applause, he was admitted to
his master’s degree. In 1647 he went to Strasburgh, and
studied divinity and ecclesiastical history, and the modern
languages, until he was recalled to Leipsic, where, after
two disputations on the solar spots, he was, in 1655, admitted assessor of philosophy. The following year he was
invited to be professor of history at Jena, and acquired
the greatest reputation as a teacher, while he employed
his leisure ho-.irs in composing his own works, or editing
some of those of the ancients, making considerable progress in an edition of Josephus, and some of the Byzantine
historians. For five years he was dean, and, in 1661, rector of the college, and in 1672 he founded the society of
inquirers, “Societas disquirentium,
” at Jena. He died of
repeated attacks of the gout, which had undermined his
constitution, on April 29, 1674. Bosius was the particular
friend of Heinsius and Graevius, both of whom speak highly
of his talents. Among his works may be enumerated, 1.
“Dissertatio de veterum adoratione,
” Leipsic, Cornelius Nepos,
” Dissertatio de Pontificatu Maximo Imperatorum præcipue Christianorum,
”
Jena, De ara ignoti Dei ad Act. 17,
” Jena,
De Tiberio,
” ibid. Exercitatio historica de Clinicis Ecclesiae Teteris,
” ibid. De Vita Agricolae, Jena,
1664, 8vo. 8.
” Schediasma de comparanda notitia Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum,“ibid, 1673, 4to, reprinted by
Crenius in his
” Tractatus de eruditibne comparanda,“Leyden, 1699, 4to, and by J. G. Walch, Jena, 1723, 8vo.
After his death were published, 9.
” Introductio in notitiam rerum publicarum,“with his Essay on the stale of
Europe, Jena, 1676, 4to. 10.
” Dissertatio Isagogica de
comparanda prudentia civili, deque scriptoribus et libris
ad earn rem maxime aptis,“ibid. 1679, 4to, and reprinted
by Crenius. 11.
” Ejusdem et Reinesii Epistolae mutuse,“ibid. 1700, 12mo. 12.
” Petronii Satyriconpuritatedonatum
cum fragmento Traguriensi et Albas Graecas, &c.“ibid.
1701, 8vo. 13.
” Hispaniæ, Ducatus Mediolanensis, et
Regni Neapolitani Notitia," Helmstadt, 1702, 4to.
, bishop of Meaux, an eminent French writer and preacher, was born at Dijon, 27th
, bishop of Meaux, an eminent French
writer and preacher, was born at Dijon, 27th of September 1627. He received the first rudiments of his education
there, and in 1642 was sent to Paris to finish his studies at
the college of Navarre. In 1652 he took his degrees in
divinity, and soon after went to Metz, where he was made
a canon. Whilst he resided here, he applied himself
chiefly to the study of the scriptures, and the reading of
the fathers, especially St. Augustine. In a little time he
became a celebrated preacher, and was invited to Paris,
where he had for his hearers many of the most learned men
of his time, and several persons of the first rank at court.
In 1669 he was created bishop of Condom, and the same
month was appointed preceptor to the dauphin; upon
which occasion, and the applause he gained in the discharge of so delicate an office, pope Innocent XI. congratulated him in a very polite letter. When he had almost finished the education of this prince, he addressed
to him his “Discours surl'Histoire Universelle,
” which was
published in
, an eminent physician of Piedmont, who flourished about the middle
, an eminent physician of Piedmont, who flourished about the middle of the 16th century, was a disciple of Fallopius, and took his degree of
doctor in medicine at Padua. It appears by his writings,
that he was a diligent observer, and enjoyed a considerable share of practice. He was in succession physician and
aulic counsellor to Charles IX. Henry II. of France, and
to William prince of Orange. He was also skilled in the
practice of surgery, and published, “De curandis vulneribus sclopetorum,
” Venet. Commentarioli duo, alter
de medici, alter de aegvoti, munere,
” Lion. De curatione per sanguinis missione, de
incidendae venae, cutis scarificandae, et hirudinum arrigendarum modo,
” Antw. Opera Omnia,
” in
, an eminent French historian and antiquary, was a Benedictine of
, an eminent French historian and antiquary, was a Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, and born at Amiens, Aug. 6, 1685. After finishing his course of philosophy and divinity, he studied the learned languages with great success, and his superiors observing his decided taste for literature, made him librarian of St. Germain- des-prez. He afterwards assisted the celebrated Montfaucon in some of his works, and undertook himself an edition of Josephus. When, however, he had made considerable progress in this, he understood that a man of learning in Holland was employed on a similar design, and therefore, with a liberality not very common, sent to him all the collections he had formed for the work. On the death of father Le Long, of the oratory, in 1721, Bouquet was employed in making a collection of the historians of France. Of this important work, a brief account will not be uninteresting.
ember of the royal academy. Some time before his death, by the will of the late Noel Desenfans, esq. an eminent picture-dealer, he became possessed of sufficient property
, knight of the Polish order of Merit, and an artist of distinguished reputation, was the descendant of a considerable family in Switzerland, but was born in London in 1756. His early destination was the army, under the patronage of lord Heathfield, who was his father’s - friend but having been instructedwhi|p a child in the rudiments of painting, by a foreigner of inconsiderable merit as a horse-painter, he became so attached to the study, as soon to relinquish the military profession, and devote himself wholly to the pencil. For this purpose he was placed under the tuition of Loutherbourg, and having, from his connexions and acquaintance, access to many of the most distinguished collections, he soon acquired considerable reputation by his landscapes and sea-pieces. In 1776, he travelled through Italy, France, and Holland, where his correct knowledge of the language of each country, added to the politeness of his address, and the pleasures of his conversation, procured him an introduction to the best society, and most valuable repositories of the arts on the continent. At his return to England, he exhibited several specimens of his studies at the royal academy, which obtained him reputation and patronage. In 1791 he was appointed painter to the king of Poland, whose brother, the prince primate, had been much pleased with his performances during his residence in this country; and at the same time he received the honour of knighthood of the order of Merit, which was afterwards confirmed by his present majesty, who, in 1794, appointed him landscapepainter to the king. Previous to this he had, in 1792, been elected a member of the royal academy. Some time before his death, by the will of the late Noel Desenfans, esq. an eminent picture-dealer, he became possessed of sufficient property to render a laborious application to his profession no longer necessary, and from that time he lived in the circle of his friends, highly respected for his talents and agreeable manners. He died Jan. 8, 1811, at his house in Portland- street, bequeathing his fine collection of pictures, and his fortune, to Dirlwich college. According to the terms of his will, he leaves the whole of these pictures, besides 10,000l. to keep them in due preservation, and 2,000/ for the purpose of repairing the gallery ki the college for their reception. He also bequeathed legacies of lOOOl. each to the master of the college, and to the chaplain and the fellows of the college are to be the residuary legatees, and are to possess, for its advantage, all the rest of his property, of every denomination. Most part of this will, however, does not take effect until after the death of Mrs. Desenfans, the widow of his benefactor; and after that event he directs that the body of the late Noel Desenfans, which is now deposited in a sarcophagus within a mausoleum in a chapel, attached to his late house in Charlotte-street, Portland-place, shall be removed, together with his own body (which has, by his desire, been deposited in the same mausoleum), and entombed in a sarcophagus, to be "placed in the chapel of Dulwich college. So singular a will, with respect at least to the place chosen for this collection, excited much surprise. The following circumstances, however, which have been communicated by an intimate friend of the testator, may in some measure account for it. After sir Francis became possessed of the Desenfans collection, by the owner’s friendly will in his favour, he wished to purchase the fee simple of his fine house in Charlotte-street, enlarge it, and endow it as a perpetual repository for the collection, easily accessible to the public, and particularly to students as a school of art; but unluckily, his landlord, a nobleman lately deceased, refused his consent, although he afterwards expressed an inclination to grant it, when too late. Sir Francis then conceived the design of hequeathing the collection to the British Museum, but did not execute it, from a fear that the pictures might not be kept entire and unmixed, he being told that it was in the power of the trustees to dispose of what might appear superfluous or inferior. Such was his respect for his deceased friend, that his only ambition was to discover a place where the collection might be kept together, and known in perpetuum, not as his, but as the Desenfans Collection. By whom Dulwich college, an hospital for poor men and women, remote from the residence of artists and men of taste, was suggested, we know not. It was a place sir Francis had probably never before seen; but, having once visited it, and been informed that his terms might be complied with there, without risk of alteration, he disposed of his property as we have related.
, an eminent philologer, historian, and antiquary, born Sept. 12,
, an eminent philologer,
historian, and antiquary, born Sept. 12, 1612, was the son
of James Zuerius, minister at Bergen-op-Zoom, by Anne
Boxhorn, the daughter of Henry Boxhorn, a minister of
Breda, originally a Roman Catholic, but who embracing the
reformed religion, became minister first in the duchy of
Cleves, then at Woorden in Holland, and lastly at Breda,
which place he left in 1625 when the Spaniards took it, and
retired to Leyden: here he superintended the education of
his grandson, the subject of the present article, who lost
his father when only six years old, and as he had no male
children, gave young Zuerius his name of Boxhorn. Under
his tuition, the youth made great progress in his studies,
and in 1629 published some good poetry on the taking of
Boisleduc, and some other victories which the Dutch had
gained. This was when he was only seventeen years old,
and he was but twenty when he published some more considerable works, as will appear in our list, which induced the
curators of the university of Leyden in the same year, 1632,
to promote him to the professorship of eloquence. His reputation extending, chancellor Oxenstiern, the Swedish
ambassador, made him great offers in queen Christina’s
name, but preferring a residence in his own country, he
was afterwards appointed professor of politics and history
in the room of Daniel Heinsius, now disabled by age. For
some time he carried on a controversy with Salmasius, but
they were afterwards apparently reconciled. Besides his
numerous works, he contributed frequently to the labours
of his learned friends: his career, however, was short, as
he died, after a tedious illness, at Leyden, Oct. 3, 1653, at
the age of only forty -one. How industriously this time was
employed will appear from the following list of his publications. 1. “Poemata,
” Granatarum
encomium,
” Amsterdam, Historian Augustas Scriptores,
” a new edition with his notes, Leyden,
Theatrum, sive Descriptio Comitatus et Urbium Hollandiae,
” ibid. Plinii Panegyricus,
” Leyden, Leyden, 1632 and 1645, 12mo. 7.
” Poetae Satiric!
minores, cum Commentariis,“ibid. 1632, 8vo. 8.
” Respublica Leodiensium,“ibid. 1633, 24mo. 9.
” Apologia pro Navigationibus Hollandorum, adversus Pontum
Heuterum,“ibid. 1633, 24mo, and reprinted at London, 1636, 8vo. 10.
” Emblemata Politica, et Dissertationes Politicae,“Amsterdam, 1634 and 1651, 12mo.
11.
” Julii Csesaris Opera, cum commentariis variorum,“ibid. 16:34, fol. 12.
” Grammatica regia, &c. pro Christina Succor um regina,“Holm. 1635, 12nio, Leyden, 1650.
13.
” Catonis Disticha, Gr. Lat. cum Notis,“Leyden,
1635, 8vo. 14.
” Orationes duae de vera Nobilitate et ineptiis sseculi,“ibid. 1635, fol. 15.
” Oratio inauguralis de
maj estate eioqueuti Romanae,“ibid. 1636, 4to. 16.
44 Orationes Tres, de theologia paganorum, fabulis poetarum, et animarum immortalitate,
” ibid. 1636, 4to. 17.
“Oratio funebris in obitum Dominici Molini,
” ibid. Character causarum Patroni,
” ibid. ibid. 1637, 4to. 20.
” Panegyricus
Principi Fred. Henrico, post Bred am oppugnatam dictus,“Leyden, 1637, fol. 21.
” Quaestiones Roman se, cum Plutarchi qucetionibus Romanis, commentario uberrimo explicatis,“ibid. 1637, 4to, and reprinted in Graevius, vol. V.
22.
” Monumenta illustrium virorum seri incisa et elogia,“ibid. 1633, fol. 23.
” JuStinus, cum notis,“Amsterdam,
1638. 24.
” Panegyricus in classem Hispanorum profligatam,“Leyden, 1639, fol. 25.
” Oratio de Somniis,“ibid. 1639, 4to. 26.
” Historia obsidionis Bredanae,
&c.“ibid. 1640, fol. 27.
” De Typographies artis inventione et inventoribus, Dissertatio,“ibid. 1640, 4to.
In this he is inclined to think that the art of printing
was first discovered at Haerlem, and not at Mentz, as he first
supposed. 28. “Dissertatio de Trapezitis, vulgo Longobardis,” ibid. 1640, 8vo, and Groningen, 1658, 4to. 29.
“Panegyricus in Nuptias principis Arausionensium Gulielmi, et Mariae, Britanniae regis filiae,” Leyden, 1641, fol.
30.
” Oratio in excessum Cornelii Vander Myle,“ibid.
1642, fol. 31.
” Oratio qua Ser. Henricae Mariae, magnae
Britannise reginae urbem Leydensem subeuntis adventum
veneratur,“ibid. 1642, fol. This compliment to our exiled
queen, and a subsequent publication, Bayle informs us,
was disliked by some republicans. 32.
” Oratio in excessum principis Const. Alexandri,“ibid. 1642, fol. 33.
” Commentarius in vitam Agricolae Corn. Taciti,“ibid.
1642, 12mo, and an Apology for this edition,
” adversus
Dialogistam,“Amsterdam, 1643, 12mo. 34.
” Animadversiones in Corn. Taciturn, Amsterdam,“1643, and often
reprinted. 35. The Belgic History to the time of Charles
V. in Dutch, Leyden, 1644, 1649, 4to. 36.
” Chronicon
Zelandiae,“Middleburgh, 1644, 4to. 37. On the worship
of the goddess Nehalennia, in Dutch, Leyden, 1647, 4to.
38.
” Plinii Epistolae cum ejus Panegyrico,“ibid. 1648,
and Amsterdam, 1659, 12mo. 39.
” Dissertatio de Amnestia,“ibid. 1648, 12mo. 40.
” Dissertatio de successione
etjure primogenitorum, in adeundo principatu, ad Carolum
II. Magnse Britanniae regem,“ibid. 1649, 4to. 41.
” De
Majestate Regum, Principumque liber singularis,“a defence
of the former, ibid. 1649, 4to. 42.
”Com.mentariolusde Statu
Fcederatarum Provinciarum Belgii, Hague, 1649. Somi
offence taken by the States of Holland obliged the author to
alter part of this work in the edition 1650. 43. “Oratio
funebris in excessum Adriani Falkoburgii Med. Doct.
” Leyden, Hayraonis Hist, ecclesiastics Breviarium,
” ibid. Disquisitiones Politicae, ex
omni historia selectae,
” Hague, Dissertatio de Groecse, Romanae, et Germanics? Linguarum harmonia,
” Leyden, Historia Universalis Sacra et Profana a nato Christo ad annum 1650,
” ibid.
Orationes varii argumenti,
” Amst. Oratio in excessum
Gul. principis Arausiee, comitis Nassovii, Leyd. 1651, fol.
50.
” Metamorphosis Anglorurn,“Hague, 1653, 12mo.
51.
” Originum Gallicaruna liber,“Amst. 1654, 4to. This
critical history of ancient Gaul procured him much reputation. He was employed on it in his latter days, but did
not live to publish it. The following are also posthumous
52.
” Ideae orationum e selection materia modern! status
politici desumptae,“Leyden, 1657, ]2mo, and Leipsic,
1661, 12mo. 53.
” Institutionum seu disquisitionum Politicarum Libri Duo,“Leipsic, 1659, Amst. 1663. 54.
” Chronologia sacra et prophana,“edited by Bosius,
Francf. 1660, fol. 55.
” Epistolae et Poemata,“Amst.
1662, 12mo, with his life written by James Baselius, a Calvinist minister, and reprinted at Leipsic in 1679, with a
preface by Thomasius. 56.
” Dissertatio de Imperio Romano," Jena, 1664, 12mo.
, an eminent English musician, chapel-master and organist to George
, an eminent English musician, chapel-master and organist to George II. and III. was the son
of William Boyce, a joiner and cabinet-maker, and housekeeper of Joiners’-hall, where our musician was born, B'eb.
7, 1710. He was at first a singing-boy at St. Paul’s, and
afterwards apprenticed to the celebrated Dr. Greene, who
bequeathed to him his manuscripts. In 1734 he was a
candidate for the place of organist of St. Michael’s church,
Cornhill, with Froud, Young, James Worgan, and Kelway;
but though unsuccessful in this application, Kelway being
elected, he was appointee! the same year to the place of
organist of Oxford chapel and in 1736, upon the death
of Weltlon, when Kelway being elected organist of St.
Martin' sin the Fields, resigned his place at St. Michael’s
Cornhill, Boyce was not only elected organist of that
church, but organist and composer in the chapel royal.
The same year he set David’s “Lamentation over Saul and
Jonathan,
” which was performed at the Apollo Society.
About the year 1743, he produced his serenata of “Solomon,
” which was not only long and justly admired as a
pleasing and elegant composition, but still affords great
delight to the friends of English music whenever it is performed. His next publication was “Twelve Sonatas or
Trios for two violins and a base,
” which were longer and
more generally purchased, performed, and admired, than
any productions of the kind in this kingdom, except those
of CorelH. They were not only in constant use, as chamber music, in private concerts, for which they were originally designed, but in our theatres, as act-tunes, and
public gardens, as favourite pieces, during many years.
n elegiac poetry, and is positive that none of the Latins have equalled his hymns. Olaus Borrichius, an eminent critic, in his” Dissertationes Academic de Poetis,“says,”
Boyd, at length, returned into Scotland, where he soon
after died, of a slow fever, in April 1601, at Pinkill,
his father’s seat, in the 38th or 39th year of his age; and
was buried with his ancestors in the church of Dalie or
Darlie. Among the manuscripts which he left behind him,
the following were in sir Robert Sibbald’s possession:
“In Institutiones Imperatoris Commenta,
” L‘Estat du Royaume d’Escosse a present,
” foj. “
Politicus, ad Joannem Metellanum, cancellariutn Scotiae.
”
w Scriptum de Jurisconsulto, ad Franciscum Balduinum.“”Poeta, ad Cornelium Varum Florentinum.“” Poemata
varia.“” Epistolae.“But of these, the only works now
known are his
” Epistolae Heroidum,“and his
” Hymni.“These are inserted in the
” Delitiae Poetarum Scotorum,“Amst. 1637, in two volumes 12mo; and a great character
has been given of them by several authors. His biographer questions whether any of the ancients have excelled
him in elegiac poetry, and is positive that none of the
Latins have equalled his hymns. Olaus Borrichius, an
eminent critic, in his
” Dissertationes Academic de Poetis,“says,
” In Marco Alexandra Bodio, Scoto, redivivum
spectamus Nasonem; ea est in ejusdem Epistolis Heroidum, lux, candor, dexteritas." The same critic speaks as
highly of Boyd’s Hymns, but modern taste will not coincide with these praises. Boyd undoubtedly was a man of
genius and elegant accomplishments, yet we learn this
rather from his history than his writings.
, an eminent Scotch divine, of the same family as the preceding,
, an eminent Scotch divine, of the
same family as the preceding, being a descendant of Robert Boyd, earl of Arran, sometime protector of Scotland,
from whom descended James Boyd, baron of Trochrig, the
father of the subject of this article. He was born in 1578,
and educated at the university of Edinburgh, where he
took his master’s degree. In 1604, according to the custom of the times, he travelled into France, and studied for
some time under Rivet, improving himself in Greek and
Hebrew, and in French, which he spoke with great fluency.
He was afterwards invited by tt:e university of Montauban
to be professor of philosophy, and in the mean time himself studied divinity, dnd was ordained according to the
forms of the French reformed church. In 1608 he was
removed to a professorship at Saumur, which he filled until 1614, and both as a preacher and teacher was much
admired and eagerly followed. His fame reaching the ears
of his sovereign, king James, he sent him a pressing invitation to fill the divinity chair in the university oi Glasgow, in consequence of which he removed thither in 1615,
to the great sorrow of his friends at SaumiT, and the university at large. He was enabled soon, in conjunction
with some able colleagues, to raise the reputation of the
Glasgow university, the mode of study in which he reformed from the useless and disputatious modes of the
schools. His situation, however, afcerwards became embarrassed from the disputes which arose respecting the
scheme of king James to assimilate the churches of England and Scotland, which was highly unpopular in the
latter country. Boyd’s education, and especially his associations abroad, had inclined him to the presbyterian
form of church government, and finding that he could not
under such circumstances retain his situation as preacher
and professor at Glasgow, he resigned both, and went to
live privately on an estate which he possessed. Endeavours were made to fix him in Edinburgh, and afterwards
to recall him to Glasgow, but these not being successful,
he finally retired from public life to Carrick, his estate,
where he died Jan. 5, 1627. He wrote in very elegant
Latin, a commentary on the epistle to the Ephesians,
which was published under the title “Roberti Bodii Scoti
Praelectiones in Epistolam ad Ephesios,
” Lond.
, esq. F. A. and L. S. S. was born at Deal in Kent, Sept. 7, 1735; and was for many years an eminent surgeon at Sandwich, in the same county. He was the
, esq. F. A. and L. S. S. was born at Deal in Kent, Sept. 7, 1735; and was for many years an eminent surgeon at Sandwich, in the same county. He was the eldest of two sons of the late William Boys, esq. commodore by commission in the royal navy, and lieutenant-governor of Greenwich hospital, by his wife Elizabeth Pearson of Deal; and was descended, paternally, from an ancient and knightly family, who were seated at Bonnington, in the parish of Goodnestone, in Kent, at the beginning of the fourteenth century.
, an eminent puritan divine, was born in 1571 at Market-Bosworth,
, an eminent puritan divine,
was born in 1571 at Market-Bosworth, in Leicestershire, of
an ancient but reduced family, and was first educated at
Worcester free school, at the expense of an uncle, ou
whose death he was obliged to return to Bosworth, but afterwards found a friend in Mr. Ainsworth, schoolmaster at
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, who continued his education in that
school. In 1589, he was admitted along with Joseph Hall,
afterwards the celebrated bishop of Exeter, into Emmanuel college, Cambridge, and took in course his degree of
B. A. and M. A. but could not obtain a fellowship, according to the statutes, which allow but of one of a county at
time, and that for Leicestershire was gained by Mr.
Hall. The master of the college, however, Dr. Chaderton, who had a high respect for him, first procured him
to be tutor to the children of sir Thomas Leighton, governor of Guernsey, and afterwards to be fellow of Sidney
Sussex college, then newly founded. He then entered
into holy orders, and preached first as a lecturer at Abington, near Cambridge, and at Steeple Morton. Afterwards,
by the recommendation of Dr. Chaderton, he was in 101i
settled at Chatham, in Kent; but before he had been there
a year, he was sent for by the archbishop of Canterbury
(Whitgift) and commanded to subscribe, which he refusing,
was suspended. He therefore was obliged to remove, but
was afterwards licensed by the bishop of Litchfield and Coventry (Dr. Overton) to preach any where in his diocese,
and at length coming to London, was chosen lecturer of
Christ Church, Newgate-street. Here, however, he published a treatise against the Ceremonies, which obliged him,
to leave the city and retire to the house of his friend and
patron, Mr. Redriche, at Newhall, in Leicestershire, and he
remained here until near his death, which happened when,
on a visit at Chelsea in 1618. Bishop Hall says of him$
that he was “of a strong brain and of a free spirit, not
suffering himself for small differences of judgment to be
alienated from his friends, to whom, notwithstanding his
seeming austerity, he was very pleasing in conversation,
being full of witty and harmless urbanity. He was very
strong and eager in arguing, hearty in friendship, regardless
of the world, a despiser of compliments, a lover of reality,
full of digested and excellent notions, and a painful labourer
in God’s vineyard.
” The rev. Thomas Gataker, of Ilotherhiihe, wrote his life, a long and not uninteresting account.
, an eminent prelate, was descended from the antient family of the
, an eminent prelate, was descended from the antient family of the Bramhalls, of Cheshire, and born at Pontefract, in Yorkshire, about 1593. He received his school education at the place of his birth, and was removed from thence to Sidney-college, Cambridge, in 1608. After taking the degrees of B A. and M. A. he quitted the university; and, entering into orders, had a living given him in the city of York. About the same time he married a clergyman’s widow of the Hally’s family, with whom he received a good fortune, and a valuable library, left by her former husband. In 1623 he had two public disputations, at North-Allerton, with a secular priest and a Jesuit. The match between prince Charles and the infanta of Spain was then depending; and the papists expected great advantages and countenance to their religion from it. These two, therefore, by way of preparing the way for them, sent a public challenge to all the protestant clergy in the county of York; and when none durst accept it, our author, though then but a stripling in the school of controversy, undertook the combat. His success in this dispute gained him. so much reputation, and so recommended him in particular to Matthews, archbishop of York, that he made him his chaplain, and took him into his confidence. He was afterwards made a prebendary of York , and then pf Rippon; at which last place he went and resided after the archbishop’s death, which happened in 1628, and managed most of the affairs of that church, in the quality of sub-dean. He had great political influence, especially in elections, in the town of Rippon, and was also appointed one of his majesty’s high commissioners, in the administration of which office he was by some accounted severe, although far less so than some of his brethren.
, an eminent mathematician of the seventeenth century, son of Thomas
, an eminent mathematician of the seventeenth century, son of Thomas Brancker, some time bachelor of artsj,in Exeter college, Oxford, was born in Devonshire in 1636, and was admitted batler (and not butler, as some late biographical compilations blunderingly assert), of the said college, Nov. 8, 1652, in the seventeenth year of his age. In 1655, June 15, he took the degree of bachelor of arts, and was elected probationary fellow the 30th of the same month. In 1658, April 22, he took the degree of master of arts, and became a preacher; but after the restoration, refusing to conform to the ceremonies of the church of England, he quitted his fellowship in 1662, and retired to Chester: but not long after, he became reconciled to the service of the church, took orders from a bishop, and was made a minister of Whitegate. He had, however, for some time, enjoyed great opportunity and leisure for pursuing the bent of his genius in the mathematical sciences; and his skill both in the mathematics and chemistry procured him the favour of lord Brereton, who gave him the rectory of Tilston. He was afterward chosen master of the well-endowed school at Macclesfield, in that county, where he spent the remaining years of his life, which was terminated by a short illness in 1676, at 40 years of age; and he was interred in the church at Macclesfield.
and more extensive researches, and left a much enlarged edition in ms. which is now in the hands of an eminent antiquary, and is intended for publication. About the
, secretary to the society of antiquaries,
and rector of the united parishes of St. Mary-hill and St.
Andrew Hubbard, in the city of London, was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, about 1743, and educated at Lincoln
college, Oxford, where he took his bachelor’s degree, but
left college in 1774, on being presented by Matthew Ridley, esq. to the curacy of Cramlington, a chapel of ease
to St. Nicholas at Newcastle, from which it is distant about
eight miles. While at the university, he published a poem
“On Illicit Love; written among the Ruins of Godstow
Nunnery,
” Observations on Popular Antiquities, including the whole of Mr. Bourne’s Antiquitates Vulgares,
with Addenda to every chapter of that work; as also an
Appendix, containing such articles on the subject as have
been omitted by that author,
” 8vo. This work is dated
from Westgate-street, Tyne, where the author then resided. He afterwards continued to augment his materials
by subsequent and more extensive researches, and left a
much enlarged edition in ms. which is now in the hands of
an eminent antiquary, and is intended for publication.
About the time of the publication of his “Popular Antiquities,
” he was admitted a member of the society of Antiquaries, and in 1784 was presented by the duke of Northumberland, who, if we mistake not, had been his earliest
friend and patron, to the rectory of St. Mary-hill. In the
same year he was elected resident secretary to the Society
of Antiquaries, on the death of Dr. Morell, the duties of
which office he performed with uncommon ability, and to
the entire satisfaction of the society, who continued to
re-elect him annually until his death.
, D.D. an eminent learned and pious divine of the seventeenth century,
, D.D. an eminent learned and pious divine
of the seventeenth century, was born at Marton in Shropshire, in 1656, where his parents were persons of good reputation. His infancy discovering promising parts, he was
early sent to the school at Oswestry, in the same county,
and his close application to school-learning, determining
his parents to dedicate him to religion and learning, he
was entered of Hart-hall, Oxford. Here he soon made a
considerable proficiency in divinity, as well as other studies
necessary for the profession for which he was intended:
but, labouring under the common disadvantages of a narrow fortune, his circumstances not permitting a longer
residence at Oxford, he left the university soon after he
had commenced bachelor of arts. Much about this time
he entered into holy orders; and the first duty he had
was that of a parish near Bridgenorth in Shropshire, his
native county, from which curacy he soon removed into
Warwickshire, officiating as chaplain in sir Thomas Price’s
family, of Park-hall, and had the donative of Lac Marsin
given him by sir Thomas, which proved very advantageous; for living now in the neighbourhood of Coieshill, his
exemplary behaviour, and distinguished diligence in his
calling, introduced him into the acquaintance of Mr.
Kettlewell, sir Charles Holt, and the lord Simon Digby.
One incident which contributed to establish his character
at this juncture, was his preaching the assize sermon at
Warwick, on which occasion Mr. Bray, though but young,
acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the whole audience,
particularly the lord Digby, who was afterwards pleased to
honour him with many proofs of his friendship and esteem,
recommending him to the worthy and honourable patronage
of his brother, the fifth lord Digby, who some time after
gave him the vicarage of Over-Whitacre in the same
county, since augmented, by his patron’s uncommon generosity, with the great tithes. In 1690, the rectory of
Sheldon being vacant, by Mr. Digby Bull’s refusing to take
the oaths at the revolution, his lordship presented Mr. Bray
to it; which preferment he held till about a quarter of a
year before his death, when he resigned it by reason of his
advanced age, and the known worth and abilities of his
appointed successor, the Rev. Mr. Carpenter. Dec. 12,
1693, he took his master of arts degree in Hart-hall, Oxford. In this parish of Sheldon he composed his “Catechetical Lectures,
” a work which met with general approbation and encouragement, and produced to him the sum of
700l. This publication, which drew him out of his rural privacy to London, determined Dr. Compton, bishop of London, to pitch upon him as a proper person to model the
infant church of Maryland, and establish it upon a solid
foundation. Accordingly, in April 1696, he proposed
to Mr. Bray to go, on the terms of having the judicial office
of commissary, valued, as was represented to him, at four
hundred pounds per annum, conferred upon him, for his
support in that service. Mr. Bray, disregarding his own
interest, and the great profit which would have arisen from
finishing his course of lectures on the plan he had formed,
soon determined, in his own mind, that there might be a
greater field for doing good in the Plantations, than by his
labours here, and no longer demurred to the proposal, than
to inquire into the state of the country, and inform himself
what was most wanting to excite good ministers to embark
in that design, as well as enable them most effectually to
promote it. With this view he laid before the bishops the
following considerations: That none but the poorer sort
of clergy could be persuaded to leave their friends, and
change their native country for one so remote; that such
persons could not be able sufficiently to supply themselveswith books; that without such a competent provision of
books, they could not answer the design of their mission;
that a library would be the best encouragement to studious and sober men to undertake the service; and that, as
the great inducement to himself to go, would be to do the
most good of which he could be capable, he therefore
purposed, that if they thought fit to encourage and assist
htm in providing parochial libraries for the ministers, he
would then accept of the commissary’s office in Maryland.
This proposal for parochial libraries being well approved
of by the bishops, and due encouragement being promised
in the prosecution of the design, both by their lordships
and others, he set himself with all possible application to
provide missionaries, and to furnish them with libraries,
intending, as soon as he should have sent both, to follow
after himself. But, upon his accepting of this employment
of commissary of Maryland, it fell to his share to solicit at
home whatever other matters related to that church, more
particularly to the settlement and establishment thereof,
which he laboured to promote with unwearied diligence,
and spared neither expence or trouble. But, above all,
it was his greatest care, to endeavour to send over to Maryland, and the other colonies, pious men, of exemplary
lives and conversations, and to furnish those whom he had
a hand in sending, with good libraries of necessary and
useful bdbks, to render them capable of answering the ends
of their mission, and instructing the people in all things
ecessary to their salvation. The sense of the clergy and
inhabitants, with respect to these'important services, was
testified by the solemn letters of thanks, returned him
from the assemblies of Maryland, from the vestries of Boston and Baintrie in New England, from Newfoundland,
Rhode Island, New York, Philadelphia, North Carolina,
Bermudas, and by the acknowledgments of the royal
African company, on account of those procured for their
factories. About the same time it was, that the secretary
of Maryland, sir Thomas Lawrence, with Mr. Bray, waited on the then princess of Denmark, in behalf of that province, humbly to request her gracious acceptance of the
governor’s and country’s dutiful respects, in having denominated the metropolis of the province, then but lately
built, from her royal highness’s name, Annapolis: and Mr.
Bray being soon after favoured with a noble benefaction
from the same royal hand, towards his libraries in America,
he dedicated the first library in those parts, fixed at Annapolis, and which had books of the choicest kind belonging to it, to the value of four hundred pounds, to her memory, by the title of the Annapolitan Library, which words
were inscribed on the several books. Another design was
also set on foot, much about the same time, by Dr. Bray,
to raise lending libraries in every deanery throughout England and Wales, out of which the neighbouring clergy
might borrow the books they had occasion for, and where
they might consult upon matters relating to their function,
and to learning. Upon this, many lending libraries were
founded in several parts of the kingdom, besides above a
hundred and fifty parochial ones in Great Britain and the
plantations, from ten to fifty pounds value, those in South
Britain being afterwards secured to posterity, by an act of
parliament passed for that purpose in 1708. Soon after,
upon the repeated instances of the governor and some of
the country, Mr. Bray was at the charge of taking the degree of doctor of divinity, which, though it might be of
some use, as procuring a certain degree of respect,
did then but ill comport with his circumstances. He
took his degrees of bachelor of divinity, and doctor, together, by accumulation, not of Hart hall where he was
entered, but of Magdalen college, Dec. 17, 1696. Soon
after, the better to promote his main design of libraries,
and to give the missionaries directions in prosecuting their
theological studies, he published two books, one entitled,
“Bibiiothee* Paroctnalis or, a Scheme of such
Theological and other heads, as seem requisite to be perused, or
occasionally consulted by the reverend Clergy, together
with a catalogue of books, which may be profitably read on
each of those points,
” &c. The other, “Apostolic Charity, its nature and excellency considered, in a discourse
upon Daniel xii. 3. preached at St. Paul’s, at the ordination of some Protestant Missionaries to be sent into the
plantations. To which is prefixed, a general view of the
English colonies in America, in order to show what provision is wanting for the propagation of Christianity in those
parts, together with proposals for the promoting the same r
to induce such of the clergy of this kingdom, as are persons of sobriety and abilities, to accept of a mission.
”
During this interval, viz. in the year The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
in foreign parts,
” was laid before the society, and read
the ninth of June following. He received no advantage all
this time from his commissary’s place in Maryland; neither
was any allowance made him at home, or preferment give
him, to support the charge of living altogether in town, to
solicit the establishment and endowment of the church of
Maryland, and to provide missionaries for that and all the
colonies on the Continent; which, excepting Virginia, lay
upon him; all the benefactions that were received being to
be laid out to raise them libraries, which also he did faster
than money came in to answer the charge. This being observed by some of his friends, they endeavoured to persuade
him to lay his design of going abroad aside, and take two
good preferments that were then offered him at home, of
as good or better value than what was proposed to him in
Maryland, viz. that of sub-almoner, and the donative of
Aldgate, in the city of London. But he declined all offers
that were inconsistent with his going to Maryland, as soon
as it should become proper for him to take that voyage.
By the year 1699, having waited upwards of two years for
the return of the act of religion from Maryland, with such
amendments as would render it without exception at the
court of England; and it being presumed by his superiors,
that it would be requisite the doctor should now hasten
over, as well to encourage the passing of that act in their
assemblies, as to promote other matters for the service of
religion there, it was signified to him from them that
they would have him take the opportunity of the first
ship; and indeed, the doctor having, by this time, tried
all ways he could think of, and done all he was able
to do here, to serve those parts, and according to
proposal having provided Maryland, as also many other
colonies, with a competent number of missionaries, and
furnished them with good libraries, to be fixed in the
places where they were sent, to remain there for ever, he
was himself eager to follow, and did so accordingly, even,
in the winter, though he had no allowance made him towards his charge of the voyage, and the service he was to
do; but was forced to dispose of his own small effects, and
raise money on credit to support him. With this poor encouragement, and thus, on his own provision, he took the
voyage, December 16, 1699, and set sail from the Downs
the twentieth of the same month; but was driven back into
Plymouth-sound on Christmas-eve, and remained in harbour almost all the holydays, where his time was not unusefully spent, in the recovery of a tolerable library there
out of dust and rubbish, which was also indebted to him for
a benefaction of books and where he left a proposal for
taking in subscriptions to make it a sea- port library, for the
use of missionaries and sea-chaplains, as well as others.
After an extremely tedious and dangerous passage, the
doctor arrived at Maryland the twelfth of March, where he
applied himself immediately to repair the breach made in
the settlement of the parochial clergy; in order to which
he consulted, in the first place, the governor, whom he
found ready to concur in all proper methods for the re-establishment of their maintenance. Before the next assembly, which was to be in May following, he sent to all
the clergy on the western shore, who only could come together in that season, to learn from them the disposition of
the people, and to advise with them what was proper to be
done, in order to dispose the members of the assembly to
re-enact their law next meeting. Soon after he had dismissed their clergy, he made his parochial visitation, as
far as it was possible for him at that season; in which, he
met with very singular respect from persons of the best
condition in the country, which the doctor turned to the
advantage of that poor church. During the sessions of the
assembly, and whilst the re-establishment of the church
was depending, he preachod very proper and seasonable
sermons, with a tendency to incline the country to the establishment of the church and clergy; all which were so
well received, that he had the thanks of the assembly, by
messages from the house. The doctor was providentially
on such good term* with the assembly, that they ordered
the attorney-general to advise with him in drawing up the
bill; and that he himself might be the better advised in
that case, he sent for the most experienced clergy within
reach, to suggest to him, what they found would be of
advantage to them and the church, to be inserted in, or
left out of it; by which means the constitution of that
church had much the advantage of any in America. It may
not be amiss to observe in this place, that as well during the
general court or assize, which preceded the assembly, and
lasted thirteen days, as during the sessions of the assembly
itself, he was under a necessity of entertaining the gentlemen of the province, who universally visited him; a charge,
however, which he thought requisite as circumstances then
were, that he might strengthen his interest in them, the
better to promote the establishment of the clergy’s maintenance. The bill being prepared, passed with a nemiilt
contradicente; but it was on all hands declared and confessed, that it was very providential that Dr. Bray came
into the country at that juncture. Soon after the assembly
was up, the commissary cited the whole clergy of the province to a general visitation at Annapolis, to be held May
22, 1700. At the close of this visitation, the clergy taking
into consideration, that the opposition of the Quakers
against the establishment of that church would in all probability continue, so as to get the law for its establishment
so lately re-enacted, annulled again at home, they entered
into debates, whether it would not be of consequence to
the preservation and final settlement of that church, that
the doctor should be requested to go home with the law,
and to solicit the royal assent. It had been before voted,
at the passing the bill in the house of burgesses, that he
should be desired to request his grace of Canterbury, and
the bishop of London, to favour that good law, by obtaining his majesty’s royal assent to it with all convenient
speed; and the members who gave him an account of passing their vote, told him withal, that it was the general opinion of the house, that he could be most serviceable by
waiting personally on their lordships, rather, than by letters, in which he conld not crowd all that might be
necessary to be represented concerning the then state of the
church, and the necessity, at that time, of their utmost patronage: and it was in debate, whether this should not be
the desire of the assembly; but it was thought too unreasonable a request from them, who were sensible of the
great danger and fatigue he had already been at in the service of that province, as they had a few days before acknowledged by a message of thanks from that house. Such
were the sentiments of the members of the assembly, as to
the necessity of his coming home to solicit the establishment of that church; and the clergy meeting at their visitation, some weeks after, represented to him, as the earnest desire of the more sensible persons throughout the
country, as well as of the assembly-men, that he should go
over with the law for England; being aware that its opponents would make the utmost efforts against the establishment of that church, by false representations at home of
the numbers and riches of their party, and by insinuating,
that to impose upon them an established maintenance for
the clergy, would be prejudicial to the interest of the province, by obliging so many wealthy traders to remove from
thence, the falsity of which, or any other suggestions, they
thought him best able to make appear, by the information
he had gained from this visitation, There were also many
other advantages to the church in those parts, which they
proposed by his coming home at that time, upon the consideration of all which he took his voyage soon after. He
was no sooner arrived in England, but he found their apprehensions in Maryland'not ill grounded; but the objections raised against the plan, Dr. Bray refuted, by a printed
memorial, representing truly the state of the church of Maryland, to the full satisfaction of all to whom it was communicated. The quakers’ opposition to the establishment
now depending, was carried by united councils and contributions; but the doctor refuted their specious objections
by unanswerable reasons, and placed the affair in such an
advantageous light, that his majesty decided, without any
appearance of hesitation, in the church’s favour, and gave
the royal assent in these remarkable words: “Have the
Quakers the benefit of a toleration? let the established
church have an established maintenance.
” This chargeable and laborious undertaking having swallowed up the doctor’s own small fortune, lord Weymouth generously presented him with a bill of 300l. for his own private use, a,
large portion of which the doctor devoted to the advancement of his farther designs. Though he was vested with
the character of commissary, yet no share of the revenue
proposed was annexed to it; and his generosity even induced him to throw in two sums of fifty pounds each, that
were presented to himself in Maryland, towards defraying
the charges of their libraries and law. After the return of
Dr. Bray from thence in 1701, he published his “Circular
Letters to the Clergy of Maryland,
” a memorial, representing the present state of religion on the continent of
North America, and the acts of his visitation held at Annapolis; for which he had the thanks of the society above
mentioned. Not only the bishop of London approved entirely of all these transactions, but also the archbishop of
Canterbury declared, that he was well satisfied with the
reasons of Dr. Bray’s return from the West Indies, and
added, that his mission thither would be of the greatest
consequence imaginable to the establishment of religion in
those parts. In 1706, he had the donative of St. Botolph
without Aldgate offered him again, which he then accepted
of, worth about 150l. per annum. In the year 1712, the
doctor printed his “Martyrology; or, Papal Usurpation,
”
in folio. That nothing might be wanting to enrich and
adorn the work, he established a correspondence with
learned foreigners of the first distinction, and called in the
assistance of the most eminent hands. This work consists
of some choice and learned treatises of celebrated authors,
which were grown very scarce, ranged and digested into as
regular an history as the nature of the subject would admit.
He proposed to compile a second volume, and had, at no
small expence and pains, furnished himself with materials
for it; but he was afterwards obliged to lay the prosecution,
of his design aside, and bequeathed by will his valuable
collection of Martyrological Memoirs, both printed and
manuscript, to Sion college. He was, indeed, so great a
master of the history of popery, that few authors could be
presumed able, with equal accuracy and learning, to trace
the origin and growth of those exorbitant claims which are
made by the see of Rome. He was happily formed by nature both for the active and for the retired life. Charity
to the souls of other men, was wrought up to the highest
pitch in his own: every reflection on the dark and forlorn
condition of the Indians and negroes, excited in his bosoin the most generous emotions of pity and concern. His
voyage to Holland, to solicit king William’s protection and
encouragement to his good designs, and the proofs he gave
of a public spirit and disinterested zeal, in such a series of
generous undertakings, obtained him the esteem of M.
d‘Allone of the Hague, a gentleman not more celebrated
for his penetration and address in state affairs, than for a
pious disposition of mind. An epistolary correspondence
commenced very early between him and the doctor upon
this subject; the result of which was, that M. d’Allone
gave in his life-time a sum to be applied to the conversion
of negroes, desiring the doctor to accept the management
and disposal of it. But that a standing provision might be
inade for this purpose, M. d'Allone bequeathed by will a
certain sum, viz. 900 pounds, out of his English estate, to
Dr. Bray and his associates, towards erecting a capital fund
or stock, for converting the negroes in the British plantations. This was in the year 1723, much about which
time Dr. Bray had an extremely dangerous fit of illness,
so that his life and recovery were despaired of. In the year
1726, he was employed in composing and printing his
“Directorium Missionarium,
” his “Primordia Bibliothecaria,
” and some other tracts of the like kind. About this
time he also wrote a short account of Mr. Rawlet, the author of “The Christian Monitor;
” and reprinted the Life of
Mr. Gilpin. Some of these were calculated for the use of
the mission; and in one he has endeavoured to shew, that
civilizing the Indians must be the first step in any successful attempt for their conversion. In his “Primordia Bibliothecaria,
” we have several schemes of parochial libraries, and a method laid down to proceed by a gradual progression, from a collection not much exceeding one pound
in value, to one of a hundred. His attention to other good
works occasioned no discontinuance of this design, the success of which was so much the object of his desires; and
accordingly benefactions came in so fast, that he had business enough upon his hands to form the libraries, desired.
As trie furnishing the parochial clergy with the means of instruction, would be an effectual method to promote Christian knowledge, so another expedient, manifestly subservient to the same end, would be, he thought, to imprint on
the minds of those who are designed for the ministry, previously to their admission, a just sense of its various duties,
and their great importance. With a view to this, he reprinted the “Ecclesiastes of Erasmus.
” In the year
, advocate of the parliament of Paris, and an eminent law writer and pleader, was born at Montrotier, about
, advocate of
the parliament of Paris, and an eminent law writer and
pleader, was born at Montrotier, about four leagues from
Lyons, Feb. 24, 1656. After studying languages and philosophy at Lyons, he came to Paris in 1677 to apply himself to law, and in 1680 was appointed an advocate. Having conceived a preference to the written over the common law, -he made the former his particular study, and
traced its origin with the true spirit of an antiquary. This
course of study produced a very much improved edition of
the works of Claude Henrys, 1708, 2 vols. fol. and afterwards a work of great utility in the French law, which he
undertook at the request of the chancellor D'Aguesseau,
entitled “Recueil des principals questions de droit qui
se jugent diversement dans differens tribunaux du royaume,
”
an eminent English divine and controversial writer, the son of
an eminent English divine and controversial writer, the son of Thomas Brett, gent. of Spring-grove, in the parish of Wye, in Kent, by Letitia, his wife, the daughter and heir of John Boys, esq. of Bettishanger, near Sandwich, in that county, was born at the seat of the latter, 3d Sept. 1667. His father disliking the situation of the old house at Wye, where his ancestors had lived for many generations, rebuilt it in a more commodious place, near a small grove of trees and a pleasant spring of water in the same parish, from whence he gave it the name of Spring-grove. He came and settled there in 1674, and sent his son to its grammar-school; the master of which was then John Paris, A. M. but he dying about three years after, was succeeded by Samuel Pratt, under whose instruction the youth remained until 1684.
, an eminent physician, was son of Augustine Briggs, esq. who was
, an eminent physician, was son of
Augustine Briggs, esq. who was descended of an ancient
family in Norfolk, and had been four times member of
parliament for the city of Norwich, where this son was
born about the year 1650, although his biographers differ
very widely on this point. At thirteen years of age he
was sent to Bene't-college in Cambridge, and placed under
the care of Dr. Thomas Tenison, afterwards archbishop of
Canterbury, whom he succeeded in his fellowship. He
took both his degrees in arts, and was chosen fellow of his
college, Nov. 1668. His genius leading him to the study
of physic, he travelled into France, where he attended the
lectures of the famous anatomist Mons. Vieussens at Montpelier; and, after his return, published his “Ophthalmographia
” in Theory
of Vision
” was published by Hooke. In Theory of Vision,
” at the
desire of Mr. (afterwards sir) Isaac Newton, with a recommendatory epistle from him prefixed to it. And for completing this curious and useful subject relating to the eye,
he promised, in the preface, two other treatises, one “De
usu partium oculi;
” and the other “De ejusdem affectibus;
” neither of which', however, appears to have been
ever published: but, in 1687, came out a second edition
of his “Ophthalmographia.
” He was afterwards made
physician in ordinary to king William, and continued in
great esteem for his skill in his profession till he died at
Town-Malling in Kent, Sept. 4, 1704, and was there
buried, although a cenotaph is erected to his memory in
the church of Holt in Norfolk. He married Hannah, sole
daughter and heiress of Edmund Hobart, grandson to sir
Henry Hobart, lord chief justice of the common pleas in
the reign of James I. by whom he left three children,
Mary, Henry, and Hannah. Henry died in 1748, rector
of Hoit.
, president of the parliament of Paris, and an eminent lawyer, was born at Fontenay in Poictou, about the middle
, president of the parliament of
Paris, and an eminent lawyer, was born at Fontenay in
Poictou, about the middle of the sixteenth century. He
appeared at first with great eclat at the bar of the parliament; and, by his knowledge and skill in the law, recommended himself so powerfully to Henry III. of France,
that this prince first made him his advocate general, then
counsellor of state, and in 1580, honoured him with the
dignity of president of the parliament. Scsevola Sammarthanus relates, that Henry III. declared in his hearing,
that there was not a prince in Christendom, who could
boast of so learned a man as Barnaby Brisson. The king
employed him in several negociations, and sent him ambassador into England. At his return, he employed him to
make a collection of his own ordinances, and of those of
his predecessors; which he performed with wonderful expedition. He wrote some works in law: “De verbormxi,
qua) ad jus pertinent, significatione.
” “De formulis et
solemnibus populi Romani verbis,
” Paris, De
regip Persarum principatu,
” &c. 1580, 1590, 1599, 8voj
1606, 4to; but the best edition is that of Strasburgh, 1710,
8vo, with Sylburgius’ notes. H gave an expectation of
more considerable performances; but his life was shortened
by a very unfortunate accident. Living at Paris when
that rebellious city was besieged by Henry IV. he remonstrated against the treasonable practices of the leaguers,
who, under pretence of the holy union, contemned the
royal authority, which was much more sacred. These religious traitors, being dissatisfied with his loyalty, fell violently upon him, dragged him to prison, and cruelly
strangled him the 15th of Nov. 1591.
, an eminent French physician, was born at Fontenai-le-Comte, in
, an eminent French physician, was
born at Fontenai-le-Comte, in Poitou, 147s, and about
1495 was sent to Paris, where he went through a course
of philosophy under Villemar, a famous professor of those
times. By his advice, Brissot resolved to be a physician,
and studied physic there for four years. Then he began
to teach philosophy in the university of Paris; and, after
he had done this for ten years, prepared himself for the
examinations necessary to his doctor of physic’s degree,
which he took in May 1514, Being one of those men
who are not contented with custom and tradition, but
choose to examine for themselves, he made an exact comparison between the practice of his own times and the
doctrine of Hippocrates and Galen and he found that the
Arabians had introduced many things into physic that were
contrary to the doctrine of those two great masters, and to
reason and experience. He set himself therefore to reform physic; and for this purpose undertook publicly to
explain Galen’s books, instead of those of Avicenna, Rhasis, and Mesu'i, which were commonly explained in the
schools of physic; but, finding himself obstructed in the
work of reformation by his ignorance of botany, he resolved
to travel, in order to acquire the knowledge of plants, and
put himself into a capacity of correcting pharmacy. Before, however, he left Paris, he undertook to convince the
public of what he deemed an inveterate error; but which
now is considered as a matter of little consequence. The
constant practice of physicians, in the pleurisy, Was to
bleed from the arm, not on the side where the distemper
was, but the opposite side. Brissot disputed about it in
the physic-schools, confuted that practice, and shewed,
chat it was falsely pretended to be agreeable to the doctrine of Hippocrates and Galen. He then left Paris in
1518, and went to Portugal, stopping there at Ebora,
where he practised physic; but his new way of bleeding
in the pleurisy, notwithstanding his great success, did not
please every body, He received a long and rude letter
about it from Denys, physician to the king of Portugal;
which he answered, and would have published if death had
not prevented him in 1522. It was printed, however, three
years after at Paris, and reprinted at Basil in 1529. Renatus Moreau published a new edition of it at Paris in
1622, with a treatise of his own, “De missione sanguinis
in pleuritide,
” and the life of Brissot; out of which this
account is taken. He never would marry, being of opinion
that matrimony did not well agree with study. One thing
is related of him, which his biographer, rather uncharitably, says, deserves to be taken notice of, because it is
singular in the men of his profession; and it is, that he
did not love gain. He cared so little for it, that when he
was called to a sick person, he looked into his purse; and,
if he found but two pieces of gold in it, refused to go.
This, however, it is acknowledged, was owing to his great
love of study, from which it was very difficult to take him.
The dispute between Denys and Brissot raised a kind of
civil war among the Portuguese physicians. The business
was brought before the tribunal of the university of Salamanca, Where it was thoroughly discussed by the faculty
of physic; but in the mean time, the partisans of Denys
had recourse to the authority of the secular power, and
obtained a decree, forbidding physicians to bleed on the
same side in which the pleurisy was. At last the university of Salamanca gave their judgment; importing, that
the opinion of Brissot was the true doctrine of Hippocrates
and Galen. The followers of Denys appealed to the emperor about 1529, thinking themselves superior both in
authority and number; and the matter was brought before
Charles V. They were not contented to call the doctrine
of their adversaries false; they added that it was impious,
mortal, and as pernicious to the body as Luther’s schism
to the souL They not only blackened the reputation of
their adversaries by private arts, but also openly accused
them of ignorance and rashness, of attempts on religion,
and of being downright Lutherans in physic. It fell out
Unluckily for them, that Charles III. duke of Savoy, happened to die of a pleurisy, after he had been bled according to the practice which Brissot opposed. Had it not
been for this, the emperor, it is thought, would have granted every thing that Erissot’s adversaries desired of him;
but this accident induced him to leave the cause undecided.
“Two things,
” says Bayle, in his usual prattling way,
“occur in this relation, which all wise men must needs
condemn; namely, the base, the disingenuous, the unphilosophic custom of interesting religion in disputes about
science, and the folly and absurdity of magistrates to be
concerned in such disputes. A magistrate is for the most
part a very incompetent judge of such matters; and, as he
Jiiiows nothing of them, so he ought to imitate Gallio in
this at least, that is, not to care for them; but to leave
those whose business it is, to fight it out among themselves.
Besides, authority has nothing to do with philosophy and
the sciences; it should be kept at a great distance from
them, for the same reason that armed forces are removed
from a borough at the time of a % general assize; namely,
that reason and equity may have their full play.
”
, an eminent Roman catholic priest and writer in the reign of queen
, an eminent Roman catholic
priest and writer in the reign of queen Elizabeth, was born
at Worcester, in 1538. In 1555 he was entered of Exeter
college, Oxford, according to Pits, which Wood doubts;
but he took his degree of B. A. in I 559, and M. A. in 1562,
at which last time he was a member of Christ church. He
and the celebrated Campian were so esteemed for their
talents, as to be selected to entertain queen Elizabeth with
a public disputation in 1566. Bristow was afterwards, in
July 1567, made a fellow of Exeter college, by the interest
of sir William Petre, who had founded some fellowships in
that college, and who would have promoted him further,
had he not laid himself open to the suspicion of holding
popish tenets; and this appeared more plainly by his quitting the university on carvlinal Alan’s invitation. He went
then to Doway, and after prosecuting his theological studies in that academy, was admitted to his doctor’s degree
in 1579, and, says his biographer, was Alan’s “right hand
upon all occasions.
” He was made prefect of studies,
lectured on the scriptures, and in the absence of Alan acted
as regent of the college. His intense studies, however,
injured a constitution originally very weak, and after a
journey to Spa, which had very little effect, he was recommended to try his native air. On his return to England,
he resided for a very short time with a Mr. Bellamy, a gentleman of fortune, at Harrow on the Hill, where he died
Oct. 18, 1581. The popish historians concur in expressing the loss their cause suffered by his death, he being
teemed “an Alan in prudence, a Stapleton in acuteness, a
Campian in eloquence, a Wright in theology, and a Martin in languages.
” He wrote, 1. “Dr. Bristow’s motives,
”
Antwerp, A Reply to William Fulk (his ablest antagonist), in defence of
Dr. Allen (Alan’s) articles, and book of purgatory,
” Louvain, Fifty-one demands, to be proposed
by catholics to heretics,
” London, Veritates Aurese S. R. Ecclesiae,
” Tabula in summam theologicam S. Thomse Aquinatis,
” An Apology in defence of Alan and himself,
” and
notes upon the Rheims Testament.
, an eminent Italian scholar of the fifteenth century, was born in
, an eminent Italian scholar of the fifteenth century, was born in the Brescian territory, of a family originally from Great Britain; and having studied at Padua about the year 1470, kept school at Brescia, and distinguished himself by several learned annotations on various classic authors, particularly Juvenal, Lucan, Horace, Persius, and Statius in his Achiileid. He also wrote grammatical and other tracts, and an eulogy on Bartholomew Cajetan. He is supposed not to have long survived the year 1518, and did not live to publish his notes upon Pliny’s Natural History. His Statius was published in 1485, fol. and his Juvenal in 1512, Venice, fol.
after he had been settled in business here, he became acquainted with Dr. Garaniere, his neighbour, an eminent chemist, who, admitting him into his laboratory, Tom,
, a very singular personage, known
by the name of the Musical Small-coal Man, was born at
or near Hignam Ferrers, in Northamptonshire, about the
middle of the seventeenth century, and went from thence
to London, where he bound himself apprentice to a smallcoal man. He served seven years, and returned to Northamptonshire, his master giving him a sum of money not
to set up: but, after this money was spent, he returned again
to London, and set up the trade of small-coal, which he
continued to the end of his life. Some time after he had
been settled in business here, he became acquainted with
Dr. Garaniere, his neighbour, an eminent chemist, who,
admitting him into his laboratory, Tom, with the doctor’s
consent, and his own observation, soon became a notable
chemist; contrived and built himself a moving laboratory,
in which, according to Hearne, “he performed with little
expence and trouble such things as had never been done
before.
” Besides his great skill in chemistry, he became
a practical, and, as was thought, a theoretical musician.
Tradition only informs us that he was very fond of music,
and taat he was able to perform on the viol da gamba at
his own concerts, which he at first established gratis in his
miserable house, which was an old mean building, the
ground-floor of which was a repository for his small-coal;
over this was his concert-room, long, low, and narrow, to
which there was no other ascent than by a pair of stairs on
the outside, so perpendicular and narrow, as scarcely to
be mounted without crawling.
, an eminent English physician, the son of Richard Brocklesby, est}.
, an eminent English physician, the son of Richard Brocklesby, est}. of the city of
Cork, by Mary Alloway, of Minehead, Somersetshire, was
born at Minehead, where his mother happened to be on a
visit to her parents, Aug. 11, 1722. There he remained
until he was three years old, at which time he was carried
to Ireland, and privately instructed for some years in his
father’s house at Cork. At a proper age he was sent to
Ballytore school in the north of Ireland, at which Edmund
Burke “was educated, and although they were not exactly
contemporaries^ Dr. Brocklesby being seven years older,
this circumstance led to a long and strict friendship. Having finished his classical education at Ballytore, with diligence and success, his father, intending him for a physician, sent him to Edinburgh, where after continuing the
usual time, he went to Leyden, and took his degree under
the celebrated Gaubius, who corresponded with him for
several years afterwards. His diploma is dated June 28,
1745, and the same year he published his thesis,
” De
Saliva sana et morbosa."
, in Latin Brod&Us, an eminent critic, on whom Lipsius, Scaliger, Grotius, and all
, in Latin Brod&Us, an eminent critic, on whom Lipsius, Scaliger, Grotius, and all the learned
of his age, have bestowed high encomiums, was descended
from a noble family in France, and born at Tours in 1500.
He was liberally educated, and placed under Alciat to
study the civil law; but, soon forsaking that, he gave himself up wholly to languages and the belles-lettres. He
travelled into Italy, where he became acquainted with Sadolet, Bembus, and other eminent characters; and here
he applied himself to the study of philosophy, mathematics, and the sacred languages, in which he made no small
proficiency. Then returning to his own country, he led a
retired but not an idle life; as his many learned lucubrations
abundantly testify. He was a man free from all ambition
and vain-glory, and suffered his works to be published
rather under the sanction and authority of others, than
under his own: a singular example, says Thuanus, of modesty in this age, when men seek glory not only from
riches and honours, but even from letters; and that too
with a vanity which disgraces them. He died in 1563, at
Tours, where he was a canon of St. Martin. His principal
works are, 1. his “Miscellanea, a collection of criticisms
and remarks, the first six books of which are published in
Gruter’s
” Lampas, seu fax artium,“vol. II. and the four
latter in vol. IV. 2.
” Annotationes in Oppianurn, Q. Calabrum, et Coluthum,“Basil, 1552, 8vo. 3.
” Notae in
Martialem,“ibid. 1619, 8vo. 4.
” Annot. in Xenophontem, Gr. et Lat.“ibid. 1559, fol. 5.
” Epigrammata Grseca
cum Annot. Brodaei et H. Steph." Francfort, 1600, fol.
Many of these epigrams were translated into Latin by Dr.
Johnson, and are printed with his works.
, an eminent English surgeon, was born in London, in 1712, and studied
, an eminent English surgeon, was born in London, in 1712, and studied surgery
under the celebrated Ranby, by whose instructions he was
soon enabled to practise on his own account. In 1741, he
began to give lectures on anatomy and surgery, and soon
found his theatre crowded with pupils. Some years after,
in conjunction with the rev. Mr. Madan, he formed the
plan of the Lock hospital, into which patients were first
received Jan. 3, 1747, and was made first surgeon to that
establishment, an office he filled with advantage to the
patients and credit to himself for many years. With a
view of contributing to its success, he altered an old
comedy, “The City Match,
” written in A Narrative of a Physical Transaction with Mr. Aylet, surgeon, at
Windsor.
” This is a controversial piece of no consequence now, but the author clears himself from the imputation of having treated his antagonist improperly. Ira
1767, he published “Thoughts concerning the present
peculiar method of treating persons ^inoculated for the
Small-pox.
” This relates to the Suttons, who were now
in the zenith of their reputation. He thinks their practice of exposing their patients to the open air in the midst
of winter, of repelling the eruption, and checking or preventing the suppurative process, too bold, and hazardous,
On the whole, however, he acknowledges, they were deserving of commendation, for the improvements they had
introduced, in the treatment, both of the inoculated and
natural small-pox. His next work, the most considerable
one written by him, was “Chirurgical Cases and Observations,
” published in Notes
on Chirurgical Cases and Observations, by a Professor of
Surgery.
” The strictures contained in these notes are
keen and ingenious, and, though evidently the produce of
ill-humour, yet seem to have had the effect of preventing
so general a diffusion of the cases, as the character of the
author would otherwise have procured them. They have
never been reprinted. About this time the author took a
spacious mansion in Chelsea park, which he enlarged,
altered, and furnished in an elegant style. Hither he retired, after doing his business, which he began gradually
to contract into a narrower circle. With that view, a few
years after, he gave up his situation as surgeon to the Lock
hospital. His other appointments he kept to the time of
his death, which happened on the 24th of November, 1792,
in the 80th year of his age.
, of Nimeguen, where he was born in 1494, and therefore sometimes called NoviOMAGUS, was an eminent mathematician of the sixteenth century, and rector of
, of Nimeguen, where he was
born in 1494, and therefore sometimes called NoviOMAGUS,
was an eminent mathematician of the sixteenth century,
and rector of the school of Daventer, and afterwards professor of mathematics at Rostock. He died at Cologne in
1570. Saxius says that he was first of Rostock, then of
Cologne, and lastly of Daventer, which appears to be probable from the dates of his writings. He wrote, 1. “Scholia in Dialecticam Georgii Trapezuntii,
” Cologne and
Leyden, Arithmetica,
” ibid, and Paris,
De Astrolabii compositione,
” Cologne, Urbis Pictaviensis (Poitiers) tumultus, ej usque
Restitutio,
” an elegiac poem, Pictav. Ven.
Bedae de sex mundi setatibus,
” with scholia, and a continuation to the 26th of Charles V. Cologne, 1537. He also
translated from the Greek, Ptolomy’s Geography.
, an eminent French musician, born in 1660, in the former part 'of
, an eminent French
musician, born in 1660, in the former part 'of his life
had been prebendary and chapel-master of the cathedral
church of Strasburgh, but afterwards became grand
chaplain and chapel-master in the cathedral of Meaux.
He published a work entitled “Prodromus Musicalis,
on elevations et motets a voix seule, avec une Basse
continue,
” 2 vols. fol. the second edition in 1702;
but his most useful book was his “Dictionnaire de Musique,
” Amst.
, an eminent classical scholar and editor, was born at Tanay, a small
, an eminent classical scholar and
editor, was born at Tanay, a small village of the Nivernois, in 1722, and died at Paris, Feb. 12, 1789, at the
age of 67. In his youth he made it his practice to write
notes in every book that he read; and the margins of severaHn his library were entirely filled with them. Until his
last moment he pursued the same 'method of study. All
these he arranged wonderfully in his memory; and if it
had been possible after his death to have put his papers in
that order which he alone knew, they would have furnished
materials for several curious volumes. With this method,
and continued labour for twelve hours a day, the abbé
Brotier acquired an immense stock of various knowledge.
Except the mathematics, to which it appears he gave little
application, he was acquainted with every thing; natural
history, chemistry, and even medicine. It was his rule
to read Hippocrates and Solomon once every year in their
original languages. These he said were the best books
for curing the diseases of the body and the mind. But the
belles lettres were his grand pursuit. He had a good
knowledge of all the dead languages, but particularly the
Latin, of which he was perfectly master: he was besides
acquainted with most, of the languages of Europe. This
knowledge, however extensive, was not the only part in
which he excelled. He was well versed in ancient and
modern history, in chronology, coins, medals, inscriptions,
and the customs of antiquity, which had always been objects of his study. He had collected, a considerable quantity of materials for writing a new history of France, and
it is much to be regretted that he was prevented from undertaking that work. The akl>6 Brotier recalls to our remembrance those laborious writers, distinguished for their
learning, Petau, Sirmond, Labbu, Cossart, Hardouin, Souciet, &c. who have done so much honour to the college
of Louis XIV. in which he himself was educated, and where
fre lived several years as librarian; and his countrymen
say he is the last link of that chain of illustrious men, who
have succeeded one another without interruption, for near
two centuries. On the dissolution of the order of Jesuits,
the abbe Brotier found an asylum equally peaceful and
agreeable in the house of Mr. de la Tour, a printer, eminent in his business, who has gained from all connoisseurs
a just tribute of praise for those works which have come
from his press. It was in this friendly retirement that the
abbe Brotier spent the last twenty-six years of his life, and
that he experienced a happiness, the value of which he
knew how to appreciate, which arose from the care, attention, and testimonies of respect, bestowed upon him both
by Mr. and Mrs. de la Tour. It was there also that he
published those works which will render his name immortal; an edition of Tacitus, enriched not only with notes
and learned dissertations, but also with supplements, which
sometimes leave the reader in a doubt, whether the modern writer is not a successful rival of the ancient: this
was first published in 1771, 4 vols. 4to, and reprinted in
1776, in 7 vols. fcvo. He published also in 1779, 6 vols.
12mo, an edition of Pliny the naturalist, which is only a'
short abridgment of what he had prepared to correct and
enlarge the edition of Hardouin, and to give an historical
series of all the new discoveries made since the beginning
of this century; an immense labour, which bespeaks the
most extensive erudition. To these two editions, which
procured the abbe Brotier the applauses of all the literati
in Europe, he added in 1778, 8vo, an edition of Rapin on
gardens, at the end of which he has subjoined a history of
gardens, written in Latin with admirable elegance, and
abounding in the most delightful imagery: for the abbe
was not one of those pedants, according to the expression
of the poet, “herisses de Grec & de Latin;
” he possessed a lively imagination, and a fine taste, with clearness
and perspicuity; and above all, a sound judgment, which
never suffered him to adopt in writing any thing that
was not solid, beautiful, and true. His other works are,
1. “Examen de PApologie de M. I 7 Abbe de Prades,
” Conclusiones ex universa Theologia,
” Traite des Monnoies Romanies, Grecques, et
Hebr. compares avec les Monnoies de France, pour l'intelligencederEcriture Sainte, et de tous les auteurs Grecs,
et Remains,
” Prospectus d'une edit. Lat.
de Tacite,
” Supplementa, lib. 7.
loAnnal. Taciti,
” 17 v 55, 8vo. 6.“Cl. viri de la Caille
vita
”7 1763, 4to. 7. “Phaedri Fabularum, lib. v. cum
notis et suppl. access. Parallela J. de la Fontaine Fabulse,
”
Memoire du Levant
” Brumoy’s Theatre,
” Parolles Memorables,
” a work
of which Mr. Seward has made great use in his “Anecdotes.
”
, an eminent French naturalist, was born at Montpellier, Feb. 28,
, an eminent
French naturalist, was born at Montpellier, Feb. 28, 1761,
where his father was a reputable schoolmaster, and soon
discovered in him an insatiable thirst of knowledge, which
we may conclude he assisted him in gratifying. At the
early age of eighteen he was appointed by the university
of Montpellier to fill a professor’s chair, and six years after
he was admitted a member of the academy of sciences by
an unanimous vote, a case which had not occurred from
the foundation of that learned body, but their choice appeared amply justified by the several dissertations on natural history, botany, and medicine, which he published. It
was his earnest wish to establish the system of Linnæus more
extensively in France. With this view, as well as for his own
improvement, he went to Paris, and examined the collections and museums, but not finding sufficient materials for
his purpose, he determined to visit the most celebrated
foreign collections, and came first to England, where he
was admitted an honorary member of the royal society, and
where he began his labours on the celebrated work on
fishes. On his return to Paris, he was appointed perpetual
secretary of the society of agriculture, which the intendant
Berthier de Sauvigny resigned for him. In 1789 he was
appointed a member of the electoral college of Paris, and
like the other electors, was to supply such vacancies as
were occasioned by any interruptions in the exercise of the
office of magistracy; and the day it was his turn to go to
the Hotel de Ville, he saw his friend and protector, Berthier, barbarously murdered by the populace. Broussonet
was then ordered to superintend the provisions of the capital, and was frequently“in danger of his life at that turbulent period. In 1791 he had a seat in the legislative
assembly, but quitted Paris the year following for his
native city, from which he was soon obliged to make his
escape, and after many dangers, arrived at Madrid, where
he was gladly received, and liberally assisted by the literati of that city. There, however, the French emigrants
were so enraged at his having filled any office under the
revolutionary government, that they obliged him to leave
Madrid, and soon after, Lisbon, to which he had removed.
At last he had an opportunity of going out as physician to
an embassy which the United States sent to the emperor
of Morocco, and on this occasion, his friend sir Joseph
Banks, hearing of his distresses, remitted him a credit for
a thousand pounds. After his arrival at Morocco, he employed all his leisure hours in extending his botanical
knowledge, and learning that his native country was recovering from its late anarchy, he solicited and obtained
permission to return, when the directory appointed him
consul at the Canaries. In consequence of this he resided
for two years at Teneriffe. In 1796, on his return, he
was admitted a member of the Institute, and again became
professor of botany at Montpellier, with the direction of
the botanical garden. He was afterwards chosen a member of the legislative body, but died July 27, 1807, at
Montpellier, of an apoplectic stroke. It was to him that
France owes the introduction of the Merino sheep, and
Angola goats. His publications are: 1.
” Varise positiones
circa Respirationem,“Montpellier, 1778. 2.
” Ichthyologia, sistens Piscium descriptiones et icones,“London,
1782, containing descriptions of the most rare fishes.
3.
” Essai sur Phistoire naturelle de quelques especes de
Moines, decrites a la maniere de Linnee,“1784, 8vo,
This is the translation only of a Latin satire on the monks,
the original of which appeared in Germany, in 1783.
4.
” Annee rurale, ou calendrier a I'usage des cultivateurs,“Paris, 1787-8, 2 vols. 12mo. 5.
” Notes pour servir a
Thistoire de l‘ecole de medicine de Montpellier pendant
l’an VI.“Montpellier, J 1 9 5, 8vo. 6.
” La Feuille dn
cultivateur," 1788, and following years, 8 vols. 4to, which
he conducted with Messrs. Parmentier, Dubois, and Lefebure. He contributed also a great many dissertations to
the academy of sciences, the society of agriculture, &c.
and left many works in manuscript.
n infancy, used to paint flowers and birds, and while thus employed, was discovered by Francis Hals, an eminent artist, who, charmed with the ease and taste he displayed
, a celebrated painter, according to some, was born at Oudenarde, in Flanders, or according to others, at Haerlem, in Holland, in 1608. His parents were of the poorer sort. His mother sold to the country people bonnets and handkerchiefs, on which Adrian, when almost in infancy, used to paint flowers and birds, and while thus employed, was discovered by Francis Hals, an eminent artist, who, charmed with the ease and taste he displayed in his art, proposed to take him as an apprentice, and Brouwer did not long hesitate about accepting such an dffer. His master soon discovered his superior talents, and separated him from his companions, that he might profit the better by him, locked him up in a garret, and compelled him to work, while he nearly starved him, but some pieces he painted by stealth, which probably irritated his jailor to be more watchful of him. By the advice, however, of Adrian Van Ostade, one of his companions, he contrived to make his escape, and took refuge in a church. There, almost naked, and not knowing where to go, he was recognised by some person, who brought him back to his master, and by means of a suit of clothes and some caresses, effected a temporary reconciliation; but being again subjected to the same mercenary and tyrannical usage, he made his escape a second time, and went to Amsterdam, where he had the happiness to find that his name was well known, and that his works bore a great price. A picture dealer with whom he lodged, gave him an hundred ducatoons for a painting representing gamesters, admirably executed, which Brouwer, who had never possessed so much money, spent in a tavern in the course of ten days. He then returned to his employer, and when asked what he had done with his money, answered that he had got rid of it, that he might be more at leisure; and this unfortunate propensity to alternate work and extravagance marked the whole of his future life, and involved him in many ridiculous adventures and embarrassments unworthy of a man of genius. As soon as ‘he had finished any piece, he offered it for sale; and if it did not produce a stipulated price, he burnt it, and began another with greater care. Possessing a vein of low humour, and engaging, both sober and drunk, in many droll adventures, he removed from Amsterdam to Antwerp, where he was arrested as a spy, and committed to prison. This circumstance introduced him to an acquaintance with the duke d’Aremberg, who, having observed his genius, by some slight sketches drawn with black lead while in custody, requested Rubens to furnish him with materials for painting. Brouwer chose for his subject a groupe of soldiers playing at cards in a corner of the prison; and when the picture was finished, the duke himself was astonished, and Rubens, when he saw it, offered for it the sum of 600 guilders. The duke, however, retained it, and gave the painter a much larger sum. Upon this, Rubens procured his release, and received him into his house; but, uninfluenced by gratitude to his benefactor, he stole away, and returned to the scenes of low debauch, to which he had been formerly accustomed. Being reduced to the necessity of flying from justice, he took refuge in France; and, having wandered through several towns, he was at length constrained by indigence to return to Antwerp, where he was taken ill, and obliged to seek relief in an hospital; and in this asylum of self-procured poverty and distress he died in his 32d year. Rubens lamented his death, and procured for him an honourable interment in the church of the Carmelites.
, an eminent horticulturist, and, from a word often employed by him
, an eminent horticulturist, and, from a word often employed by him in laying out gardens, called Capability Brown , was born at Kirkharle, in Northumberland, Aug. 1715. Of his education we have no account, but he came early in life to the metropolis, and was employed by lord Cobham in improving the grounds at Stowe; and afterwards at Richmond, Blenheim, Luton, Wimbledon, Nuneham, &c. where he improved ornamental gardening in a very high degree, and approached more nearly to nature than his predecessors. In these operations he frequently discovered a very highly cultivated taste, and may be said to have led the fashion in horticulture for nearly half a century. He associated also with familiarity with many of his noble and opulent employers, and realized a handsome fortune. In 1770 he served the office of high sheriff for the counties of Huntingdon and Cambridge. He died suddenly in Hertfordstreet, May-fair, Feb. 6, 1783, being at that time head gardener to his majesty, at Hampton-court.
, an eminent physician, son of sir Thomas Browne, hereafter mentioned,
, an eminent physician, son of sir
Thomas Browne, hereafter mentioned, was born about
1642. He was instructed in grammar learning at the
school of Norwich, and in 1665 took the degree of bachelor of physic at Cambridge. Removing afterwards to Mertori college, Oxford, he was admitted there to the same
degree in 1666, and the next year created doctor. In
1668, he visited part of Germany, and the year following
made a wider excursion into Austria, Hungary, and Thessaly, where the Turkish sultan then kept his court at Larissa. He afterwards passed through Italy. Upon his return, he practised physic in London; was made physician
first to Charl-es II. and afterwards in 1682 to St. Bartholomew’s hospital. About the same time he joined his name
to those of many other eminent men, in a translation of
Plutarch’s Lives. He was first censor, then elect, and treasurer of the college of physicians; of which in 1705 he
was chosen president, and held this office till his death,
which happened in August 1708, after a very short illness,
at his seat at Northfleet, near Greenhithe in Kent. He
was acquainted with Hebrew, was a critic in Greek, and
no man of his age wrote better Latin. German, Italian,
French, &c. he spoke and wrote with as much ease as his
mother tongue. Physic was his business, and to the promotion thereof all his other acquisitions were referred.
Botany, pharmacy, and chemistry, he knew and practised.
King Charles said of him, that “he was as learned as any
of the college, and as well-bred as any at court.
” He was
married, and left a son and a daughter; the former, Dr.
Thomas Browne, F. R. S. and of the royal college of physicians, died in JiJy 17 Jo. The daughter married Owen
Brigstock, of Lechdenny, in the county of Carmarthen,
esq. to whom the public is indebted for part of the posthumous works of sir Thomas Browne.
rd Hassel, esq. of Dalemain* his friend and patron. In April 1731, he was elected fellow, and became an eminent tutor, having several young noblemen of the first rank
, D.D. provost of Queen’s-college, Oxford, was born at a place called the Tongue, in Watermillock, Cumberland, in 1700, and was baptised Dec. 19, of that year. His father, George Browne, was a reputable yeoman, who was enabled to give his son a classical education at Barton school, and afterwards sent him to Queen’s-college, where he was admitted a member March 22, 1716-17. Here his good behaviour and rapid progress in knowledge, procured him many friends that were of great service to him. In due time he was elected taberdar upon the foundation; and having gone through that office with honour, he took the degree of M. A. Nov. 4th, 1724, and was chosen one of the chaplains of the college. In 1726 he published, from the university press, a most beautiful edition of cardinal Barberini’s Latin poems, with notes and a life of the author, (who was afterwards pope Urban VIII.) and a dedication to his friend Edward Hassel, esq. of Dalemain* his friend and patron. In April 1731, he was elected fellow, and became an eminent tutor, having several young noblemen of the first rank intrusted to his care. In this useful and important station he continued many years, exercising strict discipline, and assiduously studying to promote the prosperity of the college. He took the degree of D. D. July 9, 1743, and was presented by the provost and society to the rectory of Bramshot, in Hampshire, May 1, 1746, The university also conferred upon him the professorship of natural philosophy in 1747, which he held till his death. At his living at Bramshot, he resided more than ten years, during which time he was collated to the chancellorship of Hereford, and was made a canon-residentiary by the right rev. lord James Beauclerk, bishop of that diocese, who had formerly been his pupil.
titor, Dr. George Fothergill, principal of Edmund-hall, who had likewise been fellow of the college, an eminent tutor, and a person universally esteemed. The election
Upon the death of Dr. Smith, provost of Queen’s, Nor. 23, 1756, Dr. Browne offered himself a candidate for the headship, and had for his formidable competitor, Dr. George Fothergill, principal of Edmund-hall, who had likewise been fellow of the college, an eminent tutor, and a person universally esteemed. The election lasted three days, and each candidate having upon every day’s scrutiny an equality of votes, both among the senior and junior fellows, Dr. Browne being the senior candidate, was, as the statute directs, declared duly elected. This contest, however, made no disagreement between the two competitors; they lived in the same harmony and friendship as before. In 1759, Dr, Browne was appointed vicechancellor, which arduous office, together with that of his headship, he managed with great prudence and ability, till March 25, 1765, when a stroke of the palsy rendered him utterly incapable of business. Under this calamity he languished till June 17, 1767, when he died, leaving the character of being a well-bred man, a polite as well as a profound scholar, an agreeable companion, and a steady friend. There was a gravity and authority in his looks and deportment, that reflected dignity upon the offices he sustained. He cbntinued vice-chancellor an unusual length of time, and presided at the memorable Enccenia when the earl of Litchfield was installed. It is said that his death prevented his being advanced to one of the first vacancies Oh the episcopal bench.
, an eminent physician and antiquary, was born in London, in the
, an eminent physician and
antiquary, was born in London, in the parish of St.
Michael, Cheapside, Oct. 19, 1605. His father was a
merchant, of an ancient family at Upton in Cheshire. He lost
his father very early, and was defrauded by one of his
guardians, by whom, however, or by his mother, who soon
after his father’s death married sir Thomas Dutton, he was
placed at Winchester school. In 1623 he was removed
from Winchester to Oxford, and entered a gentlemancommoner of Broadgate-hall. Here he was admitted to his
bachelor’s degree, Jan. 31, 1626-27, being the first person
of eminence graduated from Broadgate-hall, when endowed and known as Pembroke-college. After taking his
master’s degree, he turned his studies to physic, and practised it for some time in Oxfordshire, but soon afterwards,
either induced by curiosity, or invited by promises, he
quitted his settlement, and accompanied his father-in-law,
who had some employment in Ireland, in a visitation of
the forts and castles, which the state of Ireland then made
necessary. From Ireland he passed into France and Italy;
made some stay at Montpelier and Padua, which were then
the celebrated schools of physic; and, returning home
through Holland, procured himself to be created M. D. at
Leyden, but when he began these travels, or when he
concluded them, there is no certain account. It is, however, supposed that he returned to London in 1634, and
that the following year he wrote his celebrated treatise,
the “Religio Medici,
” which he declares himself never
to have intended for the press, having composed it only
for his own exercise and entertainment. He had, however, communicated it to his friends, and by some means
a copy was given to a printer in 1642, and was no sooner
published than it excited the attention of the public by
the novelty of paradoxes, the dignity of sentiment, the
quick succession of images, the multitude of abstruse allusions, the subtlety of disquisition, and the strength of
language.
, an eminent physician, a native of Cumberland, was born in 1711,
, an eminent physician, a
native of Cumberland, was born in 1711, and educated in
medical science at Leyden, under Albinus, Euler, and
Boerhaave. Having taken his medical degree in 1737, he
returned to his native country, and settled at Whitehaven,
where his practice became very extensive. About twenty
years before his death, he retired to Ormathwaite, where
he died, Jan. 7, 1800, in his eighty-ninth year, regretted
as a man of amiable and endearing virtues, and a most
skilful physician. His principal publications were, 1. His
inaugural thesis, “De Praxi medica ineunda,
” Leyden,
A treatise on the art of making common
Salt,
” Lond. An enquiry concerning the mineral elastic spirit contained in the water of Spa in Germany,
” printed in the Philosophical Transactions, vol. LV.
4. A treatise, “On the means of preventing the communication of pestilent contagion.
” A trip to the Spas of
Germany suggested to him the idea of analizing the properties of the Pyrmont springs, and of some others, and
led him into that train of nice and deep disquisition, which
terminated in the de-elementizing one of our elements,
and fixing its invisible fluid form into a palpable and visible
substance. All this he effected by producing the various
combinations of gases and vapours which constitute atmospheric air, and separating into many forms this long-supposed one and indivisible, whilst he solidified its fluid essence into a hard substance. That Dr. Brownrigg was the
legitimate father of these discoveries was not only known at
the time to his intimate and domestic circle, but also to the
then president of the royal society, sir John Pringle; who,
when called upon to bestow upon Dr. Priestley the gold
medal for his paper of “Discoveries of the Nature and
Properties of Air,
” thus observes, “And it is no disparagement to the learned Dr. Priestley, that the vein of these
discoveries was hit upon, and its course successfully followed up, some years ago, by my very learned, very penetrating, very industrious, but too modest friend, Dr.
Brownrigg.
” To habits, indeed, of too much diffidence,
and to too nice a scrupulosity of taste, the world has to attribute the fewness of his publications. One of his literary
projects was a general history of the county of Cumberland, but it does not appear that he had made much progress. He assisted Mr. West, however, in his entertaining.“Tour to the Lakes,
” forming the plan of that popular work.
n along with him, the chancellor of that name took a liking to him, and placed him with Simon Vouet, an eminent painter, who was greatly surprised at young Le Brun’s
, an illustrious French painter, was
of Scottish extraction, and born in 1619. His father was
a statuary by profession. At three years of age it is reported that he drew figures with charcoal; and at twelve
he drew the picture of his uncle so well, that it still passes
for a fine piece. His father being employed in the gardens at Seguier, and having brought his son along with
him, the chancellor of that name took a liking to him, and
placed him with Simon Vouet, an eminent painter, who
was greatly surprised at young Le Brun’s amazing proficiency. He was afterwards sent to Fontainbleau, to take
copies of some of Raphael’s pieces. The chancellor sent
him next to Italy, and supported him there for six years.
Le Brun, on his return, met with the celebrated Poussin,
by whose conversation he greatly improved himself in his
art, and contracted a friendship with him which lasted as
long as their lives. Cardinal Mazarin, a good judge of
painting, took great notice of Le Brun, and often sat by
him while he was at work. A painting of St. Stephen,
which he finished in 1651, raised his reputation to the
highest pitch. Soon after this, the king, upon the representation of M. Colbert, made him his first painter, and
conferred on him the order of St. Michael. His majesty
employed two hours every day in looking over him, whilst
he was painting the family of Darius at Fontainbleau.
About 1662, be began his five large pieces of the history
of Alexander the Great, in which he is said to have set the
actions of that conqueror in a more glorious light than
Quintus Curtius in his history. He procured several advantages for the royal academy of painting and sculpture
at Paris, and formed the plan of another for the students
of his own nation at Rome. There was scarce any thing
done for the advancement of the fine arts in which he was
not consulted. It was through the interest of M. Colbert
that the king gave him the direction of all his works? and
particularly of his royal manufactory at the Gobelins, where
he had a handsome house, with a genteel salary assigned
to him. He was also made director and chancellor of the
royal academy, and shewed the greatest zeal to encourage
the fine arts in France. He possessed in a great degree
that enthusiasm which animates the efforts, and increases
the raptures of the artist. Some one said before him of
his fine picture of the Magdalen, “that the contrite penitent was really weeping.
” “That, 7 * said he,
” is perhaps
all that you can see; I hear her sigh.“He was endowed
with a vast inventive genius, which extended itself to arts
of every kind. He was well acquainted with the history
and manners of all nations. Besides his extraordinary talents, his behaviour was so genteel, and his address Sq
pleasing, that he attracted the regard and affection of the
whole court of France: where, by the places and pensions
conferred on him by the king, he made a very considerable
figure. He died at his house in. the Gobelins in 1690,
leaving a wife, but no children. He was author of a curious treatise of
” Physiognomy“and of another of the
” Characters of the Passions."
, an eminent Italian architect, was born at Florence in 1377. His
, an
eminent Italian architect, was born at Florence in 1377.
His father was a notary, and his sou for some time was
apprenticed to a goldsmith, but afterwards discovered a
turn for geometry, in which he was instructed by Paul
Toscanelli. A journey which he happened to take to
Rome gave him a taste for architecture, which he hftproved by the study of the edifices in that city, and had a
very early opportunity of trying his skill. A dome was
wanted for the church of St. Maria del Fiore at Florence;
the ablest architects had been requested to send in their
plans, and that of Brunelleschi was adopted, and carried
into execution with an effect which astonished Michael
Angelo himself. He was next employed by Cosmo the
Great in building the abbey of Fesoli, and was afterwards
solicited for the plan of a palace for Cosmo. Brunelleschi
accordingly gave in a design of great magnificence, but
Cosmo thought proper to prefer one more suited to the
prudent economy which was then necessary for him, and
Brunelleschi was so irritated that he destroyed his design.
Brunelleschi afterwards built the Pitti palace, in part, and
the church of St. Lorenzo in Florence almost entirely. He
also gave some designs in military architecture. He is
said to have been the first who attempted to restore the
Grecian orders of architecture, and under his control this
branch of the art attained a degree of perfection which it
had not known from the time of the ancients. Brunelieschi
died in 1446, greatly lamented, and was interred with
sumptuous funeral honours, and Cosmo erected a monument to his memory. He is said to have employed his
leisure hours in cultivating Italian poetry, and some of his
burlesque verses have been printed along with those of
Burchieiio: there is a separate poem, “Geta e Birna,
”
ascribed to him and to Domenico dal Prato, Venice, 1516,
8vo, but this seems doubtful. It is more certain that he
wrote architectural descriptions of all his works, some of
which are, or lately were, in Cosmo’s palace at Florence,
now the residence of the noble family of Riccardi.
, an eminent engraver, was born in 1528, at Leige, but resided chiefly
, an eminent engraver, was born in 1528, at Leige, but resided chiefly at Francfort, where he carried on a considerable commerce in prints. It does not appear to what master he owed his instructions in the art, but the works of Sebast Beham were certainly of great service to him. He copied many of the plates engraved by that artist, and seems to have principally formed his taste from them. He worked almost entirely with the graver, and seldom called in the assistance of the point. He acquired a neat, free style of engraving, well adapted to small subjects in which many figures were to be represented, as funeral parades, processions, &c. which he executed in a charming manner. He also drew very correctly. His heads, in general, are spirited and expressive, and the other extremities of his figures well-marked. His backgrounds, though frequently very slight, are touched with a masterly hand. He died, as his sons inform us (in the third part of Boissard’s collection of portraits), March 27, 1598. The two first parts of that collection were engraved by De Brye, assisted by his sons, who afterwards continued it.
, an eminent German reformer, was born in 1491, at Schelestadt, a
, an eminent German reformer, was
born in 1491, at Schelestadt, a town of Alsace. At the
age of seven he took the religious habit in the order of St.
Dominic, and with the leave of the prior of his convent,
went to -Heidelberg to learn logic and philosophy. Having
applied himself afterwards to divinity, he made it his endeavour to acquire a thorough knowledge of the Greek
and Hebrew. About this time some of Erasmus’s pieces
came abroad, which he read with great avidity, and
meeting afterwards with certain tracts of Luther, and
comparing the doctrine there delivered with the sacred scriptures, he began to entertain doubts concerning several
things in the popish religion. His uncommon learning
and his eloquence, which was assisted by a strong and
musical voice, and his free censure of the vices of the
times, recommended him to Frederick elector palatine,
who made him one of his chaplains. After some conferences with Luther, at Heidelberg, in 1521, he adopted
most of his religious notions, particularly those with regard to justification. However, in 1532, he gave the
preference to the sentiments of Zuinglius, but used his
utmost endeavours to re-unite the two parties, who both
opposed the Romish religion. He is looked upon as one
of the first authors of the reformation at Strasburg, where
he taught divinity for twenty years, and was one of the
ministers of the town. He assisted at many conferences
concerning religion; and in 1548, was sent for to Augsburg to sign that agreement betwixt the Protestants and
Papists, which was called the Interim. His warm opposition to this project exposed him to many difficulties and
harships; the news of which reaching England, where his
fame had already arrived, Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury, g av e him an invitation to come over, which he
readily accepted. In 1549 an handsome apartment was
assigned him in the university of Cambridge, and a salary
to teach theology. King Edward VI. had the greatest regard for him; being told that he was very sensible of the
cold of this climate, and suffered much for want of a German stove, he sent him an hundred crowns to purchase one.
He died of a complication of disorders, in 1551, and was
buried at Cambridge, in St. Mary’s church, with great funeral pomp. Five years after, in the reign of queen Mary,
his body was dug up and publicly burnt, and his tomb demolished; but it was afterwards set up again by order of
queen Elizabeth. He married a nun, by whom he had
thirteen children. This woman dying of the plague, he
married another, and, according to some, upon her death,
he took a third wife. His character is thus given by Burnet:
“Martin Bucer was a very learned, judicious, pious, and
moderate person. Perhaps he was inferior to none of all
the reformers for learning; but for zeal, for true piety,
and a most tender care of preserving unity among the foreign churches, Melancthon and he, without any injury
done to the rest, may be ranked apart by themselves. He
was much opposed by the Popish party at Cambridge;
who, though they complied with the law, and so kept their
places, yet, either in the way of argument, as if it had
been for dispute’s sake, or in such points as were not determined, set themselves much to lessen his esteem. Nor
was he furnished naturally with that quickness that is necessary for a disputant, from which they studied to draw
advantages; and therefore Peter Martyr wrote to him to
avoid all public disputes.
” His writings were in Latin
and in German? and so numerous, that it is computed they
would form eight or nine folio volumes. His anxiety to
reconcile the Lutherans and Zuinglians led him to use
many general and perhaps ambiguous expressions in his
writings. He seems to have thought Luther’s notion of
the sacrament too strong, and that of Zuinglius too weak.
Verheiclen in Latin, and Lupton in English, have given a
list of his works, but without size or dates.
, an eminent English prelate, was the son of William Buckeridge,
, an eminent English prelate, was the son of William Buckeridge, by Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Thomas Keblewhyte of Basilden in Berks, son of John Keblewhyte, uncle to sir Thomas White, founder of St. John’s college, Oxford. He was educated in Merchant Taylors’ school, and thence sent to St. John’s college, Oxon, in 1578, where he was chosen fellow, and proceeded, through other degrees, to D. D. in the latter end of 1596. After leaving the university, he became chaplain to Robert earl of Essex, and was rector of North Fambridge in Essex, and of North Kiiworth in Leicestershire, and was afterwards one of archbishop Whitgii't’s chaplains, and made prebendary of Hereford, and of Rochester. In 1604, he was preferred to the archdeaconry of Northampton; and the same year, Nov. 5, was presented by king James to the vicarage of St. Giles’s, Cripplegate, in which he succeeded Dr. Andrews, then made bishop of Chichester. About the same time he was chaplain to the king; was elected president of St. John’s college, 1605, and installed canon of Windsor, April 15, 1606. His eminent abilities in the pulpit were greatly esteemed at court; insomuch that he was chosen to be one of the four (Dr. Andrews, bishop of Chichester, Dr. Barlow of Rochester, and Dr. John King, dean of Christ-church, Oxford, being the other three) who were appointed to preach before the king at Hampton-court in September 1606, in order to bring the two Melvins and other presbyterians of Scotland to a right understanding of the church of England. He took his text out of Romans xiii. 1. and managed the discourse (as archbishop Spotswood, who was present, relates), both soundly and learnedly, to the satisfaction of all the hearers, only it grieved the Scotch ministers to hear the pope and presbytery so often equalled in their opposition to sovereign princes.
, an eminent French physician, censor royal, doctor-regent and professor
, an eminent French
physician, censor royal, doctor-regent and professor of
chemistry in the faculty of medicine at Paris, an adjunct
of the academy of sciences, and an ordinary associate of
the royal medical society, was born at Paris, Feb. 18, 1746.
His father intended him for the bar, but his inclination
stfbn led him to relinquish that profession for the study of
the various sciences connected with medicine, in all which
he made great proficiency, and gave lectures on mineralogy and chemistry. His plan and familiar mode of
teaching soon procured him numerous pupils, and connecting himself with Lavoisier and other eminent chemists, he
instituted a variety of experiments which, while they procured him the notice and honours of his profession, much
impaired his health, and at a very early age, he was so debilitated in body and mind, as to require the use of stimulants to excite a momentary vigour; he is even said to
have taken one hundred grains of opium in a day. By
these means he was enabled to protract his existence until
Jan. 24, 1780, when he died completely exhausted, although only in his thirty-fourth year. Except his papers
in the literary journals, we know of only one publication
of Bucquet’s, “Introduction a Tetude des corps naturels,
tirés du regne vegetal,
”
, or Bude’ (William), an eminent scholar and critic, the descendant of an ancient and
, or Bude’ (William), an eminent scholar
and critic, the descendant of an ancient and illustrious
family in France, lord of Marli-la-ville, king’s counsellor,
and master of requests, was born at Paris in 1467. He
was the second son of John Budé, lord of Yere and Villiers,
secretary to the king, and one of the grand officers of the
French chancery. In his infancy he was provided with
masters; but such was the low state of Parisian education
at that time, that when sent to the university of Orleans to
study law, he remained there for three years, without
making any progress, for want of a proper knowledge of
the Latin language. Accordingly, on his return home, his
parents had the mortification to discover that he was as
ignorant as when he went, disgusted with study of any
kind, and obstinately bent to pass his time amidst the
gaieties and pleasures of youth, a coarse which his fortune
enabled him to pursue. But after he had indulged this
humour for some time, an ardent passion for study seized
him, and became irresistible. He immediately disposed
of his horses, dogs, &c. with which he followed the chace,
applied himself to study, and in a short time made very
considerable progress, although he had no masters, nor
either instruction or example in his new pursuit. He became, in particular, an excellent Latin scholar, and although
his style is not so pure or polished as that of those who
formed themselves in early life on the best models, it is
far from being deficient in fluency or elegance. His knowledge of the Greek was so great that John de Lascaris, the
most learned Grecian of his time, declared that Budé might
be compared with the first orators of ancient Athens. This
language is perhaps complimentary, but it cannot be denied that his knowledge of Greek was very extraordinary,
considering how little help he derived from instructions.
He, indeed, employed at a large salary, one Hermonymus,
but soon found that he was very superficial, and had acquired the reputation of a Greek scholar merely from
knowing a little more than the French literati, who at that
time knew nothing. Hence Budé used to call himself
ανἶομαθης & οψιμαϑης
i. e. self-taught and late taught. The work
by which he gained most reputation, and published under
the title “De Asse,
” was one of the tirst efforts to clear up
the difficulties relating to the coins and measures of the
ancients; and although an Italian, Leonardus Portius, pretended to claim some of his discoveries, Budé vindicated
his right to them with spirit and success. Previously to
this he had printed a translation of some pieces of Plutarch,
and “Notes upon the Pandects.
” His fame having
reached the court, he was invited to it, but was at first
rather reluctant. He appears to have been one of those
who foresaw the advantages of a diffusion of learning, and
at the same time perceived an unwillingness in the court
to entertain it, lest it should administer to the introduction
of what was called heresy. Charles VIII. was the first
who invited him to court, but died soon after: his successor Louis XII. employed him twice on embassies to
Italy, and made him his secretary. This favour continued
in the reign of Francis I. who sent for Budé to court when
it was held at Arches at the interview of that monarch with
Henry VIII. the king of England. From this time Francis
paid him much attention, appointed him his librarian, and
master of the requests, while the Parisians elected him
provost of the merchants. This political influence he employed in promoting the interests of literature, and suggested to Francis I. the design of establishing professorships for languages and the sciences at Paris. The excessive heats of the year 1540 obliging the king to take a
journey to the coast of Normandy, Budé accompanied his
majesty, but unfortunately was seized with a fever, which
carried him off Aug. 23/1540, at Paris. His funeral was
private, and at night, by his own desire. This circumstance created a suspicion that he died in the reformed religion; but of this there is ho direct proof, and although
he occasionally made free with the court of Rome and the
corruptions of the clergy in his works, yet in them likewise he wrote with equal asperity of the reformers. Erasmus called him porttntum Gallic, the prodigy of France.
There was a close connection between these two great
men. “Their letters/' says the late Dr. Jortin,
” though
full of compliments and civilities, are also full of little
bickerings and contests: which shew that their friendship
was not entirely free from some small degree of jealousy
and envy; especially on the side of Budé, who yet in
other respects was an excellent person." It is not easy
to determine on which side the jealousy lay; perhaps it
was on both. Budé might envy Erasmus for his superior
taste and wit, as well as his more extensive learning; and
perhaps Erasmus might envy Budé for a superior knowledge of the Greek tongue, which was generally ascribed
to him.
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Florence in 1262, and was
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Florence in 1262, and was for some years a disciple of Andrea Tassi. He was pleasant in his conversation, and somewhat ingenious in his compositions. A friend, whose name was Bruno, consulting him one day how he might give more expression to his subject, Buffalmacco answered, that he had nothing to do, but to make the words come out of the mouths of his figures by labels, on which they might be written, which had been before practised by Cimnbue. Bruno, thinking him in earnest, did so, as several German painters did after him; who, improving upon Bruno, added answers to questions, and made their figures enter into a kind of conversation. Buffalmacco died in 1340.
ral genius for music, he was educated in that science, when very young, under Mr. William Blitheman, an eminent master, and organist of the chapel to queen Elizabeth.
, a celebrated musician, and doctor in
that faculty, was descended from a family of that name in
Somersetshire, and born about the year 1563. Having
discovered an excellent natural genius for music, he was
educated in that science, when very young, under Mr.
William Blitheman, an eminent master, and organist of
the chapel to queen Elizabeth. On the 9th of July 1586
he was admitted bachelor of music at Oxford, having exercised that art fourteen years; and, we are told, he would
have proceeded in that university “had he not met with
clowns and rigid puritans there, that could not endure
church-music.
” Some time after, he was created doctor
of music at Cambridge; but in what year is uncertain,
there being a deficiency in the register. In 1591 he was
appointed organist of the Queen’s chapel, in the room of
Mr. Blitheman, deceased; and on the 7th of July, the
year following, he was incorporated doctor of music at
Oxford. He was greatly admired for his fine hand on the
organ, as well as for his compositions; several of which
have been long since published in musical collections,
besides a large number in manuscript, that made a part of
the curious and valuable collection of music lately reposited
in the library of Dr. Pepusch. Upon the establishment of
Gresham-college, Dr. Bull was chosen the first professor
of music there, about the beginning of March 1596,
through the recommendation of queen Elizabeth; and not
being able to speak in Latin, he was permitted to deliver
his lectures altogether in English; which practice, so far
as appears, has been ever since continued, though the
professors of that science have often been men of learning.
In 1601, his health being impaired, so that he was unable to perform the duty of his place, he went to travel,
having obtained leave to substitute, as his deputy, Mr.
Thomas Birde, son pf Mr. William Birde, one of the gentlemen of her majesty’s chapel. He continued abroad
above a year. After the death of queen Elizabeth, our
professor became chief organist to king James I. and December the 20th, the same year, he resigned his professorship of Gresham-college; but for what reason is not
known. In 1613 he again left England, induced, probably, by the declining reputation of church-music, which
at this time had not that regard paid to it, tfrat had been
formerly. He went directly into the Netherlands, where,
about Michaelmas, the same year, he was received into the
service of 'the archduke; and Mr. Wood says he died at
Hamburgh, or (as others, who remember him, have said)
at Lubeck. His picture is yet preserved in the musicschool at Oxford, among other famous professors of that
science, which hang round the room.
, an eminent bookseller at Paris, is well known to the learned throughout
, an eminent bookseller at
Paris, is well known to the learned throughout Europe for
the able assistance he has afforded to the study of bibliography. Of his personal history very little is related by
his countrymen, unless that he was a man of high character
in trade; and, as appears from his works, more intimately
acquainted with the history of books and editions than perhaps any man of his time in any country. He died July
15, 1782. He first published his “Museum Typographicum,
” Paris, Bibliographic Instructive,
” Essay upon Bibliography.
” The merits of this work are universally acknowledged. The abbe Rive having attacked this work with
considerable asperity, De Bure replied in “Appel aux Savans,
” Reponse a une Critique de la
Bibliographic Instructive,
”
was his pupil, and says he was “a pious, learned, and able scholar, a good disputant, a good tutor, an eminent preacher, and a sound and orthodox divine.” (See Hearne’s
, a Nonconformist clergyman,
was the son of a schoolmaster at Watford, in Hertfordshire^
and educated at St. John’s college, Cambridge. He afterwards became a fellow of Emanuel college, and took
his master’s degree. He obtained the living of SuttonColfield, in Warwickshire, in 1635, by the death of the
rev. John Burgess, but no relation. He was afterwards
one of the assembly of divines, and although inclined to
conformity before the rebellion, acquired such opinions on
the subject as induced him to submit to ejectment aftet
the restoration. Dr. Racket, bishop of Lichfield and
Coventry, who had a high opinion of his learning, and
said he was fit for a professor’s chair in the university, endeavoured by every argument to retain him in the church,
but in vain, although Mr. Burgess went to the parish
church of Tamworth, where he spent the remainder of his
days, and lived in cordiality with the incumbent. At what
time he died, is not mentioned. The celebrated Dr. John
Wallis was his pupil, and says he was “a pious, learned,
and able scholar, a good disputant, a good tutor, an eminent preacher, and a sound and orthodox divine.
” (See Hearne’s Langtoft, publisher’s appendix to his preface, p. cxlviii). His principal works are: 1. “Spiritual Refinings; or a Treatise of Grace and Assurance,
” fol. 1656. 3.
” The Doctrine of Original Sin,“1659, fol. 4.
” Commentary on
the 1. and 2. of Corinthians," 1661, 2 vols. fol. with some
smaller tracts, and several sermons before the long parliament.
, an eminent civilian, descended from one of those noble families
, an eminent civilian,
descended from one of those noble families of Lucca,
which, upon their embracing the Protestant religion, were
obliged, about two centuries and a half since, to take refuge in Geneva, was born at Geneva in 1694, where he
became honorary professor of jurisprudence in 1720.
After travelling into France, Holland, and England, he
commenced the exercise of his -functions, and rendered
his school famous and flourishing. One of his pupils was
prince Frederic of Hesse-Cassel, who, in 1734, took him
to his residence, and detained him there for some time.
Upon his return to Geneva, he surrendered his professorship; and in 1740 entered into the grand council, and,
as a member of this illustrious body, he continued to serve
his fellow-citizens till his death, in 1750. As a writer,
he was distinguished less by his originality than by his
clear and accurate method of detailing and illustrating the
principles of others; among whom, are Grotius, PufTendorf, and Barbeyrac. His works are: “Principles of
Natural Law, 77 Geneva, 1747, 4to, often reprinted, translated into various languages, and long used as a text-book
in the university of Cambridge; and
” Political Law,“Geneva, 1751, 4to, a posthumous work, compiled from
the notes of his pupils, which was translated into English
by Dr. Nugent, 1752, 8vo. His
” Principles of Natural
Law“were re-published in the original by Professor de
Felice, Yverdun, 1766, 2 vols. with additions and improvements. Another posthumous work of our author,
was his
” Elemens du Droit Naturel," being his text-book
on the Law of Nature, and admirable for perspicuity and
happy arrangement. Burlamaqui was much esteemed in
private life, and respected as a lover of the fine arts, and
a patron of artists. He had a valuable collection of pictures and prints; and a medal of him was executed by
Dassier, in a style of superior excellency.
the flourishing state to which he advanced the university. He was reckoned an excellent philosopher, an eminent scholar in the learned languages, and a good preacher.
, the first upon record of a very
learned family, and professor of divinity at Utrecht, was
the son of Peter Burman, a Protestant minister at Frankendal, and was born at Leyden in 1632, where he pursued his studies. At the age of twenty-three he was
invited by the Dutch congregation at Hanau, in Germany,
to be their pastor, and thence he was recalled to Leyden,
and chosen regent of the college in which he had been
educated. Before he had been here a year, his high reputation occasioned his removal to Utrecht, where he was
appointed professor of divinity, and one of the preachers;
Here he acquired additional fame by his learning, and the
flourishing state to which he advanced the university. He
was reckoned an excellent philosopher, an eminent scholar
in the learned languages, and a good preacher. He died
Nov. 10, 1679. His principal works are Commentaries on
some of the books of the Old Testament, in Dutch,
besides which he wrote in Latin: 1. “An Abridgment of
Divinity,
” Utrecht, De Moralitate Sabbati,
” Narratio de controversiis
nuperius in academia Ultrajectina motis, &c.
” Utrecht,
Exercitationes Academic^,
” Rotterdam,
Tractatus de Passione Christi,
”
Academical discourses,
” published
by Grasvius, with some account of the author, Utrecht,
1700, 4to, and the same year they were translated and
printed in Dutch.
, an eminent law-writer, was born at Winton in Westmoreland some
, an eminent law-writer, was born at
Winton in Westmoreland some time about the beginning
of the last century; he was educated at Queen’s college,
Oxford, which university conferred on him March 22. 1762,
the honorary degree of LL. D. He died at Orton, of
which place he had been vicar forty-nine years, Novembet 20, 1785. He was one of his majesty’s justices of the
peace for the counties of Westmorland and Cumberland,
and was made by bishop Lyttelton chancellor of the diocese
of Carlisle. In 1755, he first published his “Justice of
Peace and Parish Officer, upon a plan entirely new, and
comprehending all the law to the present time, 57 2 vols.
8vo, reprinted in the same form in 1756, and in the same
year in folio, in 1757, 3 vols. 8vo, &c. The fourteenth
edition was enlarged to 4 vols. 8vo, in which form it has
passed, with gradual amendments and improvements,
through various editions; the last of which is the twentyfirst. In 1760 he published his
” Ecclesiastical Law,“2
vols. 4to, which afterwards was reprinted in 4 vols. 8vo.
Both works were strongly recommended by Judge Blackstone, and both are extraordinary examples of unrivalled
popularity and permanence. In 1764 he wrote
” A History of the Poor Laws,“8vo, and in 1776
” Observations
on the Bill proposed in parliament for erecting County
Workhouses.“He likewise published
” The History and
Antiquity of the two counties of Westmoreland and Cumberland, " in conjunction with Joseph Nicolson, esq. nephew to the bishop of Carlisle, 1771, 2 vols. 4to, in which
work he has given the above brief notices of himself.
, an eminent modern poet of Scotland, was born on the 29th day of
, an eminent modern poet of Scotland, was born on the 29th day of January, 1759, in a small house about two miles from the town of Ayr, in Scotland. His father, William, after various attempts to gain a livelihood, took a lease of seven acres of land, with a view of commencing nurseryman and public gardener; and having built a house upon it with his own hands, he married, December 1757, Agnes Brown. The first fruit of his marriage was Robert, who in his sixth year was sent to a school at Alloway Miln, about a mile distant from his father’s house, where he made considerable proficiency in reading and writing, and where he discovered an inclination for books not very common at so early an age. With these, however, he appears at that time to have been rather scantily supplied; but what he could obtain he read with avidity and improvement. About the age of thirteen, or fourteen, he was sent to the parish school of Dalrymple, where he increased his acquaintance with English gramroar, and gained some knowledge of the French language. Latin was also recommended to him; but he was not induced to make any great progress in it. In the intervals from these studies, he was employed on his father’s farm, which, in spite of much industry, became so unproductive as to involve the family in great distress. This early portion of affliction is said to have been, in a great measure, the cause of that depression of spirits of which our poet often complained, and during which his sufferings appear to have been very acute. His father having taken another farm, the speculation was yet more fatal, and involved his affairs in complete ruin. He died Feb. 13, 1784.
bilities, was educated in Magdalen college, Cambridge, of which he became a fellow, and where he was an eminent tutor. He was ordained priest by bishop Sanderson; and,
, a divine of distinguished abilities, was educated in Magdalen college, Cambridge, of
which he became a fellow, and where he was an eminent
tutor. He was ordained priest by bishop Sanderson; and,
in 1667, was appointed chaplain to lord keeper Bridgeman, by whom he was presented to a prebend of Norwich,
and to the rectory of St. George’s in Southwark. In 1668,
he was engaged, with Dr. Stiliingfleet and Dr. Tillotson,
in the treaty proposed by sir Orlando Bridgeman, and
countenanced by lord chief baron Hale, for a comprehension;vith the Dissenters. About a year before his death,
Oct. 19, 1680, Dr. Burton, by the interest of his friend
Tillotson with the Chapter of St. Paul’s, obtained the rectory of Barnes in Surry, at which place he died, of a malignant fever, in 1681. The only thing of his that appeared during his life, was the short “Alloquium ad Lectorem,
” prefixed to Dr. Cumberland’s treatise “De Legibus Naturae.
” After Dr. Burton’s decease, dean Tillotson published two volumes of his discourses, which reflect
great credit on his memory, from the piety and just sentiments they abound with on the nature and end of religion.
, M.D. and F. R. S. and F. S.A. an eminent antiquary, of whom our accounts are very scanty, was
, M.D. and F. R. S. and F. S.A. an
eminent antiquary, of whom our accounts are very scanty,
was born at Rjppon in Yorkshire 1697, and educated hi
Christ church college in Oxford for some time, but took
his degree in some foreign university; and on his settling
at York, became very eminent in his profession. In 1745
it is said that he proposed joining himself to the pretender,
then at Manchester; but that his friends had interest sufficient to dissuade him from a measure which must have terminated in his ruin. His conduct, therefore, appears to
have unjustly exposed him to censure, if his own account
may be relied on, to this purpose, that “going out of
York, with leave of the mayor, &c. to take care of his estates, on the approach of the rebels, he was taken by
them, and in consequence of that was apprehended Dec. 3,
1745, and detained till March 25, 1746—7.
” This is explained in “British liberty endangered, demonstrated by
the following narrative, wherein is proved from facts, that
J. B. has hitherto been a better friend to the English constitution, in church and state, than his persecutors. Humbly dedicated to the most reverend and worthy the archbishop of Canterbury, late of York (Herring). With a
proper preface, by John Burton, of York, M. D.
” London,
3 749. There was afterwards published “An account of
what passed between Mr. George Thomson of York, and
doctor John Burton of that city, physician and manmidwife, at Mr. sheriff Jubb’s entertainment, and the consequences thereon, by Mr. George Thomson,
” London,
A Treatise on the Non-naturals, in which the
great influence they have on human bodies is set forth, and
mechanically accounted for. To which is subjoined, a
short Essay on the Chin-Cough, with a new method of
treating that obstinate distemper,
” York, 1738, 8vo. In
the title of this work, he calls himself “M. B. Cant, and
M. D. Rhem.
” by which it would appear that his bachelor’s
was a Lambeth degree, and that he graduated as doctor at
Rheims. In 1751, he published “An Essay towards a
complete new system of Midwifery,
” 8vo, and in A Letter to William Smellie, M. D. containing critical
and practical remarks upon his Treatise on the theory and
practice of Midwifery,
” 8vo. But the work by which he is
principally known, and for which he was employed in
making collections during his latter years, was, his “Monasticon Eboracense; and the Ecclesiastical History of Yorkshire, &c.
” the first volume of which was published in
, an eminent teacher and writer on commerce, was born Jan. 3, 1728,
, an eminent teacher and writer
on commerce, was born Jan. 3, 1728, in the district of
Lunebourg, and was for thirty years director of the commercial academy at Hamburgh, to which young men from
all parts of Europe resorted for education in that branch.
This establishment was indeed the only one of its kind, as
professor Busch not only instructed his pupils in the
theory, but afforded them opportunities of being introduced to the practice of commerce, for which purpose he
had connexions with the first houses in Hamburgh, and
himself acquired that experience which gives a peculiar
value to his writings; these are all in the German language: 1. “The Theory of Commerce,
” Hamburgh, On Banks,
” ibid. On
the Circulation of Money,
” ibid. Various Essays on Commerce,
” ibid. 2 vols. 8vo.
5. “On Mathematical Studies as applicable to the business
of civil life,
” 8vo. 6. “Encyclopædia of Mathematics,
”
ibid. Experience and observations,
” ibid. A
circumstantial account of the Commercial Academy of
Hamburgh,
” 12mo; and in The Merchant’s
Library,
” eight numbers of which were to be published
annually, which perhaps is the work noticed above, “Experience,
” &c.
, an eminent geographer, was born at Stadthagen in Germany in 1724.
, an eminent geographer, was born at Stadthagen in Germany in 1724. After
having been instructed in the learned languages, mathematics, and astronomy, by M. Hauber, at Copenhagen, he
went, in 1744, to study divinity at Halle. In 1746, he
published his first work, “An Introduction to the Epistle
of St. Paul to the Philippians,
” which was followed by his
“Lectures
” on Isaiah and on the New Testament. Having been employed, in 1748, to superintend the education
of the son of count Lynar, he accompanied that nobleman
to Petersburgh in 1749, and in the course of this journey
planned his new system of geography, for the completion
of which he went in 1752 to Copenhagen. Here he edited
a periodical work on the state of the arts and sciences in
Denmark. In 1759, he accepted the office of extraordinary professor of philosophy at Gottingen, with a salary
of 200 rix-dollars to enable him to complete his geography. In consequence of the death of Mosheim, he wished
to succeed to the theological chair of Gottingen, but he
had so openly avowed the principles of the new German
theological school, that he was not only denied the professorship, but ordered afterwards to abstain from lecturing
on the subject, or publishing any thing not approved of by
the privy council of Hanover. This, however, did not
prevent his being appointed professor of philosophy in
1759; and in 1761 he became pastor to a Lutheran congregation at Petersburgh, where he established a public
school, sanctioned by Catherine the empress. He had a
dispute soon after with his congregation, and removed to
Altona. In 1766, he was appointed director of a school
at Berlin, where he passed the remainder of his life. He
died in 1793, and according to his own desire, was buried
in his garden, where he had formerly buried his wife,
In his own delineation of his character, he acknowledges, that though he was candid and open-hearted, affable, ready to assist others, and of a compassionate disposition, he had behaved with harshness to many persons,
and on various occasions. He expresses his confidence in
* the Supreme Being, his firm faith in the Saviour of the
world, and his satisfaction with the dispensations of providence. His temper, he says, was warm, and occasionally
irritable; and his firmness had sometimes assumed the appearance of obstinacy; and his quickness had betrayed
him occasionally into precipitation. “I am moderate,
”
says he, “in all things; contented with little, and master
of my appetites. In my intercourse with the world I expect too much from myself; I am therefore often dissatisfied with my own conduct; and on that account wish to
confine my intercourse within a very narrow circle, and to
shun society. I am free from pride, but not void of ambition, though I often struggle with this passion, and on
reflection endeavour to suppress it. I am so much attached
to labour, that it seems to me a requisite to life, and that
my impulse to it is greater than to any sensual pleasure
whatever.
” Thiebault, in his “Original Anecdotes of
Frederic the Great,
” assures us that in no country he met
with a man whose vanity was equal to that of Busching.
“I have heard,
” says Thiebault, “of two or three persons
in Europe, who said there were, in their time, no more
than three great men, Voltaire, Frederic, and themselves.
To these persons M. Busching cannot be compared, for he
never acknowledged any man to be so great as himself; in
short, his excessive vanity rendered him absolutely intolerable.
”
, duke of Ormond, an eminent statesman, the son of Thomas Butler, esq. a branch of
, duke of Ormond, an eminent statesman, the son of Thomas Butler, esq. a branch of the Ormond family, was born at Newcastle house, in Clerkenwell, 1610. Oh the decease of Thomas, earl, of Ormond, his grandfather Sir Walter Butler, of Kilcash, assumed the title, and his father was styled by courtesy viscount Thurles. After the death of his father, in 1619, who left a widow and seven children in embarrassed circumstances, this title devolved upon him. In 1620 he was sent over to England by his mother, and educated partly at a school at Finchtey, in Middlesex, but king James claiming the wardship of him, he was put under the tuition of. archbishop Abbot, who instilled in him that love for the protestant religion which he afterwards displayed on so many occasions. On the death of king James he was taken home by his grandfather the carl of Ormond; and in 1629 he married his cousin, lady Elizabeth Preston, a match which terminated some disputes that had long been agitated between the families. In 1630 he purchased a troop of horse in Ireland, and two years after succeeded, by the death of his grandfather, to the earldom of Ormond. During the earl of Stratford’s viceroyalty in Ireland, his talents were much noticed by that nobleman, who predicted his future fame. On the commencement of the rebellion in Ireland in 1641, he was appointed lieutenant-generaJ and commander in chief of an army of only 3000 men, but with this inconsiderable force, and a few additional troops raised by himself, he resisted the progress of the rebels, and in 1642 dislodged them from the Naes near Dublin, raised the blockade of Drogheda, and routed them at Kiirush. His exertions, however, being impeded by the jealousies of the lords justices and of the lord lieutenant, the king, that he might act without controui, gave him an independent commission under the great seal, and created him marquis of Ormond. In 1643 he obtained a considerable victory with a very inferior force over the rebels under the command of the Irish general Preston, but for want of suitable encouragement, he was under a necessity of concluding a cessation of hostilities, for which measure he was much blamed in England; though he availed himself of it by sending over troops to the assistance of the king, who was then at war with the parliament. His majesty, however, duly appreciating his services, appointed him lord lieutenant of Ireland, in the room of the earl of Leicester, in the beginning of the year 1644; but in the exercise of this office, he had to contend both with the rebellious spirit of the old Irish, and the machinations of the English parliament, and after maintaining an unsuccessful struggle for three years, he was, in 1647, obliged to sign a treaty with the parliament’s commissioners, and to come over to England, where he waited on 'the king at Hampton-court, and obtained his majesty’s full approbation of all his proceedings; but in the hazardous state of public affairs he thought it most prudent to provide for his own safety by embarking for France.
He afterwards returned to his native country, and became clerk to one Mr. Jefferys of Earl’s Croomb, an eminent justice of the peace for that county, with whom he lived
, a poet of a very singular cast, was
born at Strensham in Worcestershire, and baptized Feb.
8, 1612. His father’s condition is variously represented.
Wood mentions him as competently wealthy; but the
author of the short account of Butler, prefixed to Hudibras,
who, Dr. Johnson erroneously says, was Mr. Longueville,
asserts he was an honest farmer with some small estates
who made a shift to educate his son at the grammar-school
of Worcester, under Mr. Henry Bright, from whose care
he removed for a short time to Cambridge; but, for want
of money, was never made a member of any college. Wood
leaves us rather doubtful whether he went to Cambridge of
Oxford; but at last makes him pass six or seven years at
Cambridge, without knowing in what hall or college: yet
it can hardly be imagined that he lived so long in either
university, but as belonging to one house or another; and
it is still less likely that he could have so long inhabited a
place of learning with so little distinction as to leave his
residence uncertain. Dr. Nash has discovered that his
father was owner of a house and a little land, worth about
eight pounds, a year, still called Butler’s tenement. Wood
had his information from his brother, whose narrative placed
him at Cambridge, in opposition to that of his neighbours,
which sent him to Oxford. The brother’s seems the best
authority, till, by confessing his inability to tell his hall
or college, he gives reason to suspect that he was resolved
to bestow on him an academical education, but durst not
name a college, for fear of detection. Having, however,
discovered an early inclination for learning, his father
placed him at the free-school of Worcester; whence he
was sent, according to the above report, for some time to
Cambridge. He afterwards returned to his native country,
and became clerk to one Mr. Jefferys of Earl’s Croomb, an
eminent justice of the peace for that county, with whom
he lived some years in an easy and reputable station. Here
he found sufficient leisure to apply himself to whatsoever
learning his inclinations led him; which was chiefly history and poetry; adding to these, for his diversion, music
and painting. He was afterwards recommended to that
great encourager of learning, Elizabeth countess of Kent;
in whose house he had not only the opportunity of consulting all kinds of books, but of conversing with Mr. Seldeo,
who often employed him to write letters beyond sea, and
translate for him. He lived some time also with sir Samuel
Luke, a gentleman of an ancient family in Bedfordshire,
and a famous commander under Oliver Cromwell. Whilst
he resided in this gentleman’s family, it is generally supposed that he planned, if he did not write, the celebrated
Hudibras; under which character it is thought he intended
to ridicule that knight. After the restoration of Charles II.
he was made secretary to Richard earl of Carbury, lord
president of the principality of Wales, who appointed him.
steward of Ludlow-castle, when the Court was revived there.
In this part of his life, he married Mrs. Herbert, a gentlewoman of a good family; and lived, says Wbod^ upon her
fortune, having studied the common law, but never practised it. A fortune she had, says his biographer, but it
was lost by bad securities. In 1663 was published the first
part, containing three cantos, of the poem of “Hudibras,
”
which, as Prior relates, was made known at court by the
taste and influence of the earl of Dorset, and when known,
it was necessarily admired: the king quoted, the courtiers
studied, and the whole party of the royalists applauded it.
Every eye watched for the golden shower which was to fall
upon the author, who certainly was not without his share
in the general expectation. In 1664 the second part appeared; the curiosity of the nation was rekindled, and the
writer was again praised and elated. But praise was his
whole reward. Clarendon, says Wood, gave him reason
to hope for “places and employments of value and credit;”
but no such advantages did he ever obtain. It is reported,
that the king once gave him 300 guineas; but of this temporary bounty we find no proof. Wood relates that he was
secretary to Villiers duke of Buckingham, when he was
chancellor of Cambridge: this is doubted by the other
writer, who yet allows the duke to have been his frequent
benefactor. That both these accounts are false there is
reason to suspect, from a story told by Pack, in his account
of the life ef Wycherley, and from some verses which Mr.
Thyer has published in the author’s Remains. “Mr. Wycherley,” says Pack, “had always laid hold of any opportunity which offered of representing to the duke of Buckingham how well Mr. Butler had deserved of the royal
family, by writing his inimitable Hudibras; and that it
was a reproach to the court, that a person of his loyalty
and wit should suffer in obscurity, and under the wants he
did. The duke always seemed to hearken to him with
attention enough; and, after some time, undertook to recommend his pretensions to his majesty. Mr. Wycherley,
in Jiopes to keep him steady to his word, obtained of his
grace to name a day, when he might introduce that modest and unfortunate poet to his new patron. At last an
appointment was made, and the place of meeting was
agreed to be the Roebuck. Mr. Butler and his friend attended accordingly: the duke joined them; but, as the
devil would have it, the door of the room where they sat
was open, and his grace, who had seated himself near it,
observing a pimp of his acquaintance (the creature too was a knight) trip by with a brace of ladies, immediately quitted his engagement, to follow another kind of business, at
which he was more ready than in doing good offices to
men of desert; though no one was better qualified than
he, both in regard to his fortune and understanding, to
protect them; and, from that time to the day of his death,
poor Butler never found the least effect of his promise!”
Such is the story. The verses are written with a degree
of acrimony, such as neglect and disappointment might
naturally excite; and such as it would be hard to imagine
Butler capable of expressing against a man who had any
claim to his gratitude. Notwithstanding this discouragement and neglect, he still prosecuted his design; and in.
1678 published the third part, which still leaves the poem
imperfect and abrupt. How much more he originally intended, or with what events the action was to be concluded,
it is vain to conjecture. Nor can it be thought strange
that he should stop here, however unexpectedly. To write
without reward is sufficiently unpleasing. He had now arrived at an age when he might think it proper to be in
jest no longer, and perhaps his health might now begin to
fail. He died Sept. 25, 1680; and Mr. Longueville, having unsuccessfully solicited a subscription for his internment in Westminster abbey, buried him at his own cost
in the chureb-yard of Covent Garden. Dr. Simon Patrick
read the service. About sixty years afterwards, Mr. Barber, a printer, lord mayor of London, bestowed on him a
monument in Westminster abbey.
, the first of a learned family, was born at Camen, in Westphalia, in 1564, and became an eminent Calvinist divine, and professor of the Hebrew and Chaldaic
, the first of a learned family, was
born at Camen, in Westphalia, in 1564, and became an
eminent Calvinist divine, and professor of the Hebrew and
Chaldaic languages at Basil, a situation which he filled
with great reputation until his death, in 1629. During
his Hebrew studies, he availed himself of the assistance
of the ablest Jews, and from them acquired a fondness for
rabbinical learning. The first of his works was his great
dictionary, entitled “Lexicon Chaldaicum, Talmudicum
et Rabbinicum,
” printed at Basil in Treasury of the Hebrew Grammar,
” 2 vols. 8vo. He
also printed a great Hebrew Bible at Basil, in 1618, 4 vols.
fol. with the Rabbins, the Chaldaic paraphrases, and the
Massora, after the manner of the great Bible of Venice;
but father Simon thinks it incorrect. To this Bible is
commonly added the Tiberias of the same author, which
is a commentary upon the Massora; where he explains at
large what the Rabbins think of it, and expounds in Latin
the terms of the Massora, which are very difficult. He
follows rabbi Elias the Levite, in his exposition of those
terms. He has also published “Synagoga Judaica,
” Bibliotheca of the Rabbins, a curious
work; but there have been since his time a great many
discoveries made in that part of learning. They who have a
mind to write Hebrew, may make use of the collection of
Hebrew letters, which he has published under the title of
” Institutio Epistolaris Hebraica,“1629, 8vo. He compiled also,
” Concordantia3 Hebraicse," published by his
son in 1632.
, lord viscount Torrington, an eminent naval officer, was descended from a family long seated
, lord viscount Torrington, an eminent naval officer, was descended from a family long seated in Kent, his direct ancestor Robert Byng, of Wrotham, inthat county, being high sheriff of it in the 34th year of queen Elizabeth; and he was the eldest son of John Byng, esq. by Philadelphia, daughter of Mr. Johnson, of Loans, Surrey. He was born in 1663, and went a Volunteer to sea in 1678, at the age of fifteen, with the king’s letter given him on the recommendation of the duke of York. In 1681 he quitted the sea-service upon the invitation of general Kirk, governor of Tangier, and served as a cadet in the grenadiers of that garrison; until on a vacancy, which soon happened, the general made him ensign of his own company; and soon after a lieutenant. In 1684, after the demolition of Tangier, lord Dartmouth, general of the sea and land forces, appointed him lieutenant of the Oxford; from which time he constantly kept to the sea-service, remaining likewise an officer in the army several years after. In 1685 he went lieutenant of his majesty’s ship the Phoenix to the East Indies where, engaging and boarding a Zinganian pirate, who maintained a desperate fight, most of those who entered with him were killed, himself much wounded, and the pirate sinking, he was taken out of the sea with scarce any remains of life. In 1688, being first lieutenant to sir John Ashby, in the fleet commanded by lord Dartmouth, fitted out to oppose the designs of the prince of Orange, he was in a particular manner intrusted and employed in the measures then carrying on amongst the most considerable officers of the fleet in favour of that prince; and was the person confided in by them to carry their secret assurances of obedience to his highness, to whom he was privately introduced, at Sherburn, by admiral Russel, afterwards earl of Orford. After his return to the fleet, lord Dartmouth sent him with capt. Aylmer, and capt. Flastings, to carry a message of submission to the prince at Windsor; and made him captain of the Constant Warwick, a ship of the fourth rate. In 1690 he commanded the Hope, a third rate, and was second to sir George Rooke, in the battle off Beachy head. In the years 1691 and 1692, he was captain of the Royal Oak, and served under admiral Russel, who commanded in chief their Majesty’s fleet. In F693, that great officer distinguished him in a particular manner, by promoting him to the rank of his first captain; in which station he served in 1694 and 1695 in the Mediterranean, where the designs of the French against Barcelona were prevented: and also the next year, 1696, in the Channel, to oppose the intended invasion of king James with a French army from the coast of France; which, upon the appearance of the fleet, was laid aside. In 1702, upon the breaking out of the war, he accepted of the command of the Nassau, a third rate, and was at the taking and burning of the French and Spanish fleets at Vigo. The year following he was made rearadmiral of the red, and served in the fleet commanded by *ir Cloudesley Shovel, in the Mediterranean; who detached him with a squadron to Algiers, where he renewed and improved our treaties with that government. In 1704 he served in the grand fleet in the Mediterranean, and commanded the squadron that attacked and cannonaded Gibraltar; and, by landing the seamen, whose valour was very remarkably displayed on this occasion, the town was taken. He was in the battle of Malaga, which followed soon after, and, for his behaviour in that action, had the honour of knighthood conferred on him by his Majesty. In the winter of this year he was sent oat with a squadron to cruise against the French, which he^ did with great success, taking about twenty of their largest privateers in about two months time, with the Thetis, a French man of war of fifty guns. In 1705 he was made vice-admiral of the blue: and upon the election of a new parliament, was returned burgess for Plymouth, which place he represented in every succeeding parliament to the year 1721, when he was advanced to the peerage.
, an eminent landscape engraver, was born in 1742, and educated under
, an eminent landscape engraver,
was born in 1742, and educated under an uncle, who engraved heraldry on plate; but young Byrne having succeeded in a landscape after Wilson, which obtained a premium from the society for the encouragement of arts, it
was regarded as the precursor of talent of a superior order,
and he was sent to Paris, at that time the chief seminary in
Europe for the study of engraving. There he studied successively under Aliamet and Wille: from the former of
whom he imbibed the leading traits of that style of engraving which he afterwards adopted as his own r under the
latter he engraved a large plate of a storm after Vernet;
but the manual dexterity of Wille was alien to his mind,
and probably contributed not rnuch to his improvement,
although he alw r ays spoke of Wille’s instructions with respect. When he returned to England, the success of
Woollett, as a landscape engraver, had set the fashion in
that department of the art; but Byrne, disdaining to copy
what he did not feel, or perhaps scorning the infiuence of
fashion in art, preserved the independence of his style;
and continued to study, and to recommend to his pupils*,
nature, Vivares, and the best examples of the French
school. His larger performances are after Zuccarelli and
Both: but his principal works (containing probably his best engraving) are the “Antiquities of Great Britain,
” after
Hearne; a set of “Views of the Lakes,
” after Farringdon;
and Smith’s “Scenery of Italy.
” His chief excellence
consisting in his aerial perspective, and the general effect
of his chiaroscuro, he was more agreeably and more beneficially employed, in finishing than in etching, and hence
he generally worked in conjunction with his pupils, who
were in his later years his own sons and daughters. His
manners were unassuming; his professional industry
unremitting; and his moral character exemplary. This ingenious artist died at his house in Great Titchfield street,
Sept. 24, 1805.
, an eminent bookseller, and a striking instance of the effects of
, an eminent bookseller, and a
striking instance of the effects of a strong understanding
united with industry and integrity, was born in Wine-street,
Bristol, on the 27th of October, 1742, O. S. After being
educated in his native city, he was apprenticed, in 1758,
to Mr. Andrew Millar, at that time at the head of his profession in London, anil the steady patron of Thomson, Fielding, and many other celebrated writers. In Mr. Cadell
he soon discovered a taste for business, a love of industry,
and an understanding uncommonly acute, which embraced
all the concerns of a trade that necessarily requires more
than mere mechanical talents; and Mr. Millar being Dow
advanced in life readily admitted Mr. Cadell into partnership in 1765, and in 1767, a year before his death, relinquished the whole to him. Mr. Cadell thus became, at a
very early period, at the head of his profession, and by
associating with himself the late William Strahan, esq.
secured the advice and assistance of a printer of corresponding liberality and taste. Introduced at the same time
by Mr. Millar to writers of the first rank in literature, to
Johnson, Hume, Robertson, Warburton, Hurd, &c, he
pursued the same commendable track, iind acting upon
the liberal principles of his predecessor in respect to authors, enlarged upon it to an extent, which, at the same
time that it did honour to his spirit, was well suited to the
more enlightened period in which he carried on business.
In conjunction with Mr. Strahan, already noticed, and
afterwards with his son Andrew Strahan, esq. the present
member for Aldborough, munificent remunerations were
held out to writers of the most eminent talents, and, as
Dr. Johnson was accustomed to aay, “the price of literature was raised.
” The names of some of the writers whose
works were brought forward under Mr. Cadell’s auspices
have already been mentioned; nor was he less fortunate
in the judicious connexions formed, upon the most liberal
principles, with Blackstone, Burn, Henry, Gibbon, and
many others whose works are to be found in every library.
Although in success such as Mr. Cadell experienced, and
which must depend ultimately on the pleasure of the public, chance may be supposed to have some influence, yet it
is but justice to add that Mr. Cadell had acquired, by whatever means, an uncommon discernment in the value of
books, which led him with apparent facility, and almost
always with success, to predict the future fate of what was
submitted to him; and when any plan of republication was
discussed in conjunction with his brethren, we have the
testimony of some yet living, and of many now off the
stage, that no man could see more clearly than Mr. Cadell
into the disposition and bias of the reading world, or
display more judgment in every arrangement of editions, &c
calculated to gratify public taste. Hence, in his individual capacity, it was universally remarked that he gave the
largest prices for the most successful works, and that at a
time when their success could be only in his own contemplation; and when that success seemed to be delayed beyond all reasonable hope, even in such cases the final
issue justified his original opinion, and proved that he had
formed it upon substantial grounds.
, an eminent botanist and physician, was born at Arezzo, in the district
, an eminent botanist and
physician, was born at Arezzo, in the district of Florence,
in 1519. He was educated under Luke Ghinus, superintendant of the public garden at Pisa, where he appears
to have acquired his taste for botanical pursuits. There
also he was appointed first professor of physic and botany
in the university, and afterwards first physician to pope
Clement VIII. a promotion which required his residence at
Home, where he died in 1603. He described, says Dr.
Pulteney, with exquisite skill, the plants of his own country, and left an herbarium of 768 species. He extended
Gesner’s idea, and commenced the period of systematic
arrangement. In his “Libri XVI de Plantis,
” published
in 1583, at Florence, he has arranged upwards of 800
plants into classes, founded, after the general division of
the trees from herbs, on characters drawn from the fruit
particularly, from the number of the capsules and cells;
the number, shape, and disposition of the seeds; and from
the situation of the corculum, radicle, or eye of t]ie seed,
which he raised to great estimation. The orders, or subdivisions, are formed on still more various relations. On
the other hand, the biographer of Linnceus remarks, that,
though his genius was inventive, his knowledge of botany
was neither original nor universal. He missed both leisure
and opportunity. Clusius had discovered more fresh plants
than he ever was acquainted with. His herbal did not contain nine hundred species, a fact fully proved by the Florentine botanist Micheli, who had it in his possession. A
provision of this kind was too small to give a comprehensive view of botany, and the knowledge which Ca?salpinus
acquired of the internal structure of plants was too defective
to point out the most perfect order. He was only directed
by the fruit, and mostly by that part on which tlui shoots or
germins repose. This system had its defects, but it brought
CiEsalpinus much nearer to the truth, and he discovered more
real similarities, more natural classes, than all the botanists
who preceded, and many who followed him. His speculations in anatomy are still more ingenious. He describes
very clearly the circulation of the blood through the heart,
and was acquainted with the uses of the valves. Douglas
thinks him entitled to equal praise with Harvey, who only completed what he had nearly achieved. He clearly, Douglas
says, describes the contraction and dilatation of the heart,
which is shewn from the following passage from his fourth
book “Question um Peripateticarum.
” “The lungs,
” he
says, “drawing the warm blood through a vein (the pulmonary artery) like the arteries, out of the right ventricle
of the heart, and returning it by an anastomosis to the
venal artery (the pulmonary vein) which goes to the left
ventricle of the heart, the cool air being in the mean time
let in through the canals of the aspera arteria, which are
extended along the venal artery, but do not communicate
with it by inosculations, as Galen imagined, cools it only
by touching. To this circulation of the blood out of the
right ventricle of the heart through the lungs into its left
ventricle, what appears upon dissection answers very well:
for there are two vessels which end in the right ventricle, and
two in the left: but one only carries the blood in, the other
sends it out, the membranes being contrived for that purpose.
” His works on the practice of medicine have also
their portion of merit. “Questionum Medicarum Libri
ii.;
” “De Facultatibus Medicamentorum Libri duo,
” Venet.
Speculum Artis Medicae Hippocraticae, exhibens dignoscendos curandosque morbos, in quo multa visuntur, quae a prjcclarissimis medicis intacta relicta erant,
”
Lyons,
, of Verona, an eminent physician, was first lecturer in that faculty at Rome
, of Verona,
an eminent physician, was first lecturer in that faculty at
Rome in the sixteenth century, under the popes Clement
VIII. and Paul V. He studied at Padua under Zabarella,
and was a man of great learning, and considered as the
head of his profession. His distinguished merit procured
him an invitation to Rome, where he taught philosophy
and medicine in the college, and was honoured with some
considerable appointments. As he was an excellent Greek
and Latin scholar, and conversant with the historians in.
both languages, his lectures acquired a particular interest
from the quotations he occasionally made in them from
these writers. He wrote two books on the manner of preserving health, on diet, exercise, &c. Rome 1591, and
Padua, 1605. He wrote also on the inundations of the
Tiber, the salubrity of the air at Rome, epidemic disorders,
the 24th aphorism of Hippocrates, which he thought had
been long misunderstood, and on the cure of fevers as
practised at Rome. His knowledge appeared also in his
four books of “Observations,
” Rome, Thesaurus Criticus,
” Dissertations
” on various medical topics.
He died in
, an eminent French Inathematician and astronomer, was born at Rumigiiy
, an eminent French
Inathematician and astronomer, was born at Rumigiiy in
the diocese of Rheims on March 15, 1713. His father
having quitted the army, in which he had served, amused
himself in his retirement with studying mathematics and
mechanics, in which he proved the author of several inventions of considerable use to the public. From this example of his father, our author “almost in his infancy took a
fancy to mechanics, which proved of signal service to him
in his maturer years. At school he discovered early tokens
of genius. He came to Paris in 1729; where he studied
the classics, philosophy, and mathematics, and afterwards
divinity in the college de Navarre, with a view to the
church, but he never entered into priest’s orders, apprehending that his astronomical studies, to which he had
become much devoted, might too much interfere with his
religious duties. His turn for astronomy soon connected
him with the celebrated Cassini, who procured him an
apartment in the observatory; where, assisted by the counsels of this master, he soon acquired a name among the
astronomers, in 1739 he was joined with M. Cassini de
Thury, son to M. Cassini, in verifying the meridian through
the whole extent of France; and in the same year he was,
named professor of mathematics in the college of Mazarine.
In 1741 or author was admitted into the academy of
sciences as an adjoint member for astronomy and had
many excellent papers inserted in their memoirs; beside
which he published several useful treatises, viz. Elements
of Geometry, Astronomy, Mechanics, and Optics. He also
carefully computed all the eclipses of the sun and moon
that had happened since the Christian sera, which were
printed in the work entitled
” L'Art de verifier les dates,“&c. Paris, 1750, 4to. He also compiled a volume of astronomical ephemerides for the years 1745 to 1755; another
for the years 1755 to 1765 and a third for the years 1765
to 1775 as also the most correct solar tables of any; and
an excellent work entitled
” Astronomic fundamenta novissimis solis et stellarum observationibus stabilita."
, an eminent nonconformist divine in the seventeenth century, was
, an eminent nonconformist divine in the seventeenth century, was the sou of a citizen of London, and born there in February 1600. July 4, 1616, he was admitted of Pembroke-hall 5 in the university of Cambridge. In 1619, he took, the degree of bachelor of arts and in 1632, that of bachelor of divinity. He shewed himself very early no friend, to the Arminian party, which was the reason that he could not obtain a fellowship in that society, even when he seemed to be entitled to it from his standing, as well as from his learning and unblemished character. At last, however, he so far conquered all prejudices, that he was elected Tanquam Socius of that hall, which entitled him to wear the cap, and take pupils, but he had no share in the government of the house. Dr. Felton, the pious and learned bishop of Ely, had so great a regard to his diligence in study, and unaffected zeal for religion, that he made him his chaplain, and paid him, during his residence in his family, uncommon marks of respect. His lordship gave him likewise, as a farther mark of his favour, the vicarage of St. Mary’s in Swaffham- Prior, in Cambridgeshire, in which capacity he did much good, though he diid not reside on his cure by reason of its small distance from the episcopal place. But after the death of the bishop in 1626, Mr. Calamy being chosen one of- th$; lecturers of St. Edmund’s-Bury, in Suffolk, he resigned his vicarage, and applied himself wholly to the discharge of his function at Bury. He continued there ten years, and, as some writers say, was during the greatest part of that time a strict conformist. Others, and indeed himself, say the contrary. The truth seems to be, that he was unwilling to oppose ceremonies, or to create a disturbance in the church about them, so long as this might, in, his opinion, be avoided with a safe conscience; but when bishop Wren’s articles, and the reading of the book of sports, came to be insisted on, he thought himself obliged to alter his conduct, and not only avoid conforming for the future, but also to apologize publicly for his former behaviour. He caine now to be considered as an active nonconformist, and being in great favour with the earl of Essex, he presented him to the living of Rochford in Essex, a rectory of considerable value, and yet it proved a fatal present to Mr. Calamy; for, removing from one of the best and wholesomest airs in England, that of St. Edmund’sbury, into the hundreds of Essex, he contracted such an illness as broke his constitution, and left behind it a dizziness in his head, which he complained of as long as he Jived. Upon the death of Dr. Stoughton, he was chosen minister of St. Mary Aldermanbury, which brought him tip to London, 1639. The controversy concerning churchgovernment was tlu n at its greatest height, in which Mr. Calainy had a very large share. In the month of July 1639, he was incorporated of the university of Oxford, which, however, did not take him off from the party in which he was engaged. In 1640 he was concerned in writing that famous book, called Smectymnuus, which himself says, gave the first deadly blow to episcopacy, and therefore we find frequent references to it in all the defences and apologies for nonconformity which have been since published. In 1641 he was appointed by the house of lords a member of the sub-committee for religion, which consisted of very eminent divines, whose conduct, however, has been differently censured. He made a great figure in the assembly of divines, though he is not mentioned in Fuller’s catalogue, and distinguised himself both by his learning and moderation. He likewise preached several times before the house of commons, for which his memory has been very severely treated. He was at the same time one of the Cornhill lecturers, and no man had a greater interest in the city of London, in consequence of his ministerial abilities. He preached constantly in his own parish church for twenty years to a numerous audience, composed of the most eminent citizens, and even persons of great quality. He steadily and strenuously opposed the sectaries, and gave many pregnant instances of his dislike to those violences which were committed afterwards, on the king’s being brought from the Isle of Wight, He opposed the beheading of his sovereign king Charles I. with constancy ^ncl courage. Under the usurpation of Cromwell he was passive, and lived as privately as he could; yet he gave no reason to suspect that he was at all a well-wisher to that government. When the times afforded a favourable opportunity, he neglected not promoting the return of king Charles II. and actually preached before the house of commons on the day they voted that great question, which, however, has not hindered some from suggesting their suspicions of his loyally. After this step was taken, he, Mr. Ash, and other eminent divines were sent over to compliment the king in Holland, by whom they were extremely well received. When his majesty was restored, Mr. Calainy retained still a considerable share in his favour, and in June 1660, was appointed one of his chaplains in ordinary, and was offered the bishopric, of Coventry and Litchfield, which he refused. When the convocation came to be chosen, he and Mr. Baxter were elected, May 2, 1661, for London; but the bishop of that diocese having the power of chusing two out of four, or four out of six, elected within a certain circuit, Dr. Sheldon, who was then bishop, was so kind as to excuse both of them; which, perhaps, was owing to the share they had in the Savoy conference. After the miscarrying of that design, Mr. Calamy made use of all his interest to procure the passing of an act agreeable to the king’s declaration at Breda: but when this was frustrated, and the act of uniformity passed, he took a resolution of submitting to ejection, and accordingly preached his farewel sermon at Aldermanbury, August 17, 1662. He made, however, a last effort three days afterwards, by presenting a petition to his majesty to continue in the exercise of his ministerial office. This petition was signed by many of the London clergy, and Dr. Man ton and Dr. Bates assisted at the presenting it, when Mr; Calamy made a long and moving speech; but neither it nor the petition had any good effect, though the king expressed himself in favour of toleration. He remained, however, in his parish, and came constantly to church, though another was in the pulpit, which proved an occasion of much t;rouble to him for on December 28, 1662, the expected preacher not coming in time, some of the principal persons in the parish prevailed upon Mr. Calamy to supply his place, which, with some importunity, he did; but delivered himself with such freedom, that he was soon after, by the lord mayor’s warrant, committed to Newgate for his sermon. But the case itself being thought hard, and some doubt arising how far the commitment was legal, his majesty in a few days discharged him. He lived to see London in ashes, the sight of which broke his heart. He was driven through the ruins in a coach to Enfield, and was so shocked at the dismal appearance, that he could never wear off the impression, but kept his chamber ever after, and died October 29, 1666, within two naonths after this accident happened. He was, though a very learned man, yet a plain and practical preacher, and one who was not afraid to speak his sentiments freely of and to the greatest; men . He was twice married. By his first wife he had a son and daughter; and by his second seven children, some of whom we shall have occasion to mention in succeeding articles.
, an eminent divine of the church of England, was the son of Mr.
, an eminent divine of the church
of England, was the son of Mr. Edmund Calamy, minister
of Aldermanbury before-mentioned, by a second wife, and
received the first tincture of learning at St. Paul’s school,
from whence he was sent, when very young, to the university of Cambridge, and there entered of Catherine-hall.
In 1664-5, he took the degree of bachelor of arts; in
1668, that of master of arts, and became also fellow of that
hall, and a very eminent tutor there. April 25, 1677, he
was chosen in the room of Dr. Simon Ford, minister of St.
Mary Aldermanbury; and soon after appointed one of his
majesty’s chaplains in ordinary. In 1680, he took his degree of doctor in divinity. In 1683, he preached in that
church his famous sermon, which he afterwards published
under the title of “A Discourse about a Scrupulous Conscience,
” than which no piece of its kind or size gamed
more credit to its author, or was more taken notice of by
the public. This sermon he preached a second time at
Bow church with great effect, and this excited a zealous
nonconformist, one Mr. Thomas De Laune, who had been
formerly a schoolmaster, to write against it; which he did
in such a manner as drew upon him a fatal imprisonment,
which he endeavoured by all means to ascribe to Dr. Calamy, though his complaints on this head had little or no
foundation. In 1683, Dr. Calamy was admitted to the
vicarage of St. Lawrence Jewry, with St. Mary Magdalen
Milk-street annexed, to which he was collated by the dean
and chapter of St. Paul’s, in the room of Dr. Benjamin
Whichcot. June 18, 1685, he was, on the decease of Dr.
John Wells, installed into the prebend of Harleston, in the
cathedral church of St. Paul. These preferments are
abundant proofs of his merit, and of his great interest in
the city of London, which he maintained, not by attaching
himself to any party, but by living in great intimacy with
the best men of all parties. He was particularly acquainted
with alderman Cornish, who was his parishioner, and for
whom he had so great a respect, that he gave testimony in
his favour when he was tried for high-treason, October 16,
1685, which was no ordinary mark of friendship in those
times. It is thought, that a sense of public calamities had
a great share in bringing his last illness upon our author,
who fell into a declining state in the autumn of the year
last mentioned, and died of a pleuritic fever in the month
of January 1686. He was a man equally valuable for the
abilities which he possessed, and the uses to which he
applied them. He was a sincere son of the church of England, and very intent on gaining over dissenters of all sorts
to her communion; and had an extensive charity, and a
just aversion to persecution. He was heartily loyal, but
without bitterness or passion; and his loyalty occasioned
his grief, when he saw those steps taken which could end
in nothing but public confusion. His own virtues, however, exempted him in a great measure from envy and
scandal, even in the worst of times; insomuch, that the
greatest men of all sects and all parties readily joined in
paying a just tribute of praise to his memory. Though
few in his situation were either better or more frequent
preachers, yet he left behind him very little in print. Some
sermons of his were after his decease, published by his
brother, which served only to raise a great regret in the
world, as that so many more of his excellent performances
were buried in oblivion. His sermons are still valued as
well for the beauty of their language as the excellent sentiments contained in them.
, a literary gentleman of Ireland, was the son of Charles Caldwell, esq. an eminent solicitor, and was born in Dublin, 1732. He received
, a literary gentleman of Ireland, was the son of Charles Caldwell, esq. an eminent solicitor, and was born in Dublin, 1732. He received part
of his education in one of the universities in Scotland, from
whence he removed to London; and after a residence of
about five years at the Temple, returned to Dublin, where
he was admitted to the bar in 1760; but his father being
possessed of a good estate, fully adequate to his son’s wishes,
he never paid much attention to the profession of the law,
and for several years before his death had entirely quitted
it. His studious disposition, and taste for the tine arts,
always afforded him sufficient employment, and he was a
liberal patron of those who excelled in any of the various
branches of art. He had studied architecture with particular attention; and about the year 1770, published, anonymously, some very judicious “Observations on the public buildings of Dublin,
” and on some edifices, which at
that time were about to be erected in that city at the expence of the state. The only other known production of
his pen that has been published, is a very curious “Account of the extraordinary escape of James Stewart, esq.
(commonly called Athenian Stewart) from being put to
death by some Turks, in whose company he happened to
be travelling;
” the substance of which had been communicated to Mr. Caldwell by the late Dr. Percy, bishop of
Dromore, as related to his lordship by Stewart himself.
Of this narrative, of which only a small number was printed
at London in 1304, for the use of the author’s friends, it
is believed not more than a dozen copies were distributed
in this country. Mr. Cald well’s love of literature naturally
led him to collect an ample library, which was particularly
rich in natural history. His manners were gentle and
pleasing, and his benevolence, various knowledge, and cultivated taste, endeared him to a very numerous circle of
friends. He died at the house of his nephew, major-general Cockburn, near Bray in the county of Wicklow, July
2, 1808, in the seventy-sixth year of his age.
, called IL Cremonese, an eminent artist of Ferrara, where he was born about 1600, studied
, called IL Cremonese, an eminent artist of Ferrara, where he was born about 1600, studied and imitated, beyond all others, the tones of Titian, and carried the illusion to such a degree, that his half-figures, bacchanals, and small histories, entered the best galleries of Rome and Bologna as originals: nor is he easily discovered by the best eye or taste, but from the admission of some more modern conceit, or carelessness of execution. That he possessed talents superior to what mere mimickry can confer, is evident from his St. Mark, in the church of S. Benedetto at Ferrara, a majestic, correct, expressive figure, girt by a profusion of volumes, whose picturesque arrangement and truth of touch procured him the name of the Book-Painter (Pittor da' Libri). Immediately after the execution of this work, some say that he disappeared, and was heard of no more: whilst others, with less probability of conjecture, extend the date of his death to 1660.
, an eminent Lutheran divine, was born at Medelbui, in Holstein,
, an eminent Lutheran divine, was born at Medelbui, in Holstein, Dec. 14, 1586. His father, who was also a minister, intended him for the same profession, and sent him to study at Helmstadt, Jena, and Giessen, and most of the protestant schools of Germany. He travelled also with Matthias Overbeck, a rich Lutheran, who resided in Holland, and conceiving a high opinion of Calixtus, became his liberal patron, as he had been to Herman Conringius and many others. After travelling also in France and England, Calixtus returned to Germany, and was appointed professor of theology at Helmstadt in 1614, and there he died, March 18, 1656, after a long theological warfare, both with his brethren and the Roman catholic, excited by his endeavours to effect a comprehension between the Roman and the Lutheran and Calvinist churches. According to Mosheim, Calixtus was the first person that reduced theology into a regular system, and gave it a truly scientific and philosophical form. As he had imbibed the spirit of the Aristotelian school, he arranged the substance of Christianity according to the method of the Stagirite; and divided the whole science of divinity into three parts, viz. the end, the subject, and the means. He was also the first who separated the objects of faith from the duties of morality, and exhibited the latter under the form of an independent science. These innovations rendered him the object of much censure and opposition. In his attempt to reunite the several bodies of Christians, and to comprehend " the different churches in one profession of religion, he was a principal promoter of that system which was called syncretism. The controversy which was thus occasioned, subsisted long after his death; and though he seemed, in his efforts for comprehension, to give advantage to the Romish church, no one attacked its tyranny and corruption with greater vigour. Mosheim has entered largely into his system and the consequence of it, but it appears to us to be in some parts inconsistent; and experience has shewn that all plans of comprehension are impracticable, without such sacrifices as the respective parties either cannot or will not make. His writings, which are extremely numerous, on various subjects of controversy, are enumerated by Freher, but without the necessary appendages of size, dates, &c.
, an eminent but unfortunate French minister, was born at Douay in
, an eminent but unfortunate French minister, was born at Douay in 1734. His father was president of the parliament of Flanders, and descended from a noble family, originally of Tournay, and well known in the history of that city, which makes honourable mention of his ancestors in the remotest times. Having finished his studies at the university of Paris with extraordinary success, young Calonne was appointed, in histwenty-third year, advocate or solicitor- general of the superior council of Artois and before he had attained the age of twenty -five, was promoted to the office of procurator-general of the parliament of Flanders, the duties of which he performed with distinguished ability for six years. He was then called as rapporteur to the king’s council, to report to his majesty the most momentous affairs of administration, of which arduous and laborious task he acquitted himself in a manner that evinced his profound knowledge of the government, constitution, history, and jurisprudence of France, and established his reputation as a writer of no less perspicuity and judgment, than elegance and energy of diction.
, an eminent historical, biographical, and political writer, was
, an eminent historical, biographical, and political writer, was born at Edinburgh, March 8, 1708. His father was Robert Campbell, of Glenlyon, esq. and captain of horse in a regiment commanded by the then, earl of Hyndford; and his mother, Elizabeth, the daughter
, an eminent cardinal of the Romish church, and an English bishop,
, an eminent cardinal of the Romish church, and an English bishop,
was a native of Bologna, the son of John Campegio, a learned
lawyer, and was himself professor of law at Padua. After
the death of his wife, he went into the church, and in
1510 became auditor of the Rota, and in 1512 bishop of
Feltria. Being afterwards, in 1517, created cardinal, he
was sent as pope’s legate into England in the following
year. His chief business at the English court was to persuade Henry VIII. to join the confederation of Christian
princes against the Turks. He was very favourably received on this occasion, and had several spiritualities bestowed upon him, among which was the bishoprick of Salisbury, but not having been able to accomplish the business of his mission, he returned to Rome. When the controversy respecting Henry’s divorce began, in 1527, -cardinal Campegio was sent a second time into England, to
call a legantine court, where he and his colleague cardinal
Wolsey were to sit as judges. Having arrived in London
Oct. 1528, the first session began at Blackfriars, May 31,
1529, and the trial lasted until July 23, when the queen
Catherine appealing to the pope, the court was adjourned
until Sept. 28, and was then dissolved. Afterwards Campegio was recalled to Rome, the king making him considerable presents upon his departure; but a rumour being
spread, that he carried along with him a treasure belonging to cardinal Wolsey, whose downfall was at this time
contrived, and who, it was suspected, intended to follow
him to Rome, he was pursued by the king’s orders, and
overtaken at Calais. His baggage was searched, but nothing being found of the kind suspected, he complained
louilly of this violation of his sacred character. In this,
however, he obtained no redress, and when king Henry
understood that the see of Rome was not disposed to favour
him with a divorce from his queen, he deprived Campegio
of his see of Salisbury. He died at Rome in August 1539,
leaving the character of a man of learning, and a patron of
learned men, and much esteemed by Erasmus, Sadolet,
and other eminent men of that time. His letters only remain, which contain many historical particulars, and were
published in “Epistolarum miscellanearum, libri decem,
”
Basil,
, an eminent physician and surgeon, the son of Florence Camper, a
, an eminent physician and surgeon, the son of Florence Camper, a minister of the reformed church, was born at Leyden May 11, 1722, and was first taught design and painting, which enabled him in his future studies to draw his anatomical preparations. He afterwards studied medicine under Boerhaave, and the other eminent professors of Leyden, and in 1746 took his degree of M. D. In 1748, he attended the hospitals and anatomical lectures in London, and afterwards at Paris. In 1749, he was appointed professor of philosophy, medicine, and surgery at Franeker; and in 1755 taught these sciences at Amsterdam, which he quitted in 1761. After two years’ residence at his country-house in Friesland, he was appointed professor of medicine, surgery, anatomy, and botany at Groningen, where he resided until June 1773, when he settled at Franeker, in order to superintend the education of his sons* In 1762, he had been appointed a representative in the assembly of the province of Friesland; but in 1787, he was nominated one of the council of state, and was therefore obliged to reside at the Hague, where he died in April 1789, in the sixty- seventh year of his age. The immediate cause of his death was a pleurisy, but his eulogist seems to attribute it remotely to his patriotic exertions, and the grief which oppressed him when he saw the independence of his country attacked. Whichever account be true, he was lamented as a learned and ingenious promoter of science, and an ornament to his country. He was at the time of his death a member of the royal society of London, and of the academies of Petersburg!), Berlin, Edinburgh (the college of physicians), Gottingen, Manchester, Haerlem, Rotterdam, &c. and other learned societies in various parts of Europe.
, an eminent painter of Venice, was born in 1697, the son of one
, an eminent painter of Venice, was born in 1697, the son of one Bernardo a scene-painter. He followed the profession of his father, and acquired a wildness of conception and a readiness of hand which afterwards supplied him with ideas and dispatch for his nearly numberless smaller works. Tired of the theatre, he went young to Rome, and with great assiduity applied himself to paint views from nature and the ruins of antiquity. On his return to Venice he continued the same studies from the prospects of that city which the combination of nature and art has rendered one of the most magnificent and the most novel of Europe. Numbers of these are exact copies of the spots they represent, and hence highly interesting to those whose curiosity has not been gratified by residence in the metropolis of the Adriatic. Numbers are the compound of his own invention, graceful mixtures of modern and antique, of fancied and real beauties: such he painted for Algarotti. The most instructive and the most novel of these appears to be that view of the grand canal, in which he adopted the idea of Palladio, by substituting the Rial to for its present bridge, with the basilica of Vicenza rising in the centre, the palace Chericato and other fabrics of that great architect rounding the whole. Canaletto made use of the camera to obtain precision, but corrected its defects in the air-tints; he was the first who shewed to artists its real use and limits. He produced great effects somewhat in the manner of Tiepolo, who sometimes made his figures, and impressed a character of vigour on every object he touched: we see them in their most striking aspect. He takes picturesque liberties without extravagance, and combines his objects so congenially, that the common spectator finds nature, and the man of knowledge the art.
ounsellor of state, was born 1551 at Paris, and carefully educated by his father James de la Canaye, an eminent advocate. At the age of fifteen, having declared himself
, seigneur du Fresne, counsellor of state, was born 1551 at Paris, and carefully educated
by his father James de la Canaye, an eminent advocate.
At the age of fifteen, having declared himself a Calvinist,
he went into Italy, Germany, and to Constanstinople; and
published an account of his travels to that city, under the
title of “Ephemerides.
” He shone afterwards at the bar,
and was counsellor of state under Henry III. Henry IV.
sent him ambassador into England, Germany, and to Venice. He assisted at the famous conference of Fontainebleau, 1600, between cardinal du Perron and DuplessisMornay, and afterwards turned catholic. The year following he was sent ambassador to Venice, where he contributed greatly to the termination of the disputes between
that republic and pope Paul V. He died at his return to
Paris, February 27, 1610. Three vols. fol. of his embassies
were published in 1635, with his life prefixed to the first.
, or Cambiaso, called Luchetto, an eminent Genoese painter, was born at Oneglia, near Genoa, in
, or Cambiaso, called Luchetto, an eminent Genoese painter, was born at Oneglia, near Genoa, in 1527, and became a most expeditious painter, working with both his hands, by which unusual power he executed more designs, and finished more great works with his own pencil in a much shorter time than most other artists could do with several assistants. It is mentioned as a memorable circumstance in his life, that at the age of seventeen he was employed in painting the front of a house in fresco; but whilst he was commencing his work, some Florentine painters who were actually engaged, conceived him to be a mere grinder of colours, and when he took up his pallet and pencils they wished to have prevented his proceeding with it, lest he should spoil the work, but after a few strokes of his pencil they were convinced of their mistake, and respected his singular abilities. Of Cangiagi, it is remarked, that he practised three different modes of painting at three different periods of his life. His first manner was gigantic and unnatural, which he corrected in consequence of the remonstrances of his friend Alessi, the celebrated architect, for his best style, in forming which he consulted nature with attention, and digested his thoughts in sketches, before he began to paint. His third manner was distinguished by a more rapid execution, to which he recurred in order to make more ample provision for his wife and family, and had a great deal of the mannerist. His works at Genoa are very numerous, and he was employed by the king of Spain to adorn part of the Escurial.
in painting, sculpture, and architecture, was born in the city of Grenada in 1600, where his father, an eminent architect, educated him in his own profession, and when
, a Spanish artist, and styled the Michel Angelo of Spain, because he excelled in painting,
sculpture, and architecture, was born in the city of Grenada in 1600, where his father, an eminent architect, educated him in his own profession, and when his instructions
in this branch were completed, he applied himself to the
study of sculpture, and made an uncommon progress in a
very short time. He next went to Seville, and for eight
months studied under Pacheco, and afterwards under Juan
del Castillo, in whose academy he executed many noble
paintings for the public edifices in Seville, and at the same
time gave some specimens of his excellence in statuary,
which were highly admired, particularly a “Madonna and
Child,
” in the great church of Nebriga, and two colossal
figures of San Pedro and San Pablo. Count Olivarez was
the means of his coming to Madrid, where he was made
first royal architect, king’s painter, and preceptor to the
prince, don Balthazar Carlos of Austria. Here, as architect, he projected several additional works to the palaces,
some public gates to the city, and a triumphal arch erected
on the entrance of Mariana, second queen to Philip IV.
As a painter, he executed many celebrated compositions
in the churches and palaces of Madrid.
While in the height of his fame an event happened which
involved him in much trouhle. Returning home one evening, he discovered his wife murdered, his house robbed,
while an Italian journeyman, on whom the suspicion naturally fell, had escaped. The criminal judges held a
court of inquiry, and having discovered that Cano had been
jealous of this Italian, and also that he was known to be
attached to another woman, they acquitted the fugitive
gallant, and condemned the husband. On this he fled to
Valencia, and being discovered there, took refuge in a
Carthusian convent about three leagues from that city,
where he seemed for a time determined upon taking the
order, but afterwards was so imprudent as to return to
Madrid, where he was apprehended, and ordered to be
put to the torture, which he suffered without uttering 3r
single word. On this the king received him again into favour, and as Cano saw there was no absolute safety but
within the pale of the church, he solicited the king with
that view, and was named residentiary of Grenada. The
chapter objected to his nomination, but were obliged to
submit, and their church profited by the appointment,
many sculptures and paintings being of his donation. The
last years of his life he spent in acts of devotion and charity. When he had no money to bestow in alms, which
was frequently the case, he would call for paper, and give
a beggar a drawing, directing him where to carry it for
sale. To the Jews he bore an implacable antipathy. On
his death-bed he would not receive the sacraments from a
priest who attended him, because he had administered
them to the converted Jews; and from another he would
not accept the crucifix presented to him in his last moments, telling him it was so bungling a piece of work that
he could not endure the sight of it. In this manner died
Alonso Cano, at the age of seventy-six, in 1676; a circumstance, says his biographer, which shows that his ruling
passion for the arts accompanied him in the article of death,
superseding even religion itself in those moments when
the great interests of salvation naturally must be supposed to
occupy the mind to the exclusion of every other idea.
, an eminent linguist and philologer, was born at Utrecht of an ancient
, an eminent linguist and philologer, was born at Utrecht of an ancient and reputable
family in 1542; and educated in the belles lettres under
the inspection of his parents, till he was 12 years of age.
He was then sent to Cornelius Valerius at Lou vain, with
whom he continued four years; and gave surprising proofs
of his progress in Greek and Latin literature, by writing
letters in those languages, by translations, and by drawing
up some dramatic pieces. Having an uncommon taste for
the Greek, he removed in 1559 from Lou vain to Paris, for
the sake of learning that language more perfectly from
John Auratus, under whom he studied till 1562, and then
was obliged to leave France on account of the civil wars.
He travelled next into Germany and Italy, and visited the
several universities of those countries; Bononia particularly, where he became known to the famous Carolus
Sigonius, to whom he afterwards dedicated his eight books
“Novarum Lectionum.
” Venice he had a great desire to
see, not only for the beauty and magnificence of the place,
but for the opportunity he should have of purchasing manuscripts; which the Greeks brought in great abundance
from their own country, and there exposed to sale: and
from Venice he purposed to go to Rome. But, not being
able to bear the heat of those regions, he dropped the
pursuit of his journey, and returned through Germany to
l^ouvain, where in about eight years’ time excessive study
brought on a lingering consumption, of which he died in
1*75, when he was only in his 33d year. Thuanus says,
that he deserved to be reckoned among the most learned
men of his age; and that he would certainly have done
great things, if he had not died so very immaturely. He
understood six languages, besides that of his native country, viz. the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Italian, and
German.
, an eminent French protestant and learned divine, was born at Sedan,
, an eminent French
protestant and learned divine, was born at Sedan, a town
in Champagne, about 1579. He was professor of divinity
and of the Oriental languages in the university of Saumur;
and so very deeply skilled in the Hebrew, that our learned
bishop Hall calls him “magnum Hebraizantium oraculurn
in Gallia,
” the great oracle of all that studied Hebrew in
France. He was the author of some very learned works;
but is now chiefly memorable for the controversy he had
with the younger Buxtorf concerning the antiquity of the
Hebrew points. Two opinions have prevailed concerning
the true date and origin of these points both of which
have been very warmly espoused. The first is, that the
points are coeval with the language, and were always in
use among the Jews: the second, that the points were not
known to the Jews before their dispersion from Jerusalem,
but invented afterwards by modern rabbis to prevent the
language, which was every day decaying, from being utterly lost; viz. that they were invented by the Masoreth
Jews of Tiberias, about 600 years after Christ . This
opinion of their late invention was taken up by Capellus,
who defended it in a very excellent and learned treatise
entitled “Arcanum punctuationis revelatum,
” &c. which
work, after being refused a licence in France and at Geneva, was printed in Holland, and caused a great clamour
among the protestants, as if it had a tendency to hurt their
cause. It is, however, certain, that Luther, Calvin, Zuinglius, and others, had espoused the same notion as well as
the Scaligers, Casaubons, Erpenius, Salmasius, Grotius,
and the Heinsii; and therefore it could not be said, that
Capellus introduced any novelty, but only more solidly
established an opinion, which had been approved of by the
most learned and judicious protestants. The true reason,
perhaps, why the German protestants in general so warmly
opposed Capellus’s opinion, was, that they had been accustomed to follow that of the two Buxtorfs, whom they
considered as oracles in Hebrew learning. Buxtorf the
father had written a little treatise in defence of the antiquity of the points; and as Buxtorfs credit was justly
great among them, they chose rather to rely upon his authority than to examine his arguments, in so abstruse an
inquiry. Buxtorf the son wrote against Capellus, and
maintained his father’s opinion. Capellus, however, has
been generally supposed to have put the matter beyond
any father dispute; on which account his scholars Bochart,
Grotius, Spanheim, Vossius, Daille, and almost all the
learned in Hebrew since, have very readily acceded to
his opinion.
, an eminent Lutheran reformer, was born at Hagenau in Alsace, in
, an eminent Lutheran reformer, was born at Hagenau in Alsace, in 1478. His father was of the senatorian rank, and being averse to the lives of the divines of his time, had him brought up to the profession of physic at Basil, where he took his doctor’s degree, and likewise made great proficiency in other studies. After his father’s death, however, in 1504, he studied divinity, and also civil law, under Zasius, an eminent civilian, and took a degree in that faculty. At Heidelberg he became acquainted with Oecolampadius, with whom he ever after preserved the strictest intimacy and friendship. On their first acquaintance they studied Hebrew together under the tuition of one Matthew Adrian, a converted Jew, and Capito then became a preacher, first at Spire and afterwards at Basil, where he continued for some years. From thence he was sent for by the elector Palatine, who made him his counsellor, and sent him on several embassies, and Cliarles V. is said to have conferred upon him the order of knighthood. From Mcntz he followed Bucer to Strasburgh, where he astonished his hearers by preaching the reformed, or rather reforming religion, at 8t. Thomas’s church in that city, beginning his ministry by expounding St. Paul’s epistle to the Colossians. The fame of Capito and Bucer spread so wide, that James Faber and Gerard Rufus were sent privately from France to hear him, by Margaret queen of Navarre, sister to the French king; and by this means the protestant doctrine was introduced into France. Capito was a man of great learning and eloquence, tempered with a prudence which gave weight to his public services as well as to his writings. In all disputes, he insisted on brotherly love and peaceable discussion.
, an eminent classical scholar and Greek professor, was born at Mondidier,
, an eminent classical scholar and Greek professor, was born at Mondidier, a small town in Picardy, May 1, 1671. For some time his father, who was a tanner, employed him in that business, but he early contracted a fondness for reading, and even taught himself, at his leisure hours, the elements of Latin. About the beginning of 1685, Charles de St. Leger, his uncle, a Benedictine of the abbey of Corbie, happening, on a visit to Mondidier, to discover his nephew’s predilection, advised his parents to send him to the college of Mondidier, where the Benedictines of Cluny then taught Latin. There Capperonnier studied for eighteen months, and by an un% common effort of diligence combined the study of Greek with Latin, two languages which he considered as mutually aiding each other, and which he made the subject of all his future researches. In 1686 he continued his education at Amiens among the Jesuits, for two years, under father Longuemare, who observing his application to be far more incessant than that of his fellow-scholars, gave him private lessons in Greek. In 1688 he came to Paris, where at the seminary of the Trente-trois, he entered upon a course of philosophy and theology, during which he never failed to compare the fathers of the church with the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. In 1693 and 1694 he studied the Oriental languages in the college of Ave-Maria, and in the latter year, the bishop of his diocese sent him to the community of St. George d' Abbeville to assist the ecclesiastical students in the Greek language, and in 1695 to that of St. Valois cle Monstreuil to teach humanity and philosophy; but the sea air and his excessive application disagreeing with his health, he returned to Paris in 1696, took the degree of master of arts, and followed the business of education until he found that it interfered too much with his studies. Contenting himself, therefore, with the small profits arising from giving a few lessons, he took up his abode, in May 1697, in one of the colleges, and when he had taken his bachelor’s degree in divinity went to Amiens to take orders. Returning to Paris, he became a licentiate, and obtained the friendship and patronage of cardinal Rohan, the abbe Louvois, and other persons of note. At this time, some lessons which he gave in the Greek, and a chapel ry of very moderate income in the church of St. Andr6 des Arcs, were his only resources, with which he lived a life of study and temperance, defrayed the expences of his licentiate, and even could purchase books. Mr. Colesson, however, a law- professor, and who from being his scholar had become his friend, seeing with what difficulty he could maintain himself, made him an offer of his house and table, which, after many scruples, he consented to accept. He went to his new habitation in 1700, and in the following year resigned his duty in the chapel, the only benefice he had, because it took up that time which he thought completely lost if not employed in study. In 1706, M. Viel, then rector of the university of Paris, and M. Pourchot, t.he syndic, admiring his disinterested spirit, procured him a pension of four hundred livres on the faculty of arts, to which no other condition was annexed than that he should revise the Greek booksused in the classes. M. Capperonnier expressed his gratitude on this occasion in a Greek poem, which was printed with a Latin translation by M. Viel, 4to, a pamphlet of six pages.
, called also Cigoli and Civolt, an eminent painter, was born in 1559, at the castle of Cigoli,
, called also Cigoli and Civolt, an eminent painter, was born in 1559, at the castle of Cigoli, in Tuscany, and became the scholar of Santi di Titi, but after travelling into Lombardy, studied the works of the first masters, and particularly Correggio. He had some taste, also, for poetry and music, but soon became exclusively attached to his particular art. He was employed by the grand duke in the palace Pitti, and afterwards at Rome and Florence exhibited some excellent specimens of his genius. He gave a new style to the Florentine school; but to say that perhaps he was superior to all his contemporaries, that he approached nearer than any other the style of Correggio, are expressions of Baldinucci, which none will believe who has seen the imitations of that master by Baroccio, the Caracci, or Schidone. Cardi, to judge from his pictures as they are now, availed himself with success of Correggio’s chiaroscuro, joined it to learning in design, and set it off by judicious perspective and a far livelier colour than that of the Tuscan school; but his pictures do not exhibit that contrast of tints, that impasto, that splendour, that graceful air, those bold fore-shortenings, which constitute the character of the. heads of Lombard art. In short, he was the inventor of an original but not a steady style; that which he adopted at Rome differs from his former one. If the general tone of his colour be Lembardesque, his draperies resemble those of Paolo Veronese, and sometimes he approaches the depth of Guercino.
, Lord Dorchester, an eminent statesman in the beginning of the seventeenth century,
, Lord Dorchester, an
eminent statesman in the beginning of the seventeenth
century, the eldest surviving son of Anthony Carleton, esq.
of Baldwin Briglitweli, near Watlington,Oxon. was born at his
father’s seat, March 10, 1573. He was educated at Westminster school, and at Oxford, where he became a student
of Christ church about 1591, and distinguished as a young
man of parts. From hence, after taking a bachelor’s degree in 15L<5, he set out on his travels, and on his return
to Oxford, was created master of arts in July loOO. In
the same year we find him appointed secretary to sir Thomas Parry, our ambassador in France and in 1603 he served
in the same capacity in the house of Henry earl of Northumberland. He probably became afterwards a courtier,
as he speaks in one of his letters of holding the place of
gentleman usher. In the first parliament of James I. he
represented the borough of St. Mawes in Cornwall, and
was considered as an active member and an able speaker.
In April 1605, he accompanied lord Norris intoSpain, but
in the latter end of that year was summoned to England,
and on his arrival imprisoned, as being implicated in the
gunpowder treason but his innocence being proved, he
was honourably discharged. In 1607 he married a niece
of sir Maurice Carey, with whom he resided some time in
Chancery- lane, and afterwards in Little St. Bartholomew’s,
near West Smitlitield. At this period he appears to have
been unprovided for, as in one of his letters he complains
of an “army of difficulties, a dear year, a plaguy town, a
growing w if e and a poor purse.
” After being disappointed,
from political reasons, in two prospects, that of going to
Ireland, and that of going to Brussels, in an official capacity, he was nominated to the embassy at Venice, and
before setting out, in Sept. 1610, received the honour of
knighthood. The functions of this appointment he discharged with great ability, and soon proved that he was
qualified for diplomatic affairs. In 1615, he returned to
England, sir Henry Wotton being appointed in his room,
and on his arrival found all ministerial power and favour
centered in sir George Villiers, afterwards duke of Buckingham. Soon after, on the recommendation of sir Ralph
Win wood, one of the secretaries of state, he was employed
in what was then one of the most important embassiesin
the gift of the crown, that to the States General of Holland
and in this he continued from 1616 to 1628, and was the
last English minister who had the honour of sitting in the
council of state for the United Provinces, a privilege which
queen Elizabeth had wisely obtained, when she undertook
the protection of these provinces, and which was annexed
to the possession of the cautionary towns.
, an eminent painter of history, was a native of Genoa, and having
, an eminent painter of history, was a native of Genoa, and having prosecuted the study of his art at Rome, and in the school of Passignano at Florence, he became one of the most fertile, original, and seducing machinists of Italy. The most splendid works of this artist, and of his brother John, are the frescoes of the cathedral del Guastato at Genoa, which exhibit a wonderful effect of colouring. He survived his brother 50 years, and distinguished himself by this novel style in the churches and collections of Liguria and Lombardy. It is not easy to conceive why a painter should not have acquired greater celebrity, who united with so many opportunities so many diverging powers; who had equal felicity in oil and fresco, colour and design, velocity and correctness, and had incessant employment, and unrivalled diligence and perseverance. After a prolonged life of 86 years, he died in 1680.
, an eminent civilian of the sixteenth century, was of a Glamorganshire
, an
eminent civilian of the sixteenth century, was of a Glamorganshire family, and educated at Oxford. Here he
chiefly studied the civil law, of which he took the degree
of doctor in June 1524, being about that time principal of
Greek-hall in St. Edward’s parish. He was admitted at
Doctors’ Commons Nov. 13, 1625, and his talents being
known at court, he was sent abroad on public affairs, and
received the honour of knighthood from the emperor
Charles V. In 1530 he was joined in a commission with
archbishop Cranmer and others, the purpose of which was
to argue the matter of king Henry VIII.'s memorable divorce at the courts of France, Italy, and Germany. Sir
Edward Carne afterwards remained at Rome as “a sort of
standing agent for Henry, and appears likewise to have
continued there during the reign of Edward VI. and had
no concern in the reformation. During queen Mary’s
reign, he was her agent in the same situation; but on the
accession of Elizabeth, the pope ordered him to relinquish
that employment. When he was recalled by the queen,
with offers of preferment, he thought proper to remain at
Rome, and was employed by the pope as director of the
English hospital in that city. He was so far a patriot as
to inform Elizabeth of the machinations of the catholic
powers against her, but he continued inflexible in his attachment to popery, and died in that communion Jan. 18,
1561. Several of his letters relating to the divorce are in
Burnet’s
” History of the Reformation." Wood remarks
that sir Edward Carne was accounted the last ambassador
of the kings of England to the pope, until Roger earl of
Castlemain was sent to him by king James II.
, LL. D. many years an eminent schoolmaster at Hertford, and known to the literary
, LL. D. many years an eminent schoolmaster at Hertford, and known to the literary world as the
translator of Lucian, was born at Muggleswick, in the
county of Durham, in 1722. His father was a fanner, and
had a small estate of his own, which the doctor possessed
at his death. He was first educated at the village school,
and privately by the rev. Daniel Watson, who was then a
young man, and curate of that place. Afterwards he was
sent to St. Paul’s school, where he continued longer than
boys usually do, as his father could not afford to send him
to either of the universities. He is supposed to have been
once a candidate for the mastership of St. Paul’s, but the
want of a degree was fatal to his application. When still
young, however, he became usher to Dr. Hurst, who was
master of the grammar-school at Hertford, and succeeded
him in that situation, which he held for many years with
the highest credit. He was honoured with the degree o/
LL. D. from the Marischal college, Aberdeen, by the influence of Dr. Beattie. He died June 6, 1807, after experiencing a gradual decay for nearly a year before, but on
the day of his death was, as he supposed, in much better
health than usual. He was buried in St. John’s church,
Hertford, with an epitaph in Latin, written by himself, in
which he seems to reflect a little on time lost, “studits
inanibus.-
” This may probably allude to his “Translation
of Lucian,
” on which he employed many of his leisure
hours, and which was published in 5 vols. 8vo. from 1773
to 1798. It procured him considerable fame, which, however, lias been diminished, in the opinion of many, since
the appearance of Dr. Francklin’s more classical translation.
Dr. Carr’s other publications were trifles, on which himself
perhaps set no very high value “Vol. III. of Tristram
Shandy,
” in imitation of Sterne, but soon detected, 1760
“Filial Piety,
” a mock heroic, 1764, fol. and
” Eponi-na, a
Dramatic Essay, addressed to the ladies," 1765.
, an eminent Spanish painter, descended from an ancient family, was
, an eminent Spanish painter, descended from an ancient family, was born at Aviles, in 1614; and learnt the elements of art at Madrid, in the school of Pedro de las Cuevas. He afterwards finished his studies with such success under Bartolome Roman, that he was soon considered as one of the best Spanish painters, and charged with decorating some apartments of the royal palace in frescos, which pleased Philip IV. so much, that he nominated him painter to the court, about 1651. In society with Francisco Rizi, he acquired a surprising facility of execution; hu design is tolerably correct, his colour brilliant and seducing; it resembles the tones of Vandyke; his conception was vigorous, and his composition rich. Madrid, Toledo, Alcala de Henares, and Pamplona, possess the best of Miranda’s works; the patronage of Philip IV. was continued to him by Charles II., and he died at the head of a large school, about 1685.
, an eminent female artist, was born at Chiozza, in 1675, and having
, an eminent female artist, was born at Chiozza, in 1675, and having shown an early taste for painting, her father placed her with an artist from whom she learned to paint in oil, but she afterwards practised, and carried crayon-painting to a high degree of perfection. Orlandi celebrates her miniatures. Her crayon painting arrives not seldom at the strength of pictures in oil. Her portraits, spread over all Europe, are as elegant and graceful in conception and attitude, as fresh, neat, and alluring in colour. Her Madonnas, and other sacred subjects, rise from grace to dignity, and even majesty. Equal and incessant application deprived her of sight during the last ten years of her life. She died at the advanced age of eighty-two, in 1757.
ret. His lordship, though still young, became, from the ea.ly part of king George the First’s reign, an eminent speaker in the house of peers. The first instance of
, earl Granville, one of the most distinguished orators and statesmen of the last century, was born on the 22d of April, 1690. His father was George lord Carteret, baron Carteret, of Hawnes in the county of Bedford, having been so created on the 19th of October 1681, when he was only fifteen years of age and his mother was lady Grace, youngest daughter of John earl of Bath. He succeeded his father when only in his fifth year. He was educated at Westminster school, from which he was removed to Christ-church Oxford in both which places he made such extraordinary improvements, that he became one of the most learned young noblemen of his time; and he retained to the last his knowledge and love of literature. Dr. Swift humorously asserts, that he carried away from Oxford, with a singularity scarcely to be justified, more Greek, Latin, and philosophy, than properly became a person of his rank; indeed, much more of each, than most of those who are forced to live by their learning will be at the unnecessary pains to load their heads with. Being thus accomplished, lord Carteret was qualified to make an early figure in life. As soon as he was introduced into the house of peers, which was on the 25th of May, 1711, he distinguished himself by his ardent zeal for the protestant succession, which procured him the eariy notice of king George 1. by whom he was appointed, in 1714, one of the lords of the bed-chamber in 1715, bailiff of the island of Jersey and in 1716, lord lieutenant and custis rotulorum of the county of Devon which last office he held till August 1721, when he resigned it in favour of Hugh lord Clinton. His mother also, lady Grace, was created viscountess Carteret and countess Grai>ville, by letters patent, bearing date on the first of January, 1714-15, with limitation of these honours to her son John lord Carteret. His lordship, though still young, became, from the ea.ly part of king George the First’s reign, an eminent speaker in the house of peers. The first instance of the display of his eloquence, was in the famous debate on the bill for lengthening the duration of Parliaments, in which he supported the duke of Devonshire’s motion for the repeal of the triennial act. On the 18th of February, 17 t 7- 18, he spoke in behalf of the bill for punishing mutiny and desertion; and in the session of parliament which met on the llth of November following, he moved, for the address of thanks to the king, to congratulate his majesty on the seasonable success of his naval forces; and to assume him, that the house would support him in the pursuit of those prudent and necessary measures he had taken to secure the trade and quiet of his dominions, and the tranquillity of Europe. In Jan. 1718-19 he was appointed ambassador extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the queen of Sweden, with whom his first business was to, remove the difficulties which the British subjects had met with* Jo their commerce in the Baltic, and to procure satisfaction for the losses they had sustained; and in both he completely succeeded. On the 6th of November, 1719, lord Carteret first took upon him the character of ambassador extraordinary ana plenipotentiary; at which time, in a private audience, he offered his royal master’s mediation t<v make peace between Sweden and Denmark, and between Sweden and the Czar; both of which were readily accepted by the queen. A peace between Sweden, Prussia, and Hanover, having been concluded by lord Carteret, it was proclaimed at Stockholm on the 9th of March, 1719-L'O. This was the prelude to a reconciliation between Sweden and Denmark, which he also effected, and the treaty was signed July 3, 1720. In August his lordship was appointed, together with earl Stanhope and sir Robert Siutcm, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary at the congress of Cambray but whether he acted in this capacity does not appear. From Denmark, however, he arrived in England Dec. 5, and a few weeks after took a share in the debates on the state of the national credit, occasioned by the unfortunate and iniquitous effects of the South-Sea scheme, maintaining that the estates of the criminals, whether directors or not directors, ought to be confiscated. Whilst this affair was in agitation, he was appointed ambassador extraordinary to the court of France, and was on the point of setting out, when the death of secretary Craggs induced his majesty to appoint lord Carteret his successor, May 4, 1721, and next day he was admitted into office, and sworn of his majesty’s most honourable privy council. Whilst lord Carteret was secretary of state, he not only discharged the general duties of his employment to the satisfaction of his royal master, but ably defended in parliament the measures of administration. This he did in the debate concerning Mr. Law, the famous projector of the Mississippi scheme, whose arrival in England, in 1721, by the connivance, as it was thought, and even under the sanction of the ministry, excited no small degree of disgust; and he also took a part on the side of government, in th debate on the navy debt, and with regard to the various other motions and bills of the session. In the new parliament, which met on the llth of October, 1722, his lordship, on occasion of Layer’s plot, spoke in favour of suspending the habeas corpus act for one year; acquainted the house with the bishop of Rochester’s, lord NortU and Grey’s, and the earl of Orrery’s commitment to the Tower; and defended the motion for the imprisonment of the duke of Norfolk. In all the debates concerning this conspiracy, and particularly with regard to Atterbury, lord Carteret vindicated the proceedings of the tectart; as he did, likewise, in the case of the act for laying an extraordinary tax upon papists. On the 26th of May, 1723, when the king’s affairs called him abroad, his lordship was appointed one of the lords justices of the kingdom; but notwithstanding this, he went to Hanover, in conjunction with lord Townshend, the other secretary; and both these noblemen, in their return to England, had several conferences at the Hague, with the principal persons of the Dutch administration, on subjects of importance. In the session of parliament, January, 1723-4, lord Carteret, in the debate on the mutiny bill, supported the necessity of eighteen thousand men being kept up, as the number of land- forces, in opposition to lord Trevor, who had moved that the four thousand additional men, who had been raised the year before, should be discontinued., Not many days after this debate, several alterations took place at court. Lord Carteret quitted the office of secretary of state, in which he was succeeded by the duke of Newcastle; and on the same day, being the third of April, 1724, he was constituted lord -lieutenant of Ireland, and in October arrived at Dublin, where he was received with the usual solemnity. The Irish were at that time in a great ferment about the patent for Wood’s halfpence, which makes so signal a figure in the life and writings of Dr. Swift. One of the first things done by the lord-lieutenant was to publish a proclamation, offering a reward of three hundred pounds for a discovery of the author of the Drapier’s Letters. When he was asked, by Dr. Swift, howhe could concur in the prosecution of a poor honest fellow, who had been guilty of no other crime than that of writing three or four letters for the good of his country, his excellency replied, in the words of Virgil,
, whose proper name was Forteguerra, an eminent Italian scholar, was born of a good family at Pistoia
, whose proper name
was Forteguerra, an eminent Italian scholar, was born of
a good family at Pistoia in Tuscany, Feb. 4, 1467. He
was at first educated at a college in Pistoia called “la
Sapienza de' Forteguerri,
” from a cardinal of that name who
founded it for the benefit of twelve students, three of whom
should he of the family of Forteguerra. He studied afterwards at Rome and Florence, where Politian was his Greek
preceptor. In 1500, the senate of Venice appointed him
to teach Greek in that city, and his reputation for knowledge of that language was most extensive. He was afterwards invited to Rome by pope Julius II. who appointed
him preceptor to his nephew, the cardinal Galeotto and
Leo X. is said to have chosen him in the same capacity for
his cousin Julius de Medici; but whatever benefits might
have accrued from this or other instances of Leo’s favour,
were prevented by Carteromachus’s death, Oct. 1G, 1513.
He is indebted for his literary reputation rather to the numerous commendations of his contemporaries and friends
than to his own writings, many of which are said to have
been dispersed at his death, and usurped by others into
whose hands they had fallen. Among those which remain
is his “Oratio de laudibus literarum Graecarum,
” Venice,
Thesaurus Linguae Grasctf.
” Several epigrams of his also are
extant in Greek and Latin in the publications of the times.
During his residence at Venice, he frequently acted as
corrector of the Ahline press, and had a considerable hand
in the edition of Ptolomy’s Geography printed at Rome in
1507, folio.
o discern it. There was once in the house of commons such a declared acceptation of the good service an eminent member had done to them, and, as they said, to the whole
in foul linen.“Being dissuaded by his should be out of it ere night.' 7
genuity and honour, of the most exemplary manners, and
singular good nature, and of the most unblemished integrity; of that inimitable sweetness and delight in conversation, of so flowing and obliging a humanity and goodness
to mankind, and of that primitive simplicity and integrity
of life, as was scarce ever equalled. His familiarity and
friendship, for the most part, was with men of the most
eminent and sublime parts, and of untouched reputation
in point of integrity. He was a great cherisher of wit and
ianc}', and good parts, in any man; and, if he found them
clouded with poverty or want, a most liberal and bountiful
patron towards them, even above his fortune. As he was
of a most incomparable gentleness, application, and even
submission, to good and worthy, and entire men, so he
was naturally (which could not but be more evident in his place of secretary of state, which subjected him- to another conversation and intermixture than his own election would have done) adversus malos injucundus, unpleasant to bad
men; and was so ill a dissembler of his dislike and disinclination to ill men, that it was not possible for such not to
discern it. There was once in the house of commons such
a declared acceptation of the good service an eminent
member had done to them, and, as they said, to the whole
kingdom, that it was moved, he being present,
” That the
speaker might, in the name of the whole house, give him,
thanks; and then, that every member might, as a testimony of his particular acknowledgement, stir or move his
hat towards him:“the which (though not ordered) when
very many did, the lord Falkland, who believed the service
itself not to be of that moment, and that an honourable
and generous person could not have stooped to it for any
recompense, instead of moving his hat, stretched both his
arms out, and clasped his hands together upon the crown
of his hat, and held it close down to his head, that all men
might see how odious that flattery was to him, and the
very approbation of the person, though at that time most
popular. He was constant and pertinacious in whatsoever
he resolved to do, and not to be wearied by any pains that
were necessary to that end. And therefore having once
resolved not to see London, which he loved above all
places, till he had perfectly learned the Greek tongue, he
went to his own house in the country, and pursued it with
that indefatigable industry, that it will not be believed in
how short a time he was r master of it, and accurately react
all the Greek historians. He had a courage of the most
clear and keen temper, and so far from fear, that he
seemed not without some appetite of danger; and therefore, upon any occasion of action, he always engaged his
person in those troops which he thought, by the forwardness of the commanders, to be most like to he farthest engaged; and in all such encounters he had about him an
extraordinary cheerfulness, without at all affecting the execution that usually attended them; in which he took no
delight, but took pains to prevent it, where it was not by
resistance made necessary. At Edge-hill, when the enemy
was routed, he was like to have incurred great peril, by
interposing to save those who had thrown away their arms,
and against whom, it may be, others were more fierce for
their having thrown them away: so that a man might
think he came into the field, chiefly out of curiosity to see
the face of danger, and charity to prevent the shedding of
blood. Yet in his natural inclination, he acknowledged
he was addicted to the profession of a soldier. Many attempts were made upon him, by the instigation of his mother (who was a lady of another persuasion in religion, and of a most masculine understanding, allayed with the passion and infirmities of her own sex) to pervert him in his
piety to the church of England, and to reconcile him to
that of Rome; which they prosecuted with the more confidence, because he declined no opportunity or occasion of
conference with those of that religion, whether priests or
laics; diligently studied the controversies, and, as was
observed before, exactly read all, or the choicest of the
Greek and Latin fathers; and having a memory so stupendous, that he remembered, on all occasions, whatsoever
he read. He was so great an enemy to that passion and
uncharitableness which he saw produced by difference of
opinion in matters of religion, that in all those disputations
with priests and others of the Roman church, he affected
to manifest all possible civility to their persons, and estimation of their parts but this charity towards them was
much lessened, and any correspondence with them quite
declined, when by sinister arts they had corrupted his two
younger brothers, being both children, and stolen them
from his house, and transported them beyond seas, and
perverted his sisters: upon which occasion he wrote two
large discourses against the principal positions of that religion, with that sharpness of wit and full weight of reason,
that the church, says lord Clarendon, is deprived of great
jewels in the concealment of them, and that they are not
published to the world. As to his person he was little, and
of no great strength: his hair was blackish, and somewhat
flaggy; and his eye black and lively. His body was buried in the church of Great Tew. His usual saying was,
” I pity unlearned gentlemen in a rainy day."
, author of the well-known “Commentary on Job,” and an eminent nonconformist divine, was born in London in 1602; He
, author of the well-known “Commentary on Job,
” and an eminent nonconformist divine,
was born in London in 1602; He was a moderate independent, and Wood mentions him as a noted disputant.
He was some time a commoner at Exeter college in Oxford, and preached several years with applause before the
hon. society of Lincoln’s-inn. In 1653 he was appointed
one of the triers for the approbation of ministers, and was
sent by the parliament to attend Charles I. at Holmbyhouse: he was also one of the commissioners in the treaty
of the Isle of Wight. He and Dr. Owen were by order of
parliament sent in 1650, to attend on Cromwell in Scotland, and to officiate as ministers. Soon after his ejectment in 1662, he gathered a congregation in the neighbourhood of St. Magnus, by London-bridge, to which he
preached as the times would permit, until his death, Feb.
7, 1673. He was a man of parts, learning, and of indefatigable industry. He has left behind him a considerable
number of sermons and pious tracts, but his principal work
is his “Commentary on Job,
” first printed in 12 vols. 4to,
and afterwards in two largp folios. Of late years it has
risen very considerably in price, which we can remember
to have been once that of waste-paper. The late Dr.
Lyndford Caryl, master of Jesus college, Cambridge, was
great grand-nephew to this Mr. Caryl.
, an eminent Italian writer, was born at Florence in 1503, and educated
, an eminent Italian writer, was
born at Florence in 1503, and educated at Bologna, and at
Florence under Ubaldino Bandinelli. In 153S he became
clerk of the apostolic chamber, and was in his youth distinguished for the elegance of his writings, and the licentiousness of his morals. In 1544 he was promoted to the
archbishopric of Benevento, and sent as pope’s nuncio to
Venice, and it is thought would have been made a cardinal,
but for some indecent writings which he had published in
his youth: but there must have been some other reason
than this for his not obtaining that honour, as these writings had been no obstruction to his advancement to the
archbishopric. He was engaged, however, in several political negociations, until he became involved in the disgrace of the cardinal Alexander Farnese, and retired to
Venice. Upon the accession of pope Paul IV. who had an
esteem for him, he returned to Rome, where he amused
himself with literary pursuits, and where he died in 1556
or 1557. He was considered as one of the most elegant
writers of his time, both in Latin and Italian; of the former we have sufficient proof in his “Latina Monimenta,
”
Florence, Galateo,
” or art of living in the world, which is a system
of politeness, and has been translated into most European
languages. In 1774, it was published in an English translation, 12mo. There are complete editions of Casa’s works,
Venice, 1752, 3 vols. and 5 vols. and Naples, 6 vols. 4to.
Some of his Italian poems are sufficiently licentious, but
the authenticity of other works of that description attributed to him has been questioned, particularly by Marchand,
and by other authorities specified by Saxius.
, an eminent nonconformist divine, the son of George Case, vicar
, an eminent nonconformist divine, the
son of George Case, vicar of Boxley in Kent, was born
there in 1598 or 1599, and became student of Christ church,
Oxford, upon the recommendation of Toby Mathew, archbishop of York, in 1616. After taking his degrees in arts,
he went into the church, and preached for some time in
Oxfordshire and Kent, and held the living of Erpingham in
Norfolk, from which he was ejected for nonconformity. In
1641, he joined in principle and practice with the parliament, and about that time was minister of St. Mary Magdalen, Milk-street, London, in the room of a sequestered
loyalist. One of the party jour nafs of the time informs us
that in administering the sacrament, he used to say, instead
of “Ye that do truly and earnestly repent, &c.
” “Ye that
have freely and liberally contributed to the parliament,
&c.;
” but this was probably the squib of the day. Case,
with all his republican zeal, was a man of real piety but
the former certainly betrayed him into extreme violence in
his discourses, which is poorly excused by his biographer
telling us of his having been ejected from his living by
bishop Wren. When in London he wasthe institutor of
the Morning Exercise, which was kept up in the city many
years after, and produced some of the ablest sermons of
the nonconformist clergy. From the living of Milk-street
he was turned out, for refusing the engagement, and was
afterwards lecturer at Aldermanbury and St. Giles’s Cripplegate. He was imprisoned six months in the Tower,
for being implicated in Love’s plot, but Love only was
made a sacrifice, and Mr. Case and his fellow-prisoners
Mr. Jenkyn, Mr. Watson, &c. were released and restored
to their livings. He was afterwards rector of St. Giles’s in
the Fields. In 1660, he was one of the ministers deputed
to wait on the king at the Hague; and in 1661, one of the
commissioners at the fruitless Savoy conference. He appears to have retained his living in Milk-street after the
restoration, as it was from that he was finally ejected. He
died May 30, 1682, and was buried in Christ church, Newgate-street. Dr. Jacomb, who preached his funeral sermon, gives him an excellent and probably a just character:
and it is certain that he lived to repent of the intemperance
of his harangues at the commencement of the rebellion.
This led him to subscribe the two papers declaring against
the proceedings of the parliament in 1648, and the bringing king Charles to a trial. His works consist chiefly of
sermons preached on public occasions, before the parliament and at funerals, enumerated by Calamy.
noese, who had been taught the art of painting by Bernardino Strozzi, and under his direction became an eminent portraiupainter; and the grand duke of Tuscany invited
, called Nicoletto, a Venetian, artist, was born at Venice in 1659, and was the eldest son, and disciple of John Francis Cassana, a Genoese, who had been taught the art of painting by Bernardino Strozzi, and under his direction became an eminent portraiupainter; and the grand duke of Tuscany invited him to his court, where he painted the portraits of that prince and the princess Violante his consort. Of the historical subjects painted by this master while he resided at Florence, perhaps the most considerable was the Conspiracy of Catiline it consisted of nine figures as large as life, down to the knees; and the two principal figures were represented, as with one hand joined in the presence of their companions, and in their other hand holding a cup of blood. Nicoletto was invited to England, with strong assurances of a generous reception; and on his arrival, painted the portrait of queen Anne, in which he succeeded so happily, that the queen distinguished him by many marks of favour and of honour; but he had not the happiness to enjoy his good fortune for any length of time, dying in London, universally regretted, in the year 1713. He had a younger brother, G. Augustine Cassana, who, though a good portrait- painter, preferred the representation of animals and various fruits his pictures of that class are frequent in the collections of Italy, and sometimes ascribed to Castiglione. He had a sister, Maria Vittoria Cassana, who painted images of devotion for private amateurs, and died at Venice in the beginning of the last century.
, an eminent astronomer, was born of noble parents, at a town in
, an eminent astronomer, was born of noble parents, at a town in Piedmont in Italy, June 8, 1635. After he had laid a proper foundation in his studies at home, he was sent to continue them in a college of Jesuits at Genoa. He had an uncommon turn for Latin poetry, which he exercised so very early, that poems of his were published when he was but eleven years old. At length he fell in with books of astronomy, which he read with great eagerness; and feeling a strong propensity to proceed farther in that science, in a short time he made so amazing a progress, that, in 1650, the senate of Bologna invited him to be their public methematical professor. He was not more than fifteen years of age when he went to Bologna, where he taught mathematics, and made observations upon the heavens with great care and assiduity. In 1652 a comet appeared, which he observed with great accuracy; and discovered, that comets were not bodies accidentally generated in the atmosphere, as had usually been supposed, but of the same nature, and probably governed by the same laws, as the planets. The same year he solved an astronomical problem, which Kepler and Bullialdus had given up as insolvable; viz. to determine geometrically the apogee and eccentricity of a planet from its true and mean place. In 1653, when a church of Bologna was repaired and enlarged, he obtained leave of the senate to correct and settle a meridian line, which had been drawn by an astronomer in 1575. These were circumstances very remarkable in one who had not yet attained his twentieth year. In 1657 he attended, as an assistant, a nobleman, who was sent to Rome to compose some differences which had arisen between Bologna and Ferrara, from the inundations of the Po; and shewed so much skill and judgment in the management of that affair, that in 1663, Marius Chigi, brother of pope Alexander VII. appointed him inspector-general of the fortifications of the castle of Urbino; and he had afterwards committed to him the care of all the rivers in the ecclesiastical state.
, an eminent historical painter, was born at a small village called
, an eminent historical painter, was born at a small village called Castagno, belonging to Tuscany, in 1409, and being deprived of his parents when young, was employed by his uncle to attend the herds of cattle in the fields. His singular talents, which were first manifested in surprising efforts to imitate an ordinary painter, whom he accidentally observed at work, became the common topic of discourse in Florence, and excited the curiosity of Bernardetto de Medici, who perceiving that he had promising talents, placed him under the tuition of the best masters at that time in Florence. Andrea, assiduously improving his advantages, became particularly eminent in design, and found full employment. At first he painted only in distemper and fresco, with a manner of colouring that was not very agreeable, being rather hard and dry; but at length he learned the secret of painting in oil from Domenico Venetiano, who had derived his knowledge of it from Antonella da Messina. He was the first of the Florentine artists who painted in oil but envying the merit of Domenico, from whom he obtained the secret, and whose works were more admired than his own, he determined, with the basest ingratitude, to assassinate his friend and benefactor. At this time Domenico and Andrea lived together, and were partners in business. Insensible, however, of every obligation, and combining treachery with ingratitude, he way -laid Domenico in the corner of a street, and stabbed him with such secrecy, that he escaped unobserved and unsuspected to Jiis own house, where he sat down with apparent composure to work; soon after Domenico was conveyed thither to die in the arms of his assassin. The real author of this atrocious act was never discovered, till Andrea, through remorse of conscience, disclosed it on his death-bed, in 1480. Andrea finished several considerable works at Florence, by which he gained great wealth and reputation; but as soon as his complicated villainy became public, his memory was afterwards held in the utmost detestation. The most noted of his works is in the hall of justice at Florence, and represents the execution of the conspirators against the house of Medici.
, an eminent painter of history and portrait, was born at Genoa in
, an eminent painter of history
and portrait, was born at Genoa in 1557, and studied under
Andrea Semini ancT Luca Cambiaso, preferring the principles of the first, though in his practice he imitated both, and
afterwards visited Rome for farther improvement. He
invented with facility, and when he chose to exert himself,
he had sufficient correctness and grace; but he became a
mannerist, and frequently adopted the colour and dispatch
of Vasari and Zucchari. The most distinguished poets of
his time, whose portraits he painted, and who celebrated
him in their verses, particularly Marino and Tasso, were
his intimate friends; and he made designs for the “Jerusalem
” of the latter. The subject of his altar-piece for
St. Peter’s at Rome was the call of St. Peter to the apostleship; which was afterwards removed to make room for one
executed by Lanfranco. As an engraver, Strutt says, his
style somewhat resembled that of Cornelius Bus. Among
other works in this department is the set of prints for Tasso’s Jerusalem. He died in 1629.
, an eminent artist, the companion of Luca Cambiaso, is commonly
, an eminent artist, the companion of Luca Cambiaso, is commonly
called il Bergamasco, in contradistinction of Gio. Bat.
Castelli a Genoese, scholar of Cambiaso, and -the most
celebrated miniature-painter of his time. This, born at
Bergamo in 1500, and conducted to Genoa by Aurelio
Buso of Crema, a scholar of Polidoro, was at his sudden
departure left by him in that city. In this forlorn state,
he found a Maecenas in the Pallavicini family, who assisted
him, sent him to Rome, and received in him at his return
an architect, sculptor, and painter not inferior to Cambiaso. At Rome, Palomino numbers him with the scholars of Michael Angelo. Whatever master he may have
had, his technic principles were those of Luca; which is
evident on comparison in the church of S. Matteo, where
they painted together. We discover the style of Raffaello verging already to practice, but not so mannered as
that which prevailed at Rome under Gregory and Sixtus.
We recognize in Cambiaso a greater genius and more elegance of design, in Castello more diligence, deeper knowledge, a better colour, a colour nearer allied to the Venetian than the Roman school. It may however be supposed^
that in such fraternal harmony each assisted the other, even
in those places where they acted as competitors, where
each claimed his work, and distinguished it by his name.
Thus at the Nunziata di Portoria, Luca on the panneis
represented the final doom of the blessed and the rejected
in the last judgment; whilst G. Batista on the ceiling, expressed the judge in an angelic circle, receiving the elect.
His attitude and semblance speak the celestial welcome
with greater energy than the adjoined capitals of the words,
“Venite Benedicti.
” It is a picture studied in all its
parts, of a vivacity, a composition, and expression, which
give to the pannels of Luca, the air of a work done by a
man half asleep. Frequently he painted alone; such are
the S. Jerome surrounded by monks frightened at a lion,
in S. Francesco di Castello, and the crowning of St, Sebastian after martyrdom, in his own church, a picture as rich
in composition as studied in execution, and superior to all
praise. That a man of such powers should have been so
little known in Italy, rouses equal indignation and pity,
unless we suppose that his numerous works in fresco at
Genoa prevented him from painting for galleries.
, an eminent Italian antiquary, was born at Palermo, Feb. 18, 1727,
, an eminent Italian
antiquary, was born at Palermo, Feb. 18, 1727, of a noble
family, and was placed under a private tutor, with a view
to study botany, chemistry, &c. but an accident gave. a
new and decided turn to his pursuits. Not far from Motta
where he lived, stood the ancient Halesa, or Alesa (Tosa),
a colony of Nicosia, celebrated by the Greek and Latin
poets, which was swallowed up by an earthquake in the
year 828, leaving scarcely a \estige of its former state.
One day a ploughman dug up a quantity of coins, which,
he brought to Castello, who conceived an uncommon desire to decypher them, that he might not seem a stranger
to the ancient history of his own country: and applying
himself for instructions to the literati of Palermo, they recommended the study of antiquities as found in the Greek
and Roman authors; and Castello engaged in this pursuit
with such avidity and success, as within three years to be
able to draw up a very learned paper on the subject of a statue which had been dug up, which he published under the
title of “Dissertazione sopra una statua cli marmo trovata
nelle campagne di Alesa,
” Palermo, Osservazioni critiche
sopra un libro stampato in Catania nel 1747, esposta in
una lettera da un Pastor Arcade acl un Accademico Etrnsco,
” Rome, Storia di Alesa antica citta di
Sicilia col rapporto de' suoi pin insigni monumenti, ike.
”
Palermo, Inscrizioni Palermitane,
” Palermo, Sicilise et objacentium Insularum
veterum inscriptionum nova collectio, cum prolegomenis
et notis illustrata,
” ibid. Sicilian Populorum et
Urbium, Regum quoque et Tyrannorum veteres nummi
Saracenorum epocham antecedentes,
” Palermo, Storia
Letteraria della Sicilia,
” and other works. There was
another of the same name, Ignatius Paterno Castello, a
contemporary, and likewise an able antiquary, who died in
1776, and published among other works, “Descrizione
del terribile Terremoto de' 5. Febraro 1783, che afflisse la
Sicilia, distrtisse Messina, e gran parte della Calabria, diretta alle Reale Accademia di Bordeaux, Poesia del Pensante Peloritano,
” Naples,
, an eminent Italian nobleman, was descended from an illustrious
, an eminent Italian nobleman, was descended from an illustrious and ancient family, and born in his own villa at Casatico, in the durhy of Mantua, Dec. 6, 1478. Oncoming to a proper age, he had masters appointed him, under whom he acquired a, knowledge of the Greek and Latin tongues; in the latter of which he was instructed by Demetrius Chalcondylas, of Constantinople, who then resided at Milan; and in the former, by George Merula. He likewise applied himself to the study of painting, sculpture, and architecture, as appears from the book he wrote in favour of those arts; and he made so great a progress in them, that Raphael Urbino and Michael Angela, though incomparable artists, never thought their works perfect, unless they had the approbation of Castiglione.
, an eminent French physician and surgeon, was born at Blerancourt,
, an eminent French physician and surgeon, was born at Blerancourt, between Noyon and Coucy, Sept. 6, 1700. If chirurgical skill be hereditary, his claims were considerable, as he was descended both by the father’s and mother’s side from eminent practitioners. His parents, however, first intended him for the church; but after completing his philosophy course, he applied himself to the study of medicine, not altogether with his inclination. From his infancy he had amused himself with making geometrical figures, and without the aid of a master, used to make drawings of military architecture with considerable accuracy, and at one time seems to have had an inclination for the bar, but at last he had no alternative but the church, or the profession of his ancestors, and having determined in favour of the latter, he went to Paris for education in the different branches of the healing art. The first publication by which he was known, was a curious dissertation, which he printed in his twenty-fourth year, on the mechanism of the buttresses of the church of St. Nicaise at Rheuns: these buttresses have always been an object of curiosity, as a motion is perceptible in them, which has never affected their solidity. la 1729, he was appointed surgeon and physician to M. de Tressan, archbishop of Rouen. He did not take his degree, however, until 1732, when he took it at Rheims, to avoid the heavy expence of 6000 livres, which it would have cost at Paris. In 1733, he settled at Rouen, and began to give a course of anatomical lectures, and there first he established a high reputation for his dextrous method of operation for the stone. In 1731 he obtained the reversion of the place of surgeon-major to the hospital at Rouen; and when the royal academy of surgery was established, he gained the first prize, and continued to gain all the prizes of that academy to the year 17:58 inclusive, when they paid him the high compliment of requesting that he would no longer become a candidate, but leave to others a chance of obtaining these rewards. Flattering as this seemed, M. Le Cat was aware that the academicians had it in their power to prevent his contending for prizes in a more effectual way, by electing him one of their body, and accordingly stood for the prize of 1739 with his usual success: about the end of the year, however, he was elected into the academy, and pursued his career of fame by those numerous publications on which it was so justly founded.
, an eminent Italian mathematician, was born at Milan in 1593, and
, an
eminent Italian mathematician, was born at Milan in 1593,
and entered at an early age into the order of Jesuates or
Hieronymites. In the course of his studies he manifested
such talents, that his superiors, after he had taken orders,
thought proper to send him to the university of Pisa, a
circumstance to which, though at first against his will, he
owed the celebrity which he afterwards acquired. Here,
with the advice of Benedict Castelli, the disciple and friend
of Galileo, he applied to the study of geometry, in order
to relieve the pains of the gout to which he was subject;
and in this science he made such progress, and acquired
such an accurate acquaintance with the ancient geometers,
that Castelli and Galileo concurred in predicting the eminence at which he afterwards arrived. Soon after this period he invented his method of indivisibles. In 1629 he
communicated to some ingenious persons and to the magistrates of Bologna, his treatise of indivisibles, and another on the conic sections; and obtained the honour of
succeeding Maginus as professor in the university, in 1629.
His celebrated work on indivisibles, entitled, “Geometria
Indivisibilibus continuorum nova quadam ratione prornota,
” and published at Bologna in La Spechio Ustorio overo Trattato delle Settioni Coniche,
” or “De Speculo Ustorio, &c.
” Bologn. Directorium
generale Uranometricum,
” Trigonometria Plana.
ac Sphaerica, Linearis ac Logarithmica, &c.
” a “Compendium Regularum de Triangulis; and a
” Centuria
Problematum Astronomicorum.“He was also the author
of a treatise of astrology, entitled
” Rota Planetaria,“and
published under the appellation of Sylvius Philomantius;
and this publication was the more surprising, as he was
an enemy of judicial astrology. The last of his works was
entitled
” Fxercitationes Geometricae sex," Bonon. 1647,
4to, and contains exercises on the method of indivisibles;
answers to the objections ofGuldinus; the use of indivisibles in cossic powers, or algebra, and in considerations
about gravity: with a miscellaneous collection of problems.
Towards the close of this year, 1647, he died a martyr to
the gout, which had deprived him of the use of his fingers.
, an ingenious philosopher, was the son of an eminent physician of Naples, where he was born in 1749. His
, an ingenious philosopher, was
the son of an eminent physician of Naples, where he was
born in 1749. His original destination was to be initiated
at London in mercantile pursuits, and he came to England with that view, in 1771, but the study of nature displaying superior attractions, he was seduced from the
accompting-house, to embrace the leisure of a philosophical retreat; and acquired a well -merited reputation as
a digester and elucidator of philosophical discoveries. In
1779, he was admitted a member of the Neapolitan academy of sciences, as well as of the royal society of London.
To the latter he contributed many ingenious papers and
was the author of the following separate publications 1.
“A complete Treatise of Electricity in theory and practice, with original experiments,
” An Essay on the theory and practice of Medical Electricity,
” A Treatise
on the nature and properties of Air, and other permanently elastic fluids, with an Introduction to Chemistry,
”
The History and Practice of Aerostation,
” Mineralogical Tables,
” folio, accompanied with an 8vo explanatory pamphlet, 1785.
6. “A Treatise on Magnetism, in theory and practice,
with original experiments,
” Description
and use of the Telescopical Mother-of-Pearl Micrometer,
invented by T. C.
” a pamphlet, An
Essay on the Medicinal properties of Factitious Airs, with
an Appendix on the nature of Blood,
”
, an eminent critic and geographer, was born 1638, at Smalcalde,
, an eminent critic and geographer, was born 1638, at Smalcalde, a little town in Franconia, where his father was minister. His mother, Mary Zehners, was daughter of the famous divine, Joachim Zehners. He came of a family in which learning seems to have been hereditary. When three years old, he had the misfortune to lose his father, but his mother took care of his education. He began his studies in the college of Smalcalde, and at eighteen was removed to Jena, to finish his studies in that university. During a residence of three years in this place, he applied to classical learning under Bosius, to philosophy under Bechman, to the Oriental languages under Frischmuth, and to mathematics under Weigelius. In 1659 he quitted Jena to go to Giessen, to study divinity under Peter Haberkorn. He afterwards returned to Jena, and took a doctor’s degree there in 1666. The year following he was made professor of Hebrew and morai philosophy at Weissenfels, in which office he continued for seven years. In 1673 he was called to Weimar, to be rector of the college there, which, at the end of three years, he exchanged for a similar rank at Zeits. After two years stay here, the college of Mersbourg was offered to him, which he accepted. His learning, his abilities, and his diligence, soon rendered this college famous, and drew a great number of students; and the place was so agreeable to him, that he determined to end his days there; but Providence disposed of him otherwise. For the king of Prussia, having founded an university at Halle in 1693, prevailed upon him to be professor of eloquence and history in it, and here he composed a great part of his works. His great application shortened his days, and hastened on the infirmities of old age. He was a long time afflicted with the stone, but never could be persuaded to seek assistance from medicine. He died, 1707, in his sixty-ninth year.
, an eminent painter, called M. A. DI Battague, from his excellence
, an eminent painter, called M. A. DI Battague, from his excellence in painting battles, and Bambocciate, from his turn for painting markets, fairs, &c. was born at Rome in 1600, or 1602. His father, a jeweller, perceiving his disposition to the art, placed him with James d'As6, a Flemish painter, then in credit at Rome; after three years study with him, he went to the school of P. P. Cortonese, whom he quitted to become the disciple and imitator of Bamboccio. He surpassed all his fellow-students in taste, and had a manner of painting peculiar to himself. His chearful temper appeared in his pictures, in which ridicule was strongly represented. The facility of his pencil was such, that on the recital of a battle, a shipwreck, or any uncommon figure, he could express it* directly on his canvas. His colouring was vigorous, and his touch light. He never made designs or sketches, but only re-touched his pictures until he hud brought them to all the perfection of which he was capable. Such was his reputation that he could hardly supply the commissions he received, and he became so rich that the cares of wealth began to perplex him. He on one occasion took all his wealth to a retired place in order to bury it, but when he arrived, was so alarmed lest it should be found, that he brought it back, with much trouble, and having been two nights and a day without sleep or sustenance, this, it is said, injured his health, and brought on a violent fever which proved fatal in 1660. His personal character is highly praised. Mr. Fuseli says, that he differs from Bamboccio in the character and physiognomy of his figures; instead of Dutch or Flemish mobs, he painted those of Italy. Both artists have strongand vivid tints; Bamboccio is superior to him in landscape, and he excelis Bamboccio in the spirit of his figures. One of his most copious works is in the palace Spada at Rome, in which he has represented an arrny df fanatic Lazzaroni, who shout applause to Masaniello.
, an eminent protestant divine, was born in 1701, at Geneva, where
, an eminent protestant divine, was born in 1701, at Geneva, where he probably received the first rudiments of education. The church being chosen for his profession, after passing through the usual probationary exercises, he was admitted into the order of priesthood. In the ministry his reputation as a preacher and an orator soon became so popular and extensive, that in 1728 he was elected pastor at the Hague, and his conduct in this establishment, while it contributed to his own reputation, redounded no less to the honour of those who had appointed him. Having adorned his ministry by the purity of his manners, the excellence of the discourses which he delivered from the pulpit, and his numerous writings in defence of revealed religion, he died in 1786, at the age of eighty-five, after having punctually discharged his duty as a pastor during the period of fifty-eight years. The unfortunate supported by his consolation, the youth enlightened by his instructions, and the poor succoured by his charity, lamenting the loss which they had sustained by the death of a benefactor and a friend, proved more eloquent attestations of his merit, than any panegyric which might have been pronounced by the most sublime orator. His sermons were distinguished by a perspicuous style and a pure morality. They seemed to flow not only from a man who practised what he taught, but from one who, acquainted with the inmost recesses of the human heart, could exert his eloquence to win his hearers to the interests of virtue and religion. His portrait, which is prefixed to his translation of the Holy Bible, seems to confirm the relation of his friends, who say that his countenance was interesting and attractive. In his manners he was polite and attentive; in his address mild and insinuating. His literary excellence consisted in a judicious and happy arrangement of his subjects, delivered in a plain and unaffected style. He made no pretensions to originality, but he illustrated the works of other writers, by introducing them to his countrymen in a language that was more familiar to them.
, an eminent man-midwife, was grandson to Dr. Peter Chamberlen, who,
, an eminent man-midwife,
was grandson to Dr. Peter Chamberlen, who, with his
fathers and uncles, were physicians to the kings James I.
Charles I. and II. James II. William, and queen Anne.
He was born in 1664, and educated at Trinity college,
Cambridge, where he took his master’s degree in 1683,
and that of M. D. in 1690. He has a Latin poem in the
“Hymenæus Cantabrigiensis,
” on the marriage of prince
George of Denmark with the princess Anne, 1683. He, his
father, and brothers, invented among them an obstetric
forceps, with which they were enabled to deliver women with
safety in cases where, before this discovery, the child was
usually lost. In 1672 he went to Paris, but happening to
be unsuccessful in a case there, he thought it adviseable to
remove to Holland, where he is said to have succeeded
better. Here he imparted his secret to two eminent practitioners, and received a considerable reward. On his
return to London he had great practice, and realized a handsome fortune. In 1683 he published his translation of
“Mauriceau’s Midwifery,
” a work in great request, and
republished as late as 1755. Mauriceau mentions him
often in some of his works, but always with the littleness
of jealousy. Chamberlen’s forceps, improved by Smellie
and some other practitioners, continues in use, and gives
the inventor an honourable rank among the improvers of
art. In 1723 we find him attending bishop Atterbury in
the Tower, in lieu of Dr. Freind, who was himself a prisoner. He died at his house in Covent-garden, June 17,
1728; and a very fine marble monument was erected to his
memory in Westminster-abbey at the expence of Edmund,
duke of Buckingham. The long Latin epitaph, the production of bishop Atterbury, records, besides his skill, his
benevolence, liberality, and many other amiable personal
characteristics. Dr. Chamberlen was thrice married; and
his widow, the daughter of sir Willoughby Aston, bart.
was afterwards married to sir Thomas Crew, of Utkinton,
in Cheshire, knight, who also left her a widow, but she
died suddenly, April 6, 1734, and that year Dr. Chamberlen’s library was sold by Fletcher Gyles.
, an eminent architect, was a native of Sweden, but originally descended
, an eminent architect, was a native of Sweden, but originally descended from the family of Chalmers in Scotland, barons of Tartas, in France. His grandfather was an opulent merchant, who supplied the armies of Charles XII. with money and military stores, and suffered considerably in his fortune by being obliged to receive the base coin issued by that monarch. This circumstance occasioned his son to reside many years in, Sweden, in order the more effectually to prosecute his pecuniary claims. The subject of this article was born in that country, and for what reason is not known, was brought over from Sweden in 1723, at the age of two years, and placed at a school at Rippon, in Yorkshire. His first entrance into life was as a supercargo to the Swedish East India company. In this capacity he made one voyage to China; and, it appears, lost no opportunity of observing what was curious in that country. At the age of eighteen, however, he quitted this profession, and with it all commercial views, to follow the bent of his inclination, which led him to design and architecture.
, an eminent French protestant divine, was born in Dauphiny, and
, an eminent French protestant
divine, was born in Dauphiny, and was long minister at
Montelimart, in that province, from whence he removed
in 16 12 to Montaubon, to be professor of divinity; and
was killed at the siege of that place by a cannon ball in
1621. He was no less distinguished among his party as a
statesman than as a divine. No man opposed the artifices
employed by the court to distress the protestants with
more steadiness and inflexibility. Varillas says it was he
who drew up the edict of Nantz. Though politics took up
a great part of his time, he acquired a large fund of extensive learning, as appears from his writings. His treatise “De œcumenico pontifice,
” and his “Epistolæ Jesuiticæ,
” are commended by Scaliger. Hjs principal
work is his “Catholica Panstratia, or the Wars of the
Lord,
” in which the controversy between the protestants
and Roman catholics is learnedly handled. It was written
at the desire of the synod of the reformed churches in
France, to confute Bellarmine. The synod of Privas, in
1612, ordered him 2900 livres to defray the charges of the
impression of the first three volumes. Though this work
makes four large folio volumes, it is not complete: for it
wants the controversy concerning the church, intended
for a fifth volume, which the author’s death prevented
him from finishing. This body of controversy was printed
at Geneva in 1626, under the care of Turretin, professor
of divinity. An abridgment of it was published in the
same city in 1643, in one vol. folio, by Frederick Spanheim,
the father. His “Corpus Theologicum,
” and his “Epistolae Jesuiticae,
” were printed in a small folio volume, De cecumenico pontifice
” was also published in
8vo, Genev.
, an eminent dissenting minister, was born at Hungerford, in Berkshire,
, an eminent dissenting minister, was born at Hungerford, in Berkshire, in 1693, where his father was then pastor of a congregation of protestant dissenters. He early discovered a genius for literature, which was carefully cultivated; and being placed under proper masters, he made a very uncommon progress in classical learning, and especially in the Greek tongue. As it was intended by his friends to bring him up for the ministry, he was sent to an academy at Bridgewater; but was sbort removed to Gloucester, that he might become a pupil to Mr. Samuel Jones, a dissenting minister of great erudition and abilities, who had opened an academy in that city, afterwards transferred to Tewkesbury. Such was the attention of that gentleman to the morals of his pupils, and to their progress in literature, and such the skill and discernment with which he directed their studies, that it was a singular advantage to be placed under so able and accomplished a tutor. Chandler made the proper use of so happy a situation, applying himself to his studies with great assiduity, and particularly to critical, biblical, and oriental learning. Among the pupils of Mr. Jones, were Mr. Joseph Butler, afterwards bishop of Durham, and Mr. Thomas Seeker, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury, with whom he contracted a friendship that continued to the end of their lives, notwithstanding the different views by which their conduct was afterwards directed, and the different situations in which they were placed.
, D. D. an eminent scholar and antiquary, was born in 1738, and educated
, D. D.an eminent scholar and
antiquary, was born in 1738, and educated at Magdalencollege, Oxford, of which he was some time fellow. He
took his degree of M. A. Oct. 15, 1761, that of B. D. April
23, 1773, and in December of the same year that of D.D.
Having entered into holy orders, he had the college living
of Worldlyham, in Hampshire, and was afterwards rector
of Tilehurst, in Berkshire. His first appearance in the
republic of letters was as editor of the “Oxford Marbles,
”
in which capacity he was employed by the university. The
“Marmora Oxoniensia
” were accordingly printed at the
Clarendon press, in a magnificent folio, in 1763, with an
elegant Latin preface by the editor, and a very copious
index by his friend Mr. Loveday. Mr. Chandler also corrected the mistakes of the former editors, and in some of
the inscriptions, particularly that of the Parian Chronicle,
supplied the lacuna by many ingenious conjectures.
, an eminent French astronomer, was born at Mauriac, a town in Upper
, an eminent French astronomer, was born at Mauriac, a town in Upper Auvergne, on the 23d of May, 1728, of John Chappe, lord of the barony of Auteroche, and Magdalen de la Farge, daughter of Peter de la Farge, lord of larPierre. From his birth he enjoyed the valuable advantage of not being under the necessity of struggling, like many men of genius, with adversity and penury. The distinguished rank which his parents held in their province, added to their wealth and opulence, enabled them to bestow upon their son an excellent education, the foundation of which was laid at Mauriac, where he began his studies. Having made considerable progress here, he went afterwards to finish them at the college de Louis le Grand. M. Chappe, from his earliest infancy, shewed a surprising turn for drawing and the mathematics. Descartes was scarcely eight years of age when he was styled a philosopher, and Chappe at that age might have been called a mathematician. An irresistible impulse, and singular disposition, as if innate, led him to draw plans and make calculations; but these pursuits, quite forojgn to the studies in which he was then engaged, occupied no part of that time which was allotted for them. He applied to the former only at those moments which the regulations. of the college suffered him to call his own.
, an eminent oriental scholar, of whom we regret that our information
, an eminent oriental scholar,
of whom we regret that our information is so scanty, was
born in 1683, and educated at St. John’s college, Cambridge, where he took his bachelor’s degree in 1712, his
master’s in 1716, and that of B. D. in 1723. To his other
studies he united an uncommon application to oriental
languages, in which such was his reputation, that he was
chosen to succeed the learned Simon Ockley in 1720, as
Arabic professor. He held also a fellowship in his college,
until they bestowed on him the livings of Great and Little
Hormead, in Hertfordshire. To this fellowship he was
chosen in 1717, in the room of a Mr. Tomkinson, one of
the nonjuror-fellows ejected at that time by act of parliament. The celebrated Mr. Baker was another, and always
afterwards designated himself “Socius ejectus.
” In February De Legibus Hebraeorum Ritualibus.
” Spencer, after the first publication of this capital
work in 1685, had continued to make improvements in it,
and by will left such of his papers and writings as were
perfect, to be added in their proper places, if ever there
should be occasion to reprint it with the full right and
property of them to his executor, bishop (afterwards archbishop) Tenison, who bequeathed them to the university of
Cambridge, after having caused them to be prepared for
the press, with fifty pounds towards the expences of
printing. These the senate, by grace, gave leave to Mr.
Chappelow to publish, and as an encouragement, bestowed
upon him the archbishop’s benefaction likewise. The work
was accordingly executed in 1727, 2 vols. fol. by a subscription of two guineas the small, and three guineas the
large paper, begun in 1725. B en e't college, on this occasion, was at the expence of prefixing an elegant engraving of the author, as a small testimony of gratitude to
their munificent benefactor. In 1730, he published “Elementa Linguae Arabicae,
” chiefly from Erpenius.
wildness, however, was put some check to, by her marriage, when very young, with Mr. Richard Charke, an eminent performer on the violin; immediately after which she
was youngest daughter of CoUey Cibber the player, and afterwards poet-laureat. At eight years old she was put to school, but had an education more suitable to a boy than a girl; and as she grew up, followed the same plan, being more frequently in the stable than in the bed-chamber, and mistress of the curry-comb, though ignorant of the needle. Her very amusements all took the same masculine turn shooting, hunting, riding races, and digging in a garden, being ever her favourite exercises. She also relates an act of her prowess when a mere child, in protecting the house when in expectation of an attack from thieves, by the firing of pistols and blunderbusses out at the windows. All her actions seem to have had a boyish mischievousness in them, and she sometimes appears to have run great risque of ending them with the most fatal consequences. This wildness, however, was put some check to, by her marriage, when very young, with Mr. Richard Charke, an eminent performer on the violin; immediately after which she launched into the billows of a stormy world, where she was, through the remainder of her life, buffeted about without ever once reaching a peaceful harbour. Her husband’s insatiable passion for women soon gave her just cause of uneasiness, and in a short time appears to have occasioned a separation.
north porch of St. Mary Redcliffe church, which was founded, or at least rebuilt, by Mr. W. Canynge ( an eminent merchant of Bristol, in the fifteenth century, and in
“Over the north porch of St. Mary Redcliffe church,
which was founded, or at least rebuilt, by Mr. W. Canynge
(an eminent merchant of Bristol, in the fifteenth century, and in the reign of Edward the Fourth), there is a kind of
muniment room, in which were deposited six v or seven
chests, one of which in particular was called Mr. Canynge’s
cofre: this chest, it is said, was secured by six keys,- two
of which were entrusted to the minister and procurator of
the church, two to the mayor, and one to each of the
church-wardens. In process of time, however, the six
keys appear to have been lost: and about the year 1727, a
notion prevailed that some title deeds, and other vyrjtings
of value, wtrje contained in Mr. Ciniynge’s cofre. In
consequence of this opinion an order of vestry was made, that
the chest should be opened under the inspection of an
attorney; and that those writings which appeared of consequence should be removed to the south porch of the
church. The locks were therefore forced, and not only
the principal chest, but the others, which were also supposed to contain writings, were all broken open. The
deeds immediately relating to the church were removed,
and the other manuscripts were left exposed as of no value.
Considerable depredations had, from time to time, been
committed upon them by different persons: but the most
insatiate of these plunderers was the father of Chatterton.
His uncle being sexton of St. Mary Redcliffe gave him
free access to the church. He carried off, from time to
time, parcels of the parchments, and one time alone, with
the assistance of his boys, is known to have filled a large
basket with them. They were deposited in a cupboard in
the school and employed for different purposes, such as the
covering of copy-books, &c. in particular, Mr. Gibbs, the
minister of the parish, having presented the boys with
twenty Bibles, Mr. Chatterton, in order to preserve these
books from being damaged, covered them with some of
the parchments. At his death, the widow being under a
necessity of removing, carried the remainder of them to
her own habitation. Of the discovery of their value by the
younger Chatterton, the account of Mr. Smith, a very
intimate acquaintance, which he gave to Dr. Glynn of
Cambridge, is too interesting to be omitted. When young
Chatterton was first articled to Mr. Lambert, he used frequently to come home to his mother, by way of a short
visit. There one day his eye was caught by one of these
parchments, which had been converted into a thread-paper.
He found not only the writing to be very old, the characters very different from common characters, but that the
subject therein treated was different from common subjects.
Being naturally of an inquisitive and curious turn, he was
very much struck with their appearance, and, as might be
expected, began to question his mother what those threadpapers were, how she got them, and whence they came.
Upon further inquiry, he was led to a full discovery of all
the parchments which remained; the bulk of them consisted of poetical and other compositions, by Mr. Canynge,
and a particular friend of his, Thomas Rowley, whom
Chatterton at first called a monk, and afterwards a secular
priest of the fifteenth century. Such, at least, appears to
be the account which. Chatterton thought proper to give,
and which he wished to be believed. It is, indeed, confirmed by the testimony of his mother and sister. Mrs.
Chatterton informed a friend of the dean of Exeter (Dr. Milles), that on her removal from Pyle-street, she emptied
the cupboard of its contents, partly into a large long deal
box, where her husband used to keep his clothes, and
partly into a square oak box of a smaller size; carrying
both with their contents to her lodgings, where, according
to her account, they continued neglected and undisturbed
till her son first discovered their value; who having examined their contents, told his mother ‘ that he had found
a treasure, and was so glad nothing could be like it.’ That
he then removed all these parchments out of the large long
deal box in which his father used to keep his clothes, into
the square oak box: that he was perpetually ransacking
every corner of the house for more parchments; and from
time to time, carried away those he had already found by
pockets full. That one day happening to see Clarke’s
History of the Bible covered with one of those parchments,
he swore a great oath, and stripping the book, put the
cover into his pocket, and carried it away; at the same
time stripping a common little Bible, but finding no writing upon the cover, replaced it again very leisurely. Upon
being informed of the manner in which his father had procured the parchments, he went himself to the place, and
picked up four more.
”
, an eminent nonconformist, and great uncle to the historian of
, an eminent nonconformist,
and great uncle to the historian of Hertfordshire, was the
fifth and youngest son of George Chauncy, esq. of Yardley-bury and New-place in Hertfordshire, by Agnes, the
daughter of Edward Welch, and widow of Edward Humberstone, and was born in 1592. He was educated at
Westminster school, from which he went to Trinity college,
Cambridge, where he was admitted to his several degrees,
till he became bachelor of divinity. His reputation for
learning was such as gained him the esteem and friendship
of the celebrated Dr. Usher, archbishop of Armagh. In
consequence of his distinguished skill in Oriental literature, he was chosen, by the heads of houses, Hebrew professor; but Dr. Williams, the vice-chancellor, preferring
a relation of his own, Mr. Chauncy resigned his pretensions, and was appointed to the Greek professorship. He
was the author of the sTriKpuris which is prefixed to Leigh’s
“Critica Sacra' 7 upon the New Testament. When Mr.
Chauncy quitted the university, he became vicar of Ware
in Hertfordshire. Being of puritanical principles, he was
jnuch offended with the
” Book of Sports;“and opposed,
although with less reason, the railing in of the Communion
table. Besides this, he had the indiscretion to say in a
sermon, that idolatry was admitted into the church; that
much Atheism, Popery, Arminianism, and Heresy had
crept into it; and that the preaching of the gospel would
be suppressed. Having by these things excited the indignation of the ruling powers, he was questioned in the high
commission; and the cause being referred, by order of
that court, to the determination of his ordinary, he was
imprisoned, condemned in costs of suit, and obliged to
make a recantation; which, as it had been extorted from
him through fear, lay heavy on his mind. He continued,
indeed, some years in his native country, and officiated at
Marston Lawrence, in the diocese of Peterborough; but
at length retired to New England, where he made an
open acknowledgment of his crime in signing a recantation contrary to the dictates of his conscience. For some
considerable time succeeding his arrival at New England
in 1637, he assisted Mr. Reyner, the minister of that
place; after which he removed to a town at a little distance, called
” Scituate," where he continued twelve
years in the discharge of his pastoral office. When the
republican party became predominant in England, Mr.
Chauncy was invited, by his old parishioners at Ware, to
return back to his native country, and had thoughts of
complying, but was so earnestly pressed by the trustees of
Harvard college, in Cambridge, which then wanted a president, to accept of the government of that society, that
he could not resist their solicitations. This event took
place in 1654; and from that time to his death, which
happened on the 19th of February, 1671-2, in the 80th
year of his age, Mr. Chauncy continued with great reputation at the head of the college, discharging the duties of
his station with distinguished attention, diligence, and
ability. So high was the esteem in which he was held,
that when he had resided about two years in Cambridge,
the church of that town, to whom he was united, and
among whom he preached, kept a whole day of thanksgiving to God, for the mercy they enjoyed in their connection
with him. Mr. Chauncy, by his wife Catherine, whose
life was published, had six sons, all of whom were brought
up for the ministry. Isaac the eldest of them, became
pastor of a nonconformist society in London, and wrote
several treatises . Mr. Charles Chauncy had a number of
descendants, who long flourished both in Old and New
England. One of them was the late Dr. Chauncy the physician, who died in 1777, well known for his skill and
taste in pictures, and for his choice collection of them,
afterwards in the possession of his brother, Nathaniel
Chauncy, esq. of Castle-street, Leicester-fields, who died
in 1790.
, an eminent Lutheran divine, and one of the reformers in Germany,
, an eminent Lutheran divine,
and one of the reformers in Germany, was born at Britzen,
a town in the marquisate of Brandenburg, in 1522. His
father was a poor wool-comber, who found it difficult to
give him much education, but his son’s industry supplied
the want in a great measure. After having learned the
rudiments of literature in a school near home, he went to
Magdeburg, where he made some progress in arts and languages. Then he removed to Francfort upon the Oder,
to cultivate philosophy under his relation George Sabinus;
and to Wittenburg, where he studied under Philip Melancthon. Afterwards he became a school-master in Prussia;
and, in 1552, was made librarian to the prince. He now
devoted himself wholly to the study of divinity, though he
was a considerable mathematician, and skilled particularly
in astronomy. After he had continued in the court of
Prussia three years, he returned to the university of Wittemberg, and lived in friendship with Melancthon, who
employed him in reading the com-mon-places. From thence
he removed to Brunswick, where he spent the last thirty
years of his life as pastor, and commenced D. D. at Rostock. He died April 8, 1586. His principal works are,
1. “Harmonia Evangeliorum,
” Francfort, Examen Concilii Tridentini.
”
3. “A treatise against the Jesuits,
” wherein he explained
to the Germans the doctrines and policy of those crafty
devisers, &c. His “Examination of the Council of Trent
”
has always been reckoned a very masterly performance,
and was translated and published in English, 1582, 4to.
, an eminent surgeon and anatomist, and a celebrated writer, was
, an eminent surgeon and
anatomist, and a celebrated writer, was born Oct. 19, 1688,
at Burrow-on-the-Hill, near Somerby in Leicestershire.
After having received a classical education, and been
instructed in the rudiments of his profession at Leicester, he was placed about 1703, under the immediate
tuition of the celebrated anatomist Cowper, and resided
in his house, and at the same time studied surgery under
Mr. Feme, the head surgeon of St. Thomas’s hospital.
Such was the proficiency he made under these able masters, that he himself began, at the age of twenty-two, to
read lectures in anatomy, a syllabus of which, in 4to, was
first printed in 1711. Lectures of this kind were then,
somewhat new in this country, having been introduced,
not many years before, by M. Bussiere, a French refugee,
and a surgeon of high note in the reign of queen Anne. Till
then, the popular prejudices had run so high against the
practice of dissection, that the civil power found it difficult
to accommodate the lecturers with proper subjects; and
pupils were obliged to attend the universities, or other public
seminaries, where, likewise, the procuring of bodies was no
easy task. It is an extraordinary proof of Mr. Cheselden’s
early reputation, that he had the honour of being chosen a
member of the royal society in 1711, when he could be little
more than twenty- three years of age but he soon justified
their choice, by a variety of curious and useful communications. Nor were his contributions limited to the royal society,
but are to be found in the memoirs of the royal academy of
surgeons at Paris, and in other valuable repositories. In
1713 Mr. Cheselden published in 8vo, his “Anatomy of
the Human Body,
” reprinted in
, an eminent historian, and justly considered as the father of French
, an eminent historian, and justly considered as the father of French history, was bornin the Isle of Bouchard; in Torrairie, May 1584. He was the youngest of the four sons of Tanneguy Du Chesne, lord of Sausoniere. His name has been Latinized in different forms. He has at different times called himself Quema3us, Quercetanus, Duchenius; and by others he has been called Querceus, a Quercu, Chesneus, and Chesnius. In his historical works he assumed no other title than that of geographer to the king, except in his history of the house of Bethune, printed in 1639, where he calls himself historiographer to the king. His family produced many men of talents in the army and at the bar. He was first educated at Loudun, and after a course of grammar and rhetoric, came to Parisj where he studied philosophy, in the college of Boncours, under Julius Caesar Boulanger, an eminent philosopher, and one of the best historians of that period.
, in Latin Claramontius, an eminent Italian astronomer and philosopher, was born at Cesena
, in Latin Claramontius,
an eminent Italian astronomer and philosopher, was born
at Cesena in the province of Romagna in June 1565. His
father was a physician at Cesena. He studied at Perugia
and Ferrara, and became distinguished for his progress in
philosophy and mathematics;, the former of which he
taught for some time at Pisa. He passed, however, the
greater part of his long life at Cesena, and in his history
of that place, which he published in 1641, he informs us,
that for fifty -nine years he had served his country in a public capacity. He was, in particular, frequently deputed to
Rome, either to offer obedience to the pope in the name
of his countrymen, or on other affairs. He had married a
Jady whom he calls Virginia de Abbatibus, but becoming
a widower at the age of eighty, he went into the church,
received priest’s orders, and retired with the priests of the
congregation of the oratory, for whom he built a church at
Cesena, and there he died Oct. 3, 1652, in his eightyseventh year. He established at Cesena the academy of
the Oifuscati, over which he presided until his death. His
works, written partly in Italian and partly in Latin, are
very numerous, and filled a considerable space in the literary history of his time: 1. “Discorso della Cometa pogonare dell' anno 1618, &c.
” Venice, Anti-Tycho, in quo contra Tychonem Brahe,
et nonnullos alios, &.c. demonstrator Cometas esse sublunares,
” Venice, De conjectandis cuj usque moribus et
latitantibus animi affectibus semeiotice moralis, seu de signis libri decem,
” ibid. Notse in moralem suam
semeioticam, seu de signis,
” Cesena, Apologia pro Anti-Tychone suo adversus Hypcraspiten Joannis Kepleri,
” Venice, De tribus novis stellis, quse annis 1572, 1600, et 1604, comparuere,
” Cesena, Difesa di Scipioni
Chiaramonti, &c.
” Florence, Delia ‘ragione di stato libri tre, nel quale trattato da primi priticipii dedotto si suo prona la natura, le massime, e le specie
cle’ governi buoni, cattivi e mascherati,
” Florence, Examen ad censuram Joannis Camilli Gloriosi in hbrum
de tribus novis stellis,
” ibid. De sede
sublunari Cometarum, opuscula tria,
” Amst. 1636, 4to. If.
“Castigatio J. Camilli Gloriosi adversus Claramontium
castigata ab ipso Claramontio,
” Cesena, De methodo ad doctrinam spectante, libri quatuor, &c.
”
ibid. Csesense Historia libris sexdecim,
ab initio civitatis ad haec tempera,
” with a sketch of the
general history of Italy during the same period, Cesena,
1641, 4to. 14. “De atrabile, quoad mores attinet,
” Paris, Anti-Philolaus, in quo Philolaus redivivus de
terrse motu et solis ac fixarum quiete impugnalur,
” &c.
Cesena, Defensio ab oppugnationibus Fortunii Liceti de sede Cometarum,
” Cesena, De Universo, libri
sexdecim,
” Cologne, De altitudine Caucasi liber unus, cura Gab. Naudasi editus,
” Paris, Philosophia naturalis methodo resolutiva tradita, &c.
” Cesena,
Opuscula varia mathematica,
” Bologna,
Commentaria in Aristotelem de iri.de,
&c.
” ibid. In quatuor meteorum Aristotelis librum commentaria,
” Venice, Delle,
scene, e theatri opera posthuma,
” Cesena,
, an eminent French physician, was born 1650, at Conques in ^anguedoc.
, an eminent French physician, was born 1650, at Conques in ^anguedoc. M. Chicoineau entrusted him with the education of his two sons, and perSuaded him to study physic. Chirac became a member of the faculty at Montpellier, and in five years time taught physic there, which he afterwards practised, taking M. Barbeyrac for his model, who then held the first rank at Montpellier. In 1692 he was appointed physician to the army of Roussillon; the year following a dysentery became epidemical among the troops, and ipecacoanha proving unsuccessful, Chirac gave miHt mixed with lye, made of vine branches, which cured almost all the sick. Some years after he returned to his situation of professor and physician at Montpellier, and was engaged in two disputes, which were the subjects of much conversation; one with M. Vieussens, an eminent physician at Montpellier, on the discovery of the acid of the blood; the other with M. Sorazzi, an Italian physician, on the structure of the hair. He attended the duko of Orleans into Italy 1706, whom he cured of q. wound in the arm, by putting it into the water of Balaruc, which was sent for on purpose. In 1707, he accompanied the s^me prince into Spain, and was appointed his first physician 1713; admitted a free associate of the academy of sciences the following year, and succeeded M. Fagon as superintendant of the king’s garden, 1718. In 1728 he received letters of nobility from his majesty; and in 1730, the place of first physician, vacant by the death of M. Dodart, was conferred upon him. He died March 11, 1732, aged 52. He left 30,000 livres to the university of Montpellier for the purpose of founding two anatomical professorships. M. Chirac was skilful in surgery, and sometimes performed operations himself. He gained great honour during the epidemical disorder which prevailed at Ilochefort, and was called the Siam sickness. When there was danger of an inflammation on the brain in the small-pox, he advised bleeding in the foot. His Dissertations and Consultations, are printed with those of Silva, 3 vols. 12mo.
, an eminent lawyer, born 1537, at Bailleul in Anjou, was counsellor
, an eminent lawyer, born 1537, at
Bailleul in Anjou, was counsellor to the parliament of
Paris, in which situation he pleaded with great reputation
a long time, and afterwards, confining himself to his study,
composed a considerable number of works, printed in 1663,
5 vols. folio; and there is a Latin edition of them in 4 vols.
He was consulted from all parts, and was ennobled by Henry
III. in 1578, for his treatise “De Domanio.
” What he
wrote on the custom of Anjou, is esteemed his best work,
and gained him the title and honours of sheriff of the city
of Angers. His books “De sacra Politia Monastica,
” and
“De Privilegiis Rusticorum,
” are also much valued. Chopin’s attachment to the league drew upon him a macaronic
satire, entitled “Anti-Chopinus,
” Oratio de Pontificio Gregorii XIV. ad Gallos Diplomate
a criticis notis vindicate,
” Paris, 1591, 4to, which is not
among Chopin’s works. On the day that the king entered
Paris, Chopin’s wife lost her senses, and he received orders
to leave the city; but remained there through the interest
of his friends, upon which he wrote the eulogy of Henry IV.
in Latin, 1594, 8vo, which is also omitted in his works, as
well as “Bellum Sacrum Gallicum, Poema,
”
ut the year 1759 or 1760, he wrote a poem of some length, entitled “The Bard,” which was rejected by an eminent bookseller, perhaps justly, as the author did not publish
At what period he made the first experiment of his poetical talents is not known. He had, in conjunction with
Lloyd, the care of the poetical department in the “The
Library,
” a kind of magazine, of which Dr. Kippis was
editor, and he probably wrote some small pieces in that
work, but they cannot now be distinguished. About the
year 1759 or 1760, he wrote a poem of some length, entitled “The Bard,
” which was rejected by an eminent
bookseller, perhaps justly, as the author did not publish it
afterwards, when it might have had the protection of his
name. He wrote also “The Conclave,
” a satire levelled
at the dean and chapter of Westminster, which his friends
prevailed upon him to suppress. Thus disappointed in
his first two productions, his constant attendance at the
theatres suggested a third, levelled at the players. This
was his celebrated “Hosciad,
” in which the professional
characters of the performers of Drury Lane and Co vent
Garden theatres were examined with a severity, yet with
an acuteness of criticism, and easy flow of humour and
sarcasm, which rendered what he probably considered as a
temporary trifle, a publication of uncommon popularity;
He had, however, so little encouragement in bringing this
poem forward, that five guineas were refused as the price
he valued it at; and he printed it at his own risk when he
had scarcely ready money enough to pay for the necessary
advertisements. It was published in March 1761, and its
sale exceeded all expectation, but as his name did not
appear to the first edition, and Lloyd had not long before
published “The Actor,
” a poem on the same subject, the
Rosciad was generally supposed to be the production of
the same writer; while, by others, it was attributed to
those confederate wits, Colman and Thornton. Churchill,
however, soon avowed a poem which promised so much
fame and profit, and as it had been not only severely
handled in the Critical Review, but positively attributed to
another pen, he published “The Apology: addressed to
the Critical Reviewers,
”
, whose family name was Kochhafe, or Rochhafe, was an eminent Lutheran divine, and a promoter of the reformation.
, whose family name was Kochhafe, or Rochhafe, was an eminent Lutheran divine, and a
promoter of the reformation. He was born at Ingelsing in
Suabia, in 1530, of parents who, discerning his capacity,
bestowed much pains on his education, and in his ninth
year sent him to Tubingen, where he was placed under the
ablest masters. Such was his proficiency that he was soon
after admitted into the university of that place, and at the
age of fifteen took his master’s degree with the greatest
credit. He then went to Wittemberg, and studied under
Melancthon, who expressed himself surprised at his having
so early attained academic honours, and received him into
his house. There also he heard some of Luther’s lectures.
After Luther’s death, and the interruption which the wars
occasioned to the university of Wittemberg, Chytreeus
went to Heidelberg, where he studied Hebrew, and to
Tubingen, where he took some lessons in mathematics;
but prince Maurice having restored the university of Wittemberg, and recalled Melancthon, Chytraeus went back
also, and completed his theological course. In 1548, having raised some money by private teaching, he visited a
considerable part of Italy, and on his return was invited to
become one of the professors of the university of Rostock,
where he acquired such reputation for learning, that various
offers were made to him by the princes of Germany, and
by the universities, all which he declined; and yet when
prince John Albert offered to increase his stipend as an
inducement for him to remain at Rostock, he refused to
accept it. He travelled, however, occasionally during his
residence here to such places as he was invited to assist the
reformation, or to give advice in founding schools and
colleges, but always returned in time for his regular courses
of lectures; and amidst his many public employments,
found leisure to write a great many works on subjects of
theology, philology, and history, which extended his
fame, he died June 25, 1600. His principal works are,
a commentary on the Revelations, and “C|ironologia historice lierodoti et Thucydidis,
” Strasburgh, Chroniconanni 1593, 1594, etinitii 1595,
” Leipsic, Vita D. Chytraei
memoriae posteritatis orationibus et carminibus consecrata,
”
Rostock, De vitaD. Chytrasi commentariorum libri quatuor, ex editis et ineditis
monumentis ita conpinnata, ut sit annalium instar et supplementorum pist_ Eccles. seculi XVI. speciatim rerum in
Lutherana ecclesia et academia Rostochiensi gestarum,
”
IJamtmrgh, 1720 1728, 4 vols. 8vo, Of so much importance was Chytncus above a century after his death, that hi$
personal history was thought a proper foundation and connecting medium, for a general history of the Lutheran
church,
ius, was born in Southampton-street, London, November 6, 1671. His father, Caius Gabriel Cibber, was an eminent statuary, and his mother was the daughter of William
, poet-laureat to George II. and a
dramatic writer of considerable genius, was born in Southampton-street, London, November 6, 1671. His father,
Caius Gabriel Cibber, was an eminent statuary, and his
mother was the daughter of William Colley, esq. of an ancient family of Glaiston, in Rutland. He took his Christian name from her brother, Edward Colley, esq. In 1681—2
he was sent to the free-school of Grantham, in Lincolnshire and such learning he tells us, as that school could
give him, is the most he ever pretended to, neither utterly
forgetting, nor much improving it afterwards by study.
In 1687 he stood at the election of Winchester scholars,
upon the credit of being descended by his mother’s side
from William of Wykeham, the founder; but not succeeding, he prevailed with his father, who intended him
for the church, to send him to the university. The revolution of 1688, however, gave a turn to Cibber’s fortune;
and instead of going to an university, he supplied his father’s place in the army, under the earl of Devonshire, at
Nottingham, who was on his road to Chatsworth, in
Derbyshire. There his father was then employed, with
other artists of all kinds, changing the architecture and
decorations of that seat. The revolution having been accomplished without bloodshed, Cibber had no opportunity
of proving his valour, and immediately determined to gratify a very early inclination he had somehow formed for
the stage. Here, however, he did not meet with much
encouragement at first, being full three quarters of a year
before he was taken into a salary of 105. per week; yet
this, with the assistance of food and raiment at his father’s
house, he tells us he then thought a most plentiful accession, and himself the happiest of mortals. The first part
in which he appeared with any success, was the chaplain
in the “Orphan,
” which he performed so well, that Goodman, an old celebrated actor, affirmed with an oath, that
he would one day make a good actor. This commendation
from an acknowledged judge, filled his bosom, as he tells
us, with such transports, that he questioned whether
Alexander himself, or Charles XII. of Sweden, felt greater
at the head of their victorious armies. The next part he
played, was that of Lord Touchwood, in Congreve’s
“Double Dealer,
” acted before queen Mary which he prepared upon only one day’s notice, by the recommendation
of the author, and so well, that Congreve declared he
had not only answered, but exceeded his expectations; and
from the character he gave of him, his salary was raised
from 15s. a week, as it then stood, to 20s. The part of
Fondlewife, in the “Old Batchelor,
” was the next in
which he distinguished himself.
, wife of the preceding, and for several years the best actress in England, was the daughter of an eminent upholsterer in Covent-garden, and sister to Dr. Thomas
, wife of the preceding, and for several years the best actress in England, was the daughter of an eminent upholsterer in Covent-garden, and sister to Dr. Thomas Augustin Arne, the musician. Her first appearance on the stage was as a singer, in which the sweetness of her voice rendered her very conspicuous, although she had not much judgment, nor a good ear. It was in this situation, that, in April 1734, she married Theoph. Cibber, then a widower for the second time. The first year of their nuptials was attended with as much felicity as could be expected, but the match was by no means agreeable to his father, who had entertained hopes of settling his son in a higher rank in life than the stage; but the amiable deportment of his daughter-in-law, and the seeming reformation of his son, induced him to take the young couple into favour. As he was a manager of Drury-lane play-house at that time, and his son having hinted somewhat respecting Mrs. Cibber’s talents as an actress, he desired to hear a specimen. Upon this her first attempt to declaim in tragedy, he was happy to discover that her speaking voice was perfectly musical, her expression both in voice and feature, strong and pathetic at pleasure, and her figure at that time perfectly in proportion. He therefore assiduously undertook to cultivate those talents, and produced her in 1736, in the character of Zara, in Aaron Hill’s tragedy, being its first representation. The audience were both delighted and astonished. The piece, which was at best an indifferent translation, made its way upon the stage; and Mrs. Cibber’s, reputation as an actress was fully established, with its agreeable concomitants, a rise of salary, &c. The character, however, which she acquired in public, was lost in private life. She was married to a man who was luxurious and prodigal, and rapacious after money to gratify his passions or vanity, and at length he resolved to make a profit of the honour of his wife. With this view, therefore, he cemented the closest friendship with a gentleman, whom he introduced to his wife, recommended to her, gave them frequent interviews, and even saw them put, as if by accident, in the same bed, and had then the impudence to commence a trial for criminal correspondence, which brought to light his nefarious conduct. He laid his damages at 5000l. but the jury discerning the baseness of his conduct, gave only 10l. costs; a sum not sufficient to reimburse him a fortieth part of his expences. From that time Mrs. Cibber discontinued living with her husband, and resided entirely with the gentleman who was the defendant in this abominable trial.
Aculeos, by a method approved and directed by L. Crassus, and placed there in a public school under an eminent Greek master. His father, indeed, discerning the promising
He was educated at Rome with his cousins, the young Aculeos, by a method approved and directed by L. Crassus, and placed there in a public school under an eminent Greek master. His father, indeed, discerning the promising genius of his son, spared no expence in procuring the ablest masters among whom was the poetA re hi as, who came to Rome with a high reputation, when Cicero was about five years old; and who was afterwards defended by Cicero in a most elegant oration, still extant.
, an eminent artist, was born at Bologna (some say at Rome) in 1628,
, an eminent artist, was born at Bologna (some say at Rome) in 1628, and was taught his ait by Giovanni Battista Cairo Casalasco; and afterwards became the disciple of Albano, in whose school he appeared with promising and superior talents, but although these, while he studied with Albano, were exceedingly admired, yet, to improve himself still farther in correctness of design, and also in the force and relief of his figures, he studied Raphael, Annibale Caracci, Caravaggio, Correggio, and Guido; and combined something of each in a manner of his own. He is accounted very happy in his taste of composition, and excellent in the disposition of his figures; but a judicious writer says, that he was censured for bestowing too much labour on the finishing of his pictures, which considerably diminished their spirit; and also for affecting too great a strength of colouring, so as to give his figures too much relief, and make them appear as if not united with their grounds. However well or ill-founded these observations may be, yet through all Europe he is deservedly admired for the force and delicacy of his pencil, for the great correctness of his design, for a distinguished elegance in his compositions, and also for the mellowness which he gave to his colours. The draperies of his figures are in general easy and free; his expression of the passions is judicious and natural; and there appears a remarkable grace in every one of his figures.
, an eminent musician and composer, was born at Capo di Monte, Naples:
, an eminent musician and composer, was born at Capo di Monte, Naples: he studied
music at the couservatorio of Loretto, and was a disciple
of the admirable Duronte. He was carefully educated in
other respects, and his docility and sweetness of temper,
during his youth, gained him the affection of all who
knew him. On quitting the conservatorio his talents were
soon noticed, and his operas, chiefly comic, became the
delight of all Italy. But though he composed for buffo
singers, his style was always graceful, never grotesque or
capricious. There is an ingenuity in his accompaniments
which embellishes the melody of the voice part, without
too much occupying the attention of the audience. His
operas of “Il Pittore Parigino,
” and “L'Italiana in Londra,
” were carried to Rome, and thence to the principal
cities of Italy, where their success was so great in 1782
and 1783, that he received an order from Paris to compose
a cantata for the birth of the dauphin, which was performed
by a band of more than 100 voices and instruments. In
1784 he was engaged to compose for the theatres and cities
which seldom had operas expressly composed for them;
bringing on their stage such as were set for great capitals,
such as Rome, Naples, Venice, and Milan. By these
means the expences of poet and composer were saved. He
composed operas likewise at Petersburgh and Madrid, and
his success and fame were more rapid than those of any
composer of the last century, except Piccini, and the fame
of his comic opera of “L'ltaliana in Londra,
” seems to
have been as extensive as that of the “Buona Figliuola.
”
, an eminent artist, claimed by the English school, from England
, an eminent artist, claimed
by the English school, from England being so long the
theatre of his art, was born at Pistoia, about the year 1727.
He received his first instructions from an English artist of
the name of Heckford (who had settled in that city), and
afterwards went under the tuition of Gabbiani, by the study
of whose works he became a vigorous designer. Italy possesses few of his pictures, but Lanzi mentions two, painted
for the abbey of St. Michele, in Pelago, in the neighbourhood of Pistoia; the one of St. Tesauro, the other of Gregory VII. In 1750 he went to Rome, where he had much
employment, but chiefly in drawing; and in August 1755
came to England with Mr. Wilton and sir William Chambers, who were then returning from the continent. His
reputation having preceded him, he was patronized by lord
Tilney, and the late duke of Richmond, and other noblemen. When, in 1758, the duke of Richmond opened the
gallery at his house in Privy- garden as a school of art,
Wilton and Cipriani were appointed to visit the students
the former giving them instructions in sculpture, and the
latter in painting; but this scheme was soon discontinued.
At the foundation of the Royal Academy, Cipriani was
chosen one of the founders, and was also employed to make
the design for the diploma, which is given to the academicians and associates at their admission. For this work,
which he executed with great taste and elegance, the president and council presented him with a silver cup, “as an
acknowledgment for the assistance the academy received
from his great abilities in his profession.
” The original
drawing of this diploma was purchased at the marquis of
Lansdowne’s sale of pictures, drawings, &c. in 1806 for
thirty-one guineas by Mr. G. Baker.
tuition he remained until he was thirteen years old, when he was sent to school under one Crauford, an eminent teacher at that time. Here he informs us that he fell
, a very industrious and useful
writer of the seventeenth century, less known than his
services deserved, and particularly entitled to notice in a
work of this kind, was born Oct. 10, 1599, at Woolston,
in the county of Warwick, of which place his father had
been minister for upwards of forty years. Under his tuition he remained until he was thirteen years old, when he
was sent to school under one Crauford, an eminent teacher
at that time. Here he informs us that he fell into loose
practices from keeping bud company, but occasionally
felt the reluctance which a pious education usually leaves.
At the end of four years he was sent to Cambridge, and
entered of Emanuel, which was then, according to his account, the Puritan college. After taking his bachelor’s
degree, his father recalled him home, and he was for
some time employed as a family-tutor in Warwickshire,
after which, being now in orders, he was invited into
Cheshire, as assistant to Mr. Byrom, who had the living of
Thornton, and with whom he continued almost two years,
preaching twice every Sunday during that time. Some
scruples respecting the ceremonies occasioned him much
trouble, and. he had an intention of removing to London;
but happening to receive a pressing invitation from the inhabitants of Wirrall, a peninsula beyond West Chester,
he consented to settle among them at Shotwick, where no
regular service had been performed, and became here very
useful as a preacher, and very popular through an extensive district. After, however, five years’ quiet residence
here, a prosecution was instituted against him for the
omission of ceremonies (what they were he does not inform us) in the Chancellor’s court; and while about to leave
Shotwick in consequence of this, the mayor, aldermen, and
many of the inhabitants of Coventry, invited him to preach
a lecture in that city, which he accepted, and carried on
for some time; but here likewise he excited the displeasure of Dr. Buggs, who held the two principal livings in
Coventry, and who prosecuted him before the bishop, Dr.
Morton. After this, by the influence of Robert earl of
Warwick, he was enabled to preach at Warwick, and
although complained of, was not molested in any great
degree. Soon after, lord Brook presented him to the
rectory of Alcester, where he officiated for nine years,
and, as he informs us, “the town, which before was called
* drunken Alcester,' was now exemplary and eminent for
religion.
” When the et c<etcra oath was enjoined, the
clergy of the diocese met and drew up a petition against
it, which Mr. Clarke and Mr. Arthur Salway presented to
his majesty at York, who returned for answer, that they
should not be molested for refusing the oath, until the
consideration of their petition in parliament. This business afterwards requiring Mr. Clarke to go to London, he
was chosen preacher of the parish of St. Bennet Fink, a
curacy which is said to have been then, as it is now, in
the gift of the canons of Windsor. Walker, from having
included this among the livings sequestered by the parliamentary reformers, would seem to intimate that Mr. Clarke
must have succeeded to it at the expence of the incumfyent; but the fact is, there was no incumbent at the time.
We learn from Clarke’s dedication of his “Mirror
” to
Philip Holman, esq. of Warkworth in. Northamptonshire,
a native of St. Bennet Fink, and a great benefactor to it,
that for many years before this time (probably before 1646)
the parish had little maintenance for a minister; theif
tithes, being impropriated, went another way. They had
no stock, no land, no house for the minister, no lecture,
nor any one gift sermon in the year. This Mr. Holman,
however, had furnished a house for the curate and settled
it upon feoffees in trust, and had promised to add something towards his further maintenance. Such was the
situation of the parish when Mr. Clarke was elected, and
he remained their preacher until the restoration. During
the whole of this period, he appears to have disapproved
of the practices of the numerous sectaries which arose, and
retained his attachment to the constitution and doctrines of
the church, although he objected to some of those points
respecting ceremonies and discipline, which ranks him
among the ejected non-conformists. Most of his works appear to have been compiled, as indeed they are generally
dated there, at his house in Threadneedle- street, and it
was the sole business of his future life, to enlarge and republish them. In 1660, when Charles II. published a declaration concerning ecclesiastical affairs, the London clergy
drew up a congratulatory address, with a request for the
removal of re-ordination and surplices in colleges, &,c,
Vol. IX. D D
which Mr. Clarke was appointed to present. In the following year he was appointed one of the commissioners
for revising the book of Common Prayer, but what particular share he took we are not informed; nor are we told
more of his history, while in the church, than that he was
seven or eight years a governor, and two years president
of Sion college. When ejected for non-conformity, such
was his idea of schism and separation, that he quietly submitted to a retired and studious life. From the church,
which he constantly attended as a hearer, he says, he
dared not to separate, or gather a private church out of a
true church, which he judged the church of England to
be. In this retirement he continued twenty years, partly
at Hammersmith, and partly at Isleworth, revising what
he had published, and compiling other works, all of which
appear to have been frequently reprinted, notwithstand*ig their size and price. He died Dec. 25, 1682, universally respected for his piety, and especially for his moderation in the contests which prevailed in his time.
, an eminent French protestant clergyman, was born at Sauvetat in
, an eminent French protestant clergyman, was born at Sauvetat in the province of Angenois, in
1619, and studied grammar and philosophy under his father Francis Claude, also a minister, ~and a man of great
piety, and afterwards went through a course of divinity at
Montauban, where he was ordained in 1645. He was
made minister of the church of la Treyne, where he officiated a year, and then became minister of a church of St.
Afric in Rovergne and eight years after, pastor of that
of Nismes. As the protestants had an university in the
city of Nismes, Claude had an opportunity of displaying
one of his chief talents, that of happily explaining a theological subject; and he used to read private lectures to
such as were candidates for the ministry. He had undertaken to refute the piece called “The Method,
” which
was written by cardinal Richelieu against the protestants;
but hearing that Martel, an eminent professor of divinity,
had a synodical commission for that purpose, he laid aside
that design. Havfng opposed, in the synod of the Lower
Languedoc, a person whom the court had won over to attempt a re-union between the Roman catholics and protestants, he was forbid, by a decree of council, the functions of a minister in Languedoc, after he had exercised
them eight years at Nismes. He went to Paris to get this
resolution taken off; and, after staying there six months
to no purpose, he went to Montauban, preached the day
after his arrival, and accepted an offer from the people of
that church.
was followed by an “Impartial Enquiry into the time of the coming of the Messiah,” in two letters to an eminent Jew, printed first separately, and then together, in
Soon after Dr. Clayton’s marriage, he went with his
lady to England, and while at London, a person in distressed circumstances applied to him for assistance, with
the testimony of Dr. Samuel Clarke for a recommendation, upon which, instead of the usual donation on such
occasions, he gave to the necessitous man the sum of three
hundred pounds, which was the whole that he wanted to
make him easy in the world. This circumstance introduced him to Dr. Clarke, and the result of their acquaintance was, Dr. Clayton’s embracing the Arian principles,
to which he adhered during the remainder of his life. Dr.
Clarke having carried to queen Caroline an account of Dr.
Clayton’s remarkable beneficence, it made a powerful
impression on her majesty’s mind in favour of his character; which impression was strongly enforced by her
bed-chamber woman, Mrs. Clayton, afterwards lady
Sundon. Such a powerful interest procured an immediate
recommendation to lord Carteret, then chief governor of
Ireland, for the very first bishopric tbat should become
vacant, and accordingly, he was advanced to that of
Killala, January 1729-30. In this situation he continued
till November 1735, when he was translated to the see of
Cork, and in 1745 to that of Clogher. Excepting a letter
written to the royal society upon a subject of no great
consequence, his first publication was an “Introduction
to the History of the Jews,
” which was afterwards translated into French, and printed at Leyden. His next work
was “The Chronology of the Hebrew Bible vindicated: the
facts compared with other ancient histories, and the difficulties explained, from the flood to the death of Moses;
together with some conjectures in relation to Egypt during
that period of time; also two maps, in which are attempted
to be settled the journeyings of the children of Israel,
”
Dissertation on Prophecy,
” in which he endeavoured to shew, from a joint comparison of the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Revelation of St. John, that
the final end of the dispersion of the Jews will be coincident with the ruin of the popedom, and take place about
2000. This was followed by an “Impartial Enquiry into
the time of the coming of the Messiah,
” in two letters to
an eminent Jew, printed first separately, and then together,
in 1751. In the same year (1751), appeared the “Essay
on Spirit,
” a performance which excited very general attention, and was productive of a fruitful controversy. Its
object was to recommend the Arian doctrine of the inferiority of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to prepare
the way for suitable alterations in the Liturgy. His biographer, who is at the same time his warm panegyrist,
allows that in this performance he has indulged too freely
in imagination and conjecture; and that he might have
confined the question with greater advantage to the direct
and simple standard of Scripture. The work, after all, was
not Dr. Clayton’s, but one of his adoption, the real authoi
being a young clergyman in his diocese, who shewed the manuscript to his lordship, but had not the courage to print it in
his own name. The bishop, with what is called a romantic generosity, conveyed it to the press, and managed the affair in
such a manner, that the treatise was universally ascribed to
him in all the attacks to which it was exposed, and the sentiments certainly were his. One effect of this conduct was,
his being prevented from rising higher in the church. In
1752, he was recommended by the duke of Dorset, then
viceroy of Ireland, to the vacant archbishopric of Tuam,
but this was refused, solely on account of his being regarded as the writer of the Essay.
, an eminent father of the church in the end of the second and beginning
, an eminent father of the church in the end of the second and beginning of the third century, was an Athenian, or according to others an Alexandrian on which account he is usually called Clemens Alexandrines, by way of distinguishing him from Clemens Romanus. When Pantsenus was sent by Demetrius, bishop of Alexandria, to preach the gospel to the Indians, at th6 request of their ambassadors, about the year 191 Clemens succeeded him in the catechetical school. He acquitted himself admirably well in this employment, and had many eminent pupils, as Origen and Alexander bishop of Jerusalem. Clemens’s method of instructing the catechumens is said to have been this. He pointed out to them, and explained all that was good in the pagan philosophy; and then led them on insensibly to Christianity. In his philosophic character, which he too much preserved, he was an eclectic; that is, not attached to any particular sect of philosophers, but a selector of what he thought good and sound in them all.
, an eminent German bibliographer, was a French preacher at Hanover,
, an eminent German bibliographer,
was a French preacher at Hanover, a man profoundly acquainted with the history of literature, and the author of
a well-known collection of bibliography, entitled “Bibliotheque curieuse, historique, et critique, ou Catalogue raisonne de livres difficiles a trouver,
” 9 vols. 4to, Gottingen,
&c. 1750 1760, at which last date^this useful work was
interrupted by his death, and has never been completed.
It is in alphabetical order, and extends no farther than the
letter H. Its only fault is that the author marks many
books as rare, which are very common. He published also
“Specimen Bibliothecae Hispano-Maiansianae, sive idea
novi catalog! critici operum scriptorum Hispanorum, quse
kabet in sua bibliotheca Gregorius Maiansius,
” Hanover,
, an eminent designer and engraver, was born at Metz, in 1637, of
, an eminent designer and engraver, was born at Metz, in 1637, of a family in such an
humble condition, that he entered while very young into
the abbey of St. Arnould, in that city, in quality of helper
in the kitchen. He had such a natural talent for drawing,
that all the moments of leisure he could get from his employment he Hlled up in making little portraits with a pen
on such scraps of paper as he found about the kitchen.
The prior of the house caught him one day occupied in
this manner; and, on examining his performance, perceived in it such marks of genius as allowed him not to
doubt that young Le Clerc would attain to excellence if
assisted by art. He immediately took the resolution to
cultivate his natural talents, put the crayon into his hand,
and gave him to the care of one of the monks, with orders
to get him instructed. At ten years old he could handle
the graver. At the same time he applied himself to the
study of geometry, perspective, fortification, and architecture, in which he made as rapid a progress as in drawing
and engraving. Marshal de la Ferte made choice of him
for his geographical engineer; Louis XIV. for his engraver
in ordinary, at the solicitation of Colbert; and pope Clement XI. honoured him with the title of a Roman knight.
In addition to this superior merit, and this strong capacity
for the arts, Le Clerc had kind affections and an insinuating
address. He died at Paris the 25th of October, 1714, at
the age of seventy-seven. This master treated every subject with equal excellence; as landscapes, architecture,
ornaments, discovering a lively and glowing imagination
kept under due restraint, a correctness of design, a wonderful fertility, and elegant expression and execution.
The productions of his graver, amounting to upwards of
3000, would have been sufficient of themselves to have
gained him great reputation, independently of those of his
pen. The principal of the latter kind are: 1. “A Treatise
of Theoretic and Practical Geometry,
” reprinted in A Treatise on Architecture,
”
12 vols. 4to. 3. “A Discourse on Perspective,
” in which
the author shews a profound knowledge of his subject.
After Callot, he is the engraver who has most distinctly
shewn five or six leagues extent of country in a small
space.
y, which consisted of four children. About the year 1750, he was first noticed by Dr. Kirwan Wright, an eminent physician, and a man of learning, who encouraged him
, an ingenious professor of the veterinary art, was born at Norwich, Aug. 12, 1725. His father was a blacksmith, in humble life, and could only afford to allow his son a short time for instruction, in the elements of reading, writing, and arithmetic. He was taken from school before he had made much progress in his education; and when he was seventeen years old, he was obliged, by the death of his father, to carry on the business for the benefit of his mother and her family, which consisted of four children. About the year 1750, he was first noticed by Dr. Kirwan Wright, an eminent physician, and a man of learning, who encouraged him to direct his mind to the investigation and treatment of the diseases of horses. To this pursuit he devoted his attention with great zeal and success. Through the same friend he was induced to acquire a knowledge of the Latin and French languages, in. order to make himself acquainted with the best authors on farriery and medicine, but particularly Vegetius and La Fosse. His Latin teacher was a Mr. Pagan, under whose tuition he made a rapid progress: and in French he instructed himself without the help of any master. He was much assisted in his Latin studies by acting as an amanuensis, and sometimes read in^ Latin books, to Dr. Wright, who had the misfortune to be deprived of his sight. During this time he was a hard worker as well as a hard student. He used to work at the forge, the regular hours, from sixo'clock in the morning until eight at night, and then frequently got ready the nails requisite for his men the next day. To his labours as a blacksmith, a veterinary practitioner, a student of Latin and French, he added others, as a student of mathematics. He became a member of a society established in Norwich, among men of original minds and small incomes, for improvement in mathematics and experimental philosophy, under the direction of Mr. Peter Bilby. Here ho associated with John Fransham, with Mr. Arderon, F. 11. S. a friend and correspondent of Baker, whose inquiries with the microscope excited general interestat that time, and with other working and thinking men. Mr. Clover had a greater quickness of apprehension, and excelled Fransham in mathematics; but the latter had made a greater proficiency in the classics, and was therefore qualified to become his master. After his return from his eccentric excursion to Newcastle, Mr. Clover employed Fransham occasionally to ride the horses home after they were shod, and whilst the iron was heating, they used both to be employed in Latin exer^ses and mathematical problems, worked upon a slate hung against the forge. Thus the tutor assisted in all the labours of his pupil, and, ' after correcting an exercise, or discussing the properties of a circle, he earned his frugal meal by conducting home the horses which his pupil had shod. Natural philosophy, natural history, and botany, engaged much of this little Bilbean society’s attention. Mr. Clover demonstrated at several of their meetings the origin and progress of the bots found in the stomach and intestines of horses, so early as 1753. He discovered the manner in which the larvae of these insects f&strus equij are conveyed from the coat of the horse, where they are deposited by the fly, into the animal’s stomach; and he illustrated, by many experiments, the whole progress of their transformation, which has been since so well described by Mr. B. Clarke, in the Linnean Transactions for 1796. In 1765, Mr. Clover’s reputation had increased so much that he relinquished working at the forge, and devoted himself wholly to the veterinary art. In this he was assisted by the most eminent medical practitioners of those days, particularly Mr. Gooch, who has inserted in the second volume of his surgical cases, a letter from Mr. Clover, giving a description and a drawing of an ingenious machine invented by him for the cure of ruptured tendons and fractured legs in horses. For many years Mr. Clover was severely afflicted with giddiness and pain in his head, which obliged him to decline business in 178!. He continued, however, to interest himself in every improvement that was made, and always took delight in recounting the results of his extensive experience. One of his greatest amusements was to talk with those who studied physic and surgery; and he continued to read the new medical publications, and to deliver short private lectures on the theory and practice of the healing art, with a lively interest, until the very day of his death. It is to be regretted that he never could be prevailed upon to extend the usefulness of his knowledge and experience in the diseases of animals, by any publication of his observations; but he felt a diffidence and fastidiousness in writing that could never be overcome, though his readiness to communicate information was universally acknowledged. The latter end of his life was cheered by the amusement of gardening, in which he excelled. He marked the gradual decay of his bodily organs with perfect tranquillity and composure, and watched his declining pulse when he expired Feb. 19, 1811, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. With an understanding vigorous and acute, and n. power of discrimination and discernment peculiar to himself, Mr. Clover possessed the external advantage of a strong muscular frame of body, which was tall and well proportioned.
, an eminent surgeon, of whom little is known, except what can be
, an eminent surgeon, of whom little is known, except what can be collected from his works, flourished in the time of queen Elizabeth, and was for some time a navy surgeon, serving on board one of the queen’s ships, called the Aid, when the emperor’s daughter married Philip II. king of Spain, in 1570. He returned home, and resided several years at London, where he acquired great reputation, as may be inferred from his having been several years surgeon of St. Bartholomew’s and Christ’s hospitals, before he was sent for by letters from the earl of Leicester, general of the English forces in the Low Countries, to take upon him the care of the sick and wounded in 1586. He was surgeon to her majesty, and mentions his having served with Banister under the earl of Warwick; and also speaks in another place of having been a retainer to lord Abergavenny. He seems to have been in full practice about 1596, the date of his last publication, a treatise on the venereal disease, reprinted in 1637; and he laments the frequency of this disorder in England; of which he gives this proof, that in the space of five years he had cured upwards of a thousand venereal patients in vSt. Bartholomew’s hospital. His most capital performance is his approved Practice for all young chirurgeons, 1591, re-printed in 1596 and 1637. He is a strong advocate for writing medical chirurgical books in the vernacular language, and his practice was always ingenious, and often successful.
, an eminent lawyer, was born March 25, 1644, at Bremen. He was professor
, an eminent lawyer, was born
March 25, 1644, at Bremen. He was professor of law at
Heidelberg, Utrecht, and Francfort on the Oder, where
he died August 18, 1719, aged seventy-six, leaving several
children. In 1670 the degree of LL. D. was conferred on
him by the university of Oxford, at the same time with
the prince of Orange, afterwards William III. He was
employed in various affairs of importance, and received
the dignity of baron of the empire from the emperor,
1713, as a reward for his services. He left several works
on the science he professed, among which are “Juris
publici prndentia,
” Francfort, Hypomnemata Juris,
”
, an eminent French lawyer, was born at Paris June 10, 1687, and
, an eminent French lawyer, was born at Paris June 10, 1687, and admitted a counsellor in 1706, in the grand council, where he acquired such reputation, that at the age of thirty, he was looked upon as one of the ablest canonists, and he now determined, with the advice of his friends and clients, to plead in the parliament. He was heard there with universal applause, and, from that time till his death, there was scarce any affair of importance at the palace but the public crowded to hear him, and returned convinced that M. Cochin possessed all the extraordinary talents which characterise a great orator. He was consulted from every part of the kingdom, and never ceased to serve the public by his assiduous and unremitted labours. He died at Paris, after several attacks of an apoplexy, February 24, 1747, aged 60. His works were published at Paris, 1751, and the following year, 6 vols. 4to, with his life. These, however, have not preserved his reputation undiminished; and M. la Cretelle, in along article on them in the French Mercure for April 1782, concludes with asserting that Cochin was an advocate of great merit, but a genius of the second order. This sen*tence, however, seems in some measure to proceed from an opinion that no man can be a genius who does not introduce novelties in his profession. France has unfortunately abounded of late years in such geniuses.
ow, who died October 23, 1785, aged 47 years. The works of his pencil and this marble bear record of an eminent artist, and a virtuous man.”
, a Scotch artist, was born Dec.
12, 1738, at Strathaven in Clydesdale, Having early
shewn a genius in design, he was put as a scholar to the
academy ofpainting in the college of Glasgow in 1754
then chiefly under the inspection of those eminent printers
Messrs. Robert and Andrew Fonlis. After some time spent
there, he went to Italy about the end of 1764, where he
studied for five years, mostly at Rome, under the celebrated Mr. Gavin Hamilton; since which time he followed
his profession in Glasgow, with honour and advantage to
himself, and satisfaction to his friends. In portrait painting of a large size he excelled, and in miniature and other
sizes he had great merit; his drawing was correct, and he
seldom failed of producing a most striking likeness. In
history, some pieces done by him are now in Glasgow,
particularly “Daedalus and Icarus,
” “Diana and Endymion,
” both essay pieces executed at Rome, that would do
credit to any pencil; yet, from an unusual modesty and
diffidence, he never could be prevailed upon to put his
name to his works. A dutiful attachment to an aged mother and other relations fixed him in Glasgow: ambition
with him was no ruling passion, nor was he eager after
riches; but a natural philanthropic disposition, and an
assiduity to please, were conspicuous traits of his character.
By permission 1 of the lord provost and magistrates, he was
buried in the choir of the cathedral church, where a neat
marble is erected to his memory, with this inscription
“In memory of Mr. William Cochran, portrait painter in
Glasgow, who died October 23, 1785, aged 47 years. The
works of his pencil and this marble bear record of an eminent artist, and a virtuous man.
”
, an eminent French merchant, was the richest subject in Europe in
, an eminent French merchant, was
the richest subject in Europe in the fifteenth century.
He enjoyed an office of trust in the court of Charles VII.
of France, and his industry was of more service to that
country, than the boasted bravery of a Dunois or a Maid
of Orleans. He had established the greatest trade that
had ever been carried on by any private subject in Europe;
and since his time Cosmo de Medicis is the only person
that equalled him. He had 300 factors in Italy and the
Levant. He lent 200,000 crowns of gold to his master,
Charles VII. without which he never could have recovered
Normandy; and therefore nothing can be a greater stain
to the annals of this reign, than the persecution of so useful a man. After he had represented his prince in foreign
states, he was accused of having poisoned the beautiful
Agnes Sorel, Charles’s mistress; but this was without
foundation, and the real motive of his persecution is not
known. He was by the king’s order sent to prison, and
the parliament tried him: all that they could prove against
him was, that he had caused a Christian slave to be restored to his Turkish master, whom this slave had robbed
and betrayed; and that he had sold arms to the sultan of
Egypt. For these two facts, one of which was lawful, and
the other meritorious, his estate was confiscated, and he
was condemned to the amende honorable, and to pay a fine
of 100,000 crowns. He found more virtue in his clerks
than in the courtiers who ruined him: the former contributed to relieve him under his misfortunes, and one of
them particularly, who had married his niece, facilitated
his escape out of his confinement and out of France. He
went to Rome, where Calixtus III. filled the papal chair,
who gave him the command of part of a fleet which he had
equipped against the Turks. He died on his arrival at the
Isle of Chio, in 1456; therefore Mr. de Voltaire is mistaken in saying, in his “Essay on Universal History,
” that
“he removed to Cyprus, where he continued to carry on
his trade; but never had the courage to return to his ungrateful country, though strongly invited.
” Charles VII.
afterwards restored some part of Coeur’s property to his
children.
, an eminent antiquary and benefactor to the history and antiquities
, an eminent antiquary and benefactor
to the history and antiquities of England, was the son of
William Cole, a gentleman of landed property, at Baberham in Cambridgeshire, by his third wife, Catharine,
daughter of Theophilus Tuer, of Cambridge, merchant,
but at the time she married Mr. Cole, the widow of
Charles Apthorp . He was born at Little Abington, a
village near Baberham, Aug. 3, 1714, and received the
early part of “his education under the Rev. Mr. Butts at
Saffron-Walden, and at other small schools. From these
he was removed to Eton, where he was placed under Dr.
Cooke, afterwards provost, but to whom he seems to have
contracted an implacable aversion. After remaining five
years on the foundation at this seminary, he was admitted
a pensioner of Cla/e hall, Cambridge, Jan. 25, 1733; and
irt April 1734, was admitted to one of Freeman’s scholarships, although not exactly qualified according to that benefactor’s intention: but in 1735, on the death of his father, from whom he inherited a handsome estate, he entered himself a fellow-commoner of Clare Hall, and next
year removed to King’s college, where he had a younger
brother, then a fellow, and was accommodated with better
apartments. This last circumstance, and the society of
his old companions of Eton, appear to have been his principal motives for changing his college. In April 1736, he
travelled for a short time in French Flanders with his halfbrother, the late Dr. Stephen Apthorp, and in October of
the same year he took the degree of B. A. In 1737, in
consequence of bad health, he went to Lisbon, where he
remained six months, and returned to college May 1738.
The following year he was put into the commission of the
peace for the county of Cambridge, in which capacity he
acted for many years. In 1740 his friend lord Montfort,
then lord lieutenant of the county, appointed him one of
his deputy lieutenants and in the same year he proceeded
M. A. In 1743, his health beting again impaired, he
took another trip through Flanders for five or six weeks,
visiting St. Omer’s, Lisle, Tournay, &c. and other principal places, of which he has given an account in his ms
collections. In Dec. 1744 he was ordained deacon in the
collegiate church of Westminster, by Dr. Wilcocks, bishop
of Rochester, and was in consequence for some time curate to Dr. Abraham Oakes, rector of Wethersfield in
Suffolk. In 1745, after being admitted to priest’s orders,
he was made chaplain to Thomas earl of Kinnoul, in
which office he was continued by the succeeding earl,
George. He was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1747; and appears to have resided at Haddenham in the Isle of Ely in 1749, when he was collated by
bishop Sherlock to the rectory of Hornsey in Middlesex,
which he retained only a very short time. Speaking of that
prelate, he says,
” He gave me the rectory of Hornsey,
yet his manner was such that I soon resigned it again to
him. I have not been educated in episcopal trammels,
and liked a more liberal behaviour; yet he was a great
man, and I believe an honest man." The fact, however,
was, as Mr. Cole elsewhere informs us, that he was inducted Nov. 25; but finding the house in so ruinous a condition as to require rebuilding, and in a situation so near
the metropolis, which was always his aversion, and understanding that the bishop insisted on his residing, he resigned within a month. This the bishop refused t accept,
because Mr. Cole had made himself liable to dilapidations
and other expences by accepting of it. Cole continued
therefore as rector until Jan. 9, 1751, when he resigned it
into the hands of the bishop in favour of Mr. Territ. During this time he had never resided, but employed a curate,
the rev. Matthew Mapletoft. In 1753 he quitted the university on being presented by his early friend and patron,
Browne Willis, esq. to the rectory of Bletchley, in Buckinghamshire, which he resigned March 20, 1767, in favour
of his patron’s grandson, the rev. Thomas Willis, and this
very honourably, and merely because he knew it was his
patron’s intention to have bestowed it on his grandson had
he lived to effect an exchange.
he met with a curious accident, which had thinned his collection of portraits. This was a visit from an eminent collector. “He had,” says Mr. Cole, “heard of my collection
What he contributed was in general, in itself, original
and accurate, and would have done credit to a separate
publication, if he had thought proper. Among the works
which he assisted, either by entire dissertations, or by minute communications and corrections, we may enumerate
Grose’s “Antiquities
” Bentham’s “Ely
” Dr. Ducarel’s
publications; Philips’s “Life of Cardinal Pole
” Gough’s
“British Topography
” the “Memoirs of the Gentlemen’s
Society at Spalding
” Mr. Nichols’s “Collection of
Poems,
” “Anecdotes of Hogarth,
” “History of Hinckley,
” and “Life of Bowyer.
” With Granger he corresponded very frequently, and most of his corrections were
adopted by that writer. Mr. Cole himself was a collector
of portraits at a time when this trade was in few hands, and
had a very valuable series, in the disposal of which he was
somewhat unfortunate, and somewhat capricious, putting
a different value on them at different times. When in the
hope that lord Montstuart would purchase them, he valued
them at a shilling each, one with another, which he says
would have amounted to 160l. His collection must therefore have amounted to 3200 prints, but among these were
many topographical articles: 130l. was offered on this occasion, which Mr. Cole declined accepting. This was in
1774; but previous to this, in 1772, he met with a curious
accident, which had thinned his collection of portraits.
This was a visit from an eminent collector. “He had,
”
says Mr. Cole, “heard of my collection of prints, and a
proposal to see them was the consequence; accordingly,
he breakfasted here next morning; and on a slight offer
of accommodating him with such heads as he had not, he
absolutely has taken one hundred and eighty-seven of my
most valuable and favourite heads, such as he had not, and
most of which had never seen; and all this with as much
ease and familiarity as if we had known each other ever so
long. However, I must do him the justice to say, that I
really did offer him at Mr. Pemberton’s, that he might take
such in exchange as he had not; but this I thought would
not have exceeded above a dozen, or thereabouts, &c.
”
In answer to this account of the devastation of his collection, his correspondent Horace Walpole writes to him in
the following style, which is not an unfair specimen of the
manner in which, these correspondents treated their contemporaries: “I have had a relapse (of the gout), and
have not been able to use my hand, or I should have lamented with you on the plunder of your prints by that
Algerine hog. I pity you, dear sir, and feel for your awkwardness, that was struck dumb at his rapaciousness. The
beast has no sort of taste neither, and in a twelvemonth
will sell them again. This Muley Moloch used to buy
books, and now sells them. He has hurt his fortune, and
ruined himself to have a collection, without any choice of
what it should be composed. It is the most under-bred
ywine I ever saw, but I did not know it was so ravenous. I
wish you may get paid any how.
” Mr. Cole, however,
after all this epistolary scurrility, acknowledges that he
was“honourably paid
” at the rate of two shillings and
sixpence each head, and one, on which he and Walpole
set an uncommon value, and demanded back, was accordingly returned.
g, and in particular was much admired by sir Thomas More. With regard to some of his notions, he was an eminent forerunner of the reformation; and he and Erasmus jointly
The descriptions which are given of his person and character are much to his advantage. He was a tall, comely, graceful, well-bred man; and of uncommon learning and piety. In his writings his style was plain and unaffected; and for rhetoric he had rather a contempt, than a want of it. He could not bear that the standard of good writing should be taken from the exact rules of grammar; which, he often said, was apt to obstruct a purity of language, not to be obtained but by reading the best authors. This contempt of grammar, though making him sometimes inaccurate, and, as we have observed, laying him open to the critics, did not hinder him from attaining a very masterly style; so that his preaching, though popular, and adapted to mean capacities, was agreeable to men of wit and learning, and in particular was much admired by sir Thomas More. With regard to some of his notions, he was an eminent forerunner of the reformation; and he and Erasmus jointly promoted it, not only by pulling down those strong holds of ignorance and corruption, the scholastic divinity, and entirely routing both the Scotists and Thomists, who had divided the Christian world between them, but also by discovering the shameful abuses of monasteries, and the folly and danger of imposing celibacy upon the clergy; to which places he gave little or nothing while he lived, and left nothing when he died. Colet thought immorality in a priest more excusable than pride and avarice; and was with no sort of men more angry than with those bishops who, instead of shepherds, acted the part of wolves, and who, under the pretence of devotions, ceremonies, benedictions, and indulgences, recommended themselves to the veneration of the people, while in their hearts they were slaves to filthy lucre. He condemned auricular confession; and was content to say mass only upon Sundays and great festivals, or at least upon very few days besides. He had gathered up several authorities from the ancient fathers against the current tenets and customs of the church; and though he did not openly oppose the established religion, yet he shewed a particular kindness and favour to those who disliked the worshiping of images. As to his moral qualities, he was a man of exemplary temperance, and all other virtues: and is so represented by his intimate friend Erasmus, in an epistle to Jodocus Jonas, where the life, manners, and qualifications of Colet are professedly described.
, an eminent English divine, was born at Stow Qui in Cambridgeshire,
, an eminent English divine, was born at Stow Qui in Cambridgeshire, Sept. 23, 1650. His father Jeremy Collier was a divine and a considerable linguist; and some time master of the free-school at Ipswich, in Suffolk. He was educated under his father at Ipswich, whence he was sent to Cambridge, and admitted a poor scholar of Caius college under the tuition of John Ellys, in April 1669. He took the degree of B. A. in 1673, and that of M. A. in 1676; being ordained deacon the same year by Gunning, bishop of Ely, and priest the year after by Compton bishop of London. He officiated for some time at the countess dowager of Dorset’s at Knowle in Kent, whence he removed to a small rectory at Ampton near St. Edmund’s Bury in Suffolk, to which he was presented by James Calthorpe, esq. in 1679. After he had held this benefice six years, he resigned it, came to London in 1685, and was some little time after made lecturer of Gray’s Inn. But the revolution coming on, the public exercise of his function became impracticable.
, an eminent nonconformist divine, and a voluminous writer, was born
, an eminent nonconformist divine,
and a voluminous writer, was born at Boxstead, in Essex,
in 1623, and educated at Emanuel college, Cambridge,
where he took his degrees, probably during the usurpation,
as we find him D. D. at the restoration. He had the living
of St. Stephen’s Norwich, from which he was ejected for
non-conformity in 1662. His epitaph says he discharged
the work of the ministry in that city for forty- four years,
which is impossible, unless he continued to preach as a
dissenter after his ejection. He was one of the commissioners at the Savoy conference in the reign of Charles II.
He particularly excelled as a textuary and critic. He was
a man of various learning, and much esteemed for his
great industry, humanity, and exemplary life. He wrote
many books of controversy and practical divinity, the most
singular of which is his “Weaver’s Pocket-book, or Weaving spiritualized,
” 8vo. This book was particularly adapted
to the place of his residence, which had been long famous
for the manufacture of silks. Granger remarks that Mr.
Boyle, in his “Occasional Reflections on several subjects,
”
published in very popular method of
conveying religious sentiments, although it is apt to degenerate into vulgar familiarity; but we know not if the
practice may not be traced to bishop Hall, who published
his
” Occasional Meditations“in 1633. Calamy has given
a very long list of Dr. Collings’s publications, to which we
refer. In Poole’s
” Annotations on the Bible" he wrote
those on the last six chapters of Isaiah, the whole of Jeremiah, Lamentations, the four Evangelists, the epistles to
the Corinthians, Galatians, Timothy and Philemon, and
the Revelations. He died at Norwich Jan. 17, 1690.
, an eminent writer on the side of infidelity, was the son of Henry
, an eminent writer on the side
of infidelity, was the son of Henry Collins, esq. a gentleman of considerable fortune; and born at Heston near
Hounslow, in Middlesex, June 21, 1676. He was educated in classical learning at Eton school, and removed
thence to King’s college in Cambridge, where he had for
his tutor Francis Hare, afterwards bishop of Chichester.
Upon leaving college he went to London, and was entered
a student in the Temple; but not relishing the study of
the law, he abandoned it, and applied himself to letters
in general. In 1700 he published a tract entitled “Several of the London Cases considered.
” He cultivated an
acquaintance and maintained a Correspondence with Locke
in 1703 and 1704; and that Locke had a great esteem for
him, appears from some letters to him published by Des
Maizeaux in his collection of “Several pieces of John Locke,
never before printed, or not extant in his works.
” Locke,
who died Oct. 28, 1704, left also a letter dated the 23d,
to be delivered to Collins after his decease, full of confidence and the warmest affection; which letter is to be
found in the collection above mentioned. It is plain from
these memorials, that Collins at that time appeared to
Locke to be an impartial and disinterested inquirer after
truth, and not, as he afterwards proved, disingenuous, artfuJ, and impious.
, an eminent accomptant and mathematician, was the son of a nonconformist
, an eminent accomptant and mathematician, was the son of a nonconformist divine, and horn
at Wood Eaton near Oxford in March 1624. At sixteen
years of age he was put apprentice to a bookseller in Oxford; but soon left that trade, and was employed as clerk
under Mr. John Mar, one of the clerks of the kitchen to
prince Charles, afterwards Charles II. This Mar was eminent for his mathematical knowledge, and constructed those
excellent dials with which the gardens of Charles I. were
adorned: and under him Collins made no small progress in
the mathematics. The intestine troubles increasing, he
left that employment and went to sea, where he spent the
greatest part of seven years in an English merchantman,
which became a man of war in the Venetian service against
the Turks. Here having leisure, he applied himself to
merchants accompts, and some parts of the mathematics,
for which he had a natural turn; and on coming home, he
took to the profession of an accomptant, and composed
several useful treatises upon practical subjects. In 1652
he published a work in folio, entitled “An Introduction
to Merchants’ Accompts,
” which was reprinted in with an additional part, entitled
” Supplements to accomptantship and arithmetic.“A part of this work, relating to
interest, was reprinted in 1685, in a small 8vo volume In
1658 he published in 4to, a treatise called
” The Sector
on a Quadrant; containing the description and use of four
several quadrants, each accommodated for the making of
sun-dials, &c. with an appendix concerning reflected dialling, from a glass placed at any inclination.“In 1659,
4to, he published his
” Geometrical dialling;“and also
the same year, his
” Mariner’s plain Scale new plained.“In the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, of
which he was now become a member, he fully explained
and demonstrated the- rule given by the Jesuit De Billy,
for
” finding the number of the Julian period for any year
assigned, the cycles of the sun and moon, with the Roman
indiction for the years being given.“To this he has
added some very neatly-contrived rules for the ready finding on what day of the week any day of the month falls for
ever; and other useful and necessary kalendar rules. In
the same Transactions he has a curious dissertation concerning the resolution of equations in numbers. In No.
69 for March 1671, he has given a most elegant construction of that chorographical problem, namely:
” The distances of three objects in the same plane, and the angles
made at a fourth place in that plane, by observing each
object, being given; to find the distances of those objects
from the place of observation?“In 1680 he published a
small treatise in 4to, entitled
” A Plea for the bringing in
of Irish cattle, and keeping out the fish caught by foreigners; together with an address to the members of parliament of the counties of Cornwall and Devon, about the
advancement of tin, fishery, and divers manufactures.“In
1682 he published in 4to,
” A discourse of Salt and
Fishery;“and in the Philosophical Transactions, No. 159,
for May 1684, is published a letter of his to Dr. JohnWallis,
oh some defects in algebra. Besides these productions of his
own, he was the chief promoter of many other valuable
publications in his time. It is to him that the world is indebted for the publication of Barrow’s
” Optical and geometrical lectures;“his abridgment of
” Archimedes’s works,“and of
” Apollonius’s Conies“Branker’s translation of
” Rhonius’s Algebra, with Pell’s additions“” Kersey’s
Algebra“Wallis’s History of Algebra
” “Strode of Combinations
” and many other excellent works, which were
procured by his unwearied solicitations.
, an eminent dramatic author and manager, the son of Thomas Colman,
, an eminent dramatic author and
manager, the son of Thomas Colman, esq. British resident
at the court of the grand duke of Tuscany at Pisa, whose
wife was a sister of the countess of Bath, was born at Florence about the year 1733, and placed at a very early age
in Westminster-school, where he soon distinguished himself by the rapidity of his attainments, and the dawning
splendour of his talents. He was elected to Christ Church
college, Oxford, in 1751, and took the degree of M. A. in
1758. During his progress at Westminster, and while at
college, he formed those literary connections with whom
he remained in friendship till they severally dropped off
the stage of life. Lloyd, Churchill, Bonnel Thornton,
Cowper, and other celebrated wits of that period, were
among the intimate associates of Mr. Colman, and gave a
lustre to his name, by noticing him in some of their compositions. Even so early as the publication of the “Rosciad,
” Churchill proposed Mr. Colman as a proper judge
to decide on the pretensions of the several candidates for
the chair of Roscius; and only complains that he may be
thought too juvenile for so important an award.
, an eminent botanist, was born at Naples in 1567, the son of Jerome,
, an eminent botanist, was born at Naples in 1567, the son of Jerome, who
was the natural son of the cardinal Pompeio Colonna. He
devoted himself from his youth to the pursuit of natural
history, and particularly to that of plants, which he studied
in the writings of the ancients; and, by indefatigable application, was enabled to correct the errata with which the
manuscripts of those authors abounded. The languages,
music, mathematics, drawing, painting, optics, the civil
and canon law, filled up the moments which he did not
bestow on botany, and the works he published in this last
science were considered as master-pieces previous to the
appearance of the labours of the latter botanists. He wrote,
1. “Plantarum aliquot ac piscium historia,
” Minus cognitarum rariorumque stirpium descriptio; itemque de aquatilibus,
aliisque nonnullis animalibus libellus,
” Rome, A Dissertation
on the Glossopetrae,
” in Latin, to be found with a work of
Augustine Sciila, on marine substances, Rome, 1647, 4to.
4. He was concerned in the American plants of Hernandez, Rome, 1651, fol. fig. 5. A Dissertation on the Porpura, in Latin; a piece much esteemed, but become
scarce, was reprinted at Kiel, 1675, 4to, with notes by
Daniel Major, a German physician. The first edition is of
1616, 4to.
erson ever memorable for his benefactions and charities, was the eldest son of William Colston, esq. an eminent Spanish merchant in Bristol, and born in that city Nov.
, a person ever memorable for his benefactions and charities, was the eldest son of William Colston, esq. an eminent Spanish merchant in Bristol, and born in that city Nov. 2, 1636. He was brought up to trade, and resided some time in Spain with his brothers, two of whom were inhumanly murdered there by assassins*. He inherited a handsome fortune from his parents, which received continual additions from the fortunes of his brethren; all of whom, though numerous, he survived. This family substance he increased immensely by trade; and having no near relations, he disposed qf a great part of it in acts of charity and beneficence. In 1691 he built upon his own ground, at the charge of about 2500l. St. Michael’shilL alms-houses in Bristol; and endowed them with lands, of the yearly rent of 282 J. 3s. 4</. The same year he gave houses and lands, without Temple-gate in that city, to the society of merchants for ever, towards the maintenance of six poor old decayed sailors, to the yearly value of 24l. In 1696 he purchased a piece of ground in Temple-street in the same city, and built at his own charge a school and dwelling-house for a master, to instruct forty boys, who are also to be clothed, instructed in writing, arithmetic, and the church-catechism. The estate given for this cbarity amounted to 80l. yearly, clear of all charges. In 1702 he gave 500l. towards rebuilding queen Elizabeth’s hospital on the College-green in Bristol; and for the clothing and educating of six boys there, appropriated an
observe, that though charity was this gentleman’s shining virtue, yet he possessed other virtues in an eminent degree. He was a person of great temperance, meekness,
Besides these known and public benefactions, he gave away every year large sums in private charities, for many years together; and the preacher of his funeral sermon informs us, that these did not fall much short of his public. In all his charities, Colston seems to have possessed no small share of judgment; for, among other instances of it, he never gave any thing to common beggars, but he always ordered, that poor house-keepers, sick and decayed persons, should be sought out as the fittest objects of his charity. We must not forget to observe, that though charity was this gentleman’s shining virtue, yet he possessed other virtues in an eminent degree. He was a person of great temperance, meekness, evenness of temper, patience, and mortification. He always looked cheerful and pleasant, was of a peaceable and quiet disposition, and remarkably circumspect in all his actions. Some years before his decease, he retired from business, and came and Jived at London, and at Mortlake in Surry, where he had a country seat. Here he died Oct. 11, 1721, almost 85; and was buried in the church of All-saints, Bristol, where a monument is erected to his memory, on which are enumerated his public charities, mentioned in this article. His funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Harcourt, and printed at London the same year.
ich had made him desirous of continuing in a private station, still adhered to him when preferred to an eminent dignity in the church: unassuming and humble in private
Besides the works already noticed, Dr. Comber wrote,
1. “A Scholastical History of the primitive and general
use of Liturgies in the Christian Church; together with an
Answer to Mr. David Clarkson’s late Discourse concerning
Liturgies,
” Lond. 1690, dedicated to king William and
queen Mary. 2. “A Companion to the Altar; or, an
Help to the worthy Receiving of the Lord’s Supper, by
Discourses and Meditations upon the whole Communionoffice.
” 3. “A brief Discourse upon the Offices of Baptism, Catechism, and Confirmation,
” printed at the end of
the Companion to the Altar.“4.
” A Discourse on the
occasional Offices in the Common Prayer, viz. Matrimony, Visitation of the Sick, Burial of the Dead, Churching of Women, and the Commination.“5.
” A Discourse
upon the Manner and Form of making Bishops, Priests,
and Deacons,“London, 1699, 8vo, dedicated to archbishop
Tenison. 6.
” Short Discourses upon the whole Common
Prayer, designed to inform the judgment, and excite the
devotion of such as daily use the same;“chiefly byway of
paraphrase, London, 1684, 8vo, dedicated to Anne, princess of Denmark, to whom the author was chaplain. 7.
f Roman Forgeries in the Councils during the first four
Centuries; together with an Appendix, concerning the
forgeries and errors in the annals of Baronius,
” ibid. 1689,
4to. It seems doubtful whether the edition of Fox’s
“Christus Triumphans,
” which appeared in Memoirs
of the Life and Writings of Thomas Comber, D. D.
some time dean of Durham; in which is introduced a
candid view of the scope and execution of the -several
works of Dr. Comber, as well printed as ms.; also a fair
account of his literary correspondence.
” Of this we have
availed ourselves as to the preceding facts, and must still
refer to it for a more satisfactory detail of Dr. Comber’s
public services and private character. He was unquestionably a pious, learned, and indefatigable supporter of
the doctrine and discipline of the church of England; and
his private character added a very striking lustre to his
public professions. His principal works, not of the controversial kind, are those he wrote on the various parts of
the liturgy, which, although in less reputation now than
formerly, unquestionably were the first of the kind, and
rendered the labours of his successors Nichols, Wheatley,
&c. more easy. His style is in general perspicuous, although void of ornament, and the phraseology, somewhat
peculiar; but these liturgical commentaries are chiefly
valuable for the accumulation of learned references and
authorities. As to his private character, his biographer
assures us, that “his modesty and inambition were singularly remarkable. Content with a moderate fortune, he
was desirous of continuing in a private station, though
possessed of abilities and integrity capable of adorning the
most exalted and splendid rank. Insensible equally to the
calls of ambition and the allurements of wealth, we behold
him declining situations of honour and emolument, to obtain which thousands have made shipwreck of their honour
and conscience. When the importunity of his friends had
at last prevailed on him to lay aside his thoughts of continuing in obscurity, and induced him to step forward into
a more public life, we see him respected by all the great
and good men of his time, and frequently receiving public
marks of esteem from the lips of royalty itself. The same
modesty which had made him desirous of continuing in a
private station, still adhered to him when preferred to an
eminent dignity in the church: unassuming and humble in
private life, in public he was dignified without pride, and
generous without ostentation.
”
, an eminent prelate of the church of England, was the youngest son
, an eminent prelate of the church of England, was the youngest son of the preceding Spencer second earl of Northampton, and born at Compton in 1632. Though he was but ten years old when his father was killed, yet he received an education suitable to his quality; and when he had gone through the grammarschools, was entered a nobleman of Queen’s college, Oxford, in 1649. He continued there till about 1652; and after having lived some little time with his mother, travelled into foreign countries. Upon the restoration of Charles II. he returned to England; and became a cornet in a regiment of horse, raised about that time for the king’s guard: but soon quitting that post, he dedicated himself to the service of the church; and accordingly went to Cambridge, where he was created M, A. Then entering into orders, when about thirty years of age, and obtaining a grant of the next vacant canonry of Christ church in Oxford, he was admitted canon-commoner of that college, in the beginning of 1666, by the advice of Dr. John Fell, then dean of the same. In April of the same year, he was incorporated M. A. at Oxford, and possessed at that time the rectory of Cottenham in Cambridgeshire, worth about 500l. per annum. In 1667, he was made master of St. Crosse’s hospital near Winchester. On May 24, 1669, he was installed canon of Christ church, in the room of Dr. Heylin deceased; and two days after took the degree of B. D. to which, June 28 following, he added that of doctor. He was preferred to the bishopric of Oxford in December 1674; and about a year after was made dean of the chapel royal, and was also translated to the see of London.
the protestant religion, at home and abroad, an ornament and refuge; and the whole Christian world, an eminent example of virtue and piety.
Among the many excellent features of his character
given by Dr. Gooch, his munificence stands conspicuous.
“He disposed of money to every one who could make out
(and it was very easy to make that out to him) that he was
a proper object of charity. He answered literally the
apostle’s character, poor enough himself, yet making many
rich. He had divers ancient people, men and women^
whom he supported by constant annual pensions; and several chiklren at school, at his own cost and charge, besides
those educated from children, and brought up to the universities, to the sea, or to trades, &c. The poor of his
parish were always attending his gate for their dole, and
for the remains of his constant hospitable table, which was
always furnished, and free to those whom respect or business drew to him. His hall was frequented in the morning with petitioners of all sorts. More particularly, he
spared no cost nor pains to serve the church and clergy.
He bought many advowsons out of lay-hands. He gave
great sums for the rebuilding of churches, and greater still
for the buying in impropriations, and settling them on the
poor vicars. There was no poor honest clergyman, or his
widow, in want, but had his benevolence when applied for:
not any in the reformed churches abroad, to whom he was
not a liberal patron, steward, and perpetual solicitor for.
The French refugees drank deep of his bounty for many
years; so did the Irish in their day of affliction and likewise the Scotch episcopal party,
” when ejected from their
livings at the revolution. It may truly 'be said, that by
his death the church lost an excellent bishop; the kingdom
a consistent and able statesman; the protestant religion,
at home and abroad, an ornament and refuge; and the
whole Christian world, an eminent example of virtue and
piety.