, a learned Prussian divine, was born at Geneva in 1696, took orders in 1722, and in 1724 was
, a learned Prussian divine, was
born at Geneva in 1696, took orders in 1722, and in 1724
was promoted to the church of Werder in Berlin. He enjoyed the protection of the prince-royal of Prussia; and
having in 1730 accompanied the son of M. de Finkenstein
to Geneva, was admitted into the society of pastors.
Eight years after, the king of Prussia appointed him counsellor of the supreme consistory, and in 1740, a member
of the French directory, with the title of Privy-counsellor.
Having been received into the academy of Berlin in 1743,
he was also appointed inspector of the French college, and
director of the Charity-house. He died in 1772. He was
long the correspondent of the Jesuits Colonia, Tournemine, Hardouin, Poreus, and of father Le Long, and
Turretine, Trouchin, and Vernet of Geneva. He often
preached before the royal family of Prussia; and such were
his powers of oratory, that a celebrated French comedian at Berlin, who there taught the theatrical art, recommended his pupils to hear Achard. He was of a very
feeble constitution, and for twenty years subsisted entirely
on a milk-diet. In the Memoirs of the Academy of Berlin,
for 1745, there is the outline of a very considerable work,
in which he proves the liberty of the human mind against
Spinosa, Bayle, and Collins. Two volumes of “Sermons
sur divers textes de l'Ecriture Sainte,
” were published at
Berlin after his death.
, a celebrated painter, was born at Geneva, May 18, 1668. He was originally educated for
, a celebrated painter, was born at Geneva, May 18, 1668. He was originally educated for the church, but his inclination soon led him to painting, in which he made a rapid progress. He painted miniature with success, and when he came to Paris in 1688, he obtained the favour of the duke of Orleans, who chose him for an instructor in the art, and gave him an apartment at St. Cloud, that he might be with him more frequently. He was likewise highly favoured by the princess Palatine, the duke’s mother, who presented him with her own picture set with diamonds; and also gave him recommendatory letters to the court of Great Britain, particularly to the princess of Wales, afterwards queen Caroline. Her portrait was universally admired, and celebrated by several of the poets; and, at his return to Paris, he was loaded with presents, among which were many medals of gold. Having copied a Leda, perhaps the famous Leda of Corregio, destroyed by the bigotry of the regent’s son, all Paris was struck with the performance. The due de la Force gave 12,000 livres for it, but being a sufferer, by the Missisippi (probably before the picture was paid for) restored it to the artist with 4,000 livres for the use of it. In 1721, Arlaud brought this masterpiece to London, and sold a copy of it for 600l. sterling, but would not part with the original. While in England he received many medals as presents, which are still in the library of Geneva. But Leda was again condemned to be the victim of devotion.
, a French miscellaneous writer, was born at Geneva in 1740, and in early life quitted the mechanical
, a French miscellaneous
writer, was born at Geneva in 1740, and in early life quitted the mechanical employment to which he had been
deslined by his parents, for those studies to which he was invited by the political troubles of his country. As by birth
he was classed among those who are at Geneva called natives, but who do not acquire the rank of citizens, because
born of foreign parents, his first effort was to establish, in
some of his writings, the necessity of equal political rights.
This dispute being referred to arms, Berenger, after his
party was defeated, was banished, along with many others,
by a decree of the sovereign power, February 10, 1770.
On this he retired to Lausanne, and employed his time
in various literary undertakings, until his return to Geneva,
where he died in June, 1807. He published, 1. An edition of the works of Abauzit. 2. “Histoire de Geneve,
depuis son origine jusqu'a nos jours,
” Tableau historiquede revolutions
de Geneve,
” may be considered as a sequel. 3. “Geographic de Busching abregee, &c.
” Busching’s work is
here abridged in some parts and enlarged in others, Lausanne, 1776 79, 12 vols. 8vo. 4. “Collection de tous
les voyages faits autour de monde,
” Amants Republicains, ou Lettrea
de Nicias et Cynire,
” Cours de geographic historique, ancienne et moderne de feu Ostervald,
”
Dictionnaire geographique
” of Vosgien (Ladvocat), Laura and Augustus,
” and of“Cook’s Voyages.
” 9. “J. J. Rousseau justifie envers sa patrie
” and some lesser pieces mentioned in
Ersch’s “France Litteraire.
” M. Bourrit attributes to him
a translation of Howard’s history of Prisons, but this, it is
thought, was executed by mademoiselle Keralio.
, an eminent physician and medical writer, was born at Geneva, March 5, 1620, and following the steps of his
, an eminent physician and medical writer, was born at Geneva, March 5,
1620, and following the steps of his father and grandfather,
early attached himself to the practice of physic. After visiting several foreign academies, he was admitted doctor
in medicine at Bologna, in 1643, and was soon after made
physician to the duke de Longueville. Though he soon
attained to high credit in his profession, and had a large
share of practice, he dedicated a considerable portion of
his time to reading, and to dissecting such subjects as the
hospital afforded him, with a view of discovering the seats
of diseases, minuting every deviation he observed from the
natural structure of the viscera, or other parts of the body,
and thus opening a new road for improving the science he
cultivated. He also appears to have made extracts of every
thing he deemed worthy of notice, from the various works
he read. His hearing from some accident becoming defective, he withdrew from practice, and employed the last
ten or twelve years of his life in arranging the materials he
had collected. The first fruit of his labour, which he gave
to the public in 1668, was “Pharos Medicoru in,
” 2 vols.
12mo. This was printed again, much improved and enlarged, in 1679, in 4to, under the title of “Labyrinthi
Medici, extricati,
” &c. compiled principally from Bellonius
and Septalius. In 1675, “Prodromus Anatomise practicas,
sive de abditis morborum causis,
” fol.; the precursor of
his principal work, “Sepulchretum, seu Anatome practica,
ex cadaveribus morbo denatis proponens historias et observationes,
” &c. Genev. De sedibus et causis Morborum,
” by which
the “Sepulchretum
” is in a great measure superseded.
The author begins with observations on the appearances of
the brain and other parts of the head; then of the contents of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis; and lastly, of
the extremities; forming an immense body of dissections,
which he has illustrated by many pertinent and ingenious
observations. “Cours de medicine, et de la chirurgie,
”
Medicina
septentrionalis, collectitia,
” Mercurius compilatitius, seu index medico-practicus,
” Epitome operum Sennerti,
” J. D. Turqueti de
Mayerne, de Arthritide,
” Rohaulti tractatus physicus, e Gallico in Latinam versus,
”
, an eminent natural philosopher, was born at Geneva, on the 13th of March, 1720. His ancestors, who
, an eminent natural philosopher,
was born at Geneva, on the 13th of March, 1720. His
ancestors, who were compelled to emigrate from France,
in 1572, after the dreadful slaughter of St. Bartholomew’s
day, established themselves at Geneva, where his grandfather was advanced to the magistracy. His father, who
preferred the station of a private citizen, paid unremitted
attention to the education of his son, which the latter recompensed, at a very early period, by the amiableness of
his disposition, and the rapid progress he made in general
literature. When about sixteen years of age, he applied
himself, with great eagerness, to the perusal of “Le
Spectacle de la Nature,
” and this work made such a deep
impression on his mind, that it may be said to have directed the taste and the studies of his future life. What
that publication had commenced, was confirmed by the
work of La Pluche; but having accidentally seen the treatise of Reaumur upon insects, he was in a transport of joy.
He was very impatient to procure the book, but, as the
only copy in Geneva belonged to a public library, and as
the librarian was reluctant to entrust it in the hands of a
youth, it was with the utmost difficulty that he could obtain his end. By the possession of this treasure, our assiduous youth was enabled to make several new and curious experiments, which he communicated to Reaumur himself; and the high applause he gained, from so great a
naturalist, added fresh vigour to his assiduity.
e Protestant religion, were obliged, about two centuries and a half since, to take refuge in Geneva, was born at Geneva in 1694, where he became honorary professor of
, an eminent civilian,
descended from one of those noble families of Lucca,
which, upon their embracing the Protestant religion, were
obliged, about two centuries and a half since, to take refuge in Geneva, was born at Geneva in 1694, where he
became honorary professor of jurisprudence in 1720.
After travelling into France, Holland, and England, he
commenced the exercise of his -functions, and rendered
his school famous and flourishing. One of his pupils was
prince Frederic of Hesse-Cassel, who, in 1734, took him
to his residence, and detained him there for some time.
Upon his return to Geneva, he surrendered his professorship; and in 1740 entered into the grand council, and,
as a member of this illustrious body, he continued to serve
his fellow-citizens till his death, in 1750. As a writer,
he was distinguished less by his originality than by his
clear and accurate method of detailing and illustrating the
principles of others; among whom, are Grotius, PufTendorf, and Barbeyrac. His works are: “Principles of
Natural Law, 77 Geneva, 1747, 4to, often reprinted, translated into various languages, and long used as a text-book
in the university of Cambridge; and
” Political Law,“Geneva, 1751, 4to, a posthumous work, compiled from
the notes of his pupils, which was translated into English
by Dr. Nugent, 1752, 8vo. His
” Principles of Natural
Law“were re-published in the original by Professor de
Felice, Yverdun, 1766, 2 vols. with additions and improvements. Another posthumous work of our author,
was his
” Elemens du Droit Naturel," being his text-book
on the Law of Nature, and admirable for perspicuity and
happy arrangement. Burlamaqui was much esteemed in
private life, and respected as a lover of the fine arts, and
a patron of artists. He had a valuable collection of pictures and prints; and a medal of him was executed by
Dassier, in a style of superior excellency.
, a very learned critic, was born at Geneva, February 18, 1559, being the son of Arnold Casaubon,
, a very learned critic, was born at
Geneva, February 18, 1559, being the son of Arnold Casaubon, a minister of the reformed church, who had taken
refuge in Geneva, by his wife Jane Rosseau. He was
educated at first by his father, and made so quick a progress in his studies, that at the age of nine he could speak
and write Latin with great ease and correctness. But his
father being obliged, for three years together, to be absent
from home, on account of business, his education was
neglected, and at twelve years of age he was forced to
begin his studies again by himself, but as he could not by
this method make any considerable progress, he was sent
in 1578 to Geneva, to complete his studies under the professors there, and by indefatigable application, quickly
recovered the time he had lost. He learned the Greek
tongue of Francis Portus, the Cretan, and soon became so
great a master of that language, that this famous man
thought him worthy to be his successor in the professor’s
chair in 1582, when he was but three and twenty years of
age. In 1586, Feb. 1, he had the misfortune to lose his
father, who died at Dil, aged sixty- three. The 28th of
April following he married Florence, daughter of Henry
Stephens the celebrated printer, by whom he had twenty
children. For fourteen years he continued professor of
the Greek tongue at Geneva; and in that time studied
philosophy and the civil law under Julius Pacius. He also
learned Hebrew, and some other of the Oriental languages,
but not enough to be able to make use of them afterwards.
In the mean time he began to be weary of Geneva; either
because he could not agree with his father-in-law, Henry
Stephens, who is said to have been morose and peevish;
or that his salary was not sufficient for his maintenance;
or because he was of a rambling and unsettled disposition.
He resolved therefore, after a great deal of uncertainty, to
accept the place of professor of the Greek tongue and polite literature, which was offered him at Montpelier, with
a more considerable salary than he had at Geneva. To
Montpelier he removed about the end of 1596, and began,
his lectures in the February following. About the same
time, the city of Nismes invited him to come and restore
their university, but he excused himself, and some say he
had an invitation from the university of Franeker. At his
first coming to Montpelier, he was much esteemed and
followed, and seemed to be pleased with his station. But
this pleasure did not last long; for what had been promised
him was not performed; abatements were made in his
salary, which also was not regularly paid, and upon the
whole, he met there with so much uneasiness that he was
upon the point of returning to Geneva, when a journey he
took to Lyons in 1598, gave him an opportunity of taking
another, that proved extremely advantageous to him. Having been recommended by some gentlemen of Montpelier
to M. de Vicq, a considerable man at Lyons, this gentleman took him into his house, and carried him along with
him to Paris, where he caused him to be introduced to the
first- president de Harlay, the president de Thou, Mr.
Gillot, and Nicolas le Fevre, by whom he was very civilly
received . He was also presented to king Henry IV.
who being informed of his merit, requested him to leave
Montpelier for a professor’s place at Paris. Casaubon
having remained for some time in suspense which course
to take, went back to Montpelier, and resumed his lectures. Not long after, he received a letter from the king,
dated January 3, 1599, by which he was invited to Paris
in order to be professor of polite literature, and he set out
the 26th of February following. When he came to Lyons,
M. de Vicq advised him to stay there till the king’s coming,
who was expected in that place. In the mean while, some
domestic affairs obliged him to go to Geneva, where he
complains that justice was not done him with regard to the
estate of his father-in-law. Upon his return to Lyons,
having waited a long while in vain for the king’s arrival, he
took a second journey to Geneva, and then went to Paris;
though he foresaw, as M. de Vicq and Scaliger had told
him, he should not meet there with all the satisfaction he
at first imagined. The king gave him, indeed, a gracious
reception; but the jealousy of some of the other professors,
and his being a protestant, procured him a great deal of
trouble and vexation, and were the cause of his losing
the professorship, of which he had the promise. Some
time after, he was appointed one of the judges on the
protestants’ side, at the conference between James Davy
du Perron, bishop of Evreux, afterwards cardinal, and
Philip du Plessis-Mornay f. As Casaubon was not favourable to the latter, who, some think, did not acquit himself
well in that conference, it was reported that he would
soon change his religion; but the event showed that this
report was groundless. When Casaubon came back to
Paris, he found it very difficult to get his pension paid, and
the charges of removing from Lyons to Paris, because M.
de Rosny was not his friend; and it was only by an express
order from the king that he obtained the payment even of
three hundred crowns. The 30th of May 1600, he returned to Lyons, to hasten the impression of his “Athenseus,
” which was printing there; but he had the misfortune of incurring the displeasure of his great friend M. de
Vicq, who had all along entertained him and his whole
family in his own house when they were in that city, because he refused to accompany him into Switzerland. The
reason of this refusal was, his being afraid of losing in the
mean time the place of library-keeper to the king, of
which he had a promise, and that was likely soon to become vacant, on account of the librarian’s illness. He
returned to Paris with his wife and family the September
following, and was well received by the king, and by many
persons of distinction. There he read private lectures,
published several works of the ancients, and learned Arabic; in which he made so great a progress, that he undertook to compile a dictionary, and translated some books
of that language into Latin. In 1601 he was obliged, as
he tells us himself, to write against his will to James VI.
king of Scotland, afterwards king of England, but does
not mention the occasion of it. That prince answered him
with great civility, which obliged our author to write to
him a second time. In the mean time, the many affronts
and uneasinesses he received from time to time at Paris,
made him think of leaving that city, and retiring to some
quieter place, but king Henry IV. in order to fix him,
made an augmentation of two hundred crowns to his pension: and granted him the reversion of the place of his
library-keeper. He took a journey to Dauphine in May
1603, and from thence to Geneva about his private affairs;
returning to Paris on the 12th of July. Towards the end
of the same year he came into possession of the place of
king’s library-keeper, vacant by the death of Gosselin.
His friends of the Roman catholic persuasion made now
frequent attempts to induce him to forsake the protestant
religion. Cardinal du Perron, in particular, had several
disputes with him, after one of which a report was spread
that he had then promised the cardinal he would turn Roman catholic: so that, in order to stifle that rumour, the
ministers of Charenton, who were alarmed at it, obliged
him to write a letter to the cardinal to contradict what was
so confidently reported, and took care to have it printed.
About this time the magistrates of Nismes gave him a second invitation to their city, offering him a house, and a
salary of six hundred crowns of gold a year, but he durst
not accept of it for fear of offending the king. In 1609
he had, by that prince’s order, who was desirous of gaining
him over to the catholic religion, a conference with cardinal du Perron, but it had no effect upon him.
, son of the preceding, was born at Geneva, August 14, 1599, and had the name of Meric from
, son of the preceding, was born
at Geneva, August 14, 1599, and had the name of Meric
from Meric de Vicq, a great friend and benefactor to his
father. His first education he received at Sedan, but
coming to England with his father, in the year 1610, he
was instructed by a private master till 1614, when he was
sent to Christ Church, Oxford; and being put there under
a most careful tutor, Dr. Edward Meetkirk (afterwards Regius Hebrew professor), was soon after elected a student
of that house. He took the degree of bachelor of arts,
May 8, 1618, and that of master, June 14, 1621, being
even then eminent for his extensive learning; and the
same year, though he was but two and twenty, he published a book in defence of his father, against the calumnies of certain Roman catholics, entitled “Pietas contra
maledicos, &c.
” Loud. Vindicatio Patris, &c.
” Exercitations against Baronius’s Annals,
” but was diverted
by some accident. At length, when he came to maturity
of years for such a work, and had acquainted archbishop
Laud, his great friend and patron, with his design, who
was very ready to place him conveniently in Oxford or
London, according to his desire, that he might be furnished
with books necessary for such a purpose, the rebellion
broke out in England. Having now no fixed habitation, he
was forced to sell a good part of his books; and, after
about twenty years’ sufferings, became so infirm, that he
could not expect to live many years, and was obliged to
relinquish his design. Before this, however, in June
1628, he was made prebendary of Canterbury, through
the interest of bishop Laud; and when that prelate was
promoted to the archbishopric of Canterbury, he collated
him, in Oct. 1634, to the vicarage of Minster, in the Isle
of Thanet; and in the same month, he was inducted into
the vicarage of Monckton, in that island. In August 1636,
he was created doctor in divinity, by order of king
Charles I. who was entertained at the same time, with his
queen, by the university of Oxford. About the year 1644,
during the heat of the civil wars, he was deprived of his
preferments, abused, fined, and imprisoned. In 1649,
one Mr. Greaves, of Gray’s inn, an intimate acquaintance
of his, brought him a message from Oliver Cromwell, then
lieutenant-general of the parliament forces, desiring him to
come to Whitehall, on purpose to confer with him about
matters of moment; but his wife being lately dead, and
not, as he said, buried, he desired to be excused. Greaves
came again afterwards, and Dr. Casaubon being somewhat
alarmed, desired him to tell him the meaning of the matter; but Greaves refusing, went away the second time.
At length he returned again, and told him, that the lieutenant-general intended his good and advancement; and
his particular errand was, that he would make use of his
pen to write the history of the late war; desiring withal,
that nothing but matters of fact should be impartially set
down. The doctor answered, that he desired his humble
service and hearty thanks should be returned for the great
honour done unto him; but that he was uncapable in several respects for such an employment, and could not so
impartially engage in it, as to avoid such reflections as
would be ungrateful, if not injurious, to his lordship.
Notwithstanding this answer, Cromwell seemed so sensible
of his worth, that he acknowledged a great respect for him;
and, as a testimony of it, ordered, that upon the first demand there should be delivered to him three or four hundred pounds, by a bookseller in London, whose name was
Cromwell, whenever his occasions should require, without
acknowledging, at the receipt of it, who was his benefactor.
But this ofter he rejected, although almost in want. At
the same time, it was proposed by Mr. Greaves, who belonged to the library at St. James’s, that if our author
would gratify him in the foregoing request, Cromwell
would restore to him all his father’s books, which were then
in the royal library, having been purchased by king James;
and withal give him a patent for three hundred pounds a
year, to be paid to the family as long as the youngest sou
of Dr. Casaubon should live, but this also was refused.
Not long after, it was intimated to him, by the ambassador
of Christiana, queen of Sweden, that the queen wished
him to come over, and take upon him the government of
one, or inspection of all her universities; and, as an encouragement, she proposed not only an honourable salary
for himself, but offered to settle three hundred pounds a
year upon his eldest son during life: but this also he
waved, being fully determined to spend the remainder of
his days in England. At the restoration of king Charles II.
he recovered his preferments; namely, his prebend of
Canterbury in July 1660, and his vicarages of Monckton
and Minster the same year: but, two years after, he exchanged this last for the rectory of Ickham, near Canterbury, to which he was admitted Oct. 4, 1662. He had a
design, in the latter part of his days, of writing his own
life; and would often confess, that he thought himself
obliged to do it, out of gratitude to the Divine Providence,
which had preserved and delivered him from more hazardous occurrences than ever any man (as he thought) besides
himself had encountered with; particularly in his escape
from a fire in the night-time, which happened in the house
where he lived, at Geneva, while he was a boy: in his recovery from a sickness at Christ Church, in Oxford, when
he was given over for dead, by a chemical preparation administered to him by a young physician: in his wonderful
preservation from drowning, when overset in a boat on the
Thames near London, the two watermen being drowned,
and himself buoyed up by his priest’s coat: and in his
bearing several abuses, fines, imprisonments, &c. laid
upon him by the republicans in the time of his sequestration: but this he did not execute. He died July 14, 1671,
in the seventy-second year of his age, and was buried in the
south part of the first south cross aile of Canterbury cathedral. Over his grave was soon after erected a handsome
monument with an inscription. He left by will a great
number of manuscripts to the university of Oxford. His
character is thus represented. He was a general scholar,
but not of particular excellence, unless in criticism, in
which probably he was assisted by his father’s notes and
papers. According to the custom of the times he lived in,
he displays his extensive reading by an extraordinary mixture of Greek and Latin quotations and phrases. He was
wont to ascribe to Descartes’s philosophy, the little inclination people had in his time for polite learning. Sir William Temple very highly praises his work, hereafter mentioned, on “Enthusiasm;
” and unquestionably it contains
in any curious and learned remarks; buthisbeingamaintainer
of the reality of witches and apparitions, shews that he was
not more free from one species of enthusiasm than most of
his contemporaries. In his private character he was eminent for his piety, charity to the poor, and his courteous
and affable disposition towards scholars. He had several
children, but none made any figure in the learned world;
one, named John, was a surgeon at Canterbury .
, brother to the preceding, a celebrated writer, and universal scholar, was born at Geneva, March 19, 1657. He was sent to a grammar-school
, brother to the preceding, a celebrated writer, and universal scholar, was born at Geneva, March 19, 1657. He was sent to a grammar-school at eight years of age; where he soon discovered an insatiable inclination to books, and such a genius for poetry, that he flattered himself, if he had duly cultivated it, he would probably have gained no small reputation. But the more serious studies, to which he applied himself, made him entirely neglect poetry, and he never wrote verses but on particular occasions. Thus, in 1689, having translated into French two sermons of bishop Burnet, preached before king William, on account, he says, of the friendship which subsisted between himself and that prelate, he subjoined to the one a small poem in heroic, and to the other an epigram in elegiac verse, upon England restored to liberty.
, descended from a family in Picardy, was born at Geneva in 1586. He officiated many years among the reformed
, descended from a family in Picardy, was born at Geneva in 1586. He officiated many years among the reformed in France, till he became a follower of Arminius, when he was obliged to retire into Holland, where he succeeded the celebrated Episcopius as professor of theology at Amsterdam, and published his works with a life of the author. He was also the author of many theological and controversial pieces, which were afterwards collected by Elzevir in 1675, fol. He was a capital Greek scholar, and paid great attention to different Greek copies of the New Testament, of which he gave a new edition, with various readings; and a preface, to shew that those various readings, though numerous, do not tend in the least to affect the credit and authenticity of the work itself.
, an eminent mathematician, was born at Geneva, in 1704, and became a pupil of John Bernouilli,
, an eminent mathematician, was
born at Geneva, in 1704, and became a pupil of John
Bernouilli, and a professor of mathematics at the age of
nineteen. He was known all over Europe, and was of the
academies of London, Berlin, Montpellier, Lyons, and
Bologna. He died in 1752, worn out with study, at the
baths of Languedoc, whither he had repaired for the recovery of his health. He made a most important and interesting collection of the works of James and John Bernouilli, which was published 1743, under his inspection,
in 6 vols. 4to, and he had before bestowed no less pains
on an edition of Christopher Wolf’s “Elementa universae
matheseos,
” Genev. Introduction to the Theory of Curve lines,
” Epitome of Anatomy,
” and
a “Dissertation on Diseases of the Liver,
” left by his father. Also, “Thesaurus secretorum curiosorum, in quo
curiosa, ad omnes corporis humani, turn internes turn externos, morbos curandos, &c. continentur,
” Elementa Artis Docirnasticae.
” It was reprinted in
, a political writer of great abilities, was born at Geneva about 1745. He received a liberal education,
, a political writer of great
abilities, was born at Geneva about 1745. He received a
liberal education, and embraced the profession of the law,
but diJ not long practise as an advocate before he formed
the resolution of quitting his native country, that he might
display his lively talents and his literary attainments on a
more conspicuous theatre of action, and might personally
observe the constitutions and customs of more powerful
states. The English) government, in particular, excited
his curiosity; and he resolved to study its nature and examine its principles with particular care and attention.
He even endeavoured in the first work which he published
after his arrival in England, to lead his readers into an
opinion that he was a native of this favoured country.
It was written in our language, and appeared in 1772,
with the title “A parallel between the English Government and the former Government of Sweden; containing
some observations on the late revolution in that kingdom,
and an examination of the causes that secure us against
both aristocracy and absolute monarchy.
” Many of our
countrymen were apprehensive that our constitution might
be subverted like that of Sweden; but the learned doctor
(for M. De Lolme had previously taken the degree of LL. D.) by contrasting with the polity of England the
government which Gustavus III. had overturned, plausibly
argued that such fears were ill-founded.
, a voluminous female author, was born at Geneva in 1710, and died at Lyons in 1753. Her principal
, a voluminous female author, was born
at Geneva in 1710, and died at Lyons in 1753. Her
principal works are, 1. “Le monde fou, prefere au monde
sage,
” Le Systeme des Theologiens anciens et modernes, sur l'etat des Ames separees
des corps,
” Suite du meme
ouvrage, servant de reponse a M. Ruchat,
” Reduction du Spectateur Anglois.
” This
was an abridgment of the Spectator, and appeared in
1753, in six parts, duodecimo; but did not succeed. 5.
“Lettres sur la Religion essentielle a l'homme,
”
, a painter, called from his dress “the Turk,” was born at Geneva, in 1702. He went to Paris to study in 1725,
, a painter, called from his
dress “the Turk,
” was born at Geneva, in
, a learned historian and antiquary, first professor of history in his native city, was born at Geneva in 1730, became afterwards professor royal of
, a learned historian and antiquary, first professor of history in his native city, was born
at Geneva in 1730, became afterwards professor royal of
the belles lettres at Copenhagen, a member of the academies of Upsal, Lyons, Cassel, and of the Celtique academy of Paris. Of his life no account has yet appeared.
He joined an extensive acquaintance with history and general literature to great natural talents. The amenity of
his disposition caused his company to be much sought,
while his solid qualities procured him friends who deeply
regretted his loss. The troubles of Geneva during the first
revolutionary war deprived him of the greatest part of his
fortune; and he was indebted, for the moderate competence he retained, to pensions from the duke of Brunswick
and the landgrave of Hesse; but the events of the late war
deprived him of both those pensions. The French government is said to have designed him a recompense, but this
was prevented by his death, at Geneva, Feb. 8, 1807. His
works were: 1. “Histoire de Danernarck,
” to the eighteenth century, the best edition of which is that of 1787.
2. A translation of Coxe’s “Travels,
” with remarks and
additions, and a relation of his own Travels in Sweden, 2
vols. 4to. 3. Translation of the Acts and form of the
Swedish government, 12mo. 4. “Histoire de Hesse,
” to
the seventeenth century, 3 vols. 8vo. 5. “Histoire de la
rnaison de Brunswick,
” to its accession to the throne of
Great Britain, 3 vols. 8vo. 6. “Histoire des Suisses,
”
from the earliest times to the commencement of the late
revolution, Geneva, 1803, 4 vols. 8vo. 7. “Histoire de la
Ligne Anseatique,
” from its origin to its decline, Northern Antiquities; or a Description of the
manners, customs, religion, and laws, of the ancient
Danes, and other northern nations including those of our
own Saxon ancestors. With a translation of the Edda, or
system of Runic mythology, and other pieces from the
ancient Islandic Tongue. Translated from M. Mallet’s
Introduction a l'Histoire de Danemarck,
” &c. 1770, 2 vols,
8vo. To this Dr. Percy has added many valuable and curious notes, and Goranson’s Latin version of the “Edda.
”
It was very justly said, at the time, by the Monthly Reviewer, that Dr. Percy had, in this instance, given a translation more valuable than the original.
, a celebrated statesman and financier of France, brother to the preceding Louis Necker, was born at Geneva in 1732. After such an education as might qualify
, a celebrated statesman and financier
of France, brother to the preceding Louis Necker, was
born at Geneva in 1732. After such an education as might
qualify him for business, he was in his fifteenth year sent
to Paris, where he was employed, first in the bankinghouse of Vernet, and then in that of Thelluson, of which
last he became first cashier, and afterwards a partner.
Upon the death of Thelluson he established a bank of his
own, in partnership with Girardot and Haller, in which,
we have just noticed, his brother had a concern. In 1776,
when the French finances were in a disordered state, he was
appointed director, and soon after comptroller-general of
that department. Besides his reputation for financial
knowledge and probity, which was now at its height, he
had in the reign of Louis XV. adjusted some differences
subsisting between the East India company and the crown
in such a manner as to obtain, what rarely occurs in such
cases, the approbation of both parties. His appointment
to the comptrollership of the finances was hailed as an
instance of enlargement of mind and liberality of
sentiment, and as honourable to the reign of Lewis XVI.;
Necker being the first protestant since the revocation of
the edict of Nantes, who had held any important place in
the French administration. Of the wisdom of his plans, in
this critical situation, various opinions have been entertained, which this is not the place to examine, but it seems
generally agreed that his intentions were pure, and his
conduct disinterested. He refused all emolument for his
services, and advanced a large sum to government from
his private property, which he never drew from the public
funds. His administration was generally popular, but he
had enemies at court, and alter having filled the office of
minister of finance for five years, he resigned. Previously
to this he had published his “Compte Rendu,
” in explanation of his financial system, which was followed by a
work entitled “De P Administration des Finances.
” This
was read and circulated with great avidity, and unhappily
scattered opinions on matters of government, by which
the people knew not how to profit. M. Calonne, who was
his successor, made an attack, before the assembly of
notables, upon the veracity of his statements. Necker
drew up a reply, which he transmitted to the king, who
intimated that if he would forbear making it public, he
should shortly be restored to his place. This he refused,
and appealed to the nation by publishing his defence,
which was so displeasing to the court, that he was exiled
to his country-seat at St. Ouen, at the distance of 120
miles from the capital. During his retreat he wrote his
work entitled “De l'Importance des Opinions R6ligieuses,
”
in which he speaks of religion like one who felt its power
operating on his own mind, and who was fully convinced of
its importance both to individuals and society. Calonne,
however, and Brienne, another minister, finding it impossible to lessen the deficiencies of the revenue, thev resigned in their turn; and in August 1788, Necker was
reinstated in his former post, to the apparent satisfaction
of the court, as well as to the joy of the people; but the
acclamations of the latter could not banish from his mind
the difficulties with which he had to struggle. He was
aware that de Calonne and the archbishop of Sens had both
sunk under the public distress, and the impracticability of
raising the necessary supplies; and he well knew that the
evil was not diminished, and unless some expedient could
be hit on to re-establish public credit, he foresaw his
own fate must be similar to that of his predecessors.
first intentions were to recal the banished members of the
parliament of Paris, and to restore that body to its functions; to replenish the treasury, which he found almost
empty; and to relieve the scarcity of corn under which the
kingdom, and the capital in particular, then laboured.
His next plan was the convocation of the states-general,
which had been already promised by the king, and which,
in fact, proved the immediate fore-runner of the revolution. Necker was particularly blamed for having consented
that the number of members of the tiers etat should be
equal to that of the nobles and clergy united, as the nobility and clergy would very naturally insist on voting by
orders, while the tiers etat would contend with equal
obstinacy for a plurality of voices. The consequences
were therefore exactly such as had been foreseen. When
the assembly of the states opened, Necker addressed them
in a studied speech that pleased no party; even the tiers
etat, already taught the sentiments of democracy, resented
his saying that the meeting was the effect of royal favour,
instead of a right. Nor was he more successful in the plan
of government which he drew up, and which the king was
to recommend in a speech, for this underwent so many
alterations that he absented himself when it was delivered.
At this time the prevalence of the democratic party was
such as to induce the king to assemble troops around Paris,
which measure Necker opposed, and on July 11, 1789,
was therefore ordered to quit the kingdom within twenty four hours. This he immediately obeyed, and went to
Brussels. As soon as his absence was known, the populace assembled, destroyed the Bastille, and proceeded to
such other outrages, that the king thought it necessary to
recal Necker to appease their fury. He accordingly returned in triumph, but his triumph was short. The populace was no longer to be flattered with declamations on their
rights, nor was Necker prepared to adopt the sentiments
of the democratic leaders, while it became now his duty to
propose financial expedients that were obnoxious to the
people. He that had just before been hailed as the friend
of the people, was now considered as an aristocrat, and his
personal safety was endangered. In this dilemma he desired to resign, offering to leave, as pledges for his integrity, the money which he had advanced to government,
viz. about 80,000l. sterling, and his house and furniture.
His resignation being accepted, he left Paris, and in his
retreat he was more than once insulted by the very people
whu, but a few months before, had considered him as their
saviour. Gibbon, who passed four days with him at this
period, says, “I could have wished to have exhibited him
as a warning to any aspiring youth possessed with the
demon of ambition. With all the means of private happiness in his power, he is the most miserable of human
beings; the past, the present, and the future, are equally
odious to him. When I suggested some domestic amusements, he answered, with a deep tone of despair, * in the
state in which I am, I can feel nothing but the blast which
has overthrown me.'
” Shortly after this, his mind was
diverted from public disappointment by the more poignant
grief of domestic calamity; his wife died, after a long illness, in which he had attended her with the most affectionate assiduity. He now had recourse to hia favourite
occupation of writing, and several works of different kinds
were the product of his solitary hours. His principal
pieces are entitled “Sur I' Administration de M. Necker,
par lui-meme;
” “Reflections,
” &c. which were intended
to benefit the king during his captivity and trial; “Du
Pouvoir Exécutif,
” being an essay that contained his own
ideas on the executive part of government; “Dernieres
Vue’s de Politiques, et de Finance,
” of which the chief
object was to discuss what was the best form of government
France was capable of receiving. Besides these, he published a “Course of Religious Morality,
” and a novel,
written at the suggestion of his daughter, entitled “The
fatal Consequences of a single Fault.
” Though deprived
of three- fourths of his fortune, he had sufficient for all his
wants, and also to indulge his benevolent disposition. He
had been placed on the list of emigrants, but the directory
unanimously erased his name, and when the French army
entered Swisserland, he was treated by the generals with
every mark of respect. His talents and conduct have been
alike the subject of dispute, and perhaps the time is not
yet come when the latter can. be fully understood. It is
well known that all who suffered by the revolution blamed
Necker as a principal cause of that event; but it may be
questioned whether any talents, guided by the utmost probity and wisdom, could have averted the evils that had
been prepared by so long a course of infatuation. Necker
passed the latter years of his life in the rational pursuits of
a philosopher and a man of sound judgment and true taste,
His only daughter, who married the baron de Stael, ambassador from Sweden to France, and who has made herself known to the literary world by several publications,
published some “Memoirs of the Character and Private
Life of her Father,
” written in a high style of panegyric.
, a celebrated painter, was born at Geneva in 1607, of a father who was a sculptor and architect,
, a celebrated painter, was born at Geneva in 1607, of a father who was a sculptor and architect, and who, after having passed part of his life in Italy, retired to that city. His son was designed to be a jeweller; and, by frequent employment in enamelling, acquired so fine a taste, and so precious a tone of colouring, that Bordier, who afterwards became his brother-in-law, advised him to attach himself to portrait, believing he might push his art on still to greater lengths; and though both the one and the other wanted several colours which they could not bring to bear the fire, yet they succeeded to admiration. Petitot painted the heads and hands, in which his colouring was excellent; Bordier painted the hair, the draperies, and the grounds. These two friends, agreeing in their work and their projects, set out for Italy. The long stay they made there, frequenting the best chemists, joined to a strong desire of learning, improved them in the preparation of their colours; but the completion of their success must be ascribed to a journey they afterwards made to England. There they found sir Theodore Mayerne, physician to Charles T. and a great chemist; who had by his experiments discovered the principal colours to be used for enamel, and the proper means of vitrifying them. These by their beauty surpassed all the enamelling of Venice and Limoges. Mayerne introduced Petitot, to the king, who retained him in his service, and gave him a lodging in Whitehall. Here he painted several portraits after Vandyck, in which he was guided by that excellent master, who was then in London; and his advice contributed greatly to the ability of Petitot, whose best pieces are after Vandyck. King Charles often went to see him work; as he took a pleasure both in painting and chemical experiments, to which his physician had given him a turn. Petitot painted that monarch and the whole royal family several times. The distinguished favour shewn him by that prince was only interrupted by his unhappy and tragical end. This was a terrible stroke to Petitot, who did not quit the royal family, but followed them in their flight to Paris, where he was looked on as one of their most zealous servants. During the four years that Charles II. stayed in France, he visited Petitot, and often eat with him. Then it was, that his name became eminent, and that all the court of France grew fond of being painted in enamel. When Charles II. returned to England, Louis XIV. retained Petitot in his service, gave him a pension, and a lodging in the gallery of the Louvre. These new favours, added to a considerable fortune he had already acquired, encouraged him to marry in 1661. Afterwards Bordier became his brother-in-law, and ever remained in a firm union with him: they lived together, till their families growing too numerous, obliged them to separate. Their friendship was founded on the harmony of their sentiments and their reciprocal merit, much more than a principle of interest. They had gained, as a reward for their discoveries and their labours, a million of livres, which they divided at Paris; and they continued friends without ever having a quarrel, or even a misunderstanding, in the space of fifty years.
ns de J. J. Rousseau, suivies des Reveries du Promeneur Solitaire,” Geneve, 1783, 2 volumes, 8vo. He was born at Geneva in 1711; his parents were, Isaac Rousseau, an
, an eccentric genius of our
own times, has enabled us to give an account of him by a
publication which himself left behind him, under the title
of “Les Confessions de J. J. Rousseau, suivies des Reveries
du Promeneur Solitaire,
” Geneve, born almost dying,
” but was preserved and reared by the tenderness of an
aunt (his father’s sister). He remembers not how he learned
to read, but only recollects that his first studies were some
romances left by his mother, which engaged his father, as
well as himself, whole nights, and gave him a very early
knowledge of the passions, and also wild and romantic
notions of human life. The romances ended with the summer of 1719. Better books succeeded, furnished by the
library of his mother’s father, viz. “Le Sueur’s History of
the Church and the Empire;
” “Bossuet’s Discourses on
Universal History;
” “Plutarch’s Lives;
” ' Nani’s History
of Venice;“”Ovid’s Metamorphoses;“”La Bruyere;“
”Fontenelle’s Worlds, and Dialogues of the Dead“and
some volumes of
” Moliere.“Of these
” Plutarch“were
his favourite; and he soon preferred Agesilaus, Brutus,
and Aristides, to Oroondates, Artamenes, aud Juba; and
to these lives, and the conversations that they occasioned
with his father, he imputes that free and republican spirit,
that fierce and intractable character, which ever after was
his torment. His brother, who was seven years older, and
followed his father’s business, being neglected in his education, behaved so ill, and was so incorrigible, that he fled
into Germany, and was never heard of afterwards. On the
contrary, the utmost attention was bestowed on John James,
and he was almost idolized by all. Yet he had (he owns)
all the faults of his age he was a prater, a glutton, and
sometimes a liar; he stole fruit, sweetmeats, and victuals
but he never delighted in being mischievous or wasteful, hi
accusing others, or in tormenting poor animals. He re^
Jates, however, an indelicate trick he played one Madame
Clot while she was at prayers, which still, he says, diverts
him, because
” she was the most fretful old woman he ever
knew.“His
” taste, or rather passion, for music“he owed
to his aunt Susan, who sang most sweetly; and he paints
her in most pleasing colours. A dispute, which his father
had with a French captain obliging him to quit Geneva,
our author was left under the care of his uncle Bernard, then
employed on the fortifications, who having a son of the
same age, these cousins were boarded together at Bossey,
at M. Lambercier’s, a clergyman, to learn Latin, and other
branches of education. In this village he passed two happy years, and formed an affectionate friendship with his
cousin Bernard. A slight offence, the breaking the teeth
of a comb, with which he was charged, but denied it, and
of which now, fifty years after, he avows his innocence, bub
for which he was severely punished, and a like chastisement, which, for a like offence, was also unjustly inflicted
on his cousin, gave both at last a distaste for this paradise,
and great pleasure in being removed from it. This incident made a deep and lasting impression upon him, as did
another about planting a willow and a walnut tree, for which
we must refer to his own account. At his return to Geneva he continued two or three years wiih his uncle, losing
his time, it not being determined whether he should be a
watch-maker, an attorney, or a minister. To the last he
was most inclined, but that the small remains of his
mother’s fortune would not admit. In the mean time he learned to draw, for which he had a taste, and read
” Euclid’s
Elements“withes Cousin. Thus they led an idle, but not
a vicious life, making cages, flutes, shuttle-cocks, drums,
houses, cross-bows, and puppets, imitating Punch, acting
plays, and at last makiog sermons. He often visited his
father, wlxo was then settled at Nion, a small town in the
country of Vaud, and there he recounts two amours (as he calls them) that he had, at the age of eleven, with two
grown misses, whom he archly describes. At last he
was placed with M. Massiron, register of the city, to
learn his business; but, being by him soon dismissed
for his stupidity, he was bound apprentice, not, however, to a watch-maker, but to an engraver, a brutal
wretch, who not only treated him most inhumanly, but
taught him to lie, to be idle, and to steal. Of the latter
he gives some instances. In his sixteenth year, having
twice on a Sunday been locked out of the city-gates, and
being severely threatened by his master if he stayed out a
third time, by an unlucky circumstance this event happening, he swore never to return again, sending word privately
to his cousin Bernard of what he proposed, and where he
might once more see him; which he did, not to dissuade
him, but to make him some presents. They then parted
with tears, but never met or corresponded more,
” which
was a pity, as they were made to love each other.“After
making some reflections on what would have been his fate
if he had fallen into the hands of a better master, he informs us that at Consignon, in Savoy, two leagues from Geneva, he had the curiosity to see the rector, M. de Pontverre,
a name famous in their history, and accordingly went to visit
him, and was well received, and regaled with such a good dinner as prevented hisreplyingto his host’s arguments in favour
of holy mother Church, and against the heresy of Geneva.
Instead of sending him back to his family, this devout
priest endeavoured to convert him, and recommended him
to mad. de Warens, a good charitable lady, lately converted, at Annecy, who had quitted her husband, her family, her country, and her religion, for a pension of 1500
Piedmontese livres, allowed her by the King of Sardinia.
He arrived at Annecy on Palm- Sunday, 1728 and saw madam de Warens. This epoch of his life determined his
character. He was then in the middle of his 16th year;
though not handsome, he was well made, had black hair,
and small sparkling eyes, &c. charms, of which, unluckily,
he was not unconscious. The lady too, who was then 28,
he describes as being highly agreeable and engaging, and
having many personal charms, although her size was small,
and her stature short. Being told she was just gone to the
Cordeliers church, he overtook her at the door, was struck
with her appearance, so different from that of the old
crabbed devotee which he had imagined, and was instantly
proselyted to her religion. He gave her a letter from M.
de Pontverre, to which he added one of his own. She
glanced at the former, but read the latter, and would have
read it again, if her servant had not reminded her of its
being church-time. She then bade John James go to her
house, ask for some breakfast, and wait her return from
mass. Her accomplishments he paints in brilliant colours;
considers her as a good Catholic; and, in short, at first
sight, was inspired by her with the strongest attachment,
and the utmost confidence. She kept him to dinner, and
then inquiring his circumstances, urged him to go to
Turin, where, in a seminary for the instruction of catechumens, he might be maintained till his conversion was accomplished; and engaged also to prevail on M. de Bernet,
the titular bishop of Geneva, to contribute largely to the
expence of his journey. This promise she performed. He
gave his consent, being desirous of seeing the capital, and
of climbing the Alps. She also reinforced his purse, gave
him privately ample instructions; and, entrusting him to
the care of a countryman and his wife, they parted on AshWednesday. The day after, his father
” came in quest of
him, accompanied by his friend M. Rixal, a watch-maker,
like himself, and a good poet. They visited madam de
Warens, but only lamented with her, instead of pursuing
and overtaking him, which they might, they being on
horseback, and he on foot. His brother had been lost by
a like negligence. Having some independent fortune
from their mother, it seemed as if their father connived at
their flight in order to secure it to himself, an idea which
gave our author great uneasiness. After a pleasantjourney
with his two companions, he arrived at Turin, but without
money, cloaths, or linen. His letters of recommendation
admitted him into the seminary; a course of life, and a
mode of instruction, with which he was soon disgusted. In
two months, however, he made his abjuration, was baptized
Ht the cathedral, absolved of h f eresy by the inquisitor^ and
then dismissed, with about 20 livres in his pocket; thus, at
once, made an apostate and a dupe, with all his hopes in
an instant annulled. After traversing the streets, and
viewing the buildings, he took at night a mean lodging,
where he continued some days. To the king’s chapel, in
particular, he was frequently allured by his taste for music,
which then began to discover itself. His purse, at last,
being almost exhausted, he looked out for employment,
and at last found it, as an engraver of plate, by means of a
young woman, madame Basile, whose husband, a goldsmith, was abroad, and had left her under the care of a
clerk, or an jEgisthus, as Rousseau styles him. Nothing, he
declares, but what was innocent, passed betwixt him and
this lady, though her charms made great impression on
him; and soon after, her husband returning, and finding
him at dinner with her confessor, the clerk, &c. immediately dismissed him the house. His landlady, a soldier’s wife,
after this procured him the place of footman to the countess
dowager of Vercullis, whose livery he wore; but his business was to write the letters which she dictated, a cancer
in her breast preventing her writing them herself; letters,
he says, equal to those of madam de Sevigne. This service
terminated, in three months, with his lady’s death, who left
him nothing, though she had great curiosity to know his
history, and to read his letters to madam de Warens. He
saw her expire with many tears her life having been that
of a woman of wit and sense, her death being that of a
sage. Her heir and nephew, the count de la Roque,
gave him 30 livres and his new cloaths; but, on leaving
this service, he committed, he owns, a diabolical action, by
falsely accusing Marion, the cook, of giving him a rosecoloured silver ribbon belonging to one of the chambermaids, which was found upon him, and which he himself
had stolen. This crime, which was an insupportable load
on his conscience, he says, all his life after, and which he
never avowed before, not even to Madam de Warens, was
one principal inducement to his writing his “Confessions,
”
and he hopes, “has been expiated by his subsequent misfortunes, and by forty years of rectitude and honour in the
most difficult situations.
” On leaving this service, he returned to his lodgings, and, among other acquaintances
that he had made, often visited M. Gaime, a Savoyard abbé,
the original of the “Savoyard Vicar,
” to whose virtuous
and religious instructions, he professes the highest
obligations. The count de la Roque, though he neglected to call
upon him, procured him, however, a place with the count
de Gouvon, an equerry to the queen, where he lived much
at his ease, and out of livery. Though happy in this family, being favoured by all, frequently waiting on the
count’s beautiful grand -daughter, honoured with lessons by
the abbe“, his younger son, and having reason to expect an
establishment in the train of his eldest son, ambassador to
Venice, he absurdly relinquished all this by obliging the
count to dismiss him for his attachment to one of his countrymen, named Bacle, who inveigled him to accompany
him in his way back to Geneva; and an artificial fountain,
which the abbe* de Gouvon had given him, helped, as their
purse was light, to maintain them till it broke. At Annecy
he parted with his companion, and hastened to madam de
Warens, who, instead of reproaching, lodged him in her
best chamber, and
” Little One“(Petit) was his name, and
” Mama“hers. There he lived most happily and innocently, he declares, till a relation of
” Mama,“a M. d'Aubonne, suggested that John-James was fit for nothing but
the priesthood, but first advised his completing his education by learning Latin. To this the bishop not only consented, but gave him a pension. Reluctantly he obeyed,
carrying to the seminary of St. Lazarus no book but Clerambault’s cantatas, learning nothing there but one of his
airs, and therefore being soon dismissed for his insufficiency. Yet madam de Warens did not abandon him. His
taste for music then made them think of his being a musician, and boarding for that purpose with M. le Maitre, the
organist of the cathedral, who lived near
” Mama,“and
presided at her weekly concerts. There he continued for
a year, but his passion for her prevented his learning even
music. Le Maitre, disgusted with the Chapter, and determined to leave them, was accompanied in his flight, as
far as Lyons, by John-James; but, being subject to fits,
and attacked by one of them in the streets, he was deserted
in distress by his faithless friend, who turned the corner,
and left him. This is his third painful
” Confession.“He
instantly returned to Annecy and
” Mama; but she, alas!
was gone to Paris. After this, he informs us of the many
girls that were enamoured of him: of his journey with one
of them, on foot, to Fribourg; of his visiting his father, in
his way, at Nion; and of his great distress at Lausanne,
which reduced him to the expedient of teaching music,
which he knew not, saying he was of Paris, where he had
never been, and changing his name to Voussore, the anagram of Rousseau. But here his ignorance and his imprudence exposed him to public shame, by his attempting
what he could not execute. Being thus discomfited, and
unable to subsist at Lausanne, he removed to Neufchatel,
where he passed the winter. There he succeeded better,
and, at length, by teaching music, insensibly learned it.
, an eminent naturalist, was born at Geneva in 1740. His father, an enlightened agriculturist,
, an eminent naturalist, was born at Geneva in 1740. His father, an enlightened agriculturist, to whom we are indebted for some
essays on rural economy, resided at Couches, on the banks
of the Arve, about half a league from Geneva. Botany was
his first study, and this made him acquainted with Haller,
whom he visited in 1764, during his retreat at Bex. He
was further excited to study the vegetable kingdom in consequence of his Connection with C. Bonnet, who married
his aunt, and who soon discovered the talents of his nephew.
Bonnet was then engaged in examining the leaves of plants;
Saussure also turned his attention to these vegetable organs,
and published “Observations on the Skin of Leaves
” about
the year
, a very learned writer, as well as excellent statesman, the eldest son of the preceding, was born at Geneva in 1625). He distinguished himself so much in
, a very learned writer, as well
as excellent statesman, the eldest son of the preceding,
was born at Geneva in 1625). He distinguished himself so
much in his earliest youth by his progress in literature,
that, on a visit to Leyden with his father in 1642, he gained
immediately the friendship of Daniel Heinsius and Salmasius, and preserved it with both, notwithstanding the mutual animosity of these two celebrated scholars. Like his
father he was not satisfied with making himself master of
Greek and Latin, but also applied himself with great vigour
to the oriental languages. Ludovicus Capellus had published, at Amsterdam, in 1645, a dissertation upon the ancient Hebrew letters against John Buxtorf; in which he
maintains, that the true characters of the ancient Hebrews
were preserved among the Samaritans, and lost among the
Jews. Spanheim undertook to refute Capellus in, certain
theses, which he maintained and published at sixteen years
of age; but which afterwards, out of his great candour and
modesty, he called “unripe fruit;
” and frankly owned,
that Bochart, to whom he had sent them, had declared himself for Capellus against Buxtorf.
, brother of Ezekiel Spanheim, and also a man of great learning, was born at Geneva in 1632, and, at ten years of age, carried by
, brother of Ezekiel Spanheim, and also a man of great learning, was born at Geneva in 1632, and, at ten years of age, carried by his father to Leyden. He studied philosophy under Hereboord, and was admitted doctor July 12, 1651. He had lost his father two years before; and, as he had been designed for the ministry, he applied himself vigorously to the study of divinity and the languages. Boxhorn was his master in Greek and Latin; and Golius in Arabic. He was a candidate for the ministry in 1652, and soon after preached in several parts of Zealand. He discharged the functions of a minister at Utrecht for one year with a reputation that raised some jealousy in the mind of Alexander Morus, whose name was then famous in the United Provinces. He received soon after an invitation from Charles Louis elector-palatine, who had resolved to re-establish his university at Heidelberg, and gave him the professorship of divinity, though he was then but twenty-three. Before he went to take possession of that post, he was admitted doctor of divinity at Leyden in!655. He gained great reputation at Heidelberg; and the elector palatine always shewed him the highest marks of his esteem and confidence; but these favours did not prevent him from opposing the elector with great freedom, when heattempted to divorce himself from the princess his wife, in order to marry another. His merit procured him, during the time he lived in the palatinate, several invitations from other universities; but he only accepted that from Leyden, where he was admitted professor of divinity and sacred history, with general applause, in 1670. Here his reputation was raised to the greatest height. He was four times rector of the university of Leyden, and had also the post of librarian. Many years before hisdeath, he was excused from reading public lectures, that he might have the more leisure to apply himself to several works which he published. In 1695, he was attacked by a palsy, which affected half his body: of which, however, he afterwards appeared to be tolerably well recovered. He did not indeed enjoy a perfect state of health from that time; and not being able to restrain himself from his studies and labours, which was absolutely necessary, he relapsed, and died May 18, 1701. He was thrice married, and had several children; but only one, whose name was Frederic, survived him.
, the son of Paul, was born at Geneva in 1594, studied at Lyons, and came to Paris
, the son of Paul, was born at Geneva in 1594, studied at Lyons, and came to Paris at the age of eighteen. He abjured the protestant religion, and in 1614 obtained the title of printer to the king and to the clergy. The cardinal Duperron became his patron, and gave him a pension of 500 livres, which he enjoyed as long as that prelate lived. He reprinted for the booksellers of Paris, the Greek fathers, and published other important works, as Merin’s Bible, Duval’s Aristotle, Strabo, Xenophon, Plutarch, &c. He had by his wife Jean Leclerc several children, and a son Henry, who would have succeeded him, but he died in 1661. Anthony himself became unfortunate, and when infirm and blind, was obliged to solicit a place in the Hotel-Dieu, where he died in 1674, in the eightieth year of his age.
, the first of a considerable family of learned men in Geneva and France, was born at Geneva, April 17, 1582, whither his father had fled
, the first of a considerable family of learned men in Geneva and France, was born at Geneva, April 17, 1582, whither his father had fled on account of religion, and narrowly escaped from the massacre of the protestants in 1572. He was then at Troyes, in Champagne, and escaped by means of a priest, his friend and neighbour, who concealed him in his house. He intended to go into Germany, and only to pass through Geneva; but he remained there by the advice of an acquaintance, obtained the freedom of the city, and soon after was admitted into the council of two hundred in acknowledgment of 'some services which he had done the State during the war with the Duke of Savoy.
, a celebrated physician, was apparently the grandson of Lewis Troncbin, and was born at Geneva in 1709. His father, John Robert Tronchin, having
, a celebrated physician, was
apparently the grandson of Lewis Troncbin, and was born
at Geneva in 1709. His father, John Robert Tronchin,
having lost his property in the fatal Mississippi speculation,
Theodore left home at the age of eighteen, and came to
England to lord Bolingbroke, to whom he is said to have
been related, we know not in what degree; but Bolingbroke
had it not in his power to do much for him, and he went to
Holland to study chemistry under Boerhaave, whose work
on that subject had engaged his attention, and made him
desiror.s of seeing the author. Boerhaave is said to have
soon distinguished Tronchin from the general mass of his
pupils, and in 1731 advised him to settle at Amsterdam,
where he introduced him to practice, and in a, short time
Tronchin was at the head of the physicians of Amsterdam.
But having married a young lady of the family of the celebrated patriot De Witt, he fancied that the name would be
disgraced by his accepting a place at court, and therefore
he refused that of first physician to the stadtholder, and
quitting Amsterdam when the stadtholderate was made
hereditary, returned to Geneva, where he could live in a
pure republic. Here the council gave him the title of honorary professor of medicine, but no duties were attached
to it. It was not his intention, however, to be idle, and he
gave lectures on the general principles of medicine, in
which he endeavoured to free the science from rooted prejudices and false theories. In 1756 he was called to Paris
to inoculate the children of the duke of Orleans. He bad
introduced this practice both in Holland and at Geneva,
and, in the former at least, without almost any opposition;
and the success he had in his Hrst trial in France, on these
princes of the blood, having contributed not a little to his
celebrity, he rose to the highest honours of his profession,
and acquired great wealth. In 1765 he was invited to
Parma to inoculate the royal children of that court. Although averse to accept any situations which might form a
restraint upon his time or studies, he consented to the title
of first physician to the duke of Orleans, and in 1766 fixed
his residence at Paris. The arrival of an eminent physician
in Paris is always accompanied by a revolution in practice.
Tronchin brought with him a new regimen, new medicines,
and new methods of cure, and many of them certainly of
great importance, particularly the admission and change of
air in sick rooms, and a more hardy method of bringing up
children; he also recommend-ed to the ladies more exercise
and less effeminacy in thair modes of living and in diet.
His prescriptions were generally simple; but perhaps his
fame was chiefly owing to his introducing the practice of
inoculation, which he pursued upon the most rational plan.
In all this he had to encounter long established prejudices,
and being a stranger, had to contend with the illiberality of
some of the faculty, obstacles which he removed by a
steady, humane course, and his frequent success completed his triumph. He was in person a fine figure; there
was a mixture of sweetness and dignity in his countenance;
his air and external demeanour inspired affection, and commanded respect; his dress, voice, and manner, were graceful and pleasing: all which no doubt gave an additional
luslre to his reputation, and perhaps an efficacy to his prescriptions. His extensive practice prevented his writing
or publishing more than a few papers on some medical
cases, one “De colica pictorum,
” Oeuvres de
Baillou,
”
, son to the preceding, was born at Geneva, Oct. 17, 1623. After pursuing his studies in
, son to the preceding, was born
at Geneva, Oct. 17, 1623. After pursuing his studies in
the classics and philosophy with great credit, he entered
on the study of divinity, under the celebrated Calvinistic
professors, John Diodati, Theodore Tronchin, Frederick
Spanheim, &c. While a student he supported in 1640
and 1644, two theses, “De felicitate morali et politica,
”
and “De necessaria Dei gratia.
” He afterwards went to
Leyden, and formed an acquaintance with the most eminent scholars there; and afterwards to Paris, where he
lodged with the celebrated Daille", and studied geography
under Gassendi, whose philosophical lectures he also attended. He then visited the schools of Saumur and Montauban, and on his return to Geneva in 1647 was ordained,
and in the following year served both in the French and
Italian churches of that city. In 1650 he refused the professorship of philosophy, which was offered to him more
than once, but accepted an invitation to the pastoral office
at Lyons, where he succeeded Aaron Morus, the brother
of Alexander. In 1653 he was recalled to Geneva to be
professor of divinity, an office which Theodore Tronchin
was now about to resign from age, and Turretin continued in
it during the rest of his life. In 1661 he was employed on
a similar business as his father, being sent to Holland to
obtain assistance from the States General to fortify the city
of Geneva. Having represented the case, he obtained the
sum of 75,000 florins, with which a bastion was built, called
the Dutch bastion. He had an interview with the prince
and princess dowager of Orange at Turnhout in Brabant;
a.nd having often preached while in Holland, he was so
much admired, that the Walloon church of Leyden, and
the French church at the Hague, sent him invitations to
settle with them; but this he declined, and returned to Geneva in 1662. He had not been here long before the
states general of Holland wrote most pressingly to the republic, requesting that Turretin might be permitted to
settle in Holland and similar applications were made
from Leyden, &c. in 1666 and 1672 but he could not be
reconciled to the change, and resuming his functions, acquired the greatest fame, both as a divine and professor.
He died Sept. 28, 1687.
, the most celebrated of the family, was the son of Francis Turretin, and was born at Geneva, Aug. 24, 1671. From his infancy he shewed a
, the most celebrated
of the family, was the son of Francis Turretin, and was
born at Geneva, Aug. 24, 1671. From his infancy he
shewed a great ardour for study, which his father took
every pains to improve and direct. Some of his early preceptors were divines who had fled from France for religion,
and one of them, a Mons. Dautun, was particularly serviceable in correcting the exuberances of his compositions,
and habituating him to revise and reconsider what he wrote.
This at first was rather troublesome to the lively spirits of
our author, but he soon saw that Dautun had reason on his
side. He studied the Cartesian philosophy under Chouet,
a very able professor. Bishop Burnet, who passed the
winter at Geneva in 1685, conceived a very high opinion
of young Turretin, often examined him on his tasks, and
in the course of many conversations inspired him with that
taste which Turretin always afterwards indulged for English literature. In 1687 he lost his father, but continued
to pursue his theological studies under Louis Tronchin,
Calendrini, and Pictet. Tronchin admired in him a great
love for truth and peace, and said, “that young man begins where others end.
” Turretin had many advantages
on his side, an uncommon share of natural understanding,
a great memory, a facility in discovering the important
parts of a question; an aversion to idleness and frivolous
amusements; learned friends, an ample library, and a patrimony which set him at ease from anxiety or precipitation in his studies. At the age of twenty, with these advantages, we are told he was “almost a great man,
” (presque un grand homme).