, a Spanish poet of the seventeenth century, who was born at Lisbon in 1599, and carried on the business of a
, a Spanish
poet of the seventeenth century, who was born at Lisbon
in 1599, and carried on the business of a merchant. Devoting his leisure hours to literature, he wrote a work entitled “Viridarium anagrammaticum,
” and five “Novels,
”
which procured him, it is said, much reputation, not from
their merit, but from their originality. In each of these
novels, the author has contrived to get rid of one or other
of the vowels: a is not to be found in the first, nor e in the
second, &c. But this idle whim was not original, the same
having been practised by Tryphiodorus, whom Addison so
pleasantly ridicules as one of the lipogrammatists, or letterdroppers of antiquity. Moreri gives us the title of another
work by this author, printed at Lisbon, 1664. “Psalteriurn
quadruplex anagrammaticum, angelicum, immaculatum,
Marianum, Deiparse dicatum, sexaginta anagrammata Latina complectens.
” Alcala died Nov. 21, 1682.
, a Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, who was born at Paris in 1654, and died at an advanced age at St.
, a Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, who was born at Paris in 1654,
and died at an advanced age at St. Denys in 1728, is
known by two useful works 1. “La Medicine et la Chirurgie des pauvres,
” Paris, in 12mo, Dictionnaire Botaniqne
et Pharmaceutique,
” in 8vo, several times reprinted; in
which are found the principal properties of such minerals,
vegetables, and animals as are used in medicine. A great
number of remedies are pointed out, but not always with
sufficient care in the selection. Dr. Alexander had a very
extensive knowledge in simples. Equally pious and charitable, he employed it to the relief of his brethren, and
especially the poor.
tor of the General Dictionary, must not be confounded with Amaltheus Attilius, archbishop of Athens, who was born of a family in Italy eminent for producing men of the
, the youngest of the Amalthei, has left a few Latin poems, which serve to manifest the conformity of his taste and talents with those of his learned brothers. He probably died in the prime of life, and some accounts fix the decease of all the three brothers in the same year. But these, according to the editor of the General Dictionary, must not be confounded with Amaltheus Attilius, archbishop of Athens, who was born of a family in Italy eminent for producing men of the greatest merit and learning. He lived in the sixteenth century, and made a considerable progress in the study of the civil and canon law, and in that of divinity, he was a man of a noble, generous, and disinterested spirit, was raised to the see of Athens by pope V. and sent to Cologne in the character of nuncio, which office he discharged with much applause; and died about 1600.
f Abelard. 6. “Desesperades, ou Eglogues amourouses,” Paris, 1572, 8vo. His yourrger brother Adrian, who was born at Paris 1551, and died bishop of Treguier, July 28,
lived in the latter end of the
sixteenth, and beginning of the seventeenth centuries, and
acquired in his own time considerable fame upon account
of his learning, and some portion of the spirit of literary
research. He was the son of a surgeon, but became a
great favourite in the courts of Charles IX. of France, and
his brother Henry III. and was gradually advanced to offices of high trust in the state. From his childhood, he
said, he had been always fond of looking into old libraries,
and turning over dusty manuscripts. In some of these researches he laid his hands on the letters of Abelard and
Heloise, which he read with much pleasure, and was induced to pursue his inquiries. He found other works of
the same author; but they were ill-written, and not to be
unravelled without great labour, yet nothing can withstand
the indefatigable toil of a true antiquary. Amboise procured other manuscripts; collated them together, and
finally produced one fair copy, which made ample compensation, he says, for all the labour he had endured.
Even posterity, he thinks, will be grateful to him, and
know how to value the pleasure and the profit, they will
derive from his researches. Not satisfied, however, with
the copy he possessed, he still wished to enlarge it. He
applied to different monasteries, and he again searched the
libraries in Paris, and not without success. His friends
applauded his zeal, and gave him their assistance. His
manuscripts swelled to a large bulk, and he read, arranged,
and selected what pleased him best. The rising sun, he
says, often found him at his task. So far fortune had
smiled upon his labours, but somewhat was wanting to give
them the last finish. He went over to the Paraclet, where the
abbess, Madame de Rochefoucauld, received him with the
greatest politeness. He declared the motive of his journey;
she took him by the hand, and led him to the tomb of
Abelard and Heloise. Together they examined the library
of the abbey, and she shewed him many hymns, and
prayers, and homilies, written by their founder, which were
still used in their church. Amboise then returned to Paris,
and prepared his work for the press. As the reputation of
his author, he knew, had been much aspersed by some
contemporary writers, he wished to remove the undeserved
stigma, and to present him as immaculate as might be, before the eyes of a more discerning age. With this view
he wrote a long “Apologetic preface,
” which he meant
should be prefixed to the work. In this preface, an inelegant and affected composition, he labours much to shew
that Abelard was the greatest and best man, and Heloise
the greatest and best woman, whom the annals of human
kind had recorded. He first, very fairly, brings the testimony of those, who had spoken evil of them, whom he endeavours to combat and refute. To these succeeds a list
of their admirers. He dwells on their every word, and
gives more weight to their expressions, and the result is
what we might expect from the pen of Amboise. The compilation, however, although unsuccessful in its main design, contains. some curious matter, and may be read with,
pleasure. But he did not live to see it published, for it was
not printed till the year 1616. He died before this, but
the exact time is not known. The editor of the Dictiounaire Historique places his death in 1620, which must be a
mistake. His works are, 1. “Notable Discours, en forme
de dialogue, touchant la vraie et parfaicte amitie,
” translated from the Italian of Piccolomini, Lyons, 1577, 16mo.
2. “Dialogue et Devis des Damoiselles, pour les rendre
vertueuses et bienheureuses en la vraye et parfaicte amitie.
”
Paris, Regrets facetieux et
plaisantes Harangues funebres sur la mort de divers animaulx,
” from the Italian of Ortensio Lando, Paris, Les Neapolitaines,
” a French comedy,
Paris, Desesperades, ou Eglogues amourouses,
” Paris, Holophernes,
” printed at Paris,
, a Milesian, who was born about the fifty-sixth olympiad, or B. C. 556, was a
, a Milesian, who was born about the fifty-sixth olympiad, or B. C. 556, was a hearer and companion of Anaximander. He followed the footsteps of his master, in his inquiries into the nature and origin of things, and attempted to cast new light upon the system. He taught, that the first principle of all things is air, which he held to be infinite, or immense. Anaximenes, says Simplicius, taught the unity and immensity of matter, but under a more definite term than Anaximander, calling it air. He held air to be God, because it is diffused through all nature, and is perpetually active. The air of Anaximenes is, then, a subtle ether, animated with a divine principle, whence it becomes the origin of all beings, and in this sense Lactantins understood his doctrine.
, who was born at Vicenza, composed in Italian and the Turkish language
, who was born at Vicenza, composed in Italian and the Turkish language the
“History of Mahomet II.
” which he dedicated to him. It
was very kindly received by that haughty sultan, who,
besides the civilities which he shewed to Angiolello, bestowed
on him very considerable proofs of his liberality. The
author had been an eye-witness of what he related; for,
being one of the slaves of the young sultan Mustapha, he
followed him in the expedition to Persia in 1473, which
Mahomet carried on in person with almost 200,000 soldiers
into the dominions of Ussun-Caesan. It is somewhat surprising that Angiolello, who knew without doubt the haughty
disposition of this emperor of the Turks, should venture to
repeat the abusive terms, which Ussun-Cassan used in reproaching him with his illegitimate birth, when he viewed
the army of the enemies from a hill upon the bank of the
Euphrates. It is certain, however, that Angiolello’s book
was not the less kindly received, or the less amply rewarded.
There was printed at Venice in 1553 a piece of Giov. Mario
Angiolello, “Delia vita et fatti di Re di Persia;
” and he
wrote also “Relatione della vita e de' fatti del signer
Ussun-Cassan,
” inserted in the second volume of Ramusio’s
Voyage, 1559, fol. By this it appears that he was living in
1524, and probably old, as this was fifty-one years after the
battle on the Euphrates, at which he was present.
, a Jew who was born at Socho, on the borders of Judea, about three hundred
, a Jew who was born at Socho, on the borders of Judea, about three hundred years before Christ, was president of the sanhedrim at Jerusalem, and teacher of the law in the principal divinity school of that city. Having often, in his lectures, inculcated to his scholars that they ought not to serve God in a servile manner, but only out of filial love and fear, two of his scholars, Sadoc and Baithus, thence inferred, that there were no rewards at all after this life, and therefore separating from the school of their master, they thought there was no resurrection nor future state, neither angel nor spirit: hence arose the sect of the Sadducees. They seem to agree in general with the Epicureans, differing, however, in this: that though they denied a future state, yet they allowed the power of God to create the world, which the followers of Epicurus denied. It is said also, that they rejected the scriptures, except the Pentateuch; denied predestination; and taught, that God had made man absolute master of all his actions, without assistance in what is good, or restraint from evil.
Ariosto were translated into English, and published in a 12mo volume. Ariosto had a nephew, Horace, who was born in 1555, and died in 1593. He defended the Orlando
Ariosto’s reputation rests now entirely on his Orlando,
concerning which modern critics are nearly agreed, and
can perceive its blemishes without a wish to detract from its
genuine merit. The monstrous extravagance of his fictions, as far as respects the agency of demons and aerial
beings, were not ill suited to the age in which he lived,
and supported the reputation of his poem, until it attracted
the admiration of more enlightened minds, by the display
of an imagination infinitely exuberant, yet directed by the
finest taste, by the extraordinary power the author possessed of interesting both the gentler and severer passions,
and by his masterly skill in all graphical paintings and descriptions. “Orlando,
” says Dr. Blair, who seems to have
collected the opinions of all the modern critics on this
poem, "unites all sorts of poetry sometimes comic and
satiric; sometimes light and licentious; at other times,
highly heroic, descriptive, and tender. Whatever strain
the poet assumes, he excels in it. He is always master of
his subject; seems to play himself with it; and leaves
us sometimes at a loss to know whether he be serious or
in jest. He is seldom dramatic; sometimes, but not often,
sentimental; but in narration and description, perhaps no
poet ever went beyond him. He makes every scene which
he describes, and every event which he relates, pass before
our eyes; and in his selection of circumstances, is eminently picturesque. His style is much varied, always suited
to the subject, and adorned with a remarkable smooth and
melodious versification. The most valued editions of the
Orlando are, that printed at Venice, fol. 1584, with Ruscelli’s notes, and engravings by Porro; and the edition of
Molini, published in 1772, in 4 vols. 8vo, which has very
beautiful engravings, and was printed with Baskerville’s
types. There is likewise a very correct edition published at
Paris by Pankouke in 10 vols. 12mo, 1787; and another,
likewise very correct, in 4 vols. 8vo, by Mr. Isola, at London, 1789. Ariosto’s other pieces have been frequently
reprinted, but none of them are in much demand. The
English reader has been made acquainted with the merits
of the Orlando by Mr. Hoole, who, in 1783, completed his
translation, in 5 vols. 8vo. His predecessors in that labour
were sir John Harrington and Mr. Huggins, but they are
now little known and little read. In 1759 the satires of
Ariosto were translated into English, and published in a
12mo volume. Ariosto had a nephew, Horace, who was
born in 1555, and died in 1593. He defended the Orlando Furioso against the criticisms of Pellegrino, and was
himself a poet, and a writer of comedies.
antly depicted by Addison, in the Tatler, Nos. 155 and 160, as a crazy politician. He sent this son, who was born May 28, 1710, to Eton school, and intended him for
, an eminent English musician, was the son of Thomas Arne, upholsterer, of Kingstreet, Covent-garden, at whose house the Indian kings lodged in the reign of queen Anne, as mentioned in the Spectator, No. 50, and who had been before pleasantly depicted by Addison, in the Tatler, Nos. 155 and 160, as a crazy politician. He sent this son, who was born May 28, 1710, to Eton school, and intended him for the profession of the law; but even at Eton his love for music interrupted his studies and after he left that school, such was his passion for his favourite pursuit, that he used to avail himself of the privilege of a servant, by borrowing a livery, and going into the upper gallei'y of the opera, which was then appropriated to domestics. At home he had contrived to secrete a spinet in his room, upon which, after muffling the strings with a handkerchief, he used to practise in the night while the rest of the family were asleep, His father, who knew nothing of this, bound him to a three years’ clerkship, during which this young votary of Apollo dedicated every moment he could obtain fairly, or otherwise, to the study of music. Besides practising on the spinet, and studying composition, by himself, he contrived to acquire some instructions on the violin, of Festing, a performer of much fame at that time; and upon this instrument he had made so considerable a progress, that soon after he quitted his legal master, his father accidentally calling at a gentleman’s house in the neighbourhood, was astonished to find a large party, and a concert, at which his son played the first fiddle. His father was at first much irritated at this disappointment of his hopes, but was soon prevailed upon to let his son follow the bent of his inclinations; and the young man was no sooner at liberty to play aloud in his father’s house, than he bewitched the whole family. In particular, he cultivated the voice of one of his sisters, who was fond of music, by giving her such instruct tions as enabled her to become a favourite public performer. For her and for a younger brother, who performed the character of the page, he set to music Addison’s opera of Rosamond, which was performed at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, ten nights successively, and with great applause.
de for a few weeks with Mr. John Forster an attorney. Mr. Forster had a daughter of eight years old, who was born deaf and dumb. Mr. Baker, possessed with the idea that
, an ingenious and diligent naturalist, the son of William Baker, a clerk in Chancery, was born in Chancery-lane, London, May 8, 1698. He was placed in 1713 with John Parker, whom he left in 1720, to reside for a few weeks with Mr. John Forster an attorney. Mr. Forster had a daughter of eight years old, who was born deaf and dumb. Mr. Baker, possessed with the idea that he could instruct her in reading, writing, and understanding what was spoken, made the attempt, and was so successful that her father retained him in his house for some years, during which he succeeded equally well with a second daughter who laboured under the same privation. He afterwards made this the employment of his life. In the prosecution of so valuable and difficult an undertaking, he was very successful. Among his pupils were the hon. Lewis Erskine, son of the late earl of Buchaii lady Mary, and lady Anne O'Brien, daughters of the earl of Inchiquin the earl of Sussex and his brother Mr. Yelverton the earl of Haddington, the earl of Londonderry, and many others. At the end of his instructions, he is said to have taken a bond for lOOl. of each scholar not to divulge his method, an instance of narrowness of mind which we wish we could contradict.
Nov. 1774, aged seventy-seven. His wife died in 1762; and he left only one grandson, William Baker, who was born Feb. 17, 1763, and to whom, on his living to the age
In April 1729, he married Sophia, youngest daughter
of the famous Daniel Defoe, who brought him two sons,
both of whom he survived. On the 29th of January 1740,
Mr. Baker was elected a fellow of the society of antiquaries; and, on the 12th of March following, the same
honour was conferred upon him by the royal society. In
1744, sir Godfrey Copley’s gold medal was bestowed upon
him, for having, by his microscopical experiments on the
crystallizations and configurations of saline particles, produced the most extraordinary discovery during that year.
This medal was presented to him by sir Hans Sloane, thjen
president of the royal society, and only surviving trustee
of sir Godfrey Copley’s donation, at the recommendation
of sir Hans’s worthy successor, Martin Folkes, esq. and of
the council of the said society. Having led a very useful
and honourable life, he died, at his apartments in the
Strand, on the 25th of Nov. 1774, aged seventy-seven.
His wife died in 1762; and he left only one grandson,
William Baker, who was born Feb. 17, 1763, and to whom,
on his living to the age of twenty-one, he bequeathed the
bulk of his fortune, which he had acquired by his profession of teaching deaf and dumb persons to speak. This
gentleman is now rector of Lyndon and South Luffenham,
in the county of Rutland. He gave also by his will a hundred pounds to the royal society, the interest of which
was to be applied in paying for an annual oration on natural
history or experimental philosophy, now known by the
name of the Bakerian oration. He gave to each of his two
executors one hundred pounds and his wife’s gold watch
and trinkets in trust to his daughter-in-law Mary Baker for
her life, and to be afterwards given to the future wife of
his grandson. To Mrs. Baker he gave also an annuity of
fifty pounds. His furniture, printed books, curiosities, and
collections of every sort, he directed should be sold, which
was accordingly done. His manuscripts are in the possession of his grandson. His fine collection of native and
foreign fossils, petrifactions, shells, corals, vegetables, ores,
&c. with some antiquities and other curiosities, were sold
by auction, March 13, 1775, and the nine following days,
He was buried, as he desired, in an inexpensive mannef,
in the church-yard of St. Mary le-Strand within which
church, on the south wall, he ordered a small tablet to be
erected to his memory, but owing to some particular regulations annexed to the new churches under the act of
queen Anne, leave for this could not be obtained. “An
inscription for it,
” he said, “would probably be found
among his papers if not, he hoped some learned friend
would write one agreeably to truth.
”
, citizen of Geneva, who was born in 1726, and died in 1774, is known by a judicious
, citizen of Geneva, who
was born in 1726, and died in 1774, is known by a judicious performance, entitled “Ueducation physique des
enfans,
”
, who was born, according to Vossius, in the Palatinate, studied at
, who was born, according
to Vossius, in the Palatinate, studied at Groningen. He
became tutor to the children of the king of Bohemia, and
was by the queen’s interest appointed professor of philosophy at Utrecht, 1640, and eight years afterwards professor
of eloquence. He succeeded also in poetry, but his style
has been objected to as containing many new-coined words
and affected phrases. He died July 24, 1667, leaving several works, of which the principal were, l.“Exercitationes ethicae, ceconomicge, politicae,
” Utrecht, Dissertatio de Cometis, utrum sint signa, an causae, an
utrumque, an neutrum,
” Utrecht, Examen elementorurn philosophicorum de bono cive,
” which remains in manuscript.
, a monk in the tenth century, who was born in the year 923, in the neighbourhood of Annecy, of
, a monk in the tenth century, who was born in the year 923, in the neighbourhood of Annecy, of one of the most illustrious houses of Savoy, rendered himself not more celebrated in the annals of religion than of benevolence, by two hospitable establishments which he formed, and where, for nine hundred years, travellers have found relief from the dangers of passing the Alps in the severe part of the season. Bernard, influenced by pious motives and a love of study, refused in his early years a proposal of marriage to which his parents attached great importance, and embraced the ecclesiastical life. He afterwards was promoted to be archdeacon of Aoste, which includes the places of official and grand-vicar, and consequently gave him considerable weight in the government of the diocese. This he employed in the laudable purposes of converting the wretched inhabitants of the neighbouring mountains, who were idolaters, and made very great progress in ameliorating their manners, as well as religious opinions. Affected at the same time with the dangers and hardships sustained by the French and German pilgrims in travelling to Rome, he resolved to build on the summit of the Alps two hospitia, or hotels, for their reception, one on mount Joux (mons Jcrffis, so called from a temple of Jupiter erected there), and the other, the colonnade of Jove, so called from a colonnade or series of upright stones placed on the snow to point out a safe track. These places of reception were afterwards called, and are still known by the names of the Great and Little St. Bernard. The care of them the founder entrusted to regular canons of the order of St. Augustin, who have continued without interruption to our days, each succession of monks during this long period, zealously performing the duties of hospitality according to the benevolent intentions of St. Bernard. The situation is the most inhospitable by nature that can be conceived even in spring, the cold is extreme; and the whole is covered with snow or ice, whose appearances are varied only by storms and clouds. Their principal monastery on Great St. Bernard, is probably the highest habitation in Europe, being two thousand five hundred toises above the sea. Morning and evening their dogs, trained for the purpose, trace out the weary and perishing traveller, and by their means, many lives are saved, the utmost care being taken to recover them, even when- recovery seems most improbable. After thus establishing these hospitia, Bernard returned to his itinerant labours among the neighbouring countries until his death in May 28, 1008. The Bollandists have published, with notes, two authentic lives of St. Bernard de Menthon, one written by Richard, his successor in the archdeaconry of Aoste y by which it appears that he was neither a Cistertian, nor of the regular canons, as some writers have asserted. The two hospitals possessed considerable property in Savoy, of which they were deprived afterwards, but the establishment still subsists, and the kind and charitable duties of it have lately been performed by secular priests.
, who was born Feb. 8, 1582, at Hallstadt, in Austria, became rector
, who was born Feb. 8, 1582,
at Hallstadt, in Austria, became rector of the college,
and professor of history at Strasburgh, where he died
Feb. 3, 1640. He was esteemed one of the best critics of
his time, and had particularly studied the works of Thucydides, Tacitus, Suetonius, and Sallust. Niceron (vol. XXVII) has a large catalogue of his writings, of which
the principal are: 1. “Hypobolimaea D. Maria? Deiparoe
Camera, seu Idolum Lauretanum, &c. dejectum,
” Strasburgh, De jure eligendi reges et principes,
” ibid. Epistolae mutuas H. Grotii et Matt. Berneggeri,
” Strasburgh, Epistolae Joannis Kepleri, &c.
”
ibid. Observationes miscellanei
” on history, &c. were published by
his son in
, who was born at Basil, Dec. 27, 1654. After he had studied polite
, who was born at Basil, Dec. 27,
1654. After he had studied polite literature, he learned
the old philosophy of the schools and, having taken his
degrees in the university of Basil, applied himself to divinity, not so much from inclination, as complaisance to
his father. He gave very early proofs of his genius for
mathematics, and soon became a geometrician, without any
assistance from masters, and at first almost without books
for he was not allowed to have any books of this kind and
if one fell by chance into his hands, he was obliged to conceal it, that he might not incur the displeasure of his father, who designed him for other studies. This severity
made him choose for his device, Phaeton driving the chariot of the sun, with these words, “Invito patre sidera
verso,
” “I traverse the stars against my father’s inclination
” it had a particular reference to astronomy, the part
of mathematics to which he at first applied himself. But
these precautions did not avail, for he pursued his favourite study with great application. In 1676 he began
his travels. When he was at Geneva, he fell upon a method to teach a young girl to write, though she had lost
her sight when she was but two months old. At Bourdeaux he composed universal gnomonic tables, but they
were never published. He returned from France to his
own country in 1680. About this time there appeared a
comet, the return of which he foretold, and wrote a small
treatise upon it, which he afterwards translated into Latin.
He went soon after to Holland, where he applied himself
to the new philosophy, and particularly to that part of the
mathematics which consists in resolving problems and demonstrations. After having visited Flanders and Brabant,
he went to Calais, and passed over to England. At London he contracted an acquaintance with all the most eminent men in the several sciences and had the honour of
being frequently present at the philosophical societies held
at the house of Mr. Boyle. He returned to his native
country in 1682; and exhibited at Basil a course of
experiments in natural philosophy and mechanics, which consisted of a variety of new discoveries. The same year he
published his “Essay on a new system of Comets
” and
the year following, his “Dissertation on the weight of the
Air.
” About this time Leibnitz having published, in the
Acta Eruditorum at Leipsic, some essays on his new “Caiulus Differentialis,
” but concealing the art and method
of it, Mr. Bernoulli and his brother John discovered, by
the little which they saw, the beauty and extent of it: this
induced them to endeavour to unravel the secret; which
they did with such success, that Leibnitz declared that the
invention belonged to them as much as to himself.
enjoy at the same time courtly favour and popular esteem. His nephew, count Andrew Peter Bernstorf, who was born in 1735, and eventually succeeded him as foreign minister
, minister of state in Denmark, was born at Hanover, May 13, 1712.
Some relations he happened to have in Denmark invited
him thither, where his talents were soon noticed, and employed by the government. After having been ambassador in several courts, he was placed by Frederick V. at
the head of foreign affairs. During the seven years war
(1755 62) he preserved a system of strict neutrality, which
proved eminently serviceable to the commerce and internal prosperity of Denmark. In 1761, when the emperor
of Russia, Peter III. threatened Denmark with war, and
inarched his troops towards Holstein, Bernstorf exerted
the utmost vigour in contriving means for the defence of
the country, and the“sudden death of Peter having averted
this storm, he employed his skill in bringing about an alliance between the courts of Copenhagen and St. Petersburgh. In 1767 he succeeded in concluding a provisional
treaty, by which the dukedom of Holstein, which Paul,
the grand duke of Russia, inherited by the death of Peter
III. was exchanged for Oldenburgh, which belonged to
the king of Denmark. This finally took place in 1773,
and procured an important addition to the Danish territories. Soon after Bernstorf put a stop to the long contest
that had been maintained respecting the house of Holstein
having a right of sovereignty over Hamburgh, and that city
vVas declared independent on condition of not claiming repayment of the money the city had advanced to the king of
Denmark and the dukes of Holstein. These measures contributed highly to the reputation of count Bernstorf as a
politician, but perhaps he derived as much credit from his
conduct in other respects. He had acquired a large estate
in the neighbourhood of Copenhagen, the peasants on
which, as was the case in Denmark at that time, were
slaves, and transferred like other property. Bernstorf,
however, not only gave them their liberty, but granted
them long leases, and encouraged them to cultivate the
land, and feel that they had an interest in it. His tenants,
soon sensible of the humanity and wisdom of his conduct,
agreed to express their gratitude by erecting an obelisk
in honour of him on the side of the great road leading to
Copenhagen. Bernstorf was likewise a liberal patron of
manufactures, commerce, and the fine arts. It was he
who induced Frederick V. to give a pension for life to the
poet Klopstock. On the death of that monarch, Bernstorf
was continued in the ministry lor the first years of the
new reign, until 1770, when Struenzee being placed at
the head of the council, Bernstorf was allowed to resign
with a pension. He then retired to Hamburgh, but, after
the catastrophe of Struenzee, he was recalled, and was
about to set out for Copenhagen when he died of an
apoplexy, Feb. 19, 1772. The political measures of this statesman belong to history, but his private character has been
the theme of universal applause. Learned, social, affable,
generous, and high spirited, he preserved the affections
of all who knew him, and throughout his whole administration had the singular good fortune to enjoy at the same
time courtly favour and popular esteem. His nephew,
count Andrew Peter Bernstorf, who was born in 1735, and
eventually succeeded him as foreign minister for Denmark,
displayed equal zeal and knowledge in promoting the true
interests of his country, which yet repeats his name with
fervour and enthusiasm. It was particularly his object to
preserve the neutrality of Denmark, after the French revolution had provoked a combination of most of the powers
of Europe; and as long as neutral rights were at all respected, he succeeded in this wise measure. His state
papers on the
” principles of the court of Denmark concerning neutrality,“in 1780, and his
” Declaration to the
courts of Vienna and Berlin," in 1792, were much admired. In private life he followed the steps of his uncle,
by a liberal patronage of arts, commerce, and manufactures,
and like him was as popular in the country as in the court.
He died Jan. 21, 1797.
, a botanist, who was born in 1561, at Nuremberg, where he carried on the business
, a botanist, who was born in 1561, at
Nuremberg, where he carried on the business of an apothecary, and died there in 1629, is entitled to notice chiefly
for having published the most beautiful botanical work that
had then appeared, the celebrated “Hortus Eystettensis,
”
Nuremberg, Phytobasanos
” of Columna, that were engraved on
copper, all botanical engravings being formerly on wood.
They are in general well designed, but do not point out
the parts of fructification, and are classed only according
to the seasons. Basil Besler had the care of this work, and
although he was deficient in literature, and was not even
acquainted with Latin, yet his zeal and love of the science
enabled him to perform his task with considerable skill.
Jerome Besler, his brother, a man of more learning, supplied the synonymy of the plants, and part of the descriptions, and Louis Jungermann, professor at Giessen, was
the author of the text. A second edition appeared at Nuremberg in 1640, at the expence of Marquard II. bishop
of Aichstaedt, in large folio, but is inferior to the first.
Basil Besler also collected a museum of many of the curiosities of the three kingdoms of nature, which he had engraven at his own expence, and published under the title
of “Fasciculus rariorum et aspectu digniorum, varii generis quae collegit et suis impensis aeri ad vivum incidi curavit Basilius Besler,
” Nuremberg,
, a physician at Nuremberg, the son of Jerome and nephew of Basil, who was born in 1601, and died in 1661, wrote, 1. “Gazophylacium
, a physician at Nuremberg, the son of Jerome and nephew of Basil, who was
born in 1601, and died in 1661, wrote, 1. “Gazophylacium rerum naturalium,
” Nuremberg, Rariora mussel Besleriani,
” Nuremberg, Admirandae fabrics humanae mulieris partium, &c. delineatio,
”
Nuremberg, Observatio anatomico-medica, &c.
”
an account of a monstrous birth, Nuremberg, Mantissa ad viretum stirpium Eystettense-Beslerianum,
” ibid. Hortus Eystettensis.
”
Another de Bie (Jacob or James), who was born at Antwerp, in 1581, was an eminent engraver of antiquities,
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,
, a Jesuit, who was born at Compiegne in 1602, and died at Dijon in 1679, aged
, a Jesuit, who was born at Compiegne in 1602, and died at Dijon in 1679, aged seventyseven published a great number of mathematical works,
of which the “Opus astronomicon,
” Paris,
, bishop of Ripen, in Denmark, who was born in 1717, and died in 1773, cultivated the science of
, bishop of Ripen,
in Denmark, who was born in 1717, and died in 1773,
cultivated the science of botany, particularly with a view
to illustrate those passages of Scripture in which plants,
&c. are mentioned. In 1767, he published at Copenhagen “Tentamen Phoenicologices sacra, seu dissertatio
emblematico-theologica de Palma,
” 8vo, a work containing
many curious remarks on the palm or date-tree of Palestine and Idumea, which was called the phosnix by the
Greeks and most of the eastern nations. It often occurs
in the Bible, and the learned author has collected and explained the several passages. This species of palm is the
phoenix dactylifera of modern botanists. A third author of
the same name, John Erasmus Block, a Danish gardener,
published at Copenhagen a treatise on the art of cultivating gardens, under the title “Horticultura Danica,
”
, who was born at Paris in 1671, and died at Evreux, July 23, 1740,
, who was born at Paris in 1671,
and died at Evreux, July 23, 1740, possessed a most extensive knowledge of books of every kind, but particularly
what related to liturgies, monastic rules, and other branches
of ecclesiastical history, which he communicated liberally to
the literati of his time. For seventeen years he was corrector of Desprez’s press, and published there, in 1772,
“Vie de Saints,
” fol. which have gone through several
editions. At the end of this volume are subjoined the lives
of various other persons eminent for their piety. His own
works were chiefly of the religious cast, but he was frequently employed as editor of the works of others, which
he illustrated with notes.
n 1664, are distinguished performances of this master. Descamps mentions another John Van Bockhorst, who was born at Dentekoom in 1661, went when young to London, and
, called also Langhen-Jan, a painter of history and portrait of the Flemish school, was born at Munster, about the year 1610; and removing to Flanders, acquired the art of design and colouring in the school of Jacques Jordaens. He designed well the heads erf his women are generally graceful, and those of his men distinguished by character: his tone of colouring sometimes resembled that of Rubens, but more frequently that of Vandyck. His pictures have great force and harmony, and his skilful management of the chiaro-scuro produces an agreeable effect. An altar-piece at the church of St. James in Ghent, representing the martyrdom of this saint, and a picture of the Annunciation in another church, painted in 1664, are distinguished performances of this master. Descamps mentions another John Van Bockhorst, who was born at Dentekoom in 1661, went when young to London, and was employed by sir Godfrey Kneller on his portraits, and the earl of Pembroke also employed him to paint portraits, history, and battle pieces. He afterwards practised portrait-painting in various parts of Germany, principally at the court of Brandeuburgh and in Cleves, and died in 1724.
, 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,
, 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.
, a lady who was born at Paris in 1718, and died in the same city April 18,
, a lady who was born at Paris in 1718, and died in the same city April 18, 1768, had received from nature a good understanding and an excellent taste, which were cultivated by a suitable education. She possessed the foreign languages, and was mistress of all the delicate turns of her own. It is to her that the French are indebted for a translation, said to be accurate and elegant, of Thomson’s Seasons, 1759, 12mo. Madame Bontems had a select society that frequented her house, and though she had a great talent for wit, she only made use of it for displaying that of others. She was not less esteemed for the qualities of her heart than those of her mind.
, an architect, who was born in France in 1670, of protestant parents, quitted his
, an architect, who was born in France in 1670, of protestant parents, quitted his country early in life, and went into the service of William of Orange, afterwards king of Great Britain. After the death of that prince, he attached himself to the elector of Brandenbourg, who gave him a post of captain of the guards, which did not slacken his industry in architecture. His first edifice was the arsenal at Berlin, and he afterwards signalized himself by various monuments of his art. Frederic I. being dead, Bott conciliated the favour of Frederic William, who raised him to the rank of major-general. The fortifications of Wesel, of which place he was commandant, were constructed under his direction. In 1728 he went into the service of the king of Poland, elector of Saxony, in quality of lieutenant-general and chief of the engineers. In Dresden are several edifices of his erection, where he died in 1745, with great reputation for probity, intelligence, and valour.
There was another John Boulanger, a painter, who was born in 1606, and died in 1660. Mr. Fuseli informs us that
There was another John Boulanger, a painter, who was born in 1606, and died in 1660. Mr. Fuseli informs us that he was a pupil of Guido, became painter to the court of Modena, and master of a school of art in that city. What remains of his delicate pencil in the ducal palace, proves the felicity of his invention, the vivid harmony of his colour, and in the attitudes a spirit bordering on enthusiasm. Such is the Sacrifice (if it be his, as fame asserts) of Iphigenia; though the person of Agamemnon is veiled in a manner too whimsical to be admitted in a heroic subject. Of his scholars, Tomaso Costa of Sassuolo, and Sigismondo Caula a Modenese, excelled the rest. Costa, a vigorous colourist, laid his hand indiscriminately ori every subject of art, greatly employed at Reggio, his usual residence, and much at Modena, where he painted the cupola of S. Vicenzo. Caula left his home only to improve himself at Venice, and returned with a copious and welltoned style bat sunk to a more languid one as he advanced in life.
, who was born at Nimes in 1678, became celebrated for his proficiency
, who was born at Nimes in 1678,
became celebrated for his proficiency in natural history.
The revocation of the edict of Nantes having forced his
family to go and seek an asylum in Switzerland, Zurich
was indebted to them for its manufactures of stockings,
muslins, and several silk stuffs. Young Bourguet went
through a course of study there; afterwards married at
Berne, and settled at Neufeh&tel, where he became professor of philosophy and mathematics. He died Dec. 31,
1742, at the age of 64, after publishing, 1. A Letter on
the formation of salts and crystals; Amsterdam, 1729,
12mo. 2. “La bibliotheque Italique,
” 16 vols. 8vo. This
journal, begun at Geneva in 1728, found a welcome reception among the learned, as a solid and useful book deserving to be continued, although deficient in style, and
hastily written. He wrote also, “Traite des petrifactions,
”
Paris,
, abbe d'Aulnay, who was born in the comtat Venaissin, and died April 11, 1758, is
, abbe
d'Aulnay, who was born in the comtat Venaissin, and died
April 11, 1758, is known by several works in physics and
astronomy. The abundance of words, the frequent
repetitions, the great number of insignificant ideas perceived
in his writings, have disgusted many readers; though they
contain much excellent matter. The principal are, 1.
“Letters on cosmography,
” Modern
system of cosmography and general physics,
” Explication of the flux and reflux of the sea,
” Cosmographical ephemerides,
” History or police of the kingdom of Gala,
”
, who was born at Venice about the year 1510, became celebrated both
, who was born at Venice about the
year 1510, became celebrated both as a comedian and an
author. He composed several comedies in prose, of which
the best is his Rodiana, which in fact belongs to him,
though printed under the name of Ruzzante. There is
also by him a volume of letters, entitled “Discorsi Piacevoli,
” Le Giocose moderne, e facetissime Egloghe Pastorali,
” Venice,
, an artist, who was born at Ferrara, in 1501, became a disciple of Garofalo,
, an artist, who was born at Ferrara, in 1501, became a disciple of Garofalo, and proved the best artist of all those who studied in that academy; but when he quitted that master, he devoted his whole time, thoughts, and attention, to study the works of Correggio, and to copy them with a critical care and observation. Jn that labour he spent several years at Parma, Modena, and other cities of Italy, where the best works of that exquisite painter were preserved. He succeeded to admiration, and acquired such an excellence in the imitation of Correggio’s style, and copying his pictures, that many paintings finished by him were taken for originals, and were eagerly purchased by the connoisseurs of that time. Nor is it improbable, that several of the paintings of Girolamo da Carpi pass at this day for the genuine works of Correggio. He died in 1556.
, who was born August 17, 1659, at Paris, studied at the college de
, who was born August 17,
1659, at Paris, studied at the college de la Marche, and
there became acquainted with M. de Seigneley, who procured him an employment in the marine. The greatest
part of his life passed in voyages to the Levant, Canada,
and the East Indies. In Canada he was taken prisoner
by the English; he was also a prisoner in Turkey. Chasles
was gay, sprightly, and loved good cheer, but yet satirical, particularly against the monks, and the constitution.
He was banished from Paris to Chartres, for some of these
liberties, where he was living in a sordid manner, in 1719
or 1720. He wrote “Les Illustres Francoises,
” 3 vols.
12mo, containing seven histories, to which two others are
added in the edition of Utrecht, 1737, 4 vols. 12mo, and
of Paris, 4 vols.; but these two are much inferior to the
rest. “Journal d'un Voyage fait aux Indes Orientales sur
Tescadre de M. du Quesrie en 1690 et 1691,
” Rouen,
Diet, de Justice,
Police, et Finances,
”, written by Francis James Chasles,
it is even doubtful whether this Thomas Chaucer was his son. We know certainly of no son but Lewis, who was born in 1381, twenty-one years after his marriage, if the
Soon after this, however, Chaucer’s biographers concur in the fact that he experienced a very serious reverse in his affairs, which in the second year of Richard II. were in such disorder, that he was obliged to have recourse to the king’s protection, in order to screen him from the importunities of his creditors. But as to the cause of this embarrassment, we find no agreement among those who have attempted a narrative of his life. Some think his distresses were temporary, and some that they were artificial. Among the latter, the writer of his life in the Biographia Britannica hazards a supposition which is at least ingenious. He is of opinion that Chaucer about this time found out a rich match for his son Thomas, namely, Maud, the second daughter of sir John Burghershe; and in order to obtain this match, he was obliged to bring his son somewhat upon a level with her, by settling all his landed estates upon him: and that this duty might occasion those demands which put him under the necessity of obtaining the king’s protection. The conclusion of the matter, according to this conjecture, must be, that Chaucer entailed his estates upon his son, and found means to put off his creditors, a measure not very honourable. But we are still in the dark as to the nature of those debts, or the existence of his landed property, and it is even doubtful whether this Thomas Chaucer was his son. We know certainly of no son but Lewis, who was born in 1381, twenty-one years after his marriage, if the date of his marriage before given be correct.
of the church of Rome. Blount has an ample collection of these encomiums. His son of the same names, who was born at Brunswick Oct. 15, 1561, studied at Leipsic and
Chemnitz, according to Thuanus and many others, was
a man of great parts, learning, judgment, and of equal
modesty; and was very much esteemed by the princes of
his own communion, who often made use of him in the
public affairs of the church. Some protestant writers have
not scrupled to rank him next to even Luther himself, for
the services he did in promoting the reformation, and exposing the errors of the church of Rome. Blount has an
ample collection of these encomiums. His son of the same
names, who was born at Brunswick Oct. 15, 1561, studied
at Leipsic and Francfort, and became successively syndic
of the council of Brunswick, professor of law at Rostock,
chancellor and counsellor at Stettin, and lastly chancellor
at Sleswick, where he died Aug. 26, 1627. He wrote
several works, and among them “Historia Navigations
Indiae Orientalis.
”
He had a son of both his names, who was born in 1677, studied historical painting under Bon Boulogne,
He had a son of both his names, who was born in 1677,
studied historical painting under Bon Boulogne, and
became a painter of some note, if we can judge from the
number of prints engraved from his works. There is an
altar picture by him at the abbey church at Paris, representing the death of Ananias. He was made a member
of the royal academy of Paris in 1704, and died, aged
eighty-six, in 1763. Another of his sons, Laurent Josse
le Clerc, was a man of considerable learning, and published three volumes of remarks on Moreri’s Dictionary,
which contributed to improve that work, and compiled the
“Bibliotheque des Auteurs cites dans le Dictionnaire cle
llichelet,
” which was printed with it in the Lyons edition,
ed an annual stipend on him, to assist him in his pursuits. He left a son, John Sigismund Cluverius, who was born during his father’s residence in England, in St. Saviour’s
His residence in England has been overlooked by his
biographers. It was in 1609 that he became a sojourner
at Exeter college, Oxford, for the sake of Drs. Holland
and Prideaux, whose fame attracted many foreigners to
this college; and here he wrote his first work “De Tribus
Rheni alveis et ostiis,
” which was published at Leyden, in
, a celebrated mathematician and linguist, who was born at Urbino in Italy, in 1509, and died in 1575, was
, a celebrated mathematician and linguist, who was born at Urbino in Italy, in
1509, and died in 1575, was famous for his learning and
knowledge in- the sciences. To a great depth and just
taste in the mathematics, he joined a critical skill in the
Greek language; a happy conjunction which made him
very well qualified for translating and expounding the
writings of the Greek mathematicians. And, accordingly,
with a most laudable zeal and industry, he translated and
published several of their works for the first time. On
which account, Francis Moria, duke of Urbino, who was
very conversant in those sciences, proved a very affectionate
patron to him. He is greatly applauded by Bianchini, and
other writers and he justly deserved their encomiums.
Of his own works Commandine published the following:
1. “Commentarius in Planisphserium Ptolomosi,
” De Centre Gravitatis Solidorum,
” Bonon. Horologiorum Descriptio,
” Rom. Archimedis Circuli Dimensio de Lineis Spiralibus Quadratura Parabolae de Conoidibus et
Sphseroidibus de Arenas Numero,
” Ptolomaei Planisphaerium et Planisphaerium Jordani,
” Ptolomuei Analemma,
” Archimedis de iis
qua? vehuntur in aqua,
” Apollonii Perggei
Conicorum libri quatuor, una cum Pappi Alexandrini Lemmatibns, et Commentariis Eutocii AscalonitaV' &c. 1566.
6.
” Machometes Bagdadinus de Superficierum Divisionibus,“1570. 7.
” Elementa Euclidis,“1572. 8.
” Aristarchus de magnitudinibus et distantiis Solis et Luna:,“1572. 9.
” Heronis Alexandrini Spiritualium liber,“1583.
10.
” Pappi Alexandrini Collectiones Mathematics.'," 1588.
her of the name in the early part of the 16th century, a John Constable, the son of Roger Constable, who was born in London, and educated under the celebrated William
, an English poet of the 16th
century, is said to have been born, or at least descended
from a family of that name, in Yorkshire, and was for some
time educated at Oxford, but took his bachelor’s degree at
St. John’s college, Cambridge, in 1579. Edmund Bolton,
in his “Hypercritica,
” says, “Noble Henry Constable
was a great master of the English tongue; nor had any
gentleman of our nation a more pure, quick, or higher delivery of conceit: witness, among all other, that sonnet of
his before his Majesty’s Lepanto.
” He was the author of
“Diana, or the excellent conceitful sonnets of H. C. augmented with divers quatorzains of honorable and learned
personages, divided into eight decads,
” the first sonneteer of his time.
” The most striking of his
productions is that entitled “The Shepheard’s song of Venus and Adonis,
” which is elegantly and harmoniously expressed. Mr. Malone, who reprinted it in the notes to the
10th volume of his Shakspeare, p. 74, thinks it preceded
Shakspeare’s poem on the same subject, which it far excels,
at least in taste and natural touches. Of his life, no memorials have been discovered. Dr. Birch, in his Memoirs of
queen Elizabeth, thought him to be the same Henry Constable, who was a zealous Roman Catholic, and whose religion seems to have obliged him to live in a state of banishment from England. Sir E. Brydges is inclined to the
same opinion. Constable afterwards came privately to
London, but was soon discovered, and imprisoned in the
Tower of London, whence he was released in the latter end
of the year 1604. There was another of the name in the
early part of the 16th century, a John Constable, the
son of Roger Constable, who was born in London, and
educated under the celebrated William Lilye. From
thence he was sent to Byham Hall, opposite Merlon college, Oxford, where, in 1515, he took the degree of M.A.
and was accounted at that time an excellent poet and rhetorician. He obtained some preferment, but of that, or of his
subsequent history, we have no account. He published, in
Latin, “Querela veritatis,
”and “Epigrammata,
”
from them. In the latter part of his life, he was assisted in his literary labours by his son Lewis, who was born in 1651, and who became successively a licentiate of
, a French historian, was
born at Paris, of a noble family, originally of Auvergne,
and having studied law, was admitted to the bar, which he
quitted for the philosophy of Descartes. Bossuet, who
was no less an admirer of that philosopher, procured him
the appointment of reader to the dauphin, which office he
filled with success and zeal, and died the 8th of October
1684, member of the French academy, at an advanced age.
We are indebted to his pen for, 1. “The general History of
France during the two first races of its kings,
” CEuvres de feu M. de Cordemoi.
”
They contain useful investigations, judicious thoughts,
and sensible reflections on the method of writing history.
He had adopted in philosophy, as we before observed, the
sentiments of Descartes, but without servility; he even
sometimes differs from them. In the latter part of his life,
he was assisted in his literary labours by his son Lewis, who
was born in 1651, and who became successively a licentiate
of Sorbonne, and an abbot in the diocese of Clermont.
He was a voluminous writer, chiefly on theological subjects; and was considered among the catholics as an able
advocate of their cause against the attacks of the defenders
of protestantism. He was, however, of considerable service to his father in the latter part-of his “General History
of France;
” and, it is believed, wrote the whole of that
part which extends from about the conclusion of the reign
of Lewis V. to the end of the work. By order of Lewis
XIV. he continued that history from the time of Hugh
Capet until the year 1660, which he did not live to finish.
He died at the age of seventy-one, in the year 1722.
, who was born at Baumeles-Nones in Franche-Comtt;, and died at Paris
, who was born at Baumeles-Nones
in Franche-Comtt;, and died at Paris July 18, 1782, in an
advanced age, was for some time a Jesuit. Having quitted
that society, he repaired to the capital about 1751, and
sought a livelihood by his pen. He began his career by
certain fugitive pieces, of which some, as the “Discovery
of the Philosopher’s stone,
” in imitation of Swift, and the
“Miraculous year,
” had the most success. These trifles
were collected under the very suitable title of “Bagatelles
morales.
” Some of the pieces in this collection are written,
with ease, delicacy, and sprightliness; but irony being the
favourite figure with the author, the style of it is too monotonous, and the witticisms sometimes too far fetched.
There was visible in the writings of the abbe Coyer, as
well as in his conversation, a perpetual effort at being
agreeable, which he was unable to sustain to any length.
Besides some temporary pieces, the abbé Coyer also wrote,
1. “The History of John Sobieski,
” Travels in Italy and Holland,
” New observations on England,
” Noblesse Commenjante,
” 2 vols. 8vo, and a little
romance entitled “Chinki, histoire Cochin-Chinoise,
”
which made more noise in France than his “Bagatelles,
”
and are said to have contributed to two important changes
in France, the granting of letters of noblesse to eminent
merchants, and the abolition of wardenships. 5. “Plan
d'education publique,
” Mons. Abbe, do you know the difference which I find
between you and Don Quixote It is, that he took inns for
castles, and you take castles for inns.
”
nting in his twentieth year, where he had already executed several pictures of great merit; his son, who was born at Paris in 1694, and to whom he left his name, his
was admitted into the academy
of painting in his twentieth year, where he had already executed several pictures of great merit; his son, who was
born at Paris in 1694, and to whom he left his name, his
talents, his knowledge, and virtues, enjoyed the same good
fortune. in his 2ist year: he was first painter to the duke
of Orleans, and in 1747 to the king. Though his peronal qualities and endowments had already made him a
welcome guest with the princes and great men of the court,
yet this last appointment increased his reputation; and the
first use he made of his consequence, was to induce M. de
Tourathem, who had fortitude of mind sufficient for such a
sacrifice, to decline the title of a protector of the academy,
which hitherto had always been connected with the office
of superintendant of the buildings, in order that the academy of painting, like all the rest, might be under the
immediate protection of the king. He also erected a preparatory school, at Paris, for the y^ung pupils, who went
to Rome, where they studied history, and exercised themselves under able masters. To him likewise the public
were indebted for the exhibition of the pictures in the
Luxembourg gallery. Like all men of genius, he had his
enviers and rivals; but his rivals were his friends, his modesty drew them to him, and he never refused them his
esteem. His place as first painter to the king brought him
to court, and made him more intimately acquainted with
the queen and the dauphin. The queen often gave him,
work to do, which chiefly consisted in pictures of the saints
and other objects of devotion. On her return from Metz,
finding over her chimney a picture which he had privately
executed, representing France in the attitude of returning
thanks to heaven for the deliverance of the king, she was
so moved, that she exclaimed, “No one but my friend
Coypel is capable of such. a piece of gallantry!
” The
dauphin had frequently private conversations with him.
He himself executed the drawing for the last work of Coypel, the “Sultan in his seraglio.
” His table was always
strewed with the manuscripts of this artist, which he intended to publish at his own expence. The death of the
author prevented his design, and on hearing of the event,
the prince said publicly at supper: “I have in one year
lost three of my friends!
”
y appears to have been numerous and literary. There wap another Gabriel Cramer, probably his father, who was born at Geneva, 1641, rose to be senior of the faculty of
, 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 learned Swede, who was born at Winberga, in Holland, in 1708, deservedly obtained
, a learned Swede, who was born
at Winberga, in Holland, in 1708, deservedly obtained
the appellation of the father of Swedish poetry by two
poems written in that language; the one entitled “The
Liberty of Sweden,
” published in Brunhilda.
” He successively raised himself
to be preceptor to prince Gustavus, counsellor in ordinary
of the chancery, knight of the northern star, and at last to
the dignity of chancellor of the court. By command of
the king he engaged to compile a history of his own country from the earliest period to the present time, which he
accomplished in three volumes quarto; and which was afterwards translated into the German language. Sweden is
indebted to him also lor a great number of epistles, satires,
fables, thoughts, and some panegyrics on the members otthe royal academy of sciences, of which he was a principal
ornament: all these have been collected and printed in
6 vols. There is likewise by him a translation of the
president Montesquieu, on the Causes of the grandeur and
declension of the Romans. Von Dalin died in August
1763, leaving a reputation for literature, which his works
are thought to confirm.
ts, is the name of a family of engravers of considerable reputation in Holland. Cornelius Danckkkts, who was born at Amsterdam in 1561, established himself at Antwerp
, or Danckerts, is the name of a family of engravers of considerable reputation in Holland. Cornelius Danckkkts, who was born at Amsterdam in 1561, established himself at Antwerp as a print-seller; but he did not suffer this employment to engross his whole time, as he engraved many portraits, landscapes, and historical pieces, as well from his own compositions as from the designs of Berghem, Rembrandt, and others. His son, Danckert Danckerts, who was born at Antwerp about 1600, also engraved different subjects, as well from his own designs as from those of other artists; and though his pieces are not so numerous as his father’s, they surpass them in merit. Danckert combined the point and the graver with very great success, and the pieces from Berghem and Wouvermanns, which he has wrought in this manner, are much esteemed.
ange, and the gate which leads to Haarlem, the most beautiful of the city. He had a son named Peter, who was born at Amsterdam in 1605, and afterwards became painter
John Danckilkts, of the same family, a designer and engraver, about 1654 settled at Amsterdam; but being invited into England, he went to London, where he designed for the English Juvenal, the plates engraved by Hollar. This artist also engraved some plates. Hesiiy Danckerts, his brother, was also bred an engraver, but afterwards became a landscape-painter. He was born at the Hague, but at an early age travelled into Italy, from whence he came to England. Here he enjoyed the favour of Charles II. who employed him to draw views of the British sea-ports, and royal palaces. During the disturbances which preceded the abdication of James II. he quitted England for Amsterdam, where he died soon after. The landscapes painted by this artist were numerous, anil are chiefly to be found in England. Amongst them are Views of Windsor, Plymouth, Penzance, &c. He also engraved from Vandyk, Titian, Jacopo Palma, &c. Justus Danckerts, of the same family, was a designer, engraver, and print-seller, and resided in Amsterdam. The following plates bear his name: the Portrait of Casimir, king of Poland; a ditto of William III. prince of Orange; the Harbours of Amsterdam, a set of seven pieces. One other of the name remains to be noticed, Cornelius Danckerts. The circumstance of both Milizia and Heinecken dating the birth of this architect in 1.561, and saying that he was born in Amsterdam (the very time and place of the birth of Cornelius Danckerts mentioned above), leads us to suspect some chronological error, if not, indeed, that these two artists were one and the same person. Cornelius was originally a stonemason, but afterwards applied himself to architecture. He constructed in the city of Amsterdam many public and private buildings, highlycreditable to his talents on account of their beauty and convenience, and, amongst others, three of the principal churches, the exchange, and the gate which leads to Haarlem, the most beautiful of the city. He had a son named Peter, who was born at Amsterdam in 1605, and afterwards became painter to Uladislaus, king of Poland.
d to discredit this story, which indeed seems to rest upon no very sound foundation. Young Davenant, who was born Feb. 1605, very early betrayed a poetical bias, and
, a poet and dramatic writer of considerable note, was the son of John Davenant, who kept the Crown tavern or inn at Oxford, but owing to an obscure ins nuation in Wood’s accountof his birth, ithas been supposed that he was the natural son of Shakspeare; and to render this story probable, Mrs. Davenant is represented as a woman of beauty and gaiety, and a particular favourite of Shakspeare, who was accustomed to lodge at the Crown, on his journies between Warwickshire and London. Modern inquirers, particularly Mr. Steevens, are inclined to discredit this story, which indeed seems to rest upon no very sound foundation. Young Davenant, who was born Feb. 1605, very early betrayed a poetical bias, and one of Iris first attempts, when he was only ten years old, was an ode in remembrance of master William Shakspeare: this is a remarkable production for one so young, and one who lived, not only to see Shakspeare forgotten, but to contribute, with some degree of activity, to that instance of depraved taste. Davenant was educated at the grammarschool of All Saints, in his native city, under Mr. Edward Sylvester, a teacher of high reputation. In 1621, the year in which his father served the office of mayor, he entered of Lincoln-college, but being encouraged to try his success at court, he appeared there as page to Frances duchess of Richmond, a lady of great influence and fashion. He afterwards resided in the family of the celebrated sir Ftilke Greville, lord Brooke, who was himself a poet and a patron of poets. The murder of this nobleman in! 628 depriving him of what assistance he might expect from his friendship, Davenant had recourse to the stage, on which he produced his first dramatic piece, the tragedy of Albovine, king of the Lombards.
made more interesting than a genuine voyage. In 1720 he published the “History of Duncan Campbell,” who was born deaf and dumb, but who himself taught the deaf and
The success of Crusoe induced De Foe to publish, in
1720, “The Life and Piracies of captain Singleton,
”
though not with similar success. In A
New Voyage round the World, by a course never sailed
before.
” In the life of Crusoe we are gratified by continually imagining that the fiction is a fact; in the “Voyage
round the World
” we are pleased, by constantly perceiving
that the fact is a fiction, which, by uncommon skill, is
made more interesting than a genuine voyage. In 1720
he published the “History of Duncan Campbell,
” who
was born deaf and dumb, but who himself taught the deaf
and dumb to understand. The author has here contrived
that the merriest passages shall end with some edifying
moral. The “Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders
”
followed in Life of colonel Jaque,
” who was born a
gentleman, but bred a pick-pocket. In 1724, appeared
the “Fortunate Mistress, or the Adventures of Roxana.
”
The world, however, has not been made much wiser or
better by the perusal of these lives, which may have diverted the lower orders, but are too gross for improvement, and exhibit few scenes which are welcome to cultivated minds. Of a very different quality are the “Memoirs of a Cavalier during the Civil Wars in England.
”
This is a romance the most like to truth that ever was
written; a narrative of great events, drawn with such
simplicity, and enlivened with such reflections, as to inform the ignorant, and entertain the wise. It was a favourite book of the great earl of Chatham, who, before he
discovered it to be a fiction, used to speak of it as the best
account of the Civil Wars extant.
orted that he was the natural son of Francis L but this does not agree with the age of that monarch, who was born in 1494. Dolet began his studies at Orleans, and was
, a voluminous French writer, who was burnt for his religious opinions at Paris, was born at Orleans about 1509, of a good family. Some have reported that he was the natural son of Francis L but this does not agree with the age of that monarch, who was born in 1494. Dolet began his studies at Orleans, and was sent to continue them at Paris when twelve years old. He applied with particular diligence to the belles lettres, and to rhetoric under Nicholas Berauld. His taste for these studies induced him to go to Padua, where he remained for three years, and made great progress under the instructions of Simon de Villa Nova, with whom he contracted an intimate friendship, and not only dedicated some of his poetical pieces to him, but on his death in 1530, composed some pieces to his memory, and wrote his epitaph. After the death of this friend, he intended to have returned to France, but John de Langeac, the Venetian ambassador, engaged him as his secretary. During his residence at Venice, he received some instructions from Baptiste F,griatio, who commented on Lucretius and Cicero’s Offices, and he became enamoured of a young lady whose charms and death he has celebrated in his Latin poems. On his return to France with the ambassador, he pursued his study of Cicero, who became his favourite author; and he began to make collections for his commentaries on the Latin language. His friends having about this time advised him to study law, as a profession, he went to Toulouse, and divided his time between law and the belles lettres. Toulouse was then famous for law studies, and as it was frequented by students of all nations, each had its little society, and its orator or president. The French scholars chose Doiet into this office, and he, with the rashness which adhered to him all his life, commenced hy a harangue in which he praised the French at the expence of the Toulousians, whom he accused of ignorance and barbarism, because the parliament of Toulouse wished to prohibit these societies. This was answered by Peter Pinache, to whom JJolet replied with such aggravated contempt for the Toulousians, that in 1533 he was imprisoned for a month, and then banished from the city. Some think he harboured Lutheran opinions, which was the cause of his imprisonment and banishment, but there is not much in his writings to justify this supposition, except his occasional sneers at ecclesiastics. As soon, however, as he reached Lyons, he took his revenge by publishing his harangues against the Toulousians, with some satirical verses on those whom he considered as the most active promoters of his disgrace; and that he might have something to plead against the consequences of such publications, he pretended that they had been stolen from him and given to the press without his knowledge. The verses were, however, inserted in the collection of his Latin poems printed in 1538.
, philosopher and alchymist, who was born in 1572, at Aicmaer, in Holland, and died at London,
, philosopher and alchymist, who
was born in 1572, at Aicmaer, in Holland, and died at
London, in 1634 at the age of sixty-two, possessed a
singular aptitude in the invention of machines; although
we cannot give credit to all that is related of the sagacity
of this philosopher. We are told that he made certain
machines which produced rain, hail, and lightning, as
naturally as if these effects proceeded from the sky. By
other machines he produced a degree of cold equal to that
of winter; of which he made an experiment, as it is pretended, in Westminster-hall, at the instance of the king
of England; and that the cold was so great as to be insupportable. He constructed a glass, which attracted the
light of a candle placed at the other end of the hall, and
which gave light sufficient for reading by it with great
ease. Drebel has left some philosophical works; the principal of which is entitled: “De natura elementorum,
”
Hamburgh,
, who was born at Hamburgh Feb. 8, 1725, is ranked among the revivers
, who was born at Hamburgh
Feb. 8, 1725, is ranked among the revivers of true literary
taste in Germany, in which undertaking, he associated
with Gartner, Schlegel, Cramer, Gellert, Rabener, Schmidt,
Klopstock, &c. who used to communicate their works to
each other, and diffuse various knowledge by means of
periodical papers. Ebert was professor of the Carolinean
Institute at Brunswick, and in high esteem with the duke,
who made him a canon of St. Cyriac, and afterwards conferred on him the title of counsellor. He wrote with equal
elegance in prose and verse, and his songs are much esteemed in Germany. Besides many contributions to the
periodical journals, he published two volumes of “Poems
”
at Hamburgh, the one in Night Thoughts,
” and Glover’s “Leonklas,
” both which,
we are told, are well executed. This writer died at
Brunswick March 19, 1795.
tanding of it does very little prejudice to the plough or pasture.” To conclude: this worthy person, who was born in a town famous for wood, who derived from his ancestors
Before concluding our article, it may be necessary to advert to some particulars of Mr. Evelyn’s history, which are
interspersed in his “Sylva,
” and could not well be incorporated in our sketch. From that work we learn, that the
true signification of his surname, Evelyn, written anciently
Avelan or Evelin, was filberd, or rather hazel, which gives
him occasion to remark, that these trees are commonly produced where quarries of free-stone lie underneath, as at Hazelbury in Wiltshire, Haslingfield in Cambridgeshire, and
Haslemere in Surrey. He more than once remarks, that his
grandfather was a great planter and preserver of timber, as
it seems were the ancient possessors of the place where he
lived, whence it acquired its name of Wotton (i. e.) Woodtown, from the groves and plantations that were about it.
He farther remarks, that there was an oak felled by his
grandfather’s order, out of which there was a table made,
measured by himself more than once, of five feet in
breadth, nine and a half in length, and six inches thick,
all entire and clear. It was set up in brick-work for a
pastry-board; and, to fit it for that use, it was shortened
by a foot, being originally ten feet and a half, as appeared
from an inscription cut in one of its sides, whence it appeared to have lain there above one hundred years, when
pur author wrote this description. When his grandfather’s
woods were cut down, which consisted entirely of cak,
they sprang up again, not oaks but beeches; and when
these too in their turn felt the axe, there arose spontaneously a third plantation, not of oak or beech, but of
birch, which he does not set down as a thing singular in
itself, but because it happened under his own eye. He
is a declared enemy to iron works, on account of their destroying woods; yet he observes, from the prudential
maxims prevailing in his own family, they had quite a contrary effect, as being one principal cause of their making
such large plantations, and taking so much pains about
them. It was a relation of his that sold Richmond new
park to kiug Charles I. after planting many fine trees
there. Our author carried this disposition with him to
Sayes-court, where he must have shewn it very early, since
be assures us that the marquis of Argyle presented him
with the cones of a peculiar kind of fir, which he takes to
be the Spanish pinaster, or wild pine, and gives a very
particular account of the manner in which they grew in the
marquis’s county in Scotland. He informs us, that it was
the lord chancellor Bacon who introduced the true plane
tree, which he planted originally about Verulam, whence
he had his title. Mr. Evelyn takes to himself the honour
of having propagated the alaternus from Cheshire to Cumberland, which was before reputed an inhabitant only of
the green-house, but is found very capable not only of
living without doors, but of standing unhurt by the rigour
of our severest winters. He mentions a most glorious and
impenetrable holly-hedge which he had at Sayes-court^
four hundred feet in length, nine feet high, and five in
diameter, which occasions his dropping a hint, that the
fine gardens he had raised there were wholly ruined by the
tzar of Muscovy, who it seems lived there for the sake of
being near the yard. He recommended Mr. Gibbons, the
carver, to king Charles II. by whom some exquisite works
were performed in St. Paul’s cathedral. He was likewise
consulted by the Bedford family about preserving their
fine trees, so long as the gardens were kept up about Bedford-house, which, before the last edition of his book,
were demolished, to make way for the new buildings about
Bloomsbury. He takes notice of an admirable remedy
for a dysentery, which had been otherwise, in all probability, buried in oblivion; and this is the fungous substance
separated from the lobes of walnut kernels, powdered and
given in a glass of wine, which, he affirms, relieved the
English soldiers in the famous Dundalk campaign in Ireland, soon after the revolution, when all other remedies
failed. He was acquainted with the conde Mellor, a Portuguese nobleman, who resided some time at the court of
king Charles II. when an exile from his own, by whom he
was informed, that his father, when prime-minister, as
himself had likewise been, received in a case a collection
of plants of china oranges, of which only one escaped,
and was with difficulty recovered; and yet from this plant
came all the china oranges that ever were seen in Europe,
which, our author observes, is a most noble and wonderful
instance of what industry may do from the slightest and
least promising beginnings. One instance of the vast advantages derived from woods we shall borrow, because the
facts are notorious and indisputable. “Upon the estate of
George Pitt, esq. of Stratfield-Say, in the county of Southampton, a survey of timber being taken in 1659, it came
to ten thousand three hundred pounds, besides near ten
thousand samplers not valued, and growing up naturally.
Since this there hath been made by several sales, five
thousand six hundred pounds, and there has been felled
for repairs, building, and necessary uses, to the value, at
the least, of twelve hundred pounds; so as the whole falls
of timber amount to six thousand eight hundred pounds.
The timber upon the same ground being again surveyed
anno 1677, appears to be worth above twenty-one thousand
pounds, besides eight or nine thousand samplers and young
trees to be left standing, and not reckoned in the survey.
But, what is yet to be observed, most of this timber abovementioned being oak, grows in hedge-rows, and so as
that the standing of it does very little prejudice to the
plough or pasture.
” To conclude: this worthy person,
who was born in a town famous for wood, who derived
from his ancestors an affection for plantations, who wrote
the most correct treatise of forest-trees extant in our own,
or perhaps in any language, and who was himself a most
eminent planter, had a strong desire, after the example
of sir William Temple, who directed his heart to be deposited in his garden, to have his corpse also interred in
the like manner; but very probably he was prevailed upon
to alter his mind afterwards, notwithstanding what he had
expressed upon that subject in his book; which shews how
warm and lasting that passion for improvement was in
his own breast, which, with so much learning, eloquence,
and success, he laboured to excite in the bosoms of his
countrymen.
ume, and printed at Strasburgh in 1708. They are all on subjects of law. His son, Christian William, who was born in 1663, and died in 1727, was also a lawyer and classical
, an eminent lawyer, descended
from an ancient and noble family in East Friesland, was
bora at Norden, Nov. 20, 1629. He had the misfortune
to lose his father, when he was in his sixth year, but by
the care of his mother and relations, he was sent to college, where he made great progress in the earlier classical
studies. He then went to Rintelin, and began a course of
law. In 1651 he removed to Marpurg, about the time when
the academy in that city was restored, and here he recounts
among the most fortunate circumstances of his life that he
had au opportunity of studying under Justus Siriold, or
Schutz, and John Helvicus his son, the former of whom
was chancellor of the academy, and the latter was counsellor to the landgrave of Hesse, and afterwards a member
of the imperial aulic council. Under their instructions he
acquired a perfect knowledge of the state of the empire,
and took his doctor’s degree in 1655. Soon after he was
appointed by George II. landgrave of Hesse, to be professor of law, and his lectures were attended by a great
concourse of students from every part of Germany. In
1669 he was invited by the dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh to Helmstadt, where he filled the offices of counsellor and assessor with great reputation. He was also appointed by the circle of Lower Saxony a judge of the imperial chamber of Spire, and in 1678 was received among
the number of its assessors. The emperor Leopold, hearing of his eminent character and talents, engaged him to
come to his court in the rank of aulic counsellor, and to
reward his services, restored the rank of nobility which had
been in his family. Eyben died July 25, 1699. His works
were collected into a folio volume, and printed at Strasburgh in 1708. They are all on subjects of law.
His son, Christian William, who was born in 1663, and died in
1727, was also a lawyer and classical antiquary. He published at Strasburgh, in 1684, “Dissertatio de ordine
equestri veterum Romanorum,
” folio, which was afterwards
inserted in Sallengre’s “Thesaurus.
”
es are most valued; and Michael, another of his sons, a Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, who was born in 1666, and died in 1719. The latter wrote a history
, son of the preceding, succeeded his father in all his places, and seemed to inherit
his taste in the fine arts. He died in 1733. Some works
written by him must not be confounded with those of his
father: namely, 1. “An historical Collection of the Lives
and Works of the most celebrated Architects,
” Paris, Description of Versailles, ancient and modern,
” 12mo. 3. “Description of the Church of the Invalids,
” Pentateuchus Historicus,
”
is supposed to have died in 1550. There was another of the name John Andrew Ferrari, or De Ferrara, who was born at Genoa, in 1599, and was a disciple of Bernard Castelli;
, an eminent artist of Valdugia,
was born in 1484. He is by Vasari called “Gaudenzio
Milanese.
” Some have supposed him a scholar of Perugino, but Lomazzo, who was a nurseling of his school,
names Scotto and Luini as his masters. His juvenile works
prove what Vasari says, that he had profited by those of
Lionardo da Vinci. He went young to Rome^ and is said
to have been employed in the Vatican by Raffaello; and
there, it is probable, that he acquired that style of design
and tone of colour which eclipsed what before him had
been done in Lombardy. He possessed a portentous feracity of ideas, equal to that of Giulio, but far different;
instead of licentious excursions over the wilds of mythology, he attached himself to sacred lore, to represent the
majesty of Divine Being, the mysteries of religion, and
emotions of piety, and succeeded to a degree which acquired him the name of “eximie pius
” from a Novarese
synod. Strength was his element, which he expressed less
by muscles forcibly marked, than by fierce and terrible
attitudes, as in the Passion of Christ, at the grazie of Mu
Jano, where he had Titian for a competitor; and in the
Fall of Paul, at the conventuals of Vercelli, which approaches that of M. Angelo, at the Paolina; in the expression of character and mind, he is inferior perhaps only to
Raffaelo; and at St. Cristoforo of Vercelli has shewn himself master of angelic grace, With a full and genial vein
of colour, Gaudenzio unites an evidence which admits of no
hesitation, and attracts the eye in the midst of other works.
His tone is determined by the subject, as his carnations by
character; but his draperies and parerga are commended
more by caprice and novelty, than simplicity and grandeur. Whether it were modesty, situation, ignorance, or
envy, that defrauded powers so eminent, of the celebrity
often lavished on minor talents, is not now to be determined. Ferrari was little known, and less favoured by
Vasari, whom the blind herd of dilettanti on either side of
the Alps generally follow in their search of excellence in
art. He is supposed to have died in 1550. There was
another of the name John Andrew Ferrari, or De Ferrara, who was born at Genoa, in 1599, and was a disciple
of Bernard Castelli; but, in order to obtain a more extensive knowledge in his profession, he studied afterwards
for some time under Bernardo Strozzi. His application
was attended with success, for he at last attained to such
a degree of excellence, that he was equally expert in
painting history, landscape, fruit, animals, and flowers;
and those subjects he finished in a small size, but with extraordinary beauty and exactness, so that few of the princes
or nobility of his time were satisfied without possessing
some of his compositions. Benedetto Castiglioue was his
disciple. He died in 1669.
, is the assumed name of a celebrated Venetian lady, whose real name was Modesta Pozzo, and who was born at Venice in 1555, and lost her father and mother the
, is the assumed name of a celebrated Venetian lady, whose real name was Modesta
Pozzo, and who was born at Venice in 1555, and lost her
father and mother the first year of her life. In her younger
days, she was put into the monastery of the nuns of Martha
of Venice; but afterwards quitted it, and was married.
She lived twenty years with her husband in great union,
and then died in childbed in 1592. She learned poetry
and the Latin tongue with the utmost ease; and is said to
have had so prodigious a memory, that, having heard a
sermon but once, she could repeat it word for word. She
was the author of a poem entitled “11 Kloridoro,
” and of
another on the “Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
”
Besides these and other poems, she published a prose work
“Dei Meriti delle Donne,
” in which she maintains, that
the female sex is not inferior in understanding and merit
to the male. This was printed immediately after her death.
Father Ribera has made an eulogium of this learned heroine, in his “Theatre of Learned Women
” and Doglioni
wrote her life in Italian, in
itizens. During his residence here he was appointed chaplain to the infant princess Henrietta Maria, who was born at Exeter in June 1643; and the king soon after gave
After the battle at Cheriton-Down, March 29, 1644,
lord Hopton drew on his army to Basing-house, and Fuller,
being left there by him, animated the garrison to so vigorous a defence of that place, that sir William Waller was
obliged to raise the siege with considerable loss. But the,
war hastening to an end, and part of the king’s army being
driven into Cornwall, under lord Hopton, Fuller, with the
leave of that nobleman, took refuge at Exeter, where he
resumed his studies, and preached constantly to the citizens. During his residence here he was appointed chaplain to the infant princess Henrietta Maria, who was born
at Exeter in June 1643; and the king soon after gave
him a patent for his presentation to the living of Dorchester in Dorsetshire. He continued his attendance on the
princess till the surrender of Exeter to the parliament, in
April 1646; but did not accept the living, because he
determined to remove to London at the expiration of the
war. He relates, in his * Worthies,“an extraordinary
circumstance which happened during the siege of Exeter
” When the city of Exeter, he says, was besieged by the
parliament forces, so that only the south side thereof towards the sea was open to it, incredible numbers of larks
were found in that open quarter, for multitude like quailg
in the wilderness; though, blessed be God, unlike them
in the cause and effect; as not desired with man’s destruction, nor sent with God’s anger, as appeared by their safe
digestion into wholesome nourishment. Hereof I was an,
eye and mouth-witness. I will save my credit in not conjecturing any number; knowing that herein, though I
should stoop beneath the truth, I should mount above
belief. They were as fat as plentiful; so that being sold
for two-pence a dozen and under, the poor who could have
no cheaper, and the rich no better meat, used to make pottage of them, boiling them down therein. Several causes
were assigned hereof, &c. but the cause of causes was the
Divine Providence; thereby providing a feast for many
poor people, who otherwise had been pinched for provision.“While here, as every where else, he was much
courted on account of his instructive and pleasant conversation, by persons of high rank, some of whom made him
very liberal offers; but whether from a love of study, or a
spirit of independence, he was always reluctant in accepting any otters that might seem to confine him to any one
family, or patron. It was at Exeter, where he is said to
have written his
” Good Thoughts in Bad Times,“and
where the book was published in 1645, as what he calls
” the first fruits of Exeter press.“At length the garrison
being forced to surrender, he came to London, and met
but a coid reception among his former parishioners, and
found his lecturer’s place filled by another. However, it
was not Ions: before he was chosen lecturer at St. Clement’s
near Lombard-street and shortly after removed to St.
Bride’s, in Fleet-street. In 1647 he published, in 4to,
” A Sermon of Assurance, fourteen years agoe preached
at Cambridge, since in other places now, by the importunity of his friends, exposed to public view.“He dedicated it to sir John Danvers, who had been a royalist, was
then an Oliverian, and next year one of the king’s judges;
and in the dedication he says, that
” it had been the pleasure of the present authority to make him mute; forbidding him till further order the exercise of his public
preaching.“Notwithstanding his being thus silenced, he
was, about 1648, presented to the rectory of Waltham, in
Essex, by the earl of Carlisle, whose chaplain he was just
before made. He spent that and the following year betwixt
London and Waltham, employing some engravers to adorn
his copious prospect or view of the Holy Land, as from
mount Pisgah; therefore called his
” Pi*gah-sijht of Palestine and the confines thereof, with the history of the
Old and New Testament acted thereon,“which he published in 1650. It is an handsome folio, embellished with
a frontispiece and many other copper- plates, and divided
into five books. As for his
” Worthies of England,“on
which he had been labouring so long, the death of the
king for a time disheartened him from the continuance of
that work:
” For what shall I write,“says he,
” of the
Worthies of England, when this horrid act will bring such
an infamy upon the whole nation as will ever cloud an4
darken all its former, and suppress its future rising glories?“He was, therefore, busy till the year last mentioned, in preparing that book and others; and the next
year he rather employed himself in publishing some
particular lives of religious reformers, martyrs, confessors,
bishops, doctors, and other learned divines, foreign and
domestic, than in augmenting his said book of
” English
Worthies“in general. To this collection, which was executed by several hands, as he tells us in the preface, he
gave the title of
” Abel Redivivus,“and published it in 4to,
1651. In the two or three following years he printed
several sermons and tracts upon religious subjects. About
1654 he married a sister of the viscount Baltinglasse; and
the next year she brought him a son, who, as well as the
other before-mentioned, survived his father. In 1655,
notwithstanding Cromwell’s prohibition of all persons from,
preaching, or teaching school, who had been adherents to
the late king, he continued preaching, and exerting his
charitable disposition towards those ministers who were
ejected by the usurping powers, and not only relieved
such from what he could spare out of his own slender
estate, but procured many contributions for them from his
auditories. Nor was his charity confined to the clergy;
and among the laity whom he befriended, there is an
instance upon record of a captain of the army who was
quite destitute, and whom he entirely maintained until he
died. In 1656 he published in folio,
” The Church History of Britain, from the birth of Jesus Christ to the year
1648;“to which are subjoined,
” The History of the
University of Cambridge since the conquest,“and
” The
History of Waltham Abbey in Essex, founded by king
Harold.“His Church History was animadverted upon
by Dr. Hey 1 in in his
” Examen Historicum;" and this
drew from our author a reply: after which they had
no further controversy, but were very well reconciled *.
About this time he was invited, accord ing to his biographer, to another living in Essex, in which he continued
his ministerial labours until his settlement at London.
George, lord Berkeley, one of his noble patrons, having
in 1658 made him his chaplain, he took leave of Essex,
and was presented by his lordship to the rectory of Cranford in Middlesex. It is said also that lord Berkeley took
him over to the Hague, and introduced him to Charles if.
It is certain, however, that a short time hefore the restoration, Fuller was re-admitted to his lecture in the Savoy,
and on that event restored to his prebend of Salisbury.
He was chosen chaplain extraordinary to the king; created
doctor of divinity at Cambridge by a mandamus, dated
August 2, 1660; and, had he lived a twelvemonth longer,
would probably have been raised to a bishopric. But upon
his return from Salisbury in August 1661 he was attacked
by a fever, of which he died the 15th of that month. His
funeral was attended by at least two hundred of his brethren; and a sermon was preached by Dr. Hardy, dean of
Rochester, in which a great and noble character was given
of him. H was buried in his church at Cranford, on the
north wall of the chancel of which is his monument, with
the following inscription:
, or Gallæus, a Dutch writer, who was born at Rotterdam, according to the inscription on his portrait,
, or Gallæus, a Dutch writer,
who was born at Rotterdam, according to the inscription
on his portrait, or according to other authorities, at Zuriczee, in 1627, and died at Campen in 1709, was a clergyman and an able philologist. His principal work is his
treatise on the “Sybilline Oracles,
” 2 vols. 4to, the first
of which,containing the Oracles, was published at Amsterdam in 1689, and the second, which consists of dissertations, appeared soon after. In this he has brought together every thing relating to these celebrated fictions,
but neither with success, nor judgment, according to Fabricius and his biographer Reimar, who speak with harshness of his abilities, and give us an extraordinary instance
of his ignorance in classing Agathias and Jamblicus among
Latin writers. They also seem to intimate that he frequently borrows without acknowledgment. Galle was
more successful in a very correct edition of “Lactantius,
”
published at Leyden in Minutius Felix,
” but did not live to complete it.
niola, where he received his doctor’s degree, and then into England, after his eldest son Albericus, who was born in 1550. He was educated chiefly in the university
, an eminent civilian at Oxford,
was the son of Matthew Gentilis, an Italian physician, the
descendant of a noble family of the Marcbe of Ancona, who
left his country about the end of the sixteenth century, on
account of his having embraced the protestant religion.
Taking with him his sons Albericus and Scipio, he went
into the province of Carniola, where he received his doctor’s degree, and then into England, after his eldest son
Albericus, who was born in 1550. He was educated chiefly
in the university of Perugia, where, in 1572, he was made
doctor of civil law. He came into England probably about
1580, as in that year he appears to have been kindly received by several persons here; and among others, by
Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, then chancellor of the
university of Oxford, who gave him letters of recommendation to the university, stating that he had left his country
for the sake of his religion, and that it was his desire to
bestow some time in reading, and other exercises of his
profession, at the university, &c. He accordingly went
to Oxford, and by favour of Dr. Donne, principal of New
inn Hall, had rooms allowed him there, and at first was
maintained by contributions from several colleges, but afterwards had an allowance from the common funds of the
university. In the latter end of the same year, 1580, he
was incorporated LL. D. and for some years employed his
time on his writings, most of which were published at
London or Oxford. He resided also some time either in.
Corpus or Christ Church, and, as Wood says, “became
the flower of the university for his profession.
” In 1587
queen Elizabeth gave him the professorship of civil law,
on which he lectured for twenty-four years with great xeputation. Hre he died, in the latter end of March or the
beginning of April 1611, although others say at London,
June 19, 1608, and was buried near his father, who also
died in England, but where is uncertain. Wood’s account
seems most probable. He left a widow, who died at Rickmansworth in 1648, and two sons, one of which will be
noticed in the next article. Wood enumerates twentyseven volumes or tracts written by him, all in Latin, and
mostly on points of jurisprudence, on which, at that time,
his opinion appears to have had great weight. Grotius
praises and acknowledges his obligations to his three books
“De Jure Belli
” and his “Lectiones Virgilianae,
” addressed to his son, prove that he had cultivated polite literature with success.
rous family, some of whom became distinguished as divines, particularly his eldest son, John Ernest, who was born at Jena in 1621, and studied at Altdorf. He was appointed
, an eminent German Lutheran divine, was born at Quedlinburgh, in Saxony, Oct. 17, 1582,
where he was partly educated, but in 1599, was sent to
Wittemberg, and studied philosophy and divinity under
the ablest masters. In 1601, by the advice of Rauchbach,
a counsellor and vice-chancellor of Saxony (for his father died in 1598) he went through a course of medical studies,
but about two years after, recollecting a vow he had made
during a fit of sickness, he returned again to divinity, the
study of which he farther prosecuted at Jena, to which
he first went as tutor to his friend llauchbach’s son. In
1603 he took his master’s degree here, and in 1604 removing with his pupil to Marpurg, he continued his theological studies, and learned Hebrew. In 1605 he returned
to Jena, took his degree in philosophy, and having been
ordained, was appointed by John Casimir, duke of Saxony,
to a church in Franconia, and at the same time to be professor of divinity in the Casimirian college of Cobourg.
In 1616. by consent of his liberal patron, he accepted the
professorship of divinity at Jena, and continued in that office during the remainder of his life. He was four times
chosen rector of the university, and encreased his reputation by a vast variety of publications which made him
known to all the literati of Europe, many of whom, both
protestants and catholics, bore testimony to his extensive
learning, piety, and usefulness, both as a divine and
teacher. He died of a fever, Aug. 17, 1637. His works,
which are written in Latin and German, consist of treatises
on various theological subjects, critical and polemical;
commentaries on various books of the Old and New Testament common-places, &c. &c. One only of these, his
“Meditations,
” is well known in this country, having gone
through many editions, and having also been translated
into most European languages and into Greek. He left a
numerous family, some of whom became distinguished
as divines, particularly his eldest son, John Ernest, who
was born at Jena in 1621, and studied at Altdorf. He was
appointed professor of philosophy at Wittemberg in 1616,
and in 1652 was nominated professor of history at Jena.
Like his father he devoted mucli of his time to biblical and
theological learning. He died in 1688. Among his works
are, “Harmonia Linguarnm Orientalium;
” “Dispurationum theologicarum Fasciculus;
” De F.cclesiae Copticæ
Ortu, Progressu, et Doctrina." There is a very minute
and curious history of this family in the work from which
these particulars have been taken, with much collateral information respecting the theological writers and controversies during the life of the elder Gerhard.
d at Cologn in 1620. There was another James Gordon, of the family of Lesmore, also a Scotch Jesuit, who was born at or near Aberdeen in 1553, and died at Paris, Nov.
, a Scotch Jesuit, of the noble family of Gordon, was born in 1543, and educated at Rome,
where he became a Jesuit, Sept. 20, 1563, and was created
D.D. in 1569. He was professor of Hebrew and divinity
for nearly fifty years in several parts of Europe, Rome,
Paris, Bourdeaux, Pont a Mousson, &c. and acquired
great reputation for learning and acuteness. He was employed as a missionary in England and Scotland, and was
twice imprisoned for his zeal in making converts. He was
also frequently employed by the general of his order in
negociating their affairs, for which he had every requisite
talent. Alegambe describes him as a saint, without a particle of human frailty, but Dodd allows that he lived very
much in a state of dissipation, yet was regular in all the
austerities of his profession. He died at Paris, April 16,
1620. His only writings are “Controversiarum Fidei Epitome,
” in three parts or volumes, 8vo, the first printed at
Limoges, 1612, the second at Paris, and the third at Cologn in 1620. There was another James Gordon, of the
family of Lesmore, also a Scotch Jesuit, who was born at
or near Aberdeen in 1553, and died at Paris, Nov. 17,
1641. He wrote a commentary on the Bible, “Biblia
Sacra, cum Commentariis, &c.
” Paris, 3 vols. fol. 1632,
which Dupin seems to think an useful and judicious work.
He wrote also some historical and chronological works,
enumerated by Alegambe, and a system of moral theology, &c.
By this lady, who died May 27, 1774, he had an only son, the subject of this article, who was born Oct. 21, 1735, in a large house in Winchester-street,
By this lady, who died May 27, 1774, he had an only
son, the subject of this article, who was born Oct. 21, 1735,
in a large house in Winchester-street, on the site of the
monastery of the Austin friars. He received the first rudiments of Latin and Greek under the tuition of one Barnewitz, a Courlander; and afterwards, on his death, was
committed to the care of the rev. Roger Pickering, a dissenting minister, a man unfortunate in life, but an accomplished scholar, who. died in 1755*; when Mr. Gough
finished his Greek studies under Mr. Samuel Dyer, the
friend of Dr. Johnson and of the contemporary literati.
Under these instructors, Mr. Gough has not left us to
question his proficiency, nor that early ambition to know
and to communicate, which forms the instructive editor and
author. At the very early age of eleven he commenced a
task which would have reflected credit on any period of
life, and he completed it with a perseverance of which
there is probably no other instance in our literary annals.
This was “The History of the Bible, translated from the
French,
” (of an Amsterdam edition of by II. G.
junior,
” printed at London in 1747. Of this curious
volume, consisting of 160 sheets in folio, his mother,
delighted at such a display of laudable application, bore
the expence of printing twenty-five copies, as presents
to a few friends; and when completed at the press,
it was marked, by way of colophon, “Done at twelve years
and a half old,
” after which, in the copy now before us,
follows, “A short Chronology of the Holy Scripture,
” in
, who was made professor of eloquence there at the age of twenty-five. He had also a nephew, Thomas, who was born in 1512. He pursued his studies under the auspices
He had a son, Samuel Grynaeus, born at Basil in 1539, who was made professor of eloquence there at the age of twenty-five. He had also a nephew, Thomas, who was born in 1512. He pursued his studies under the auspices of his uncle, and taught the Latin and Greek languages at Berne. He also read public lectures at Basil, and was a great supporter of the reformed religion. He left four sons, all of whom were eminent for their learning. One of them is the subject of our next article.
and placing him among the standard poets of his country. He had a brother, Christian Lewis Hagedorn, who was born at Hamburgh in 1717, and died at Dresden in 1780, counsellor
The second edition of his “Moral Poems
” appeared in
Meditations on Painting,
” one of the few which the Germans think have not been equalled by their neighbours
“Lettre a un Amateur de Peinture,
” The Library of the
Fine Arts,
” to the progress of which arts in Saxony he contributed greatly.
sons and four daughters, all of whom he lived to see established. His eldest son, Gotlieb Emmanuel, who was born in 1735, followed his father’s example in dedicating
Haller was three times married first to Marianne Wytsen, in 1731, who died in 1736; secondly to Elizabeth
Buchers, in 1738, who died in childbed the same or the
following year; both natives of Berne; and lastly in 1739,
to Amelia Frederica Teichmeyer, a German lady, who survived him. He left eight children, four sons and four
daughters, all of whom he lived to see established. His
eldest son, Gotlieb Emmanuel, who was born in 1735,
followed his father’s example in dedicating himself to the
service of his country, and to the pursuits of literature,
He was elected member of the great council, and obtained
various employments under government, particularly the
baillage of Nyon, in which situation he died in 1786. He
distinguished himself as an author by various publications
tending to illustrate the history and literature of Swisserland, and particularly by his “Swiss Library,
” in 6 vols.
8vo, of which he lived to publish only the first Another
valuable work of his was entitled " Cabinet of Swiss Coins
and Medals.
efore it may be sufficient to refer for their titles to our authorities His son Adrian [Helveticus], who was born in 1656, journeyed to Paris, without any design of
, a physician, was born
of a noble family in the principality of Atihalt,about 1625.
He obtained at an early age a considerable reputation for
his knowledge of medicine and chemistry; and having settled in Holland about 1649, he practised at the Hague with
so much success, that he was appointed first physician to
the States-general, and to the prince of Orange, he died
August 20, 1709. His works serve, however, rather to
prove his devotion to the absurdities of the alchemists,
physiognomists, and such visionaries of his time, than his
advancement in true science; and therefore it may be sufficient to refer for their titles to our authorities His son
Adrian [Helveticus], who was born in 1656, journeyed to Paris, without any design of fixing there, and only to see that new
world, and sell some medicines, but accident detained
him very unexpectedly. The dysentery then prevailed in
that city-, and all who applied to him are said to have
been infallibly cured. His success was celebrated; and
Louis XIV. ordered him to publish the remedy which produced such certain and surprising effects. He declared it
to be Ipecacuanha, and received 1000 louis-d'ors for the
discovery. He settled in Paris, became physician to the
duke of Orleans, and was also made inspector-general of
the military hospitals. He died in 1721, leaving some
works behind him, of little value; the principal of which
is, “Traité des Maladies de plus frequentes, & des Remedies specifiques pour les guerir,
” 2 vols. 8vo.
the son of Roger Hieron, a learned clergyman, vicar of Epping, in Essex, who died in 1592. His son, who was born in 1572, received his early education from his father,
, an English divine and writer, was,
the son of Roger Hieron, a learned clergyman, vicar of
Epping, in Essex, who died in 1592. His son, who was
born in 1572, received his early education from his father,
who afterwards sent him to Eton school, whence he was
elected by the free choice of provost Goade, into a scholarship of King’s college, Cambridge. On the death of
his father, who probably left no great provision behind
him, he was much assisted in the prosecution of his studies
in the university by sir Francis Barrington, of Barringtonhall, in Essex, knt. While at Cambridge he studied divinity under Lawrence Chaderton, master of Emanuel
college, and made such progress that at his first preaching
at King’s, he was heard with the utmost approbation, seeming, as his biographer says, “rather a bachelor in divinity
than a bachelor in arts, and rather a divine of forty, than
only twenty-four years of age.
” On his appearance as a
preacher in London, he immediately became so popular
that many congregations, together with the inns of court,
desired to have him settled as their minister. But being
offered the living of Moclbury, in Devonshire, in the gift
of Eton college, he preferred that, and preached with
great success, both there and at other places, particularly
Plympton, where, by the means of sir Ferdinand Gorges,
and other gentlemen of the neighbourhood, a lecture was
established, of which he became one of the preachers. His
public and private character procured him the reverence
both of the poor and rich, and it appears by the dedications of his works that he had many friends of high rank.
He inclined to puritan principles, but with a strict adherence to the church of England; and was particularly
zealous against popery. He was long afflicted with a chronical distemper, but continued his public services and
private studies notwithstanding the apparent incapacity of
his weak body. This disorder, however, put an end to
his useful life in the forty-fifth year of his age, in 1617.
He was interred in Modbury church. His works, consisting principally of sermons and commentaries, printed often
separately, in 4to and 8vo, were collected by him and
published in 1614 in fol. and reprinted at London in 1620,
with an additional volume edited by Robert Hill, D. D.
rector of St. Bartholomew, Exchange. To this Dr. Hill
prefixed a life, from which the above particulars are taken.
re was also a Gasper Hoffman (the name being common), a celebrated professor of medicine at Altdorf, who was born at Golha in 1572, and died in 1649; and who left behind
Hoffman and Beza wrote against each other upon the subject of the Holy Eucharist. Hoffman accused Hunnius, an eminent Lutheran minister, for having misrepresented the book of the Concord; for here, says Hoffman, the cause of election is not made to depend upon the qualifications of the person elected but Hunnius, says he, and Mylius assert, that the decree of election is founded upon the foresight of faith. Hunnius and Mylius caused Hoffman to be condemned at a meeting of their divines in 1593, and threatened him with excommunication, if he did not comply. The year following, Hoffman published an apology against their censure. Hospinian gives the detail of this controversy: he observes, that some divines of Leipsic, Jena, and Wittemburg, would have had Hoffman publicly censured as a Calvinist, and such a heretic as was not fit to be conversed with; others who were more moderate, were for admonishing him by way of letter before they came to extremities: this latter expedient was approved, and Hunnius wrote to him in the name of all his brethren. Hoffman’s apology was an answer to this letter, in which he gives the reasons for refusing to comply with the divines of Wittemburg, and pretends to shew that they were grossly mistaken in several articles of faith. At last he was permitted to keep school at Helmstadt, where he died in 1611. He must not be confounded with Melchior Hoffman, a fanatic of the sixteenth century, who died in prison at Strasburgh. There was also a Gasper Hoffman (the name being common), a celebrated professor of medicine at Altdorf, who was born at Golha in 1572, and died in 1649; and who left behind him many medical works.
-almoner to his majesty. He gained particular celebrky by teaching a young gentleman of distinction, who was born deaf and dumb, to speak, an attempt at that time u
, a learned English philosopher,
was born in Nottinghamshire, educated in Pembroke hall,
Cambridge, and, in 1642, became rector of Blechingdon,
Oxfordshire. In 1660 he proceeded D. D. was afterwards
canon of Ely, fellow of the royal society, canon of St.
Paul’s, sub-dean of the royal chapel, and sub-almoner to
his majesty. He gained particular celebrky by teaching
a young gentleman of distinction, who was born deaf and
dumb, to speak, an attempt at that time unprecedented.
This gentleman’s name was Alexander Popham, son of
colonel Edward Popham, uho was some time an admiral
in the service of the long parliament. The cure was performed by him in his house at Blechingdon, in 1659; but
Popham, losing what he had been taught by Holder, after
he was called home to his friends, was sent to Dr. Wallis,
who brought him to his speech again. On this subject
Holder published a book entitled “The Elements of
Speech; an essay of inquiry into the natural production of
letters: with an appendix concerning persons that are deaf
and dumb,
” A Supplement to the Philosophical Transactions of July 1670, with
some Reflections on Dr. Wailis’s Letter there inserted.
”
This was written to claim the glory of having taught Popham to speak, which Wallis in the letter there mentioned
had claimed to himself: upon which the doctor soon after
published, “A Defence of the Royal Society and the Philosophical Transactions, particularly those of July 1670,
in answer to the cavils of Dr. William Holder,
” 4to.
Holder was skilled in the theory and practice of music,
and composed some anthems, three or four of which are
preserved in Dr. Tud way’s collection in the British museum. In 1694 he published
” A Discourse concerning
Time,“in which, among other things, the deficiency of
the Julian Calendar was explained, and the method of reforming it demonstrated, which was afterwards adopted in
the change of style. It is to be lamented that in treating
this subject with so much clearness and ability, so good a
musician did not extend his reflections on the artificial
parts of time, to its divisions and proportions in musical
measures; a subject upon which the abbate Sacchi has
written in Italian,
” Del Tempo nella Musica;" but which
rhythmically, or metrically considered in common with
poetry, has not yet been sufficiently discussed in our own
language.
ton, principal of the college of Edinburgh, he had only one son, the subject of the present article, who was born in his father’s residence in St. Martin’s church-yard,
, a very learned and highly distinguished prelate, was the son of the rev. John Horsley, M. A. who was many years clerk in orders a$ St. Martin’s in the Fields. His grandfather is said to have been at first a dissenter, but afterwards conformed, and had the living of St. Martin’s in the Fields. This last circumstance, however, must be erroneous, as no such name occurs in the list of the vicars of that church. His father was in 1745 presented to the rectory of Thorley in Hertfordshire, where he resided constantly, and was a considerable benefactor to the parsonage. He also held the rectory of Newington Butts, in Surrey, a peculiar belonging to the bishop of Worcester By his first wife, Anne, daughter of Dr. Hamilton, principal of the college of Edinburgh, he had only one son, the subject of the present article, who was born in his father’s residence in St. Martin’s church-yard, in Oct. 1733. By his second wife, Mary, daughter of George Leslie, esq. of Kimragie in Scotland, he had three sons and four daughters, who were all born at Thorley. He died in 1777, aged seventy-eight; and his widow in 1787, at Nasing in Essex.
aughter of Wolfran Cornwall, a captain in the royal navy, by whom he had the subject of this memoir, who was born May 16, 1727, and educated at the Charter-house. He
* Some of the city were so much freedom, and afterwards chose master satisfied with the part he acted in this of the Sailers’ company, Wynne, p. affair, that he was presented with his 57. Colonel Jenkinson, who died in 1750, had married Amantha, daughter of Wolfran Cornwall, a captain in the royal navy, by whom he had the subject of this memoir, who was born May 16, 1727, and educated at the Charter-house. He went afterwards to University college, Oxford, where he took the degree of M. A. in Nov. 1752, and thence came to London, having previously distinguished himself by the active part he took in an election controversy for the county of Oxford, where his alliances were numerous, and not unconnected with the contending parties. On this occasion his literary talents were supposed to have contributed materially to the interests of the side he espoused; and those talents are likewise said to have been sometimes displayed in the Monthly Review about the period of its commencement. By the first earl of Harcourt, who was governor to the king, when prince of Wales, he was introduced to his majesty, and through the same channel obtained the notice and confidence of the eail of Bute, to jvhom he was private secretary. In 1761 he sat in parliament for Cockermouth, and held the office of under-secretary of state. In 1763 and 1764 he was secretary to the treasury; in 1766 he was nominated one of the lords of the admiralty; and from 1767 to 1773, was a lord of the treasury. In 1772 he was appointed joint vice-treasurer of Ireland, and called to the privy-council; and in exchange for this office, had afterwards the clerkship of the pells in Ireland, which had been purchased back by government of Mr. Charles Fox. In 1778 he was made secretary at war, which he held until the dissolution of lord North’s administration in 1782. On this occasion his principles led him to join that branch of the old administration which supported Mr. Pitt; and when that minister came into power in 1783-4, Mr. Jenkinson was appointed president of the board of trade, of which office he continued to discharge the duties with uncommon industry and abilities until age and bad health incapacitated him, in 18CU, from farther exertions in this department. In 1786 he obtained the situation of chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, which he held till 1803. He was elevated to the peerage in 1786 by the title of baron Hawksbury, of Hawksbury, in the county of Gloucester; and advanced to be carl of Liverpool in 1796. His lordship died at his house in Hertford-street, May Pair, Dec. 17, 1808. At that time he held the place of collector of the customs inwards, in the port of London, and clerk of the pells in Ireland. He was interred in the family vault at Hawksbury, in Gloucestershire, and was succeeded in honours and estate by his eldest son, Robert Banks, second earl of Liverpool, and now first lord of the treasury.
eminent botanist in honour of these two brothers. There was a third brother, however, the youngest, who was born in 1704, and in 1735 went to Peru, in the capacity
, brother of the preceding, was
also a native of Lyons, and born in 1699. Like his brother he was a practitioner of physic, and eminent for his
botanical skill and researches, and was one of the first botanists who aimed at a natural system of arrangement.
He was member of various learned academies in Europe;
curator of the plants of the royal garden at Paris, and was
invited by the king himself to superintend the arrangement
of a botanical garden at Trianon. He was highly esteemed
by his royal master, and enjoyed, what was no less honourable, the friendship and confidence of Linnæus. He
had numerous pupils, by whom he was much beloved, and
died in possession of universal esteem in 1777, in the
seventy-ninth year of his age. His only publications were,
an edition of Tournefort on the plants which grow near
Paris, 1725, 2 vols. 12mo; and “L'ami de Fhumanite, ou,
Conseils cTun bon citoyen a sa nation,
” octavo, printed
after his death. Although a first-rate botanist, he was deterred by excess of modesty from giving his ideas to the
world. His nephew, the present A. L. de Jussieu, has
given us a plan of the method, according to which he arranged the garden of Trianon in 1759, and which, in fact,
laid the foundation of his own celebrated work, published
in 1789. The Jussixa, of Linnreus, was so named by that
eminent botanist in honour of these two brothers. There
was a third brother, however, the youngest, who was born
in 1704, and in 1735 went to Peru, in the capacity of a
botanist, with the academicians sent there to measure a
degree. After continuing in that country thirty-six years,
he returned to EVance in very bad health, and almost in a
state of childhood, and died in 1779. Some account of
his travels and discoveries may be seen in Memoirs of the
French Academy; and it was at one time thought that his
nephew was preparing an account for publication, but we
know not that it has yet appeared.
and of the same family too. The first we meet with, is Catharine, the daughter of sir Anthony Cooke, who was born at Giddy-hall, in Essex, about 1530; and married to
, an English name for many ingenious
persons of both sexes, and of the same family too. The
first we meet with, is Catharine, the daughter of sir Anthony Cooke, who was born at Giddy-hall, in Essex, about
1530; and married to Henry Killigrew, esq. a Cornish
gentleman of good abilities, who, for the service he did
his country in the quality of an ambassador, was knighted.
This lady having the advantages of an excellent education,
joined to an elegant natural genius, became, like many
other ladies her contemporaries, very learned. She understood the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin tongues, and was
famous for her skill in poetry; a small specimen of which
is preserved by sir John Harrington, in his notes to the
translation of “Ariosto;
” and by Fuller, in his “Worthies.
”
, who was born in the country of Holstein, acquired some celebrity
, who was born in the country
of Holstein, acquired some celebrity in his day for an attempt to propagate atheistical tenets, and for undertaking
long journeys on purpose to make proselytes. He first
broached his impious notions at Koniugsberg, in Prussia,
about 1673. He boasted that he had a great many followers in the chief cities of Europe; at Paris, at Amsterdam, at Leyden, in England, at Hamburgh, at Copenhagen, at Stockholm, at Rome; and that he had even
seven hundred at Jena. His followers were called conscienciaries, because they asserted, that there is no other
God, no other religion, no other lawful magistracy, but
conscience. He gave the substance of his system in a
short letter dated from Rome the contents of which may
be reduced to the following heads “First, there is neither
a God nor a devil; secondly, magistrates are not to be
valued, churches are to be despised, and priests rejected;
thirdly, instead of magistrates and priests, we have learning and reason, which, joined with conscience, teach us to
live honestly, to hurt no man, and to give every one his
due; fourthly, matrimony does not differ from fornication;
fifthly, there is but one life, which is this, after which
there are neither rewards nor punishments; sixthly, the
holy scripture is inconsistent with itself.
” The letter may
be found in the edition of “Micraclii Syntagma Historitc
Ecclesiastic, 1699.
” Knutzen dispersed also some writings in the German tongue, but his opinions were amply
refuted, in the same language, by a Lutheran professor,
named John Musacus, who undertook that task in order to
remove the suspicions that might be entertained to the prejudice of the university of Jena. When he died is not
mentioned, nor does his history appear now of much importance.
, especially at Thickney-Purcharden, the seat of the family upon which he resided, and Lad this son, who was born in 1613. Being a younger child, he was designed for
, a remarkable English enthusiast, was descended from an ancient family in the county of Durham, where his father, Richard Lilburne, was possessed of a handsome estate*, especially at Thickney-Purcharden, the seat of the family upon which he resided, and Lad this son, who was born in 1613. Being a younger child, he was designed for a trade; and was put apprentice at twelve years of age, to a wholesale clothier in London, who, as well as his father, was disaffected to the hierarchy. The youth, we are told, had a prompt genius and a forward temper above his years, which shewed itself conspicuously, not long after, in a complaint to the citychamberlain of his master’s ill-usage; by which, having obtained more liberty, he purchased a multitude of books favourable to his notions of politics and religion; and having his imagination warmed with a sense of suffering and resentment, he became at length so considerable among his party, as to be consulted upon the boldest of their undertakings against the hierarchy, while yet an apprentice.
tioned that Triboulet might be set at liberty. There was another French historian of the same names, who was born at Beauvais. His father was a native of Amiens, and
, an able advocate in the seventeenth
century, and master of requests to queen Margaret, was
born at Reinville, a village two leagues from Beauvais. He
died in 1646. His works are, I. “L'Histoire et les Antiqnités de Beauvuis,
” vol. I. Nomenclatura et Chronologia rerum Ecclesiasticarum
Dioecesis Bellovacensis,
” Paris, Hist, des
Antiquity’s du Diocese de Beauvais,
” Beauvais, lh.3.5, 8vo.
4. “Anciennes Remarques sur la Noblesse Beaiuoisme, et
de plusieurs Families de France,
” Abrég6 d: s Constitutions et Reglemens
pour les Etu;les et Reformes du Convent des Jacobins de
Beauvais,
” and addressed it to tht- king, in Remarques sur l'Histoire
de Langnedoc,
” 4to 2.“Abrégé de l‘Histoire d’Aquitaine,
Guienne, et Gascogne, jusqu'à present,
” foourdeaux, La France dans sa Splendeur,
” 2 vols. 12mo.
4. “Ahrege* de I'Histoire de Provence,
” 2 vols. 12mo, with
additions to the same history in 2 vols. folio. 5. “Projet
de I'Histoire du Pays de beanjolots,
” 8vo. 6. “Hist, des
Troubles de Provence deputs 1481 jusqu'en 159S,
” 2 vols.
12mo. 7. “Le Mercure Hollandois. ou Ifs Conquetes du
Roi, lepuisn7J, jusqira la fin de 1679,
” 10 vols 12mo.
This last may be useful, and is the best of Peter Louvet’s
works; but Hoik of the rest are much esteemed.
applause, without censure or reply. On the other hand it has been thought impossible that Machiavel, who was born under a republic, who was employed as one of its secretaries,
, a celebrated political writer
and historian, was born of a good family, at Florence, in
1469. He first distinguished himself as a dramatic writer,
but his comedies are not formed on the purest morals, nor
are the verses by which he gained some reputation about
the same time, entitled to much praise. Soon after he
had entered public life, either from the love of liberty, or
a spirit of faction, he displayed a restless and turbulent
disposition, which not only diminished the respect due to
his abilities, but frequently endangered his personal safety.
He involved himself in the conspiracy of Capponi and Boscoli, in consequence of which he was put to the torture,
but endured it without uttering any confession, and was
set at liberty by Leo X. against whose house that conspiracy had been formed. Immediately after the death of
Leo, he entered into another plot to expel the cardinal de
Medici from Florence. Afterwards, however, he was raised
to hitjh honours in the state, and became secretary to the
republic of Florence, the 'duties of which office he performed with great fidelity. He was likewise employed in
embassies to king Lewis XII. of France; to the emperor
Maximilian; to the college of cardinals; to the pope,
Julius II., and to other Italian princes. Notwithstanding
the revenues which must have accrued to him in these important situations, it would appear that the love of money
had no influence on his mind, as he died in extreme poverty in June 1527. Besides his plays, his chief works
are, 1. “The Golden Ass,
” in imitation of Lucian and
Apuleius 2. “Discourses on the first Decade of Livy
”
3. “A History of Florence
” 4. “The Life of Castruccio
Castracani;
” 5. “A Treatise on the Military Art;
” 6. “A
Treatise on the Emigration of the Northern Nations;
”
7. Another entitled “Del Principe,
” the Prince. This
famous treatise, which was first published in 1515, and intended as a sequel to his discourses on the first decade
of Livy, has created very discordant opinions between
critics of apparently equal skill and judgment, some having considered him as the friend of truth, liberty, and virtue, and others as the advocate of fraud and tyranny.
Most generally “the Prince
” has been viewed in the
latter light, all its maxims and counsels being directed to
the maintenance of power, however acquired, and by any
means; and one reason for this opinion is perhaps natural
enough, namely, its being dedicated to a nephew of pope
Leo X. printed at Rome, re*published in other Italian
cities, and long read with attention, and even applause,
without censure or reply. On the other hand it has been
thought impossible that Machiavel, who was born under a
republic, who was employed as one of its secretaries, who
performed so many important embassies, and who in his
conversation always dwelt on the glorious actions of Brutus
and Cassius, should have formed such a system against the
liberty and happiness of mankind. Hence it has frequently
been urged on his behalf, that it was not his intention to
suggest wise and faithlul counsels, but to represent in the
darkest colours the schemes of a tyrant, and thereby excite odium against him. Even lord Bacon seems to be of
this opinion. The historian of Leo considers his conduct in a different point of view; and indeed all idea
of his being ironical in this work is dissipated by the
fact, mentioned by Mr. Roscoe, that “many of the most
exceptionable doctrines in
” The Prince,“are also to be
found in his
” Discourses,“where it cannot be pretended
that he had any indirect purpose in view; and in the latter
he has in some instances referred to the former for the
further elucidation of his opinions. In popular opinion
” The Prince“has affixed to his name a lasting stigma;
and Machiavelism has long been a received appellation
for perfidious and infamous politics. Of the historical
writings of Machiavel, the
” Life of Castruccio Castracani“is considered as partaking too much of the character of a
romance; but his
” History of Florence," comprising the
events of that republic, between 1205 and 1494, which
was written while the author sustained the office of historiographer of the republic, although not always accurate
in point of fact, may upon the whole be read with both
pleasure and advantage. It has been of late years discovered tnat the diary of the most important events in Italy
from 1492 to 1512, published by the Giunti in 1568,
under the name of Biagio Buonaccorsi, is in fact a part of
the notes of Machiavel, which he had intended for a continuation of his history; but which, after his death, remained in the hands of his friend Buonaccorsi. - This is a
circumstance of which we were not aware when we drew
up the account of this author under the name Esperiente.
gley, the seat of lord Lyttleton. Matsys died in 1529, aged sixty-nine. — He had a son, John Matsys, who was born at Antwerp, and became his father’s disciple. He painted
, an eminent artist, was born at Antwerp, in 1460, and for several years followed the trade of a blacksmith or farrier, at least till he was in his twentieth year. Authors vary in their accounts of the cause of his quitting his first occupation, and attaching himself to the art of painting, some attributing it to his falling in love with the daughter of a painter; others to the accidental sight of a piece of art. Whatever may have been his motive, it is certain that he appears to have had an uncommon talent: his manner was singular, not resembling the manner of any other master; and his pictures were strongly coloured, and carefully finished, though somewhat dry and hard. By many competent judges it was believed, when they observed the strength of expression in some of his compositions, that if he had been acquainted with the great masters of the Roman school, he would have proved one of the most eminent painters of the Low Countries. But he only imitated ordinary life, and seemed more inclined, or at least more qualified, to imitate the defects than the beauties of nature. Some historical compositions of this master deserve commendation particularly a Descent from the Cross, which is in the cathedral at A ntwerp, justly admired for the spirit, skill, and delicacy of the whole. Sir Joshua Reynolds says there are heads in this picture not excelled by Raphael. But the most remarkable and best known picture of Matsys, is that of the Two Misers in the gallery at Windsor, which has been engraved. Of this there is a duplicate at Hagley, the seat of lord Lyttleton. Matsys died in 1529, aged sixty-nine. — He had a son, John Matsys, who was born at Antwerp, and became his father’s disciple. He painted in the same style and manner, but not with a reputation equal to his father; though many of his pictures are sold to unskilful purchasers, for the paintings of Quintin. His most frequent subject was the representation of misers counting their gold, or bankers examining and weighing it, very common occurrences when Antwerp was in her glory.
one of several authors of the name of Menard who obtained considerable reputation in France. Claude, who was born in 1582, had a situation in the magistracy of Angers
, a French magistrate and antiquary, was one of several authors of the name of Menard
who obtained considerable reputation in France. Claude,
who was born in 1582, had a situation in the magistracy of
Angers (lieutenant de la prevote), and was distinguished
for his knowledge and virtue. Having had the misfortune
to lose his wife towards the latter end of his career, he
quitted the world, became an ecclesiastic, and led a very
austere life. He was passionately attached to the study of
antiquities, and rescued from oblivion several curious
pieces. He died Jan. 20, 1652, at the age of seventytwo. He published, 1. “Joinville’s History of St. Louis,
”
The two books of St. Austin against Julian,
” which he
discovered in the library at Angers. 3. “Researches concerning the body of St. James the greater,
” who, as is
pretended, was buried in the collegiate church of Angers.
The credulity of this casts some shade upon his other
works. It is also heavily written. 4. “History of Bertrand du Gueschiin,
”
year 1745, retired to France after the battle of Culloden, where he resided till his death. His son, who was born Feb. 27, 1734, was educated at Marischal college, Aberdeen,
, a major in the army, and a very elegant and accomplished scholar, was the son of a private gentleman in Aberdeenshire, who, having joined the Highland army in the year 1745, retired to France after the battle of Culloden, where he resided till his death. His son, who was born Feb. 27, 1734, was educated at Marischal college, Aberdeen, and afterwards went to reside with his father at Paris. There he spent his time in elegant society, and devoted his leisure hours to the cultivation of letters, and thus acquired those polished manners, and that taste for study, by which he was ever after so highly distinguished. He possessed, too, a very high degree of elegant and chastised wit and humour, which made his company to be universally sought after by those who had the happiness of his friendship or acquaintance.
Bishop Milles left his fortune to his nephew, Jeremiah, who was born in 1714, and educated at Eton school, when he entered
Bishop Milles left his fortune to his nephew, Jeremiah,
who was born in 1714, and educated at Eton school, when
he entered of Queen’s college, Oxford, as a gentleman
commoner, and took his degrees of M. A. in 1735, and B.
and D. D. in 1747, on which occasion he went out grand
compounder. He was collated by his uncle to a prebend
in the cathedral of Waterford, and to a living near that
city, which he held but a short time, choosing to reside in
England. Here he married Edith, a daughter of archbishop
Potter, by whose interest he obtained the united rectories
of St. Edmund the King and St. Nicholas Aeon in Lombard-street, with that of Merstham, Surrey, and the sinecure rectory of West Terring, in Sussex. To Merstham
he was inducted in 1745. From the chantorship of Exeter
he was promoted to the deanery of that cathedral, in 1762,
on the advancement of Dr. Lyttelton to the see of Carlisle,
whom he also succeeded as president of the society of
antiquaries in 176.5. He had been chosen a fellow of this
society in 1741, and of the Royal Society in 1742. His
speech, on taking upon him the office of president of the
Society of Antiquaries, was prefixed to the first volume of
the Archoeologia. In other volumes of that work are some
papers communicated by him, one of which, “Observations on the Wardrobe Account for the year 1483, wherein are contained the deliveries made for the coronation of
king Richard III. and some other particulars relative to the
history,
” was answered by Mr. Walpole, afterwards lord
Orford, in a paper or essay, very characteristic of his lordship’s ingenuity and haughty petulance. In the early part
of his life, Dr. Milles had made ample collections for a
history of Devonshire, v*hich are noticed by Mr. Gough in
his Topography. Ha was also engaged in illustrating the
Da ish coinage, and the Domesday Survey, on both which
subjects, it is thought, he left much valuable matter. His
worst attempt was to vindicate the authenticity of Rowley’s
poems, in an edition which he printed in 1782, 4to. After
what Tyrwhitt and Warton had advanced on this subject, a
grave answer to this was not necessary; but it was the
writer’s misiortune to draw upon himself the wicked wit
of the author of “An Archaeological Epistle,
” and the more
wicked irony of George Steevens in the St. James’s Chronicle. The dean died Feb. 13, 1784, and was buried in
the church of St. Edmund, which, as well as his other preferments, he retained until his death, with the exception
of the rectory of West Terring, which he resigned to his
son Richard. His character is very justly recorded on his
monument, as one conspicuous for the variety and extent
of his knowledge, and for un remitted zeal and activity in
those stations to which his merit had raised him; nor was
he in private life less distinguished for sweetness of disposition, piety, and integrity.
deration at Rome, but died young. Mola died in 1665, aged fifty-six. He had a brother, John Baptist, who was born in 1620, and also learned the art of painting in the
, an eminent painter, was, according to some, born at Coldra, and to others, at Lugano, 1609. He was at first the disciple of Gesari d'Arpino, but formed a style of his own, selected from the principles of Albani and Guercino. He never indeed arrived at the grace of the former, but he excelled him in vigour of tint, in variety of invention, in spirited and resolute execution. He had studied colour with intense application at Venice, and excelled in fresco and in oil. Of the many pictures with which he enriched the churches and palaces of Rome, that of Joseph recognised by his brothers, on the Quirinal, is considered as the most eminent. If Mola possessed a considerable talent for history, he was a genius in landscape: his landscape every where exhibits in the most varied combination, and with the most vigorous touch, the sublime scenery of the territory in which he Was born. His predilection for landscape was such, that in his historic subjects it may often be doubted which is the principal, the actors or the scene; a fault which may be sometimes imputed to Titian himself. In many of Mola’s gallery-pictures, the figures have been ascribed to Albano. He reared three disciples, Antonio Gherardi of Rieti, who after his death entered the school of Cortona, and distinguished himself more by facility than elegance of execution Gia. Batista Boncuore of Rome, a painter at all times of great effect, though often somewhat heavy and Giovanni Bonati of Ferrara, called Giovannino del Pio, from the protection of that cardinal, who painted three altar-pieces of consideration at Rome, but died young. Mola died in 1665, aged fifty-six. He had a brother, John Baptist, who was born in 1620, and also learned the art of painting in the school of Albani. He proved a very good painter in history, as well as in landscape; but was far inferior to his brother, in style, dignity, taste, and colouring. In his manner he had more resemblance to the style of Albani, than to that of his brother; yet his figures are rather hard and dry, and want the mellowness of the master. However, there are four of his pictures in the Palazzo Salviati, at Rome, which are universally taken for the hand of Albani.
, The preceding William Molyneux had also a brother, Thomas, who was born in Dublin, and educated partly in the university there,
, The preceding William Molyneux had also a brother,
Thomas, who was born in Dublin, and educated partly
in the university there, and partly at Leyden and Paris.
Returning home, he became professor of physic in the
university of Dublin, fellow of the college of physicians,
physician to the state, and physician- general to the army.
He had also great practice, and in 1730 was created a baronet. He died Oct. 19, 1733. He had been a fellow of
the royal society of London, and several of his pieces are
published in the Transactions. He published, separately,
“Some Letters to Mr. Locke,
” Lond.
en years, he educated, ordained, and presented to a living, a youth of excellent talents and memory, who was born blind . He also acquired no little reputation by detecting
While Morton sat in the see of Coventry and Lichfield,
which was above fourteen years, he educated, ordained,
and presented to a living, a youth of excellent talents and
memory, who was born blind . He also acquired no little
reputation by detecting the imposture of the famous boy of
Bilson in Staffordshire, who pretended to be possessed with
a devil; but who, in reality, was only suborned by some
Romish priests, to assume the appearance of possession,
according to the common notions of it, for the sake of promoting their own private purposes. In 1632, he was translated to the bishopric of Durham, which he held with great
reputation till the opening of the Long-parliament, when he
met with great insults from the common people, and was
once in extreme hazard of his life at Westminster, some
crying, “Pirll him out of his coach
” others, “Nay, he
is a good man
” others, “But for all that he is a bishop.
”
He used often to say that he believed he should not have
escaped alive, if a ringleader among the rabble had not
cried out, “let him go and hang himself.
” He was then
committed to the custody of the usher of the black rod;
and, as Whitlocke tells us, “April 1645, was brought before the Commons for christening a child in the old way,
and signing it with the sign of the cross, contrary to the
directory; and, because he refused to deliver up the seal
of the county-palatine of Durham, he was committed to
the Tower.
” Here he continued six months, and then returned to his lodgings at Durham-house; the parliament,
upon the dissolution of the bishoprics, voted him an annuity. Whitlocke informs us, that, in May 1649, an ordinance passed for 800l. per annum to bishop Morton; but
Barwick observes, that, while he^vas able to subsist without it, he never troubled himself with looking after it;
and, at last, when he had no alternative but to claim this,
or be burthcnsome to his friends, he determined upon the
former, and procured a copy of the vote, but found it to
contain no more than that such a sum should be paid, but
no mention either by whom or whence. And before he
could obtain an explanation of the order to make the pension payable out of the revenues of his own bishopric, all
the lands and revenues of it were sold or divided among
members of parliament themselves. Only by the importunity of his friends he procured an order to have a thousand pounds out of their treasury at Goldsmitbs’-hall, with
which he paid his debts, and purchased to himself an annuity of 200l. per annum, during life; which annuity was
as the son of Leopold Mozart, vice-chapel-master to the prince archbishop of Salzburg. This Leopold, who was born at Augsburg in 1719, became early in life a musician
, an eminent musician, was the son of Leopold Mozart, vice-chapel-master to the prince archbishop of Salzburg. This Leopold, who was born at Augsburg in 1719, became early in life a musician and composer; and in 1757 published a treatise on the art of playing the violin; but what, according to Dr. Burney, did him most honour was his being father of such an incomparable son as Wolfgang, and educating him with such care. His son was born at Salzburg, Jan. 17, 1756, and at seven years old went with his father and sister to Paris, and the year following to London. In 1769 he went to Italy; and in 1770 he was at Bologna, in which city Dr. Burney first saw him, and to which city he had returned from Rome and Naples, where he had astonished all the great professors by his premature knowledge and talents. At Rome he was honoured by the pope with the order of Speron d'Oro. From Bologna he went to Milan, where he was engaged to compose an opera for the marriage of the princess of Modena with one of the archdukes. Two other composers were employed on this occasion, each of them to set an opera; but that of the little Mozart, young as he was, was most applauded.
tingen in 1777. There flourished about the same time with our author, a physician of the same names, who was born in 1529, and died in 1581, whose forgotten works, however,
From his works he appears to have deserved the high
character he enjoyed during his life-time, and which some
critics of modern times have revived. He was one of the
very few in those days who turned their thoughts to the
history of literature. His first publication was “Erotema
Grascae Linguae, cum proefatione Philippi Melanchthonis
de utilitate Grsecae linguse,
” Basil, Pandectae variorum auctorum et scriptorum.
” From the sketch he had
given of the proposed contents of this work, there is great
reason to regret that he did not complete it; in the second
edition of his “Erotemata
” he has given a specimen of
what he could have done, in a dissertation on ancient libraries, on books that are lost, and on the libraries of his
own time which contained the most valuable Mss. and an
account of the principal Greek and Latin authors, whose
works have been published, with a minuteness of description which would have reflected credit on a modern bibliographer. The last edition of his “Erotemata
” was edited
at Leipsic in Graecae Linguae Tabulae,
”
Basil, Linguae Hebreae Erotemata, cum veterurn Rabbinorurn testimoniis de
Christo, apophthegmatibus veterum Hebreeorum et notitia
de Talmude, Cabbala, &c.
” Basil, Erotemata Graecae Linguae,
” containing
notices of the most eminent Oriental scholars, the writings
of the rabbins, the editions of the Bible, &c. 4. “Aristologia Pindarica Graeco-Latina, et Sententiae novem Lyricorum,
” Basil, Aristologia GraecoLatina Euripidis; argumenta quoque singulis tragcediis
praemissa sunt,
” ibid. Anthologicum Graeco-Latinum,
” ibid. Gnomonologia Graeco-Latina, sive insigniores sententiae
philosophorum, poetarum, oratorum, et historicorum, ex
magno Anthologio Joannis Stobaei excerptae, et in locos
supra bis centum digests,
” ibid. Opus
aureum et Scholasticum,
” Leipsic, Sententiae Theologicae
selectiores, Græco-Latinæ,
” Basil, 1557, 8vo. 10. “Catechesis parva Martini Lutheri Graeco-Latina,
” &c. ibid. Loci communes Philosophic! Graeci,
”
Leipsic, Gnomonologia Latina ex
omnibus Latinis vetustis ac probatis autoribus, recentioribus etiam aliquot, in locos communes digesta,
” Leipsic,
Phraseologia Isocratis GraecoLatina,
” Basil, Joannis Vollandi de re
Poetica Graecorum libri quatuor, e noutionibus et bibliotheca Mich. Neandri collecti,
” Leipsic, Argonautica, Thebaica, Troica, Ilias
parva; poematia Graeca anonymi (Laur. Rhodomani) primum edita cum argumentis a Mich. Neandro,
” Leipsic,
er, and his painting very thin. This artist died in 1683, leaving a son, Eglon Hendrick Vender Neer, who was born at Amsterdam in 1643. He was at first a pupil to his
, a landscape painter, was
born at Amsterdam in 1619, and is well known to the connoisseurs in painting, by a peculiarity of style, and also by
the handling and transparence of his landscapes. His subjects are views of villages, or the huts of fishermen, oiv the
banks of rivers and canals, by moon -light, generally finished 2
with a remarkable neatness of pencilling. His touch rsextremely light, free, and clean, and his imitation of nature true; particularly in the lustre of his skies about the
moon, and the reflection of the beams of that luminary on
the surface of the waller. His figures are usually well
designed, and their actions and attitudes are well adapted to
their employments and occupations. In all parts of Europe
his pictures are still in good esteem, but are seldom found
uninjured, owing to the simplicity of his manner, and his
painting very thin. This artist died in 1683, leaving a son,
Eglon Hendrick Vender Neer, who was born at Amsterdam in 1643. He was at first a pupil to his father, and
afterwards of Jacob Vanloo. He had an extensive talent,
and executed subjects drawn from various branches of the
art, with an equal degree of merit. His portraits, in large
and small, are well coloured, and touched with spirit and
delicacy; in history he designed with correctness, and
composed with ingenuity; his conversations have the manner, the breadth, and the finish, of Terburg; his landscape is varied and well chosen, but too much loaded, and
too anxiously discriminated in the fore-grounds. The portrait of this artist, painted by himself, and inscribed “Eglon Hendric Vander Neer f. 1696,
” has a place in the gallery of Florence. He died in 1703, aged sixty.
, another son of Gaspard, who was born at the Hague in 1670, also practised the art of painting
, another son of Gaspard, who was born at the Hague in 1670, also practised the art of painting under the tuition of his father, whose works he carefully studied and though he never was able to equal them, yet he arrived at no mean degree of skill in his profession. His principal practice was in portraiture, in which he was much encouraged; but being of an infirm habit of constitution, he was much interrupted in his labours, and died in 1722, at the age of fifty-two.
nas always occupy a distinguished place in galleries. He died in. 1651. His younger brother, Joseph, who was born in 1619, with more fire and fancy, delighted in numerous
, is the name of a family of painters, of whom Panfilo, the father, a Cremonese, was the favourite scholar of Trotti, and for some time the imitator of his style, but afterwards relinquished it for one more solid, though less alluring. Placentia and Milan possess his best works. He flourished about 1608. His eldest son, Charles Francis, was born in 1608, at Milan, and left the principles of G. C. Procaccino for the graces of Guido with a success that still insures him the name of the Lombard Guido. More choice than copious in composition, he forms his figures with grace and delicacy, and sweetly animates their countenances; hence his Madonnas always occupy a distinguished place in galleries. He died in. 1651. His younger brother, Joseph, who was born in 1619, with more fire and fancy, delighted in numerous composition, and sacrificed choice and delicacy to energy and effect. He painted much more than his brother, not only in Lombardy, but through theVenetian state and in various churches of Brescia. The large picture of a dead man resuscitated by S. Dominic, at Cremona, for expression and magnificence of arrangement, may be considered as one of his most powerful productions totally exempt from those symptoms of decay which disfigure or debilitate many of his later works; for he lived to a great age, and continued to paint till death surprised him in 1703.
Ortelius settled, in 1460, at Antwerp, and dying there in 1511, left Leonard, the father of Abraham, who was born in that city April 1527. In the course of a learned
, a celebrated geographer, was
descended from a family originally seated at Augsburg:
but his grandfather William Ortelius settled, in 1460, at
Antwerp, and dying there in 1511, left Leonard, the father of Abraham, who was born in that city April 1527. In
the course of a learned education, he particularly distinguished himself in the languages and mathematics; and
afterwards he became so famous for his knowledge in geography, that he was called the Ptolemy of his time. He
travelled a great deal in England, Ireland, France, Italy,
and Germany, suffering no curiosity to escape his inquiries. In England he became acquainted with Camden (see Camden). When he had finished his travels, he fixed at
Antwerp, where he first published his “Theatrum orbis
terrse.
” This work procured him the honour of being
appointed geographer to Philip II. of Spain; and he afterwards published the following pieces: “Thesaurus Geographicus;
” “Deorum dearumque capita ex veteribus
numismatibus;
” “Aurei seculi imago, sive Gtrr manor urn
veterum mores, vita, ritus, et religio;
” “Itinerarium per
nonnuJlas Belgiue partes.
” He was possessed of many
rarities, in antique statues, medals, and shells. The greatest
men of that age were friends to him to his death, which
happened in June 1598. Justus Lipsius wrote his epitaph;
and several funeral eloges were made of him, which were
published, under the title of “Lachrymae,
” by Francis
Svveerts, who annexed an account of his life. All his works
are in Latin.
eath of this labprious and acute critic, which took place Sept. 13, or 14, 1751. He left a son John, who was born in 1734. What D'Orville published is to be found in
He published, in 1750, in quarto, a new edition of
“Chereas and Callirhoe;
” and a new edition of the Greek
Anthology was expected from him, for which he had some
valuable materials, and one of Theocritus, perhaps also
one of Catullus, Tibulius, and Propertius but all these
undertakings were frustrated by the unexpected death of
this labprious and acute critic, which took place Sept. 13,
or 14, 1751. He left a son John, who was born in 1734.
What D'Orville published is to be found in a collection, in
imitation of one begun in England by Jortin, in 1731, under the title of “Observationes Miscellaneae,
” a work of
profound erudition, which he edited along with Burman,
as far as Jo vols. 8vo; and after Burman’s death, D'Orville
published four additional volumes, under the title of “Observationes Miscellaneae Novae,
” the last of which was
completed a few clays before his death. Of his dissertations inserted in these volumes, two have been greatly admired, “Exercitatio de inscriptionibus Deliacis,
” and
“Diatribe in Inscriptiones quasdam,
” &c. Some years
after his death, his travels and observations in Sicily were
published by Peter Burman, the younger, under the title
“Simula, quibus Siciliae veteris rudera, additis antiquitatum tabulis illustrantur,
” &c.
He had a son Ephraim, who was born in 1575, and educated also at Christ Church, where
He had a son Ephraim, who was born in 1575, and
educated also at Christ Church, where he became so uncommon a proficient in languages, that at the age of twenty-six, he is said to have understood and written fifteen or
sixteen, ancient and modern. His only preferment was to
the church of St. Edmund the King, Lombard-street,
London, from which he uas driven by the usurping party,
for his loyalty. In religious sentiments he does not appear
to have differed from his father; but he adhered to the
king and constitution, which was then an unpardonable
crime. He retired to Deptford in Kent, where he died in
April 1647, aged seventy-two. In addition to the other
causes of his sufferings, he wrote much against the Independents, baptists, and other sectaries, as appears by his
“Iferesiography
” yet, in Christianographia, or a description of the multitudes
and sundry sorts of Christians in theworld, not subject to
the pope,
” &c. Lond. Treatise of the religion of
the ancient Christians in Britany;
” and his " Hasresiographia, or a description of the Heresies of later times,' 7
ibid. 1645, &c. 4to. Of this there have been at least four
editions,
teenth and eighteenth centuries. He flourished about 1670, but attained less fame than his son John, who was born at St. Quentin in 1661. The grandson John Baptist Michel
, was one of a family of engravers
on wood, who obtained considerable reputation in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. He flourished about
1670, but attained less fame than his son John, who was
born at St. Quentin in 1661. The grandson John Baptist Michel was the most successful in his art, especially
in those engravings which represent foliage and flowers,
many beautiful specimens of which are inserted in his publication on the art of engraving in wood; and the whole
prove that he was a very skilful master in every branch of
the art he professed. The human figure he seems to have
been the least acquainted with, and has consequently failed
most in those prints into which it is introduced. He died
in 1776; about ten years before which event he published
in 2 vols. 8vo, his “Traite historique et pratique de la
gravure en bois,
” a work of great merit as to the theory of
an art, which, it is almost needless to add, has of late
years been brought to the highest perfection by some
ingenious men of our own country, led first to this pursuit by the excellent example and success of the Messrs.
Bewickes.
, bishop of Bergen, who was born in 1698, at Aarhuus, in Denmark, and died in 1764,
, bishop of Bergen, who was
born in 1698, at Aarhuus, in Denmark, and died in 1764,
wrote several works respecting the history and geography
of that kingdom; one of which, his “History of Norway,
”
was translated into English in
Dr. Potter had a son, Charles, who was born at Oxford in 1633, and admitted a student of Christ
Dr. Potter had a son, Charles, who was born at Oxford in 1633, and admitted a student of Christ Church in
1647, but after completing his master’s degree, he left the
university, and when abroad with James Croits, afterwards
created duke of Monmouth, he embraced the Roman Catholic religion. He was afterwards one of the gentlemen
ushers to his great uncle, Dr. Barnabas Potter, bishop of
Carlisle. The “Theses Quaclragesiiriales in scholis Oxoniensibus publice pro forma discussae,
” Oxon,
He left a very learned son, Gabriel Powell, who was born at Ruabon, in 1575, and educated at Jesus college,
He left a very learned son, Gabriel Powell, who was
born at Ruabon, in 1575, and educated at Jesus college,
Oxford, after which he became master of the free-school
at Ruthen, in his native county. Not however finding his
situation here convenient for the studies to which he was
addicted, ecclesiastical history, and the writings of the fathers, he returned to Oxford, and took up his abode in St.
Mary Hall. Here principally he wrote those works which
procured him great reputation, especially among the
puritans. Dr. Vaughan, bishop of London, invited him to
the metropolis, and made him his domestic chaplain, and
would have given him higher preferment had he lived. It
was probably Vaughan’s successor who gave him the prebend of Portpoole, in 1609, and the vicarage of Northall,
in Middlesex, in 1610. He died in 1611. His works enumerated by Wood are chiefly controversial, against the
papists, except one or two in defence of the silenced
puritans. Several of them, being adapted to the circumstances of the times, went through numerous editions, but
are now little known. Wood says he was esteemed a prodigy of learning, though he died when a little more than
thirty years old (thirty-six), and had he lived to a greater
maturity of years, it is “thought he would have exceeded
the famous Dr. John Rainolds, or any of the learned heroes
of the age.
” Wood adds that he “was a zealot, and a stiff
puritan.
” By one of his works, entitled “The unlawfulness and danger of Toleration of divers religions, and connivance to contrary worship in one monarchy or kingdom,
”
it would appear that he wrote against toleration while he
was claiming it for himself and his puritan brethren.
“Cornmentarius in Epistolas Sancti Pauli,” and several other works. He left a son of the same name, who was born at Rostock in 1624, and died in 1669. He became pastor,
, a German Lutheran divine and
professor, was born at Rostock in 1584, and studied first at
home, and then at Berlin, and at Frankfort on the Oder.
He afterwards travelled through Holland, Brabant, and
Flanders, as tutor to the son of a patrician of Lubeck. In
1614, his learning and abilities having pointed him out as
a fit person to fill the divinity chair at Rostock, he was
created doctor of divinity, and paid a visit to the universities of Leipsic, Wirtemberg, Jena, &c. He obtained
other preferments in the church, particularly the archdeaconry of St. Mary’s at Rostock. In 1645, he was appointed pastor of the same church, and superintendant of
the churches in the district of that city. During Grotius’s
last fatal illness at Rostock he was called in as a clergyman, and from him we have the particulars of the last moments of that celebrated scholar some of which particulars, Burigny informs us, were misrepresented or misunderstood. Quistorp died May 2, 164S, at the age of sixtyfour. He was the author of “Annotationes in omnes Libros Biblicos;
” “Cornmentarius in Epistolas Sancti Pauli,
”
and several other works. He left a son of the same name,
who was born at Rostock in 1624, and died in 1669. He
became pastor, professor of divinity, and rector of the university of that city, and published some works, “Catechesis Anti-papistica,
” “Pia desideria,
” &c. Another
John Nicholas Quistorp, probably of the same family,
died in 1715, and left some works on controversial subjects.
s cathedral, from a drawing by Wale, which is his finest, and a very wonderful performance. Michael, who was born in 1743, after being taught the use of the graver by
, or Michael Angelo, an honorary name given him by Paul Sandby, was the son of Edward Rooker, an engraver, who died in 1774, and whose excellence lay in engraving architecture, particularly the section of St. Paul’s cathedral, from a drawing by Wale, which is his finest, and a very wonderful performance. Michael, who was born in 1743, after being taught the use of the graver by his father, was placed under the care of his father’s friend, Paul Sandby, to be instructed in drawing and painting landscape. He appeared first as an engraver, in which capacity he gave early proofs of ability, which were confirmed by his mature productions, excellent specimens of which may be seen in a view of Wolterton hall, Nottinghamshire, and in many other prints which he engraved. But his talents were not confined to the graver, for he also employed the pencil, and in 1772 exhibited a view of Temple Bar, as it then stood, which had considerable merit. He was for many years employed as principal scenerpainter for the little theatre in the Hay-market; and in the summer season generally visited some part of the country, where he selected views, of which he afterwards made finished drawings; so that at his death he possessed a very numerous collection of topographical drawings of great merit. It is, however, on his powers as an engraver that his fame principally depends. He was for many years engaged to engrave the head-pieces to the Oxford almanacks, for which he received 50l. each, a large sum in those days,, although not unsuitable to his merit, or the liberality of his employers. But this engagement he relinquished a fevr years before his death, because he took a dislike to the practice of engraving. The Oxford views were executed from his own drawings, and exhibit some of the best and most accurate that ever were taken of that beautiful city.
He left a son Albert Rubens, who was born at Antwerp in 1614, and succeeded his father in his
He left a son Albert Rubens, who was born at Antwerp in 1614, and succeeded his father in his post as
secretary to the council, devoting his leisure to literary
pursuits. He died in 1657, leaving behind him many
works, as monuments of his great learning and sound judgment, of which the following may be mentioned. “Regum
et Imperatorum Romanorum Numismata,
” which is a commentary on the medals of the duke of Arscbot: “De Re
Vestiaria Veterum:
” “Dissertatio de Gemma Tiberiana
et Augustea de Urbibus Neocoris de natali Die Caesaris Augusti,
” which were published by Graevius in the
“Thesaurus Antiq. Roman.
”
He had a brother, Solomon Ruysdaal, who was born at Haerlem in 1616, and was also a painter of landscapes,
He had a brother, Solomon Ruysdaal, who was born at Haerlem in 1616, and was also a painter of landscapes, but in every respect far inferior to Jacob. The best commendation given him by the writers on this subject is, that he was a cold imitator of Schoeft and Van Goyen, and although his pictures have somewhat that is plausible, sufficient to engage the attention of those who are prejudiced in favour of the name of Ruysdaal, yet, to persons of true judgment and taste, they are in no great estimation; and the eye is disgusted with too predominant a tint of yellow, which is diffused through the whole. He rendered himself, however, considerable, by having discovered the art of imitating variegated marbles with surprising exactness; and he gave to his compositions an appearance so curiously similar to the real marble, that it was scarce possible to discern any difference, either in the weight, the colour, or the lustre of the polish. He died in 1670.
>rach, who painted fish, dead fowls, and landscape, with Considerable merit, particularly the elder, who was born it Paris in 1690, and died in England of a consumption
Mr. Rysbrach, who had by no means raised a fortune equal to his deserts, before his death made a public sale of his remaining works and models, to which he added a Jarge collection of his own historic drawings, conceived and executed in the true taste of the great Italian masters. Another sale followed his death, which happened Jan. 8, 1770. He had two brothers, Peter Andreas, and G. Rysl>rach, who painted fish, dead fowls, and landscape, with Considerable merit, particularly the elder, who was born it Paris in 1690, and died in England of a consumption in 1743. He must be distinguished from another landscape painter of the seventeenth century of the same name, who was a native of Antwerp.
There still remains one of this family to be noticed, sir John Savile, elder brother to sir Henry, who was born at Bradley in 1545, and entered a commoner of Brasenose
There still remains one of this family to be noticed, sir
John Savile, elder brother to sir Henry, who was born at
Bradley in 1545, and entered a commoner of Brasenose
college about 1561, whence, without taking a degree, he
went to the Middle Temple for the study of the law. Being called to the bar, he became autumn reader of that
house in 1586, steward of the lordship of Waken“eld, serjeant at law in 1594, one of the barons of the exchequer
in 1598, and at the same time one of the justices of assize.
In July 1603, a little before his coronation, king James
conferred the honour of knighthood on him, being one of
the judges who were to attend that solemnity. He died at
London, Feb. 2, 1606, aged sixty-one, and was buried at
St. Dunstan’s church, Fleet-street, but his heart was buried in Methley church, Yorkshire, where is a monument
to his memory, erected by his son. Camden acknowledges
the assistance he received from sir John Savile in his historical labours. He left at his death several pieces fit for
publication, but none have appeared, except
” Reports of
divers cases in the courts of common pleas and exchequer,
from 22 to 3 6Elizabeth," a thin folio, printed first in 1675,
and again in 1688.
ute descriptions of grasses. He had a son with whom we seem more interested, John Gaspak Scheuchzer, who was born at Zurich in 1702, and after studying at home came
, an eminent physician
and naturalist, was the son of a very learned physician of
the same mimes at Zurich, where he was born, August 2,
1672. His father dying in the prime of life, he appears
to have been left to the care of his mother, and his maternal grandfather. He was educated at Zurich under the
ablest professors, of whom he has left us a list, but Says
that he might with great propriety add his own name to
the on cber, as he went through the greater part of his
studies with no other guide than his own judgment. In
1692 he commenced his travels, and remained some time
at \ltdorf, attending the lectures of Wagenseil, Hoffman^
father and son, Sturm, &c. In 1693 he went to Utrecht,
where he took his degree of doctor of physic in Jan. 1694,
and Pi 1695 returned to Nuremberg and Altdorf to study
mathematics under Sturm and Eimmart. To Sturm he addressed a learned letter on the generation of fossil shells,
which iie attempted to explain on mathematical principles;
but, discovering the fallacy of this, he adopted the theory
of our Dr. Woodward, whose work on the subject of the
natural history of the earth he translated into Latin, and
published at Zurich in 1704.
Returning to Zurich, before this period, he was appoint-,
ed first physician of the city, with the reversion of the professorship of mathematics. He now began to write various
dissertations on subjects of natural history, particularly that
of Swisserland, and wrote a system of natural history in
German, which he published in parts in the years 1705, 6,
and 7, the whole forming three small 4to volumes. He
published afterwards three more in 1716, 1717, and 1718,
which complete the natural history of Swisserland, with
the exception of the plants, of which he had formed an
herbal of eighteen vast volumes in folio. His “Nova litteraria Helvetica
” began in Itinera Alpina,
” one volume of which
was published at London in Physica sacra,
” in
4 vols. folio, which was immediately republished in French
at Amsterdam, in both instances enriched with a profusion
of fine plates illustrative of the natural history of the Bible.
This had been preceded by some lesser works on the same
subject, which were now incorporated. He did not long
survive this learned publication, dying at Zurich about the
end of June 1733. He was a member of many learned societies, of our Royal Society, and of those of Berlin, Vienna,
&c. and carried on a most extensive correspondence with the
principal literati of Europe. He left a well-chosen and numerous library, a rich museum of natural history, and a collection of medals. Besides the works we have incidentally
noticed, he published, 1. “Herbarium Diluvianum,
” Zurich, Piscium querelse et vindicise,
” Zurich, Oratio cle Matheseos su in Theologia,
” ibid. Museum Diluvianum,
” ibid. Homo
diluvii testis,
” ibid. De Helvetii aeribus,
aquis, locis, specimen,
” ibid. .Sciagraphia lithologica curiosa, seu lapidum figuratorum nomenclator, olim a Jo. Jac. Scheuchzero conscriptus, auctus et
illustratus,
” 4to. Of his “Physica Sacra,
” we have noticed the first edition published at Augsburgh, 1731—1735,
four vols. folio, or rather eight volumes in four, the text
of which is in German; this edition is valued on account of
its having the first impressions of the plates. The Amsterdam edition, 1732 38, 8 vols. has, however, the advantage
of being in French, a language more generally understood,
and has the same plates. Scheuchzer had a brother, professor of natural philosophy at Zurich, who died in 1737,
and is known to all botanists by his laborious and learned
“Agrostographia,
” so valuable for its minute descriptions
of grasses. He had a son with whom we seem more interested, John Gaspak Scheuchzer, who was born at Zurich
in 1702, and after studying at home came over to England,
and received the degree of' M. D. at Cambridge, during the
royal visit of George I. in 1728, and died at London April
13, 1729, only twenty-seven years old. He had much of
the genius and learning of his family, and was a good antiquary, medallist, and natural historian. He translated into
English Koempfec’s history of Japan, 1727, 2 vols. folio, and
had begun a translation 1 of Koempfer’s travels in Muscovy,
Persia, &c. but did not live to complete it. He wrote also
a treatise on inoculation. Some part of the correspondence
of this learned family is in the British Museum.
ned a shop at Rochester, where one of his sons still resides; and the same profession his son Jacob ( who was born Aug. 30, 1760, in Duke’s Court, in the parish of St.
, was son of a native of Zurich, in Switzerland, lieutenant in the Dutch army at the
memorable siege of Bergen-op-Zoom in 1747; when, after
a gallant resistance of two months, it was, as generally believed, surprised by the French under marshal Lowendal.
Upon quitting the service Mr. Schnebbelie came over to
England, and settled in the business of a confectioner, in
which capacity he had frequently the honour of attending
on king George II. He afterwards opened a shop at Rochester, where one of his sons still resides; and the same
profession his son Jacob (who was born Aug. 30, 1760, in Duke’s Court, in the parish of St. Martin in the Fields)
followed for some time, first at Canterbury, and afterwards
at Hammersmith till, nature pointing out to him the proper road to fame and credit, he quitted his shop and commenced self-taught teacher, at Westminster and other
public schools, of the art of drawing, in which he made a
proficiency which introduced him to the notice of many
among the learned and the great. To the earl of
Leicester’s notice he was first introduced by accidentally
sketching a view in his park near Hertford, and was employed by him in taking some of the most picturesque
landscapes about Tunbridge Wells, with a view to their
publication for his benefit. At their noble president’s express recommendation he was appointed draughtsman of
the society of antiquaries; and filled that office with equal
credit to himself and his patron. The merits of his pencil
are too generally known and acknowledged to require any
exaggerated eulogium, Happy in a quick eye and a discriminating taste, he caught the most beautiful objects in
the happiest points of view; and for fidelity and elegance
of delineation, may be ranked high among the list of firstrate artists. The works put forth on his own account are
not numerous. In 1781 he intended to publish six views
of St. Augustine’s Monastery, to be engraved by Mr. Rogers, &c. five of which. were completed, and one small
view of that religious house was etched by himself. In
1787 he etched a plate representing the Serpentine River,
part of Hyde Park, with the house of earl Bathurst, a distant view of Westminster Abbey, &c. now the property
and in the possession of Mr. Jukes, intended to be aquatinted for publication, Mr. Jukes purchased also from him
several views of Canterbury cathedral, St. Augustine’s monastery, &c. In March 1788 he published four views of
St. Alban’s town and abbey, drawn and etched by himself;
which in the November following were published, aquatinted by F. Jukes. About the same time that he set on
foot the “Antiquaries Museum,' he became an associate with
the late James Moore, esq. F. S. A. and Mr, Parkyns, in the
f< Monastic Remains*;
” which, after five numbers had appeared, he relinquished to his coadjutors. The assistance
he occasionally gave to “The Gentleman’s Magazine,
” the
smallest part of his merit, it will be needless to particularize; his masterly hand being visible on whatever it was
exerted. It is of more consequence to his fame to point
out the beauties of many of the plates in the second and
third volumes of the “Vetusta Monumenta
” of the Society
of Antiquaries and in the second volume of the “Sepulchral Monuments of Great Britain ,
” the far greater part
of the numerous plates in which are after him; or in the
very many drawings he had finished, and the sketches he
had designed, for Mr. Nichols’s “History of Leicestershire.
” He had completed also some views of King’s
college chapel at Cambridge, in a style worthy that most
beautiful and most perfect of all our gothic buildings, and
in a manner which had so far recommended him to royal
notice, that, had his life been spared, there is no doubt
but he would have been properly distinguished.
proper precedents and directions. He had before, when rector of St. James’s, baptized the new king ( who was born in Norfolk-house, in that parish) and he was afterwards
In little more than two years after his grace’s promotion to the see of Canterbury, died the late George II. Of what passed on that occasion, and of the form observed in proclaiming our present sovereign (in which the archbishop of course took the lead), his grace has left an account in writing. He did the same with regard to the subsequent ceremonials of marrying and crowning their present majesties, which in consequence of his station he had the honour to solemnize, and in which he found a great want of proper precedents and directions. He had before, when rector of St. James’s, baptized the new king (who was born in Norfolk-house, in that parish) and he was afterwards called upon to perform the same office for the greatest part of his majesty’s children a remarkable, and perhaps unexampled concurrence of such incidents in the life of one man.
, an English divine, who was born at Clifton, near Penrith, in Cumberland, of which place
, an English divine, who was born at
Clifton, near Penrith, in Cumberland, of which place his
father was rector, had his school-education at Lowther, and
his academical at Queen’s college, in Oxford. Of this society he was chosen fellow in 1732. The greatest part of
his life was spent at Twickenham, where he was assistant or
curate to Dr. Waterland. In 1741, he was presented by
his college to the living of Enham in Hampshire, at which
place he died in 1747, without ever having obtained any
higher preferment, which he amply deserved. He was
exemplary in his morals, orthodox in his opinions, had an
able head, and a most amiable heart. A late romantic
writer against the Athanasian doctrines, whose testimony
we choose to give, as it is truth extorted from an adversary,
speaks of him in the following terms: “Notwithstanding
this gentleman’s being a contender for the Trinity, yet he
was a benevolent man, an upright Christian, and a beautiful writer; exclusive of his zeal for the Trinity, he was in
every thing else an excellent clergyman, and an admirable
scholar. 1 knew him well, and on account of his amiable
qualities very highly honour his memory; though no two
ever differed more in religious sentiments.
” He published
in his life-time, “Discourses on several important Subjects,
” 2 vols. 8vo and his “Posthumous Works, consisting of sermons, letters, essays, &c.
” in 2 vols. 8vo, were
published from his original manuscripts by Jos. Hall, M. A.
fellow of Queen’s college, Oxford, 1750. They are all
very ingenious, and full of good matter, but abound too
much in antithesis and point.
tists of his country, which is engraved by Pontius. He died in 1651, aged sixty-two. His son Daniel, who was born at Antwerp in 1590, was a painter of fruit and flowers,
, an eminent painter, was born at Antwerp in 1.589. Under the instructions of Henry van Balen, and Abraham Janssens, he had made considerable progress in the art before he went to Italy. On his arrival at Rome, he became the disciple of Bartolommeo Manfredi; and from him adopted a taste for the vigorous style of Michael Angelo Caravaggio, to which he added somewhat of the tone and colour he had brought with him from his native country; producing the powerful effect of candle-light, though often falsely applied in subjects which appertain to the milder illumination of the day. He at length accepted the invitation of cardinal Zapara, the Spanish ambassador at Rome, to accompany him to Madjrid, where he was presented to the king, and was engaged in his service, with a considerable pension. After some years he returned to Flanders, and his fellow-citizens were impatient to possess some of his productions; but they who had been accustomed to the style of Rubens and Vandyke, were unable to yield him that praise to which he had been accustomed, and he was obliged to change his manner, which he appears to have done with facility and advantage, as many of his latter pictures bear evident testimony. His most esteemed productions are, the principal altar-piece in the church of the Carmelites at Antwerp, the subject of which is the marriage of the virgin; and the adoration of the magi, the altar-piece in the cathedral of Bruges. The former is much after the manner of Rubens. Vandyke painted his portrait among the eminent artists of his country, which is engraved by Pontius. He died in 1651, aged sixty-two. His son Daniel, who was born at Antwerp in 1590, was a painter of fruit and flowers, which he, being a Jesuit, executed at his convent at Rome. He appears, indeed, to have painted more for the benefit of the society to which he had attached himself, than for his private advantage: and when he had produced his most celebrated picture, at the command of the prince of Orange, it was presented to that monarch in the name of the society, which was munificently recompensed in return. He frequently painted garlands of flowers, as borders for pictures, which were filled up with historical subjects by the first painters. He died at Antwerp in 1660, aged seventy.
uiney she had three sons, Shakspeare, Richard, and Thomas, who all died unmarried. Sir Hugh Ciopton, who was born two years after the death of lady Barnard, which happened
His family consisted of two daughters, and a son named Hamnet, who died in 1596, in the 12th year of his age. Susannah, the eldest daughter, and her father’s favourite, was married to Dr. John Hall, a physician, who died Nov. 1635, aged 60. Mrs. Hall died July 11, 1649, aged 66 They left only one child, Elizabeth, born 1607-8, and married April 22, 1626, to Thomas Nashe, esq. who died in 1647, and afterwards to sir John Barnard of Abmgton, in Northamptonshire, but died without issue by either husband. Jn.iith, Shakspeare' s youngest daughter, was married to a Mr. Thomas Quiney, and died Feb. 1661-62, in her 77th year. By Mr. Quiney she had three sons, Shakspeare, Richard, and Thomas, who all died unmarried. Sir Hugh Ciopton, who was born two years after the death of lady Barnard, which happened in 1669-70, related to Mr. Macklin, in 1742, an old tradition, that she had carried away with her from Stratford many of her grandfather’s papers. On the death of sir John Barnard, Mr. Malone thinks these must have fallen into the hands of Mr. Edward Bagley, lady Barnard’s executor, and if any descendant of that gentleman be now living, in his custody they probably remain. To this account of Shakspeare’s family, we have now to add that among Oldys’s papers, is another traditional story of his having been the father of sir William Davenant. Oldys’s relation is thus given:
rder. He went through his first studies in his own country, together with the learned John Sturmius, who was born in the same town with himself; and afterwards removed,
, an excellent German historian, was born in 1506, at Sleiden, a small town upon the confines of the duchy of Juliers, whence he derived his name. His origin, according to Varillas, was so obscure, that not knowing the name of his father, he adopted that of his birth-place; but this is the report of an enemy, as his father’s name was Philip, and his family not of the lower order. He went through his first studies in his own country, together with the learned John Sturmius, who was born in the same town with himself; and afterwards removed, first to Paris, and then to Orleans, where he studied the law for three years. He took the degree of licentiate in this faculty, but, having always an aversion to the bar, he continued his pursuits chiefly in polite literature. Uporf his return to Paris, he was recommended by his friend Sturmius, in 1535, to John Du Bellay, archbishop and cardinal; who conceived such an affection for him, that he settled on him a pension, and communicated to him affairs of the greatest importance; for Sleidan had a turn for business, as well as letters. He accompanied the ambassador of France to the diet of Haguenan, but returned to Paris, and remained there till it was not safe for him to stay any longer, as he was inclined to the sentiments of the reformers. In 1542 he retired to Strasburg, where he acquired the esteem and friendship of the most considerable persons, and especially of James Sturmius; by whose counsel he undertook, and by whose assistance he was enabled, to write the history of his own time. He was employed in some uegociations both to France and England; and, in one of these journeys, he met with a lady whom he married in 1546. About the same time the princes of the league of Smalcald honoured him with the title of their historiographer, and granted him a pension, and when he lost this by the dissolution of the league in 1547, the republic of Strasburgh gave him another. In 1551, he went, on the part of the republic, to the council of Trent; but, the troops of Maurice, elector of Saxony, obliging that council to break up, he returned to Strasburgh without having transacted any business. He was employed in other affairs of state, when the death of his wife, in 1555, plunged him into a deep melancholy, with such a total loss of memory, as that he did not know his own children. Some imputed this to poison; and others to natural causes. It ended, however, in his death, at Strasburg, Oct. 31, 1556, in the fiftieth year of his age.
Frances, daughter of William Sanders of Ewell in Surrey, by whom he had our author, his eldest son, who was born in 1562, and educated at the school of Walsinghatn
, an eminent English antiquary, was descended from an ancient family of his name, which flourished in the time of Henry III. at Bekington in Hampshire, and in the fifteenth century was settled in Norfolk, where our author’s great-grandfather was possessed of a considerable estate. This great-grandfather married the heiress of the Narborough family, by whom he had a son who became sir John Spelman, knt. of Narborough, and our author’s father, Henry, was the fourth son of sir John, and lived at Conghata near Lynn-regis in Norfolk. He married Frances, daughter of William Sanders of Ewell in Surrey, by whom he had our author, his eldest son, who was born in 1562, and educated at the school of Walsinghatn in the neighbourhood. In his fourteenth year, when according to his own modest account he was scarcely ripe for academical studies, he was entered of Trinity-college, Cambridge. Here he applied with great diligence for two years ana a half, but upon the death of his father, he was obliged to return home, and assist his mother, in managing the affairs of the family.
se of Snmorokof for dramatic composition, was a tradesman’s son at Yaroslaf. This surprising genius, who was born in 1729, having discovered very early proofs of great
, the Garrick of Russia, whose talents for the stage were as great as those of Snmorokof for dramatic composition, was a tradesman’s son at Yaroslaf. This surprising genius, who was born in 1729, having discovered very early proofs of great abilities, was sent for his education to Moscow, where he learnt the German tongue, music, and drawing. His father dying, and his mother marrying a second husband, who had established a manufacture of saltpetre and sulphur, he applied himself to that trade; and, going upon the business of his fatherin-law to Petersburg!) about 1741, his natural inclination for the stage led him to frequent the German plays, and to form an intimate acquaintance with some of the actors. Upon his return to Yaroslaf, he constructed a stage in a large apartment at his father-in-law’s house; painted the scenes himself; and, with the assistance of his four brothers, acted several times before a large assembly. Their first performances were the scriptural histories composed by the archbishop of Rostof; these were succeeded by the tragedies of Lomonozof and Sumorokof; and sometimes satirical farces of their own composition against the inhabitants of Yaroslaf. As the spectators were admitted gratis at every representation, his father-in-law objected to the cxpence. Accordingly Volkof constructed in 1750, after his own plan, a large theatre, partly by subscription, and partly at his own risk: having supplied it with scenes which he painted himself, and dresses which he assisted in making, and having procured an additional number of actors, whom he regularly instructed, he and his troop performed with great applause before crowded audiences, who cheerfully paid for their admission. In 1752 the empress Elizabeth, informed of their success, summoned them to Petersburg, where they represented in the theatre of the court the tragedies of Sumorokof. In order to form the new troop to a greater degree of perfection, the four principal actors were placed in the seminary of the cadets, where they remained four years. At the conclusion of that period a regular Russian theatre was established at the court, three actresses were admitted, Sumorokof was appointed director, and 1000l. was allowed for the actors. Beside this salary, they were permitted to perform once a week to the public, and the admission-money was distributed among them without deduction, as the lights, music, and dresses, were provided at the expeoce of the empress. The chief performances were the tragedies and comedies of Sumorokof, and translations from Moliere and other French writers. The company continued to flourish under the patronage of Catharine II.; and the salaries of the actors were gradually increased to 2200l. per annum. Volkof and his brother were ennobled, and received from their imperial mistress estates in land: he performed, for the last time, at Moscow, in the tragedy of Zemira, a short time before his death, which happened in 1763, in the thirty-fifth year of his age. He equally excelled in tragedy and comedy; and his principal merit consisted in characters of madness. He was tolerably versed in music, and was no indifferent poet.
was.“Of Gerard John Vossius’s other sons, who did not survive him, we may notice Dionysius Vossius, who was born at Dort, and became learned in the Greek, Hebrew, Syriac,
The journalists of Trevoux have contrasted the different
merits of Gerard and Isaac Vossius, by drawing a parallel
between them, which very well illustrates the character of
each, and may form a proper conclusion to this article.
Nothing,“say they,
” can be more opposite than the characters of this father and son; nothing more different than the
make of their understandings. In the father, judgment
prevails; in the son, imagination: the father labours slowly;
the son goes on with ease: the father distrusts the bestfounded conjectures; the son loves nothing but conjectures, and those bold and daring: the father forms his
opinions upon what he reads; the son conceives an opinion,
and then reads: the father endeavours to penetrate the
sense of the author he cites, and pays a proper deference
to their authority, as to masters; the son imposes his own
sense on these authors, and regards them as slaves, who
ought to give testimony as he would have them: the father’s aim was to instruct; the son’s to parade and make a
noise: truth was the father’s darling object; novelty the
son’s. In the father, we admire vast erudition, orderly
arranged and clearly expressed; in the son, a dazzling
turn of style, singular thoughts, and a vivacity, which even
pleases in a bad cause: the father has written good books;
the son has written curious books. Their hearts also were
as unlike and different as their heads. The father was a
man of probity and regular in his manners; was unhappily
born a Calvinist, yet had the service of religion always in
his view , and approached as nearly to the true faith as
mere reason could enable him. The son was a libertine
both in principle and practice, made religion the object of
his insults, and only studied to find out the weak sides of
it: his indelicate and shameful notes upon Catullus, printed
at the close of his life, shew also plainly enough what kind
of man he was.“Of Gerard John Vossius’s other sons, who
did not survive him, we may notice Dionysius Vossius,
who was born at Dort, and became learned in the Greek,
Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldee, Arabic, French, Italian, and
Spanish languages. He wrote, among other small things,
” Maimonides de Idololatria, cum Latina versione et notis,“printed at the end of his father’s work
” de origine et progressu Idololatrire;“and some notes upon Cæsar’s Commentaries, to be found in the edition of Graevius, at Amsterdam, in 1697. Francis Vossius, another son, published a Latin poem in 1640, upon a naval victory gained
by Van Tromp. Gerard, a third son, was the editor of
Paterculus, the Elzevir of 1639, 12mo: and Matthew, a
fourth son, published at Amsterdam, in 1635,
” Annalium
Hollandise Zelandiseque libri quinque," 4to.
der” obtained a great name for his most wonderful art in making a young gentleman, Alexander Popham, who was born deaf and dumb, to speak; that he was the first that
We have already mentioned his Grammar of the English
tongue, published in 1653. By some observations in & that
work, he had been led to suppose it possible to teach the
deaf and dumb to speak. On this it is probable he had
wade many experiments; and communicated what he had
tried to his friends, who now were desirous to bring the
matter to the test. Accordingly he was persuaded to employ his skill on one Daniel Whalley of Northampton, who
had been deaf and dumb from a child. About January,
1661-2, he began to teach this person, and with such success, that in little more than a year, he taught him to pronounce distinctly even the most difficult words, and to express his mind in writing. He was likewise able to read
distinctly the greater part of the Bib!e, could express himself intelligibly in ordinary affairs, understand letters written to him, and write answers to them, if not elegantly, yet
so as to be understood. This being known, attracted the
curiosity of the public in no common degree. Whalley was
brought to the Royal Society, May the 21st, 1662, and to
their great satisfaction, pronounced 'distinctly enough such
words as were proposed to him by the company; and though
not altogether with the usual tone or accent, yet so as
easily to be understood. He did the like several times at
Whitehall in the presence of his “majesty, prince Rupert,
and others of the nobility; and the doctor was desired to
try his skill on Alexander Popham, esq. a son of lady
Wharton, by her former husband, admiral Popham. His
mother, it is said, when she was big with him, received a
sudden fright, in consequence of which his head and face
were a little distorted, the whole right side being somewhat elevated, and the left depressed, so that the passage
of his left ear was quite shut up, and that of the right ear
proportionally distended and too open. However Dr.
Holder says, that he was not so deaf, but that he could
hear the sound of a lute string, holding one end of it in
his teeth; and when a drum was beat fast and loud by
him, he could hear those, who stood behind him, calling
him gently by his name. When he was of the age of ten
or eleven years, he was recommended to the care of Dr.
William Holder, then rector of Blechindon in Oxfordshire,
and taken by him into his house in 1659, where he learned
to speak and pronounce his name, and some other words.
Of this Wood gives us the following account; that Dr.
Holder
” obtained a great name for his most wonderful
art in making a young gentleman, Alexander Popham, who
was born deaf and dumb, to speak; that he was the first
that is remembered ever to have succeeded therein in
England, or perhaps in the world; and because it was a
wonderful matter, many, curious scholars went from
Oxford to see and hear the person speak.“However this be,
three years after, viz. in 1662, this young gentleman was
sent by his relations to Dr. Wallis, for him to teach him to
speak, as he had taught Mr. Whalley. Wood owns, that
Mr. Popham being called home by his friends, he began
to lose what he had been taught by Dr. Holder. And Dr.
Wallis observes, that both Mr. Whalley and Mr. Popham,
notwithstanding the proficiency they had made under him
in learning to speak, were apt to forget, after their departing from him, much of that nicety, which before they had,
in the distinct pronouncing some letters, which they would
recover, when he had been occasionally with them to set
them right, they wanting the help of an ear to direct their
speaking, as that of the eye directs the hand in writing.
14 For which reason,
” says he, “a man, who writes a good
hand, would soon forget so to do, if grown blind. And
therefore one, who thus learns to speak, will, for the continuance and improvement of it, need somebody continually
with him, who may prompt him, when he mistakes.
” Dr.
Wallis remarks likewise, that Dr. Holder had attempted to
teach Mr. Popham to speak, “but gave it over.
” This
seems very likely to be true, because his friends did not
send him again to Dr, Holder, but desired Dr. Wallis to
teach him. However that be, a dispute took place between the two doctors. A letter of Dr. Wallis concerning
this cure was inserted in the “Philosophical Transactions
”
of July A Supplement to
the Philosophical Transactions of July 1670, with some
Reflections on Dr. Wallis’ s Letter there inserted.
” To
this Dr. Wallis replied the very same year, entitling his
papers, which were directed to the lord viscount Brouncker,
president of the Roya.1 Society, “A Defence of the Royal
Society, and the Philosophical Transactions, particularly
those of July 1670, in answer to the Cavils of Dr. William
Holder,
” London, However, Dr. Wallis published his method of
instructing persons deaf and dumb to speak and understand a language, which was printed in the Philosophical
Transactions. And
” I have,“says he,
” since that time,
upon the same account, taught divers persons (and some of them very considerable) to speak plain and distinctly,
who did before hesitate and stutter very much; and others
to pronounce such words or letters, as before they thought
impossible for them to do, by teaching them how to rectify such mistakes in the formation, as by some impediment or acquired customs they had been subject to."
te for bibliographical studies which occupied his whole life. At least it is certain that Humphrey, ( who was born at Coventry, March 21, 1671-2, and was bred first a
, a literary antiquary of great
learning and accuracy, was the son of the rev. Nathanael
Wanley, some time vicar of Trinity-church in Coventry.
This Nathanael Wanley was born at Leicester in 1633,
and died in 1680. Besides the vicarage of Trinity-church,
it is probable that he had another in Leicestershire, from
the following title-page, “Vox Dei, or the great duty of
self reflection upon a man’s own wayes, by N. Wanley,
M. A. and minister of the gospel at Beeby in Leicestershire,
” London, 1658. He was of Trinity-college, Oxford, B. A. 1653, M. A. 1657, but is not mentioned by
Wood. The work which now preserves his name is his
“Wonders of the Little World,
” Examples,
” 2 vols. fol. or Turner’s
“Remarkable Providences,
” containing a vast assemblage
of remarkable anecdotes, &c. many of which keep credulity
on the stretch. As these were collected by Mr. Wanley
from a number of old books, little known, or read, it is
not improbable that such researches imparted to his son
that taste for bibliographical studies which occupied his
whole life. At least it is certain that Humphrey, (who was born at Coventry, March 21, 1671-2, and was bred first a limner, and afterwards some other trade), employed all his
leisure time, at a very early period, in reading old books
and old Mss. and copying the various hands, by which he
acquired an uncommon faculty in verifying dates. Dr.
Lloyd, then bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, sent him to
Edmund-hall, Oxford, of which Dr. Mill was then principal, whom he greatly assisted in his collations of the New
Testament. Hearne says, that during his stay in this hall,
he attended but one lecture, which was in logic, which he
swore he could not comprehend. Dr. Charlett, master of
University-college, hearing of Wanley’s attention to matters of antiquity, induced him to remove to his own college, which he soon did, residing at the master’s lodgings,
who, says Hearne, “employed him in writing trivial things,
so that he got no true learning.
” He certainly acquired
the learned languages, however, although it does not appear that he attended much to the usual course of academic studies, or was ambitious of academic honours, as his
name does not appear in the list of graduates. By Dr.
Charlett’s means he was appointed an under-keeper of the
Bodleian library, where he assisted in drawing up the indexes to the catalogue of Mss. the Latin preface to which
he also wrote. Upon leaving Oxford, he removed to London, and became secretary to the society for propagating
Christian knowledge; and at Dr. Hickes’s request, travelled
ovor the kingdom, in search of Anglo-Saxon Mss. a catalogue of which he drew up in English, which was afterwards translated into Latin by the care of Mr. Thwaites,
and printed in the “Thesaurus Ling. Vet. Septen.
” Oxon.
“To the beloved memory of Robert Wood, a man of supreme benevolence, who was born at the castle of Riverstown near Trim, in the county
“To the beloved memory of Robert Wood, a man of
supreme benevolence, who was born at the castle of Riverstown near Trim, in the county of Meath, and died
Sept. 9, 1771, in the fifty-fifth year of his age; and of
Thomas Wood his son, who died August 25th, 1772, in his
ninth year; Ann, their once happy wife and mother, now
dedicates this melancholy and inadequate memorial of her
affection and grief. The beautiful editions of Balbec and
Palmyra, illustrated by the classic pen of Robert Wood,
supply a nobler and more lasting monument, and will survive those august remains.
”
Wright, who was born about 1644, was probably educated at Merchant Taylors’
Wright, who was born about 1644, was probably educated at Merchant Taylors’ school, but was not of either university. In 1666 be became a student of New Inn, and in three years removed to the Middle Temple, and was at length called to the bar. He died about 1715.
of sir Richard Grosvenor, of Eton, in Cheshire, bart. and an only son, the subject of this article, who was born about 1687; and upon the decease of his father, while
, an eminent statesman,
chancellor of the exchequer in the reign of queen Anne,
was descended from a very ancient family, which derives
its descent from Ailwardus, an eminent Saxon, in the
county of Norfolk, soon after the Norman conquest, who
being possessed of lands in Wymondham, or Wyndham,
in that county, assumed his surname thence. Sir John
Wyndham, who was knighted at the coronation of king
Edward VI. had the estate of Orchard, in the county of
Somerset, in right of his wife, Elizabeth, daughter and
co-heir of John Sydenham, of Orchard, esq. His great
grandson John married Catharine, daughter of Robert
Hopton, esq. sister and co-heir to Ralph lord Hopton, by
whom he had issue sir William Wyndham, advanced to
the dignity of a baronet by king Charles II. whose eldest
son, Edward, married Catharine, daughter of sir William
Levison Gower, bart. and by that lady had one daughter,
Jane, wife of sir Richard Grosvenor, of Eton, in Cheshire,
bart. and an only son, the subject of this article, who was
born about 1687; and upon the decease of his father, while
he was very young, succeeded to the title and estate. He
was educated at first at Eton school, and thence removed
to Christ Church, Oxford, where his excellent genius soon
discovered itself, and afterwards received great advantage
from his travels into foreign countries. Upon his return to
England he was chosen knight of the shire for the county
of Somerset, in which station he served in the three last
parliaments of queen Anne, and all the subsequent ones
till his death. This public scene of action soon called forth
his eminent abilities, and placed him in so conspicuous a
point of light, that, after the change of the ministry under
that queen in the latter end of 1710, he was first appointed
master of her majesty’s hart and buck hounds, then secretary at war, and at last, about August 1713, was advanced to
the important post of chancellor of the exchequer. In this
station he had an opportunity of appearing in his judicial
capacity in a cause of Dr/Hooper, bishop of Bath and
Wells, in which he gave sentence, and at the same time
explained the grounds of it with a perspicuity, force of
reasoning, and extent of knowledge worthy the most experienced judge. In May the year following he brought
into the House of Commons, and carried successfully
through it, the “Bvll to prevent tae growth of schism, and
for the future security of the Church of England,
” &c.
and was appointed to carry it up to the House of Lords,
where also it passed. Upon the breach between the earl
of Oxford, lord high treasurer, and lord Bolidgbroke, secretary of state, in July 1714, sir William adhered to the
interests of the latter.
Yorke, esq. of Erthig in Denbighshire, who died in 1767, leaving the subject of the present memoir, who was born in 1743, and admitted fellow-commoner of Bene‘t college,
, a relation of the Hardwicke family,
and known also in the literary world, was the son of Simon
Yorke, esq. of Erthig in Denbighshire, who died in 1767,
leaving the subject of the present memoir, who was born in
1743, and admitted fellow-commoner of Bene‘t college,
Cambridge. 1765; created M. A. by mandamus 1765;
elected F. A. S. 1768; married Elizabeth youngest daughter of the speaker of the House of Commons, sir John
Cust, by whom he had a son in 1771, afterwards M. P. for
Grantham, and a daughter in 1772. She died 1779; and
he took to his second wife, 1782, the relict of Owen Meyrick, esq. of Dyffrynaled, co. Denbigh. Mr. Yorke died
Feb. 19, 1804. He was a gentleman of superior endowments and the most benevolent disposition. His hospitality,
friendship, and charity, made the ample fortune he inherited
a common benefit; whilst the peculiar mildness and suavity
of his manners endeared him to lire’ relatives, and to every
one who had the honour of his acquaintance. He loved
his country, and the constitution of its government, from
conviction of their excellence; and what he loved he was
always ready to support, both in his public and private capacity, although constitutional diffidence would not allow
him to speak ift the House of Commons, where he sat as
burgess for Helstone and Grantham. But Mr. Yorke had a
cultivated as well as benevolent mind, being well versed in
most branches of polite literature; which an accurate and
retentive memory enabled him to apply with great advantage. Of late years he turned his attention a good deal to
Welsh history and genealogy, in which, from the specimens
given in his “Royal Tribes of Wales, 1799,
” 4to, he appears to have made great progress. This study, rather dry
in itself, was, in his hands, enlivened by a variety of authentic and entertaining anecdotes, many of which had escaped
preceding historians, as well as genealogical discussions;
and his book was adorned with portraits of eminent persons
of Wales, well engraved by the late Mr. Bond. He had
collected materials for a longer work of the same kind,
which has not yet appeared. His taste for natural beauties
was very correct, of which the pleasure-grounds of Erthig
are a decided proof. Of a character so respectable and
amiable throughout, one of the most distinguishing traits was
his talent for conversation. Whatever he advanced arose
naturally from the occasion; and was expressed in such a
happy manner and choice of words, as made him the very
life and delight of society.