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Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Alexander Geddes, LL.D. 8vo." a work which, while it interests as a highly pleasing and impartially written account of a very profound scholar and truly original character, impresses us, at the same time, with a full conviction of the writer's sufficiency for the task which he had undertaken as a biblical critic and scholar.

Two years after the publication of these memoirs, appeared Dr. Good's very valuable translation of Lucretius, the most elaborate of all his works in the provinces of philology, poetry, and criticism; it is entitled "The Nature of Things, a Didactic Poem, translated from the Latin of Titus Lucretius Carus, accompanied with the original Text, and illustrated with various Prolegomena, and a large body of Notes, Philological and Physiological," 2 vols. 4to. This translation is in blank verse, and in numerous instances, where the original rises into fervour and inspiration, does great credit to Dr. Good's powers of poetical expression. But it is scarcely possible to convey to the reader, without his actual inspection, an adequate idea of the vast body of illustration, critical and philosophical, which is included in the notes. Almost every polished language, Asiatic as well as European, is laid under contribution; and the versions which uniformly accompany the numerous parallelisms and quotations, are, for the most part, executed in a masterly style. To this, in 1812, succeeded a version of "The Book of Job, literally translated from the original Hebrew, and restored to its natural arrangement: with Notes critical and illustrative, and an introductory Dissertation on its scene, scope, language, author, and era," 8vo, a production which materially augmented its author's fame as a student of Oriental literature. The notes are upon a very extended scale, and the Dissertation includes much that is calculated to excite the deepest and most earnest attention.

If we now turn from the fields of literature to those of science, we shall find Dr. Good a no less ardent and successful cultivator. He had at no time suffered his attachment to philological pursuits to interfere with his professional zeal and duties; and, as a proof of this, we have to record, that between the years 1795 and 1812, he had produced, independent of a voluminous compilation on General Science, not less than seven distinct works in relation to the history, theory, and practice of medicine.

The former was entitled "Pantologia, or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences

and Words;" in conjunction with Dr. Olinthus Gregory, and Mr. Newton Bosworth, 12 vols. royal 8vo.

Of the medical works the following were the titles:

A Dissertation on the Diseases of Prisons and Poorhouses, 8vo. 1795.

On the History of Medicine, so far as it relates to the profession of an Apothecary, 12mo. 1795.

On the best means of maintaining and employing the Poor in Parish Workhouses, 8vo. 1798. Second edition, 1805. Address to the Members of the College of Surgeons, 8vo. 1800.

Oration on the General Structure and Physiology of Plants, compared with those of Animals, delivered at the Anniversary of the Medical Society, 8vo. 1808.

Essay on Medical Technology (to which the Fothergillian Medal was voted by the Council of the Medical Society, of which he became the Secretary), 8vo. 1810.

He also published in May, 1812, a new edition of Mason's Self-knowledge, with a Life of the Author, and notes, 12mo, 1812.

It is, however, to the year 1817 that we would point as the era which placed Dr. Good amongst the ranks of those who will reach a distant posterity as guides and instructors in the healing art. In this year appeared his "Physiological System of Nosology, with a corrected and simplified Nomenclature," and dedicated by permission to the President and Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians in London. Of this undertaking, in which the diseases of the animal functions are arranged in classes derived from a physiological view of those functions, it may justly be said, that more full and comprehensive in its plan than any previous system of Nosology, more simple and intelligible in its classification, and more classical and correct in its language, it bids fair to supersede every attempt which has hitherto been made in the difficult provinces of medical technology and systematic arrange

ment.

Elaborate, however, and arduous as this attempt might be deemed, it was but the precursor of one still more important and extensive; for in the year 1822, Dr. Good presented us with "The Study of Medicine," in four large volumes, 8vo. a work of which the chief object has been to unite under one general system, and in conformity to the arrangement he had already given in his Nosology, the various branches of medical science, so that being contemplated and studied under one point of view,

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they might throw on each other mutual and steady light. Physiology, therefore, Pathology, Nosology, and Therapeutics, which, when considered in detail, have almost invariably been treated apart, are here blended into one harmonious whole, and their junction bas, in this instance, formed, beyond all comparison, the most complete and luminous outline of the science of medicine which bas yet been published. It is a work, in fact, which from the elegance of its composition, the wide range and intellectual cast of its illustrations, and the vast fund of its practical information, will be alike valued by the man of letters, the philosopher, and the medical practitioner.

Beside the works which we have now enumerated, Dr. Good, at various times, throughout the course of his literary and medical career, amused himself and the public by some beautiful though anonymous poetical publications. Two of these were Maria, an Elegiac Ode, 4to. 1786; Triumph of Britain, an Ode, 1803.

MISS BENGer.

Jan. 9. After a short illness, deeply regretted, Elizabeth O. Benger, author of several interesting and popular works, chiefly biographical and historical.

This admirable and excellent woman, an instance of female genius struggling through obstacles into notice, was born at Wells, in 1778. Her father, late in life, was impelled by an adventrous disposition, to enter the navy, and ultimately became a purser. The vicissitudes of his fortune occasioned, during many years, a distressing fluctuation in the plans and prospects of his wife and daughter; and his death abroad, in 1796, left them finally with a slender provision. For some years after this event, Miss Benger resided with her mother in Wiltshire, where she had many affectionate friends and relations who never lost sight

of her.

An ardour for knowledge, a passion for literary distinction, disclosed itself in her early childhood.

Her connexions were not literary; and the friend who traces this imperfect sketch has heard her relate, that in the want of books which she at one time suffered, it was her common practice to plant herself at the window of the only bookseller's shop in the little town which she then inhabited, to read the open pages of the new publications there displayed, and to return again, day after day, to examine whether, by good fortune, a leaf of any of them might have been turned over. But the bent of her mind was so decided,

that a judicious though unlearned friend prevailed upon ber mother at length to indulge it; and about the age of twelve, she was sent to a boy's school to be instructed in Latin. At fifteen she wrote and published a poem, in which, imperfect as it necessarily was, marks of opening genius were discovered.

At length, about 1802, she prevailed upon her mother to remove to London, where, principally through the zealous friendship of Miss Sarah Wesley, who had already discovered her in her solitude, she almost immediately found herself ushered into society where her merit was fully appreciated and warmly fostered. The late Dr. George Gregory, well known in the literary world, and his valued and excellent wife, were soon amongst the firmest and most affectionate of ber friends. By them she was gratified with an introduction to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, of whom she gave, many years afterwards, so interesting a memoir: and soon after, to Mrs. Barbauld, and to the late Dr. Aikin, with the various members of whose family, and especially with her who now inscribes, with an aching heart, this feeble record of her genius and virtues, she contracted affectionate intimacy, never interrupted through a period of more than twenty years, and destined to Another know but one termination. and most valuable connexion which she soon after formed, was with the family of R. Smirke, esq. R.A. in whose accomplished daughter she found a friend whose offices of love followed her without remission to the last. Many other names, amongst which that of Mrs. Joanna Baillie must not be forgotten, might be added to the list of those who delighted in her society, and took an interest in her happiness. Her circle of acquaintance extended with her fame, and she was often able to assemble round her humble tea-table, names whose celebrity would have attracted attention in the proudest saloons of the metropolis.

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Early in her literary career, Miss Benger was induced to fix ber hopes of fame upon the drama, for which her genius appeared in many respects peculiarly adapted; but after ample experience of the anxieties, delays, and disappointments, which in this age sicken the heart of almost every candidate for celebrity in this department, she tried her powers in other attempts, and produced first her poem on the Abolition of the Slave, Trade, and afterwards two novels published anonymously. All these productions had great merit, but wanted something of regular and finished excellence; and her success was not decid

ed till she embarked in biography, and produced in succession her Memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, Memoirs of John Tobin, and Notices of Klopstock and bis Friends, prefixed to a translation of their Letters from the German; and finally rising to the department of his tory, her Life of Anne Boleyn, and Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots, and of the Queen of Bohemia. All these works attained deserved popularity; and she would probably have added to her reputation by the Memoirs of Henry IV of France, had longer life been lent her for their completion.

But to those who knew her and enjoyed her friendship, her writings were the smallest part of her merit. To the warmest, most affectionate, and grateful heart, she united the utmost delicacy and nobleness of sentiment, active benevolence which knew no limits but the furthest extent of her ability, and a boundless enthusiasm for the good and fair wherever she discovered them. Her lively imagination lent an inexpressible charm to her conversation, which was heightened by an intuitive discernment of character, rare in itself, and still more so in combination with such activity of fancy and ardency of feeling. As a companion, whether for the graver or the gayer hour, she had few equals ; and her perfect kindness of heart and universal sympathy rendered her the favourite of all classes and ages.

MR. JOHN THOMAS.

March 8. At Prior Park, near Bath, which he purchased about fifteen years since, aged 74, Mr. John Thomas, one of the Society of Friends.

He commenced business as a grocer in Bristol, and afterwards established a wholesale house in the same line in partnership with his sons. Being endowed with eminent talents for Mechanics and Engineering, which were called into action in 1793 when the public mind was excited to speculation in Canals, he took a great interest in that projected to unite the cities of London and Bristol by connecting the rivers Kennet and Avon, and was one of the earliest members of the Committee of Management. The expenditure having, as might be expected from a concern of such magnitude, exceeded the original estimate, this great work languished in its execution. At the express desire of the Managing Committee, Mr. Thomas undertook the superintendence of it at a salary of 7501. for all his time, labour, and expences. The amount of the salary is here mentioned, because it has been idly believed that part of his large for

tune was accumulated in the management of that concern. His unimpeachable integrity obtained and secured the confidence of the various interests with which he had to contend, and his strong practical sense and unwearied attention directed the execution, and effected the completion, of this perhaps the best constructed Canal in Europe. After he had resigned the superintendence, he gave his disinterested attention to the conduct and management of the affairs of the Company to almost the last moment of his life.

But in the midst of active pursuits of this and other kinds, the preparation for another state of existence was not forgotten. So long as the Great Bestower of health was graciously pleased to grant to him the possession of it, so long were his useful talents exerted in the promotion of public charities, and a large portion of his ample means employed in acts of private benevolence. His opinions and advice were generally sought for; and his attendance on public business, at a period of life when other men retire from it, was useful in a religious and moral view; for it is pleasing and instructive to see strong abilities preserved by temperence and exercise to advanced age, and employed with disinterestedness. His morals were pure and exemplary, and his religion practical, regular, and unobtrusive. He mixed in general society more than is common for those of his persuasion, and brought into it the most urbane and simple manners, never abstaining from the participation of cheerful and enlivening conversation. He was patient in hearing, and slow in reply and although this might be partly owing to the early discipline of his society, yet the clearness of expression and soundness of argument which marked his observations were peculiarly his own. He was indulgent to the religious opinions of others, and without relinquishing the general views and habits of Friends, he felt far from a bigoted attachment to them. He possessed the adventitious ornaments of a fine expressive countenance, a well-proportioned and rather athletic form, and a general appearance which almost always made a favourable impression.

This excellent man was the father of a numerous family, all of whom stood around his death bed, attentive to his latest comforts, and partaking his dying advice and benediction. To them it must afford a melancholy pleasure to be assured that their sorrows are shared in various degrees by many friends and acquaintances, and that feelings of regret for his loss extend to every one to whom

their departed friend's name was known, and by whom his character could be properly estimated.

REV. W. WHitear.

Dec. 10. At Starston Rectory, Norfolk, aged 48, the Rev. William Whitear, Rector of that parish.

He was born Feb. 26, 1778, at Hastings, in Sussex, of which place his father was for many years the respected and beloved Rector; and having been privately educated, he was admitted of St. John's College, Cambridge, and proceeded to the degree of B.A. with the honour of fifth Wrangler, in 1800. He was elected Fellow of his College in 1801, and took possession in 1803 of the Rectory of Starston, on the presentation of the late Duke of Norfolk, the nomination being in that family, though the living must be given to a Foundation Fellow of St. John's. Thus early become the incumbent of a country parish, he devoted himself assiduously to all the duties of it, and eminently qualified himself for discharging them with the most beneficial effect. Attached on serious conviction to the Church of which he was a minister, he was zealous and active in assisting to form the diocesan committees of the several valuable societies connected with it, and was especially instrumental in promoting the formation of the Norfolk and Norwich society for educating the poor in the principles of the Established Church. He took great delight and was peculiarly adroit in publicly examining the children of the central school, at the annual meeting in Norwich; and, in conjunction with a few clerical friends, be undertook for several years the useful, but laborious task of visiting a variety of schools in the county in unison with it. As one of the secretaries of this society be uniformly attended the annual meet ing of the National Society in London, and, amongst that valuable body of men, to whom this country is so much indebted for the diffusion of the National system of education, and for the energy in which it is preserved, he was always looked up to as one of its most efficient members, whose presence was sure to bring with it some valuable accession to the information of the meeting, to animate the members to renewed exertions, and to contribute most agreeably to the social harmony of the occasion. Nor was he less diligent and successful in promoting the religious instruction of the poor in his own parish, and in the small adjoining parish of Rushall, the cure of which he had undertaken at an inconsiderable stipend, from his know

ledge of the difficulty that for some time prevailed in the appointment of a curate, and which, in compliance with the request of his diocesan, he never relinquished.

This, however, was not the extent of his services as an authorised interpreter of holy writ; but upon the Christian Knowledge Society's adoption of that important measure, the editing of a Family Bible, illustrated by a selection from the expositions of our approved divines, be immediately tendered his services to further the work, and the notes upon the book of Psalms, collected from a great variety of sources, are of his compilation. He possessed, indeed, rare qualities, which peculiarly fitted him for the station in which it pleased God to place him. His ambition never seemed to stray beyond it, and by the obvious benefits of this limitation, and the happiness resulting from it, he has left a striking example of the wisdom of his choice. During more than twenty years he had gradually been acquiring that most beneficial and honourable influence which arises from a just confidence in integrity, ability, and benevolence, aided by conciliatory manners. His undaunted courage and self-devotion to the general good, and a habit which he had acquired of acting with energy and decision when that was to be promoted, unfortunately led to the lamentable catastrophe which terminated his earthly career.

In consequence of nightly depredations frequently committed in the neighbourhood, the inhabitants of Starston had undertaken to watch occasionally by turns; some went out themselves, others performed their duty by deputy. Mr. Whitear, with his usual forwardness in all matters of public utility, volunteered his personal services. Great security had accrued from this practice; but some relaxation having latterly taken place, depredations were returning to their former frequency, and it seemed expedient to resort again to the active measures formerly employed. Certain circumstances having transpired, which created a suspicion that a man of notoriously dishonest character might probably be detected in some illegal act on the night of the 27th November, and be thus prevented from doing further mischief, the whole of the watch agreed to be on the look out. Fire-arms having been unaccountably put into the hands of some of the party, to the total frustration of the object in view, one of them, seized with a panic amounting to absolute frenzy, fired, or attempted to fire, at every one of whom he caught

sight. Unhappily his piece was discharged when directed at Mr. Whitear, and this amiable and excellent man fell a sacrifice to his public spirit, which would not allow him on such an emergency to decline sharing the danger with his parishioners.

MR. JOHN WILLIAM DEWBERY. Feb. 27. After a long and slowly wasting illness, aged 68, Mr. John William Dewbery, of Conduit-street, Solicitor.

In the same parish (St. George, Hanover-square,) he was born and resided during the whole of his life, universally respected, and long esteemed and valued through a circle of many friends. His father Joseph D. associated with the distinguished characters of the day that frequented the Mount Coffee house, when in high celebrity, and there formed one of the party to wager a thousand guineas as to Miss Pond of Newmarket, riding a particular poney a thousand miles in a thousand hours. The mile and bour not being named to be respectively successive, the task was performed without difficulty, but attracted general attention from the novelty, and supplied Dr. Johnson with a subject for the Idler, No. 6.

CLERGY DECEASED.

In Nottingham, aged 42, the Rev. Thomas Adin, Rector of Charlotte Town, Prince Edward's Island, and Chaplain to his Majesty's forces in that station.

The Rev. Richard Bartholomew, Rector of Dunsfold, Surrey, to which church he was presented in 1800 by the King. He was son of the Rev. Charles Bartholomew, Rector of West Clandon and Vicar of Shalford in Surrey, and author of a travestie of the Iliad (of whom see some particulars in vol. LXX. p. 1216,-vol. LXXI. p. 174).

At Framlingham, near Norwich, aged 70, the Rev. John Blancks, a most benevolent character. He was of Caius Coll. Camb. B.A. 1777. Of the same society were two individuals of the same names, the latter B.A. 1729, the former M.A. 1682.

The Rev. George Bonney, Vicar of Sandon, Staffordshire. He was formerly Fellow of Jesus Coll. Camb. where he proceeded B.A. 1781, M.A. 1784; and was presented to his living in 1792, by the late Lord Harrowby. He was uncle of the Ven. HenryKaye Bonney, the Archdeacon of Bedford. In his 80th year, the Rev. Joseph Bowman, upwards of fifty years Curate of Slaidburn, Yorkshire.

At Weston Underwood, Bucks, the Rev. John Buchanan, Perpetual Curate of that parish, and Vicar of North Grimston, Yorkshire, to the former of which churches GENT. MAG. March, 1827.

he was presented in 1811 by Mr. Courte nay, and to the latter in 1815 by the Preb. of Longtoft in the Cathedral of York. Mr. Buchanan was one of the most intimate acquaintances of the poet Cowper.

At Ashborne, aged 74, the Rev. George Buckston, Vicar of Shirland and of Bradborne cum Ballidon, all in Derbyshire. He was of Trin. Coll. Camb. B. A. 1775, M.A. 1778; was presented to Shirlaud in 1792, by George Buckston, esq. and to Bradborne, in 1808, by the late Duke of Devonshire.

After a long and painful illness, aged 50, the Rev. Henry Philip Cooper, Vicar of Evesham, and Perpetual Curate of Great Hampton, Worc. To the latter he was presented, by Christ-church Coll. Oxf. and to Evesham' in 1808 by Mr Bloxame.

Rev. John Heselton, Minister of the New Chapel, Morley, Yorkshire.

Aged 70, the Rev. Thomas Lloyd, Vicar of Albrighton, Salop. He was of Pemb. Coll. Camb. B.A. 1780, M. A. 1783; and was presented to Albrighton by the Haberdashers' Company in 1795.

The Rev. Wm. Michell, Rector of Cotleigh, Devon. He was of Caius Coll. Camb. B. A. 1791, and was instituted to Cotleigh on his own presentation in 1805.

Aged 75, the Rev. David Middleton, Rector of Crux Easton, Hants, to which church he was presented in 1823.

At Hereford, aged 32, the Rev. Henry Morse, eldest son of the late Mr. G. Morse, of Lidbrook.

Aged 72, the Rev. Thomas Nelson, Vicar of Owersby, and of Kirkby-cum-Osgodby, Linc. He was of Trin. Coll. Camb. B.A. 1777; and was presented to his livings in 1803, by the late Lord Monson.

Aged 38, the Rev. Joshua-Holmes Newby, M.A. Rector of Haseley, near Warwick. He was son of the late Rev. Joshua Newby, Fellow of Brazenose, and Rector of Great Rollright, in Oxfordshire. The deceased was educated at Rugby, and entered at Brazenose, from whence he was elected Demy of Magdalen, but sacrificed his college prospects to an early marriage. Having been presented in 1824 by the late Sir Edmund Antrobus, bart. to the rectory of Haseley, he immediately resolved to fix his abode for life among his parishioners, and, the parsonage being old and inadequate for the reception of his family, he lost no time in rebuilding it. To such friends as might remark on the pecuniary risk incurred by this outlay, he used to reply" Never fear,-if we lose the money, the parish will gain a resident clergyman. Trust in Providence." Hasety and Hatton being nearly contiguous, Mr. Newby became not merely intimate, but a great favourite, with the late Dr. Parr, though, barring a pun, no man was less a parasite. A Tory on principle, he was manly and independent; a Trinitarian on conviction, he

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