P. 77, c. 2.—“Sydney Smith.” (1771-1845.) Educated at Oxford, he took
orders and became a curate in 1794. Afterward he taught, and in 1802
assisted in establishing the _Edinburgh Review_, of which he was the
first editor. Although he had charge, during his life, of various
parishes, he was active in literary work; for twenty-five years he
contributed to the _Edinburgh Review_; he published “Sketches of Moral
Philosophy,” several volumes of sermons, papers on “American Debt,” and
many miscellaneous articles, all characterized by humor and sound sense.
“Kaimes,” or Kames, kāmz. (1696-1782.) A Scottish jurist, educated at
Edinburgh, and for thirty years practiced law; was then made Lord Chief
Justice. He wrote many works on law, metaphysics, criticism, etc.
“Davy.” (1778-1829.) The English chemist. His attention was first
directed to chemistry by his medical studies, and he made such progress
in original investigation that at twenty-three he was made lecturer on
chemistry in the Royal Society of London. In 1817 he became a member
of the French Institute, and his reputation as a chemist was second to
that of no one in Europe. He wrote much and among his discoveries were
the bases potassium, sodium, and iodine as a simple substance. His most
valuable invention was the miner’s safety lamp.
“Jeffrey.” (1773-1850.) Educated for the law, but was deeply interested
in literature. After being admitted to the bar this division of
interest for a long time hindered his success. He was one of the
original founders of the _Edinburgh Review_, and became its editor
with the fourth number. He soon made the magazine an organ of liberal
thought on every theme. His most valuable contributions were his
literary criticisms. His work at the bar improved with his literary
ability, and in 1834 he was made a judge, a position he held until his
death.
“Passy,” päs=´=se´.
P. 78, c. 1.—“Bancroft,” băng´kroft. (1800.) See American Literature.
“Rufus King.” (1755-1827.) American statesman.
“Everett.” (1794-1865.) American orator and statesman.
P. 78, c. 2.—“Hessian,” hĕsh´an. The troops were from Hesse-Cassel. The
king, Frederick II., between 1776 and 1784, received over £3,000,000 by
hiring these soldiers to the English government to fight against the
Americans.
“Lanspach,” lanz´päk; “Kniphausen,” knip´how=´=zen.
P. 79, c. 1.—“Brougham,” broo´am. (1779-1868.) A British statesman
and author. After leaving school he spent some time in traveling
and writing before being admitted to the bar. In 1810 he entered
Parliament, and his first resolution was to petition the king to
abolish slavery. From this time he was allied with the reforms of the
age: the emancipation of Roman Catholics, government reforms, etc. The
education of working people and charity schemes received the aid of his
pen and voice, and he was instrumental in founding several societies
since very powerful. In 1834 the change of ministry ended his official
life, but his interest and zeal in public works never ceased.