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reader, like the verdure of a dewy summer.” similar idea rose in the Author's mind when these. common-place books first came into his hands. They conťained, not unfrequently, additional observations on subjects treated of in his published works. Selections from these observations, are occasionally incorporated in the ensuing volume, with the notice of such writings as they appeared to illustrate. few remarks of a more detached kind have been inserted in the Appendix. These are submitted to the reader in an unfinished state, and should only be looked upon as memoranda, of which the value must often depend upon the thought, and not upon the style in which it is cloathed. The Author hopes however, that he shall not be found to have explored the recesses of a great mind unworthily, or to have brought to light any speculation so crude as may diminish the lustre of Doctor Beddoes's reputation.

With a consciousness of many imperfections which, however he may lament them, he cannot now remedy, he commits this volume to the Public; in the hope that it contains a tolerably correct view of the life, character and opinions of the eminent Physician who is the subject of it; and that it will exhibit proofs of a versatility of talent, an extent of knowledge and an originality and compass of thought, of which perhaps, some of his most intimate friends were but imperfectly

aware.

Bristol, Oct. 17, 1810.

MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE

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THOMAS BEDDOES, M. D.

To the generality of readers diversity of incident may naturally be expected to constitute the great charm of biographical writings ; and hence those who have undertaken to record the events of a literary life, have frequently commenced their narratives with an apology for the want of it. The tenour of such a life is, in general, too uniform to admit of this source of attraction; its different æras are for the most part, marked only by literary labours or scientific researches. When however these labours or researches have excited a considerable degree of attention, and especially when they appear to have been animated by an unaffected zeal for the diffusion of valuable instruction, and for the relief of suffering humanity; occurrences which have perhaps scarcely deviated from the common routine of life, and which would otherwise have passed without notice, acquire both importance and interest. To objects of this honorable description, the compiler of the following memoir considers the distinguished abilities and splendid acquisitions of Dr. Beddoes to have been uniformly and intensely devoted; and if he be at all successful in tracing the mental progress of such a character, he trusts that it will not be necessary, however scanty the incidents of his life may be found, to offer such an apology:

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Dr. BEDDOES was originally of Welch extraction: A small estate in the Principality, which has descended through many successive generations, is still in the possession of a member of the family. That part of it however from which he was immediately. descended has long been settled at Cheney Longville in Shropshire, of which Thomas, his paternal grandfather, was a younger branch. He married Rosamond, daughter of Thomas Phillips, Esq. of Shiffnall in the same county, by whom he had one son, Richard. Thomas was a man of strong mental powers and of great personal activity; he was engaged in trade as a tanner, and by his industry and enterprize acquired a considerable fortune. Richard married Ann, daughter of Mr. Whitehall, of Hardsley near Ludlow. The issue of this marriage were a daughter named Rosamond, and a son the subject of the ensuing narrative.

Thomas Beddoes was born at Shiffnall on the 13th day of April, 1760. He received the first rudiments of his education at a school in his native town, and from thence was removed to a seminary at Brood in Staffordshire. He is remembered to have read perfectly well at five years old. An insatiable thirst for books and a disinclination to partake of the usual amusements of children of his own age, might, without exaggeration, be called the characteristics of his infant years. His grandfather at an early period noticed the literary propensities of his descendant, and was not only eager to procure for him every advantage of instruction which the neighbourhood could afford, but announced his resolution that he should have an opportunity of completing his studies at one of the Universities. This intelligent relation had great influence in forming the early habits of his mind. Although his concerns in business were so extensive as to leave him but little leisure for improvement either from books or literary conversation, his solid judgment and natural acuteness of understanding were generally known and respected; and he early

habituated his grandson to think and reason. His father was less anxious with respect to his literary pursuits and would probably have been satisfied to have retained him beneath the paternal roof, as soon as he had acquired the elements of the knowledge more peculiarly necessary for business. Fortunately however for the interests of medical science, the prophetic discernment of his grandfather prevailed over every opposing opinion; and his education was commenced upon the broad scale necessary to qualify him for one of the learned professions.

When he was about nine years of age he lost his grandfather, in consequence of a fall from his horse. He was thrown upon some timber within a few yards of his own door, by which his ribs were dreadfully fractured and depressed into the lungs. Universal emphysema took place to a degree scarcely ever witnessed, the features of the face being nearly obliterated by distention. An accident in which so valued a relative was concerned was well calculated to produce a powerful influence upon his youthful mind; and the peculiar circumstances by which it was attended must have materially contributed to strengthen the impression. During the short interval which preceded its fatal termination, Thomas was a frequent attendant in his grandfather's apartment, and was also often present when two professional friends paid a melancholy and unavailing visit to the sufferer. Upon these occasions he exhibited such instances of extraordinary acuteness and interest as forcibly attracted the observation of one of these gentlemen," and induced him to treat him with parti cular attention. Flattered and encouraged by the notice he had met with, he was accustomed, from this period, to pass a great proportion of his leisure hours in the shop and surgery of his new friend. He

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Mr. Yonge, surgeon, of Shiffnall; a gentleman to whom I am indebted for the above account and for other valuable information, and whose friendship for Dr. Beddoes continued unimpaired and uninterrupted to the close of his life.