in his field, and the sterling character of his a collection of a hundred tales, full of liveliness writings is confirmed by recent researches. His and humour, but often licentious and indecent. Anthropological Treatises, and the Memoirs of The book was published about 1352, and after his Life by Marx and Flourens, were translated two centuries was condemned by two popes and into English and edited by T. Bendyshe, M.A., by the Council of Trent. Attempts were made and published for the Anthropological Society, to improve and purify it, but unsuccessfully.

in 1865.

Teseide,'

imitated by poems and romances,

Boccaccio wrote La Boabdil. [Abu Abdallah Moham-Chaucer, and several other med.] besides many works in Latin. Boaden, James, dramatic author and critic. Boccalini, Trajano, an Italian political His plays are numerous, but we believe there writer and satirist, was born at Loreto in 1556. is not one of them that now keeps possession of He was educated at Rome, held various polithe stage. Far more important are his dra- tical offices in the States of the Church, and

matic

memoirs.

In them he has left, probably,

made

the

best

record

to

have of John

that the Kemble,

world

Mrs.

can now hope Siddons, Mrs.

having the court of Spain, by the ments on despotic

himself obnoxious, freedom of his comgovernment, was compelled

especially to

Inchbald. He was

also

author

to

take

refuge

at

of

An

Inquiry

into

the Authenticity

of the

important

various Pictures and Prints of Shakespeare,'

'Pietra

del

Venice
Ragguagli
Paragone Politico,

in

1612.

His most

a

severe satire

and a Tract on the Sonnets of Shakespeare.' Born, 1762; died, 1839.

on

Spain,

translated

into

French,

and

after

Boadicea, or Boudicea, a British heroine, Touchstone;' and Commentaries on Tacitus. the widow of Prasutagus, and queen of the Died at Venice, Nov. 1613. Iceni. Having been ignominiously treated by Boccherini, Luigi, a celebrated Italian the Romans, she headed an insurrection against musical composer, pensioned by the king of them, attacked their settlements, and reduced Prussia, and patronized by the king of Spain. London to ashes; but being at length utterly Born, at Lucca, 1740; died, at Madrid, 1806. defeated by Suetonius Paulinus, she is said by Bocchus. [See Masinissa and JuTacitus to have put an end to her life by poi-gurtha.] son, A.D. 61.

Boccold, John. [Leyden, John of.] Bochart, Samuel, a French Protestant theologian, was born at Rouen in 1559, studied

Bode, Christoph August, a learned German linguist and critic, who edited the New Testament in Ethiopic, all the Evangelists in Persian, St. Matthew in Arabic, &c. Born, 1723; died, 1796.

Bobadilla. [See Columbus, Christopher, and Loyola.] Boccaccio, Giovanni, the celebrated Ita- at Sedan and Leyden, and became pastor at lian novelist, was the son of a Florentine mer- Caen. He obtained much reputation by his chant, but was born at Paris in 1313. His public conference with the Jesuit Veron in passion for literature led him to abandon first 1629. He visited Stockholm with Huet in commerce and next the study of law. He spent 1652, on the invitation of Queen Christina, some years at Naples, and while there, in 1341, and died at Caen in 1661. He wrote several fell in love with a beautiful girl, a natural learned works, among which are, De Paradaughter of the king of Naples, for whom he diso Terrestri,'' Geographia Sacra,' and 'Hierowrote several of his works, and whom he named zoicon.' 'Fiammetta.' He was afterwards patronised by Queen Joanna, and for her, as much as for his 'Fiammetta,' is said to have written his chief work, the 'Decamerone.' On his father's death he returned to Florence, where he was greatly honoured, and was sent on several public Bode, Johann Elert, a German astronoembassies. Amongst others, he was sent to mer, was born at Hamburg in 1747. At an Padua to communicate to Petrarch the tidings of early age he became assistant to Busch, and in his recall to Florence. He gained the friend- 1772 was called to Berlin by Frederick II. ship of the illustrious poet, and enjoyed it One of his best works is the 'Anleitung zur through life. Boccaccio, like Petrarch, contri- Kenntniss des gestirnten Himmels,' which buted greatly to the revival of the study of peared in 1768, and has passed through more classical literature, spent much time and money than twenty editions. He published also a in collecting manuscripts, and was the first to Celestial Atlas, Astronomical Annals, &c., and bring into Italy from Greece copies of the Iliad was a member of the principal scientific socieand the Odyssey. A solemn message from a ties of Europe. The so-called 'law of the dying monk, about 1361, deeply impressed planetary distances,' usually called 'Bode's Boccaccio, and led to a remarkable reformation law,' was first suggested by Professor Titius, of in his manner of life. He was chosen by the Wittenberg. Died, 1826. Florentines to occupy the chair which was es

ap

Bode, Johann Joachim Christoph, a tablished in 1373 for the exposition of the German miscellaneous writer and translator, 'Divina Commedia.' In the following year he born at Brunswick, 1730. He was originally had to mourn the loss of his master and friend a musician in a Hanoverian regiment; he then Petrarch; and after some months of broken became a bookseller, and finally rose to be privy health, he died at Certaldo, in December 1375. councillor to the Landgrave of Hesse Darmstadt. The 'Decamerone,' on which his fame rests, is He translated into German, Sterne's 'Tristram

BLUMENBACH

BLOUNT cerity and simplicity. The Farmer's Boy' | the walls of Paris, at the time of Napoleon's abobtained very great popularity, and was trans- dication in 1814. In England, which he visited lated into French and Italian, and even, by an with the allied sovereigns, he was received with English scholar, into Latin. Although brought enthusiasm. Being re-invested with the comforward and patronised by Capel Lofft and mand of the Prussian army during the Hunthe duke of Grafton, the modest poet had a dred Days, he was defeated by Napoleon at large share of the ills which flesh is heir to, Ligny, on June 16, 1815; on which occasion and his latter years were embittered by want, he was unhorsed and charged over by both the ill-health, and consequent dejection. Born, French and Prussian cavalry. Marshal Grouchy 1766; died, 1823. was commissioned by Napoleon to push Blücher's Blount, Sir Henry, a traveller through retreat, and check his junction with the British Turkey, Syria, and Egypt; author of a 'Voyage army, which Wellington required. But having to the Levant.' He was knighted by Charles I., deceived Grouchy by leaving a body of his whose cause he supported through the civil troops to mask the operation, he retrograded war, and was afterwards employed by Crom- unmolested, by a skilful and dangerous flank well on some important affairs, and was re- movement; and his advanced division, under warded with a commissionership of trade. Born, Bülow, arrived at Waterloo at five o'clock, just 1602; died, 1682. as the whole reserved élite of the French army Blount, Sir Thomas Pope, bart., eldest was advancing in dense column to make their son of the above; member of several parlia- last desperate effort to break through the Briments, and appointed commissioner of accounts tish squares. This fresh flank attack on the at the Revolution; author of 'Censura celebri- advancing column contributed greatly to decide orum Auctorum,' &c. Born, 1649; died, 1697. the victory, and Blücher arrived in time to Blount, Charles, youngest brother of the participate in the pursuit. He was a rough preceding, was born in 1654. He attained and fearless soldier; brave, honest, and free; great notoriety by a series of attacks on re- beloved by his comrades, and a sworn foe to vealed religion and popular beliefs. His most the enemies of his country. Died, at his estate celebrated work was The first two books of in Silesia, 1819, aged 77.

Philostratus concerning the Life of Apollonius Blum, Robert, German politician, member of Tyana,' which appeared in 1680. He wrote of the parliament of Frankfort, was born at an excellent treatise on the Liberty of the Cologne in 1807. His thirst for knowledge Press, 'Anima Mundi,' 'Great is Diana of the showed itself from his earliest years, and notEphesians,' &c. Maddened by the refusal of withstanding the pressure of difficulties and his deceased wife's sister to marry him, he shot hardships, he made considerable attainments, himself, 1693. and in 1832 became conductor of several Blow, John, Mus. D., an English musi-journals at Leipsic. He distinguished himself cian and composer of great ability; author of as an earnest opponent of the superstition disanthems, services, &c., and of some secular played in connection with the Holy Coat of compositions, which are published collectively under the title of 'Amphion Anglicus.' Died,

1708.

Treves, in 1844. But it was not till 1848 that he became known as a politician. In March of that year he was elected member of the parliament of Frankfort, in which he was leader of the party of the Left. On the breaking out of the insurrection at Vienna, in October, he has tened thither to support the movement by his eloquence. He was, however, soon after arrested by the Austrian government, tried by court martial, and shot. His death caused a profound sensation not only in Germany, but throughout Europe.

Blücher, Field Marshal Lebrecht von, a distinguished Prussian general, whose impetuous intrepidity gained him the appellation of Marshal Forward,' was born at Rostock, 1742. He entered the Swedish service when quite a youth, and in the first campaign was made prisoner by the Prussians, whom he afterwards joined, and rose to the rank of captain; but being discontented with the promotion of other officers over his head, he obtained his discharge! Blumenbach, Johann Friedrich, a disfrom the Great Frederick, who dismissed him tinguished German physiologist and comparawith the pithy remark, that he might go to tive anatomist, was born at Gotha in 1752. He the devil if he pleased;' and he afterwards studied at Jena and Göttingen, and became lived many years in retirement. Being recalled by King Frederick William, he was made majorgeneral after the battle of Leystadt, in 1794, and commanded the cavalry at the battle of Jena, which decided for a time the fate of the Prussian monarchy. When Prussia entered into the coalition against Napoleon, in 1813, our hero, then seventy years old, was made general of the centre of the allied army; distinguished himself at Lützen and Leipsic, pursued the flying French across the Rhine, and, after a year of obstinate conflict in France, headed the right wing of the allied army under

111

Professor of Medicine, librarian, and keeper of the museum, at the University of Göttingen, in 1778. He made two visits to England, and was admitted to the French Academy of Sciences. His principal works are Institutiones Physiologica,' which was translated into English by Dr. Elliotson; 'Handbuch der vergleichenden Anatomie;' an Essay on the Natural Variety of the Human Race; and works on Embryology and the Bones of the Human Body. He also published a description of the large collection he had formed of skulls of different races. Blumenbach was a master

BLIZARD

board at Tahiti, he sailed again in April, 1789. In a few days a mutiny broke out, caused probably by Bligh's harshness and tyranny, and he with eighteen companions were cast adrift in an open boat. After an extraordinary voyage they reached England. Bligh was afterwards made governor of New South Wales, but in less than two years his rigorous and arbitrary conduct made it necessary to deprive him. Died at London, 1817.

Blizard, Sir William, a surgeon and anatomist of considerable eminence, was born in 1742. During a long life of professional activity and experience he maintained a high reputation; and was for many years Professor of Anatomy to the Royal College of Surgeons, and a fellow of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies. He was also the author of several works, viz., 'Suggestions for the Improvement of Hospitals,' 'Reflections on Police,' &c. Died, at the age of 92, in Sept., 1835.

Bloch, Marcus Eliezer, an ingenious naturalist and physician, and a Jew by birth, was born at Anspach, of mean parentage; but entering into the service of a physician, he studied medicine, anatomy, and natural history with great success, and became particularly eminent in the last-named science. His 'Ichthyology,' produced at Berlin, in 1785, at the expense of the wealthiest princes of Germany, is a magnificent national work. Born, 1723;

died, 1799.

Blomefield, Francis, topographical historian, was a native of Norfolk. He was born in 1705, was educated at Cambridge, entered the church, and became in 1729 rector of Fresfield, his native place. His great work is the 'Topographical History of the County of Norfolk, in five vols. folio; the last two being by another hand. The author was also printer and publisher of his own book, the first part of which appeared in 1739. Died, 1751.

BLOOMFIELD |lected persons who swarmed in all the large parishes of his diocese. Under his auspices more than two hundred additional churches were built, to most of which schools and savings banks are attached. In 1856 the bishop's health had become so infirm that he could no longer attend to his duties, and in compliance with his own requisition an Act of Parliament was passed enabling him to resign his see, and to have an allowance of 5,000l. a-year, together with the use of Fulham Palace for life. Died, 1857. A Life of Bishop Blomfield, by A. Blomfield, was published in 1863.

Blomfield, Edward Valentine, a distinguished classical scholar, was the brother of Dr. Blomfield, bishop of London, and was born in 1788. He received his education at Caius College, Cambridge, where, besides other prizes, he gained, in 1809, a medal for his beautiful ode, 'In Desiderium Porsoni.' In 1812 a fellowship in Emanuel College was conferred on him. In the following year he visited Germany, and acquired an intimate knowledge of the German language. On his return to England he published in the Museum Criticum, or Cambridge Classical Researches,' remarks on German literature. He translated Matthiæ's Greek Grammar, and began a translation of Schneider's Greek and German Lexicon. Died, 1816.

Blond, Jacques Christophe le, a French miniature painter, and author of a treatise entitled Il Colorito,' on a method of engraving in colours. Born, 1670; died, 1741.

Blondel, the minstrel and favourite of Richard Cœur de Lion, whom he is said to have discovered in his German dungeon by singing beneath its walls the first part of a song of their joint composition.

Blondus, Flavius, or Flavio Biondo, an Italian archaeologist, was born at Forli in 1388. He was secretary to pope Eugenius IV. and Blomfield, Charles James, Bishop of three of his successors, and applied himself London, was born in 1786, at Bury St. Ed- chiefly to the study of the topography and momunds, where his father was a teacher. After numents of ancient Rome, and the government attending the grammar-school of his native of the republic. His principal works are 'Roma town for eight years, he removed to Cambridge, instaurata,'' Roma triumphans,' and 'Italiæ iland earned great distinction in the field of clas-lustratæ libri tres.' Died at Rome, 1463. sical literature. He was admitted to priest's Blood, Thomas, Colonel, a bold and desorders and presented to the rectory of Quar- perate Irishman, originally an officer in Cromrington in 1810, and the same year he pub-well's army, and notorious in English history lished his edition of the 'Prometheus' of Es- for his daring attempt on the life of the duke chylus, which at once marked him as a scholar of Ormond in 1670, and for his subsequent of the first rank. This was followed by various attempt to steal the crown and regalia from editions of the classic authors, and led to his the Tower. being appointed in succession rector of Chesterford, rector of St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate, the richest living in the diocese of London, bishop of Chester in 1824, and bishop of London in 1828. From that period till his retirement, in 1856, he was the most conspicuous member of the English prelacy. In all questions affecting the status of the clergy and the doctrines of the church he took a most active part; but, perhaps, he will be best remembered for the zeal with which he devoted himself to provide church accommodation for the thousands of neg

110

For some reason, never yet explained, this desperado was not only pardoned by Charles II., but received from him a pension of 500l. per annum. Died in prison, 1681. Bloomfield, Robert, an English poet, was the son of a poor tailor at Honington, Suffolk, and was himself a shoemaker. His principal work is a poem, entitled 'The Farmer's Boy,' which pleasingly depicts the scenes of his own early life and displays considerable genius; his subsequent publications, mostly short descriptive poems or lyrics, not rising above the level of rural and familiar life, still charm by their sin

BLOUNT cerity and simplicity. The Farmer's Boy' obtained very great popularity, and was translated into French and Italian, and even, by an English scholar, into Latin. Although brought forward and patronised by Capel Lofft and the duke of Grafton, the modest poet had a large share of the ills which flesh is heir to, and his latter years were embittered by want, ill-health, and consequent dejection. Born, 1766; died, 1823.

Blount, Sir Henry, a traveller through Turkey, Syria, and Egypt; author of a 'Voyage to the Levant. He was knighted by Charles I., whose cause he supported through the civil war, and was afterwards employed by Cromwell on some important affairs, and was rewarded with a commissionership of trade. Born, 1602; died, 1682.

BLUMENBACH

the walls of Paris, at the time of Napoleon's abdication in 1814. In England, which he visited with the allied sovereigns, he was received with enthusiasm. Being re-invested with the command of the Prussian army during the Hundred Days, he was defeated by Napoleon at Ligny, on June 16, 1815; on which occasion he was unhorsed and charged over by both the French and Prussian cavalry. Marshal Grouchy was commissioned by Napoleon to push Blücher's retreat, and check his junction with the British army, which Wellington required. But having deceived Grouchy by leaving a body of his troops to mask the operation, he retrograded unmolested, by a skilful and dangerous flank movement; and his advanced division, under Bülow, arrived at Waterloo at five o'clock, just as the whole reserved élite of the French army Blount, Sir Thomas Pope, bart., eldest was advancing in dense column to make their son of the above; member of several parlia- last desperate effort to break through the Briments, and appointed commissioner of accounts tish squares. This fresh flank attack on the at the Revolution; author of 'Censura celebri- advancing column contributed greatly to decide orum Auctorum,' &c. Born, 1649; died, 1697. the victory, and Blücher arrived in time to Blount, Charles, youngest brother of the participate in the pursuit. He was a rough preceding, was born in 1654. He attained and fearless soldier; brave, honest, and free; great notoriety by a series of attacks on re- beloved by his comrades, and a sworn foe to vealed religion and popular beliefs. His most the enemies of his country. Died, at his estate celebrated work was The first two books of in Silesia, 1819, aged 77. Philostratus concerning the Life of Apollonius Blum, Robert, German politician, member of Tyana,' which appeared in 1680. He wrote of the parliament of Frankfort, was born at an excellent treatise on the Liberty of the Cologne in 1807. His thirst for knowledge Press, 'Anima Mundi,' 'Great is Diana of the showed itself from his earliest years, and notEphesians,' &c. Maddened by the refusal of withstanding the pressure of difficulties and his deceased wife's sister to marry him, he shot hardships, he made considerable attainments, himself, 1693. and in 1832 became conductor of several Blow, John, Mus. D., an English musi-journals at Leipsic. He distinguished himself cian and composer of great ability; author of as an earnest opponent of the superstition disanthems, services, &c., and of some secular played in connection with the Holy Coat of compositions, which are published collectively under the title of 'Amphion Anglicus.' Died,

1708.

Treves, in 1844. But it was not till 1848 that he became known as a politician. In March of that year he was elected member of the parliament of Frankfort, in which he was leader of the party of the Left. On the breaking out of the insurrection at Vienna, in October, he hastened thither to support the movement by his eloquence. He was, however, soon after arrested by the Austrian government, tried by court martial, and shot. His death caused a profound sensation not only in Germany, but throughout Europe.

Blücher, Field Marshal Lebrecht von, a distinguished Prussian general, whose impetuous intrepidity gained him the appellation of Marshal Forward,' was born at Rostock, 1742. He entered the Swedish service when quite a youth, and in the first campaign was made prisoner by the Prussians, whom he afterwards joined, and rose to the rank of captain; but being discontented with the promotion of other officers over his head, he obtained his discharge Blumenbach, Johann Friedrich, a disfrom the Great Frederick, who dismissed him tinguished German physiologist and comparawith the pithy remark, that he might go to tive anatomist, was born at Gotha in 1752. He the devil if he pleased;' and he afterwards studied at Jena and Göttingen, and became lived many years in retirement. Being recalled by King Frederick William, he was made majorgeneral after the battle of Leystadt, in 1794, and commanded the cavalry at the battle of Jena, which decided for a time the fate of the Prussian monarchy. When Prussia entered into the coalition against Napoleon, in 1813, our hero, then seventy years old, was made general of the centre of the allied army; dis-ral Variety of the Human Race; and works on tinguished himself at Lützen and Leipsic, pur- Embryology and the Bones of the Human sued the flying French across the Rhine, and, Body. He also published a description of after a year of obstinate conflict in France, the large collection he had formed of skulls headed the right wing of the allied army under of different races. Blumenbach was a master

111

Professor of Medicine, librarian, and keeper of the museum, at the University of Göttingen, in 1778. He made two visits to England, and was admitted to the French Academy of Sciences. His principal works are Institutiones Physiologica,' which was translated into English by Dr. Elliotson; 'Handbuch der vergleichenden Anatomie;' an Essay on the Natu