SMITH, John Stafford, an eminent English composer, who, in 1802, became organist of the Chapel Royal, in succession to Dr. Arnold. His most admired compositions were the glees,"Let happy lovers fly where pleasures call;" "Blest pair of Sirens;" "As on a summer's day;" and the madrigal, "Flora now calleth forth each flower." He also produced two musical works, entitled "Musica Antiqua," a collection of anthems; and "Ancient Songs of the Fifteenth Century." B. at Gloucester, about 1750; D. 1836. translated into Gaelic "Alleine's Alarm," and entitled "Antiquities of London and its En. the Catechisms of Dr. Watts," besides other virons," which was completed in 1800. His small works. In 1781 he became minister of next publication of importance was "The AnCampbelton. Soon after his settlement in this tiquities of Westminster." The "Ancient Toparish, he published an "Essay on Garlic An-pography of London" followed. In 1816 he refiquities, containing the History of the Druids,ceived the appointment of keeper of the prints p.rticularly those of Caledonia," "A Disserta- in the British Museum, an office he retained tion on the Authenticity of the Poems of Os- until his death. Besides the preceding works, sian," and a "Collection of Ancient Poems, he produced “Vagabondiana, or Anecdotes of translated from the Gaelic." In 1783 he pub- Mendicant Wanderers through the Streets of lished a work on the last judgment, editions of London," and "Nollekens and his Times." B. in which have been published in England and London, 1766; D. 1833. America, and was associated with the Rev. Dr. Stewart, minister of Luss, in translating the Scriptures into Gaelic. While engaged in translating the Scriptures, Dr. Smith, in studying the original, was led to write a concise commentary on the whole of the Bible. In 1787 he published the portion of it which cmbraced the prophets, and several editions of it were printed, both in England and America. In 1787 he published the "Life of St. Columba, the Apostle of the Highlands," extracted from the Latin of St. Adamian, &c. About the same time he issued a new and improved edition of the Psalins in Gaelic, also a translation of the paraphrases used in the English psalm books. He also published a "Dissertation on the Nature and Duties of the Sacred Office." Besides his labours for the spiritual improvement of the people committed to his care, he was anxious to introduce among them an improved system of husbandry, and with this view wrote many essays on the subject, and frequently obtained izes from the Highland Society. He likewise wrote a "Survey of the County of Argyle." B. 1747; D. 1807. SMITH, John Raphael, an eminent English mezzotint engraver and artist, who reproduced many of the finest portraits of Sir Joshua Reynolds. He also painted portraits himself with some skill. B. 1752; D. 1612. SMITH, James, an English littérateur, who was educated for the legal profession, and became solicitor to the Ordnance. After contributing a number of minor pieces to the maga zines, he in 1812 published, in conjunction with his brother Horace, a volume cntitled "The Rejected Addresses," which instantly became highly popular. He subsequently wrote several entertainments for the elder Charles Mathews. B. in London, 1775; D. 1839. SMITH, Horace, brother of the preceding, with whom he wrote "The Rejected Addresses," was also the author of about twenty novels, the best known of which are "The Moneyed Man" and "Brambletye House." Like his brother, he also produced a number of light pieces of a humorous character, in prose and verse. n. in London, 1779; D. 1819. SMITH, William, an eminent geologist, and duced the first geological map of England and Wales, and two works on “Organized Fossils." In consequence of his distinguished services, he obtained a pension of 100 from the crown, received the degree of LL.D. from Trinity College, Dublin, and the Wollaston medal of the Geological Society of London. This last mark of distinction was awarded him discoverer in English geology; and especially for his being the first in this country to discover and to teach the identification of strata, and to determine their succession by means of their imbedded fossils." B. at Churchill, Oxford SMITH, Sir James Edward, an eminent English botanist, who was intended for a mer-entitled "the father of English geology," procantile calling; but having, from an early period, evinced a decided predilection for scientific pursuits, his father was at length induced to send him to Edinburgh, with a view of qualifying him for the medical profession. Learn ing from Sir Joseph Banks, that the books, manuscripts, and natural history collections of Linnaras had been offered to him for £1000, and that he had declined the purchase, Mr.“in consideration of his being a great original Smith, with some difficulty, succeeded in inducing his father to become the purchaser. This magnificent collection was, after the death of Sir James Smith, who had founded the Linnaan Society, presented to that body. After taking his medical degree at Leyden, he travel-shire, 1769; D. at Northampton, 1839. led in Italy, Switzerland, and France, and, in 1792, was appointed teacher of botany to Queen Charlotte. In 1814, upon the occasion of his presenting the volumes of the "Transactions" of the Linna an Society to the Prince-regent, he received the honour of knighthood. He wrote extensively upon his favourite science; his most important works being "English Botany," in 36 volumes; the "English Flora," and the botanical articles in "Rees's Cyclopædia." B. at Norwich, 1759; D. 1828. SMITH, John Thomas, an eminent English antiquary, who studied drawing under the sculptor Nollckens and at the Royal Academy; after which he became a pupil of Sherwin, the engraver. In 1791 he commenced his fine work SMITH, Sir William Sidney, a distinguished English admiral, who was, in 1793, sent by Admiral Hood to destroy the French vessels of war in the harbour of Toulon, by means of fireships; but being taken prisoner, he was confined during two years in the Temple at Paris. Having effected his escape, he was sent to act against the French in Egypt, and, by his bravery and skill, compelled Bonaparte to abandon the siege of St. Jean d'Acre, in 1799. In 1805 he was made a rear-admiral, and was afterwards appointed to defend Sicily from the invasion of the French, who were then masters of Naples. In 1807 he accompanied the king of Portugal to Brazil. Not being again employed upon active service, he devoted himself Smith to the propagation of several philanthropic works. He also assisted to found a society, the object of which was to effect the suppression of piracy in the Mediterranean. B. in London, 1764; D. 1840. Smith translated from the plates through the aid of the curious spectacles called the "Urim and Thummim." In carrying out that work, Joseph Smith always retired behind a screen, whence he dictated the record to "a scribe," namel SMITH, Joseph, the founder of the religious Oliver Cowdrey, who, like himself, had been body commonly called the Mormonites. From baptized by an angel, to fit him for the task. After an autobiographical account left by himself, as the translation had been completed, the plates well as from a sketch of his life purporting to were shown to eight witnesses, and "the be written by his mother, it would appear that again made his appearance to Joseph; at whird he was the son of a farmer of Sharon, Windsor time Joseph delivered up the plates into the county, Vermont. According to his own state- angel's hands, and he (the angel) has them in ment, he, when about 14 years of age, began to his charge to this day." The foregoing is s reflect upon the importance of being prepared brief account of the discovery and translation for a future state, and therefore retired to "a of the "Book of Mormon" according to the secret place in a grove, and began to call upon prophet's own statement; but there is another the Lord After having received story told of the authorship; viz., that the many visits from the angels of God, unfolding volume was founded upon a religious romance, the majesty and glory of the events that should entitled "The Manuscript Found," written by transpire in the last days, on the morning of one Solomon Spalding, a Presbyterian teacher. the 22nd day of September, 1827, the angel of The manuscript of this work is said to bare the Lord delivered the records into my hands." been taken to New York by the preacher's These records were stated to be engraven "in widow ten years after his death, with the r Egyptian characters," on plates which had the of finding a publisher for it: but by some mem appearance of gold, and with them Joseph it came into the possession of Smith, or s Smith further stated, though in the vaguest sociate of his, named Ugdon. In 1830 the fr way, that he found "a curious instrument, Mormon church, or, as the founder cailed 2 which the ancients called Urim and Thummim, that of the " Latter-day Saints," was established which consisted of two transparent stones set in the town of Manchester, Ontario co in the rim, on a bow fastened to a breastplate." state of New York. From that time the sect Through the medium of this instrument, he increased with astonishing rapidity, and churches professed to be able to translate the records, were set up in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pecast which were said to have been written by Mor- vania, Missouri, and New York. Despite n mon, a Jewish prophet, and to contain a history cule, persecution, and tarring and feathering, of ancient America, from its first settlement by a the work went on, until, in 1838, the Mormente colony that came from the Tower of Babel, at were expelled from Missouri. They settled a the confusion of languages, to the beginning of Illinois, and in "the fall of 1839" founded the the 5th century of the Christian era. His own city of Nauvoo (the beautiful), on the bark: account of what was contained in the records the Mississippi. Soon, from a wild tract, th was, "that America, in ancient times, was in-spot became a city of 1500 well-built hoca habited by two distinct races of people. The first were called Jaredites, and came directly from the Tower of Babel; the second race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about 600 years before Christ. They were principally Israelites, of the descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites were destroyed about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation of the second race fell in battle towards the close of the 4th century. This book also tells us that our Saviour made his appearance upon this continent after his resurrection; that they had apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists,-the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessing, as were enjoyed on the eastern continent; that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions; that the last of the prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, history, &c., and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the Bible." Joseph Smith first made known his discovery of the engraved plates to the members of his own and his father's household. These became his first converts, When the news spread, the prophet says, "My house was frequently beset by mobs and evil designing persons; several times I was shot at, and very narrowly escaped; and every device was made use of to get the plates away from me." He succeeded, however, in gathering together a number of believers. In 1830 he published the "Book of Mormon," which had been with more than 15,000 inhabitants. This sett ment received large accessions to its number, not alone in the shape of converts, who flocks in from foreign countries as well as from othe states of America, but also from "gentile" adve turers, who were attracted to the place by a fertility of soil. And although Joseph St as "seer, prophet, and revelator" of his m city, possessed commanding influence in Naz voo, he was being constantly embroiled w the civil authorities of the state of Illinois. 11 1814 the governor of that state issued a warrant against Joseph Smith, as the instigator of a riot, during which the printing-offices and pr mises of a "gentile" newspaper were destron by the Mormons. The prophet at first symptoms of resistance, and called on: militia, of which he was lieutenant-colonel; br subsequently offered to surrender if the govern would provide a guard for his society until t trial should take place. He was fodzed a Carthage gaol under a small guard, secret is assumed, from Smith's enemies. A few dam afterwards, a mob of turbulent ruffians bevar into his prison, fired into the room where he was confined, and killed his brother Hir, who was incarcerated with him. The prost endeavoured to effect his escape by the wine 4, but was taken and shot. His body was interrel by his followers with the greatest soleme, and he became the martyr of his sect, which a consequence of its founder's fate, increased ev more rapidly than before. Brigham Yazar was elected to succeed the prophet, and aår their new leader the Mormons prepared to Smith emigrate far beyond the American settlements, in order to await the realization of their founder's vision. (See YOUNG, Brigham.) Joseph Smith was B. at Sharon, Windsor county, Vermont, 1805; shot in the state of Illinois, 1841. Smith SMITH, Albert, a modern English littérateur, who was intended for the medical profession, and became a member of the College of Surgeons in 1838. After a residence of some months in Paris, and a visit to Chamouni, he returned to England and joined his father as medical practitioner; but soon quitted this employment for literature. As a magazinewriter and novelist, he achieved a decided success; his most popular productions being, "The Adventures of Mr. Ledbury," "The Scattergood Family," "The Marchioness of Brinvilliers," "Christopher Tadpole," and "The Pottleton Legacy." In 1849 he visited Constantinople, and wrote an account of his tour. In the following year he brought out an enter tainment called "The Overland Mail," in which he gave an amusing account of that route. In 1852 he commenced, at the Egyptian Hall, his successful entertainment of the "Ascent of Mont Blanc," for several years one of the most popular pieces of amusement in Lon don. That he was possessed of a genuine vein of humour was evinced in the works already quoted, as well as in a very large number of smaller productions, such as "Evening Par ties," "The Gent," "The Flirt;" some excellent burlesques, &c. B. at Chertsey, 1816; D. at Fulham, 1860. SMITH, Rev. Sydney, an eminent English divine and essayist, who received his education at Winchester school and New College, Oxford, of which he was elected fellow in 1790. During a tour subsequently in Normandy, he acquired the French language, and, after officiating as curate at Nether-Avon, in Wiltshire, for about two years, became tutor to the son of Mr. Hicks Beach, member of Parliament for Cirencester. He next took up his residence at Edinburgh, where he remained about five years, becoming acquainted in that interval with Henry, afterwards Lord Brougham, Francis Jeffrey, afterwards Lord Jeffrey, and other gentlemen who subsequently acquired fame in science and literature. At one of the meetings of these brilliant young men, it was suggested that the "Edinburgh Review" should be started. "One day," says Sydney Smith himself, "we happened to meet in the eighth or ninth story, or flat, in Buccleuch-place, the elevated residence of the then Mr. Jeffrey. I proposed that we should set up a review; this was acceded to with acclamation. I was appointed editor, and remained long enough in Edinburgh to edit the SMITH, Thomas Southwood, a modern Eng. first number of the Edinburgh Review.'" The lish physician and writer upon medicine, obreview made its first appearance in October, tained his degree of M.D. at the university 1802. He took up his residence in London in of Edinburgh in 1816, after which he settled in 1804, having some time previously married the the metropolis as a physician. From an early daughter of Mr. Pybus, a banker. For two period he devoted himself to the literature of years he remained without any preferment in his profession, and produced a "Treatise on the Church, although he had become famous as Fever," the greater portion of the articles on a wit, as a popular preacher at the chapel of the anatomy, physiology, and medicine, for the Foundling Hospital, as a lecturer on belles-let-"Penny Cyclopædia," and a valuable little tres at the Royal Institution, and as a constant work, entitled "The Philosophy of Health." contributor to the "Edinburgh Review." Lord He was also one of the founders of the "WestErskine was one of his earliest patrons, and minster Review," wherein he denounced that presented him to the rectory of Foston-le-Clay, revolting mode of providing the schools of in Yorkshire, in 1806. This living was ex- anatomy with the means of dissection, which changed for that of Combe-Florey, in Somerset- was called the "resurrection" system. He shire, in 1830. He was also appointed to a stall in acted as one of the commissioners of inquiry Bristol Cathedral, and became one of the canons into the condition of factory-children, the reresidentiary of St. Paul's Cathedral. His resi-sult of whose labours was the passing of the dence was, however, almost entirely fixed in Factory Act. Subsequently, his devotion to London, where his brilliant wit and unrivalled the cause of sanitary reform caused him to conversational powers made him a welcome abandon his practice; and to his reports and guest in the most distinguished circles. His disinterested labours was in great part due the contributions to literature, which are charac- passing of the Public Health Act. For these terized by liberal views, clearness, and force of services he received a pension of £300 per style, and wit and humour in abundance, prin- annum. In addition to the works already cipally were, "Letters on the subject of the mentioned, he wrote one entitled "Animal Catholics, by Peter Plymley;" "Works," in 3 Physiology." B. 1788; D. 1861. vols., which consist of a selection of his best articles from the "Edinburgh Review;" and Sketches of Moral Philosophy." B. at Woodford, Essex, 1771; D. in London, 1845. SMITH, Dr. John Pye, an eminent modern theologian and geologist, who became classical tutor in the Theological Academy at Homerton, belonging to the Independent denomination. His works are highly esteemed by theo logians; the most important of them being, The Scripture Testimony to the Messiah," "The Mosaic Account of the Creation and the Deluge illustrated by the Discoveries of Modern Science," and "On the Relation between the Holy Scriptures and some parts of Geological Science." Dr. Smith was a fellow of the Royal and Geological Societies, and LL.D. of Marischal College, Aberdeen. B. at Sheffield, 1774; D. 1851, SMITH, Sir Henry George Wakelyn, an eminent English general, who entered the army in 1805, and after seeing a great deal of service in South America and at the capture of Copenhagen, was sent to Spain with the expedition of Sir John Moore, under whom he served until the embarkation as Corunna. He returned to Spain in 1509, and having risen to the command of a brigade of the light division, fought at the battles of Salamanca, Vittoria, Orthes, and Toulouse, and at the sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. After serving in America, he returned to Europe in time to participate in the victory at Waterloo. His next employments were upon the staff in various parts of the world, till in 1810 he became adjutant-general of the forces in India. He took part in the victorics at Gwalior, and Maharajpore, and later Smith at Moodkee, Ferozepore, Aliwal, and Sobraon. For his services he was created a baronet and G.C.B., received the thanks of Parliament, and was appointed to the coloneley of the rifle brigade. As governor of the Cape of Good Hope, to which post he was appointed in 1817, he conducted the Caffre war, which he brought to a successful termination in 1852. Two years later, he was raised to the rank of lieutenantgeneral. B. in the Isle of Ely, 1788; D. 1860. SMITH, Dr. William, a modern English philologist, and the editor of several valuable classical dictionaries. He was designed for the law; but although, after completing his education at the university of London, he kept his terms at Gray's Inn, his strong preference for the study of languages caused him to abandon jurisprudence for philological literature. He obtained the appointment of professor of the Greek, Latin, and German languages in the Independent colleges at Homerton and Highbury. An article on "Language," furnished by him to the "Penny Cyclopædia," was one of his first successes in that career which he subsequently worthily pursued. In 1812 he commenced the "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities," fulfilling the duties of editor himself. In the same capacity he subsequently published "The Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology," and the "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography." When, in 1850, the colleges of Highbury and Homerton were united, under the designation of the New College, he was appointed professor of the Greek and Latin languages and literature there. Three years later he became classical examiner in the University of London. In 1854 he commenced the publication of a new edition of Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," with notes by M. Guizot, Dean Milman, and himself. He also produced several abridged editions of his larger classical dictionaries, a "Latin-English Dictionary," based upon Forcellini and Freund; and a "Dictionary of the Bible." B. in London, 1814. SMITH, Alexander, a modern Scotch poet, who was intended for the ministry; but circumstances having conspired to prevent his entering upon the necessary course of study, he was put to the business of a lace-designer, in Glasgow; while following which, he devoted his leisure to the composition of verses. Having forwarded some extracts from his "Life Drama" to the Rev. George Gilfillan, of Dundee, that gentleman was so highly pleased with the youthful poet's effusions, as to obtain a place for them in the columns of the "Critic." He subsequently produced City Poems," and "Edwin of Deira." and three volumes of prose entitled "Dreamthorp," "A Summer in Skye," and "Alfred Hagart's Household." He also edited an edition of the works of Burns. In 1854 he was appointed secretary to the Edinburgh University. D. at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, 1830; D. 1867. " Snell through several editions, but previous to SMYTH, William, smithe, a modern Engi historian, who received his education at the university of Cambridge, after which he becam tutor to Thomas, son of R. B. Sheridan. Ha accompanied his pupil to Cambridge, where a himself finally settled. In 1809 he w pointed to the chair of modern history. ba lectures upon history, commencing with th period at which the northern nations ever the Empire, and ending with the close of 12. French Revolution, were published in 18). Bwas likewise the author of "Evidens Christianity," and some less important works B. at Liverpool, 1766; D. at Norwich, 1849 SNELL, Rodolph, snel, a Dutch philosorbr who was professor of Hebrew and matics at Leyden. He wrote some vara. works on philosophy and mathematics, a SMOLLETT, Tobias, smol-let, an eminent Eng-1517; D. at Leyden, 1613. lish novelist, who was educated as a surgeon, and served on board a ship of the line at the bombardment of Carthagena. He afterwards quitted the service, and took his degree of doctor of physic; but not meeting with encouragement as a medical practitioner, he became a writer by profession. His first work of any pretensions was the novel of "Roderick Random," published in 1748, which soon ran SNELL, Willebrord, a Dutch mathematic and son of the preceding, whom he succe in the mathematical chair at Leyden. Ari ing to Huygens and Vossius, he discove the true law of the refraction of the rays. light, which has been attributed to Des He wrote a book on the money of the anzex. and several mathematical works. den, 1591; p. 1626. B. at Le Sniadecki SNIADECKI, Jan, sne-a-dek-e, an eminent Polish mathematician, who pursued his studies in Germany, Holland, and France. While a resident in England, he was presented to George III. by Hers hel. Ile subsequently became president of the university of Wilna. B. at Znin, 1756; D. 1830. SNIDER, Jacob, sni-der, an American, who invented the rifle which bears his name, and a process for converting Enfield rifles into brecchi-loaders, for which the British government were backward in giving him a suitable 1emuncration. D. 1866. SNOBRO, Sturleson, suor'-ro, an Icelandic historian, who, as a lawyer, linguist, mathematic au, architect, and antiquary, was one of the most learned men of his time. He was the last and greatest of the Icelandic scalds, or old Scandinavian poets, who recited the exploits of kings and warriors, the adventures of the gods, and the mysteries of religion, at the courts of Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, His most important work was entitled the "Heimskringla," a collection of scaldie songs, partly original, and partly the clusions of other bards relative to the chronicies of the kingdom of Norway. He also produced the "SnorraEdda," upon the Scandinavian mythology, and the exploits of heroes contemporary with himself. B. 1178; killed in a revolt, 1241. Socrates SOCINUS, Lælius, so-si'-nus, the founder of the Socinian seet, was descended from an ancient family of Siena, and was designed by his father for the profession of the law; but having embraced the principles of the Reformation, he deemed it expedient to quit Italy in 1547. After passing through several countries, he settled at Zurich, where he was suspected of Arianism, and having put some "portentous questions" to Calvin, that theologian declined to answer them, assuring him that if he did not timely correct this itch of inquiry, he would draw on himself great torments." Socinus pro fited by the hint, but more by the fate of Servetus (see SERVITUS), and retired to Poland, whence he went to Venice, and afterwards returned to Zurich. The opinions held by the Socinians were, that Christ was only a man; that the Holy Spirit is nothing more than an attribute; and that the doctrines of original sin, atonement, and divine grace, have no founda tion in Scripture. A catechism of Socinianism was written by Smalcius and Moskorzewski, and translated into English by the Rev. Thomas Reeves, in 1819. Socinus was B. at Siena, | 1525; D. at Zurich, 1563. SOCINUS, Faustus, nephew of the above, and the propagator and systematizer of his doc trines, inherited his uncle's property, papers, and principles, but did not openly avow the latter for several years. Meantime he was entertained at the court of the duke of Tuscany; but in 1571 went to Germany, whence he removed to Poland, where the Unitariaus were established SNYDERS, Francis, sni'-ders, an eminent Dutch painter and engraver, who excelled in bunting-scenes; the animals and landscapes of which are very fine. The human figures were frequently painted by Rubens. He also exe-in great numbers. He was at first refused adcuted some masterly etchings. B. at Antwerp, 1579; D. 1657. mittance into the Unitarian body, on account of the difference which existed between them and himself upon essential points of doctrine; but in the end he converted them to his own views so completely, that instead of Unitarians, they cane to be termed Socinians. Socinus published several books, which are in the "Bibliotheca Fratrum Polonorum." B. at Sienna, 1539; D. near Cracow, 1604. SOANE, Sir John, sone, an English architect, who was the son of a bricklayer, and was taken into the service of Dance, the architect, as errand-boy; but his liberal master perceiving some talent in the lad, allowed him to study in his office as a pupil. He subsequently made such progress as to obtain the gold medal of the Royal Academy for the design of a triumphal SOCRATES, k-ra-tees, a celebrated philoarch; and, on the recommendation of Sir Wil-sopher of Athens, was the son of a sculptor, in liam Chambers, he was sent to Italy as travelling student. He remained in the land of classic art between the years 1777-90, and while there became acquainted with Lord Camelford, through whom he subsequently obtained the lucrative appointment of architect to the Bank of England. His earliest practice chiefly consisted in designing country mansions; but, after the Bank appointment, other valuable posts were given to him. In 1791 he became clerk of the works to St. James's Palace; in 1795, architect to the Woods and Forests; and subsequently professor of architecture to the Royal Academy, and surveyor to Chelsea Hospital. He received the order of knighthood in 1831. A large private practice, combined with these lucrative appointments and the fortune he received with his wife, the daughter of a rich city builder, made him a wealthy man. He quarrelled with his son, and refused to be reconciled to him even at the last. The greater part of his wealth was spent upon his house, museum, and library in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which building was, after his death, vested in trustees for the use of the public, who, under certain regulations, are admitted to it without charge. He had no pretensions to be called a great architect. B. at Reading, 1753; D. in London, 1837. SOBIESKI, John. (See JOHN 111, of Poland.) which art he himself attained some proficiency. Crito, observing his genius, and admiring his discourses, called him from this employment to the study of philosophy. He also served his country as a soldier, according to his duty as a good citizen, and distinguished himself in seve ral actions, in which he saved the lives of Xenophon and Alcibiades, with whom he contracted a close friendship. On his return to Athens, he presented a remarkable contrast to his contemporaries in the plainness of his dress and the frugality of his living. In his philo sophical lectures he endeavoured to effect a general reformation by recommending virtue. He was followed by a number of illustrious disciples, whom he instructed sometimes in the groves of Academus, and at others in the Lyceum, or on the banks of the Ilissus. The independence of his mind, and the powerful eloquence of his discourses, excited against him many enemies, particularly Melitus and Anytus, at whose instigation Aristophanes ridiculed him in his comedy called the "Clouds." Socrates was next accused before the Council of Five Hundred, of corrupting the Athenian youth, of introducing innovations in religion, and of ridiculing the gods. Upon these charges he was condemned to death by poison. The celebration of the festival of the Theora stayed his execution |