a little globe which he had accidentally formed, and which had dropped of itself from the end of the thread. Having tied this upon a hair, he had the unspeakable satisfaction of finding it a good one, and that he could now make microscopes nearly for nothing.

He now pursued his inquiries and observations into the minutest objects of nature, and made numerous discoveries of animalcula, which had hitherto eluded the searches of the most inquisitive naturalists.

After spending so me years at Leyden, where he studied the belles-lettres, Greek, philosophy, and anatomy, he visited Amsterdam in 1672, where he resumed his microscopical observations with fresh ardour, and made new discoveries which recommended him to

the acquaintance of the celebrated mathematician Mr. Huygens, who took him with him to Paris, where he was introduced to some of the greatest philosophers of the age, who were pleased with his acquaintance.

Mr. Hartsocker having observed that the telescopical glasses of the observatory at Paris were not large enough, however excellent in other respects, made one larger, and carried it to the great astronomer, Mr. Cassini, who found that it was good for nothing; a second succeeded no better; but at last a third was pronounced to be tolerable. This uncommon instance of perseverance made Mr. Cassini foretel, that this young man, if he went on as he had begun, would do great things; and the prediction itself was, perhaps,

the cause of its accomplishment; for nothing proves a greater incitement to praiseworthy pursuits, than the encouragement of the wise and good. Mr. Hartsocker, stimulated by the observation of Mr. Cassini, soon made good glasses of all sizes, and at length one of six hundred feet focus, which, on account of its rarity, he would never part with.

As a philosopher, he distinguished himself by his valuable Essay on Dioptricks, in which he demonstrates the theory of that science with great perspicuity, and narrates his several discoveries in a very agreeable manner. He afterwards published his Principles of Natural Philosophy; and two volumes of Philosophical Conjectures, in which he hazarded some fan

ciful opinions on the organization of

man.

Though he was much courted by the great, and the most advantageous offers were made him by some princes, he chose rather to live a philosophical life, engaged in experimental inquiries. He died in 1725, leaving the character of a very ingenious, indefatigable, and worthy man.

THOMAS WILLIAMS MALKIN.

THOMAS WILLIAMS MALKIN, a child of extraordinary acquirements and promise, died at Hackney in Middlesex, July 31, 1802, aged six years and nine months.

With respect to this uncommon child, the extent of his attainments

may excite surprise, and possibly in some minds the relation may raise no small portion of incredulity.

Yet we have well authenticated accounts of juvenile proficiency; and in the present instance, there are many and most respectable witnesses to attest, that amiable dispositions and superior talents were never united in a more distinguished manner, than in the subject of this biographical sketch.

His knowledge of the English language was correct and copious, and his expression, whether in speaking or writing, was as remarkable for its fertility as for its selection. In the Latin, he had proceeded so far as to read with ease the more popular parts of Cicero's works. He had made some progress in French; and was so thorough a proficient in geography, as not only