Page:A dictionary of printers and printing.djvu/351

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342

HISTORY OF PRINTING.

in this centnrv, and abo conspicnous as a printer. He was a native of Andely, in Normandy, born in the year 1512. At nine years of age, we are told, he came to Paris ; where his proficiency in the learned languages was such, that he speedily rarpassed not only his fellow-students, but his preceptors themselves. Nature had bestowed upon nim a sound and penetrating judgment, a wonderfully retentive memory, and other extra- ordinary mental powers : all which he improved to the utmost advantage by incessant and perse- vering application. Consequently, fen scholars ever attained so high a character, or were regarded with so much deference. Many elo- quent prefaces, orations, and ancient authors remain, abiding monuments of his erudition. His extraordinary exertions and powers in criti- cal learning are particularly demonstrated by his Commentaries on various works of Cicero, and of several other c1a.s.<tic authors: and still more, by his elaborate Adversaria, a treasure of criti- cism which De Thou pronounced worthy of im- mortality. They were first printed in 3 vols. fol. Paririit: torn. I. 1664. tom. II. 1565. torn. III. 1673. Iterum, tti<iem, (entire) 1680, fol. 1583, fol. Basileaj, 1 681, Argent. 1699, Aurel.1604, fol. Pasquier declares, on testimony which he deems satisfactorr, that many of the German professors of his aay, when in their public lec- tures they cited the authority of Tumebus and Cujas, touched their hats ("mettoient la main au bonnet") in token of respect, and honour of their memory. De Tbou in his own life relates, that having in bis youth been once only in the presence of Tumebus, the image of that celebrated man became so strongly impressed upon his mind, that it often recurred to him, even when asleep, and could never be effaced. Montaigne has also borne particular testimony to his unequalled erudition, in which, he assures us, no mixture of pedantry could be discerned. He speaks with g^reat admiration of his polite and unaffected manners, his lively apprehension, solidity of 'udgment, and promptness of reply; adding that je had often purposely thrown out queries or ob- servations of an uncommon kind, with a view to elicit his remarks ; and that he considered him as one of those more fortunate children of nature

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quel« arte benigna, Et meliore luto finxit pracordla Titan.

EuaU, lib I. cbap. 24,

Adrian Tumebus for a time occupied a profes- sor's chair at Thoulouse. After the death of Tnsanus he became Greek professor at Paris ; whither the fame of his learning and eloquence attracted numerous hearers from all parts. Henry Stephens enjoyed the advantage of his lectures. We are told that heat length exchanged the Greek chair for Aat of philosophy.

Maittaire cites an observation of M. de Ma- rolles : that three of the most learned men in existence professed humanity at the same time, in the coflege Le Moine, at Paris : Tumebus, who presidedf over the first class ; Buchanan, over the second ; and Muret, over the third.

His earnest desire for the promotion of lean- ing, induced him, as we have seen, to accept for a time the appointment of " Typographus Regi- us :" in which office he engaged William Morel as his associate; and after the space of about four years, resigned wholly to him this honour- able distinction and occupation. The Greek im- pressions of Tumebus, which though not nume- rous, they are of singular beauty, and held by the curious in high estimation. Large paper copies of the Xtchylxu are particularly valued.

Tumebus died at the age of fifty-three years. Some writers assert strenuously that be enter- tained the reformed opinions. Maittaire has cited his epitaph, as a specimen of his Latin poetry, and various testimonies of the leamed in praise of his works, and " Elogia," in honour of his memory. Passeiatius contributed the following:

Non qas Nile pater, sopexba ccrnts Altia marmora nublbos mlnari, Bcnlptum aat Phidiaca maoiia fepalebnim : Turnebl placet oasibasqae et umbiie Mtuarnm tumoliu poUtua arte.

1666, Dec. 13. Died, Conrad Gesner,an emi- nent physician and naturalist, whose fame was circulated over Europe, and he maintained a correspondence with leamed men of all countries. The emperor Charles V. made him a present of plate and jewels, which are noticed in his will as eflicacious encouragements to learning. When he thought bis end was approaching, he chose to be led at midnight out of his bed room into his book room, and placed in the chair at his writing I table ; where, laying his elbow on a folio, he said, ^ he would await his end ; Death should find him at his darling occupation, and in this attitude be soon after expired. He was born at Zurich, in Switzerland,in the year 1613, which was also the place of his death.

1666, Jvme 29. John Audelev or Awdelev, who dwelt in Little Britain-street, without Al- dersgate-street, printed the following ordinances decreed by the court of Star-chamber, high com- mision court, for the reformation of divers dis- orders in printing and uttering of books.

I. " That no person should print, or cause to be printed, or bring, or procure to be brought into the realm printed, any book against the force and meaning of any ordinance, prohibition, and commandment, contained or to be con- tained, in any the statutes or laws of this realm, or in any injunctions, letters, patents, or ordi- nances, past or set forth, or to be past or set forth, by the queen's grant, commission, or authority.

II. " That whoever shall offend against the said ordinances, should forfeit all such nooks and copies; and from thenceforth should never use, or exercise, or take benefit by any using or exer- cising, the feat of printing; and to sustain three months' imprisonment without bail or mainprize.

III. "That no person should sell, or put to sale, bind, stitch, or sew, any such books or copies ; upon pain to forfeit all such books and copies, and for every book 20».

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