414 Biographical Account of [Dec. 



and the progress of the human race than any other similar work 

 in our language presents them, and to accomplish the generous 

 ambition of their author, in rendering the study of history subser- 

 vient to the great end of all education, that of forming good men 

 and good citizens. 



The labours in which Mr. Tytler was thus employed were 

 sufficient to occupy, but not to engross, his attention. He 

 continued assiduously his practice at the bar ; and he followed, 

 with the interest of a man of letters, the progress of science and 

 philosophy around him. The reputation which his taste and 

 talents had now acquired created many appeals to him for literary 

 advice or assistance ; and to him eveiy labour was welcome in 

 which he could serve the cause either of literature or of friend- 

 ship. 



In 1778, when Dr. Gregory was publishing an edition of (he 

 works of his father Dr. John Gregory, he solicited Mr. Tytler to 

 prefix to it a short account of his life and writings. It was a 

 task which Mr. Tytler willingly undertook, from his early 

 acquaintance with that eminent and amiable man ; and he exe- 

 cuted it with the simplicity almost of filial reverence and 

 affection. 



The year 1779 was distinguished in this country by the appear- 

 ance of the celebrated periodical paper, " The Mirror." Of the 

 progress of a work which, both in its design and execution, did 

 so much honour to Scotland, Mr. Tytler could not be an indiffe- 

 rent spectator. Although not properly a member of the Society, 

 he was yet the friend of all who were known to be members of 

 it. To the beauty and excellence of the serious papers in this 

 work, Mr. Tytler felt that nothing could be added ; but it seemed 

 to him that something was wanting upon the side of levity and 

 gaiety ; not only for the purpose of temporary popularity, but to 

 give to the serious papers themselves their proper importance 

 and relief. With this view, he contributed to the Mirror the 

 papers, Nos. 17, 37, 59, and 79 ; and in 1785, to the Lounger, 

 the papers Nos. 7, 9, 24, 44, 67, .70, and 79. 



Of these papers the original manuscript happens still to 

 remain ; and it affords a very pleasing memorial of the manner 

 in which Mr. Tytler was accustomed to pass his most vacant 

 hours. The manuscript occupies the blank leaves of some sketch 

 books, with which Mr. Tytler always travelled, for the purpose 

 of landscape-drawing, and was written at inns in the evenings 

 after the journeys of the day were done. It was in this manner 

 that the cheerful activity of his mind found employment and 

 amusement every where ; and that the hours which most men 

 pass in indolence or fretfulness were passed happily by him in 

 the offices of friendship, or in the enjoyments of elegant compo- 

 sition. 



On the institution of the Royal Society in the year 1783, Mr. 

 Tytler was one of its constituent members, and was unani- 



