154 Biography. 



on which they are composed is, on the whole, the 

 best plan of biography now in use. But these are 

 only two specimens out of a very large list which, 

 were the author sufficiently acquainted with them, 

 might, with propriety, be mentioned with nearly 

 equal honour. The Life of M. Turgot, by M. 

 Condorcet, and the Life of M. de Voltaire, 

 by the same author, have also been much cele- 

 brated and admired, among a certain class of 

 readers. 



At the close of the eighteenth century a species 

 of biographical writing came into vogue, of 

 which, it is believed, no example ever appeared in 

 any preceding age. This is the Accounts of dis- 

 tinguished Living Characters, with which, for 

 some years past, Europe has abounded. It is not 

 easy to say whether this species of writing is more 

 useful or injurious in its tendency. Like almost 

 every other kind of literary work, however, its 

 effect must depend on the mode in which it is 

 executed. If this be impartial, skilful, and just* 

 it will, doubtless, tend to satisfy curiosity, to en- 

 courage rising genius, to correct the foibles of pub- 

 lic men, and to extend general knowledge. 



Means were adopted, during the last age, for 

 facilitating the acquisition and retention of biogra^ 

 phical knowledge, similar to those which were be- 

 fore mentioned as belonging to the department of 

 history. Biographical Charts were first formed on 

 the continent of Europe, where they have appeared 

 in various forms. This contrivance, it is believed, 

 was first introduced into Great-Britain by Dr. 

 Priestley. 



