292 THE LIFE OF THE YOUNGER LINN^US. 



causes and motives of this maternal ill-v/ill are of such a nature, as may 

 well remain unnoticed by us. 



" It was singular," " says professor Fabricius, who speaks as an 

 ocular witness, "that the lady of Linn/Eus should have had so 

 « particular an aversion to her son. He could not have had a greater 

 " enemy in the world than his own m.other. The father was obliged 

 " to send him out of the house, and when he was at liberty to appoint 

 " a person to be his successor, she forced him to pass by. his own son, 

 " and to choose Do6lor So lander, who she thought would marry her 



eldest daughter:, but as Solan d,er refused to leave England^ he 



ultimately fixed his choice upon his son, though still very much 

 « against the will of his wife.~ After the father's death she forced him 



to purchase every article of her, even the herbarium." 



The truth and impartiality of this account is confirmed by the una* 

 nimity of all other collateral testimonies. The strongest and most nu- 

 merous proofs might be adduced on this subjeft. Were it compatible 

 with the duty of veracity, which is incumbent on every historian, how 

 chearfully would we pass in silence all particulars of this kind. We 

 will therefore entirely confine ourselves. to. add the folio wing. account, 

 by way of appendage to that given. by Fabricius. It is extrafted 

 from a letter of a celebrated man, who had long, been in an habit of 

 the greatest intimacy with Linn./EUS and his son.. 



" The lady of Linn ^us was a. good housewife., but in no respeQ: a 

 *« pattern of a sweet and. mild, mother, or of a tender spouse. Her only 

 « son lived under the most slavish restraint and in continual fear of her. 

 " Even when he had attained the age of manhood, and bore an acade- 

 ** mical dignity, she compelled liim to sweep his own room. 



a « One 



