42 
MEMOIR OF 
described from the most authentic sources, both 
ancient and modern. Even in the most un- 
cultivated, and, to us, deplorable situation of 
the human race, evident traces of goodness, of 
genius, and of heroism, are to be found. These t 
amiable qualities, it must be confessed, are too 
often sullied by cruelty, irascible passions, and 
every species of vice. But these qualities are 
universal, in whatever situation men are placed, 
whether in a civilized or barbarous state of 
society. The strangest and most unaccountable 
part of the history of mankind is that of their 
eating one another ; and yet, from the numerous 
evidences I have produced, it is impossible not 
to give credit to the shocking fact. The reality 
of human sacrifices is equally certain as the 
existence of cannibals. The diversity of dis- 
positions, the versatility of genius, the great 
differences of taste and of pursuits, are strong 
characters of man, and distinguish him eminently 
from all other inhabitants of this earth.” 
His next employment was an intended series 
of the lives of such authors as had employed him 
to print their works. In this he had made suffi- 
cient progress to have finished memoirs of Hume, 
Adam Smith, Monro, and Lord Karnes, which 
were published in an octavo volume in 1800, 
together with some juvenile essays. 
Amidst these pursuits his health began to fail 
him in 1794, and after a lingering illness, which 
he endured with great fortitude, he expired on 
the 24th June, 1795, aged 55. His moral cha- 
