self. The basis of Mr. Burdon's philosophy, and that to which he directed all his thoughts, was utility. In what degree he succeeded in this respect must also be submitted to the sagacity of the reader. But it may be observed that THE MATERIALS FOR THINKING, from 1803 to 1819 passed through five editions—a succession, considering the nature of the work, seldom exceeded in rapidity; and particularly as it was not cherished by any friendly reviewer, nor announced with the usual titular appendages, but simply by William Burdon.

Mr. Burdon's habits were retired. He was averse to general intercourse and worldly matters;-perhaps his unaptness for business was increased by the unkind efforts of his father to force his disposition; as there can be no doubt but his literary propensities were improved by the Rev. Hugh Moises, master of the grammar-school at Newcastle upon Tyne, of whom he al ways spoke with affection and respect.

& health

He was middle-sized, slender, yet well-knit and His person agile. His health was precarious, probably in consequence of a too sedentary life; yet his complaint did not materially obstruct his studies. He composed the Life of Bonaparte during a severe jaundice, yet it betrays no symptoms of the lassitude which attends that disease.

For many years a small swelling affected his thigh; he cause it was only perceivable when pressed, and produced no of his decith inconvenience. In July 1817 it became troublesome

and increased in size; in a short time the pain was unremitting and intense. Mr. Burdon was confined

Hes thigh amputated

diet

to his bed, yet he persisted to prepare the present edition of "Materials for Thinking" for the press. Continuing to grow worse, and no hope from the medical assistance afforded in the country, he arose from his bed, emaciated and in agony, to perform a journey from Northumberland to London. The first surgeons of the capital were successively employed-all their remedies were ineffectual. The complaint being assuredly an ossification, amputation was determined on. Mr. Burdon hailed the decision. During the operation, which was skilfully performed, Mr. Burdon neither winced nor lamented-his pulse was unvaried. The thigh was amputated close to the trunk of the body. Though the wound healed slowly, and he was never free from pains, sanguine hopes were entertained of his recovery, In two months he came down stairs; he took air in the carriage, and even moved about the streets, in the neighbourhood of Welbeck-street, by the assistance of a servant. All hopes were soon ended. About the middle of May he gradually relapsed; he found great difficulty of breathing, attended with spasms. On the 24th of May, being in imminent danger, he expressed an ardent wish to see a gentleman of his acquaintance: he came to Mr. Burdon at midnight, who expressed the utmost affection for him, adding, "They say I may live-I say I must die." Mr. Burdon did not wish to see his wife and children"Oh, no," he answered, "it would be too distressing", so tender was his nature. He expired the 30th of May 1818, possessing his intelligence unimpaired 1818 to th close of his existence. the

30 mayh

acquirements

Such was William Burdon; an attentive husband, general. a fond father, an absolute friend. Deeply versed in Character the Greek and Latin classics, he spoke French fluently, and was largely acquainted with German, Spanish, and Italian literature. A politician without the taint of party,—an instructor who practised what he inculcated, a philosopher who sought truth, who employed his unadulterated reason in its pursuit, and fearlessly published the result of his inquiries. He was liberal, rational, resolute, and consistent,-for as he lived he died.

G. Endot

b