Preachers of the University of Oxford. In 1847 he was appointed Chaplain in Ordinary to the Queen, and in the following year he was selected by the Prince Consort to preach the anniversary sermon before the Corporation of Trinity House. In 1849 he became Canon of Westminster, Rural Dean, and Rector of St. Margaret's, Westminster. He took the degrees of Bachelor and Doctor of Divinity by accumulation in 1858, having been previously created Doctor of Divinity by an honorary diploma of the University of Halle. Dr. Gaisford, then Dean of Christ Church, made him a chaplain of his college, and in 1834 introduced him to Dr. Bandinel, the Bodleian Librarian, as a "good son," and a fit person to be Under-librarian. He continued in that post until 1837, when he succeeded Sir Frederick Madden as Assistant-keeper of the Manuscripts in the British Museum. He was selected for this office on account of his special acquaintance with Oriental languages, particularly Arabic, to the study of which he had devoted himself from the year 1830, when he took his B.A. degree.

In the British Museum Dr. Cureton found employment suited to his tastes and studies. The duty assigned to him was the preparation of a classed catalogue of the Arabic portion of the collection. The first part of this work, comprising Christian writings and the divisions of Mahomedan theology, jurisprudence, and history, and in which every volume noticed was minutely described in Latin, was published in the spring of 1846. Much also of the material for the remainder of the catalogue had been prepared by him before the year 1850, when he resigned his appointment.

But the preparation of this catalogue was not the most important nor the most laborious of Dr. Cureton's duties at the British Museum. As early as the year 1841 his work on the Arabic catalogue had been interrupted, through the acquisition by the trustees of that institution of a very remarkable col

This

lection of manuscripts in the Syriac language, obtained through the agency of Dr. Tattam from the Monastery of St. Mary Deipara, in the desert of Nitria or Scete, not far from Cairo. event furnished him with materials for researches, at once varied and profound, in a new field. On the arrival of the MSS.-the first portion in 1841, the second in 1843-he threw himself heart and soul into the study of the Syriac language and literature. On him in the first instance devolved the task of classifying the volumes, of gathering together, collating, and arranging the numberless fragments and loose leaves of which the Nitrian Collection consisted, and of drawing up a brief summary of their contents for the catalogue of Additional MSS. in the Museum.

One of the first results of these labours was an article in the "Quarterly Review," No. cliii., December, 1845, giving an account of the way in which the MSS. were procured, and a rough sketch of their contents; and in the same year appeared the first edition of the ancient Syriac version of the epistles of St. Ignatius to St. Polycarp, the Ephesians, and the Romans. The views propounded by Dr. Cureton,-that we have here the genuine epistles of St. Ignatius in their original form; that the previously known recensions of these three epistles are much altered and interpolated; and that all others ascribed to that Father are suppositious -excited much controversy in the theological world. While the Ignatian controversy was at its height, Dr. Cureton edited the text of a portion of the Syriac version of the long-lost "Festal Letters of St. Athanasius," of which he had been the discoverer. The preface to these letters contains an interesting account of the Nitrian Collection, more especially of a third portion, which reached the Museum in 1847. These letters have been translated into English by Burgess (1854), and form one of the volumes of Pusey's Library of the Fathers. A German translation from the pen of

the well-known Syrian Scholar Larsow appeared in 1852.

In 1851 Dr. Cureton edited for the trustees of the British Museum the palimpsest fragments of the Iliad of Homer, contained in the Nitrian MS. now numbered Add. 17,210.

In 1853 there issued from the University Press of Oxford an important contribution to our historical knowledge -the third part of the "Ecclesiastical History of John Bishop of Ephesus," edited by Dr. Cureton, from the Add. MS. 14,640. Of this he intended to publish a translation, but other labours prevented him, and his wishes were carried out by the Rev. R. Payne Smith, Sub-librarian of the Bodleian Library, whose version appeared in 1860. There is also a German translation by Schön. felder (1862).

Two years later Dr. Cureton published his Spicilegium Syriacum, containing remains ascribed to Bardesanes, Melito of Sardes, Ambrose, &c., with an English translation and notes; and in 1858 he edited perhaps the most valuable of all his works, and one which has given rise to scarcely less controversy than the Ignatian Epistles. He discovered in the Add. MS. 14,451, which belongs to the latter half of the fifth century, the remains of an ancient recension of the Syriac Gospels, differing notably from the ordinary Peshito version. In his preface he dwelt on these divergences, more especially in the text of the Gospel of St. Matthew; summed up the evidence in favour of the Hebrew original of that Gospel; and endeavoured to prove that this particular MS. represented the Hebrew far more faithfully than the Peshito does,-at least in the shape it is generally known to European scholars.

Three years later Dr. Cureton brought out the last work that he was destined to finish, "The History of the Martyrs in Palestine," by Eusebius of Cæsarea, taken from the same MS. from which Dr. S. Lee edited the "Theophania" of that father.

On the 29th of May, 1863, Dr. Cure

ton met with a severe railway accident while returning with his family from Eastbourne, from the effects of which he never recovered.

As a literary man he bore a very high character. He was an active promoter, if not the founder, of the Society for the publication of Oriental Texts, of which he was the honorary secretary until about the year 1850, and for which he edited Al Sharastani's "Book of Religious and Philosophical Sects," published in two parts in 1842 and 1846; Rabbi Tanchum's "Commentary on the Book of Lamentations," published in 1843, and in the same year En-Nasafi's "Pillar of the Creed of the Sunnites." He was also an active member of the committee of the Oriental Translation Fund, of which he became deputy-chairman in 1818, and chairman in 1863, on the death of Mr. Beriah Botfield. In 1855 he was elected a corresponding member of the Institute of France, to supply the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Gaisford, and in 1860 he succeeded Professor Wilson as Foreign Associate of the Institute. He was also a member of many other learned societies of Europe, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. In 1859 he was appointed by the Queen the Crown trustee of the British Museum.

But though much engrossed by literary pursuits, Dr. Cureton felt a deep interest in all those committed to his spiritual charge. Through his exertions the church of St. Andrew, in Ashleyplace, Westminster, was built and consecrated. The parish is also indebted to him for convenient school-rooms for boys, girls, and infants, in which, in addition to the instruction given to the children, a lecture, founded by him, is delivered weekly to the adult working classes. In the appropriation of the capitular funds he was always ready to contribute to all schemes for the interests of the poor, either by the erection of churches or schools. He was most anxious to bring together in occasional social intercourse the different classes as parishioners, and thus iden

tified himself more closely with all. The kindly feeling engendered by this course manifested itself on many occasions. The parishioners had his portrait painted by subscription, and presented it to Mrs. Cureton, and on the day of his funeral shewed their respect for his memory by closing their houses.

DR. DUNDAS THOMSON, F.R.S. Aug. 17. At Richmond, aged 53, Robert Dundas Thomson, M.D., F.R.S. The deceased, who was born in 1811, was the son of the Rev. Dr. Thomson, of the Scotch Church, minister of the parish of Eccles, Berwickshire. He commenced his professional education at the Edinburgh University, and subsequently studied under the auspices of his uncle, Professor Thomas Thomson, of the University of Glasgow, at which time was laid the foundation of his knowledge of chemistry and other kindred sciences. On the completion of his curriculum he was appointed assistant surgeon in the navy of the East India Company, and as such he proceeded on a voyage to India and China with a view to his general improvement, and to extend his knowledge of the world. On his return he commenced practice as a medical man in Gowerstreet, Bedford-square, where he continued about eight years. During these years he was instrumental in founding that useful public institution the Blenheim-street Dispensary, and at this time he conducted a monthly periodical entitled "Records of General Science," and jointly with Dr. Farr, now the statistician of the Registrar-General's office, also edited another journal, the "Annals of Medicine." On his marriage with his cousin, the daughter of Professor Thomas Thomson, he removed from London to Glasgow, and for a period of ten years he assisted his uncle, who had become enfeebled by age, in performing all the active duties of the Professor's chair, and undertaking the constant delivery of the regular course of lectures in his branch of education, and for which the

University of Glasgow was so celebrated. Upon the decease of his uncle, it was generally believed that Dr. Thomson would be appointed to the vacant Professor's chair-the senate and general members of the University, the Town Council, and the city of Glasgow, including the leading manufacturers and merchants, having made a special application to the Government in London to place him in that position; but other interest prevailed, and the appointment was differently disposed of. Dr. Thomson's talents were soon, however, called into requisition, by his being appointed, on his coming again to London, Professor of Chemistry to St. Thomas' Hospital. In 1856, on the Metropolis Management Act coming into operation, which provided for the appointment, by the vestries, of a medical practitioner as officer of health, he was selected by that of Marylebone to perform the duties of that office. Subsequently, on his being appointed examining member for chemistry in the council of the University of London, finding his multifarious duties too laborious, he resigned his professorship at St. Thomas'. For many years he at short intervals (and we believe gratuitously) reported to the Registrar - General on the state and quality of the water supplied to the metropolis, which operated most beneficially as an assurance to the public that the several companies carried out their undertakings in good faith.

Dr. Thomson was a voluminous writer on scientific subjects. In addition to the works we have mentioned, he for three years edited the "British Annual;" and at the instance of the Government he investigated the subject and embodied his views in a work on "Food for Cattle," which has had an important influence in several countries in Europe. He also published a book on "School Chemistry," a new edition of which has been lately brought out. His more elaborate work, the "Encyclopædia of Chemistry," which evidences enormous labour and research, is universally known, whilst numerous contributions to the

Royal Society, of which he was a fellow, and to the Meteorological Society, of which he was president, shews the active part he took in the different scientific investigations which have interested the public of late years.

Dr. Thomson was also frequently consulted as to the improvement of the water supply to Liverpool and other provincial cities, and he invariably entered into the investigation of such subjects with an ardent desire to improve the sanitary condition and welfare of his fellow-men.

The enlightened and liberal view taken by Dr. Thomson in new discoveries, and generally in scientific subjects, the energy of his character, and his kindly disposition, manifested on many occasions to all with whom he was brought into contact, endeared him to a numerous circle of friends. He died, after a protracted illness, at the residence of his brother, Dunstable-house, Richmond, to which place he some short time since retired, total quiet and repose having been prescribed for him by the highest medical authorities. The malady under which he suffered was a tumour in the abdomen of a malignant character, which ultimately prevented his taking nourishment; and gradually, but without pain, he sank from exhaustion.Marylebone Mercury.

REV. DR. MARSH.

Aug. 24. At the Rectory, Beddington, Surrey, aged 89, the Rev. William Marsh, D.D., Hon. Canon of Worcester.

This aged clergyman, who was the intimate friend and associate of Charles Simeon, Henry Venn, Henry Thornton, and William Wilberforce, but had outlived them all, was born in July, 1775, and educated at St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford (B.A. 1801, M.A. 1807, D.D. 1839). He was ordained in 1779, before he had taken his degree, and, after serving various curacies, was successively Vicar of Basildon, Berkshire; Rector of St. Peter's, Colchester; Rector of St. Thomas's, Birmingham; and In

cumbent of St. Mary's, Leamington; and he was appointed Hon. Canon of Worcester in 1848. He first became known to the religious world about 1815, as an earnest fellow-worker with Mr. Simeon for the conversion of the Jews, and proceeded to Antwerp in pursuance of that object. He was the friend of the late Dr. McCaul, and Dr. Alexander the first bishop of Jerusasalem; and eagerly availed himself of every opportunity, whether public or private, of advocating the duty incumbent upon all his fellow-Christians of labouring for the conversion of God's ancient people.

He had retired from active labours, and was residing with his son-in-law at Beckenham, in 1860, when he was induced to accept the living of Beddington, which had become vacant.

Among his publications were "Sermons on Justification by Faith, and on the death of the late Rev. James Haldane Steward," "Plain Letters on Prophecy," a pamphlet "On the Claims of the Church of England on the Affection of the People," a "Catechism on the Church of England," and numerous other works, all marked by great earnestness and simple-minded piety.

He entered his ninetieth year on the 20th of July last in full possession of his mental powers, which were of no common order, and of that brilliant cheerfulness of disposition and beauty of character which distinguished him in daily life from his cradle to his deathbed. He was almost the last of that company of earnest men who in the close of the last century and in the commencement of the present, when the clergy of the Church of England were, for the most part, more occupied with the pleasures of the field than with the cure of souls, were the means of renewing its life and energy.

During the sixty-six years which have elapsed since his ordination, Dr. Marsh performed the duties of his sacred calling with a zeal, devotedness, and love which won for him the reverent affection of all who knew him.

On the last day of his life he closed his ministry with the following testimony, written with trembling hand, when no longer able to speak :-"Tell the clergy to preach Christ, to live Christ, to serve Christ, and they will joy and praise in eternity."

Dr. Marsh's son, the Rev. William Tilson Marsh, of Oriel College, Oxford, is the Incumbent of St. Leonard's-uponSea. Miss Catherine Marsh, one of the Doctor's daughters, is widely known as the author of "English Hearts and English Hands," the "Memoirs of Captain Hedley Vicars," &c., and was distinguished for her energetic benevolence and success in dealing with the navvies when railway works were in progress in the neighbourhood of her father's residence.

CLERGY DECEASED.

June 18. At Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand, the Ven. Octavius Mathias, B.A., of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, formerly Vicar of Horseford, Norfolk; Archdeacon of Akarou, New Zealand, 1855, and Rector of Christchurch, Canterbury Settlement, New Zealand, 1850.

July 4. Aged 62, the Rev. T. J. Trevenen, Rector of St. Ewe, near St. Austell, Cornwall.

July 24. At Nynee Tal, aged 30, the Rev. T. H. Burn, Chaplain at Bareilly, and late Domestic Chaplain to the Right Rev. the Bishop of Calcutta.

He was

Aug. 8. The Rev. John Drake Becher, A.M. (p. 391), was the only son of the late Rev. John T. Becher, Vicar-General and Senior Canon of the Collegiate Church of Southwell, and grandson of Michael Henry Becher, esq. born April 4, 1806, and married, Aug. 30, 1836, Elizabeth Susannah, only dau. of Henry Machin, esq., of Gatesford-hill, Notts. On the death of the Rev. John Thomas Becher in 1848, an address of condolence from the nobility, clergy, and gentry of the county of Nottingham, containing 157 signatures, was presented to his son by the late Duke of Portland.

Aug. 18. At Guernsey, aged 48, the Rev. Henry Orme Wood, son of the late Col. Samuel Wood, C.B.

Aug. 22. At Birmingham, from sunstroke, the Rev. George Birch, M.A., Curate of St. Mark's, and son of Dr. George Birch, R.N., formerly of Blackheath.

At Barragh Vicarage, co. Carlow, aged 71, the Rev. George Stoney Swinny, M.A.

GENT. MAG., April, 1848, p. 445. GENT. MAG, 1864, VOL. II.

At Chorley Wood, Herts., the Rev. William Mill, Rector of Ballywillan, near Coleraine.

Aug. 23. Suddenly, at his residence, Kirk Smeaton, near Pontefract, the Rev. T. Cator, Vicar of Kirk Smeaton and Womersley. He was inducted to the Vicarage of Womersley in 1817, and to the Rectory of Kirk Smeaton in 1829. He married Lady Louisa, dau. of the late Earl of Scarborough, who survives him. The deceased had been for upwards of thirty years a magistrate for the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Aug. 24. At Beddington Rectory, Surrey, aged 89, the Rev. Wm. Marsh, D.D., Rector of Beddington. See OBITUARY.

Aug. 29. At Didcot, aged 54, the Rev Philip Sidney Ashworth, M.A., Rector of Bredicot, and Vicar of Tibberton, Worcestershire.

Aug. 30. At Holme-house, near Carltonin-Lindric, aged 44, the Rev. Edward Wilton, Incumbent of Scofton, near Worksop, Notts., and late of Doncaster.

Aug. 31. Aged 68, the Rev. William John Clayton, Vicar of Ickleton, Cambridgeshire.

Lately. At Jamaica, the Rev. Thomas Howe, B.A., Chaplain of H.M.S. "Aboukir." The "United Service Gazette" says of him that a more conscientious and zealous minister of God never served afloat; and that his whole energies were devoted to the best good, not only of the navy, but of the merchant service; and that the naval service has lost in this gentleman not only an ornament to the naval Church, but one of the best helpers of true religion and morality it possessed.

Sept. 1. Aged 67, the Rev. Matthew Mundy, M.A., Vicar of Rockbeare, Devon, and formerly (for twenty-nine years) Perpetual Curate of Lynton.

Sept. 8. At Barnsbury, aged 76, the Rev. Cornelius Berry, late of Hatfield-heath, Essex. Sept. 12. At Quatt Rectory, near Bridgnorth, aged 78, the Rev. Edmund Carr, M.A., Rector of Quatt-Malvern, and of Woolslaston, Shropshire.

At Northampton, aged 51, the Rev. Halford Robert Burdett, M.A., of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Chaplain to the Northampton Lunatic Asylum, late Curate of Bugbrooke, Northants.

Sept. 13. At the Rectory, South Thoresby, near Alford, Lincolnshire, aged 50, the Rev. Matthew Jefferys, B.A., of Exeter College, Oxford, Rector of South Thoresby.

At his residence, Wood-hall, Essex, the Rev. William Birch Wolfe, Rector of Hardwicke, Cambs.

Sept. 15. At his father's residence, Edgbaston, aged 29, the Rev. W. I. Chavasse, B.A., Vicar of Kirtling, Cambs., and only son of Pye H. Chavasse, esq., F.R.C.S., of Birmingham and Edgbaston.

Sept. 16. At Geraldstown-house, Navan, Ireland, aged 85, the Rev. Frederick Nolan, LL.D., F.R.S., of Exeter College, Oxford, Vicar of Prittlewell, Essex. Dr. Nolan delivered the

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