Alison.

the theory and practice of medicine in the university of Edinburgh. He was a voluminous writer on medical subjects, and contributed numerous articles to the medical periodicals of Edinburgh and London. In 1855, declining health compelled Dr. Alison to resign his chair, after which time he ceased to appear much in public. B. about 1789; D. at Colinton, near Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1859.

ALISON, Alexander, formerly the manager of large iron works in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire from 1838 to 1844, after travelling through Europe and Asia, wrote the "Philosophy and History of Civilization," and other works. In 1861 he became president of the Church Reformation Society. B. at Leith, 1812.

ALLAN, Sir William, al'-lan, a distinguished Scottish artist, who, after passing through the high school of Edinburgh, was put to be a coach painter; but evincing a great desire to improve in his art, he was entered as a pupil in the Trustees' Academy, where he had Wilkie for a fellow student and companion. After a certain period he became a student of the Royal Academy of London, but failing in attracting the notice to which he thought himself entitled, he set out for St. Petersburg, where he passed ten years, with the exception of the time necessary at various periods to visit Tartary, Turkey, the shores of the Black Sea, &c., where he enriched his portfolio with sketches of numerous objects and scenes of interest. On his return to Scotland in 1814, he publicly exhibited the fruits of his travels and labours; and for a large picture of "Circassian Captives" he received 1,000 guineas, which was subscribed for by a hundred gentlemen, at ten guineas each, on the suggestion of Sir Walter Scott. This picture is now in the possession of the earl of Wemyss. Soon after this period, Allan turned his attention to painting native historical subjects, and the Murder of Archbishop Sharpe," "Knox Admonishing Mary Queen of Scots," the "Parting of Prince Charles Stuart and Flora Macdonald," and the " Murder of the Regent Murray," were the result. A disease having affected his eyes, he suspended his studies, and visited Asia Minor, Greece, and Italy. On returning, he produced his "Slave-market at Constantinople," which tended to enhance his reputation. Subsequently he painted the companion pictures of Scott in his Study, Writing," and "Scott in his Study, Reading," both of which are well known from the naturalness with which he has succeeded in investing them. His most important pictures, however, are the "Battle of Waterloo," which Wellington approved of and bought, the "Battle of Prestonpans, ""Nelson Boarding the San Nicolas," and the "Battle of Bannockburn," a large picture upon which he was working when overtaken by death. In 1825 Allan became an associate of the Royal Academy, R.A. in 1835, and in 1838 was elected President of the Scottish Academy. On the death of Wilkie, he received the appointment of her Majesty's

Amherst.

limner for Scotland, and in 1842 was knighted. He is considered by his countrymen to stand at the head of Scottish art. B. in Edinburgh, 1782; D. Feb. 23, 1850.

ALLEN, Joseph W., al'-len, an English painter, who enjoyed considerable reputation for his landscape pieces. He was for some time the principal scene painter at the Olympic Theatre, and his forte lay in pastoral scenery. B. in Lambeth, Surrey, 1803; D. August 26, 1852.

ALLEN, John, M.D., a metaphysical, historical, and physiological writer, and an extensive contributor to the "Edinburgh Review." He also took an active part in politics, on which subject he published several pamphlets, besides contributions to the "Edinburgh Review.' In 1830 he published a valuable constitutional work on the "Rise and Growth of the Royal Prerogative in England." He was considered one of the best physiological lecturers in Europe. B. at Redford, near Edinburgh, 1770; D. 1843.

ALLEN, William, an eminent chemical and experimental professor, who lectured at Guy's Hospital. In his chemical investigations he demonstrated that the diamond was of pure carbon, and in conjunction with Mr. Pepys, proved the proportion of carbon in carbonic acid. He was one of the principal persons concerned in establishing the Pharmaceutical Society. B. in London, 1770; D. at Lindfield, Sussex, 1843.

ALLIES, Thomas William, al'-lees, was educated at Eton and Oxford, where he became fellow of Wadham College. He was examining chaplain to the bishop of London, but became a Roman Catholic in 1850, resigned his living, and wrote several works on the Church of Rome, its dogmas and faith. B. at Bristol, 1811.

ALLINGHAM, John Till, al'-ing-ham, a successful dramatist, was the son of a wine merchant, and brought up in the profession of the law. He subsequently became a stockbroker; but very little is known of his history. His best known productions are "Fortune's Frolic" and "The Weathercock," in which there is more bustle than poetry, and sprightliness of dialogue than either wit or humour. Flourished at the beginning of the 19th century.

ALLINGHAM, William, an Irish poet, author of "Day and Night Songs" and other poems. He held a situation in the Customs, and had a pension assigned to him for literary merit in 1864. B. at Ballyshannon, 1828.

AMHERST, William Pitt Amherst, Earl, ǎm'-herst, nephew of Jeffrey, Lord Amherst, who, having no child, procured the reversion of his barony for this gentleman. In 1816 he was sent out to Pekin to effect a treaty of commerce with the emperor of China; but as he would not prostrate himself before that sovereign, nothing was effected. He was governor general of India from 1823 to 1828, when he was created Earl Amherst for his services, with a pension of £3,000 a year. B. Jan. 14, 1773;