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Hereditary Genius
213
Gmelin, John Frederick, continued—
[U.] John Conrad; a physician of repute.
US. Samuel Gottlieb; scientific traveller in Astrakan and by the Caspian, where he
was seized by Tartars, and died in confinement, aet. 29.
S. Leopold; chemist.
Gregory, James; mathematician; inventor of the reflecting telescope; a man of very
acute and penetrating genius. He was the most important member of a very
important scientific family, partly eminent as mathematicians, and largely so as
physicians. The annexed pedigree (p. 214) is necessary to explain their relation
ships, but I should add that I know it does not do full justice to the family.
The talent came from the Andersons, of whom I wish I knew more. We may
accept, at least, the following letters for the subject of this notice: f, g., gB., B.,
3 N., NS., NS., S., 2 P., PS., and 2 Pp.
Haller, Albert von (1708-1777, aet. 69); a Swiss physician, considered as the father
of modern physiology. He was exceedingly precocious; the accounts of his
early genius are as astonishing as any upon record. He was rickety, feeble, and
delicate as a child. Was exceedingly laborious, having written above 200
treatises, including some good poetry. He suffered from gout, and took opium
immoderately.
[F.] His father belonged to an hereditarily pious family, and had the reputation of
being an able lawyer.
g. One of the members of the Supreme Council of Switzerland.
S. Gottlieb Emmanuel; wrote various works on the history and literature of
Switzerland.
Harvey, William, M.D.; eminent physician; discoverer of the circulation of the
blood; a good scholar. He was a little man with a round face, olive complexion,
and small black eyes full of spirit. He became gouty, and acquired fanciful
habits. He lay in bed thinking overmuch at night time, and slept ill. He and all
his brothers were very choleric. Married, no children. His relationships show
sterling ability.
[5 B.] Five of his brothers were merchants of weight and sub-
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