Page:A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen, vol 3.djvu/129

Rh produce reasons without end for disbelieving any connexion to have subsisted between Britain and a person named Brutus ; and for either acquiescing in our inability to derive the word at all, or for greatly preferring some other mode of deriving it; but we can do no more; we cannot confute the person who maintains that it certainly is derived from Brutus, and that every other mode of deriving it is comparatively forced and improbable. Precisely in the same manner, when our author affirms that the word 'Amorites' is derived from a Hebrew word signifying a ram, the astronomical sign of Aries; that Balaam comes from a word signifying 'to swallow,' with allusion to the celestial Dragon; Deborah from Aldebaran, the great star in the Bull's eye, so we cannot possibly confute him, or positively prove that he is wrong; we "an only hint that these derivations are not very obvious or probable, and refer the matter to the common sense of mankind."

Sir William was not likely to create friends to his views by the tone he adopted, which was occasionally (especially in the introduction) such as he should not have used till the world had acknowledged his own system, and should not have been applied to anything held in reverence.

In 1818, Sir William Drummond published the first part of a poem, entitled "Odin," which was never popular. The first of the three volumes of his "Origines, or Remarks on the Origin of several Empires, States, and Cities," appeared in 1824. Of the varied contents of this very eminent historiocritical work, we shall spare our readers any analysis, as it is well known to the reading world, preferring to refer to the article on Sir William Drummond in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Towards the latter period of his life Sir William was a martyr to gout. His habits were retired, and by some considered reserved. For instance, when on a visit he would seldom make his appearance after dinner, spending the afternoon in the library or study. But while he was in company his manners were bland and courteous, and his conversation was enriched by classical and elegant information. He died in the year 1828.

DRYSDALE,, was born in Kirkaldy, Fifeshire, on the 29th of April, 1718, being the third son of Mr John Drysdale, minister of that parish, and of Anne, daughter of William Ferguson, provost of the town of Kirkaldy. He received the elements of his classical education at the parish school of Kirkaldy, taught by Mr David Young. While at school, young Drysdale was favourably distinguished: also at that early age he had the good fortune to contract a friendship (which proved lasting), with two of his school-fellows, who afterwards attained very high distinction; one of these was the celebrated Dr Adam Smith, and the other James Oswald, Esq. of Dunnikier a name well known to all those who are familiar with the history of the leading Scotsmen of the last century. In the year 1732, at the age of fourteen, Drysdale was removed to the university of Edinburgh, where he prosecuted his studies with great success, and early attracted the notice of the professors. Having gone through the preliminary branches of education, he commenced the study of divinity, which he pursued until the year 1740, when he was licensed as a preacher of the gospel by the presbytery of Kirkaldy.

After having officiated as assistant-minister in the college church of Edinburgh for several years, he obtained, through the interest of the earl of Hopeton, a crown presentation to the church of Kirkliston in West Lothian. On entering upon the duties, he met with some opposition from his parishioners, arising from the notion that he was rather what was called a moral than an orthodox divine. He speedily acquired their esteem, however, and is said, by his unwearied benevolence and practical piety, as well as by the good sense