Page:Dictionary of National Biography volume 10.djvu/33

 prejudice, and in thus preparing the ground for the reception of analogous views.’

When the ‘Vestiges’ were disposed of, Chambers returned to Edinburgh and resumed the writing and editing of a number of useful works published by his firm. For about twenty years he worked with extraordinary activity. Besides occasional pieces and school-books, such as his ‘History of the British Empire’ and ‘History of the English Language and Literature,’ he produced, with Robert Carruthers of Inverness, his ‘Cyclopædia of English Literature’ (2 vols. 1844), ‘Romantic Scotch Ballads,’ with original airs (1844), ‘Ancient Sea Margins’ (1848), ‘History of Scotland’ (new edit. 1849), ‘Life and Works of Robert Burns’ (1851, ‘after minute personal investigation’), ‘Tracings of the North of Europe’ (1851), ‘The Threiplands of Fingask’ (written in 1853, published 1880), ‘Tracings in Iceland and the Faröe Islands’ (1856), ‘Domestic Annals of Scotland’ (3 vols. 1859–1861; this work, based on original research, comprehends the period from the Reformation to the rebellion of 1745), ‘Memoirs of a Banking House’ (1860, by Sir William Forbes, edited by Chambers), ‘Edinburgh Papers’ (1861, on miscellaneous subjects), ‘Songs of Scotland prior to Burns’ (1862). Most of these went through several editions. In 1860 Chambers paid a visit to the United States, and on his return removed to London (March 1861), in order that he might consult authorities in the British Museum for the ‘Book of Days,’ ‘a miscellany of popular antiquities in connection with the calendar, including anecdotes, biographies, curiosities of literature, and oddities of human life and character’ (2 vols. 1862–1864). During his residence in London the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by the University of St. Andrews. He was also elected a member of the Athenæum Club. These were probably the most pleasing to him of the various honours which were now the reward of his labours. When the ‘Book of Days’ was printed, Chambers returned to Scotland. The production of the work had, however, injured his health to such an extent that he never quite recovered. ‘That book was my death-blow,’ he said. A brief ‘Life of Smollett,’ which appeared in 1867, was the last of his printed productions. ‘A Catechism for the Young’ and ‘The Life and Preachings of Jesus Christ from the Evangelists’ were left unfinished. Among his unpublished works are numerous antiquarian papers, and an extensive inquiry into spiritualistic and psychical research, together with materials for another volume of the ‘Domestic Annals of Scotland.’ Chambers died at St. Andrews, 17 March 1871, and was buried in the old church of St. Regulus there. Chambers was of a fairish type, with brown hair, which early became tinged with grey; he was strongly made, though somewhat under middle size. His opinions in politics and religion were moderate and liberal. His disposition was genial, hospitable, and kindly. When Leigh Hunt, in April 1834, started the ‘London Journal,’ which seemed likely at first to prove a rival to ‘Chambers's Journal,’ Chambers, in a kindly letter, wished him all success as a labourer in a common field. He gave all the profits of a cheap edition of his ‘Life and Work of Burns’ for the benefit of Mrs. Begg, the poet's sister. These are but two of many like instances. As a writer Chambers is vigorous, instructive, and interesting. He knew a great deal of men and books, and in communicating his knowledge he remembered his own precept, that dulness is ‘the last of literary sins.’ Thus he was well fitted to be a popular expounder of science and history. Occasional touches of humour give his writing additional interest. In treating, as he frequently did, of subjects illustrating Scottish character, he uses the Scottish dialect with singular force and effect. Chambers was twice married, but both his wives predeceased him. He was survived by three sons and six daughters.

[Memoir of William and Robert Chambers, with portraits, by William Chambers (12th edit. 1883); Scotsman, 18 March 1871; original materials supplied by Mr. C. Chambers of Edinburgh. A selection from his writings, containing his original poems, was published in 1847, in 7 vols. In Brit. Mus. Cat. is a list of several works written in criticism of the ‘Vestiges.’ A reference to the numerous magazine articles on the book is given in Poole's Index, p. 313. Some interesting personal reminiscences of Chambers will be found in Mr. James Payn's Literary Recollections (1884).] 

CHAMBERS, SABINE (1560?–1633), jesuit, was born in Leicestershire in or about 1560, and entered Broadgates Hall, Oxford, where he took the degrees in arts, that of master being completed in 1583, when ‘he had the vogue of a good disputant.’ He was a tutor in Oxford, and in 1581 he had among his pupils John Rider, afterwards protestant bishop of Killaloe. Having adopted the catholic religion he withdrew to Paris, and there entered the Society of Jesus in 1587. Father Parsons made him superior of the jesuit college he had established at Eu in Normandy, which institution was closed on 23 Dec. 1588 on the death of its patron, the murdered duke of Guise. After teaching theology at Dôle,