206 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Why two heads, apparently so nearly proportioned, should have been
distinguished, in the one case, by so much genius, and, in the other, by so little,
we leave the phrenologists to determine. We need not tire our readers by
any of our lucubrations on the life and character of the “Little Philosopher,”
whose writings and principles are so much interwoven with the late history of
France.
MR. WATSON, who is represented by the figure on the right, was a person
little known beyond the sphere of his calling. He continued a bachelor, but
is said to have had a particular affection for children. He formerly resided in
the Covenant Close, but latterly removed to the Anchor Close, where he died
not many years ago, leaving his property, which was considerable, to a nephew.
No. LXXXVI.
MR. WILLIAM SMELLIE, PRINTER, F.R.S. & F.A.S.,
AND
MR. ANDREW BELL, ENGRAVER.
THE figure on the right represents the late MR. WILLIAM SMELLIE,
printer, the author of the Philosophy of Natural History, and translator of the
works of Buffon. It is by no means one of Kay’s happiest efforts, as, instead
of the vacant expression here delineated, the prevailing cast of Mr. Smellie’s
features was grave and thoughtful; but this defect may have arisen in
consequence of the figure being originally that of a Mr. Gavin, and afterwards
changed to Mr. Smellie. He was born in the Pleasance of Edinburgh in
1740. Both his father and grandfather were architects, and were possessed of
considerable property at St. Leonards, in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh.
He married, in March 1763, Miss Jane Robertson, daughter of an eminent
army-agent in London. This lady was full cousin to Mrs. Oswald of Dunnikier,
their mothers having been sisters. Mr. Smellie’s only brother, named John,
married Miss Apes Ferrier, sister of the late James Ferrier, Esq., Principal
Clerk of Session.
Independently of his professional eminence-being the most learned printer
of his day-Mr. Smellie’s talents procured him the constant society and
friendship of nearly all the eminent literary characters who flourished towards
the latter end of the last century. For his great convivial qualities and
brilliant wit we have the testimony of many kindred spirits ; among whom may
be mentioned the poet Burns, who thus describes him, in a letter to a venerable
old gentleman, Mr. Peter Hill, late bookseller in Edinburgh :-‘‘ There in
my eye is our friend Smellie, a man positively of the first abilities and greatest
