56 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
long course of years, accumulated a variety of facts in support of his theory,-
having undertaken journeys not only through Scotland, but also through
England and Wales, and different parts of the continent of Europe. In the same
volume he published another paper, entitled, “A Theory of Rain.” This
theory met with a vigorous opposition from M. de Luc, and became a subject
of controversy, which was conducted with much warmth.
In 1792 he published “Dissertations on different subjects in Natural
Philosophy,” in which his theory for explaining the phenomena of the material
world seems to coincide very closely with that of Boscovich, though there is no
reason to suppose that the former was suggested by the latter.
Dr. Hutton next turned his attention to the study of metaphysics, the result
of which he gave to the public in a voluminous work, entitled “ An Investigation
of the Principles of Knowledge, and of the Progress of Reason from Sense
to Science and Philosophy.” 3 vols. 4to. Edinburgh, 1794. While engaged
in its publication he was seized with a dangerous illness, from which he never
entirely recovered. In 17 9 4 appeared his ‘‘ Dissertation upon the Philosophy
of Light, Heat, and Fire,” 8170. In 1796, his “ Theory of the Earth ” was
republished in 2 vols., with large additions, and a new Mineralogical system.
Many of his opinions were ably combated by Kirwan and others.
Professor Playfair, who had adopted the leading doctrines of t,he Doctor’s
theory, published, in 1802, a work entitled “ Illustrations of the Huttonian
Theory of the Earth.” A short time before his death the Doctor wrote a work
on Agriculture, which was intended to form 4 vols. 8vo. The MS. was recently
in existence.
Dr. Huttorfs health had begun to decline in 1792; and, as before mentioned,
he was seized with a severe illness during the summer of 1793, which,
after some intervals of convalescence, terminated at last in his death, upon the
26th March 1797, having written a good deal in the course of the same day.
He died, like his friend Dr. Black, a bachelor.
No. XXV.
PHILOSOPHERS.
THIS Print represents DR. BLACK and DR HUTTONw, ho were for a long
series of years most intimate and attached friends, conversing together. Their
studies and pursuits were in many respects intimately connected, and upon
different subjects of philosophical speculation they had frequently opposite
opinions, but this never interrupted the harmony of their personal friendship.
They were remarkable for their simplicity of character, and almost total
ignorance of what was daily passing around them in the world. An amusing
illustration of this will be found in the following anecdote :-
