Значение слова ARBUTHNOT в Литературной энциклопедии

ARBUTHNOT

JOHN (1667-1735).-Physician and satirist, was _b._ in Kincardineshire, and after studying at Aberdeen and Oxford, took his degree of M.D. at St. Andrews. Settling in London, he taught mathematics. Being by a fortunate accident at Epsom, he was called in to prescribe for Prince George, who was suddenly taken ill there, and was so successful in his treatment that he was appointed his regular physician. This circumstance made his professional fortune, for his ability enabled him to take full advantage of it, and in 1705 he became physician to the Queen. He became the cherished friend of Swift and Pope, and himself gained a high reputation as a wit and man of letters. His principal works are the _Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus_, partly by Pope, but to which he was the chief contributor, the _History of John Bull_ (1712), mainly against the Duke of Marlborough, _A Treatise concerning the Altercation or Scolding of the Ancients_, and the _Art of Political Lying_. He also wrote various medical treatises, and dissertations on ancient coins, weights, and measures. After the death of Queen Anne, A. lost his court appointments, but this, as well as more serious afflictions with which he was visited, he bore with serenity and dignity. He was an honourable and amiable man, one of the very few who seems to have retained the sincere regard of Swift, whose style he made the model of his own, with such success that writings by the one were sometimes attributed to the other: his _Art of Political Lying_ is an example. He has, however, none of the ferocity of S.

Литературная энциклопедия.