Значение слова PRIESTLY в Литературной энциклопедии

PRIESTLY

JOSEPH (1733-1804).-Chemist, theologian, and political writer, _s._ of a draper at Fieldhead, Yorkshire, where he was _b._ Brought up as a Calvinist, he gradually became a modified Unitarian, and after attending a dissenting academy at Daventry, he became minister to various congregations. About 1756 he _pub._ _The Scripture Doctrine of Remission_, denying the doctrine of atonement, and in 1761 succeeded Dr. Aiken as teacher of languages and _belles-lettres_ in the dissenting academy at Warrington. About the same time he became acquainted with Franklin and Dr. Price (_q.v._), and began to devote himself to science, the fruits of which were his _History and Present State of Electricity_ (1767), and _Vision, Light, and Colours_. He also became a distinguished chemist, and made important discoveries, including that of oxygen. In 1773 he travelled on the Continent as companion to Lord Shelburne, where he was introduced to many men of scientific and literary eminence, by some of whom he was rallied upon his belief in Christianity. In reply to this he wrote _Letters to a Philosophical Unbeliever_ (1774), and in answer to the accusations of Atheism brought against him at home, he _pub._ (1777) _Disquisition relating to Matter and Spirit_. In 1780 he settled in Birmingham, in 1782 _pub._ his _Corruptions of Christianity_, and in 1786 his _History of Early Opinions concerning Jesus Christ_. He was one of those who wrote replies to Burke's _Reflections on the French Revolution_, one consequence of which was his election as a French citizen, and another the destruction of his chapel, house, papers, and instruments by a mob. Some years later he went to America, where he _d._ P. has been called the father of modern chemistry. He received many scientific and academic honours, being a member of the Royal Society, of the Academies of France, and of St. Petersburg, and an LL.D. of Edin. He was a man of powerful and original mind, of high character, and of undaunted courage in maintaining his opinions, which were usually unpopular.

Литературная энциклопедия. 2012