in London, before a favourable combination of circumstances led him to fill an inferior situation in St. Thomas's Hospital. Here he had an opportunity of hearing the lectures which were delivered on medicine and anatomy, in which he took a particular interest. In this place he also obtained some knowledge of chemistry, and acquired that attachment to this science which followed him through life, and with the principles of which he was intimately acquainted. Mr. Lowry had now attained some smattering knowledge of engraving, anatomy, medicine, and chemistry, but was by no means an adept in either. With an attachment, that, in all probability, was nearly equal to cach, what induced him to prefer engraving, we cannot now determine, the writer being unacquainted with his motives of preference. It is, however, not improbable, that his choice arose from the dictates of necessity; but there can be no doubt, that, had it been directed to either of the above branches, he would have made an equal proficiency, his talents being of the highest order, and his application indefatigable. Having taken up his residence in the vicinity of Vauxhall, he was introduced to the notice of Alderman Boydell, by a letter written either from Shrewsbury or Worcester, but the name of the writer has never been made public. Under the patronage of Boydell, he prosecuted his labour with diligence and success, watching every opportunity to store his mind with useful knowledge, and to make improvement in the art to which he had resolved to adhere. From a neighbour, named Browne, he obtained instruction in the art of etching, improving the hints which he received, and making additions of his own, whenever he thought they might be introduced with advantage. For Alderman Boydell he executed three large plates: one was, a varied landscape, after the manner of Gasper Poussin; another, a rocky seaport, after Salvator Rosa; and a third, exhibiting a view of the interior of Colebrook-dale smelting-house, after Geo. Robertson. For so young an artist, his Rocky Seaport was a masterly performance; its merit was readily acknowledged, but his remuneration was dealt out with a sparing hand. About this period, Mr. Surgeon Blizard, who was afterwards knighted, applied to Boydell for some young artist, whom he wanted to make for him a drawing of Lunardi's balloon, which then excited much public attention in London. The alderman being acquainted with the talents of Lowry, recommended him as a suitable person. He accordingly undertook the work, which he executed so much to the satisfaction of Blizard, that he became so far his friend as to give him a perpetual ticket of admission to his own surgical lectures, as well as to those of others, and generously offered to instruct him professionally in the art of surgery. This latter, Mr. Lowry was, perhaps, prevented from accepting, through pecuniary circumstances; but he actually became his pupil, and for four years successively attended the hospitals at every interval of leisure which his engraving afforded. Happily for Mr. Lowry, about this. time he became acquainted with the celebrated Mr. Malton, author of an elaborate work on Perspective. This work, and the conversations to which his perusal of it led, excited within him a strong passion for mathematical knowledge. Algebra, perspective, trigonometry, the conic sections, and all the higher branches of mathematical science, now, therefore, presented to him their charms. Through these he travelled with resolute alacrity, and, from their joint co-operation, acquired that precision, taste, and judgment, for which, in the subsequent periods of his life, he was so remarkably distinguished. But while Mr. Lowry traversed these scientific regions, he did not neglect the art on which his daily support depended. To this he paid the most minute attention, rendering all his other researches subservient to its improvement, and watching every occasion that might furnish him with information on all points in which he found himself deficient. In promoting these efforts at improvement, which engrossed his attention for several years, his acquaintance with the late Mr. Byrne was found to be particularly advantageous. On this celebrated landscape engraver he. frequently called for professional advice, which was given with a degree of readiness, that could only be equalled by the gratitude with which it was received. very long before his death, he completed two new ruling machines, of singular simplicity and accuracy. Mr. Lowry was also the first person who bit steel in well; and Mr. Heath purchased from him the secret. 8 Mr. Lowry was not more anxious to inquire than he was ready to communicate, and the success with which he prosecuted the former, enabled him to perform the latter more effec- "The first production of his, on tually. Among the tools and varied which he employed his ruling maapparatus in common use with en- chine, was a plate which occurs in gravers, he sought out the best; but the third volume of Stuart's Athens. these, on minute inspection, present- It is a sort of Corinthian capital. ed many defects, which he spared Sometime afterwards he executed neither time nor money, so far as his several plates for Murphy's Descripmeans would allow, in endeavouring|tion of the Church of Batalha, in Porto remedy. Several of these he great-tugal. He then assisted Mr. Peter ly improved; and for the existence of Nicholson to execute the plates of his others, the art is deeply indebted to book on Grecian and Roman Archihis inventive genius. tecture." In the Annual Biography and Obituary for 1824, Mr. Lowry's inventions are thus enumerated and characterized:"About the years 1790 or 1791, Mr. Lowry completed, principally with his own hands, and of wood, his first ruling machine, possessing the property of ruling successive lines, either equidistant, or in just graduation, from the greatest required width, to the nearest possible approximation. In 1798 he invented the diamond points for etching, the durability of which, compared with steel points, and the equality of tone thereby produced, have rendered them highly important to the art of engraving. In 1799 he improved upon his ruling machine, and constructed a new one, capable of drawing lines to a point, as well as parallel lines, and of forming concentric circles. In 1800 he invented a simple instrument for describing parts of circles, of which the radius is so large as to preclude the use of even beam compasses. In 1801 he invented a machine for drawing ellipses on paper or copper. In 1806 he invented a machine for making perspective drawings; and so great was its accuracy, that, after having finished with its aid an elaborate drawing of the west front of Peterborough Cathedral, on taking the actual measures of the building, they were found to agree exactly with all the parts of the drawing. Besides these important inventions, Mr. Lowry constructed an instrument to place over a vanishing point, to which lines were to be drawn on copper; a variety of compasses, with micrometer screws; moveable points for the insertion of diamonds, &c.; and not In the year 1806, a course of lectures was delivered by Mr. Landseer, at the Royal Institution, on the art of engraving, in which he speaks of Mr. Lowry's inventions in the following terms: "The next mode of engraving that solicits our attention is, that invented by Mr. Lowry about fifteen years since. It consists of two instruments, one for etching successive lines, either equidistant or in just graduation, from being wide apart to the nearest approximation, ad infinitum; and another, more recently constructed, for striking elliptical, parabolical, and hyperbolical curves, and in general all those lines which geometricians call mechanical curves, from the dimensions of the point of a needle, to an extent of five feet. Both of these inventions combine elegance with utility, and both are of high value as auxiliaries of the imitative part of engraving; but as the auxiliaries of chemical, agricultural, and mechani cal science, they are of incalculable advantage. The accuracy of their operations, as far as human sense, aided by the magnifying powers of glasses, enables us to say so, is perfect; and I need not describe to you the advantages that must result to the whole circle of science, from mathematical accuracy. As long as this Institution, and the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, shall deserve and receive the gratitude of the country, so long must the inventor of these instruments be considered as a benefactor to the public." These instruments, the inventor constantly brought into use, and as readily instructed others how they might be employed to the greatest advantage. The effects resulting from them may be seen in the engravings which Mr. Lowry executed for the Cyclopædia of Dr. Rees, the Philosophical Magazine, the architectural publications of Mr. P. Nicholson, the Encyclopædia Metropolitana, and several other valuable and celebrated works. If Mr. Lowry had done nothing more than given existence to these instruments, they would have rendered his name immortal, and placed him among the benefactors of mankind. It has been said, and that by no contemptible authority, that "One science only will one genius fit; .... successful. This conclusion is deducible from his etchings of Holyrood Palace, the Round Tower of Ludlow Castle, the Ancient Market Cross at Malmsbury, executed for the Antiquities of Great Britain, as well as from the Rocky Seaport, and Varied Landscape, which we have already noticed. It is therefore presumed, that he did not select those branches in which his art has been more conspicuously displayed, from any peculiar predilection, but from local circumstances, which, though invisible to others, are felt by the individuals, whose destiny they imperiously determine. It was an opinion entertained by Mr. Lowry, that genius had no existence; but, that the creature of ima→ gination to which that name had been given, was nothing more than the re So vast is art, so narrow human wit." But how true soever this couplet may be in its general application, Mr.sult of education; that if instruction Lowry stands as an exception to the had taken another turn, and operated rule which it contains. Goldsmith is on the same talents in a different way, said to have improved whatever he the mental powers, directed into other took in hand, and Dr. Watts has been channels, would have been productive represented as succeeding in every of distinct results, bearing equal thing which he attempted. On sci-marks of perfection. Whatever may entific subjects, similar remarks may be urged against this position in rebe extended to Mr. Lowry. Few men ference to others, it is certain the dihave been able to boast an acquaint-versified talents of Mr. Lowry gave ance with so many arts, and particuJar branches of science; and not many, who have made but one the study of their lives, have known it so profoundly. In mathematics, chemistry, optics, mechanics, mineralogy, geology, perspective, algebra, as well as the art of which he made a profession, few were his superiors. Into each of the above branches he could enter with ease and confidence; and such was his acquaintance with the topic under discussion, that, to a mere stranger, he would appear as one who had made that particular subject the exclusive object of his research. It is well known to those who are acquainted with the engravings of Mr. Lowry, that architectural and mechanical subjects chiefly occupied his attention. Why these branches were preferred to others, it is in vain to inquire; and had he selected any other, equal room and reason for similar questions would still have remained. It is, however, confidently asserted, by those who knew the diversity of his talents, that, had he directed his powers to landscape engraving, he would have been equally some sanction to the theory he had adopted. Instead of finding any one department, either of art or science, his particular forte, he made that his forte to which he directed his intellectual energies. In etching-picturesque antiquities, the style of Mr. Lowry was founded on his perception of the peculiar beauties of the elder Rooker, between which, and their archetypes in nature, his discerning eye could trace a striking resemblance. Of this acute perception, Boydell, however, by whom he was chiefly employed when forming his taste, seems to have been insensible; our artist therefore, dissatisfied with his situation, sought other employment, and at one time actually contemplated an embarkation to Ame rica. Among other works in which he was engaged, he executed some plates for Johnson, of St. Paul's Churchyard, and for Taylor, of Holborn. He also began, for Mr. Malton, jun. a large plate of the Parliament House, in Dublin; and the much-admired back ground of Sharp's Portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds, was the work of Mr. Lowry; but having been remunerated for his services, he was never known to claim any portion of that celebrated performance. Advancing to eminence in his profession, Mr. Lowry soon became known to many of the most distinguished artisans, scientific characters, and men of learning, in the metropolis and its vicinity. This enlarged and honourable acquaintance spread his fame, and tended to establish his reputation, but it added little to his pecuniary resources, and was in many instances an attack on his time, which he wanted for more profitable purposes. The elevated station, however, which this society enabled him to sustain in the walks of science, permitted him to look back on "life's low vale," through which he had travelled, and to amuse his friends with a recital of the little adventures he had been obliged to encounter, and to enumerate obstacles he had fortunately surmounted. Of some of these, a gentleman with whom he was intimately acquainted through a considerable portion of his life, has furnished the following particulars :- I was have no conception of the laborious . "In his younger days, Mr. Lowry was exceedingly diffident; so much so, that, after he could execute work which would bear the most rigorous examination, he was afraid to ask for employment, or to shew any of his ، As there was much instruction in performances. 'At last,' he observMr. Lowry's scientific conversations, ed, 'I ventured to apply to a pubso there was a great fund of amuse- | lisher in Paternoster-row, whose quarment in his more playful dialogues. to and folio sixpenny numbers exhiTo hear him describe the difficulties bited specimens of the art, nearly, if he had to overcome in acquiring his not altogether, as bad as my own. art, in which he was almost entirely From this gentleman I received some self-taught; to hear him talk of his portraits of South Sea Kings and ignorance, of the mistaken notions he Warriors to engrave for an edition of entertained of every process connect- | Cook's Voyage Round the World. ed with it, of his repeated failures, of What! portraits? eagerly inquired bis remedies either attempted or pro- his friend. This intimates that you jected, of his hopes when his efforts must have made a greater proficiency seemed to promise success, and his than any thing you have stated would depression when he met with disap- lead one to imagine. ، Have papointment, was at once highly amus- tience,' said the artist, you have not ing and instructing. It was impos- heard the salvo for what I know puzsible to hear his narrations and not zles you. I received from my emfeel identified with him, participating ployer the following special injuncboth in his distresses and in his joys. tion:- Take care not to make the "He had read, on the art of en- portraits like the original plates, or graving, such books as came within you may involve me in a lawsuit, for his reach; but his ideas respecting they are copyright.' I attended to its real nature were exceedingly his instructions, and happily sucvague, and his manipulations of ceeded, for we were never charged course very erroneous. His notions, with copying!'" Such was the huhe said, of the manner in which line morous manner in which this great engraving was executed, were similar artist referred to the periods of his to those entertained by persons who early efforts. are entirely ignorant of the steps by which a piece of well engraved ornamental penmanship is executed. They The first plate which attracted particular attention, especially that of the late president of the Royal So passed over in total silence, notwithstanding the invaluable assistance which they derived from his splendid and varied talents. Among the numerous engravings finished by Mr. Lowry in the most exquisite style, that which, in his estimation, approximated most nearly to perfection, may be found in Nicholson's Architecture, bearing the following title, " From the Doric Portico at Athens." Of this work he has been heard to say, that, should he be offered a thousand pounds for a successful attempt, he could not make any im ciety, to Mr. Lowry's performances | On one occasion, being pressed for in his own peculiar manner, was one time, it has been said, that he comwhich he executed for Dr. Tilloch, one pleted an engraving of an electrical of his earliest and most intimate machine, for Rees's Cyclopædia, friends. This was published in the without any other drawing than that Philosophical Magazine, for Novem- which was delineated on the copper. ber, 1798. It was an engraving of With this guide, and having the mathe apparatus employed by the so- chine placed before him, he proceeded ciety that occasionally met at Dr. with his work, and finished it in a Higgin's, for producing water by manner worthy of the celebrated pubcombustion of hydrogen gas in oxygen lication in which it now appears. In gas. Prior to this period he had pro- the preface to this voluminous work, duced many exquisite plates in vari- the compilers mention the names of ous branches of the art, several of many gentlemen to whom they are inwhich bear the names of other en-debted, but the name of Mr. Lowry is gravers. But this plate, that excited so much notice, was executed in a manner exclusively his own, which was found to be particularly applicable to mechanical and philosophical apparatus. To the appearance of Mr. Lowry's engravings in the Philosophical Magazine, the public are indebted for the appropriate and well executed representations which now illustrate our different works of science. Prior to the days in which the talents of Lowry shone forth with irradiating splendour, the copperplates which accompanied such works were execrable. Of this fact, the engrav-provement on a single line. ings which appear in the Encyclopæ- On Mr. Lowry's high attainments dia Britannica, and other publications, in the varied departments of science, furnish the most indubitable evidence. we have already made some remarks. The principal artists in this nation It was in consequence of his great who excel in that line of which Mr. acquirements, which, with scientific Lowry was the founder, may be con- men, were both well known and duly sidered as having derived their know-appreciated, that, in 1812, he was ledge primarily from him. His pro- elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. fessed pupils were indeed but few, Of the Geological Society he had been but the pupils of these have been a member from its commencement; multiplied to an indefinite extent. and next to his own particular art, it Mr. Lowry's chief aim was to carry was in the knowledge of geology and his art to the utmost height of which mineralogy that he particularly exhe thought it susceptible. He could celled. In each of these latter denot, therefore, be expected to waste partments, his opinion was always his valuable time in giving instruc- solicited in cases of doubt, and his tion to youths, many of whom were judgment was received with profound obstinate, and others stupid. respect. By those who dealt in rare Combining habit with constitutional and valuable gems, his advice was correctness of discernment, such was frequently sought; and his directions, Mr. Lowry's power of perception, in many instances, guided them in that, at a single glance, he could de- their decisions. In his own cabinet tect the least inaccuracy in the draw-much taste and judgment are disings that were presented to him, to many of which he put some finishing touches. His knowledge also of perspective and shadowing was so profound, that from a mere outline he could introduce with exactness the due proportions of proximity and distance, as well as of light and shade. played, its articles appearing in scientific arrangement; and perhaps his little museum is surpassed by few private collections in London. In his geological views he followed neither Hutton nor Werner with an implicit belief. He considered that both fire and water had contributed |