OBITUARY. THOMAS COGAN, M. D. Died, Feb. 2. At the house of his brother, Higham-hill, Walthamstow, having within a few days completed his 82d year, Thomas Cogan, M. D. This amiable and distinguished man was born at Rowell, in Northamptonshire, in 1736; and was for two or three years at school at Kibworth, Leicestershire, under the late Dr. Aikin, of whom he always spoke in terms of the highest respect. His first profession was that of a Dissenting Minister. He preached in Holland in the years 1759 and 1760; and at Southampton in 1762 and 1763. When he was a preacher in Holland he became acquainted with Miss Green, daughter of a merchant in Amsterdam, whom he shortly after married. He afterwards changed his profession for that of Physic; and studied at Leyden, where he took the degree of M. D. He then returned to England, and devoted himself chiefly to the obstetric branch of his profession. In 1773, Dr. Cogan first directed the attention of his Countrymen to the possibility of recovering persons apparently drowned, by translating the Memoirs of the Society established at Amsterdam for that benevolent purpose; and in the following year, in conjunction with the late truly benevolent Dr. Hawes, by each bringing forward fifteen friends, they jointly founded the Humane Society. For the first six years Dr. Cogan prepared the Annual Reports of the Humane Society; till, on the return of Dr. Cogan to Holland, in 1780, that duty devolved on Dr. Hawes. Both these Philanthropists had the satisfaction of living to see the opposition, and even ridicule, which Resuscitation at first encountered, entirely die away; and to witness their favourite Institution firmly established, and productive of similar Societies in all parts of the world. The Royal Humane Society will be a standing monument of what may be accomplished by individual persevering exertions in the cause of humanity, and transmit the names of HAWES and COCAN to posterity as benefactors to the human race. Dr. Cogan was acquiring a rapid fortune in his profession; but, having no children, being moderate in his desires, and possessed of a competency, in 1780 he resigned his connexion to Dr. John Sims, who is at present so eminent in the same line. On resigning his profession, Dr. Cogan again took up his residence in Holland; and visited Germany, where he wrote his very entertaining Tour. He subsequently devoted his time chiefly to the study of Moral Philosophy, on which subject his GENT. MAG. February, 1818. works are justly considered to be equal to any in the language. His Religious writings tend to shew the justice, goodness, and paternal affection of the Deity, and the consequent impos sibility of Eternal Torments. Dr. Cogan resided some few years since at or near Bath, where, in 1805, he formed a Bath Humane Society, We know not whether we ought to say, that it is with sorrow we record the death of this distinguished Natural and Moral Philosopher, and most amiable man, at his very advanced age; for, although we never heard that any action of his long life was otherwise than most "becoming," there was in his "leaving of it" much to convert our unavailing regret for an event, which, by the course of Nature, could not have been long deferred, into admiration, and even satisfaction, at his victory which, in his parting hour, he decidedly achieved. He had, the last day of the old year, in a very thick fog, walked from his lodgings in Covent-garden, to visit a friend in St. Mary - axe, which brought on a cough more than usually troublesome; indisposition ensued; and on Saturday, Jan. 24, he was induced to go to his brother's, the Rev. E. Cogan, at Walthamstow. On Sunday, Feb. 1, finding that his end was approaching, he dictated to one of his nephews, who wrote them, farewell letters to three of his most intimate friends: this, said he, is the great trial. After this he continued to converse, with his accustomed remarkable cheerfulness and vivacity, with his relatives, and smiled in his usual manner when he uttered any thing playful. He said to his brother, and to his nephew who assists him in his school, "You now deplore my condition, but it will soon be your fate also. I am only anticipating you a little while. Suppose your boys were to undergo an examination to-morrow morning, what would it signify that one should go to bed at six this evening, another at seven, another at eight, and another at ten: they would all meet together at the same hour to-morrow."-He conversed with his brother, particularly on the subject of re ligion, some hours after this, and when not speaking of any thing serious, exhi bited the same cheerful cast of mind which accompanied him through life. At length his strength failed, and be expired without a groan. On the death of Dr. Cogan being an→ nounced to a Meeting of the Royal Hu mane Society, it was unanimously resolved, "That this Court receive informa. tion of the decease of Dr. Cogan with feel ings ings of the deepest regret for his loss; of the most unfeigned respect for his memory; of admiration of his talents, so meritoriously and usefully devoted for the good of his fellow-creatures; and of gratitude for the numerous and important services rendered by him to the Society." Dr. Cogan's chief Publications are, 1. "Memoirs of the Society instituted at Amsterdam, in favour of Drowned Persons, for the years 1767, 1768, 1769, 1770, and 1771; translated from the original, 1773," 8vo. 2. "The Rhine; or a Journey from Utrecht to Francfort, &c. 1794," in two volumes 8vo, with Plates. 3. "The Works of Professor Camper, on the Connexion between Anatomy, and the Arts of Drawing, Painting, &c. Translated from the Dutch, 1794;" in one volume 4to. with Plates. 4. "A Philosophical Treatise on the Passions: second edition, corrected, 1802," 8vo. 5." An Ethical Treatise on the Passions, founded on the Principles investigated in a Philosophical Treatise; 1807-10." 2 vols. 8vo. 6. "Theological Disquisitions; or, an Enquiry into those Principles of Religion, which are most influential in directing and regulating the Passions and Affections of the Mind. First Disquisition, on Natural Religion. Second Disquisition, on the Jewish Dispensation, respecting Religion and Morals, 1812," 8vo. 7. "A Theological Disquisition, on the characteristic Excellencies of Christianity; or, an Enquiry into the superior Assistance it affords, and Motives it contains, for the Practice of Virtue, Cultivation of the best Affections of the Heart, and preparing the Moral Offspring of God for permanent Felicity, 1813," 8vo. The last five articles form one complete work, under the following title: 8. "A Treatise on the Passions and Affections of the Mind, Philosophical, Ethical, and Theological; in a Series of Disquisitions : in which are traced, the moral History of Man, in his Pursuits, Powers, and Motives of Action, and the Means of obtaining Permanent Well-being and Happiness, 1813," 5 vols. 8vo. 9. "Letters to William Wilberforce, esq. M. P. on the Doctrine of Hereditary Depravity. By a Layman," 8vo. 10. "Ethical Questions; or, Speculations on the principal subjects in Moral Philosophy, 1817," 8vo. Dr. Lettsom, in the Annual Report of the Royal Humane Society for 1814 (with which was given a portrait of Dr. Cogan), thus notices the literary labours of his learned friend: "These volumes have acquired distinguished public approbation; but here it is not requisite, at this time, to offer additional eulogy. Reflecting, however, upon the advanced period of life in which some of these have been composed, contemplation is gratified by the splendid display of mental vigour in maturity of age; in the acumen of the Philosopher, so happily combined with the solidity of the Sage; affording at the same time a pleasing instance of the influence of benevolence, maintaining mental activity; of philanthropy, which, by communicating placidity of mind, prolongs its energies. 'Quietè et purè atque eleganter actæ ætatis placida ac lenis recordatio *." Hence results that suavity of manners, so interesting in society; those varied and infinite resources of lively conversation, which diffuse rational pleasure, and convey useful instruction. True it is, that familiarity may be exercised without degradation, and elevation of sentiment without cold reserve, or the repulsiveness of ostentation; as the expression of superiority of knowledge may be chastened by suavity of manner; and this is the happy medium, so characteristic of the surviving Founder of the Royal Humane Society." Rev. HENRY WILLIAM COULTHURST, D. D. Dec. 18, 1817. Died at the house of his friend John Smyth, esq. M. P. at Heath, near Wakefield, the Rev. Henry William Coulthurst, D. D. vicar of Halifax, in the 65th year of his age. He was admitted of St. John's College, Cambridge, where he commenced A. B. in January 1775, being the second Wrangler of his year; A. M. in 1778; and afterwards elected fellow of Sidney Sussex College, where he continued an active and useful public tutor till the year 1790, when he was presented by the Crown to the vicarage of Halifax, on the demise of Dr. Henry Wood. He commenced D. D. in 1791, soon after which he qualified as a Magistrate for the West Riding of the County of York. This Parish, over which Dr. Coulthurst presided with unabated zeal and vigilanee more than 27 years, is one of the most extensive and important Cures in the kingdom, having under it fourteen subordinate Chapels, all, excepting the new Church in the Town, which was erected by Dr. Coulthurst himself, in the patronage of the Vicar. He was a man of very acute understanding, peculiarly turned to philosophical pursuits, of a temper mild and conciliating, active and invincibly patient as a Magistrate, and indefatigable as a Parish Priest; making an annual tour through that extensive district, and preaching in turn at each of the Chapels. He had a deep and awful sense of Religion, which penetrated his whole character, yet mingled with so much sweetness of temper, with wit so sparkling and inoffensive, and with a naiveté so delightful, *Placid and soothing is the remenbrance of a life passed with quiet innocence and elegance. CICERO. that that in the University, as well as in the Country, his society was universally courted. His death appears to have been as easy as it was sudden. On retiring to rest the night before, he directed his servant to call him at seven in the morning. He then expressed his determination not to rise till eight-at eight he again dis missed the servant for ten minutes; and on the man's return was found either quite dead, or just expiring. A subscription has been entered into, amounting to several hundred pounds, for the purpose of erecting a Monument to a Pastor so sincerely beloved and lamented. Memoir of the late THOMAS WYON, Jun. Esq. Chief Engraver of His Majesty's Mint. [Read before the Cork Scientific Society.] The study of Coins and Medals being a favourite pursuit of several of the Members and Visitors of the Cork Scientific Society, the attention of the Society at their meetings has been frequently called to these subjects by others, as well as myself, in the course of which we have had many occasions to dwell on the splendid and expanding abilities of Mr. Wyon, of His Majesty's Mint. It was our proud and firm hope, that, if life and health were vouchsafed to this distinguished Artist, we should see the Numismatic Art raised from the degradation to which, during the last century, it had been gradually sinking through want of encouragement and patronage, to a height far beyond what it had ever risen to in England; and we flattered ourselves that there was a rational expectation, that the Hamerini of Italy, and even Hedlinger of Sweden, might be excelled by an Englishman for in what branch of the Arts have Englishmen ever been deficient, when a fair prospect of remuneration has warranted them to devote their abilities to it? The want of Patronage has alone in our opinion depressed the Medallic art in these countries. Cromwell and Anne were its patrons; and their patronage produced a Simon and a Croker, whose works have immortalized their memories. It is needless, we trust, to say that in every thing in which the welfare and the honour of the Empire is concerned, our wishes must always continue the same; but to him, through whose laborious exertions, taste, and abilities, we had hoped to see the Numismatic reputation purchased for England, we are no longer permitted to look up with either hope or expectation. "A Disposer whose power we are little able It will give many of the Doctor's friends pleasure to hear that there will very soon be published a Portrait of him, to be engraved by Mr. Fry, from a portrait painted only a few days before his death by Mr. Edward Westoby. to resist, and whose wisdom it behoves us not at all to dispute, has ordained it otherwise, and (whatever our querulous weakness might suggest) far better *." To that disposition his friends bow, in sad, but submissive resignation: and as among those who enjoyed Mr. Wyon's friendship, few were favoured with more of it than the' individual who now addresses the Society, he feels himself enabled to comply with their wishes, in submitting to them a brief memoir of his professional labours; and, as it exhibits the gratifying spectacle of worth rising to eminence through its own exertions, while he has a melancholy pleasure in paying this last tribute of regard may not be without its use, in exciting boto his departed friend, he trusts that it nourable emulation and confidence among those who, in the shade of private life, laudably aspire at distinction through merit, but who are deterred by the difficulties with which their progress appears to be impeded and prevented. Mr. T. Wyon was born at Birmingham in the year 1792, and was eldest son of Thomas Wyon, esq. Chief Engraver of His Majesty's seals; but I believe he received his education in London, his family having removed from Birmingham while he was a child. He appears at an early age to have attracted the notice of the late N. Marchant, esq. the celebrated Engraver of Gems, who took great pleasure in guiding and watching over the progress of his studies; and to Mr. Marchant's profound knowledge and enthusiastic admiration of the Antique, his young friend was probably indebted in some measure for the correct and classical taste which was subsequently evidenced in his works. It is not in my power to state the progress of Mr. Wyon's studies. From his father, to whom he was bound apprentice, he of course received his first lessons of engraving on steel; and as a student at the Royal Academy, Somerset House, he obtained two honorary silver medals; one for the best model from the Antique, and one for a model from Life. And in 1809, at the age of 16, he commenced his career as an Artist, by engraving a medal, given by a Society of Young Ladies, to Lieut. Pearce, R. N. for saving a seaman's life. In 1810, Mr. Wyon's next essay was as a candidate for the Premium annually offered by the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts and Sciences at the Adelphi for medal engraving: he engraved an ideal head of Isis, the patroness of the Arts, which the Society rewarded by adjudging for it their gold medal, Class 127, and at the same time purchased the Die,, and appropriated it as a Prize Medal This head possesses much dignity; the expression of the countenance is rather * Burke. stern, stern, which is a fault frequently to be noticed in Mr. Wyon's female heads, and for which I was always at a loss to account, as his manners and disposition were remarkably placid. Desirous now to make himself more generally known, he engraved a medal of (then) Viscount Wellington, from a bust by J. Nollekins, esq. R. A. reverse a figure of Victory, designed by himself. As he published the medal, I judge this brought him acquainted with Mr. Young, who noticed his rising abilities to Mr. Miles, which the latter communicated to II. Atkinson, esq. one of the Moneyers of His Majesty's Mint. Mr. Atkinson, who was always on the watch for ability, immediately visited him, and, being satisfied with what he had engraved, gave him an order to engrave Dies for two Copper Coins ordered by the East India Company, of the size of a half-penny and farthing. On the obverse they have the arms of the East India Company, which are supported by Lions, and on the reverse a wreath enclosing an inscription in Arabic. These he executed entirely to Mr. Atkinson's satisfaction; but an objection was raised to their being used, as Mr. Wyon did not belong to the Mint, and dies for the coinage were engraved by L. Pingo, esq, the Chief Engraver. Compared with Mr. Pingo's, Mr. Wyon's are inferior in neatness, but for characteristic expression and effect they are infinitely superior; and I presume that through Mr. Atkinson's kindness they subsequently led to his appointment of Probationer Engraver of the Mint. This appointment, however, did not take place till June 1811; previous to which he engraved the Peterborough local eighteenpenny token, which is executed in a style very different from what these pieces usually are. It presents a very correct view of the Cathedral, and is one of the best tokens I have met with. The lamented indisposition of our venerable Sovereign having raised the Prince of Wales to the Regency, Mr. Wyon designed and engraved the Reverse of a medal on the occasion, the Obverse of which was engraved by his father; but the Reverse, though used, was completely spoilt in hardening. He was, however, more fortunate in his next effort (designed also by himself), Peace checking the fury of War. With this he was again a candidate for the Premium at the Society of Arts, and again obtained their Gold Medal, Class 128. I doubt if any of Mr. Wyon's works are *It is very probable that many of these early works were orders to his father, to whom, as I have mentioned, he was apprentice; but I have Mr. T. Wyon's, jun, authority for stating them to have been executed by himself. more generally and more justly admired than this. The bold advancing attitude of Mars, is most happily contrasted by the quiescent and graceful figure of Peace, who arrests his progress by interposing her olive-branch. An opportunity was also offered of displaying his deep knowledge of anatomy; and the engraving evidences equal spirit and attention to correct drawing. At my suggestion, in 1814, he engraved a Reverse to this, and published it as a Peace Medal, to commemorate the Treaty of Paris. This was followed by the Nottinghamshire Rifleman, who is represented kneeling on one knee, taking aim. A single figure thus occupied allows little scope to the artist, but all that could be done has been. The modern costume, military especially, is very unfavourable to a display of the human form, but in this instance it is well preserved. The Reverse, a target, rifle, bugle, and hat, are thrown together with a happy negligence that has a very pleasing effect. An honorary medal for T. Skinuer, drilling a gun in the battery of Fort de Bath, is excessively bold in the effect, with good perspective. Mr. Wyon's first official labour is the Eighteen-penny Bank of England Token, copied from Mr. Pingo's Three Shilling Bank Token: his model, in my estimation, was a very bad one, but he has excelled it in sharpness and effect. In 1812 he had to copy Marchant's Three Shilling Bank Token; his countenance is inferior to his model, but he has improved the hair and the laurel. Destruction of a flotilla in the Aix Roads, represents a ship at the moment of blowing-up, a subject which I do not remember to have seen before represented on an English medal, and is ably executed. Obverse of His Majesty, a Premium Medal, on the foundation of the Naval College, is carefully copied from a model by P. Rouw, esq. The reverse of the Cambridge Prize medal having become inapplicable by the Duke of Gloucester's election as Chancellor, Mr. Wyon had orders for a new one. The dies having +twice broke in hardening, he had to engrave the subject three times. It is executed in the fine style of the antique, and has extorted the admiration of collectors of Greek medals, One of these Dies was only cracked across the surface, and left the figures uninjured, which, though a disfigurement, does not prevent its striking medals; and as the Chancellors are necessarily confined to the University, Collectors solicited Mr. Wyon to strike some in Bronze from the broken die; and their expectations, I trust, will yet, not be disappointed. who who seldom allow themselves to praise any thing modern. The subject is Apollo crowning a youth with laurel. It is beautifully drawn, with great softness of execution; and the air of modesty and expression of sensibility in the attitude of the student is peculiarly happy. In 1813 he engraved a Seal for the Newcastle Antiquarian Society: a figure of History, sitting on a Capital of the Ionic order, and near an antique altar, recording the transactions of the Society. The figure of History is considered to be one of Mr. Wyon's most successful efforts. The altar is copied from an original in the hall of the Society of Antiquaries, London, and its dilapidated state is very correctly represented. A Seal for the Chester Canal Company: the head of the Duke of Bridgewater. It possesses uncommon merit in the life and animation expressed in it. The marks of age in the countenance are very delicately and faithfully expressed, and the effect of the whole almost cheats one into the belief that it is speaking. Irish Ten-penny Bank Token. This cein has been much admired. It is admirably reduced from Marchant, and the shamrock on the reverse is very apprópriately introduced. The Jersey Three Shilling and Eighteenpenny Tokens have the Jersey arms, with a wreath of oak on the reverse. The One-Stiver, and Half-Stiver, for Essequibo and Demerary (copper coins, the size of a l'enny and Halfpenny), have his Majesty's bust from Marchant. verse, the Crown over the value of the coin, enclosed by branches of oak. Re The Five Thaler, a gold coin for Hanover, the arms without a portrait. The die of the Isis, which the Society at the Adelphi had purchased of Mr. Wyon, having broke, they directed another to be engraved, which is generally called his second head of Isis. It is, in my opinion, exquisitely beautiful, and evidences the rapid pace with which he was advancing to the height of his profession. The Manchester Pitt Medal. Obverse, a head of Mr. Pitt, from J. Nollekins, esq. Reverse, Mr. Pitt arousing the Genius of Britain to resist the fiends of Anarchy, who have overthrown Religion and Royalty, with the Virtues awaiting the result, forming three groups, making altogether 13 figures. This has always struck me as one of Mr. Wyon's grandest efforts. I am not acquainted with any medal in the English series to rival it; and in the Napoleon series there is not one that comes near it. Notwithstanding the number of figures in the Allegory, the most perfect perspicuity is preserved: the groups are completely separated, and the characteristic expression of the different persons Upper Canada preserved. A Beaver quietly pursuing its usual avocations, undismayed by the appearance of the American Eagle; the British Lion in the distance. True Blue Club. Religion and Justice in bold relief, and finely finished, upholding the Crown on a ground shaded (heraldically) blue; the countenance of Religion is finely characteristic. 1814. Medal for the Indian Chiefs in Canada. Obverse, the King's bust, with the royal robes and collar of the Garter. Reverse, the arms. Mr. Wyon had designed and engraved another Reverse, Britannia seated, presenting an Indian of a fine athletic figure, in proper costume, with a medal. This was beautifully engraved in very bold relief, but unfortunately broke in hardening, and there was not time to re-engrave it. A similar medal, but smaller. The Grand Duchess of Oldenburg being expected to visit the Mint, Mr. Wyon, at a very short notice, engraved a medal of her brother, the Emperor Alexander, and complimentary of her visit to England. The Obverse has the Emperor's bust (for which, by great exertions, he had fortunately obtained a correct model) and titles, Alexander Russiarum Imperator. Reverse, Britannia sitting on a globe, her right hand with the olive branch, resting on her knee, and her left grasping the trident, and the St. George's shield standing by the Globe. Inscription, Ob Advent. M. D. Catherine Hosp. Gratissimæ Gaudens Britannia, 1814. This medal is of the size and relief of the Three Shilling Bank Token, it being necessary to strike it at one blow as a coin. The Britannia is extremely dignified. The Duchess of Oldenburg having arrived at the Mint at the time expected, when she came to the Press or Coining-room, no mention of the medal was made; but a gold blanc being put in and stamped, was handed to her by Lord Bathurst from the die, she immediately recognized the likeness to her brother, and, when Mr. Wyon was presented to her, expressed her satisfaction with his medal in the most flattering terms, and the next day sent him a diamond ring, as a further testimony of her approbation. I saw this splendid present when I was in England. It is an amethyst, surrounded by 123 brilliants, and valued at 100 guineas. The reverse of this medal soon broke, and Mr. Wyon engraved another with only an inscription to commemorate the |