Ibn Sabîn. See [Sabin].
Ibn Sina. See [Avicenna].
Ibn Tofail. See [Abu Bakr].
Ibsen (Henrik), an eminent Norwegian dramatist and poet, b. Skien, 20 March, 1828. At first he studied medicine, but he turned his attention to literature. In ’52, through the influence of Ole Bull, he became director of the theatre at Bergen, for which he wrote a great deal. From ’57 to ’63 he directed the theatre at Christiania. In the following year he went to Rome. The Storthing accorded him an annual pension for his services to literature. His dramas, Brand, (Peer Gynt), Kejser og Galilær (Cæsar [Julian] and the Galilean), Nora, and Samfundets Stotler (the Pillars of Society), and Ghosts exhibit his unconventional spirit. Ibsen is an open unbeliever in Christianity. He looks forward to social regeneration through liberty, individuality, and education without superstition.
Ilive (Jacob), English printer and letter founder, b. Bristol about 1710. He published a pretended translation of the Book of Jasher, 1751, and some other curious works. He was prosecuted for blasphemy in Some Modest Remarks on the late Bishop Sherlock’s Sermons, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, 15 June, 1756–10 June, 1758. He was confined in the Clerkenwell House of Correction and published some pamphlets exposing the bad condition of the prison and suggesting means for its improvement. He died in 1768.
Imray (I. W.), author, b. 1802. Wrote in Carlile’s Republican and Lion, and published “Altamont,” an atheistic drama, in 1828.
Ingersoll (Robert Green), American orator, b. Dresden, New York, 11 Aug. 1833. His father was a Congregationalist clergyman. He studied law, and opened an office in Shawneetown, Illinois. In ’62 he became colonel of the 11th Illinois Cavalry, and served in the war, being taken prisoner. In ’66 he was appointed attorney-general for Illinois. At the National Republican Convention, ’76, he proposed Blaine for President in a speech that attracted much attention. In ’77 he refused the post of Minister to Germany. He has conducted many important cases, and defended C. B. Reynolds when tried for blasphemy in ’86. Col. Ingersoll is the most popular speaker in America. Eloquence, humor, and pathos are alike at his command. He is well known by his books, pamphlets, and speeches directed against Christianity. He had published the Gods, Ghosts, Some Mistakes of Moses, and a collection of his Lectures, ’83, and Prose Poems and Extracts, ’84. Most of his lectures have been republished in England. We mention What must I do to be Saved? Hell, The Dying Creed, Myth and Miracle, Do I Blaspheme? Real Blasphemy. In the pages of the North American Review Col. Ingersoll has defended Freethought against Judge Black, the Rev. H. Field, Mr. Gladstone, and Cardinal Manning.
Inman (Thomas), B.A., physician and archæologist, b. 1820. Educated at London University, he settled at Liverpool, being connected with the well-known shipping family of that port. He is chiefly known by his work on Ancient Faiths Embodied in Ancient Names, in which he deals with the evidences of phallic worship amongst Jews and other nations. It was first published in ’69. A second edition appeared in ’73. He also wrote Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism Exposed and Explained, ’69, and a controversial Freethought work, entitled Ancient Faiths and Modern, published at New York ’76. Dr. Inman was for some time President of the Liverpool Literary and Philosophical Society, and was physician to the Royal Infirmary of that city. His professional life was one of untiring industry. He wrote several medical works, including two volumes on the Preservation and Restoration of Health. Died at Clifton, 3 May. 1876.
Iron (Ralph), pseudonym of Olive Schreiner, q.v.
Isnard (Felix), French physician, b. Grasse 1829. Author of a work on Spiritualism and Materialism, 1879.