1857. Andrew Ure, author of the Dictionary of Arts, died at London, aged 89.
JANUARY 3.
456. B. C. Myronides the Athenian general defeated the Bœotians at Enophyta.
106. B. C. Birthday of Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman orator.
1641. Jeremiah Horrox, an English astronomer, died. He seems to have been the first to observe the transit of Venus over the sun's disc, from which he deduced many useful observations, though not aware of the full importance of that phenomenon.
1661. Secretary Pepys seeing the comedy of the Beggars' Bush performed at Lincoln Inn Fields, says: "And here the first time that ever I saw women upon the stage."
1670. George Monk, duke of Albemarle, died. He entered the British army at an early age; and in 1639 was engaged in the unfortunate expedition of Charles I against the Scots. He was confined three years in the Tower under the parliament, during which he wrote a work on military and political affairs; but finally accepted a commission in the republican army
against the Irish, the Scotch and the Dutch. But at the death of the Protector he employed his influence to reinstate the Stuarts. In 1666 he was again employed against the son of his old antagonist Tromp, in which the English fleet was much damaged, and both claimed the victory.
1717. Lambert Boss, an eminent Dutch philologist, died. He was born in Friesland 1670; studied under his father who was a clergyman, became private tutor in a family of rank, and subsequently professor of Greek in the university of Franeker. He was an indefatigable student, and regretted every moment which could not be devoted to his favorite pursuit. The number and character of his works mark his industry.
1724. Philip V of Spain abdicated the throne in favor of his son Louis; but he dying the same year, Philip resumed the crown again.