[Born in Scotland, 1765. Died, 1832. Aged 67.]
A strong and shrewd intellect: determined by native impulse and aptness
to the metaphysical speculations, which, in the country where he was
born, make regularly an important part of a liberal education. He sought
and maintained the character of a dispassionate inquirer, reading
extensively and carefully weighing conflicting opinions. More a student
than a man of action; yet, even in study, his energies clogged by a
natural indolence. Mackintosh, though descended from Jacobites, was a
Whig. In 1791, he wrote a defence of the French Revolution, in answer to
Burke; but, in less than four years, confessed that bitter experience
had overthrown his generous argument. Adopting the law as a profession,
he received promotion in India at the hands of his political allies.
After seven years’ service, entered Parliament. He wrote an admirable
“Dissertation on the Progress of Ethical Philosophy” for the
“Encyclopædia Britannica,” and he was engaged on a “History of the
Revolution of 1688,” when he died. A man of great learning,
philosophical clearness, and fine perception. Yet his works lack method
and elegance, and fail, from the absence of these qualities, to do
justice to the intellect that fashioned them.
[By Christopher Moore. Executed in 1829 for Lord Nugent.]