[Born at Lancaster, 1795. Still living.]
The Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and at this moment the
greatest ornament of that celebrated university. He has been tutor in
the college of which he is the Head, and Professor of Mineralogy.
Subsequently appointed to the Chair of Moral Philosophy, which he still
occupies. A great promoter of the study of this branch of human
learning, both by his writings and his oral lectures. Has contributed
valuable essays on the subject of education, with especial reference to
the studies of his own university. Has enriched mathematical and
physical science with many original investigations; is the author of a
great work on the History and Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, and
of many scientific treatises exhibiting the application of the higher
mathematics to natural philosophy. The vigour, activity, vivacity, and
quickness of his intellect is extraordinary: his memory, in relation to
almost every branch of literature and science, is rich to overflowing,
and his faculty of conversation brilliant. The mind of William Whewell,
by natural, impetuous action, invades all territories of knowledge, and
grasps at a dominion forbidden by the term allotted to human life: but
that mind, clearly and beyond all doubt, has power to grapple and to
deal effectually with all that it has time to apprehend and seize. It is
not to be wondered, that the temper of so ardent a spirit should be
hasty: that its nature is frank, generous, and noble.
[By E. H. Baily, R.A. 1850.]