The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700

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Souvenir of Sir Thomas Browne, With Twelve Illustrations, and Notes

Secondary Title (i.e. Proceedings Title): Periodical Title: Publication Type:book Authors:Williams, Charles Editors: Publisher:Jarrod & Sons Place of Publication:London and Norwich Publication Date:1905 Alternate Date (i.e. Conference Date): Volume: Issue: Start Page: End Page: Abstract:Introduction:

Sir Thomas Browne was the most learned man that ever dwelt in the City of Norwich. We are informed by him that he was thoroughly conversant "with no less than six languages," that he had "not only seen several countries, beheld the nature of their climes, the chorography of the provinces, the topography of their cities, but understood their several laws, customs, and policies." This familiarity with foreign countries made Sir Thomas a citizen of the world in the largest sense, and the result was that no man could probably be less under the influence of national bias than he was. "I feel not in myself those common antipathies that I can discover in others ; those natural repugnances do not touch me, nor do I behold with prejudice the natives of other countries, but where I find their actions in balance with my countrymen, I honour, love, and embrace them in the same degree."

He was a humorist; that must be evident enough to the reader of "Religio Medici," who will soon discover that he is dealing with one whose humour is irresistible, so much so, that it oozes through some of the gravest passages of that work.

He was no mean botanist. On this point he observes: "I know most of the plants of my country and of those about me (Shibden-Dale), yet methinks I do not know so many as when I did but know a hundred, and had scarcely ever simpled further than Cheapside." Sir Thomas is now alluding to his boyhood which was spent in the parish of St. Michael-le-Quern, Cornhill.

The knowledge we possess of his intellectual abilities enables us to think of him not only as a philosopher, but as a naturalist and an antiquary, as well as a scholar.

The time had arrived when it was deemed fitting that some kind of honour should be paid to so distinguished a citizen; that duty has now been worthily executed in an appropriate and permanent manner.

The opportunity was thus afforded the writer of this Souvenir to issue a series of illustrations with descriptive notes, having reference to
the life and times of Sir Thomas Browne; it is hoped that this small tribute will be appreciated by those who admire and venerate ''the
light of Norwich."
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Documents in Print Item: No Documents Listed in Print Item Attached People: Subject of/in a document - Browne, Thomas (19 Nov 1605-19 Oct 1682)
 Location(s): Subject of discourse or work of art - Shibden-Dale (Valley) -> Halifax (Settlement)
Subject of discourse or work of art - Browne residence (Residence) -> South end of the Market Place facing the Haymarket (Address)
Subject of discourse or work of art - Upper Shibden Hall (Residence) -> Shibden-Dale (Valley)
Subject of discourse or work of art - Church of St. Peter Mancroft (Church) -> Norwich (Settlement)
 Bibliographic Source(s): No Bibliographic Sources Attached To This Item
 Items Which List This As A Bibliographic Source: None Images Contained: Portrait of Thomas Browne..., page: n.p.
The Browne Family..., page: n.p.
Shibden-Dale..., page: n.p.
Browne residence..., page: n.p.
The Palace of the Duke of Norfolk..., page: n.p.
Statue of Browne..., page: n.p.
Monument to the Memory of Sir Thomas Bro..., page: n.p.
Browne's drawing room..., page: n.p.
The Church of St. Peter Mancroft..., page: n.p.
Browne's Coffin Plate..., page: n.p.
 Objects Contained: No Objects Attached To This Item
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