A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Aikin, Lucy
An English writer, was the only daughter of Dr. Aikin, the brother of Mrs. Barbauld. Like her father and aunt, she devoted herself to literature. Her principal works are: "Epistles on the Character of Women," "Juvenile Correspondence," "The Life of Zuinglius, the Reformer," and a "History of the Court of Queen Elizabeth." She lived in the latter part of the eighteenth and the early part of the present century. Her "Memoir" of her father. Dr. John Aikin, is a beautiful tribute of filial affection. She was enabled, by the careful education he had given her, to enjoy the pleasures of mental intercourse with him; and how well she repaid his care, this monument she has constructed to the memory of his genius and goodness is a touching and enduring proof. At the close of the Memoir, she describes the feebleness which oppressed his body, while yet his mind could enjoy, in a degree, the pleasures of intellect; and in such a way as necessarily made him entirely dependent on female care and society.
The writings of Miss Aikin are attractive from their quiet, good sense, refined taste, and kind spirit always exhibited. Her last work, "The Life of Addison," was somewhat severely criticised in regard to the accuracy of dates, and some other matters, of minor importance when compared with the value of this contribution to the memory of a good man and an accomplished scholar. The character of Mr. Addison was never before set in so favourable a light; and Miss Aikin deserves to have her memory revered by all who love to see the works that genius has left made themes of affectionate study, by one who could sympathize with the literary tastes, and benevolent feelings of the philanthropist and the author.