6 BRITISH PHYSICIANS. novations in this particular, and to preserve the corrupt sound of the Greek alphabet, — so little liberty was then allowed of any kind ! The pe- nalties inflicted upon the new pronunciation, were no less than whipping, degradation, and expulsion ; and the bishop declared that, rather than permit the liberty of innovating in the pronunciation of the Greek alphabet, it was better that the language itself were totally banished the university. Notwithstanding the ridicule of this officious and misplaced zeal in so trivial a matter, it is im- possible not to pause for a moment, and reflect how important an event was the taking of Con- stantinople, and the subsequent diffusion of the language and learning of the Greeks over the hitherto barbarous nations of Europe ; more espe- cially when we view it as connected with the other mighty changes which either preceded, or almost immediately followed it. The discovery of both the Indies, the invention of the art of printing, of gunpowder, and the great innovations effected in religion, combined to make so general a revolu- tion in human affairs, that commerce, arts, science, and government, all received at this period an im- pulse towards improvement, from which they have never yet receded. But to return to Linacre. On his settling in England, his reputation became so high, that king Henry YII. called him to court, and en- trusted him with the care both of the health and education of liis son. Prince Arthur. Linacre is said also to have instructed Princess Catharine in the Itahan language. As the prince died at six- teen years of age, this important trust could not
