Page:Lives of British Physicians.djvu/323

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PARRY. 301 he was thoroughly conversant. Amongst his last writings was an Essay on the Character of Hamlet, which, even in the midst of an afflicting illness, he dictated to his daughters. His accurate acquaintance with the history and relations of his own and other countries had ren- dered him the esteemed friend and correspondent of Burke and of Windham. Letters, addressed to the latter, on the internal defence of Great Britain at the time of a threatened invasion, and on the recommendation of spearmen or lancers, and light artillery, are still in existence. His insight into our commercial relations is evinced by a series of letters which point out the importance of our South American trade, particularly that of the colonies of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice; and which, in 1796, were published in the " Sun," under the signature " Nereus." As a metaphy- sician, few individuals possessed a clearer head, or a more profound judgment. Many MSS. remain which exhibit his own originality, his admiration of Locke, and the low esteem in which he gene- rally held the philosophy of the Scotch school. Dr. Parry's correspondence was very extensive, as well on the subject of medicine, as of agricul- ture, gardening, and other topics. Many ad- mirable letters, addressed to two of his sons, who were spending three or four years on the Continent, and to his youngest son, in the navy, indicate his paternal care and affection, and the value of his precepts and advice. In person Dr. Parry was remarkably handsome. With much dignity of manner he united a certain playfulness, which, while through life it had