GLANVILL, Joseph, English ecclesiastic: b. Plymouth, 1636; d. Bath, November 1680. After studying at Exeter College, Oxford, he pursued theological studies at Lincoln College, being graduated M.A. in 1658. He held the post of chaplain at Eton, and after the Refor mation became in turn rector of Wimbush, Essex, vicar of Frome Selwood, Somersetshire, rector of Streat and Walton. From there he was appointed to the Abbey Church at Bath, and in 1678 became prebendary of Worcester Cathedral. From 1672 until his death he was chaplain in ordinary to Charles II. His earliest work was 'The Vanity of Dogmatiz by which he is best known. It is the basis for Matthew Arnold's poem, 'The Scholar Gipsy.' Beginning with the Cartesian theory of cause and effect, Glanvill advances to the conclusion that there is only one great cause to which all others are merely secondary. Scientific reasoning, therefore, becomes the means for establishing the basis of faith. The "Popish Plot* brought forth a spirited defense of Protestantism under the title, 'The Zealous and Impartial Protestant' (1681). His other
works include a revision of his first treatise 'Scepsis Scientifica: or Confest Ignorance the Way to Science' (1665) ; 'Philosophical Con siderations concerning the existence of Sorcer ers and Sorcery' (1666); (Sadducismus Tri umphatus' (1681) ; 'Plus Ultra; or the Prog ress and Advancement of Knowledge Since the Days of Aristotle' (1668), a noteworthy de fense of the work of the Royal Society of Lon don; 'The Ways of Happiness' (1670); 'An Earnest Invitation to the Lord's Supper' (1673) ; 'Essays on Several Important Subjects in Philosophy and Religion' (1676) ; 'An Essay Concerning Preaching' (1678) and 'Sermons,' Glanvill gave undue importance in his psychical research to rumors concerning quasi-supernatural events, but in general his studies show a profound appreciation of the scientific method. Consult Lecky, W. E. H., 'Rationalism in Europe' (1865). •