THOMAS, LLD., was bore in 1772. Ho was educated for the Christian ministry in connection with the Secession Church of Scotland, and we believe held a pastoral charge in connection with that body at :stifling in the early part of his c.vreer, but it is as a popular writer on physical science that lie is best known to the world. The works by which he first became generally known were the Christian Philosopher,' and the 'Philosophy of Religion.' These were followed by works on the 'Improvement of Society by the Diffusion of Knowledge,' the 'Mental Illumination of Mankind," The Philosophy of a Future State,' a ' Treatise on tho Solar System,' 'Celestial Scenery," The Sidereal Heavens," The Practical Astro nomer,' and an essay on ' Christian Beneficence, contrasted with Covetousness; written in competition for the prize which was con ferred on Dr. Harris for his work, Entitled ' 31ammon : or Covetousness the sin of the Christian Church.' Dr. Dick is a man of singularly unobtrusive disposition, and has been content to labour perseveriugly for the public instruction, although his immediate reward is but small. Hie principal works have been reprinted at low prices, and
have had extensive circulation, yet the author has derived little pecuniary benefit from them. A public subscription on his behalf as an acknowledgment of the benefits he has conferred upon society was projected a few years since by some of his admirers, but realised a very small amount, the appeal having been more successful in America than in the author's native country. Dr. Dick's works have been reprinted and very extensively sold in the United States. Dr. Dick resides in the small village of Proughty.Ferry, on the left bank of the river Tay, in Forfarshire. Besides instructing the public by his pen, Dr. Dick has been in the habit of accepting occasional appointments to preach in neighbouring churches, and also to deliver popular lectures on scieutilic subjects. A few years ago a small pension was granted to him by the government in acknowledgment of his services in the advancement of popular ?dace.