ADAM. The name of a distinguished fancily of British architects of the eighteenth century. WILLIAm ADANI (1.1718) was the author of the library and university of Glasgow and of many public and private buildings at Dundee (town hall) and Edinburgh. His four sons. especially lloitt:ar (1727-92) and 'balms ( 1-1794), were prolific and successful architects. and under Robert's leadership did a great deal to remodel London. Itobe•t's studies in Italy and Dalmatia preceded his settling in Loudon. and his book on Dioeletian's palace at Spalato increased his reputation, as also did the publication of en gravings of the brothers' designs. The Adclphi Terrace and buildings are by Robert, as are also the Register House at Edinburgh, Kedleston Hall, near Derby. Lansdowne llouse, and many blocks of London houses, whose deco ration and arrangement the brothers paid great a t t ent ADAM, :1'd:ix', Aliotem: Cilmti.E8 (180:3-50).
A French composer of operas. Ile was born and died in Paris. Though originally intended for cc scientific career, lie entered the conservatory in 1817 and studied composition under Boieltlieu, mainly writing transeriptitms for the piano. In 1829 his one-act opera. Pierre et Catherine, WaS produced with success, and fifty-two more followed, of which Le chalet and Le postilion de bonyjnincau (1836) arc the most famous. The latter. and ids ("antique de Noel, and, besides, the ballets Pa ast and Lc Cormfire, are his best known works in the United States. His chief merits are the eharaeteristie French daintiness and finish. Ile was made professor of compo sition at the conservatory in 1549. Ms auto biography and souvenirs Were published (Paris, I S60). Consult: A. Pouzin, Adolphe Adam, sa vie, etc. (Paris, 1876).