Hereditary genius : an inquiry into its laws and consequences / by Francis Galton.

  • Francis Galton
Date:
1892
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Hereditary genius : an inquiry into its laws and consequences / by Francis Galton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    The eloquent Attorney-General of Ireland was a de- scendant. Usher, James, D.D., Archbishop of Armagh (1580— 1656, et. 76). Asa child he showed a remarkable attach- ment to books, and he became a great student as he grew older. He was the subject of universal admiration for his great erudition and wise and noble character. He was a first-rate man, and played a conspicuous part on many stages. His constitution was sound and healthy. F. Arnold Usher ; was one of the six clerks of the Chancery in Ireland, and a man of parts and learning. U. Henry Usher, also Archbishop of Armagh, was highly celebrated for wisdom and knowledge. g. James Stanihurst ; was three times Speaker of the House of Commons in Ireland, Recorder of Dublin, and Master in Chancery. He was highly esteemed for his wisdom and abilities. u. James Stanihurst; was a philosopher, historian, and poet. B. Ambrose Usher, who died in the prime of life, was a man of very extraordinary powers ; he had attained great proficiency in the Oriental tongues. [2 U.] The Archbishop was taught in his childhood by two blind aunts, who knew the Bible by heart, and so con- trived to teach him to read out of it.—Ingenious, persevering ladies ! James Usher was, therefore, a remarkable instance of hereditary ability associated with constitutional vigour, and apparently of a durable type. Unluckily for the world, he married an heiress,—an only daughter,—who appears, like many other heiresses, to have inherited a deficiency of prolific power, for she bore him only one daughter. Welch, John (1570—1623, ext. 53). He was profligate in his youth, and joined the border-thieves, but he repented and grew to be extremely Puritanical. The flesh upon his knees became “ callous, like horn,” from his frequent prayings upon them. He was “ grievously tempted ” throughout the whole of his life, and prayed and groaned at nights. His constitution was robust, and he underwent great fatigues. Married the daughter of John Knox* (see above), and had three sons by
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