from Glasgow, engaged several young men as amanuenses,[1] and devoted himself exclusively to the compilation.
In this literary seclusion, Dr Watt was for some time able to make great progress in his undertaking; but, though freed from worldly interruptions, he had to combat with a disease which was every day becoming more formidable, and which at last obliged him to discontinue all personal labour. He still, however, continued to oversee and direct his amanuenses; and nothing could exceed the kind attention which he paid to their comforts, even when suffering under his fatal malady. In his own retirement, he practised every method which his knowledge or experience could suggest to stem the progress of the disease, but they were all unavailing. In the hope that travel and a sea voyage might benefit him, he went in one of the Leith smacks to London, made a considerable tour through England, and returned more exhausted and emaciated than before. From that period, until his death, he was scarcely out of bed, but underwent, with wonderful fortitude, an afflicting and uninterrupted illness of several months. He died upon the 12th of March, 1319, aged only forty-five, and was interred in the Glasgow High Church burying ground.
Dr Watt's personal appearance was prepossessing. He was tall in stature, and in early life, before his health declined, robust. His countenance displayed great intelligence. In private life, he was universally esteemed. His character was formed on the strictest principles of morality, with which was blended a general urbanity of manners, that won at once the good-will of whoever he addressed. His conversation was communicative and engaging, apart equally from dulness and tediousness, as from what is quite as intolerable, a continued study at effect. In his habits, he was extremely regular and persevering. There was nothing from which he shrunk, if usefulness recommended it, and exertion made it attainable. This is particularly exemplified in his undertaking and executing such a work as the "Bibliotheca Britannica," the bare conception of which would, to an ordinary or less active mind, have been appalling; but which, beset as he was by professional duties and a daily increasing malady, he undertook and accomplished. But laborious as the work is—beyond even what the most intelligent reader can imagine—it is not alone to industry and perseverance that Or Watt has a claim upon our notice. He was ingenious and original-minded in all his schemes; and while his great ambition was that his labours might be useful, he was careful that they should not interfere with those of others. His various works, both published and unpublished, bear this distinction. The whole plan of the "Bibliotheca" is new; and few compilations, of similar magnitude and variety, ever presented, in a first edition, a more complete design and execution. It is divided into two parts; the first part containing an alphabetical list of authors, to the amount of above forty thousand, and under each a chronological list of his works, their various editions, sizes, price, &c., and also of the papers he may have contributed to the more celebrated journals of art and science. This division differs little in its construction from that of a common catalogue, only that it is universal in its character, and in many instances gives short biographical notices of the author, and critical opinions of his works. It also gives most ample lists of the various editions of the Greek and Roman classics, &c., and, under the names of the early printers, lists of the various books which they printed. In the second part, all the titles of works recorded in the first part, and also anonymous works, are arranged alphabetically under their principal subjects. This part forms a minute index
- ↑ Among those so engaged were the late Mr William Motherwell, who distinguished himself by his beautiful ballads; and the late Mr Alexander Whitelaw, editor of "The Casquet," "Republic of Letters." &c.
