His health having gradually failed, he died on the 11th May, 1871, in
the seventy-ninth year of his age.
THE EARL OF ROSSE.
The subject of our present sketch occupies quite a distinct position
in scientific history. Unlike many others who have risen by their
scientific discoveries from obscurity to fame, the great Earl of
Rosse was himself born in the purple. His father, who, under the
title of Sir Lawrence Parsons, had occupied a distinguished position
in the Irish Parliament, succeeded on the death of his father to the
Earldom which had been recently created. The subject of our present
memoir was, therefore, the third of the Earls of Rosse, and he was
born in York on June 17, 1800. Prior to his father's death in 1841,
he was known as Lord Oxmantown.
The University education of the illustrious astronomer was begun in
Dublin and completed at Oxford. We do not hear in his case of any
very remarkable University career. Lord Rosse was, however, a
diligent student, and obtained a first-class in mathematics. He
always took a great deal of interest in social questions, and was a
profound student of political economy. He had a seat in the House of
Commons, as member for King's County, from 1821 to 1834, his
ancestral estate being situated in this part of Ireland.
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