Brief Lives, Vol. 1

Note FN — THE 'LIVES' (continued 6)

Reading edition

(P. 328.) Aubrey took great interest in this as an example in astrology, in which 'art' he thoroughly believed. He alludes to Hobbes's horoscope in several places, e.g. note on fol. 32v in MS. Aubr. 9:—

'Dr. <Francis> Bernard, physitian, will write a discourse on his nativity. Mr. John Gadbury hath calculated this nativity from my time given, and will print it. Why should not I insert' <dupl. with 'print'> 'the scheme and give a summary of his judgement? It would be gratefull to those that love that art.' Whereon Anthony Wood notes—'You should never ask these questions but do them out of hand forthwith—you have time enough, and if it be done by Easter terme 'tis well.'

MS. Aubr. 9, fol. 28:—'<Send> to Mr. J. Gadbury and Dr. Bernard <T. H.'s> accidents.'

MS. Aubr. 8, fol. 8:—'T. Hobbes—Quaere Dr. Bernard pro his nativity: vide my Collection of Genitures ubi from his owne mouth more correct then formerly, viz. 5^h 2´ mane.'

This horoscope is given in MS. Aubr. 8, fol. 82, and is reproduced in facsimile at the end of this edition.

Pasted on to fol. 1^v of MS. Aubr. 9 is the scheme with this note:—'This scheme was erected according to the aestimate time by Mr. Henry Coley, astrologer.—Thomas Hobbes, Malmesburiensis, borne at Westport juxta Malmesbury, 1588, April 5, being Good Fryday, 5^h 2´ mane, hora solis[1674]. I had the yeare and day and houre from his owne mouth.'

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