BOYD, Zachary, a learned clergyman of the Scottish Church, was born towards the end of the 16th century, and died in 1653 or 1654. He was for many years regent in the college of Saumur in France, but returned to his native country in 1621, to escape the persecution of the Protestants. In 1623 he was appointed minister of the Barony church in Glasgow, aud held the office of rector of the university in the years 1634, 1635, and 1645. He bequeathed to the university the half of his fortune, a sum amounting to £20,000 Scots, besides his library and MSS. His bust over the gateway within the court commemorates his important benefactions. The number of his published works was considerable, and eighty-six of his MSS. are said to be preserved in the library of Glasgow College. His poetical compositions are not without some merit, though the remarkable eccentricity of some of them has generally made them a source of amusement rather than edification. The common statement that he made the printing of his metrical version of the Bible a condition of the reception of his grant to the university is a mistake.

His best known works are The Last Battle of the Soule in Death, 1629, of which a new edition, with a biography by Mr Neil, was published at Glasgow in 1831; Zion's Flowers, 1644; the English Academie; and Songs of Zion.

BOYDELL, John, an engraver, chiefly known by his plates illustrating Shakespeare, was born at Dorrington in 1719. At the age of twenty-one he came to London and was apprenticed for seven years to an engraver. In 1746 he published a volume of views in England and Wales, and started in business as a printscller. By his good taste and liberality he managed to secure the services of the best artists, and his engravings were executed with such skill that his business became extensive and lucrative. He succeeded in his plan of a Shakespeare gallery, and obtained the assistance of the most eminent painters of the day, whose contributions were exhibited publicly for many years. The engravings from these paintings form a splendid companion volume to his large edition of Shakespeare’s works. Towards the close of his life Boydell sustained severe losses through the French Revolution, and was compelled to dispose of his Shakespeare gallery by lottery. It had been his wish and intention to bequeath it to the nation. He died in 1804 before the lottery took place. Some years before his death he had held the position of Lord Mayor of London.