CHAMBERS (Ephraim), an eminent philosopher and fellow of the royal society, who has perpetuated his name by a most laborious work, first published in 1727, in two folio volumes, under the title of Cyclopædia; or, An Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences. All we know of Mr Chambers, is, that he served an apprenticeship to Senex a globe and map maker; but finding himself under no necessity to follow business, he took chambers in Gray's-Inn, devoted himself to study, and died about the year 1740.—The proprietors of the above work afterwards procured a Supplement to be compiled, which extended to two volumes more. Of both these the compilers of the ENCYCLOPÆDIA BRITANNICA have availed themselves, by extracting every thing of value; every thing that, in the present improved state of science, seemed admissible, or concerning which no better information could be obtained.