HEIDELBERG, a considerable and populous town of Germany, subject to the Grand Duke of Baden, with a celebrated university. It is noted for its great tun, which holds 800 hogsheads, generally kept full of good Rhenish wine. It stands in a pleasant rich country, and was a famous seat of learning. It was first reduced to a heap of ruins in 1622 by the Spaniards; and the rich library was transported partly to Vienna, and partly to the Vatican at Rome. After this it enjoyed the benefits of peace, till the Protestant electoral house became extinct, and a bloody war ensued, in which not only the castle was ruined, but the tombs and bodies of the electors were shamefully violated and pillaged. This happened in 1693; and the people of the Palatinate were obliged to leave their dwellings, and to go for refuge into foreign countries. To add to these misfortunes, the elector resided at Manheim, and carried most of the people of distinction along with him. The great tun was broken to pieces in 1693 by the French, and at great expence in 1729 was repaired. The town stands on the river Neckar, over which there is a handsome bridge. The town having been annexed to Baden by Bonaparte, its university was patronised by the new government, and has now 26 professors, with 500 or 600 students. The library is large, and very rich in manuscripts. E. Long. 8. 48. N. Lat. 49. 25.