AIKEN, JOHN, M.D., born at Warrington in Lancashire, was the only son of the Rev. Dr. John Aiken, who, for many years, was one of the masters in the Dissenting Academy at Warrington, before its removal to Hackney. The son received his elementary education at that seminary: his medical studies he prosecuted in the university of Edinburgh,
and in London under the celebrated Dr. William Hunter. He commenced his professional career as a surgeon at Chester; but not succeeding in that episcopal city, he tried to establish himself in his native town. Finally, he went to Leyden, took the degree of M.D. in that university, and attempted to establish himself as a physician in London. His success in this new field does not seem to have been considerable; partly owing to his delicate health, and partly from the singleness of purpose and keenness with which he entered into the engrossing political questions of the day, especially the grand principle of liberty of conscience. Hence he began at an early period to devote himself to literary pursuits. Dr. Aiken's reputation now chiefly rests on his endeavours to popularise scientific inquiries, by rendering them easy of comprehension to the general reader. In conjunction with his sister, Mrs. Barbauld, he commenced the publication of a series of volumes on this principle, entitled Evenings at Home, the sixth and last volume of which appeared in 1796. This attempt to popularise scientific inquiries was a favourite object of Dr. Aiken; and the work obtained a great reputation. It is chiefly commendable for the purity of the principles it inculcates, and the pleasing views it gives of human nature. His love of nature, and his power in delineating her features, are well illustrated in The Natural History of the Year, as well as in his miscellaneous Essays.
In 1798 Dr. Aiken retired from professional life, and devoted himself with great industry to literary undertakings of varied and numerous kinds, among which his valuable Biographical Dictionary holds a conspicuous place. In this he was assisted by Enfield. It appeared in ten quarto volumes, from 1799 to 1815. Besides these he published Lives of John Selden and Archbishop Usher, Memoirs of Huet Bishop of Avranches, Geographical Delineations of All Nations, &c. &c.
A stroke of apoplexy terminated his life on the 7th of December 1822. The following is a list of the principal works of Dr. Aiken.—1. Essay on the Legation of Arlerias, 1771.—2. Thoughts on Hospitals, 1771.—3. Observations on the external use of preparations of Lead, 1771.—4. Essay on the application of Natural History to Poetry, 1777.—5. Essay on the Plan and Character of Thomson's Seasons, 1778.—6. Biographical Memoirs of Medicine in Britain, 1780.—7. Poems, 1791.—8. A view of the character and public services of John Howard, Esq., 1792.—9. Description of the country round Manchester, 1795.—10. Evenings at Home, 6 vols. finished in 1796.—11. Natural History of the Year.—12. Letters to a Son, 1796.—13. General Biography, 10 vols. 4to. 1799 to 1815.—14. Letters to a Son, 2 vols. 1806.—15. Essays on Song-Writing, 1810.—16. Annals of the Reign of George III., from 1760 to 1815.—17. England Described, 1818.—18. Works of the British Poets, 1820. (T. S. T.)