JOHANN SALOMON, a theological writer of considerable influence in Germany during his day, was born at Saalfeld on the 18th of December 1725. He was the son of an archdeacon of Saalfeld, and was early initiated into the doctrines of the Pietists, which, however, he ultimately exchanged for the rising Rationalism of the time. He was educated at Halle, where he greatly distinguished himself, and was appointed to a professorship at Coburg in 1749. Next year he was made editor of the Coburg Zeitung, and was removed to Altendorf as professor of history and poetry. He was chosen, in 1751, professor of theology at Halle, where he delivered a course of exceedingly popular lectures, betraying extensive reading, but deficient in order and arrangement. In 1757 he was made director of the theological seminary, which he held till his dismissal in 1779 by the minister Zeidtitz. He spent much of his time in theological controversy, and attacked his opponents with considerable bitterness. His adoption of the Prussian edict regarding religion, in 1778, exposed him to the charge of inconsistency, and embroiled him in unceasing feuds, which were ended only with his life. He died on the 14th of March 1794. Semler was an industrious writer, and produced numerous works during the course of his life, of which the principal are his Abhandlung von der Untersuchung des Canons, 4 vols. 1771; Apparatus ad Liberalem Veteris Testamenti Interpretationem, 1773; Institutio ad Doctrinam Christianam, 1774; De Demoniacis, 1760; Umsichtliche Untersuchung der damischen Laute, 1762; Versuch einer biblischen Demonologie, 1776; Selecta capita Historiae Ecclesiasticae, 1767-69; Commentationes Historicae de Antiquo Christi-anorum Statu, 2 vols. 1771-72; Versuch Christlicher Jahrbücher, 2 vols. 1783-86; Observationes Norae, 1784; and his Autobiographie, 2 vols. 1781-82.

SEMILIN, or ZEMLIN (Hung. Zimony), a town of the Austrian empire, in the Military Frontier, on the left bank of the Danube, just above its confluence with the Save, on the other side of which stands Belgrade on Turkish ground. It consists of an inner town, and a suburb called Franzenthal. The former contains some good streets and substantial houses; but the place, as a whole, is mean and wretched, especially the quarter called Zinkenberg, which is inhabited by gypsies. Among the edifices are five Roman Catholic and two Greek churches, a synagogue, an hospital, a theatre, and several schools. Semlin has a very important trade, as it is the great emporium for commerce between Turkey and the Austrian empire, and the principal quarantine station on the frontier. Woolen cloth, porcelain, and glass are sent to Turkey; and yarn, leather, skins, honey, and meerschaum-pipes obtained in return. The town is fortified, and is occupied by a military community, consisting chiefly of Slavonians, Croatians, Servians, and Greeks. Pop. 12,978.