Ephraim Chambers

Ephraim Chambers (c. 1680 – 15 May 1740) was an English writer and encyclopaedist, who is primarily known for producing the Cyclopaedia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences.

Little is known of his early life but he attended Heversham Grammar School,[3] then was apprenticed to a globe maker, John Senex, in London from 1714 to 1721.

[5][6] The first edition of the Cyclopaedia appeared by subscription in 1728 and was dedicated to George II, King of Great Britain.

He also worked with John Martyn to translate the History and Memoirs of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris (1742).

[5][8] Chambers' epitaph, written by himself, was published in both the original Latin and in English in the Gentleman's Magazine, volume 10, as follows (translation is the original): Multis pervulgatus paucis notus Qui vitam inter lucem et umbram Nec eruditus nec idiota Literis deditus transegit, sed ut homo Qui humani nihil a se alienum putat Vita simul et laboribus functus Hic requiescere voluit