Mankind displayed: or, The history of the little vvorld being a curious collection out of the best authors of the most wonderful and remarkable things that have been performed by men and women in the several ages of the world; together with select observations, philosophical precepts, maxims of state, &c.

Men of Industry and Haters of Idleness.

Elfred, a King of the West Saxons, before the Conquest here in England, disposed the day and night equally divi∣ded into three parts to three special u∣ses, and observed them duly by the bur∣ning of a great Taper set up in his Cha∣pel: Eight hours he spent in medita∣tion, reading, prayers, for his Souls health; Eight hours in provision for him∣self, his recreation and repose, for the health of his body; and the other Eight hours he spent about the Affairs of his Kingdom. [Baker's Chronicle.

'Tis said of Dr. Thomas Aquinas, that he could scarce see those before him, or hear the voice of any so as to under∣stand what was said, he was continual∣ly so intent on his Studies.

The Learned Dr. John Scaliger, one of the greatest Scholars that ever was in the World, 'tis said of him, that he did usually spend sixteen of the twenty four hours of the day, in his Studies, he did scarce allow himself moderate re∣pose.