Author:
William Paley (1743-1805), philosopher and utilitarian, creationist author of 'Natural Theology' [Thomas Paley; Magdalene College, Cambridge]
Publication details:
Temple [London]; 17 June 1801.
The subject of the present letter, Thomas Paley, was certainly related to William Paley, but they were not brothers, as Paley had none. The reason for the lack of information about Thomas Paley is his disgrace. In 1806, five years after the present letter was written, Thomas Paley, a senior fellow and tutor at Magdalene, was forbidden to reside at the college (while still retaining his stipend), being guilty of 'highly offensive and injurious conduct providing a dangerous example to juniors' in ways 'which from delicacy cannot be specified' (see Cunich, 'History of Magdalene College').
