Conta (Basil), Roumanian philosopher, b. Neamtza 27 Nov. 1845. Studied in Italy and Belgium, and became professor in the University of Jassy, Moldavia. In '77 he published in Brussels, in French, a theory of fatalism, which created some stir by its boldness of thought. Conway (Moncure Daniel), author, b. in Fredericksburg, Stafford co. Virginia, 17 March, 1832. He entered the Methodist ministry '50, but changing his convictions through the influence of Emerson and Hicksite Quakers, entered the divinity school at Cambridge, where he graduated in '54 and became pastor of a Unitarian church until dismissed for his anti-slavery discourses. In '57 he preached in Cincinnati and there published The Natural History of the Devil, and other pamphlets. In '63 Mr. Conway came to England and was minister of South Place from the close of '63 until his return to the States in '84. Mr. Conway is a frequent contributor to the press. He has also published The Earthward Pilgrimage, 1870, a theory reversing Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress; collected a Sacred Anthology from the various sacred books of the world 1873, which he used in his pulpit; has written on Human Sacrifices, 1876, and Idols and Ideals, 1877. His principal work is Demonology and Devil Lore, 1878, containing much information on mythology. He also issued his sermons under the title of Lessons for the Day, two vols., 1883, and has published a monograph on the Wandering Jew, a biography of Emerson, and is at present engaged on a life of Thomas Paine. Cook (Kenningale Robert), LL.D., b. in Lancashire 26 Sept. 1845, son of the vicar of Stallbridge. When a boy he used to puzzle his mother by such questions as, "If God was omnipotent could he make what had happened not have happened." He was intended for the Church, but declined to subscribe the articles. Graduated at Dublin in '66, and took LL.D. in '75. In '77 he became editor of the Dublin University Magazine, in which appeared some studies of the lineage of Christian doctrine and traditions afterwards published under the title of The Fathers of Jesus. Dr. Cook wrote several volumes of choice poems. Died July, 1886. Cooper (Anthony Ashley), see Shaftesbury. Cooper (Henry), barrister, b. Norwich about 1784. He was a schoolfellow of Wm. Taylor of Norwich. He served as midshipman at the battle of the Nile, but disliking the service became a barrister, and acquired some fame by his spirited defence of Mary Ann Carlile, 21 July, 1821, for which the report of the trial was dedicated to him by R. Carlile. He was a friend of Lord Erskine, whose biography he commenced. Died 19 Sept. 1824.