Studies in the life of Robert Boyle, F.R.S. Part III. The charitable disposal of Robert Boyle's residuary estate

WHEN Robert Boyle became ‘ sensible from the decays of his health, that his death could not be very remote, he determined upon drawing up his last will, which he signed and sealed upon the 18th of July 1691 ’, (1) * and he added several codicils before his death in the following December. With regard to the residue of his personal estate Robert Boyle directed that it ‘ be laid out by my said dear sister, in case she survive me, and in case of her death, by my executors, in such manner, as by my codicil or other writing under my hand I shall hereafter direct ; and for want of such direction, for charitable and other pious and good uses at her or their discretion. But I do chiefly recommend unto her and them the laying of the greatest part of the same for the advance or propagation of the Christian religion amongst infidels.’ (2) By a codicil dated 28 July 1691 the testator desired a lectureship to be founded and endowed with the sum of £50 per annum for the purpose of ‘ proving the Christian religion against notorious Infidels ’. (3) It was by this addition to the will that the later famous Boyle Lecture was established, but apart from this he gave no directions for the disposal of his residuary estate. Catherine, Lady Ranelagh, who was one of the executors named in the will, predeceased her brother. In her stead, by the last codicil added to his will on 29 December 1691, the day before he died, Robert Boyle appointed Sir Henry Ashurst, Bart. (4)