Hypatia’s School crouded with Scholars of the best Fashion. She is admired for her incomparable Beauty, and the vast Extent of her Learning.

Now, I cannot but here represent to myself with Pleasure, let who will censure me for it, the Flower of all the Youth in Europe, Asia, and Africa, sitting at the Feet of a most beautiful Lady (for such we are assur’d Hypatia was) all greedily swallowing Instruction from her Mouth, and many of ’em Love from her Eyes. How she serv’d one of this last Sort, shall be told in its due Place. It was doubtless a Thing impossible, not to improve under such a Teacher; as one must be equally stupid and insensible, that could not be powerfully affected by a charming Mind in a charming Body. I am sure this Reflection is very agreeable to that Philosophy she peculiarly professed; and accordingly the Alexandrian School never flourish’d more. Her Disciples entered into a strict Tye of Intimacy with one another, stiling themselves Companions, or, as in our Colleges Fellows; which was likewise the Custom at Athens, and in other famous Seminaries of Learning. This commonly begot Effects of Benevolence thro’ the whole Course of their Lives, and sometimes Acts of Friendship very extraordinary. Hypatia was by way of Excellence named The Philosopher, altogether as much on Account of her profound Knowledge, as for her public Profession of Teaching. Nor was any Professor ever more admired by the World, or more dear to his own Scholars. Hers were as remarkable as numerous.