Dictionary.net

An English writer and traveler, who was more remarkable than his books. He was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1829; died at Twickenham, England, Dec. 23, 1888. Of good family and position, he roamed over the earth, deeply interested in the mystic philosophy of the East; and while sometimes holding official positions, was essentially a dreamer who cared most for the things of the spirit, and gave up brilliant prospects and the pleasures dearest to humanity in order to elevate his soul. He published a dozen books, including three novels; several works of a politico-military nature, such as "A Narrative of the Earl of Elgin's Mission to China and Japan" (1860); and journalistic and philosophic books, like "Episodes in a Life of Adventure" (1887) and "Scientific Religion (1888).