Socrates
The most celebrated philosopher of antiquity, born near Athens, whose virtues rendered his name venerated. His independence of spirit created for him many enemies, and he was accused of making innovations in the religion of the Greeks. He was con. demned to death by drinking hemlock, and expired a few moments after imbibing the poison, in his seventieth year, B. c. 400. His wife was Xanthippe, remarkable for her shrewish disposition, for which her name has become proverbial.