Demidov

or Demidoff, a wealthy and influential Ru ian family, whose head was an armory-founder at Toula. This Demidoff was intrusted by Peter the Great with the busine of casting the cannon for that prince’s numerous warlike expeditions. He actively seconded all the exertions of the czar, and in 1725 discovered the mines of Kolyvan, the working of which speeday enriched him. He left a son, NITIKA, and several grandsons, who distinguished themselves in the same career as their progenitor, and ama ed colo al fortunes. The best known of these are Prokop DEMIDOFF, who worked with great profit the iron, copper, and gold mines of the Ura! Mountains; born at Moscow about 1730; NiIKOLAr — a zealous philanthropist, who introduced into his country several branches of industry. founded establishments of public utility, and carried to a great state of perfection the working of mines. He hac an annual income of more than $1,000,000. His last years he pa ed in France and Italy, enjoying the society of learned men, and heaping benefits on all around him.