Genre:

Sermon, Abstract, Serial

Publications abstracted:

John Emory Emory, John (1789–1835) WBI
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Subjects:

Natural Theology, Ancient Authorities, Reason, Biblical Authority, Progress, Creation, Superstition

People mentioned:

Aristotle Aristotle (384–322 BC) DSB
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    The sermon, which is on the text 1 Cor. 1. 21–24, has been published 'at the request of the [Wesleyan-Methodist] conference' (19). It begins by noting that in the PRESENT 'age of Missionary and Bible Societies a question has been revived, Whether the knowledge of GOD, and its happy effects, be not attainable by the mere exercise of reason, without the aid of revelation'. Emory notes that, in the quoted text, St Paul Paul, Saint (fl. 1st century) CBD
Close   View the register entry >> appeals to historical facts to show that 'the world by wisdom knew not GOD'. (19) Argues that 'The proper province of reason and science is in the service of revelation' (19–20). In this province they are both 'honourable and useful', but when they 'aspire to the ascendancy' and seek to 'supersede the necessity of revelation,—God takes care to humble their pretension, and to pour confusion on their pride'. Divides the subject of the sermon into two parts: 'The insufficiency of human wisdom for the purpose of saving knowledge' and '[t]he means by which it pleases GOD to enlighten and save the world'. (20) Endeavours to place the subject in a practical light. Contrasts knowledge of God before the Christian era among the Jews and the Gentiles. Dismisses the notion that the Jews had their exclusive knowledge of God as a result of intellectual superiority or from innate ideas, and asserts that it came instead from divine revelation. Points out that despite all the 'improvements' made in other branches of knowledge 'by the study and wisdom of men, none has ever been made in the knowledge of GOD, except by revelation of himself'. The idea of 'creation out of nothing' came from revelation, and 'hence the eternity of matter [...] was universally held by those who were unenlightened by revelation'. It is a truth which has the 'clearness and certainty' of 'proper knowledge', unlike the 'imperfection and uncertainty' characteristic of human discoveries. (22) The Jews were, like other nations, inclined to superstitions and idolatries, from which they were only reclaimed by divine revelation. Reviews the religious beliefs of the most accomplished pagans of the pre-Christian era, including the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Pays particular attention to the views of Plato Plato (428–348/7 BC) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>, who 'certainly said many excellent things of a supreme incorporeal intellect, whom he called God' (25). Dismisses the objection that Plato and others 'concealed their real sentiments, from fear of the fate of SOCRATES Socrates (469–399BC) CBD
Close   View the register entry >>'. Concludes: 'So far was the world, by wisdom, from knowing GOD, that just where philosophy and reasoning flourished most, just there precisely did superstition and idolatry also most abound', and illustrates this from the case of Athens. (26)

Genre:

Letter; Extract

Publications extracted:

Chateaubriand 1812 Chateaubriand, François René, vicomte de 1812. Travels in Greece, Palestine, Egypt, and Barbary, During the Years 1806 and 1807, trans. by Frederic Shoberl, 2 vols, London: H. Colburn
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Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Exploration, Natural History, Physical Geography

    Quotes an extensive passage from Chateaubriand describing the physical geography and natural history of Palestine, in confirmation of Moses' prophecies relating to the land (Deut. 28. 23, 24 and 29. 22–25).

Genre:

Miscellaneous; Table

Subjects:

Botany, Theology of Nature, Design, Biogeography

    Observes: 'The most minute, as well as the most magnificent of the objects of creation, exhibit to the contemplative mind evident proofs of the wisdom and goodness of their almighty Author. This has been strikingly illustrated occasionally, in those articles of the Methodist Magazine Arminian Magazine (1778–97) Methodist Magazine (1798–21) Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine (1822–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >> which display the works of GOD' (37). Wishes a more enlarged view could be given of divine design, and elaborates on the great extent of the vegetable kingdom, citing Alexander von Humboldt's Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> estimates of the numbers of known plant species and their geographical location.

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Mawe 1812 Mawe, John 1812. Travels in the Interior of Brazil: Particulary in the Gold and Diamond Districts of that Country, by Authority of the Prince Regent of Portugal, Including a Voyage to the Rio de le Plata, and an Historical Sketch of the Revolution of Buenos Ayres, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
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Subjects:

Mining, Mineralogy

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Chalmers 1821–26 Chalmers, Thomas 1821–26. The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, 3 vols, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins
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Subjects:

Christianity, Political Economy, Disease, Immorality, Medical Treatment, Adulteration, Astronomy, Theology of Nature, Politics, Nomenclature, Astrology, Population

Publications cited:

Chalmers 1817 Chalmers, Thomas 1817. A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation, Viewed in Connection with the Modern Astronomy, Glasgow: John Smith and Son; Edinburgh: William Whyte; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown [and 4 others]
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    Asserts that Christianity has 'complete moral efficacy' to 'correct the most corrupt state of society'. Given that there are Christian countries of long standing where serious social ills exist, concludes that the remedy has been 'adulterated' and improperly applied in some instances. Nevertheless considers that the genuine remedy 'is not lost, as appears from many sufficiently attested cases of relief or cure; and if moral disease still rages, and, in certain districts, spreads its most concentrated contagion [...] the fair inference is, that such districts have been too much neglected by those in whose hands this powerful panacea has been deposited'. Observes that a 'more extensive application' of the treatment is the pressing issue to which Thomas Chalmers's Chalmers, Thomas (1780–1847) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns is addressed. (40) Discusses the alleged causes of the degenerate state of urban populations and attributes it instead to 'the non-application of Christianity' (42). Argues that 'Moral and political evils are inseparably involved', and that statesmen and political economists need to understand the character of 'genuine Christianity'. Claims that, '[b]y a silent operation, and by methods undignified by the technicality of science, it [...] infallibly works out, wherever it prevails, all the ends of good government, and all the results of the science of political economy'. The reviewer does not mean to suggest that political economy 'is useless', since it 'may direct efforts, where it cannot create the principle from which they must spring', but it is 'mere intellectual play, without the operating and corrective influence of religion'. (43) It would be like applying the principle of astrology (were that principle shown to be valid) while ignoring the influence of the most recently discovered planets; the projects of the 'Economist' are affected by 'moral counteractions' which can only be controlled by religion (43–44). Exemplifies this from the poor laws, which encourage 'the spirit of dependence, improvidence, and pauperism', a moral evil 'which cannot submit to a scientific or political cure'. (44) An extract from the book under review suggests that Christianization can have the desired effect without Christian workers knowing about it: 'as well may the inventor of a philosophical apparatus disown the aid of those artizans, who, in utter ignorance of its use, only know how to prepare and put together its materials, as may the [...] speculator in the walks of civil economy disown the aid of those christian labourers, who, in utter ignorance of the new doctrine of population', only know how to lead others to Christian virtue. The reviewer suggests that Christians should look to the 'deep and divine philosophy, of Religion' rather than so much to 'human laws and science'. (45) Observes that these truths have been well expressed by Chalmers, and concludes that the 'practical and stirring nature' of the work 'renders it one of the most important works which has, for many years, issued from the press' (46).

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Physics, Sound, Exploration

People mentioned:

William E Parry Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Exploration, Physiology

People mentioned:

William E Parry Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
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Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Education, Class, Industry, Morality, Endeavour, Religion

People mentioned:

Andrew Ure Ure, Andrew (1778–1857) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Edinburgh School of Arts, Edinburgh School of Arts
Close   View the register entry >> Glasgow Mechanics' Institution Glasgow Mechanics' Institution
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    Welcomes the scientific education of mechanics as a boon to British industry, and for its possible 'moral effect' by 'substituting intellectual for low and sensual enjoyments'. Considers religion the 'principal thing' for moral purposes, but suggests that 'auxiliary plans are not, in their place, to be despised'.

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Magnetism, Chemistry

Genre:

Sermon, Abstract, Serial

Publications abstracted:

John Emory Emory, John (1789–1835) WBI
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Subjects:

Reason, Biblical Authority, Natural History, Astronomy

    The second part of the sermon focuses on 'The means by which it pleases GOD to enlighten and save the world' (83), but continues to make reference to the inadequacy of human reason for religious knowledge. Observes that the Bible is 'in many respects, a learned book', and that 'to be acquainted with its learning, is not only desirable and ornamental, but highly useful'. Observes that learning is required to understand its 'natural history, its philosophy, its astronomy, and all those incidental branches of science which tend either to solve its difficulties, or to elucidate its history'. However, such learning is unnecessary to understand the gospel. Draws an analogy between the gospel and the natural world: 'The earth on which we tread,—the waters which encompass it,—the sun, the moon, and stars, which sine above us, and shed their rays around us,—all these have mysteries and glories to exercise the utmost learning. But, thanks be to God, this is not essential to the enjoyment of their substantial benefits'. (86)

Genre:

Introduction; Extract; Afterword

Publications extracted:

Ireland 1816 Ireland, W. M. 1816. 'Some Account of the External Changes Which Take Place in the Surinam Frog (Rana paradoxa, Linn.), From its Earlier Stages Till it Becomes a Perfect Animal', Quarterly Journal of Science, 1, 55–59
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Subjects:

Natural History, Natural Law, Utility, Theology of Nature, Wonder, Providence, Piety

People mentioned:

Carl Linnaeus Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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    The afterword reflects theologically on the lengthy extract.

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Chalmers 1821–26 Chalmers, Thomas 1821–26. The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, 3 vols, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins
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Subjects:

Political Economy, Christianity, Education, Morality, Reading

    Agrees with Thomas Chalmers Chalmers, Thomas (1780–1847) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> in valuing the parish system and in considering it applicable to the new urban areas. Extracts lengthy quotations concerning the inadequacy of current attempts to introduce Christian virtue to 'the ignorant and vicious poor in large towns' (105) and concerning the more 'agressive movement' that is required, particularly relating to the use of Sunday schools (106). Discusses the need for education to be suffused with religious instruction and contrasts the situations in England and Scotland in this regard.

Genre:

Letter, Extract

Publications extracted:

Mr Reay Reay, Mr (of Carville, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne) (fl. 1822) WM3/1/2d/5
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Subjects:

Mining, Accidents, Chemistry

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

John Sinclair Sinclair, Sir John, 1st Baronet (1754–1835) ODNB
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Subjects:

Agriculture, Botany

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Electromagnetism, Experiment, Discovery

People mentioned:

Michael Faraday, Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> Dominique F J Arago, Arago, Dominique François Jean (1786–1853) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> Carl W Böckmann Böckmann, Carl Wilhelm (fl. 1800–27) RSPCP
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Institutions mentioned:

Académie des Sciences, Paris Académie des Sciences, Paris
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Publications cited:

Bibliothèque Universelle des Sciences, Belles-Lettres, et Arts Bibliothèque Britannique (1796–1815) Bibliothèque Universelle des Sciences, Belles-Lettres, et Arts (1816–35) Bibliothèque Universelle de Genève (1836–57) Bibliothèque Universelle, Revue Suisse et Étrangère. (1858–1878) Bibliothèque Universelle et Revue Suisse (1879–1900+) BUCOP
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Genre:

Abstract

Publications abstracted:

Brewster 1821 Brewster, David 1821. 'Observations on Vision Through Coloured Glasses, and on their Application to Telescopes, and to Microscopes of Great Magnitude', Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, 6, 102–07
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Subjects:

Light, Physiology

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Steam-power, Machinery, Nationalism

People mentioned:

M. Dupin Dupin, Pierre-Charles-François (1784–1873) DSB
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Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

Kotzebue 1821 Kotzebue, Otto von 1821. A Voyage of Discovery, into the South Sea and Beering's Straits, for the Purpose of Exploring a North-East Passage: Undertaken in the Years 1815-1818, at the Expense of His Highness the Chancellor of the Empire, Count Romanzoff, in the Ship Rurick, under the Command of the Lieutenant in the Russian Imperial Navy, Otto von Kotzebue, 3 vols, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
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Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Instinct

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Magnetism, Metrology, Instruments

People mentioned:

John Harrison, Harrison, John (1693–1776) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> King George III George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover (1738–1820) ODNB
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Genre:

Serial, Essay / Afterword

Subjects:

Natural Theology, Reason, Theology of Nature

    Seeks to answer Joseph Priestley's Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> philosophical objections to the doctrine of the divinity of Christ by pointing out that Priestley himself concedes that some of the doctrines he endorses are similarly 'incomprehensible by reason' (161).

Genre:

Introduction; Letter, Extract

Publications extracted:

London Magazine (1760): 651 London Magazine (1732–83) British Library Catalogue
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Subjects:

Christianity, Publishing, Medical Treatment, Electricity

    In the letter, Wesley defends himself from various criticisms. In response to charges that he assumed too much in writing on 'Philosophy and Physic' and that he was meddling with these subjects, he observes that he published his Primitive Physic [Wesley, John] 1747. Primitive Physick; or, An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases, London: Thomas Trye
Close   View the register entry >> and Electricity Made Plain and Useful Wesley, John 1760. The Desideratum; or, Electricity Made Plain and Useful by a Lover of Mankind, and of Common Sense, London: W. Flexney [and 5 others]
Close   View the register entry >> with the intention of doing 'as much good as I can' (171).

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Chalmers 1821–26 Chalmers, Thomas 1821–26. The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, 3 vols, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins
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Subjects:

Political Economy, Christianity, Scientific Practitioners

    Discusses further the principle espoused by Thomas Chalmers Chalmers, Thomas (1780–1847) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> of 'locality' (i.e. the development of local systems of Christian mission), applying it to the Wesleyan-Methodist Church. Approves of Chalmers's advocacy of the use of lay people in Christian missions, quoting at length from his defence of the practice. Chalmers champions the practice of training clergy in 'the general literature of the times', so that 'some of them shall attain an eminence of authority and respect in the other sciences' (175). This is necessary so that Christianity should have its defenders 'in every quarter of human society; and there should be among them such a distribution of weapons, as may be adapted to all the varieties of that extended combat, which is ever going on between the church and the world' (175–76). Argues that while such learning is necessary to uphold Christianity among the well-educated and powerful, it is not generally necessary for purposes of mission among the poor.

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Ward 1821 Ward, William 1821. Farewell Letters to a Few Friends in Britain and America, on Returning to Bengal in 1821, London: Black, Kingsbury, Parbury and Allen
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Exploration, Imperialism, Physical Geography, Christianity, Ethnography

    Observes that it is only recently that people in 'this christian and inquisitive country' (177) have become fully aware of the moral and general wretchedness of the idolatrous nations. This disclosure has been made by missionaries, rather than by military men, merchants, or 'philosophers, who, though they have enriched science by their researches among the peculiar natural productions and phenomena of those distant regions, or more accurately fixed their geographical limits, or opened new fields for literary industry, have left matters of religion either untouched, or very superficially noticed'. While missionaries have contributed much to 'useful and curious knowledge', they have contributed more to 'the knowledge which to christian philanthropy is in the highest degree interesting'. (178)

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Natural History, Wonder

People mentioned:

Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Zoology, Collecting

People mentioned:

Thomas S B Raffles Raffles, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley (1781–1826) DSB
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Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Steam-power, Transport, Invention, Commerce, Accidents

People mentioned:

Mr Griffith Griffith, Mr (fl. 1822) WM3/1/3d/7, WM3/1/11d/6
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Genre:

Reportage, News-Commentary

Subjects:

Accidents, Heat, Physics

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Instruments, Manufactories, Physics, Heat

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Wonder, Ageing, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

Benjamin Silliman Silliman, Benjamin (1779–1864) DSB
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Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Miracle, Astronomy

    Argues that Joshua's injunction that the sun should stand still is not to be understood in 'philosophical' terms, and that it 'referred merely to the appearance of the scene'. Also argues that a miracle was certainly wrought, and that it was probably 'effected by means of a cessation of the earth's motion on its axis'. (233)

Genre:

Extract; Afterword

Publications extracted:

Belzoni 1821, p. 146 Belzoni, Giovanni Battista 1821. Narrative of the Operations and Recent Discoveries within the Pyramids, Temples, Tombs, and Excavations, in Egypt and Nubia and of a Journey to the Coast of the Red Sea, in Search of the Ancient Berenice and Another to the Oasis of Jupiter Ammon, 2nd edn, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Ethnography, Biblical Authority

    Uses the extract to confirm the biblical account of Ishmael's descendents.

Genre:

Extract; Afterword

Publications extracted:

Buckingham 1821 Buckingham, James Silk 1821. Travels in Palestine, through the Countries of Bashan and Gilead, East of the River Jordan: Including a Visit to the Cities of Geraza and Gamala, in the Decapolis, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
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Subjects:

Exploration, Botany, Biblical Authority

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Chalmers 1821–26 Chalmers, Thomas 1821–26. The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, 3 vols, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins
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Subjects:

Political Economy, Christianity

    Compares Thomas Chalmers's Chalmers, Thomas (1780–1847) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> views on lay ministry, as detailed in the previous part of the review, to those of John Wesley Wesley, John (1703–91) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>, and discusses the question in relation to the Church of England. Quotes lengthy extracts from the book under review on the subject of religious establishments, approving Chalmers's liberal attitude towards Methodism. Concludes by recommending all 'Christian Philanthropists' to immediately purchase and carefully study the work.

Genre:

Introduction; Abstract, Paper

Publications extracted:

Buckland 1822 Buckland, William 1822. 'Account of an Assemblage of Fossil Teeth and Bones of Elephant, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Bear, Tiger, and Hyæna, and Sixteen Other Animals, Discovered in a Cave at Kirkdale, Yorkshire, in the Year 1821; With a Comparative View of Five Similar Caverns in Various Parts of England, and Others on the Continent', Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 112 (1822), 171–236
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Subjects:

Discovery, Palaeontology, Geology, Extinction, Biblical Authority

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Society Royal Society of London
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See also:

Anon, 'Den of Hyænas', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 323

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

F S S, F
Close   View the register entry >> Christian Observer Christian Observer (1802–77) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Chemistry, Design, Natural Theology, Gas Chemistry, Physiology, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Botany, Natural Economy, Heat, Meteorology, Nutrition, Piety

    The extract is introduced by an editorial note stating that it is reprinted 'contrary to our usual rule' from 'a respectable contemporary Publication'. The editor continues: 'We should be glad, if some of our scientific readers would oblige us by occasional communications of the same class, adapted for popular use'. The extract promises to 'select a few of the most prominent features in Chemistry, which are proofs of the existence and providence of the DEITY, and which have been omitted to be mentioned, or are only slightly touched upon, by DR. PALEY Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> and other writers on Natural Theology'. (370) The instances given include the adaptation of the composition of air for the purposes of respiration, the adaptation of the density of air for various purposes, the role of plants in renovating the atmosphere, and the anomalous expansion of water on freezing.

Genre:

Sermon, Serial

Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Natural Theology, Biblical Authority

    Observes: 'Neither the works of Creation, nor the dispensations of Providence, nor the corruscations of the fiery law, could furnish man with clear, consistent, and harmonious views of the divine perfections. It is only in the face of CHRIST Crucified that we behold the full splendour of the divine glory' (429). Notes that neither people nor angels have perfect knowledge of God. Reflecting that some 'mere sciolists in knowledge' reject the Bible because there are mysteries in it, avers: 'Were there no mysteries in the Bible, it could not have come from God, for mysteries abound in all his works. We can find out neither Him nor any of his works to perfection' (432).

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Piety, Philosophical Psychology, Empiricism, Natural Theology, Horticulture, Gas Chemistry, Infidelity

    Observes: 'It is a matter of wonder, as a powerful writer of the present day has observed, that every idea that rises in our minds should not excite, as its secondary impression, a recollection of the presence of GOD. [...] The ennobling, the awful, and yet delightful idea of the Great Cause of our being and felicity would doubtless be suggested to our minds by every thing around us, and within us, were man now in the perfection in which he was first created'. Describes the devotional frame of mind as a plant which, with 'all the disadvantages of climate' can be 'raised by the grace of GOD to considerable maturity'. Declares: 'The spirit of devotion, like a flame that receives unseen supplies, may burn with unusual brightness even in a damp atmosphere'. (436) Argues that true devotion consists in breathing 'back again those heavenly and holy purposes which the DIVINE SPIRIT has inspired'. Contrasts it with the 'sentimental adoration of Deism, or even of philosophical Christianity'. (437)

Genre:

Regular Feature, Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Taylor 1822 Taylor, Isaac 1822. Elements of Thought; or, First Lessons in the Knowledge of the Mind: Including Familiar Explanations of the Terms Employed on Subjects Relating to the Intellectual Powers, London: B. J. Holdsworth
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Subjects:

Philosophical Psychology

Genre:

Extract, Proceedings

Subjects:

Education, Piety

    A extracted report of the proceedings of the Evangelical Missionary Society of Basel Evangelical Missionary Society of Basel
Close   View the register entry >> details its efforts in founding an institution 'for the education of pious young men to the work of evangelizing the heathen' (476). Relates: 'Our Directors have found, by experience, that the minds of pious youths, who devote themselves to the study of the sciences, frequently lose the fervour of devotion in proportion as the understanding becomes enlightened (476–77). Considering this to be due to the manner in which the studies are conducted, they have adopted 'a method of theological instruction, by which the mind is not only informed, but the heart and the affections are also engaged' (477).

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Piety, Theology of Nature

    The poem reflects that to the mind of one taught by the divine spirit, 'All Nature speaks of love, of love divine'.

Genre:

Extract—Table; Notes

Publications extracted:

John Rickman Rickman, John (1771–1840) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>, Charles W Flint Flint, Sir Charles William (b. 1775) WBI
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Subjects:

Population, Statistics, Government

Genre:

Letter, Essay

Subjects:

Metallurgy, Biblical Authority, History of Science, Chemistry

People mentioned:

Paracelsus Paracelsus (Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim) (1493–1541) DSB
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Genre:

Letter, Reportage

Subjects:

Agriculture, Experiment, Providence

    Describes the cultivation of hundreds of plants from three grains of wheat, by means of off-sets. Avers that, had it not been for the destruction of some of the crop by various causes, the result of the experiment would 'have astonished the most scientific agriculturists in Europe' (574).

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Townley 1821 Townley, James 1821. Illustrations of Biblical Literature: Exhibiting the History and Fate of the Sacred Writings, from the Earliest Period to the Present Century; Including Biographical Notices of Translators, and Other Eminent Biblical Scholars, 3 vols, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
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Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Museums, Mineralogy, Natural History, Comparative Anatomy, Dissection

    Describes the difficulties experienced by Martin Luther Luther, Martin (1483–1546) CBD
Close   View the register entry >> in identifying precious stones, animals, and anatomical structures mentioned in the Bible. Luther had recourse through Georg Spalatin Spalatin, Georg (also Burckart, Burkard, Burkhard) (1482–1545) WBI
Close   View the register entry >> to the collection of gems of Elector Friedrich III Friedrich III, Elector of Saxony (1463–1525) WBI
Close   View the register entry >> of Saxony, and 'employed butchers to dissect different animals, at his own house, that by examining their different parts, he might accurately express the sacrificial terms' (579).

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Letter

Publications extracted:

John Philip Philip, John (1775–1851) ODNB
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Subjects:

Natural History, Exhibitions, Imposture

    In the extract, Philip describes a mermaid exhibited at Cape Town which has appeased his scepticism regarding the existence of such creatures. It is owned by Captain Eades Eades, Capt (of Boston) (fl. 1822) WM3/1/9c/4
Close   View the register entry >> of Boston, who is shortly to take it to London en route to America. The editor includes the account as having 'the sanction of a highly respectable name', but notes that the non-arrival of the mermaid in London has raised the suspicion of an imposture having been practised on Philip (599).

Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Botany, Providence, Design, Utility, Anthropocentrism, Piety, Wonder

    Describes the tree and its many uses from first-hand experience. Concludes: 'Having given this unadorned and minute description, the reader is left to make such reflections as the cast of his genius may suggest. One thing I may safely say, that piety will here find a subject for astonishment and praise' (649).

Genre:

Letter; Letter, Extract

Publications extracted:

Adam Clarke Clarke, Adam (1762?–1832) ODNB
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Subjects:

Agriculture, Experiment, Botanical Gardens, Wonder, Anthropocentrism, Piety

People mentioned:

Charles Miller Miller, Charles (1739–1817) WBI
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Institutions mentioned:

Cambridge University—Botanic Garden, University of Cambridge—Botanic Garden
Close   View the register entry >> Society Instituted at Bath for the Encouragement of Agriculture Society Instituted at Bath for the Encouragement of Agriculture
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Publications cited:

Miller 1768, Miller, Philip 1768. The Gardeners Dictionary: Containing the Best and Newest Methods of Cultivating and Improving the Kitchen, Fruit, Flower Garden, and Nursery, as also for Performing the Practical Parts of Agriculture; Including the Management of Vineyards, with the Methods of Making and Preserving Wine, According to the Present Practice of the Most Skilful Vignerons in the Several Wine Countries in Europe, Together with Directions for Propagating and Improving, for Real Practice and Experience, all Sorts of Timber Trees, 8th edn, London: printed for the author
Close   View the register entry >> Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (1665–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >> Letters and Papers on Agriculture Letters and Papers on Agriculture (1780–1829) Journal of Bath and West of England Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (1853–1900+) BUCOP
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    The article consists of two letters, one from the author to Adam Clarke and Clarke's reply. The author having noted that an experiment similar to Clarke's had been carried out some years before, Clarke replies giving further details, and suggesting that his own experiment was more impressive. He concludes that the 'whole has the most direct tendency to show the inexhaustible power with which God has endued the seeds of vegetables, and especially those which are of most use to man' (650).

See also:

Adam Clarke, 'Dr. Adam Clarke's Account of an Agricultural Experiment', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 573–74

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Piety

    The writer urges that 'in most cases, where the Physician is admitted to administer relief to the afflicted body, the faithful Pastor should not be refused the pleasure of administering divine consolation to the immortal mind. He, at least, should not be put off with, "The medical attendant has said, that the patient must not be disturbed"' (699).

Genre:

Introduction / Extract, Reportage; Afterword

Publications extracted:

[Allgemeine Preußische Staats-Zeitung] Allgemeine Preußische Staats-Zeitung (1819–1843) British Library Catalogue
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Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Pharmaceuticals, Experiment

People mentioned:

Mr Marochetti Marochetti, Mr (fl. 1813–25) RSCSP, WM3/1/11b/2
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    An editorial note introduces the article as having been 'received from a Gentleman of high rank, now resident at Berlin' (719). The translated extract describes the medical cases and their treatment, based on the practice of a peasant. The original extract was itself based on an account which appeared in the Vermischte Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiets der Heilkunde Vermischte Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiets der Heilkunde von einer Gesellschaft pract Aertze zu S. Petersburg (1821–54) BUCOP
Close   View the register entry >> in 1821.

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Jowett 1822 Jowett, William 1822. Christian Researches in the Mediterranean, from MDCCCXV. to MDCCCXX. in Furtherance of the Objects of the Church Missionary Society: With an Appendix, Containing the Journal of the Rev. James Connor, Chiefly in Syria and Palestine, London: L. B. Seeley, and J. Hatchard & Son
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Subjects:

Public Health, Epidemiology

    Jowett describes a visit to a Coptic Church in Alexandria and reports that incense was frequently used, 'which is very necessary in such a country, where cold damps and pestilential airs sometimes infest a church' (727).

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Leifchild 1822 Leifchild, John 1822. The Christian Temper; or, Lectures on the Beatitudes, 2nd edn, London: B. J. Holdsworth
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Subjects:

Christianity, Scientific Practitioners, Exploration

    In an extracted passage contrasting 'Heathenism and Christianity', Leifchild observes: 'Where genius has blazed, and the arts and sciences have flourished [...] the monuments of benevolence have been few and small'. He suggests that, by contrast, Christianity has been a blessing 'in every point of view'. Under its influence, people 'ventured on dangerous seas, they explored unknown countries, they endured unheard-of privations; not to increase their knowledge; not to bring ot light the monuments of ancient genius; not to augment to the stores of the learned and curious; but to lessen the sum of human woe; to recover men from the state of savages to humanity, and to GOD.' (728)

Genre:

Instructions

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Chemistry

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Transport, Machinery, Steam-power, Utility

People mentioned:

Joseph Bramah, Bramah, Joseph (1748–1814) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> Mr Artzberger Artzberger, Mr (fl. 1822) WM3/1/11d/6
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Genre:

Anecdote

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Christianity

Publications cited:

Stewart 1803 Stewart, Dugald 1803. Account of the Life and Writings of Thomas Reid, D.D. F.R.S.Edin.: Late Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. Read at Different Meetings of the Royal Society in Edinburgh, Edinburgh: William Creech; London: Longman and Rees
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    Describes the initial opposition to Thomas Reid on his being presented to the living of New Machar in 1737, and his ultimate popularity with his parishioners.

Genre:

Letter, Extract

Publications extracted:

William B Fox Fox, William B (fl. 1822) WM3/1/11e/8
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Subjects:

Disease, Christianity, Miracle, Magic

    Reports from Colombo the prevalence of 'jungle-fever and dysentery' in the 'interior'. Relates how a few nights before, neighbouring villagers had requested them to go and pray with them, 'hoping that GOD might be pleased to remove from them a scourge which threatened to lay waste the whole village'. Observes that the request 'was rather an unusual one in the Singhalese country, the people having recourse almost invariably under such circumstances to devil-ceremonies, and other rites of a similar description'. (737)

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners

    One of the epitaphs relates to Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>, and reads: 'Revolving Time, the Earth, the Sky, / Declare great NEWTON cannot die! / Yet o'er this tomb thy sorrows shed: / This stone confesses NEWTON'S dead!'.

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

Jowett 1822 Jowett, William 1822. Christian Researches in the Mediterranean, from MDCCCXV. to MDCCCXX. in Furtherance of the Objects of the Church Missionary Society: With an Appendix, Containing the Journal of the Rev. James Connor, Chiefly in Syria and Palestine, London: L. B. Seeley, and J. Hatchard & Son
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Subjects:

Exploration, Biblical Authority, Natural History, Agriculture, Ethnography

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

Thomson 1821 Thomson, Andrew 1821. Sermons on Infidelity, Edinburgh: W. Blackwood; London: [n. pub.]
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Subjects:

Infidelity, Medical Treatment

    Enquires: 'Where is the balm which I may apply with effect to my wounded heart, after I have rejected the aid of the Almighty Physician?' (780).

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Jowett 1822 Jowett, William 1822. Christian Researches in the Mediterranean, from MDCCCXV. to MDCCCXX. in Furtherance of the Objects of the Church Missionary Society: With an Appendix, Containing the Journal of the Rev. James Connor, Chiefly in Syria and Palestine, London: L. B. Seeley, and J. Hatchard & Son
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Subjects:

Public Health, Epidemiology

    Jowett describes a visit to a Coptic Church in Cairo, where the crowded congregation prompted him to consider 'how inevitable contagion would be in such a situation, if the plague were in Caïro' (787).

Genre:

Editorial Reply

Subjects:

Political Economy, Education

See also:

Anon, 'Review of The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, nos. I to VIII, by Thomas Chalmers]', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 105–11

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Letter, Reportage; Afterword

Publications extracted:

Mr Beddome Beddome, Mr (chemist, of Tooley Street, Southwark) (fl. 1822) WM3/1/12d/6
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Subjects:

Entomology, Wonder, Biblical Authority, Natural Theology, Infidelity, Miracle

    The report concerns the survival of bees after prolonged immersion in honey and boiling. The afterword observes: 'Surely, "the Bible of Nature," to borrow the somewhat insidious expression of an Arch-infidel, must be allowed to have its mysteries, as inexplicable by us as any that are contained in the Bible of Revelation'. Quotes observations on the above report from 'a late number of a publication notorious for its sneers at Christianity', which states: '"Such a miraculous suspension of the faculties of life baffles our philosophy, and leaves us only to admire that hidden economy of nature, in her most minute productions, which we must despair ever to understand"'.

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Archaeology, Comparative Philology

People mentioned:

Jean F Champollion, Champollion, Jean François (1790–1832) CBD
Close   View the register entry >> Giovanni B Belzoni Belzoni, Giovanni Battista (1778–1823) CBD
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Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Nutrition, Government

People mentioned:

Nicolas L Vauquelin, Vauquelin, Nicolas Louis (1763–1829) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> M Percy Percy, M (fl. 1823) ML1/1/7/4
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Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Magnetism, Piety

    Relates: 'As the nearer the iron approaches to the magnet, the more rapidly it moves towards a contact with it, so the nearer the dire disease brought her to her exit from earth, the more swift was her soul's approximation to Him who is the centre and source of bliss: and as the more strongly the steel is impregnated with the magnetic virtue, the more powerfully will it be inclined to attract other metal, and communicate its own quality; so her spirit, ripening for eternity, longed to be the instrument of communicating a measure of its happiness to all around her' (816).