Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Dubois 1823

Subjects:

Christianity, Race, Medical Practitioners, Chemistry, Wonder

    Critically reviews the argument of the Catholic missionary, Jean A Dubois, based on the history of Catholic missions to India, that such endeavours are doomed to failure, since God has hardened his heart to the Hindus. Observes that Catholic missionaries 'ingratiated themselves with the natives' of India by 'their knowledge of astronomy and medicine' (672). Considers that the Catholic missionaries were foolish to attempt to rival Hinduism in show: 'Gunpowder and fire-works have helped them much as exhibitions in some of their churches in India; but "with all appliances and means to boot," which have been furnished by a knowledge of European chemistry and mechanism, their policy served them little' (675).