Science in the 19th Century Periodical

The Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine [3rd]

Introductory Essay
Volume 4  (January to December 1825)
Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), iii–iv.

Preface

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction

Subjects:

Travel, Exploration, Amusement, Education, Christianity, Ethnography, Race, Human Species


    Relates that, under John Wesley Wesley, John (1703–91) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
, the magazine contained a considerable portion of 'Extracts from Books of Voyages and Travels'. Reflects: 'after his example, we have given greater prominence, than in some former volumes, to the same species of literature'. Observes that the selections have been made from recent publications, with the objectives of instruction and entertainment. Defends the inclusion of such material in a 'professedly religious miscellany' on the grounds that it gives a 'varied exhibition of the human character' and that 'these displays of savage or half civilized life' are connected with 'Missionary efforts'. (iii) Considers that British travel narratives are more accurate now than those in fashion at the end of the eighteenth century, since 'religious principles are at present more generally diffused among all classes of the community; and men of education are consequently less under the temptation to represent human savages as "innocent and unsophisticated beings", "perfect models of the men who lived under the golden age", as described by the ancient poets'. Relates that such views were formerly expressed by French savans and by infidels of other nations. Considers that accounts of the 'frivolous' or 'disgusting' conduct and morals of 'heathen tribes' is useful for Christian missions. Welcomes the fact that recent British travellers, 'whether naval, military, or scientific, often conclude their interesting narratives, by recommending the savage tribes whom they have happened to visit, to the favourable attention of those religious and charitable Institutions which have for their object the conversion of the world'. (iv)



Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 18–21.

Description of the Republic of Columbia

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Mollien 1824 Mollien, Gaspard Théodore, comte de 1824. Travels in the Republic of Colombia, in the Years 1822 and 1823, London: Charles Knight
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Travel, Physical Geography, Climatology, Natural History, Geographical Distribution, Disease, Acclimatization

People mentioned:

Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>


Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 22–25.

The Behemoth

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Harris 1824 Harris, Thaddeus Mason 1824. The Natural History of the Bible; or, A Description of All the Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Reptiles, and Insects, Trees, Plants, Flowers, Gums, and Precious Stones, Mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures: Collected from the Best Authorities, and Alphabetically Arranged, London: T. Tegg
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Zoology, Comparative Anatomy, Dissection, Animal Behaviour

People mentioned:

Samuel Bochart, Bochart, Samuel (1599–1667) CBD
Close   View the register entry >>
Johann J Scheuchzer, Scheuchzer, Johann Jacob (1672–1733) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>
Fredrik Hasselquist, Hasselquist (or Hasselqvist), Fredrik (1722–52) WBI
Close   View the register entry >>
Benoît de Maillet, Maillet, Benoît de (1656–1738) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>
John M Good Good, John Mason (1764–1827) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>


Section: Review

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 26–32.

[Review of The Life of the Rev. John Wesley, by Henry Moore]  [1/2]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Moore 1824–25 Moore, Henry 1824–25. The Life of the Rev. John Wesley, A.M, Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford; in Which are Included, the Life of His Brother, the Rev. Charles Wesley, A.M., Student of Christ Church, and Memoirs of their Family; Comprehending an Account of the Great Revival of Religion, in Which They Were the First and Chief Instruments, 2 vols, London: J. Kershaw
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Authorship, Natural Philosophy, Mathematics, Chemistry, Experiment, Nomenclature, Light


    Considers Robert Southey's Southey, Robert (1774–1843) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
attempt to write the life of John Wesley Wesley, John (1703–91) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
without 'even the elements of theological science', to be as absurd as 'an attempt to write the philosophic life, and to estimate the discoveries of SIR ISAAC NEWTON Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>
, by a person wholly ignorant of the Mathematics; or to propose a digest of the discoveries of modern Chemistry, by one who never made an experiment, and could attach no definite idea to the very elementary terms of chemical science'. Noting that a new biography was required, observes of Southey that 'one attempt of the blind to investigate the philosophy of colours, was amply sufficient'. (27)



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 36–38.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious. With Occasional Characteristic Notices

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Review; Literary Notice

Publications reviewed:

M'Allum 1824, M'Allum, Daniel 1824. Memoirs of the Life, Character, and Death of the Rev. H. Taft, M.D., Newcastle: J. Kershaw
Close   View the register entry >>
Althans 1822 Althans, Henry 1822. Scripture Natural History, with Reflections, Designed for the Young, Vol. I, London: John Offor
Close   View the register entry >>

Publications noticed:

Mollien 1824 Mollien, Gaspard Théodore, comte de 1824. Travels in the Republic of Colombia, in the Years 1822 and 1823, London: Charles Knight
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Piety | Biblical Authority, Natural History, Education, Illustration | Exploration


    In reviewing Daniel M'Allum's M'Allum, Daniel (1794–1827) Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 8 (1829), 1–11 and 73–83
Close   View the register entry >>
Memoirs of the Rev. H. Taft relates how Henry Taft Taft, Henry (1772/3–1824) WM3/3/9b/3
Close   View the register entry >>
gave up his 'increasingly flattering' prospects as a surgeon in Nottingham to become an 'itinerant Methodist Preacher' (i.e. minister).



Section: Religious Intelligence

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 46–50.

A Third Letter from the Rev. Richard Reece, on the Subject of his Late Visit to America

View full article text

Richard Reece Reece, Richard (fl. 1787–1850) WBIMethodist Ministers
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Letter, Travelogue

Subjects:

Museums, Natural History, Amusement, Education, Instruments


    Describes a visit to New York. Observes that the 'Lyceum of Natural History New York Lyceum of Natural History
Close   View the register entry >>
and the American Museum American Museum, New York
Close   View the register entry >>
furnish instruction and much entertainment to the visitor'. Relates: 'The animals and birds, natives of the country, are the best preserved of any I have seen'. Describes Columbia College Columbia College, New York
Close   View the register entry >>
, observing that it has 'a valuable philosophical apparatus'. (49)



Section: Varieties

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 52.

Lord Byron Byron, George Gordon Noel, 6th Baron (1788–1824) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Editor Jackson, Thomas (1783–1873) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Review

Publications extracted:

Universal Review Universal Review; or, Chronicle of the Literature of All Nations (1824–25) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Death, Dissection


    The extracted review of recent works on Byron begins by observing that he was beginning to be thankfully forgotten, 'when it lucklessly occurred to some of his associates to revive his memory; and they have done it, as effectually as a surgeon or executioner would do it, by digging up the body and gibbeting the skeleton'.



Section: Missionary Notices, Relating Principally to the Foreign Missions Carried on Under the Direction of the Methodist Conference

Subsection: British American Colonies

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 58–62.

[Mr Hickson's Visit to the Labrador Coast]  [1/2]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Diary, Serial

Publications extracted:

James Hickson Hickson, James (fl. 1815–37) Methodist Ministers
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Exploration, Christianity, Race, Ethnography, Religion


Section: Poetry

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 71.

The All in All

View full article text

Alec Alec
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Astronomy, Theology of Nature, Wonder, Piety


    The first two stanzas reflect that it is good to gaze on the heavens and over 'this terrestrial ball', but that it is 'better far to say, / "My Father made them all!"'. Contemplates the divine control of the created order, and concludes that natural grandeur and beauty cannot 'awe so long, nor charm so well, / As He, that made them all!'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Section: Biography

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 73–78.

Memoir of the Late Mr. Robert Spence, of York. By the Rev. A. E. Farrer  [1/2]

View full article text

Rev. A E Farrer Farrar, Abraham E (fl. 1807–49) Methodist Ministers
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Obituary, Serial

Subjects:

Providence, Miracles, Anthropocentrism, Microbiology, Astronomy, Theology of Nature, Piety


    The writer observes that the 'most striking instances of the care of a particular Providence are furnished in the history of individuals'. Continues: 'That the world is not abandoned to the sport of a blind chance, or governed by a mere mechanical agency, but by the immediate and constant interposition of the Divine Being, and that his peculiar attentions are devoted to his own people, are truths supported by powerful evidence'. Denies any objection to this based on 'our comparative insignificancy', for the omnipresent God 'can with the same ease superintend "the excursions of an Archangel and the flutterings of a bee"; wheel the planets on their orbits, and direct the smallest corpuscle of blood that flits through the minutest vein of the most insignificant animalcule'. (75)



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 78–84.

Memoir of Miss Elizabeth Wood, of Bradford, Yorkshire: By Her Sister

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Piety


    Relates of her last illness: 'In her numerous conversations with her medical attendant, her observations and inquiries respecting many phenomena of health and disease, especially those relevant to her own particular case, were marked by great strength of mind, and original and bold conception; and she often took occasion to observe, that one class of the joys of the future state would be, the joy of knowledge; so that those apparent obscurities and mysteries which baffled the wisest would then be easily and delightfully explained' (83).



Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 92–95.

Cursory Remarks on the English Tongue, and on the Present Prevailing Mode of Public Education. By the Rev. Adam Clarke, LL.D.

View full article text

Adam Clarke, Eastcott Clarke, Adam (1762?–1832) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Mathematics, Language, Education


    Begins with observations relating to the grammatical writings of John Wallis Wallis, John (1616–1703) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>
and on the richness of the English language. Observes of Wallis: 'He excelled in Etymology, for his habits as a Geometer led him to sift every subject to its bottom, and trace every branch or even filament of language to its radix' (92). Considers it a shame that 'with a language, and such treasures in it, the best part of the lives of so many of our youth should be spent, if not wasted, in studies, and in languages, that in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, serve only to pass through the forms of Schools and Colleges, and however they may have acquitted themselves in Greek and Latin, Mathematics, and a still inefficient Aristotelian Philosophy, enter upon life with scarcely a requisite for passing honourably and usefully through it' (94).



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 100–03.

Character of the Colombians

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Mollien 1824 Mollien, Gaspard Théodore, comte de 1824. Travels in the Republic of Colombia, in the Years 1822 and 1823, London: Charles Knight
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Exploration, Race, Degeneration


    Begins: 'The Colombians who inhabit the hot lands, are meagre; their complexion is very yellow; in general they are of small stature, and seldom well-made. The state of debility in which they languish, arises from the decay of the white races under the tropics, in proportion as the black blood, which is generally mixed with that of the Europeans, is impaired and disappears' (100).



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 114–19.

Christian Retrospect of General Occurrences, Interesting to those who Fear God, on Account of their Influence on Religion, or on Public Morals and Happiness. No. XXIII.—Recognition of the Independence of Mexico, Buenos Ayres, &c.—Wesleyan Missions in the West Indies

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Commentary

Subjects:

Cultural Geography, Education, Christianity


    Welcomes on religious grounds the recognition of Mexico, Buenos Ayres, and Colombia as independent states by the British government. Considers that, while the 'constitutions of the new American Republics are unfriendly to toleration, in the sense in which we understand and enjoy it [...] they are, at least, separated from that systematic plot which has been formed among the Catholic powers of Europe, for resisting the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and putting down the education of the poor, and all other institutions which have any tendency to raise the minds of men above the dominion of superstition'. Observes that while the governments may not be very liberal with regard to religion, they are with regard to literature: 'To become acquainted with European science, arts, and literature in general, is felt to be essential to their strength and internal improvement; as well as demanded by the national character which they have now assumed'. Notes the encouragement of education, and observes that it will 'tend to break the fetters which have restrained the mind, and kept it subject to puerile superstitions' and be a harbinger of a 'brighter illumination'. (114)



Section: Religious Intelligence

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 122–27.

A Fourth Letter from the Rev. Richard Reece, on the Subject of his Late Visit to Amercia

View full article text

R Reece Reece, Richard (fl. 1787–1850) WBIMethodist Ministers
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Letter, Travelogue

Subjects:

Ethnography, Magic, Universities, Libraries, Laboratories


    Describes the magical beliefs of the native American chief, 'King Philip Philip (properly Metacomet) (1638–76) CBD
Close   View the register entry >>
'. Relates how Edward Everett Everett, Edward (1794–1865) WBI
Close   View the register entry >>
, to whom Reece had a 'recommendation', took him to see Harvard College Harvard College
Close   View the register entry >>
, showing him 'the Library, the Chapel, the Philosophical Lecture-room, the Laboratory, &c.' (125).


See also:

Richard Reece, 'A Third Letter from the Rev. Richard Reece, on the Subject of his Late Visit to America', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 4 (1825), 46–50


Section: Varieties

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 127.

Geological Curiosity

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

New York Observer New York Observer [and Religious Chronicle] (1823–1900+) RLIN
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Discovery, Geology

Publications cited:

Clarksburg Intelligencer Clarksburg Intelligencer (1823–1826?) RLIN
Close   View the register entry >>


Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 127.

Hereditary Supernumerary Fingers

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Edinburgh Philosophical Journal Edinburgh Philosophical Journal (1819–26) Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal (1826–64) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Heredity

People mentioned:

Dr Willigins Willigins, Dr (of Kirchberg) (fl. 1825) WM3/4/2d/8
Close   View the register entry >>


Section: Missionary Notices, Relating Principally to the Foreign Missions Carried on Under the Direction of the Methodist Conference

Subsection: Ceylon Mission

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 131–35.

Colombo

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Address; Extract, Letter

Publications extracted:

Richard Ottley Ottley, Richard (fl. 1829) WM3/4/2ei/9
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Christianity, Progress, Human Species


    Includes a description of the inaugural meeting of a Colombo auxilliary to the Wesleyan-Methodist Missionary Society Wesleyan-Methodist Missionary Society
Close   View the register entry >>
, giving a lengthy extract from Ottley's introductory address as chairman. Quoting an account of the success of missionary work in the Jaffna district, Ottley rhetorically enquires whether the results can be attributed to 'delusion', continuing: 'Few subjects are more worthy the attention of rational and accountable beings, and none more deserves to engage the minds of philosophical inquirers, than the progress of the human soul in receiving the saving influences of Christianity' (133).



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 162–67.

Remarks in Behalf of a Neglected Home-Population

View full article text

A Circuit Steward Circuit Steward, A
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Christianity, Statistics, Population

Publications cited:

Chalmers 1821–26 Chalmers, Thomas 1821–26. The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, 3 vols, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins
Close   View the register entry >>

See also:

[Arthur G Jewitt], 'The Wesleyan Methodist. (No. XVI.) Tables, Exhibiting the State and Progress of Methodism in Great Britain, Considered in Relation to the Whole Population; with Observations, Explanatory, and Practical. By the Rev. A. G. Jewitt', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 3 (1824), 377–83


Wesleyan Methodist Magazine,  3rd ser. 4 (1825), 167–75.

Expedition to the Polar Regions

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Lyon 1825 Lyon, George Francis 1825. A Brief Narrative of an Unsuccessful Attempt to Reach Repulse Bay: Through Sir Thomas Rowe's "Welcome," in His Majesty's Ship Griper, in the Year MDCCCXXIV, London: John Murray
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Exploration, Hydrography, Heroism, Ethnography, Language, Natural History

People mentioned:

William E Parry, Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
John Franklin, Franklin, Sir John (1786–1847) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
George F Lyon Lyon, George Francis (1795–1832) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

Institutions mentioned:

HMS Griper HMS Griper
Close   View the register entry >>


^^ Back to the top of this issue