Science in the 19th Century Periodical

The Youth's Magazine; or, Evangelical Miscellany [3rd]

Introductory Essay
Volume 7  (January to December 1834)
Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 52–55.

The Stars

R S, Halstead S, R (of Halstead)
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Astronomy, Aesthetics, Wonder, Theology of Nature, Degeneration, Natural Theology, Error, Piety

People mentioned:

Meton Meton (fl. 2nd half of 5th century) DSB
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Publications cited:

Herschel 1833 Herschel, John Frederick William 1833. A Treatise on Astronomy, Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopaedia, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green & Longman
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    Asserts the beauty and wonder of the heavens; observes that 'the increase of knowledge we now possess, raises our astonishment still higher' (52). Describes the number, size, distance, motion, and changes of the stars. Observes of the disappearance of old and the appearance of new stars: 'We allow that all the works of God are perfect; and they are so, till they have answered the purposes to which they were destined, though they may then fall into ruin and be dissolved' (53). Refers to the constancy of the astronomical constellations: 'The earth is constantly changing. [...] But the heavens shew us the same aspect, teaching us the power and immutability of the throne of the Eternal'. Quotes from Young's Young, Edward (1683–1765) ODNB
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Night Thoughts Young, Edward 1742. The Complaint; or, Night-Thoughts on Life, Death & Immortality, London: R. Dodsley
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: 'The Stars / Are elder Scripture writ by God's own hand— / Scripture, uncorrupt by man'. Observes that this has more than poetic truth, and reports Thomas Maurice's Maurice, Thomas (1754–1824) ODNB
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view that 'the whole of the southern constellations are a commentary on the books of Moses and decidedly prove their truth'. (54) Reports that James Montgomery Montgomery, James (1771–1854) ODNB
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also alludes in his poetry to the physical representation of divine themes in the astronomical constellations. Considers, however, that this 'Scripture' was not 'uncorrupt by man', observing that the mythology of the Greeks arose out of it by error, since they 'could not by natural wisdom rise to any just conception of diving things'. Argues that the views adopted here of the heavenly bodies 'as the work of the Almighty, expand the powers of the mind' and give 'enlarged views' of God. Argues that they also humble human pride. Asserts: 'If we would enjoy the works of God aright, we must be brought into that temper of mind inculcated by the gospel'. An editorial footnote relates: 'On so interesting a subject we have taken the liberty to add to our correspondent's [i.e. R S's] communication'. (55)



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 55–60.

Education Completed

Una Una
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Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Education, Gender, Piety, Reading


    The narrator records that on her eighteenth birthday she resolved to use her new-found liberty 'for the benefit of others, as well as for self-improvement' (56). She accordingly drew up a plan of her employments, which, after dressing, reading the Bible, and praying, involved, from 7 to 8am, reading 'some improving book, such as Butler's Butler, Joseph (1692–1752) ODNB
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Analogy Butler, Joseph 1736. The Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and Course of Nature: To Which are Added Two Brief Dissertations; I. Of Personal Identity. II. Of the Nature of Virtue, London: James, John and Paul Knapton
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, or Paley's Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
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Natural Theology Paley, William 1802. Natural Theology; or, Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the Deity: Collected from the Appearances of Nature, [London]: R. Faulder
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'. However, she very soon found that she could not keep to her plan. The trouble started when, one morning, instead of reading Butler's Analogy, she 'unfortunately got hold of a new volume of Travels in America', in which she became engrossed until she finished it. (57)



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 67.

The Little Girl's Dialogue with her Brother

A—a A—a
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Astronomy, Extra-Terrestrial Life, Wonder, Piety


    The little girl asks her brother about the purpose of the stars, moon, and Milky Way. He advises her that some think each star a sun with circling planets, that the moon may be inhabited, and that the Milky Way comprises 'A thousand rolling worlds' which may also be inhabited. He continues: 'But when, my dear, you're older grown, / And are those brilliant systems shown, / How will it kindle your surprise, / To learn the wonders of the skies!'. He asserts that the knowledge will prompt her to worship God.



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 73–74.

The Cheese-Wring, near Liskeard, Cornwall

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Geology, Degeneration, Eschatology, Piety


    Gives a brief description of this rock formation, and an extracted geological explanation. Concludes by contrasting the mutability of nature with the immutability of divine truth. Observes that the 'visible heaven and earth, are, from actual observation, "passing away". Stars have disappeared, and the mutability of our own planet is notorious'. Quotes the observations of Job, the 'wisest and most ancient of geologists', on this point. (74)



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 80–85.

The Birth-day Present

R C, Wakefield, pseud.  [Richard Cope] Cope, Richard (1776–1856) ODNB
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Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Geology, Scientific Practitioners


    Pious Robert Barham's father gives him a Bible for his fourteenth birthday. Robert asks his father to detail for him the proofs of its divine origin. Among other proofs, his father observes that the 'Holy Scriptures reveal those things which no human writings could have developed, such as the origin of the universe' and 'the destruction of the old world', and that the 'principal facts therein stated, have been confirmed', for instance 'by the discovery of various antediluvian remains' (83). He reports that the 'truly wise and good' have always venerated the Bible, observing: 'The Hon. Robert Boyle Boyle, Hon Robert (1627–91) DSB ODNB
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calls it "a matchless volume, that cannot be studied too much, or esteemed too highly" (84).



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 91–94.

Juvenilities

M G G, M
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Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Endeavour, Observation, Botany, Collecting, Piety


    The narrator likes to see young people 'like the Bee, not only busy and economical of time, but gathering up honey and fragrance for others'. Observes that 'a child with habits of observation in early life, may become a philosopher when a man'. Does not 'wish to make philosophers of our readers', but wishes to 'make them pious and intelligent young persons'. For this reason gives an account of a young lady who, as a twelve-year old girl, made the grand tour, and brought back 'a little Herbal, or Hortus Siccus of her own formation', produced by dint of careful observation and 'persevering industry'. (91) Describes its contents, which are arranged according to her itinerary. Relates that its author 'does not understand a single term' of botany 'and perhaps never opened a book upon the subject; though she might have been a companion in the walks at home of friends who did understand it'. The work is the product of observation and industry. Reflects that the Christian ought similarly to collect instances of divine providence, and 'walking up and down the paradise of the Scriptures, gather the blossoms and clusters of the promises—the fruits of knowledge', storing them up in a book to help others or him or herself in times of trouble.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 104.

Pepper

R C, pseud.  [Richard Cope] Cope, Richard (1776–1856) ODNB
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Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

Montgomery, ed. 1831 Montgomery, James, ed. 1831. Journal of Voyages and Travels by the Rev. Daniel Tyerman and George Bennet, esq.: Deputed from the London Missionary Society, to Visit their Various Stations in the South Sea Islands, China, India, &c., Between the Years 1821 and 1829, 2 vols, London: Frederick Westley and A. H. Davis
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Subjects:

Botany, Horticulture


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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 131–32.

Many Sights to be Seen for Nothing

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Observation, Exhibition, Natural History, Amusement


    Reflects that there is a very prevalent notion 'that no sights are to be seen without paying for them'. If the writer had children it would be a condition with them, 'that unless they saw all that might be seen without paying for, they should see few or none of those wonderful things which are exhibited in almost every street of the great metropolis'. Considers that 'an hour or two occasionally devoted to natural history [...] will oftentimes yield us more amusement and instruction, than the same portion of time loitered away at any of our London sights'. (131) The writer—obviously the editor— refers to the observational powers of the author of the following article (W B, 'Instinct of Birds', Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 7 (1834), 132–33).



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 132–33.

Instinct of Birds

W B B, W
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Genre:

Anecdote

Subjects:

Ornithology, Instinct, Animal Behaviour

Publications cited:

Jesse 1832 Jesse, Edward 1832. Gleanings in Natural History, with Local Recollections: To which are Added Maxims and Hints for an Angler, London: John Murray
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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 137–38.

Large Flowering Sensitive Plant

W V V, W
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Botany


    Gives a description of various species of Mimosa.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 139–40.

Remarkable Wind. (From Observations on India Mir Hasan 'Ali, Mrs. B. 1832. Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: Descriptive of their Manners, Customs, Habits, and Religious Opinions, Made During a Twelve Years' Residence in their Immediate Society, 2 vols, London: Parbury, Allen
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. By Mrs. Meer Hassan Ali Mir Hasan 'Ali, Mrs B (fl. 1832) Mir Hasan 'Ali 1832
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C C
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Mir Hasan 'Ali 1832 Mir Hasan 'Ali, Mrs. B. 1832. Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: Descriptive of their Manners, Customs, Habits, and Religious Opinions, Made During a Twelve Years' Residence in their Immediate Society, 2 vols, London: Parbury, Allen
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Biblical Authority, Providence


    Likens a wind-storm to one of the scriptural pestilences in Egypt. Relates the pious reaction of the 'natives' to such storms.



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 141–43.

The Philosopher Converted

M N, Camberwell N, M (of Camberwell)
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Unbelief, Astronomy, Biblical Authority, Rationalism, Piety


    While the honest labourer rests, the 'waking sage' continues to study under Plato's Plato (428–348/7 BC) DSB
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bust. At length he gets up and paces the room, musing on the fruitlessness of his manifold studies, which include studying nature 'in her various forms, / Adorn'd with beauty, or convulsed with storms', and surveying the skies with 'astronomic tube'. (141) He feels an 'aching void' within his breast, and turns to his dusty Bible. He cries out: 'I've wander'd far / From thee, O Lord, to follow reason's star', and commits himself to divine service. (142)



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 143–44.

The Southern Cross

N N, Philadelphia N, N (of Philadelphia)
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Genre:

Extract, Travelogue; Poetry

Publications extracted:

Montgomery, ed. 1831 Montgomery, James, ed. 1831. Journal of Voyages and Travels by the Rev. Daniel Tyerman and George Bennet, esq.: Deputed from the London Missionary Society, to Visit their Various Stations in the South Sea Islands, China, India, &c., Between the Years 1821 and 1829, 2 vols, London: Frederick Westley and A. H. Davis
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Subjects:

Exploration, Astronomy, Theology of Nature, Piety


    The poem begins with a text quoted from Montgomery ed. 1831 Montgomery, James, ed. 1831. Journal of Voyages and Travels by the Rev. Daniel Tyerman and George Bennet, esq.: Deputed from the London Missionary Society, to Visit their Various Stations in the South Sea Islands, China, India, &c., Between the Years 1821 and 1829, 2 vols, London: Frederick Westley and A. H. Davis
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concerning constellations of the southern hemisphere. The poem itself provides a meditation on the subject as if written by the narrators of the travelogue. In everything they see, the narrators 'read the universal law / That "God is good," engraven there'. 'The many forms which nature knows, / Are varied round this earthly ball; / But he, the God whence nature flows, / Is every where upholding all'. (143) The sight of the 'southern cross' and the 'northern crown' leads to pious thoughts.



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 172–74.

The Garden

R S, Halstead S, R (of Halstead)
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Horticulture, Amusement, Education, Progress, Acclimatization, Entomology, Ancient Authorities, Superstition, Unbelief, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

William Paley Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
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    Observes that the 'cultivation of a garden is an almost endless source of amusement and instruction', and that '[e]ven the kitchen garden has charms'. Comments on the number of improvements that have been effected in 'the character of our vegetables', and on the introduction of new ones. (172) Remarks on the 'contrivances' of bees in obtaining honey. Relates the aversion of Pythagoras
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and other ancients to beans: 'Such is the sublime philosophy, which sceptics have presumed to put in competition with the oracles of truth' . (173) Concludes by relating some biblical allusions to the practices of horticulture.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 174–76.

Curious Fact

M M S, pseud.  [Mary M Sherwood] Sherwood (née Butt), Mary Martha (1775–1851) ODNB
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Cutt, M. Nancy 1974. Mrs. Sherwood and Her Books for Children: A Study, London: Oxford University Press
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/ Anon

Genre:

Letter, Extract; Afterword

Subjects:

Wonder, Natural History, Expertise, Observation, Status, Controversy, Imposture


    The letter begins with an extract from the Gentleman's Magazine Gentleman's Magazine (1731–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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for March 1834 which disputes accounts of toads found alive encased in trees or stone on the basis that 'there never was a well authenticated instance of such discoveries'. The extract relies on the failure of Joseph Banks Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) DSB ODNB
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, 'a most accurate, curious, and investigating naturalist', to trace such a tradition to a credible authority. (174) The letter-writer describes her childhood experience of a toad found alive in a block of limestone. A lengthy editorial afterword questions why a fact 'so notorious' as the occurrence of toads in rocks or trees 'should have been questioned simply on the grounds that it had not been personally witnessed by the eminent naturalist mentioned'. The editor introduces 'the testimony of an equally accurate, curious, and investigating naturalist', John Ray Ray, John (1627–1705) DSB
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, who disputed such occurrences in his Wisdom of God Ray, John 1691. The Wisdom of God Manifested in the Works of the Creation: Being the Substance of some Common Places Delivered in the Chappel of Trinity-College, in Cambridge, London: Samuel Smith
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, but later accepted accredited accounts of them in the same book. (175) The narrator relates from personal experience an account of an insect which was dislodged alive 'from the centre of a mass of border-stone' in a quarry (176).



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 176–78.

Prophecies Fulfilled.—No. I. The Triumphs of the Gospel

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Christianity, Progress, Endeavour, Imperialism


    The writer seeks to demonstrate the fulfilment of the prophecy in Dan. 2. 44, that 'The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom [...] shall break in pieces and consume all kingdoms' (176). Quotes from Edward Gibbon's Gibbon, Edward (1737–94) ODNB
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Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Gibbon, Edward 1776–88. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 6 vols, London: W. Strahan and T Cadell
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the assertion that the Christian nations of Europe are 'the most distinguished portion of human kind in arts and learning, as well as in arms' and that, by dint of their 'industry and zeal' Christianity 'has been widely diffused to the most distant shores of Asia and Africa' (177–78).



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 181–82.

View of the Coast, Near Stappen, in Iceland

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Travelogue, Illustration

Publications extracted:

Henderson 1818 Henderson, Ebenezer 1818. Iceland; or, The Journal of a Residence in that Island, During the Years 1814 and 1815. Containing Observations on the Natural Phenomena, History, Literature, and Antiquities of the Island; and the Religion, Character, Manners, and Customs of its Inhabitants. With an Introduction and Appendix, 2 vols, Edinburgh: Oliphant, Waugh and Innes; London: T. Hamilton [and 2 others]
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Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Geology


    Describes and depicts the cliffs, which mostly consist of 'basalitform lava' (181).



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 193–201.

The Earth

A A
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Genre:

Essay; Letter, Extract

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Geology, Piety, Biblical Authority, Imagination, Infidelity, Astronomy, Extra-terrestrial Life, Time, Cosmogony, Expertise, Theology of Nature, Palaeontology, Discovery, Comparative Anatomy

People mentioned:

William Buckland Buckland, William (1784–1856) DSB
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    Warns readers that there is 'a species of science, "falsely so called"', and quotes from Col. 2. 28: 'Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ'. Notes that this is 'especially the case with regard to Geological researches', in which human tradition is often preferred to biblical testimony. Argues that the Holy Spirit, knowing the 'mere curiosity' of mankind, did not, in dictating the scriptures, impose 'any unnecessary restrictions upon his imagination, or those higher faculties of the mind which bespeak his immortality'. (193) Allows that 'the Bible was not intended to teach philosophy', but argues that many who 'sincerely love the truth [...] allow its testimony in matters of mere human science to be set aside without mature consideration, as if they were not even called upon to vindicate its declarations from the sceptic and the infidel' (193–94). Describes the spurning of the Bible by some infidels on astronomical grounds, since it 'appears to contemplate only the well-being of one of the least planets'. Argues that the Bible asserts a plurality of worlds. Reports that the geologist 'loves to quarrel' with biblical chronology. (194) Allows for a long earth history, arguing that Moses seems 'to refer to two distinct periods in his cosmogony'. Relates that John F W Herschel Herschel, Sir John Frederick William (1792–1871) DSB ODNB
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supposes that the galaxy of which earth is a part 'bears evident traces of a more recent origin than its surrounding spheres of light', concluding: 'but far be it from us to regard the testimony of the greatest among philosophers, as of much value'. (195) Draws on 2 Pet. 3. 5 to argue that the 'idea of a successive series of worlds' is not inconsistent with scripture (196). Observes that the principle of consistency underlies Granville Penn's Penn, Granville (1761–1844) ODNB
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views, while noting that there are many 'facts and details' in geology and astronomy that 'cannot be satisfactorily accounted for' (196–97). Draws on further scriptural quotations 'as evidence that our world has been wrecked, and restored by processes abundantly sufficient to explain all the geological records which are closeted within it' (197). Discusses the origin of fossil remains, observing (in reference to a letter quoted from the Christian Observer Christian Observer (1802–77) Waterloo Directory
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) that those which are unlike living species are not to be accounted for by the flood. Makes these comments in the context of a letter from 'W H B Bensted, W H (fl. 1834) Swinton 1951
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' (i.e. W H Bensted), quoted in full, reporting his discovery of the remains of a large vertebrate at a quarry in Maidstone, which the editor reports has 'already excited considerable interest among geologists' (199). The writer has visited the spot, and considers the remains those of a saurian. He and Bensted have attempted to find similar specimens in Andrew Ure's Ure, Andrew (1778–1857) ODNB
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New System of Geology Ure, Andrew 1829. A New System of Geology: In which the Great Revolutions of the Earth and Animated Nature are Reconciled at Once to Modern Science and Sacred History, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green
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and a work by Gideon Mantell Mantell, Gideon Algernon (1790–1852) DSB
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respectively, and the writer considers it to be a Megalosaurus.


See also:

Swinton 1951 Swinton, W. E. 1951. 'Gideon Mantell and the Maidstone Iguanodon', Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London, 8, 261–76
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Mantell 1834 Mantell, Gideon Algernon 1834. 'Discovery of the Bones of the Iguanadon in a Quarry of Kentish Rag (a Limestone Belonging to the Lower Greensand Formation) Near Maidstone, Kent', Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, 17, 200–1
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F[airholme] 1834 F[airholme?], G[eorge] 1834. 'Recent Discovery of Bones of the Iguanadon', London and Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science, n.s. 5, 77–78
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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 212.

Clocks

B V V, B
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Instruments, Time


    Suggests that the first clock made in Europe was one sent to Emperor Charlemagne Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus, Charles the Great), King of the Franks and Christian Emperor of the West (747–814) CBD
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, by the King of Persia (i.e. Hārūn Al-Raschīd Raschīd, Hārūn Al-, 5th Abbasid Caliph (766–809) CBD
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) in 807 AD.



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 229–31.

Envy

M W W, M
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Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Horticulture, Reading, Piety, Gender


    One June morning, Mrs Harcourt and her daughter Maria are busy arranging plants and flowers in the garden. They are interrupted by a visit from Miss Henley, who explains the long period since her last visit by observing: 'I have been reading some of the excellent Bridgewater Treatises Chalmers, Thomas et al. 1833–36. The Bridgewater Treatises on the Power, Wisdom and Goodness of God as Manifested in the Creation, 12 vols, London: William Pickering
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which are now exciting so much interest; and as Mamma says I must not neglect any domestic duty, even for the improvement of my mind, my time has been fully occupied'. She is admires their flowers, and Mrs. Harcourt remarks: 'All nature seems to rejoice in her Maker's works; may we be excited to elevate our hearts, from "Nature, up to Nature's God!"'. (229) Miss Henley makes several quotations on the subject of the divine care taken in the production of even the smallest flowers. After her departure, Maria is found to be envious of Miss Henley, complaining that 'there is too much of display about her', and is corrected by her mother (230).



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 231–34.

Caspar Hauser Hauser, Kaspar (1812?–33) CBD
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A A
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Genre:

Biography

Subjects:

Human Species, Education, Progress, Physiognomy, Race, Ethnology, Christianity, Piety, Theology of Nature


    Reports that Caspar Hauser was kept in confinement until around seventeen or eighteen years old, at which age 'he had a brutish cast of countenance'. However, 'the formation of his face altered in a few months almost entirely [...] the prominent lower features of his face receded more and more, and his earlier physiognomy could scarcely any longer be recognized'. The narrator considers this evidence of the 'humanizing effect' of instruction to be important, especially as it has been questioned. It is particularly important since some have disputed that the 'Hottentot and the Indian' are of one 'race' with Europeans, despite the declarations of the scriptures. Observes of former black slaves: 'Let us see if civilization, and the light of the glorious gospel, will not contribute to the external improvement of these despised and persecuted children'. (232) When given any natural object, Caspar always enquired who made it: 'He could never hear enough of the wisdom, power, and goodness of the God who created heaven and earth'. He was particularly affected by seeing the 'starry heavens' for the first time: 'when he saw only so much of the Divine glory as the heavens can make known, he acknowledged with tears in his eyes, that the name of the Lord was excellent indeed'. (233)



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 244–47.

The Hand

Igdalia Igdalia
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Genre:

Extract; Afterword

Publications extracted:

Bell 1833 Bell, Charles 1833. The Hand: Its Mechanism and Vital Endowments as Evincing Design, London: Richard Phillips
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Subjects:

Anatomy, Design, Natural Theology, Reason


    Three extracts concern 'The superiority of the right hand', 'The thumb', and 'The fingers'. The author observes in an afterword: 'The wisdom of God is so wonderfully displayed in the formation of every part of the human body, that it is impossible for the mind to survey it without acknowledging God as its author. Quotes John Ray's Ray, John (1627–1705) DSB
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observation that 'A hand, with reason to use it' supplies the want of all the more specialized weapons of other animals.



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 266–69.

Elephants

R C, pseud.  [Richard Cope] Cope, Richard (1776–1856) ODNB
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Genre:

Extract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Montgomery, ed. 1831 Montgomery, James, ed. 1831. Journal of Voyages and Travels by the Rev. Daniel Tyerman and George Bennet, esq.: Deputed from the London Missionary Society, to Visit their Various Stations in the South Sea Islands, China, India, &c., Between the Years 1821 and 1829, 2 vols, London: Frederick Westley and A. H. Davis
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Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour


Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 275–77.

The White Headed or Bald Eagle. (From Wilson's Wilson, Alexander (1766–1813) DSB
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American Ornithology Wilson, Alexander 1808–14. American Ornithology; or, The Natural History of the Birds of the United States, 9 vols, Philadelphia: Bradford and Inskeep
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)

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Wilson 1808–14 Wilson, Alexander 1808–14. American Ornithology; or, The Natural History of the Birds of the United States, 9 vols, Philadelphia: Bradford and Inskeep
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Subjects:

Ornithology


Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 281–82.

Flowers

Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

[Hey] 1833 [Hey, Rebecca] 1833. The Moral of Flowers, London: Longman
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Subjects:

Botany, Design, Providence, Astronomy


    Avers that one of the foremost associations suggested by flowers 'is the assurance they afford of the exuberant goodness of God'. Suggests that they are designed as a superadded pleasure beyond the necessities of life. Considers them a reminder of 'the superintending providence of the Almighty'. (282) Where the vastness of the heavens gives a sense of human littleness, the design of flowers gives a compensating sense of divine care.



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 301–06.

The Dreams of a Day-Fly

Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction; Poetry

Subjects:

Piety, Providence, Entomology, Botany, Reason, Infidelity


    As the narrator walked out one summer evening with a friend, their attention was arrested by very many 'natural objects' which excited their admiration and gratitude (302). There was 'nothing of "the vast"' around them, but even in the most minute they traced '"the unambiguous footsteps of a God"' as they 'witnessed the multiplied evidences of a kind and protecting Providence in the economy of the least of those living atoms that peopled the sunbeams' (302–03). They observed an egg containing 'a worm', and a similar, though larger, worm 'suddenly transformed to an elegant little moth', and both declared that they 'never knew before that such was the history of the Ephemeræ' (302). They drew an analogy between the transformation and human resurrection. They imagined the conversation of the moths, and considered that they, too, deify knowledge and from limited experience draw conclusions on matters 'vastly too high for them' (303). They considered that it was humans alone, however, who seek to impugn God himself on the basis of limited knowledge. Their further reflections on the moths concerned the ephemeral nature of human life.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 314–15.

The Banana (Musa Paradisiaca) of Mexico

R C, pseud.  [Richard Cope] Cope, Richard (1776–1856) ODNB
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Botany, Horticulture, Acclimatization, Providence

People mentioned:

Johann R Forster, Forster, Johann Reinhold (1729–98) DSB
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Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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    Describes the banana as the staple diet of Mexico. Discusses whether or not it was introduced in America. Describes its cultivation and its enormous productivity. Concludes with remarks on divine providence, and a meditation on the parallels between the rapid growth and abundance of fruit in the banana and in the Christian gospel.



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 334.

The Weeping Willow. (Salix Babylonica)

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

[Hey] 1833 [Hey, Rebecca] 1833. The Moral of Flowers, London: Longman
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Subjects:

Botany, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

James E Smith Smith, James Edward (1759–1828) DSB
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    The writer links the willow to several biblical themes observing that '[e]very production of nature alluded to in the Bible seems at once invested with a sacred character, and possesses an indescribable interest' (334). The botanical account of the willow is brief.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 353.

Sting of the Bee

Anon

Genre:

Instructions

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Chemistry


    Advises the use of 'common whitening' for the treatment of bee stings.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 357–59.

The Answer of the Egyptian Mummy

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Poetry, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Mummius Mummius
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Saturday Magazine, 4: 155–56 Saturday Magazine (1832–54) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Ancient Authorities, Exploration, Invention, Steam-power, Railways

People mentioned:

Giovanni B Belzoni Belzoni, Giovanni Battista (1778–1823) CBD
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    The extracted poem was prompted by the republication in the Saturday Magazine Saturday Magazine (1832–54) Waterloo Directory
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, 4: 72, of a poem, possibly by William Roscoe Roscoe, William (1753–1831) ODNB
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, entitled an 'Address to an Egyptian Mummy'. A footnote records that the original poem, which made many curious enquiries about ancient events, was published in the Youth's Magazine Youth's Magazine (1805–67) Waterloo Directory
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, 2nd ser. 7: 105. In reply, the mummy claims, among other things, that the ancient Egyptians had gas lighting: 'Ay, gas-lights! Mock me not; we men of yore / Were versed in all the knowledge you can mention / Who hath not heard of Egypt's peerless lore? / Her patient toil? acuteness of invention? / Survey the proofs, —our Pyramids are thriving [...] Yet, though her art and toil unearthly seem, / Those blocks were brought on RAIL-ROADS and by STEAM!' (359).



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 361–63.

Jetting Pool in the Crater of Krabla, Iceland

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Travelogue, Illustration

Publications extracted:

[Henderson 1818] Henderson, Ebenezer 1818. Iceland; or, The Journal of a Residence in that Island, During the Years 1814 and 1815. Containing Observations on the Natural Phenomena, History, Literature, and Antiquities of the Island; and the Religion, Character, Manners, and Customs of its Inhabitants. With an Introduction and Appendix, 2 vols, Edinburgh: Oliphant, Waugh and Innes; London: T. Hamilton [and 2 others]
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Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Vulcanology


Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 369.

Description of the Fish Called Capelin. From Chappell's Chappell, Edward (1792–1861) WBI
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Voyage to Newfoundland Chappell, Edward 1818. Voyage of His Majesty's Ship Rosamond to Newfoundland and the Southern Coast of Labrador: Of Which Countries no Account has been Published by any British Traveller Since the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, London: J. Mawman
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C C
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Chappell 1818 Chappell, Edward 1818. Voyage of His Majesty's Ship Rosamond to Newfoundland and the Southern Coast of Labrador: Of Which Countries no Account has been Published by any British Traveller Since the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, London: J. Mawman
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Subjects:

Zoology


    The largest part of the description is devoted to an account of the spawning of the fish.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 370.

Planting of Oaks. (From Bucke's Bucke, Charles (1781–1846) ODNB
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Beauties of Nature Bucke, Charles 1821. On the Beauties, Harmonies and Sublimities of Nature: With Occasional Remarks on the Laws, Customs, Manners, and Opinions of Various Nations, 4 vols, London: G. & W. B. Whittaker
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)

C C
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Bucke 1821 Bucke, Charles 1821. On the Beauties, Harmonies and Sublimities of Nature: With Occasional Remarks on the Laws, Customs, Manners, and Opinions of Various Nations, 4 vols, London: G. & W. B. Whittaker
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Subjects:

Natural History


    Reflects on the role of squirrels in propagating the oak trees which are the pride of England, providing an essential service to the Royal Navy Royal Navy
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.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 377–83.

Why?

Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Theodicy, Climatology, Design, Providence, Natural Theology

People mentioned:

Carl Linnaeus Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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    The narrator begins by describing the habits of Tommy Burford, an eight-year-old boy who has a large stock of information learned by always asking 'Why?' (377). Recounts Tommy's conversation with his father, a man of biblical religion, one morning in November as they walked out together. Mr Burford tells his son: 'He hath made every thing beautiful in his time [...] "But he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end", and is therefore unable to see that beauty, harmony, and order in creation, which it exhibits to His eye who looketh under the whole heavens' (378–79). When Tommy questions why winter has to be so cold, his father counsels against taking a narrow perspective: 'A large portion of the human family is so constituted, as to derive the greatest measure of enjoyment form the rigours of such a season; and were we to travel to the coldest regions of the earth, we should find them teeming with the inferior animals, all of which are so well adapted to their station and circumstances, that elsewhere they would be comparatively miserable' (379). Mr Burford recalls how when they went to the Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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the previous week, they had observed special means employed 'to supply the Polar bears with an atmosphere approaching to that of their native country' (380). They discuss provisions by which various species are protected from the effects of climate, including the migration of birds; these are taken as instances of divine providence. Tommy observes that, while divine providence never fails humans, 'young lions' suffer. His father contends that such suffering confounds the deist, since it can only be accounted for by the Fall, and by the need for redemption, as revealed in the Bible. He argues that, while God has not 'left himself without witness', and '"the things that are made" teach us something of his character as the father of mercies and the giver of peace', it is only revelation that can explain the mystery of salvation (383).



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Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 411–12.

Perseverance of the Ant

Igdalia Igdalia
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Genre:

Anecdote; Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Entomology, Animal Behaviour, Endeavour


    Relates an anecdote of Tamerlane Tamerlane (anglicized form of Timur-I-Lang, 'lame Timur') (1336–1404) CBD
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, who was emboldened by the example set by an ant's perseverance. Observes: 'This anecdote confirms the sentiment that there is no creature so mean but may contribute to our instruction' (411). Expands on the example of endurance set by the ant.



Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 7 (1834), 421–23.

The Busy Bees

Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Entomology, Animal Behaviour, Endeavour, Piety


    Relates the history of three successive owners of Oakfield House. The last has an 'elegant aviary erected for his bees' which is 'a favorite spot with the young people' (422). Yet while the children of all three owners were in some respects 'busy bees', they were not busy with their Bibles. The narrator urges: 'You have heard of the busy bees; if you wish to be happy here, be busy at your work, and at your play; but if you desire to be happy here and hereafter, be especially busy with your Bibles' (423).



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