Science in the 19th Century Periodical

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

Introductory Essay
Volume 8  (January to December 1835)
Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 1–3.

The Thames Tunnel Thames Tunnel
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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

eng.

Illustrators:

Mr B Dixie Dixie, Mr B (fl. 1835) YM3/8/1/1
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Subjects:

Engineering

People mentioned:

Marc I Brunel Brunel, Sir Marc Isambard (1769–1849) ODNB
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    Describes the history of the tunnel, and earlier attempts to dig a tunnel.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 14–20.

Something to Do

N M S S, N M
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Genre:

Miscellaneous; Short Fiction

Subjects:

Amusement, Education, Astronomy, Natural History, Aeronautics, Instruments, Reading, Microscopy, Steamships, Gender, Physics, Extra-Terrestrial Life, Christianity

People mentioned:

Richard L Lander Lander, Richard Lemon (1804–34) ODNB
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    Reflects that children home from school for the holidays often have time on their hands. Suggests a game in which a few friends gather around the fire and ask each other questions, starting with the youngest, those who answer the question posed to them well having 'the privilege of proposing the next question'. The questions are to be 'sensible', concerning 'the productions of different countries, [...] the phenomena of the heavens, [...] natural history, the arts, the reasons of things, the events of history, and such like'. (16) A fictionalised example is given. During a discussion of the means of travelling to France, Marianne gives an account of a balloon, before asking her question: 'What is the difference between a telescope and a microscope?' This is answered 'by a little fellow who made it his practice to read useful books, and to read them so attentively that he retained in his memory the facts and arguments they contained' (17). To his question 'Will iron swim?' the general answer is in the negative; 'Charlotte said she had heard her papa talking about it not many weeks since, but as she was engaged in trimming her bonnet she did not hear much that was said, and confessed that she remembered still less, but thought that it was something about steam-boats and the Ganges' (18). The querist gives the answer himself, and asks Miss Charlotte for an account of the camel. The game ends with a discussion of whether the earth is the only world in which there has been a Fall. A footnote records that there have been editorial additions to the article.



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 38–44.

All Men are Brethren  [1/2]Anon, 'All Men are Brethren', Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 89–93

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Serial

Subjects:

Ethnology, Human Species, Race, Biblical Authority, Infidelity, Geographical Distribution, Physical Geography, Ethnography

People mentioned:

Plato Plato (428–348/7 BC) DSB
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    Asserts the unity of the human species on the basis of biblical texts, but reflects 'that there are some who do not yield such profound reverence to the Bible as it deserves, and who must therefore be met upon other ground than that which has been here assumed' (38). Relates accounts of human origins from other traditions which seem to support the Mosaic narrative and the doctrine of the Fall. Introducing evidence from Mexico, observes that this is particularly valuable, given that infidels have questioned 'how the new world could have been peopled by Adam's progeny when navigation was almost entirely unknown' (41). Suggests that the new world could have been peopled across the Bering Straits. Observes that the two continents need not always have been detached, suggesting that the same processes in nature that separated other landmasses would be adequate to explain the separation of these two landmasses. Notes a 'more striking resemblance' between the customs and practices of the natives of the northern part of America and 'those of the primitive nations, and especially the Jews, than the practices which obtain further southward' (42). Argues for the unity of the human species from certain common beliefs and practices, such as the division of days into weeks.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 44–47.

"Take Heed How Ye Hear"

Mary Mary
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Genre:

Short Fiction, Dialogue

Subjects:

Vulcanology, Geology, Scientific Practitioners, Truth, Immaterialism, Reading, Astronomy, Wonder, Scientific Practitioners, Status, Expertise, Experiment, Light, Physiology, Biblical Authority


    Edward's father seeks to correct his disposition 'to contend for the minor points in religion' at the expense of attending to his salvation (44). Gives as an analogy the idea that a geologist might continue to examine the strata on the side of Mount Etna Etna (Mount), Sicily
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while every sign suggested an imminent eruption. Quotes from Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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: 'I do not know [...] what I appear to others, but I compare myself to a boy seated on the sea-shore, busily employed in collecting shells, and in selecting those he considers of peculiar value. Thus have I been employed all my life, while the great ocean of truth lay undiscovered before me' (45). Edward has been studying his Bible. His father asks him: 'Do you believe that you are a compound being, composed of body and soul, and can you comprehend the union existing between them?', to which Edward replies that it is 'quite a mystery'. Edward's father asks him if he believes the surprising discoveries in astronomy which they have been reading about. 'Why, father,' Edward replies, 'we have no reason to doubt the testimony of such men of science as Sir John Herschel, Sir John Frederick William (1792–1871) DSB ODNB
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, and Sir William Herschell Herschel, Sir William (1738–1822) DSB ODNB
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, and others, when it is corroborated by experiments'. Edward's father also asks him if he believes what he has recently read about the nature of light and the physiology of sight, which Edward does, since it is 'recorded upon good authority'. His father charges him with inconsistency in accrediting the testimony of fellow mortals while being 'disposed to reject a revelation from above' because some parts of it are beyond the limits of his comprehension. (46) He recommends that Edward pray for enlightenment on points of scripture which he finds beyond his comprehension.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 50–51.

Advantage of Knowledge

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Arnott 1827–29 Arnott, Neil 1827–29. Elements of Physics; or, Natural Philosophy, General and Medical, Explained Independently of Technical Mathematics, 2 vols, London: Underwood
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Subjects:

Progress, Steam-power, Machinery, Transport, Commerce, Imperialism


    Considers the many advantages possessed by 'a man of small fortune' in England (50), resulting from international trade, steam-driven machinery, a well-developed transport system, military protection, the press, and books.



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 74–82.

Inferences

Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Education, Class, Biblical Authority, Reasoning, Natural History, Functionalism, Design, Natural Theology, Theodicy

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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    The narrator's Cornish uncle was uneducated, and yet had learned a good deal by observation and inference. The narrator reflects on the spread of education to all classes and tells a brief anecdote to demonstrate this, observing that 'it is the Bible only that gives us a proper knowledge of the Lord of heaven and earth', and contrasting the knowledge of the English poor with that of the poor of other races (75). As a child the narrator heard from his uncle an anecdote illustrating the meaning of inference, which concerned a dervish who inferred much about a camel from the traces it left in the sand. They were shortly after visited by a local clergyman, who placed a bird on the table and encouraged the narrator to infer its haunts and habits. The boy did so by functionalist interpretation of its anatomy, asserting: 'It can never have been created for purposes which it is unable to accomplish, since He who made all things is God; and with Him is fulness of wisdom' (78). The bird was a sky-lark but was also white, and they discussed the occasional appearance of such birds, relating the phenomenon to the need for camouflage in very severe winters. This, and several other provisions in the coats of animals, provided the company with 'interesting proofs [...] of the manifold wisdom of God!'. In response to the boy's inquiry about the inferences to be drawn from the lark's death, the clergyman replied: 'Whenever we see disease or any form of suffering, or look upon the dying and the dead, we may assuredly infer that our iniquities have separated between God and us, and our sins have hid his face from us' (80). They expand upon this theme in the remainder of the conversation.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 83–86.

Vicissitudes

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

Homily

Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Piety, Astronomy


    The narrator relates a conversation with a friend on 'some unexpected political changes', and takes consolation 'that though creatures change, the Lord is unchangeable'. Meditates on 'How changeable is every part of the universe', and reflects on the constant changes in the heavens. Considers the 'face of nature' particularly changeable, and contemplates the seasons. (83)



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 89–93.

All Men are Brethren  [2/2]Anon, 'All Men are Brethren', Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 38–44

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Serial

Subjects:

Ethnology, Human Species, Race, Breeding, Degeneration, Progress, Physiognomy


    Answers the objection that the differences between human races is at odds with the supposition of their common ancestry. Compares human races with varieties of domestic animals, where the varieties are known to be of one species. Observes: 'we think it might be proved that the human race differs in little else than external appearance, if we put out of the question the peculiar station which, in a moral or religious view, they occupy, and the working of those mysterious purposes with which they stand associated, and are destined to further, by Him who sees the end from the beginning' (89). Argues that, despite the degraded state of 'the slave-population of our colonies', the 'first civilized nation [i.e. the ancient Egyptians] was a nation of Blacks' (90). Argues that the Jews 'were for a long series of years the conservators of knowledge', but that they, too, have become degraded (91). Considers no greater moral or intellectual change to have taken place in a people than in the British since Saxon times. Discusses the differences in external colouration often found in animals of the same species in different climates, and suggests that racial differences in the human species may result from a similar cause. Suggests that the difference in countenance between the 'low-lived and unthinking boors' of rural England and the 'well educated and intelligent gentleman of his own country' may be no less striking than that between the former and an 'inhabitant of the least civilized nation upon earth' (92).



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 108.

The Diurnal River

E L A A, E L
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Exploration, Botany, Wonder, Physical Geography, Piety


    Begins: 'When first the new world met the eager view, / Of him from Europe, strange was his delight; / All things were fresh, a wonder in his sight— / A simple weed is "Marvel of Peru!"'. A footnote, apparently taken from Rousseau 1785 Rousseau, Jean-Jacques 1785. Letters on the Elements of Botany: Addressed to a Lady, trans. by Thomas Martyn, London: B. White and Son
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, substantiates this claim, noting: 'The plants and animals which were sent to Europe, had pompous names given them: one of these is the Marvel of Peru, the only wonder of which is the variety of colors in the flower'. The poem recounts that a mountain river in the new world, fed by melting snows, was reported to be diurnal in its flow. The poet observes an analogy with life: earth gives no sustenance 'in the season of affliction's night'. By contrast, the divine 'fount [...] flows fullest in the darkest hour'.



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 109–13.

The Crown of Glory

Christina Christina
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Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Education, Gender, Piety, Mathematics


    Mary complains to her mother that she is not learning as much as other fourteen-year-old girls. Her cousin Susan has seven tutors, including 'one she calls "the philosopher", who comes once a week to lecture her on all kinds of science' (110). Mary's mother elicits the intelligence that Susan is not happy, and is only working so hard in order to be accomplished when she is old enough to come out. She points out that all things should be done 'to the glory of God', rather than for the sake of praise. She explains how each part of Mary's studies is intended to fulfil this requirement. 'That every girl should be well-grounded in arithmetic', she observes, 'is necessary, to enable her to keep the accounts of her household, and to regulate her own and her domestic expenditure'. (111) She tells Mary that the glory of God may be kept in view 'in every branch of natural history, astronomy, and even your favorite botany, for all of these shew forth and declare the wonderful works of God; and in the study of each, our thoughts should be drawn forth to Him who formeth all things' (112).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 113–22.

Associations

Observator Observator
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Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Reason, Piety, Christianity


    The author has recently visited some of the places described in the letters and poems of William Cowper Cowper, William (1731–1800) ODNB
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, and, since 'the merits of Cowper seem at the present to be more than ever appreciated', offers some descriptions. Observes that, in addition to the relations of cause and effect discussed in a recent article (Anon, 'Inferences', Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 74–82), 'there are relations of another kind which we usually call associations'. Argues that the human species is 'not "a reasoning animal", but an animal that can reason'. Those who can 'draw inferences' find that God 'is associated with them in every relation of creation, providence, and grace; for to such the "radiant deity" speaks through all His works in language which they are at no loss to interpret'. The author observes that 'the conviction that "my Father made them all", is not the only one that arises' when he or she surveys a rural scene. (114) Suggests other ways in which the natural world can call to mind various aspects of Christian faith, before turning to other associations which scenery can have, as illustrated by the narrator's recent visit to Cowper's home country.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 135–36.

The Perforated Rock of St. Michael's. From "The History of the Azores" Ashe, Thomas 1813. History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
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C C
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Ashe 1813 Ashe, Thomas 1813. History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
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Subjects:

Geology


    Describes the formation of the rock by the action of a hot spring.



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 147–54.

The Confessions of One Given to Change

O P Q Q, O P
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Genre:

Introduction; Short Fiction

Subjects:

Infidelity, Natural Theology


    As a young man, the narrator would not apply himself steadily, and became an infidel. Falling into debt and applying to his family for funds, his sister expostulated with him over his infidelity: '"Henry", she would say, "can you look round on this degenerate, though still lovely world of ours, and not own the superintending care of a Divine Providence? Does not all nature cry aloud, 'The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth?' [...]"' (150).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 154–55.

The Caldeiras, or Boiling Springs of St. Michael's. From the History of the Azores Ashe, Thomas 1813. History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
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C C
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Ashe 1813 Ashe, Thomas 1813. History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
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Subjects:

Geology, Feeling, Wonder, Piety


    Before describing the springs the writer observes: 'To contemplate such extraordinary appearances without emotion, and a fearful admiration of that great Being, who calmly forms these miracles to operate on the minds and conduct of his creatures, was impossible' (154).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 155–56.

Islands

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

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Geology, Physical Geography


    Describes the 'four causes to which islands owe their origin' according to Peter Heylyn Heylyn, Peter (1599–1662) ODNB
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(155).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 161–67.

On Scriptural Poetry

G G
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Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Theology of Nature, Causation, Miracle


    Discusses two examples of scriptural poetry (taken from Ps. 29 and 77) which declare 'the glory and majesty of God' (162). Much of the discussion pertains in general terms to God's relation to the created order. Following the text of Ps. 77. 19 the writer observes: 'in the works of God we see much that we are compelled to acknowledge is his work, but it has been accomplished through the instrumentality of second causes, and though we refer all these "causes" to the effect of God's appointment, yet we cannot point to any act of God, and say of it, "this hath God wrought" in the sense of his direct operation without the intervention of an intermediate agency' (167).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 168–72.

Illustrations of Scripture

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Miscellaneous



[4] The Wild Ass

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Zoology, Ancient Authorities


    In illustration of the text Job 39. 5–8, gives descriptions of the wild ass or onager from Xenophon Xenophon (c. 435–c. 354 BC) CBD
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and other sources.




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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 199–203.

The Uses of Water

Hannah Elizabeth Hannah Elizabeth
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Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Natural Economy, Meteorology, Physics, Physical Geography, Reading, Piety


    The children of Mr. Deane are pleased that it is raining because their neighbours and relations are suffering from a shortage of water. They ask him for an account of the source of rain, and he obliges in considerable detail, discussing the oceans and rivers. He reads an account 'of a person who travelled across the desert' in order to show them the value of water (201). The conversation ends with Mr. Dearne wishing his children to be 'as eager to receive the words of everlasting life' as the travellers in the narrative were to procure water (202).



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 214–15.

God Manifest in his Works

T J D D, T J
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Wonder, Creation, Piety


    The first four stanzas inquire: 'Is there a man' who has seen the various aspects of the created order, who has not 'ask'd, nor sought to know' whose wisdom, power, and goodness it was 'that made them so?' The final stanza reads: 'If such a thoughtless wretch there be, / How sunk and how debas'd is he! / Consign him with the beastial train, / To feed on husks, or graze the plain; / And never let his careless eye / The wonders view of earth and sky, / Till he has known, or sought to know, / The Almighty power that made them so!' The poem originally appeared in a previous issue of the magazine.


See also:

T J D, 'God Manifest in his Works', Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 3 (1830), 143, T J D, 'God Manifest in his Works', Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 3 (1830), 143


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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 232–36.

The North Magnetic Pole. From Captain Ross's Ross, Sir John (1777–1856) ODNB
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Second Voyage Ross, John 1835. Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions During the Years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1833: Including the Reports of James Clark Ross and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole, London: A.W. Webster
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C C
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Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Ross 1835 Ross, John 1835. Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions During the Years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1833: Including the Reports of James Clark Ross and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole, London: A.W. Webster
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Subjects:

Exploration, Magnetism, Nationalism, Instruments, Discovery, Piety

People mentioned:

William E Parry, Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
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John Franklin Franklin, Sir John (1786–1847) ODNB
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    The narrative describes the discovery of the magnetic north pole, and the placing of the British flag there. Editorial footnotes provide explanations of some of the more technical terms. One note observes that the cause of magnetic attraction is unknown, adding: 'God has given us a certain measure of knowledge, but He is "the only wise" in the full meaning of that expression' (235n).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 240–41.

Men of Genius Deficient in Conversation

B V V, B
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Genius, Scientific Practitioners


    'Descartes Descartes, René Du Perron (1596–1650) DSB
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, whose habits were formed in solitude and meditation, was silent in mixed company; it was said that he had received his intellectual wealth from nature in solid bars, but not in current coin' (240).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 247.

Earthquake at Apamea and Philippi

Λεχτορ Λεχτορ
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Arundell 1834 Arundell, Francis Vyvyan Jago 1834. Discoveries in Asia Minor: Including a Description of the Ruins of Several Ancient Cities, and Especially Antioch of Pisidia, 2 vols, London: R. Bentley
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Subjects:

Vulcanology, Miracle, Natural Law


    The writer identifies the earthquake related in Acts 16. 26 with an earthquake recorded at Apamea in the same year, observing: 'As God often works miracles, even by natural causes, so the prison doors, being opened to Paul by the earthquake, would still be the effect of Divine agency'.



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 251–52.

The Ruby-Crested Humming Bird. (Trochilus moschitus)

W G, Belle Vue G, W (of Belle Vue)
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Ornithology


    The poem is narrated by a humming bird, and recalls its former life in the West Indies. It is prefaced by a brief unidentified quotation describing the habits of the bird.



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 264–65.

Testimonies to the Deluge

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

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Biblical Authority


    Relates Alexander von Humboldt's Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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account of a tradition in South America of a great deluge.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 273–74.

Science in the Play-Box

Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

[Paris] 1827 [Paris, John Ayrton] 1827. Philosophy in Sport made Science in Earnest! Being an Attempt to Illustrate the First Principles of Natural Philosophy by the Aid of the Popular Toys and Sports, 3 vols, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green
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Subjects:

Physics, Education, Amusement


    The writer considers how toys could be used to give a child 'some general notions with regard to the properties of matter' (273). Reports that the kite, 'one of the most instructive and amusing of all the pastimes of our youth', was 'the favorite toy of Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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in his boyish days' (274).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 277–78.

Memory and Affection Traced in Animals. (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

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:

Animal Behaviour, Menageries

People mentioned:

M Valentin Valentin, M (fl. 1835) YM3/8/8/3
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Institutions mentioned:

Jardin des Plantes, Paris—Menagerie Jardin des Plantes, Paris—Menagerie
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    Relates several anecdotes relating to the affection of animals.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 278–79.

The Muddy Crater of St. Michael's. From "The History of the Azores" Ashe, Thomas 1813. History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
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C C
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Ashe 1813 Ashe, Thomas 1813. History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
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Subjects:

Vulcanology, Meteorology


Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 279–80.

Discovery of the Silver Mines of Potosi. (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:

Discovery, Serendipity, Astronomy


    Describes several discoveries in which trees were involved: 'From observing a tree, Hipparchus Hipparchus (1st quarter of 2nd century BC–after 127 BC) DSB
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discovered the parallax [of] the planets [...]. And a savage of America, was induced to entertain a wider notion of the powers of a Deity, and to believe in his omnipotence, from reflecting, that no one could imagine from its external structure, that an oak sprung from an acorn. To the circumstance of a shrub being torn up by its roots, were the Spaniards indebted for the discovery of the mines of Potosi' (279).



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 293–300.

Observation

Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction; Poetry

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Observation, Education, Amusement, Fieldwork, Geology, Infidelity, Providence, Palaeontology, Botany, Illustration, Entomology, Sex, Natural Economy, Design, Wonder, Anthropocentrism, Zoology, Aesthetics, Piety

People mentioned:

John Ross Ross, Sir John (1777–1856) ODNB
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    Exhorts children and their parents to appreciate the importance of observation. Writes as though the walk which the reader recently took was the same as that which the narrator 'wandered over' a few days ago. Gives an account of that walk, and of what there was to see. Observes of the valley: 'We are not geologists, but we fancied we could see in the fluted sides of this romantic hollow [...] traces of an ancient water-course'. Reflects on 'the wilder and more majestic operations of His hand, "who cutteth out rivers among the rocks"', as in the 'majestic streams of the New World', which plainly tell 'the sceptic and the gainsayer that all things do not continue as they were from the creation'. (294) Observes: 'To a mind used to such exercises, "there is no picking up a pebble, without finding all nature in connection with it"'. Describes finding a flint which contains a fossilized specimen of the sponge Ventriculites radiatus. 'We are at a loss to tell how it came there, but there can be no doubt of the fact. [...] These things seem strange to those who neither think nor observe; but all who have read much of the burning springs of Iceland, will be aware that flints are now actually forming in those laboratories of Nature'. (295) Describes finding a 'fine specimen of the lycoperdon bovista; the puff-ball', and gives an illustration 'transferred from our sketch-book, which we always carry with us on our perambulations' (296–97). Details the role of bees in fertilizing flowers, and the adaptation of the fig to nourish insect larvae in order to ensure fertilization. Relates observations on passing through a quarry, noting that 'our philosophers, not two centuries since' thought fossils were sports of nature (297). Reflects on the disposition of the strata: 'Whilst Justice was executing the work of overthrow and ruin, Love was treasuring up and bringing into light materials which were hereafter to be of vast importance in the economy of human life' (298). The party returned home from their ramble with bouquets of wild flowers as mementos; the narrator introduces a poem entitled 'The Orchis pyramidalis (In my Chamber Window)', written by one of the party, celebrating the signs of God in nature.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 314–18.

Intelligence. The London Missionary Society London Missionary Society
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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Annual Report of the London Missionary Society Annual Report of the London Missionary Society (1795–1866) COPAC
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Subjects:

Progress, Machinery, Steam-power, Christianity, Imperialism, Mathematics, Nomenclature


    Discussing missions to China, observes that demand for books exceeds supply. Declares that 'the progress of science, and the improvements in art, will combine to accelerate the triumphs of the cross. The application of the power of steam to printing, has furnished a means of multiplying books with a facility unknown in all former ages'. (315) Observes that the Chinese characters do not stand for words 'but directly for ideas and objects', and are 'common to many nations whose spoken languages are very different'. Explains this by reference to mathematical symbols, which are 'intelligible to every mathematician in Europe', though each reads them in his own tongue: 'A French and English mathematician, unacquainted with one another's language, could reason together with perfect fluency and freedom, by mathematical symbols on a board'. (316)



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 336–40.

Unexpected Meeting with Captain Ross Ross, Sir John (1777–1856) ODNB
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. (From the Narrative Ross, John 1835. Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions During the Years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1833: Including the Reports of James Clark Ross and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole, London: A.W. Webster
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of his Second Voyage)

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Ross 1835 Ross, John 1835. Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions During the Years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1833: Including the Reports of James Clark Ross and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole, London: A.W. Webster
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Subjects:

Exploration, Heroism

People mentioned:

James C Ross Ross, Sir James Clark (1800–62) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

HMS Victory, HMS Victory
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HMS Isabella HMS Isabella
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    Describes the rescue of John Ross Ross, Sir John (1777–1856) ODNB
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and his party.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 339–45.

Bad Habits

Igdalia Igdalia
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Genre:

Homily

Subjects:

Morality, Astronomy, Natural Law


    Censures a habit of irregularity, observing: 'we need no greater examples of order and regularity than the course of the planets, the appearance of the seasons, and the periodical return of comets. "Concerning the heavenly bodies," says Mr. Ray Ray, John (1627–1705) DSB
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, "there is so much exactness in their motions, that they punctually come to the same periods to the hundredth part of a minute"' (342).



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 349–51.

Staffa

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

eng.

Subjects:

Geology, Wonder


    Quotes Joseph Banks's Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) DSB ODNB
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observations on Fingal's Cave, in which he contrasts the magnificence of natural productions with human art.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 351.

Forms of the Ear

B V V, B
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Anon 1832 Anon. 1832. The Young Gentleman's Book: Containing a Series of Choice Readings in Popular Science and Natural History, Together with Retrospective Essays, Conversations, Literary Reminiscences, etc., London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.; Dublin: John Cumming; Edinburgh: Constable and Co.; Paris: Galignani; New York: W. Jackson
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Subjects:

Comparative Anatomy, Design


    Describes the ears of several species and relates them to their function.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 352.

Mines

B V V, B
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Mining


    Details the depth of mines in various parts of the world.



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 356–60.

October

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Field Naturalist's Magazine Field Naturalist's Magazine (1833–34) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Natural History, Beauty, Piety


    Describes the scenes of rural autumn, including some detailed accounts of birds. Reflects at length on the decay of natural objects. Concludes: 'Blest, who can often care, or find / Employment for the vacant mind, / In nature's scenes! Thrice blest is he, / Who onward casts his eyes to see, / In all that through the waters move, / In earth beneath, and heav'n above, / The Sovereign Pow'r who nature made, / The Author in his works display'd!' (360).



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 370–74.

The Great Storm. November 27th, 1703

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

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Stennett 1788 Stennett, Samuel 1788. A Sermon in Commemoration of the Great Storm of Wind, Nov. 27, 1703 and of the More Dreadful Storm which Threatened the Destruction of British Freedom at the Eve of the Revolution: Preached in Little-Wild-Street, Nov. 27, 1788. To Which is Annexed a Poem to the Memory of King William III First Published in 1702, London: J. Buckland and R. Bishop
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Vulcanology, Providence, Eschatology, Piety


    Describes the storm, which included 'appearances in the heavens that resembled lightning', but which the author considers were probably 'meteors and fiery vapours' (370). Records that some 'imagined the tempest was accompanied with an earthquake; but of this there was no clear proof' (371). Views the storm and its abatement as acts of God.



Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 379–81.

The Comet

Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Astronomy, Piety, Scientific Practitioners, Biblical Authority, Mathematics, Natural Theology, Infidelity, Status, Popularization, Expertise, Error, Wonder, Feeling

People mentioned:

Thales Thales (625BC–547BC) DSB
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    On an evening walk the narrator hears a neighbour declare of the comet: 'Is that it? [...] why it's nothing after all!'. Looking at the 'much-talked-of messenger', the narrator reflects that there is 'more good sense than good humour' in this exclamation. While not wanting to suggest that there is 'a single object undeserving of attention, or barren of materials for deep and serious thought', the narrator reflects that, when 'the one thing needful' is overlooked, there is some call for censure or veto to 'shut out from our unsanctified researches these gods many and lords many of our own creation'. (379) Does not undervalue science, but opposes error. Is 'waging war with those who wrest the scripture of creation to their own bewilderment, and not with those who learn through it something of "the invisible things of God"'. Fears that many astronomers are undevout: they may have some sense of God in his works, but 'the style of their arguments' often suggests that they are 'looking for truth in the "rigid and infallible geometry" of their propositions, rather than in the word of Him who cannot lie'. Astronomy often distracts from the Bible, but 'whilst the heavens declare His glory, and the firmament His handiwork but dimly, the law of the Lord is perfect, and able to make us wise unto salvation'. Relates this distinction to the inadequacy of deism for moral transformation. (380) The narrator is more concerned with taking this opportunity of 'contrasting the errors of the creature with the perfections of the Creator, than in launding the science which our fellow-creatures have displayed in misinforming the pubic mind, or the vanity with which they have appropriated the facts of history relating to this celestial visitant'. Observes that anyone acquainted with the history of Halley's Halley, Edmond (1656?–1743) DSB
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comet could have predicted its reappearance at this time, and that 'the path which it has taken among the stars is not exactly that marked out for it by the most skilful astronomers of Europe'. Uses this to enforce 'a lesson which cannot be too often repeated,—that "the wisdom of God is foolishness before God"'. (381) The sense of wonder prompted by the comet should lead to feelings of piety.



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Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 418–19.

Description of a Tremblor, or Earthquake, at Lima. From Brand's Brand, Charles (fl. 1828) RLIN
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Voyage to Peru Brand, Charles 1828. Journal of a Voyage to Peru: A Passage across the Cordillera of the Andes, in the Winter of 1827, Performed on Foot in the Snow; and a Journey Across the Pampas, London: Henry Colburn
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C C
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Genre:

Extract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Brand 1828 Brand, Charles 1828. Journal of a Voyage to Peru: A Passage across the Cordillera of the Andes, in the Winter of 1827, Performed on Foot in the Snow; and a Journey Across the Pampas, London: Henry Colburn
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Subjects:

Vulcanology, Feeling


Section: Anecdotes

Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 421.

The Use of Thinking

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

Anecdote

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Invention, Serendipity


    Relates that Galileo Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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invented the pendulum after observing a lamp swinging backwards and forwards as a result of its having been accidentally disturbed.



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  8 (1835), 429–30.

"Where is God?"

Green Green
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Infidelity, Theology of Nature, Piety


    The poem is prefaced by the comment: 'An atheist once said to me, "Where is your God, show him to me, and I will believe". On Returning home the following lines suggested themselves'. The poem directs the infidel to see God in nature and, in the final stanza, to find him in prayer.



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