Science in the 19th Century Periodical

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

Introductory Essay
Volume 9  (January to December 1836)
Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 12–14.

The Heavens

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M W W, M
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Genre:

Short Fiction, Dialogue

Subjects:

Astronomy, Piety, Theology of Nature, Extra-Terrestrial Life, Biblical Authority, Utility, Progress, Induction, Feeling


    Emma and Maria admire the heavens, which are 'beautiful evidences' of the creator's goodness. Maria wishes she was 'more conversant with astronomy', but confesses that she 'thinks the modern hypothesis, now so popular, is visionary and romantic'. Emma thinks it 'in perfect harmony with reason'. Maria objects to the supposition that other planets in the solar system are inhabited, and that other suns are also the centres of inhabited planetary systems because she cannot find it in scripture. (12) Emma considers that this objection would apply to all science: 'Experimental philosophy, which has, in so many instances, produced important and beneficial results, is culpable in your estimation, because, though not contrary to it, it is unassisted by revelation'. She also urges that purely theoretical ideas can be of use in elevating and expanding conceptions of God, and observes that discoveries may be 'as stepping stones to nobler attainments'. (13) With quotations from Thomas Chalmers Chalmers, Thomas (1780–1847) ODNB
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, Emma urges that contemplating a plurality of worlds can have a beneficial effect on one's feelings of piety. They discuss whether or not the inhabitants of other worlds 'are interested in the grand scheme of redemption'. Emma's pious observations cause Maria to declare: 'If this theory produce such a tone of feeling, if not entirely a convert to your sentiments, may I catch the spirit that animates you under such a view of it!'. (14)



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 15–19.

Exports and Imports

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Crito Crito
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Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Education, Commerce, Lecturing, Display, Exhibitions


    Compares the human mind to a merchant 'who exports to foreign countries the produce and the manufactures of his own; and imports from them such commodities as are found to be useful and convenient at home'. Describes the eye and ear as the chief 'avenues to the mind': 'Instruction by lectures takes in the eye and the ear, as in the case of philosophical experiments, where both these organs are employed'. (15) Gives instructions on how the 'mental merchant' should operate (16). Provides fictional examples to illustrate these, including the following: 'Crispus has often attended lectures on astronomy, and from seeing the apparatus, and hearing the lucid explanations of the professor, the eye and the ear of Crispus imported so much useful matter, that he was able to commit to paper a good abstract of the entire subject; and one evening lately, he entertained a whole company by reading it to them' (17–18).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 19–22.

Consideration

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J F F, J
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Genre:

Homily

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation, Natural Theology, Piety


    Recommends to the reader Heb. 3, 'the substance of which may be briefly summed up in these two words, "Consider Jesus"' (19). Discusses what is meant by the verb 'to consider'. Observes: 'To consider is not simply to look. The most careless and inattentive person looks at the stars; but the astronomer considers with a holy admiration their orbits and revolutions. The beholder looks to little purpose; whilst the "consideration" of the last, leads to a forcible demonstration, that "the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work"' (20).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 22–25.

Something New

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

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Progress, Railways, Steam-power, Steamships, Industrial Chemistry, Piety


    Mr Trewen is reading his daily newspaper, and is prompted by the 'long list of projected rail-roads' to exclaim 'More novelties still!'. He then reviews the changes introduced in his lifetime, including the introduction of gas-lighting, steamships, and 'lucifer matches'. (22) His wife recalls that these were all unanticipated, and that they had at first thought them fanciful. Mr Trewen remarks that 'it is very probable that the next age will produce things still more surprising'. They discuss the taste for 'something new', relating it to the account of Athens given in Acts 17. 21. They consider how this love of novelty should be applied to true religion. Mrs Trewen observes that in the 'works of God, there is something new that always strikes the eye'. (23)



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 25–28.

Good Rules for the New Year

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Selector Selector
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Genre:

Homily

Subjects:

Piety, Amusement, Education, Botany, Pharmaceuticals, Providence, Astronomy, Theology of Nature


    Gives directions under various headings. Under 'Meditation' observes: 'The subjects of meditation are numberless, but those about which a christian should be engaged are chiefly God, and himself; concerning God, the wisdom, power, and goodness which he has manifested in the works of creation [....] These subjects furnish, likewise, an inexhaustible fund for conversation' (26). Under 'Recreation' recommends friendship and conversation with Christians, and the following: 'Botany is an amusing and instructive science. A little reading and practice will give you a competent knowledge of it. There you will learn that the weeds you trample under your feet [...] are so many alembrics in which the Almighty physician prepares healing juices and remedies for mankind. If you choose to be more extensively and yet as innocently qualified, endeavour to improve your knowledge in the different parts of natural philosophy. It will not be difficult for you to obtain a general knowledge of astronomy; so far at least as to excite your admiration of the wisdom of God who created, and who governs these innumerable worlds of light' (27).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 28–29.

The Aurora Borealis

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D, Camberwell D (of Camberwell)
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Genre:

Letter, Reportage

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Light


    Describes observations made of this phenomenon on 18 November 1835.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 29.

Fogs

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Prout 1834 Prout, William 1834. Chemistry, Meteorology and the Function of Digestion, Considered with Reference to Natural Theology, Bridgewater Treatises, 8, London: William Pickering
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Design


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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 37–41.

The First

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

Homily

Subjects:

Causation, Creation


    Meditation on 'the first', beginning with 'THE FIRST CAUSE of all things' (37).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 47–55.

Language, Writing, and Hieroglyphics  [2/2]

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay

Subjects:

Nomenclature, Mathematics, Astronomy, Chemistry


    Relates that some hieroglyphs represent ideas rather than sounds. Observes: 'To this day the same sort of universal characters [...] are used in algebraic propositions, in astronomy, and medicine, which every one may read in his own tongue, and all understand aright' (49).



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 69–70.

The Poetry of Flowers. St. John's Wort

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Omega Omega
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Genre:

Poetry, Regular Feature

Subjects:

Botany, Piety


    The poem, which is prefaced by a description of Hypericum perforatum, is a meditation on the flower's name, which is taken to refer to the apostle St John John, Saint (fl. 1st century.) CBD
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.



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 94–95.

The Rule of Moral Duty

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Onesimus Onesimus
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Genre:

Homily

Subjects:

Piety, Theology of Nature, Natural Law, Morality, Biblical Authority


    Observes that the 'first principle of religion is the belief in the existence of a God', noting: 'To the religious mind, all nature is a mirror, wherein is reflected the glory of its Maker'. Reflects at some length on this theme, concluding that to the Christian everything 'declares that God is the moral Governor of the Universe'. (95) States that humans, like other created things, are subject to divine authority, and that God's moral law is only to be found in the Bible.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 97–101.

Scripture Illustrations

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Miscellaneous



[2] The Chaldeans

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Astrology, Astronomy, Prognostication, Ancient Authorities


    Illustrates the text Dan. 2. 2 with a lengthy quotation from Diodorus Siculus Diodorus Siculus (1st century BC) CBD
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describing the astrological systems of the ancient Chaldeans.




Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 101.

Dew

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Prout 1834 Prout, William 1834. Chemistry, Meteorology and the Function of Digestion, Considered with Reference to Natural Theology, Bridgewater Treatises, 8, London: William Pickering
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Heat, Physics

People mentioned:

William C Wells Wells, William Charles (1757–1817) DSB
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Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 104–05.

The Poetry of Flowers.—No. II. Pansy

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Omega Omega
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Genre:

Poetry, Regular Feature

Subjects:

Botany, Piety


    The poem, which is prefaced by a description of Viola tricolor, is a meditation on humble cheerfulness.



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 123–31.

All in All

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Anon

Genre:

Essay; Poetry

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Education, Natural Theology, Biblical Authority, Amusement, Gravity, Botany, Sex, Design, Horticulture, Degeneration, Geology

People mentioned:

Carl Linnaeus, Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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Augustin P de Candolle Candolle, Augustin-Pyramus de (1778–1841) DSB
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    Considers it singular that 'one of the simplest and most obvious principles both of nature and of revelation' should have been so much neglected until the present century. The system of instruction 'from the known to the unknown' is not new. It is 'God's own mode [...]. As long as the heavens have declared the glory of God, and the earth his goodness; as long as the eternal power and Godhead have been associated with the "things that are seen"; so long has that method of tuition been adopted which leads us from facts and observation to reasonings and analogies, from causes to effects, and from the minutest parts of creation to the infinity of Him, "who filleth all in all"'. The application of this principle by 'a modern school of education' may not be new, but its advocates are to be praised for attempting to overthrow the 'drudgery' so long practiced in the name of education. (123) What is known of God and human duty from the creation, apart from revelation, is limited. However, 'nature is the first form in the school which God himself has instituted for our instruction, and [...] it occupies a very important place in that system of nurture and admonition by which we are to be trained up to a proper exercise of those faculties with which God has blessed us'. Seeks to illustrate the 'wonder and enjoyment' which results from such education by describing an imaginary spring walk. (124) Criticizes those who will not give simple answers to the enquiries of children: 'Nature is simple and exact in all her laws, whilst art is crabbed and complex' (125). Uses the example of the hanging flowers of snowdrops to illustrate gravitational attraction. Explains the floral anatomy of snowdrops and primroses in terms of the need for self-fertilization. Reflects that he who was responsible for such design 'cannot have allowed the brigher volumes of his redeeming mercy to have failed in one jot or one tittle' (127). Remarks that domestic varieties of plants are sometimes infertile degenerate forms propagated by asexual means. Traces signs of the deluge in 'a pebbly bed around the very edge of a gravel-pit' (130). Observes regeneration in the mosses and lichens growing there. Concludes that, while the creation thus testifies to the wisdom, justice, and providence of God, it is silent on the subject of salvation, for knowledge of which the Bible is indispensable.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 139.

Cannon Clock

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Invention, Light


    Describes a contrivance 'in the gardens of the Palais Royal Palais Royal, Paris
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and the Luxembourg Palais Luxembourg, Paris
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, at Paris' in which a 'burning-glass is fixed over the vent of a cannon, so that the sun's rays at the moment are concentrated by the glass, on the priming, and the piece is fired'.



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 152–60.

Trying Against Crying. (From the American 'Religious Magazine' Religious Magazine and Family Miscellany (1833–38) RLIN
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)

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Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Mathematics, Education, Endeavour


    The story opens one afternoon with Fanny Selby crying bitterly in the parlour because she thinks that she cannot do her 'great long sum in compound division' (153). Her father persuades her to try the sum instead of crying, and she finds that she can do it. The remainder of the narrative carries through the moral in different areas of Fanny's life.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 162–65.

Clouds

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Igdalia Igdalia
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Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous; Afterword

Publications extracted:

Prout 1834 Prout, William 1834. Chemistry, Meteorology and the Function of Digestion, Considered with Reference to Natural Theology, Bridgewater Treatises, 8, London: William Pickering
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Climatology, Electricity, Piety

People mentioned:

Joseph L Gay-Lussac, Gay-Lussac, Joseph Louis (1778–1850) DSB
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Luke Howard Howard, Luke (1772–1864) ODNB
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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 186–88.

Man's Knowledge of the Law of Moral Duty

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Onesimus Onesimus
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Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Natural Theology, Natural Law, Morality, Biblical Authority


    Imagines the primeval paradise, in which 'an open manifestation was made of the perfections of the glorious Creator, and a single glance over the world of beauty and wonder would, intuitively, exhibit the evidence of wise and benevolent design' (186). Contrasts this with the present state of the world, in which the material world is cursed, the intellectual world is shrouded, and the moral world is corrupt. Asserts that human disobedience has led to a loss of knowledge of divine law. Denies that 'revelation is a mere re-publication of the law of nature', since it addresses the needs of sinful people for salvation (187). However, since the law has not changed, 'that department of revelation may be called a re-publication of the law of nature' (188).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 189–90.

The Bible the Best Teacher

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Henry Melvill Melvill, Henry (1798–1871) ODNB
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Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Encyclopaedias, Education, Piety, Natural Philosophy


    Considers that there is a strong tendency to set aside the Bible and to look elsewhere to accomplish the ends for which it was intended: 'We fear, for example, that the intellectual benefits of scriptural knowledge are well nigh entirely overlooked; and that in the efforts to raise the standard of mind, there is little or no recognition of the mighty principle that the Bible out-weighs ten thousand encyclopædias' (189). Fears the separation of intellectual and spiritual teaching. Accepts that knowledge is power, but believes that it must be directed by divine wisdom. 'We say not that the study of scripture should exclude other studies, or be substituted for them. Natural philosophy is not to be learned from scripture, nor general history. But we say that scriptural study should be at once the ground-work and companion of every other' (190).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 193–204.

Linnæus and his Lapland Tour

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Anon

Genre:

Review-Essay

Publications reviewed:

Smith 1811 Smith, James Edward 1811. Lachesis Lapponica; or, A Tour in Lapland, Now First Published from the Original Manuscript Journal of the Celebrated Linnaeus, 2 vols, London: White and Cochrane
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Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Exploration, Naturalists, Observation, Education, Endeavour, Botany, Piety, Reading, Natural Theology, Feeling, Design, Natural History, Nomenclature, Biblical Authority


    Introduces the posthumously published journal of Carl Linnaeus's Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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1732 journey into Lapland, sponsored by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Upsala
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, with the hope that it will 'allure' readers into 'those habits of observation and reasoning, out of which so much information and delight frequently arise' (193). Hopes particularly to encourage readers to compile 'just such another record of their own observations', and discusses at some length the value of such writing in education. In its straightforwardness and lack of affectation, Linnaeus's journal is a 'good model for young persons'. (194) Gives an example of a botanical description, and urges the importance of minute observation. Illustrates how such minutiae should prompt wider reflections, especially on pious themes. Considers that 'many young persons, not unfrequently misunderstand the real use of books, and fancy that they have only to endure them till they reach the end, without carrying their enquiries, in a single instance, beyond the paper or print which lies before them, or connecting the world of letters or of art with those of nature, providence, or grace'. Urges the importance of these associations: 'The bookless man has less pleasure, "when he walks abroad into the varied field of nature", than one who has no eyes at all, if his mind has been made the store-house of holy associations'. Associations can also affix to 'the whole of the scenery and circumstances amongst which we may have found an object that has held some importance in our enquiries'. (199) Gives an example from Linnaeus's journal. Observes: 'We hear much of "looking through nature up to nature's God"; and as fashion requires that we should give the world credit for doing so, we will for once allow it to be a possible case. But nature never did teach, and never can, the whole of God's doings and purposes with regard to us; and, for this reason, the world of books, comprising as it does the records of redeeming grace, has infinitely the advantage' (200–01). Reflects that, of the thoughts and feelings evoked by nature, the most important is '"MY FATHER made them all!"'. Rhetorically enquires: 'how many minds are there that scarcely appear susceptible of any impressions of the kind'? (201) Relates that Linnaeus was not insusceptible in this way, and describes some of his associations. Corrects the common misapprehension that natural history 'requires an intimate acquaintance with the learned languages; and, indeed, that it consists in little else' (204). Concludes by pointing to the gospel as being alone found in revelation.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 208.

The Drunkard's Tree

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Temperance, Physiology, Disease


    A picture-poem in the shape of a tree declaims against 'the sin of DRUNKENNESS', which 'Corrupts the Blood, inflames the Liver, / Weakens the Brain, turns Men into walking / Hospitals, causes internal, external, and incurable / Wounds'.



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 224–27.

Try Again

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Crito Crito
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Endeavour, Invention


    The narrator relates having often observed among his pupils 'a disposition to feel discouraged by the want of immediate success in some of their pursuits'. Urges the need for persistence, observing that '[t]he mariner's compass, the telescope, the construction of a ship, and that noble invention the steam engine, were not brought to perfection at once, and no doubt future experiments will afford further proof of their extraordinary powers'. (224) Relates several stories illustrative of the theme.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 238–39.

Limited Nature of Human Acquirements

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A R B B, A R
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Human Species, Scientific Practitioners, Piety, Theology of Nature


    'Man's progress in knowledge, while in this world of sin and suffering, is obviously extremely limited'. Reflects on the partial knowledge of the sciences which can be acquired in a lifetime. At the end of a life 'devoted to science' one is obliged to confess 'like the greatest of our christian philosophers [i.e. Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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...] that he has been, as it were, engaged but in gathering pebbles on the sea-shore'. The 'ardent enthusiast' nevertheless presses on towards his unattainable goal. (238) The limited scope for human progress in knowledge ought to impress us with humility, as it has 'those philosophers who have made the greatest progress in knowledge'. 'Such were Newton and Locke Locke, John (1632–1704) DSB
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, and Boyle Boyle, Hon Robert (1627–91) DSB ODNB
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;—the men in short, who had gained the highest reputation for science, were still more distinguished for their ardent and lofty piety'. (239)



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 240.

Love of Study

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Endeavour, Piety, Scientific Practitioners


    'No fortune in the power of our friends to heap up for us can equal in value the love of study and contemplation [....] Boyle Boyle, Hon Robert (1627–91) DSB ODNB
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declared that he valued life only for the improvement of knowledge and the exercise of piety'.



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 247.

The Field Scabious

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Omega Omega
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Botany, Piety


    The poem, which is prefaced by a description of Scabiosa arvensis, is a meditation on the flower's apparently sad appearance, and on the memory of sin.



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 258–63.

The Knowledge of God

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

Homily

Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Dissection


    Quotes Heb. 4. 13 ('Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do'). Observes that St Paul Paul, Saint (fl. 1st century) CBD
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the apostle, adopting 'a figure taken from the dissection of a body, the internal parts of which are, by this means, disclosed to the sight, [...] represents all the heart, its thoughts, its conceptions, its desires, as laid open to the view of God' (258–59).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 263–67.

True Nobility

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Short Fiction

Publications extracted:

Wood [1836?] Wood, H J [1836?]. Meetings for Amusing Knowledge; or, The Happy Valley, London: E. Wilson
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Subjects:

Class, Education, Amusement, Natural History


    As a young child Lady Emmeline Belmont was under the care of a French governess, having lost her mother, and was not allowed to play with natural objects, like the other children, either in the woods, or on the sea-shore. Her toys 'were but poor substitutes for natural objects [...] the spotted horses, spotted as no animal ever was spotted; the [...] Noah's arks too, with their ill-proportioned animals; lady-birds as large as pigs, gnats as lions, butterflies larger than lionesses' (264–65). Unlike other children, 'the animal creation' did not form 'a little menagerie' in her mind. When she was eight, however, her father changed her governess, and 'the wonders of creation were made known to her; every walk was full of interest, every day of every year brought a subject for observation' (265). She 'kept a journal of the discoveries she made; she "wreathed the whole circle of the year", from the early lesser celandine, which spangles the meadows with its golden stars, to the blue autumn crocus'. She also 'learned to love those poets who drew from her favourite source, nature'. (266) The narrative ends by detailing how she used her talents to assist her poor neighbours.



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 290–93.

Self-Denial

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E M I I, E M
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Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Collecting, Amusement, Piety


    Maria L is now old enough to be allowed in some degree to regulate her own expenditure. She tells her mother that she hopes to be able to keep five pounds a year for use as she chooses and to buy a 'little cabinet' like her cousin's and furnish it. Her mother allows that the cabinet would be 'a very reasonable amusement', especially if she learned 'scientifically to arrange its contents' (291). However, she counsels Maria against unnecessary expenditure, and enquires after her charitable giving. In the remainder of the narrative, Maria discovers how easy it is to spend her money selfishly.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 299–303.

The Religion of Reason

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Onesimus Onesimus
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Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Natural Theology, Reason, Ancient Authorities, Cosmogony, Biblical Authority, Infidelity, Immorality, Class, Experiment, Faith


    Defines reason as 'the intellectual faculties of man, engaged in the investigation of religion, without any communication of that "wisdom which cometh from above"'. Determines to 'shew that it has been weighed in the balance and found wanting'. Sets out to examine the 'fancied perfections of those ancient philosophers, who were most celebrated for virtue and wisdom'. Contrasts human reason in the pre-lapsarian state with that after the fall. Observes that, even before the fall reason was still not the sole guide of 'man', who 'lived in familiar intercourse with his Maker, and was favoured with occasional communications of his will', and that now it is far from being 'a competent judge in matters of religion'. Considers it difficult to distinguish natural religion from the 'traditional remains' of revelation. (299) Argues that a belief in the existence of God might be 'discovered by reason', but that 'a satisfactory demonstration is to be found only in the writings of Christians'. Reviews scathingly the various cosmogonies of ancient philosophers, and the infidelity and immorality which accompanied them. Argues that, while some ancient writers adduced arguments in support of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul worthy of attention, the reason for the general belief in the doctrine was the passing down of a 'tradition, or fragment of revelation, preserved amid the general wreck'. Considers that reason may throw 'considerable light on the being of God' and may 'even convey some notion of his attributes', but 'when it undertakes the question between God and man, it finds it to be impracticable'. 'It can awaken the fears of guilt, but it cannot appease them'. (302) Argues that, while a knowledge of the evidences of Christianity confirms the faith of believers and offers them great delight, they are by no means essential. Celebrates those 'good and holy' people in the 'humbler walks of life' who have no 'philosophic arguments', but have 'experimental evidence' of the truth of the Bible by the power of the Holy Spirit (303).



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 322–23.

Lines to an Atheist

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Infidelity, Reason, Natural Theology, Design, Causation, Natural Law


    Informs the atheist: ''Tis vain to reason—thou hast overcome / Her firm foundations and destroyed her light; / 'Tis thou art deaf, but nature is not dumb, / Hear but her voice, and it will guide thee right'. Directs the attention to design in nature, asking if chance could create such a world. Points to the atheist's belief in causality, observing: 'Oh, tell us, how can your eternal laws, / Without eternal lawgiver proceed?'. (322) Declares that, even if a being 'less than God' had framed the universe, that being must ultimately be traced to a self-existent and eternal cause (323).



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 331–37.

A Page from the Auto-Biography of Old Time

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Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction, Autobiography; Poetry

Subjects:

Time, Anthropocentrism, Astronomy, Geology, Palaeontology, Zoology, Progress, Natural Economy, Design, Piety


    Time narrates having been born 'in the beginning', but notes that people have differed about when that was. Observes: 'I think they were wrong when they measured my age by their own, which it now seems clear, is scarcely six thousand years'. In their conceit people thought 'Time had nothing to do till they came into being', although this was contradicted both by the stars and by the structure of the earth. Notes that the 'recent researches' of geologists have enabled humankind 'not only to trace various changes in this planet, but to assign to the organic remains discovered in the bowels of the earth their proper place in its history, before it was tenanted by any of our fellow-creatures'. (331) Reviews some recent palaeontological discoveries. Observes that he has 'witnessed a regular succession of existence' from simpler to more complex. The remainder of the narrative relates to the right use of time as a religious duty.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 348–49.

Account of Bakewell, Derbyshire. (In a Letter from Charles Johnson to his Father)

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Anon

Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Amusement, Endeavour, Collecting, Palaeontology, Mineralogy, Wonder, Archaeology, Geology


    Charles thanks his father for having taught him 'the folly and danger of idleness'. He hopes to make good use of his time in Bakewell, and means 'to make a collection of fossils and minerals'. Describes wonderful palaeontological finds in the locality, than which 'few places [...] yield better opportunities'. His uncle, who is directing him, calls him 'his little antiquary'; he tells Charles that the organic remains are '"the medals of creation", and have enabled clever men to learn the different ages of the deposits in which they are found'. He is also helping his nephew to study another class of antiquities—the 'documentary history of the neighbourhood'. (348) The layers of strata are described as graduating from the geological into the archaeological.



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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 362–68.

The Recompense

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

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Travel, Institutions


    Describes a tour which Sophia Merton took on the Continent with her aunt Netherton, on account of the latter's ill-health. In several of the cities they visited, including Marseilles, Montpelier, Lyons, and Paris, they spent time visiting museums, libraries, botanic gardens, observatories, and universities.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 371–79.

The Decline of the Year

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D D
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Genre:

Homily; Poetry

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Piety, Feeling, Natural History, Aesthetics, Natural Theology, Biblical Authority, Amusement, Reading, Palaeontology, Botany, Natural Economy, Design, Entomology

People mentioned:

Johannes Kepler Kepler, Johannes (1571–1630) DSB
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    Considers some of the 'delightful associations connected even with the approach of Winter', and reflects that the feelings evoked by Autumn are stronger even than those evoked by spring (371). Meditates on the analogy between 'the death-tinge breathed upon created nature at this period of the year' and the 'blight of sin that has passed over ourselves' (371–72). Observes: 'We are no worshippers of nature', and reflects that the 'glory' of nature cannot give the solace for which humanity is groaning. 'But we cannot look upon the handiworks of God without a feeling of deep devotion towards their framer, or pass them by without reading some lessons for our own profit'. The author would not be understood as saying 'that nature without an annotator can be read aright; for all history and all experience are directly at variance with this conclusion, "The world by wisdom knew not God," nor ever could have known him "savingly and to profit," unless he had superadded the testimony of Revelation'. (373) However, those who read the 'scripture of creation according to the counsel of that word which giveth light', find it replete with instruction and delight. Suggests that the knowledge learned from books should be carried into children's 'wanderings': 'Books are but comments upon things, and nearly all the pleasure to be derived from them will be lost, if we detach them from their proper connexion with the visible realities about us'. The study of nature is not at odds with the pursuit of salvation, but the narrator has digressed at length 'to meet the perverse spirit of many who are loud in praise of what is undeservedly called "Natural Theology;" by shewing rather what creation cannot teach, than what it can'. (374) Describes a country walk, with observations on a fossil sea-urchin and a fern, and concludes with a poem of pious reflection on winter.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 379–85.

The Deceitfulness of Sin

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J F, Tewkesbury F, J (of Tewkesbury)
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Genre:

Homily

Subjects:

Immorality, Light, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biblical Authority, Instruments


    Likens sin to 'a clear stream of which we seem to see the bottom': '[t]he perspective vision will surely deceive us, and the floods of iniquity assuredly overwhelm us'. Observes that '[s]in has, from its very nature, what may be called a natural affinity for what is in any degree similar to itself; that is, there is not the least offence that can be committed, but increases the enormity of what has been previously accumulated, and imparts to the aggressor a tendency to commit more; just as every particle of mercury added to a globule increases its bulk and enlarges its sphere of attraction'. Compares the way of sin to 'an inclined plane, on which having once ventured' it is difficult to find a stopping place. (381) Observes that sin causes us to estimate time and eternity falsely: 'Perhaps we are not outraging propriety in comparing the word of God to an excellent telescope which brings the scenes of eternity home to our minds; but sin snatches this heavenly glass from our hands, or seeks to invert the faithful instrument, and thus to represent the end of life, which is near at hand, to be far distant, and to throw impending eternity quite out of our view' (383).



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 386–88.

The Dinotherium. (From Dr. Buckland's Buckland, William (1784–1856) DSB
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Bridgewater Treatise Buckland, William 1836. Geology and Mineralogy Considered with Reference to Natural Theology, 2 vols, Bridgewater Treatises, 6, London: William Pickering
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.)

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Ed Ed
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Genre:

Extract; Note

Publications extracted:

Buckland 1836 Buckland, William 1836. Geology and Mineralogy Considered with Reference to Natural Theology, 2 vols, Bridgewater Treatises, 6, London: William Pickering
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Subjects:

Palaeontology, Wonder, Design, Comparative Anatomy, Functionalism, Extinction, Geology, Time, Illustration, Museums

People mentioned:

Johann J Kaup, Kaup, Johann Jakob (1803–73) WBI
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Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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Publications cited:

[Kaup 1832–38] Kaup, Johann Jakob 1832–39. Description d'ossoments fossiles de mammifères inconnus jusqu'à présent, qui se trouvent au Musée grand-ducal de Darmstadt, Darmstadt: J. P. Diehl
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    The extract describes the genus Dinotherium, discussing the functional adaptation of its anatomy. A lengthy editorial footnote explains: 'It may perhaps be necessary to inform some of our readers that this singular creature is no longer to be found alive; but it is here described from those remains of it which have been discovered in a fossil state'. The editor refers to comments in an earlier article on the fact that 'many successive changes have taken place in the structure of the earth and its inhabitants' during a long earth history. Relates that '[t]he author of this account of the Dinotherium, after considerable study and research, has come to the conclusion that millions of years have elapsed since the creation, and has shewn (what indeed we never doubted,) that the Scriptures are quite in accordance with this opinion'. A second editorial note recounts of the large tusks on the lower jaw of Dinotherium: 'As this apparatus forms the great distinguishing characteristic of the strange animal we are describing, we had intended to further illustrate it by a wood-cut, but on second thoughts conceived it better to refer our readers to the original jaw in one of the upright cases of the long gallery at the British Museum, the inspection of which will amply reward all who are curious in such matters'. (386)


See also:

A W H Bensted, 'The Earth', Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 7 (1834), 193–201


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Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 399–400.

The Refiner

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Anecdote, Poetry

Publications extracted:

James Montgomery Montgomery, James (1771–1854) ODNB
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Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Manufactures


    The extract gives an anecdote of some 'ladies in Dublin who met at each other's houses to read and converse upon the Scriptures'. When they read Mal. 3. 2–3, they 'had some discussion respecting the method of purifying the precious metals'. One of the ladies visited a silversmith to ask for details, which are related and spiritualized.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 411–14.

On the Evidences of Design Manifested in the Constitution of Man

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Onesimus Onesimus
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Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Human Species, Design, Anthropocentrism, Anatomy, Instinct, Reason, Natural Theology


    Describes the manifestations of design in the human species as being more conspicuous than in the other species under its dominion. Begins with the 'bodily constitution of man', focusing particularly on human anatomy and the organs of sense (412). Contrasts the instincts of other species with the intellectual and moral powers of the human species. Describes the reason, memory, and imagination of the human species, and considers their mutual adjustment. Concludes by arguing from such design to the existence of a designer.



Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 418–19.

Types in Nature

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

Duncan 1836–37 Duncan, Henry 1836–37. Sacred Philosophy of the Seasons: Illustrating the Perfections of God in the Phenomena of the Year, 4 vols, Edinburgh: William Oliphant and son; Glasgow: William Collins [and others]
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Subjects:

Reading, Education, Amusement, Natural Theology, Biblical Authority, Piety, Instinct


    The introduction intimates that the volume 'is just such a fire-side book as we could wish to see in the hands of our young readers during the Christmas holidays, as we think it no less calculated to give a zest to their healthful rambles over hill and valley than to those more philosophical pursuits to which the long evenings of winter are occasionally devoted'. Notes that the author wisely discards 'the antiquated idea of leading the mind "through nature up to nature's God"', knowing that 'the entrance of God's word only can give such light as will enable us to behold his works to most advantage'. (418) The extract spiritualizes accounts of the hibernation and migration of animal species in the winter, relating them to aspects of Christian living.



Section: Poetry

Youth's Magazine,  9 (1836), 431.

On a Collection of Dried Flowers, for the Year 1836

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E L A A, E L
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Botany, Collecting, Piety


    The poem apostrophizes the hortus siccus, calling to mind the original flowers, and reflecting on the passing of life.



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