Consists chiefly of quotations from parliamentary speeches, which focus
primarily on Francis Horner's personal qualities and make only passing
references to his political economy.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 17–22.
On the Constitution and Moral Effects of Banks for the Savings of
Industry
Pitkin 1816Pitkin,
Timothy 1816. A Statistical View of the Commerce of the United
States of America: In Connection with Agriculture and Manufactures and an
Account of the Public Debt, Revenues, and Expenditures of the United States:
with a Brief Review of the Trade, Agriculture, and Manufactures of the
Colonies, Previous to their Independence. Accompanied with Tables, Illustrative
of the Principles and Objects of the Work, Hartford: printed by Charles
Hosmer
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Political Economy, Imperialism, Statistics, Agriculture, Commerce,
Politics
Travel, Geology, Speculation, Political Economy, Race,
Controversy
Viewing the white cliffs of France from Dover, the narrator and his
companion discuss 'the probability of the junction of Great Britain formerly
with the Continent'. They consider that the 'geological phenomena' make it
likely, but deem the question to be 'ever [...] a doubtful speculation'. The
interruption of a Jewish money-changer cause the narrator to reflect on the
value of paper money and the activities of 'our bullion committee'. (29) He and
his companion are at odds on the issue, and 'it is well known, that a regular
argumentation on paper and metal money, unless abruptly terminated by a quarrel
or a duel [...] seldom [...] abates its violence in less than two hours and a
half' (30).
Brewster introduces a report of the 'commissioners superintending the
construction of a Steam Vessel of War, to the secretary of the navy', which has
been sent to him by Samuel Mitchill, and which he believes has not hitherto
been published in Britain (30).
Beaufoy 1817Beaufoy, Mark
1817. 'Narrative of a Journey from the Village of Chamouni, in Switzerland, to
the Summit of Mont Blanc, Undertaken on 8 Aug. 1787', Annals of
Philosophy, 9 (1817), 97–103
CloseView the register entry >>
Gives an account of Mark Beaufoy's and some earlier expeditions to Mont
Blanc. While noting the philosophical experiments carried out by Beaufoy and
others, the writer particularly emphasizes 'the dangers of the journey itself'
and 'the effect produced upon the human body in such elevated situations'
(61).
Chalmers 1817Chalmers,
Thomas 1817. A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation,
Viewed in Connection with the Modern Astronomy, Glasgow: John Smith and
Son; Edinburgh: William Whyte; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
[and 4 others]
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Astronomy, Piety, Biblical Authority, Genius, Political Economy,
Natural Theology, Infidelity
Begins: 'One of the worst features of the present times is the separation
that has taken place between science and religion'. Observes that earlier in
the history of English literature, 'great talents' were combined with 'sublime
piety'. Contrasts this with the present situation, when 'the profound reverence
for sacred things' is not 'characteristic of those by whom science is promoted,
and knowledge extended'. Considers that the separation of science and religion
means that the 'sacred system of revelation' is 'in danger of being considered
as fitted only to be the creed of less enlightened minds'. Argues that the work
under review is 'well calculated' to counteract this. Praises Chalmers's
'genius', but bemoans his lapses of taste and sentiment. (73) Gives an account,
'for the sake of our readers in the south', of Chalmers's life and his claims
to fame. Declines to summarize the contents of the work under review, but
strongly urges its value and utility.
Quotes the opening stanzas of the poem, which attribute to ennui such
amusements as card-playing, billiards, dice, and 'Retort and airpump,
threatening frogs and mice, | (Murders disguised by philosophic name)'
(78).
Bentham 1816, Bentham,
Jeremy 1816. Defence of Usury: Shewing the Impolicy of the
Present Legal Restraints on the Terms of Pecuniary Bargains, in Letters to a
Friend; To which is Added, a Letter to Adam Smith, Esq. LL.D., on the
Discouragements Opposed by the Above Restraints to the Progress of Inventive
Industry, 3rd edn, London: Payne and Foss
CloseView the register entry >>Anon 1816aAnon. 1816a. National Difficulties Practically
Explained by a Member of the Lowestoft Book-Club, London: Baldwin, Cradock,
and Joy, and Hatchard
CloseView the register entry >>
Sumner 1816Sumner, John
Bird 1816. A Treatise on the Records of the Creation, and on the
Moral Attributes of the Creator: With Particular Reference to the Jewish
History, and to the Consistency of the Principle of Population with the Wisdom
and Goodness of the Deity, 2 vols, London: J. Hatchard
CloseView the register entry >>
Clarke 1817Clarke, Edward
Daniel 1817. 'Further Observations Respecting the Decomposition of
the Earths, and Other Experiments Made by Burning a Highly Compressed Mixture
of the Gaseous Constituents of Water', Annals of Philosophy, 9,
89–96; 194–202
CloseView the register entry >>
After an enthusiastic account of
Edward D
Clarke'sClarke, Edward Daniel
(1769–1822)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> researches with the blowpipe, observes: 'we cannot help
expressing our satisfaction that the employment of this powerful instrument, in
the development of such striking results, has fallen to the lot of a gentleman
who has already rendered such essential service to the literature of his
country, and whom [...] we are really disposed to regard as not only one of the
most accomplished scholars, but one of the best men also, which this country
contains' (86). Discusses the government's contribution towards the cost of the
buildings at the University of Edinburgh, noting that the library will be 'one
of the most elegant rooms in the kingdom' (87).
Gives an account, with technical descriptions and diagrams, of the 'new
patent press' made by the Edinburgh printer,
John RuthvenRuthven, John
(b. 1783)
SBTI CloseView the register entry >>.
Gives an account, with technical descriptions of
'LITHOGRAPHY or the art of engraving on stone' (128). States
that lithography is admirably 'adapted to represent objects of a picturesque
description, natural history, outlines, anatomical subjects, plans, &c.'
(129)
Presents a short history of hospital provision 'for the sick' from ancient
Greece, through the Roman empire, to contemporary hospitals in Paris and
Glasgow.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 134–36.
On the Fall of Volcanic Dust in the Island of Barbados
An eyewitness account of 'the fall of volcanic dust in the island of
Barbados, which occurred on May 1st, 1812, and which was produced by an
eruption of the volcano in the neighbouring island of St Vincent' (134).
States: 'I am induced to infer, that the dust, though it never seemed to unite
intimately with the soil, had a fertilizing property' (136).
Relates as part of an anecdote how a highlander's wife fell into a peat-bog
on her way home after having 'indulged too freely to cure a
cholic [sic]' (137).
Observes that 'in the common explanation of this phenomenon [combustion],
only one of the circumstances connected with it, that is, the disappearence of
the oxygen, had in reality been accounted for, while the exhibition of light
and heat, which really consistitute what is essential to the phenomenon, are
altogether unexplained. [... I]t is with very much satisfaction that we
perceive Sir Humphry Davy to be actively engaged in the investigation of what
has justly been denominated the most important problem in Chemistry' (140).
Describes the invention, by 'Mr Gavin WhiteWhite, Gavin (grocer, of Kinross)
(fl. 1817)
BE1/1/2a/7 CloseView the register entry >>, grocer in Kinross', of an
artifical horizon which can be attached to 'the common quadrant', to
enable navigation in foggy weather.
Section: Review of New Publications
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 175–78.
[Review of On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, by
David Ricardo]
Ricardo
1811a, Ricardo,
David 1811a. The High Price of Bullion: A Proof of the
Depreciation of Bank Notes: To Which is Added, an Appendix, Containing
Observations on Some Passages in an Article in the 'Edinburgh Review', on the
Depreciation of Paper Currency, also Suggestions for Securing to the Public a
Currency as Invariable as Gold, With a Very Moderate Supply of That Metal,
4th ed., London: J. Murray
CloseView the register entry >>Ricardo
1811b, Ricardo,
David 1811b. Observations on Some Passages in an Article in the
'Edinburgh Review', on the Depreciation of Paper Currency; also Suggestions for
Securing to the Public a Currency as Invariable as Gold, With a Very Moderate
Supply of That Metal, Being the Appendix, to the 4th ed. of 'The High Price of
Bullion', London: J. Murray
CloseView the register entry >>Ricardo 1815Ricardo, David
1815. An Essay on the Influence of a Low Price of Corn on the Profits of
Stock, London: J. Murray
CloseView the register entry >>
Bingley 1817Bingley,
William 1817. Useful Knowledge; or, A Familiar and Explanatory
Account of the Various Productions of Nature: Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal,
Which are Chiefly Employed for the Use of Man, London: Baldwin, Cradock,
& Joy
CloseView the register entry >>
States: 'To young persons, especially young ladies, who have seldom an
opportunity of studying large systems of natural history, we would particularly
recommend this work'. Notes that it would be interesting to give 'some idea of
what is meant by the theories of the earth. Another subject which we should
have expected to see noticed, is fossil remains'. (179)
Section: Analytical Notices
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 180–86.
1. Encyclopædia Britannica—Supplement. Vol. II. Part I
[Napier]
1815–24 [Napier,
Macvey], ed. 1815–24. Supplement to the Fourth, Fifth, and
Sixth Editions of the Encyclopaedia Britannica: With Preliminary Dissertations
on the History of the Sciences, 6 vols, Edinburgh: Archibald Constable;
London: Hurst, Robinson & Co.
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Metaphysics, Ethics, Philosophy | History of Science,
Mathematics, Logic, Natural Philosophy, Mechanics, Astronomy, Light, Heat,
Electricity, Magnetism | Exploration | Alchemy, Mathematics,
Ancient Authorities, Meteorology | Health, Medical Treatment,
Hydropathy | Zoology
Gives an account of the death rates and patient numbers in the
hospitaux and hospices of Paris from 1804 to 1814. States: 'It
appears, that among the maniacs the number of women is generally greater than
men. Among the younger females, love is the most common cause of insanity; and
among the others jealousy or domestic discord. Among the younger males, it is
to speedy development of the passions, and with others, the derangement of
affairs, that most frequently produces this effect. The calamities of the
revolution were another cause of madness in both sexes; it is worthy of remark,
that the men were mad with aristocracy, the women democracy. Excessive grief
occasioned lunacy in men; whereas the minds of females were deranged by ideas
of independence and equality'. A separate report relates that 'the grand
desideratum of rendering sea water potable, seems at length to be obtained by
simple distillation'. Describes the method of distillation developed by French
chemists. Also states that
M MaillardetMaillardet, M
(fl.)
ML1-2-44-2 CloseView the register entry >>
of Neuchatel has announced, in a foreign journal, that he has succeeded in
resolving the celebrated problem of perpetual motion, so long regarded a
scientific chimera'. (191)
Light, Mining | Disease, Medical Treatment, Medical
Practitioners
Relates that 'Mr
Van MonsVan Mons, Jean Baptiste
(1765–1842)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> has communicated [...] that the safety lamp of
DavyDavy, Sir Humphry, Baronet
(1778–1829)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> has completely
succeeded in the Netherlands'. Later reports that Van Mons has also succeeded
in 'curing all cases of hydrophobia by means of oxygenated muriatic acid,
employed both internally and externally'.
Chronicles the movement to bring about an act for the better regulation of
lunatic asylums in Scotland. States that 'there were 1500 lunatics in
confinement, and about 2000 at large in Scotland' (210).
States 'we have received various communications upon
Dr
SpurzheimSpurzheim, Johann Christoph
(1776–1832)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>'s system—or rather upon the controversies to which
it has given rise. Two of these now before us are ably written, but
nevertheless inadmissible. They are opposite in their views of the subject, but
equally objectionable on account of frequent and invidious personal
reflections. We have no objection to another paper on Craniology, but only on
condition that the subject be treated exclusively upon its own merits—as
a philosophical discussion, and not as a party quarrel' (230).
Williams
1789, Williams,
John 1789. The Natural History of the Mineral Kingdom. In Three
Parts. Part I. Of the Natural History of the Strata of Coal, and of the
Concomitant Strata. Part II. Of the Natural History of Mineral Veins, and Other
Beds and Repositories of the Precious and Useful Metals. Part III. Of the
Natural History of the Prevailing Strata, and of the Principal and Most
Interesting Phaenomena Upon and Within the Surface of Our Globe, Edinburgh:
T. Ruddiman
CloseView the register entry >>Playfair 1802a, Playfair,
John 1802a. Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the
Earth, London: Cadell and Davies; Edinburgh: William Creech
CloseView the register entry >>Pryce 1778 , Pryce, William
1778. Mineralogia Cornubiensis: A Treatise on Minerals, Mines, and Mining:
Containing the Theory and Natural History of Strata, Fissures, and Lodes, with
the Methods of Discovering and Working of Tin, Copper, and Lead Mines, and of
Cleansing and Metalizing their Products, Shewing Each Particular Process for
Dressing, Assaying, and Smelting of Ores: To Which is Added, an Explanation of
the Terms and Idioms of Miners, London: J. Phillips
CloseView the register entry >>Jameson 1798, Jameson,
Robert 1798. An Outline of the Mineralogy of the Shetland
Islands, and of the Island of Arran: With an Appendix Containing Observations
on Peat, Kelp, and Coal, Edinburgh: W. Creech; London: T. Cadell, and W.
Davies
CloseView the register entry >>Jameson 1800Jameson,
Robert 1800. Mineralogy of the Scottish Isles, with
Mineralogical Observations Made in a Tour through Different Parts of the
Mainland of Scotland, and Dissertations upon Peat and Kelp, Edinburgh: B.
White
CloseView the register entry >>
Gives a 'sketch of the rise, progress and present state of the Wernerian
Natural History Society of Edinburgh, as well as a few general observations
on [... mineralogy] to which some of its most distinguished members have
hitherto devoted their talents' (231).
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 234–35.
Communication from Col. Mudge (Addressed to the Publisher)
Bain 1817Bain, William
1817. An Essay on the Variation of the Compass: Shewing How Far it is
Influenced by a Change in the Direction of the Ship's Head, With an Exposition
of the Dangers Arising to Navigators from Not Allowing for this Change of
Variation: Interspersed with Practical Observations and Remarks, Edinburgh:
Blackwood
CloseView the register entry >>
Describes the method and location of experiments to 'ascertain the force of
gravity at certain parts of our meridian, as connected with that of France and
Spain' (234).
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 239–40.
Experiment by
Mr Lauder Dick, YoungerLauder, Sir Thomas Dick, 7th baronet
(formerly Thomas Lauder Dick)
(1784–1848)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> of
Fountainhill, Relative to the Preservation of the Vegetative Power in the Seeds
of Plants
Gives an outline of the effect of climate, topography, population, local
diet, and access to water on the health of the populace of Edinburgh. States:
'there is no disease which is peculiar to Edinburgh, neither can any of the
diseases of this country be said to be particularly prevalent or severe in this
town. On the whole it is remarkably healthful; and I believe, that it may be
stated, that the mortality in it is small in proportion to the population
[...]. The epidemic diseases to which children are liable, varying in extent to
which they prevail and the character which they assume, are always more or less
present in the town' (269–70).
Exploration, Natural History | Race,
Ethnology | Horticulture
Publications cited:
Riley 1817, Riley, James
1817. An Authentic Narrative of the Loss of the American Brig Commerce:
Wrecked on the Western Coast of Africa, in the Month of August, 1815. With an
Account of the Sufferings of Her Surviving Officers and Crew, Who Were Enslaved
by the Wandering Arabs on the Great African Desart, or Zahahrah; and
Observations Historical, Geographical, & c. Made During the Travels of the
Author, While a Slave to the Arabs, and in the Empire of Morocco, New-York:
T. & W. Mercein
CloseView the register entry >>Koster 1817, Koster, Henry
1817. Travels in Brazil, 2d ed. London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and
Brown
CloseView the register entry >>Repton 1816Repton,
Humphry 1816. Fragments on the Theory and Practice of Landscape
Gardening: Including Some Remarks on Grecian and Gothic Architecture, Collected
from Various Manuscripts, London: J. Taylor
CloseView the register entry >>
In discussing a review of
Frédéric Lullin de
Chateauvieux'sLullin de Châteauvieux,
Frédéric (Jacob Frédéric)
(1772–1842)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>Lettres écrites
d'ItalieLullin de Châteauvieux,
Frédéric 1816. Lettres écrites d'Italie en
1812 et 13, a M. Charles Pictet, l'un des rédacteurs de la
Bibliothèque Britannique, 2 vols, Geneva: J. J. Paschoud
CloseView the register entry >>, states that 'The most interesting part of the critique,
perhaps, is the account of the Maremma [....] It is unfortunately
distinguished by the character of Mal' Aria, an unhealthy constitution
of the atmosphere, or of the soil, during the summer season; and is inhabited
only during the winter, and chiefly by a race of wandering shepherds [...] The
cause of the insalubrity of this country is a mystery into which science has
not yet been able to penetrate [...]. Rome itself suffers under the increased
action of the Mal' Aria; and the extraordinary diminution of its inhabitants
within twenty-one years, from 1791 to 1813, from 166,000 to 100,000, is partly
ascribed to this cause' (301).
Reports that
James Stodart Stodart, James
(1760–1823)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>
has successfully repeated experiments which support the 'recent discoveries of
Professor LeslieLeslie, Sir John
(1766–1832)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
whose frigorific process, by the combined powers of absorption and
evaporation, acts with uncommon energy and effect'. Later states: 'This
elegant discovery of the Professor promises to prove equally interesting to the
philosopher, and important in its application to the common purposes of life in
every climate. Whether required as a luxury in health or as a necessary in
sickness, ice may at all times be readily procured'. (303)
Reports that the
Archives des Decouvertes et
des InventionsArchives des Decouvertes et des Inventions, Faites dans les
Sciences, les Arts et les Manufactures, tant en France que dans les Pays
Étrangers
(1808–39)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> for 1816, 'contains accounts of the discoveries
of
M.
Gay-LussacGay-Lussac, Joseph Louis
(1778–1850)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> on the combinations of azote and oxygen, and on prussic
acid: of those of
M.
PoissonPoisson, Simeon-Denis
(1781–1840)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> on the theory of the tides; and of
M. BiotBiot, Jean-Baptiste
(1774–1862)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
on light. M. Biot it appears is making rapid advancement in the career of the
illustrious Malus; and his invention of the fine instrument to which he has
given the name of colorigrade, proves how eagerly he seeks to turn the results
of his discoveries to purposes of use'. Later reports that
Joseph E D EsquirolEsquirol, Joseph Etienne Dominique
(1772–1840)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> has
given the name hallucination to a kind of mental derangement which
denotes 'a species of insanity, in which the patient receives, through one or
more senses, those impressions which sight alone otherwise conveys'. Later
relates the 'case of a person almost the only sign of whose derangement
consisted in his hearing secret voices, which incessantly reproached him with
something he had done'. (305)
Reports on recent vaccination uptake in French areas of Sevres and Meurthe.
States that 'the prefect of that department [Meurthe] has given premiums to
those who are distinguished by their zeal in promoting vaccination' (315).
Reports that it was recently stated in the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> that 'The
[City] Philosophical SocietyCity Philosophical Society
CloseView the register entry >>, established in
1808, for the discussion of political and philosophical subjects, applied for a
license [sic] at the Quarter sessions of London, on the 14th of April. The
magistrates required a list of the subjects it wanted to discuss, and
definitions of what its title or constitution would allow to introduce. The
society refused to comply with this condition, and its meetings were in
consequence suspended'. Later continues: 'in one part of the country a
mineralogical society had been refused a license, because the magistrates were
of the opinion that the study of mineralogy had a blasphemous tendency
(hear, hear! and a laugh)'. (323)
Concludes: 'that music was originally derived from the language of passion
and emotion, is rendered highly probable, by inquiring into the history of
early melodies of all countries that possess a national music' (346).
Reports on the progress made in the construction of a 'stone beacon' with a
warning 'bell apparatus' on Carr rock, started in 1812 by the
Northern Lighthouse BoardNorthern Lighthouse Board
CloseView the register entry >>. Carr
rock is part of a reef which forms 'a turning-point in the course of all
northern bound ships to or from the Firth of Forth, and has often proved fatal
for shipping'. Relates that the construction will take longer than the four
years it took to construct
Bell Rock
LighthouseBell Rock Lighthouse, Angus, Scotland CloseView the register entry >>, stating: 'we are informed by
Mr
StevensonStevenson, Robert
(1772–1850)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, engineer, for both works, that this is partly owing to
the waters of the ocean being more easily agitated and disturbed when flowing
over the shelving rocks bounding the shores, than over those more in the
open sea'. (358) Later states that during 1815 '[t]he operations could
go on only in good weather, and only at the return of the spring tides. A whole
year's work, under these circumstances, did not exceed 130 hours working
upon the rock' (358–59). Describes the mechanism by which the bell will
be tolled by the action of the tides.
In the Netherlands the narrator visited the grave of
Antoni van
LeeuwenhoekLeeuwenhoek, Antoni van
(1632–1723)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> 'famous for his microscopical discoveries' (362).
Discusses at length the exalted status of storks in Dutch culture.
The writer requests further articles on the progress of the excavations at
PompeiiPompeii
CloseView the register entry >>, agreeing with a
previous article that this 'one of the most interesting scientific proceedings
of the present age'.
Discusses and describes the 'differential thermometer' used by
John LeslieLeslie, Sir John
(1766–1832)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> to
'measure the relative dryness of the atmosphere' in place of a conventional
hygrometer (381). Relates how a common thermometer can be used in a similar
way, stating that, 'though it may not possess the same degree of delicacy, it
is sufficiently accurate for all the ordinary purposes of meteorology'
(382).
The narrator gives a fictional account of a conversation with a spirit upon
its manifestation before him. The spirit states: 'It has long been a dispute in
your world, whether the air is peopled with invisible beings; and such is that
philosophic pride and obstinacy which mark this age, that, along with your
other monstrous theories, you have swept away all other beings but yourselves
from the universe. And yet the doctrines of those sciences which you affect to
have improved, may have convinced you that there exist many substances which,
although endowed with definite shapes, are yet invisible, and which, although
invisible, perform most important purposes in the phenomena of nature. So
absurd is the argument from non-appearance to non-existence' (383).
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 387–88.
Method Adopted at Geneva for Supplying the Poor with Nutritive Soups from
Bones
David Brewster introduces a letter to him from Marc-Auguste Pictet, dated 26
June 1817. Pictet relates how he has cancelled a trip to 'Genoa, by the way of
Turin, with the intention of returning by Pavia, Milan, and the Simplon'. This
is due to the 'dreadful state of misery, bordering on famine, with which these
countries are afflicted, and the prevalence of diseases, partly contagious,
which are the consequence of bad food'. (387) Pictet proceeds to suggest a
solution, previously used in Geneva, of feeding the poor with 'RumfordThompson, Sir Benjamin,
Count von Rumford
(1753–1814)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> soups', paid for
by subscription. This involves setting up communal boilers to boil animal bones
to make a 'nutritive' broth. Each supply of bones, it is reported, can be
boiled up to three times to produce both broth and gelatine. Suggests that, 'as
there are more bones collected in the city than can be immediately employed',
if the bones can be washed, steeped, boiled and then air dried 'we might
prepare a granary of bones, as well as granary of corn, and thus keep in
reserve, animal as well as vegetable food'. (388)
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 394–98.
Remarks on the Diseases Lately Prevalent in Edinburgh
Reports that since 'the draining of the marsh which existed to the south of
the town' the 'Intermittent Fevers or agues' brought on by 'marsh
miasma' have 'almost entirely disappeared from the town. Examples of this
disease are here now extremely rare, except when excited by exposure to the
cold in those who have formerly been affected with it'. Continues to describe
symptoms and treatment of ague as well as the prevalent 'synochus, or
common continued fever', which 'seems to prevail in all parts of Britain,
particularly during the summer; and is accordingly denominated by some
physicians as the Summer Fever'. (394) Gives a detailed account of the
prevalence, symptoms, treatment, prognosis, and possible causes of 'Typhus
or Nervous Fever' and 'malignant typhus' (395). This is followed by
a brief account of the relatively rare occurrence of scarlet fever and whooping
cough. Later states: 'the practice of vaccination is very generally adopted by
all classes of the community; in consequence of which the town enjoys an
exemption from small-pox to an extent, I believe, unknown in any town of equal
magnitude in Britain' (398).
Reports that: 'the
Glasgow Astronomical Society Glasgow Astronomical
Society
CloseView the register entry >>has
lately procured a solar microscope from Dolland [i.e.
Peter DollondDollond, Peter
(1731–1820)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>],
the largest that celebrated optician has ever constructed. [...] The first
trial of this superb instrument disclosed some wonderful phenomena; hundreds of
insects were discovered devouring the body of a gnat. These animalcula were
magnified so as to appear nine inches long, their actual size being somewhat
less than the fourteenth hundredth part of an inch. The mineral kingdom
afforded another display of brilliant objects; their crystallization, and the
splendour of their colouring, exceed anything the most lively imagination can
conceive' (418–19).
States: 'Many of the fanciful theories of our globe, founded upon false
conclusions, drawn from the repeated discovery of fresh water shells and marine
shells being found together in the same strata, are likely to be set at nought
by an experiment of
M. BendantBendant, M. (of Marseilles)
(fl. 1817)
BE1/1/4b/2 CloseView the register entry >> of Marseilles,
from whence it results, that fresh water or marine molluscæ will live in
either medium, if habituated to it gradually; but with some few exceptions'
(419). Later reports that '[t]he most remarkable of the new inventions which
have been submitted to the society [Société d'Encouragement
pour l'Industrie NationaleSociété d'Encouragement pour l'Industrie Nationale, Paris CloseView the register entry >>], is one of a portable anemometer,
constructed by M. Regnier [probably
Edme RegnierRegnier, Edme
(1751–1825)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>]. The
idea of it was suggested to the inventor by
M. BuffonBuffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc,
comte de
(1707–88)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>'.
Compares the effect of the atmosphere and climate on astronomical
observations and instruments in Italy and in England. Later reports that
'BrocchiBrocchi, Giovanni Battista
(1772–1826)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, a distinguished Italian
naturalist, has discovered, in the neighbourhood of Veletri, columnar
basalt, resting upon a bed of pumice, which contains the bones of
quadrupeds' (422).
Mémoires de
Muséum d'Histoire NaturelleAnnales du Muséum National d'Histoire
Naturelle
(1802–13)
Mémoires du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle
(1815–32)
Nouvelles Annales du Muséum National d'Histoire
Naturelle; ou, Recueil de Mémoires
(1832–35)
Archives du Muséum National d'Histoire
Naturelle
(1839–61)
Nouvelles Archives du Muséum National d'Histoire
Naturelle
(1865–1900+)
COPAC CloseView the register entry >>
States: 'An ingenious speculation, however, has been proposed by
Dr
FranklinFranklin, Benjamin
(1706–90)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, in a letter to
Lord KamesHome, Henry, Lord Kames
(1696–1782)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, by which he
would resolve all melody into harmony. The Hypothesis is founded on a quality
ascertained to exist in our organs of sense, viz. that they have the power of
retaining, for a time, any impression made by an external object; in
consequence of which, in a series of sensations, any one impression becomes
intermingled with that which immediately precedes, and with that which
immediately follows it. This law of sensation, so far as it is to the phenomena
of vision, had not escaped the sagacity of Dr Franklin; but it has since been
more fully developed, and ingeniously illustrated by
Dr DarwinDarwin, Erasmus
(1731–1802)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, in
his essay on Ocular Spectra' (460). Describes Franklin and Darwin's hypotheses
in more detail.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 471–72.
Account of a Thunder Storm in the Neighbourhood of Leadhills,
Lanarkshire; By Mr James Braid, Surgeon at Leadmills. (Read before the
Wernerian
SocietyWernerian Natural History Society, Edinburgh CloseView the register entry >>, 7th June 1817)
Comments: 'Having observed [...] that
Count Dunin
BorkowskyDunin-Borkowski, Stanislaw
Jan Nepomucen Kajetan, Count
(1782–1851)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> [sic] had announced his having discovered amber
imbedded in sandstone, I think it may not be uninteresting to state an
analogous observation which was made about the end of year 1813, on the
seashore, in the immediate neighbourhood of Santander' (483–84). Relates
that he or she found there 'a considerable mass of yellow amber, firmly
embedded in the limestone' (484).
The narrator describes his visit to
Leiden
UniversityUniversiteit Leiden
CloseView the register entry >>. States that in the university gardens 'there are many
beautiful specimens of rare foreign trees and shrubs; particularly a tree
planted by the hands of
Hermann
BoerhaaveBoerhaave, Hermann
(1668–1738)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, and a majestic palm, which existed in the time of
ClusiusL'Ecluse (Clusius), Charles de
(1526–1609)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, the first professor of botany at
Leyden [sic]'. Also briefly recounts his visit to the 'theatre of anatomy'.
(489) Later states: 'There are many other pleasant country residences near
Haarlem, among which Hartkamp should be mentioned, being more particularly
interesting, as having been at one time the abode of
LinnaeusLinnaeus (or von Linné), Carl
(1707–78)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, and the
place where that famous botanist laid the foundation to his immortal system'
(492).
Health, Disease, Medical Treatment, Hydropathy, Hygiene
Reprints an old handbill from the
Advocate's
Library, EdinburghAdvocate's Library,
Edinburgh CloseView the register entry >>. The introduction suggests that the handbill is
'probably as old, at least, as the beginning of the last century'. The handbill
announces the establishment of, and prices for, a bath-stove at Leith. The
bath-stove, which can contain up to 'fifteen persons', is claimed to cure the
following diseases: 'The Hydropsie, the Gout, Deafnesse, the Itch, sore eyes,
the Cold, unsensiblenesse of the Flesh, the trembling Axes, the Irish Ague,
cold Defluxions inwardly, the Melencholick disease, the Collick, and all
naturall diseases that are curable'.
Section: Review of New Publications
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, 1 (1817), 510–15.
Review of Elements of the Natural History of the Animal Kingdom,
by Charles Stewart
Stewart 1817Stewart,
Charles 1817. Elements of the Natural History of the Animal
Kingdom: Comprising the Characters of the Whole Genera, and of the Most
Remarkable Species, Particularly Those That are Natives of Britain; With the
Principal Circumstances of their History and Manners, 2nd ed., 2 vols,
Edinburgh: Bell and Bradfute; and London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, &
Brown
CloseView the register entry >>
Announces that the
Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh Royal Medical Society of
Edinburgh
CloseView the register entry >>
has proposed as the subject for a prize essay the question: 'What changes are
produced on atmospheric air by the action of the skin of the living human
body?' States that the committee appointed by the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> to investigate 'Steam-boats and boilers' has reported 'that
steam-engines of some construction may be applied with perfect security, even
to passage vessels'. (523) Proceeds to outline the resolutions proposed by the
committee for the consideration of the house. Quotes from the
Sydney
GazetteSydney Gazette
(1803–40)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> that '[a]n animal hitherto unknown here in the
European colonies' has been discovered. 'From its general conformation, it may
be a species of the Jerboa tribe'. Describes this and a new species of
shellfish predator. Later relates in detail the account given in the Sydney
Gazette of two 'instances of the extreme virulence and rapidity of animal
poison'. (524) Gives an account of papers presented to the
Royal SocietyRoyal Society of London
CloseView the register entry >>
by
William E
LeachLeach, William Elford
(1791–1836)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and Everard
HomeHome, Sir Everard, 1st Baronet
(1756–1832)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> concerning a new genus of animals found to inhabit argonaut and
nautilus shells. Announces that the first number of 'a New Periodical Work,
entitled,
"Journal of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of PhiladelphiaJournal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia
(1817–1900+)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >>["], has just reached
this country from America' (525) and provides a brief overview of its
contents.
Begins: 'M.
BiotBiot, Jean-Baptiste
(1774–1862)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> has observed, that insects called by the French blaps
and tenbrions, may be left in a vacuum that can be made by an air-pump
for days, without appearing to suffer any inconvience' (525).
Reports that the 'great anatomical collection of
MeckelMeckel, Philipp Friedrich Theodor
(1756–1803)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> of Halle is about to be offered for
sale. It is only excelled by the magnificent and truly philosophical museum of
the late
John HunterHunter, John
(1728–93)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>' (526).
Gives notice of a number of recent German publications.
Reports that a 'select committee was appointed to inquire into the causes
which led to the explosion of the engine belonging to the Norwich and Yarmouth
Steam-boat, to ascertain the best means of preventing similar accidents'
(539).
Reports: 'the Margate Steam-Packet' caught fire eighteen miles from
Whitstable. Describes how the fire started and states that no-one was killed
but that 'the vessel was almost entirely consumed'. (546)
[3] Explosion of Fire-Damp
Subjects:
Accidents, Technology, Mining
Reports that 'a dreadful blast occurred at Harraton Row pit, Newcastle [...]
by which thirty-eight men and boys were killed'. Asserts that 'this dreadful
accident was caused by the perverse obstinacy of a young man named John Moody,
one of the hewers, who, in defiance of the orders of the overman, refused to
use
Sir H. DavyDavy, Sir Humphry, Baronet
(1778–1829)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>'s lamp,
and a lighted candle, which was twice put out by the workman whom he was trying
to relieve; but he relighted it, by unscrewing the lamp, and thus sacrificed
his own, and the lives of his companions'. (546)
Reports on the publication of the first volume of
Archiv für Thierischen
MagnetismusArchiv für Thierischen Magnetismus
(1817–24)
Sphinx. Neue Archiv für Thierischen
Magnetismus
(1824–26)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >>. Gives an historical account of the development of
'this singular species of magnetic agency' (563).
Comments: 'That systematic arrangement is necessary in natural history, as
in all other branches of human knowledge, is a fact too obvious to stand in
need of illustration, and is perhaps sufficiently proved by the circumstance of
BuffonBuffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc,
comte de
(1707–88)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>—one of the
most accomplished men, and the most brilliant writer whom natural history has
enlisted beneath her banners—having failed to induce the prevalence of a
contrary opinion, notwithstanding every effort of his powerful genius. The want
of fixed and determinate principles in the arrangement of Buffon, was indeed
"the very head and front of his offending" and it is well for science that his
example has not been followed'. Observes: 'I would not hesitate to say, that it
would be far more advisable that naturalists should follow the loose and
desultory method of Buffon, and others of his school, than by an entire
subjection and devotion to all the minutiæ of systematic detail, to
neglect whatever is great and beautiful in the science, and thereby forfeit all
claim to the praises of mankind, as agents in the extension of the most
admirable species of human knowledge'. (569)
States: 'though it is not necessary, on this occasion, to enter into the
merits of the contending Volcanic and Neptunian theories, we must still be
conscious, that many series of facts constantly presented to our view on the
exterior, as well as those that have explored in the bowels of the earth, are
consistent with, and may very plausibly be attributed to, the influence of both
powers' (587). Continues to discuss at length the contemporary understanding of
the geological processes involved in the formation of the valley of
Streathearn.
Lists
Edward D
ClarkeClarke, Edward Daniel
(1769–1822)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>'s most recent experiments (636). Reports that
John TatumTatum, John
(fl. 1805)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> has found
that 'vegetables, like animals, convert the oxygen of the atmosphere into
carbonic acid gas; and that those very gases which are fatal to animals are
equally so to vegetables' (638).
Reports: 'the French government is proceeding in a spirited manner with the
grand
Description
of EgyptDescription de l'Égypte: Description
de l'Égypte; ou, Recueil de observations et des recherches qui ont
été faites en Égypte pendant l'éxpédition de
l'armée française publié par les ordres de Sa
Majesté l'empereur Napoléon le Grand, 21 vols, Paris:
Imprimerie impériale, 1809–28
CloseView the register entry >>', and gives brief account of their progress. Later reports
that 'M. de LalandeLalande, Joseph-Jérôme
Lefrançais de
(1732–1807)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, one of the
directors of the
Museum of Natural HistoryMuséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris CloseView the register entry >>, is
preparing for a new voyage for the promotion of that science. During a short
excursion to Brazil, he collected more than four thousand zoological subjects,
which proves how much yet remains to be done before we can acquire just and
sufficiently extensive notions of those regions'. (639)
Gives an account of the improvements that 'Mr David Heath, jun.Heath, David
(fl.1817)
BE1/1/6b/6 CloseView the register entry >> of New Jersey' has made in
the steam engine 'by which all accidents may in future be prevented'. Reports:
'a remedy for the stone is stated to have been discovered in America'. Relates
how the remedy was acquired by a physician from an African slave in exchange
for his freedom. (641)