Science in the 19th Century Periodical

The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 2  (June 1853 to June 1854)
Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 5–10.

Recollections of an Hospital Nurse

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Anon

Genre:

Reminiscences

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Hospitals


    Family debts and an interest in medical books prompted the author to pursue a career as a sister at a hospital where an acquaintance was the head physician. The physician was impressed by the author's medical knowledge and invited her to replace an intemperate head nurse at the hospital. Describes one of her harrowing hospital experiences.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 24.

Cochin China Fowls

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Ornithology, Natural History, Breeding, Domestic Economy


    Describes physical features, price and breeding characteristics of the Cochin China fowl. Suggests that the bird should be encouraged to breed, given its importance to the English egg-trade.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 25–30.

Lessons in Natural History: No. 1—Botany  [1/5]Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No II—Ornithology', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 83–87
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. III—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 154–57
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No IV—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 187–90
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History. No. V—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 282–85

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [8]

Subjects:

Education, Botany, Natural History, Natural Theology, Design, Wonder

People mentioned:

Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban) Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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    Introduces five lectures on local natural history given by Mr Townley, a Grovehill clergyman, to young members of his family. Townley aims to inculcate 'a true love of Him who has formed all things' by discovering in nature 'perfect harmony, and adaptability of every creature or object to its station, and fulfilling some fixed purpose' (25). The narrative is one of wonder, constantly upholding the beauty of botanical specimens. Townley discusses the physical features and properties of selected plants and flowers, and their history, local meaning, and harmonious place in nature. He hopes his audience will find in 'vegetable creation abundant proofs of God's omniscient design' (30).



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 51–55.

Woman's Social Position in the Time of Elizabeth Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland (1533–1603) ODNB
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Contrasted with the Present

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Clementa Grant Grant, Clementa (fl. 1853) ED1/2/2/1
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Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Gender, Education, Progress


    Notes that women's present progress in science was quite unknown in the sixteenth century but that at the Government School of Design Government School of Design, Dublin
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in Dublin, women students were recently awarded prizes in botany, chemistry, geometry, and optics. Adds that the only scientific subject in which a male student won a prize was anatomy. Thinks this proves the 'present great improvement in the education of ladies' and their superiority over men. (55)



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 56.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Domestic Economy


    Describes the physical features of the Italian greyhound and the King Charles spaniel. Advises on cures for worms and the mange.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 57–58.

The Fruit and Flower Garden

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Botany, Horticulture, Domestic Economy


    Describes the physical features and the origin of the colour of the Gladiolus, 'Superb Corn-Flag'. Advises on growing the plant successfully. Describes the physical features, etymology, and provenance of dandelion-leaved evening primrose, and gives hints for its successful cultivation.



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 83–87.

Lessons in Natural History: No II—Ornithology  [2/5]Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. 1—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 25–30
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. III—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 154–57
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No IV—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 187–90
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History. No. V—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 282–85

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [4]

Subjects:

Ornithology, Taxonomy, Education, Natural History, Language, Natural Theology, Design, Wonder


    The introduction describes how Mr Townley gave his second lecture while accompanying his pupils on a walk. In the lecture, Townley notes the difficulties of classifying animal life and seeks to classify all animals from insects to 'the noblest archangel before God's throne', and to find proofs of 'the perfect adjustment of all animated bodies' to the duties which God had 'destined for them to perform'. Notes the etymology of ornithology (83). Describes the 'wondrous' physical features and habits of the eagle. The narrator states how Townley then described the habits and habitats of the hobby hawk (84–5), and the plants and animal life near a mill stream (85–6). Townley describes the features of a feather (86) and takes his pupils into the miller's garden where he describes the physical features and habits of several birds. The narrator notes that on concluding their tour, the party resolved to spend their leisure time contemplating natural phenomena illustrating 'God's goodness' (87).



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 89.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

F Delamotte De La Motte, Freeman Gage (1813/4–1862) ODNB
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Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Breeding, Domestic Economy, Nutrition


    Describes the importation, history, rearing potential, and physical features of the white bantam. Gives advice on breeding, accommodating, and feeding this breed of fowl.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 95.

Notices to Correspondents

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Editorial Reply

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour


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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 117–19.

Time—Its Wise Disposal for a Day

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Dorothea Dorothea
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Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Natural History, Botany, Education


    Regards studying natural history and botany while walking in the country to be a most beneficial use of time (119).



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 121.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Breeding, Domestic Economy, Nutrition


    Describes the provenance and physical features of the guinea pig. Notes its adaptability to the English climate and its breeding habits. Offers guidance on the most suitable diet and habitat for the animal.



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 153.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Domestic Economy


    Describes the habitat, characteristics, and suitable diet and cage for the starling.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 154–57.

Lessons in Natural History: No. III—Botany  [3/5]Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. 1—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 25–30
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No II—Ornithology', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 83–87
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No IV—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 187–90
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History. No. V—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 282–85

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [4]

Subjects:

Botany, Natural History, Education, Natural Theology, Design, Wonder, Medical Treatment


    The introduction recounts that Mr Townley and his pupils visited Beech Grove, where the pupils gathered bouquets of botanical specimens. The same evening, Townley lectured on the specimens. In his lecture, Townley notes the abundance of foliage in the present month and explains how heat and light benefit plant growth. Notes that plants, unlike animals, do not have stomachs, powers of locomotion, or a full range of senses. (154–55) Admires and gives botanical descriptions of various plants, including the wild strawberry, forget-me-not, and rose-hip. Notes the etymology and medicinal uses of the dandelion, and insists that its downy globe is 'great proof of God's wisdom' (156). Compares and contrasts other botanical specimens.



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 185.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Development, Animal Behaviour, Breeding, Domestic Economy


    Describes the life-cycle and physical features of the silkworm. Describes the silkworm's transformation into a moth and advises on how best to rear it.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 187–90.

Lessons in Natural History: No IV—Botany  [4/5]Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. 1—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 25–30
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No II—Ornithology', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 83–87
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. III—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 154–57
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History. No. V—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 282–85

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [7]

Subjects:

Botany, Natural History, Natural Theology, Wonder, Education

People mentioned:

Erasmus Darwin, Darwin, Erasmus (1731–1802) DSB
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Carl Linnaeus Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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    Mr Townley describes the characteristics of, and provides anecdotes about, the scarlet pimpernel. Asserts that the 'informed student of Natural History' thinks 'nothing less than infinite wisdom' could have produced the arrangements of wild-flowers (187). Describes the Latin name, physical characteristics, and behaviour of several other wild flowers, including the early purple orchid and foxglove. Some descriptions are extended with anecdotes about the flower concerned. Townley hopes his pupils are induced to study botany and to 'bless God for his goodness' (190).



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 214–15.

Manufacture of Pins

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

Knight 1851 Knight, Charles 1851. Knight's Cyclopaedia of the Industry of all Nations, London: Charles Knight
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Subjects:

Manufactories, Invention


    Uses Charles Knight's description of the skilled workmanship involved in pin-making to prove that the pin is 'not an insignificant article' and that the phrase 'it's not worth a pin' is meaningless (214).



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 216.

The Fruit and Flower Garden

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Botany, Horticulture, Domestic Economy


    Describes the physical features, provenance, and suitable growing conditions for the dark-eyed sunflower.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 217.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Domestic Economy


    Describes the 'remarkable' plumage, habitat, migratory habits, and symbolic significance of the turtle-dove. Also describes the plumage and nest of the ring-dove.



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 229–38.

The Visionary  [1/3]

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Sarah Symonds Symonds, Sarah (fl. 1850) WBI
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Genre:

Short Fiction, Serial

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Alchemy, Astrology, Commerce, Charlatanry


    Describes the character of Hubert Garnier, who devoted his life to the pursuit of 'alchymy' and astrology. His house contained an 'alchymist's crucible' and literature containing 'directions and calculations' for a 'fascinating but dangerous vision'. (231) Garnier worked hard to make gold in order to win fame, fortune and the hand of Agnes Grenfell. Describes the occasion when Garnier is most optimistic about his alchemical scheme. Agnes's father warns her that Garnier is too poor to be her husband and is prone to 'aimless speculation and baseless visions' (238).



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 248.

The Fruit and Flower Garden

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Botany, Horticulture, Domestic Economy


    Describes the physical features, provenance, and proper growing conditions of the sky blue Commelina.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 249.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Domestic Economy, Nutrition


    Describes the features of the Spanish fowl and the most suitable diet and environment for such birds to lay eggs.



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 280.

The Sick Room and Nursery

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Chemistry, Domestic Economy


    Describes the chemical substances and processes needed for fumigating sick-rooms and for the manufacture of an antidote to laudanum.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 281.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Breeding, Domestic Economy


    Advises on the best means of rearing, feeding, and accommodating Aylesbury ducks



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 282–85.

Lessons in Natural History. No. V—Botany  [5/5]Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. 1—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 25–30
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No II—Ornithology', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 83–87
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No. III—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 154–57
Anon, 'Lessons in Natural History: No IV—Botany', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 187–90

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Botany, Natural History, Natural Economy, Education, Natural Theology, Design, Wonder, Narcotics

People mentioned:

John Lindley, Lindley, John (1799–1865) DSB
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Sharon Turner Turner, Sharon (1768–1847) ODNB
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    The introduction dwells on the natural beauties of Green Park and recounts that Mr Townley gave a lecture to his pupils at the ruins of Melton. In the lecture, Townley stresses that falling and decaying leaves show the 'just and natural method' by which the benevolent God renovates nature, and that 'beauty is evolved from ruin' (282). The narrator describes the plants and animals observed among the ruins. Townley lectures on the flowers gathered by his pupils. He wants to show that each season brings its own beauty and proofs of God's design (283). Townley describes and relates historical information about various plants and flowers including the violet and St John's Wort (284). Discusses the opium drawn from, and the enchanting light emitted by, poppies. Concludes by hoping that his observations have revealed 'fresh charms and proofs of the Divine wisdom running through all creation' and have encouraged 'love and gratitude to Him' (285).



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 313.

Management of Household Pets

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Domestic Economy, Nutrition


    Describes the physical features and habits of the nightingale. Advises on the type of cage and diet suitable for the bird.



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 325–32.

First Trials of a Young Physician  [1/2]Elisabeth S Phelps, 'First Trials of a Young Physician', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 364–67

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Anon / Elisabeth S Phelps Phelps, Elisabeth Smart (1815–52) WBI
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Genre:

Serial—Introduction, Biography / Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Illustrators:

S V Slader Slader, S V (fl. 1853) ED1/2/11/1
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Surgery


    The introduction outlines Elisabeth Phelps's life, noting her early interest in mental philosophy and mathematics, and the steps by which she became a prominent literary figure. Phelps's story follows the fortunes of Dr Harris, a young physician, and his wife. Describes Dr Harris's attempts to attract patients to his new practice. He is disappointed when, as an expert at extracting teeth, he misses the chance to extract three teeth from people in his area (330). Describes his euphoria when he successfully treats his first patient. He fails to be the first physician at the scene of a carriage accident near his surgery.



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 347–49.

The Tree of Solomon

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Imperialism, Disciplinarity, Alchemy, Botany, Hydrography


    Notes that the 'leading naturalists' of the seventeenth century worked hard to invent a local habitation for the 'Tree of Solomon'. Observes that 'chemistry and medicine, released from the tedious but not useless apprenticeship they had served to alchymy and empiricism, set up on their own account', and consequently lost their reputation as 'curative' enterprises (348). Notes that in 1768, the French hydrographer M. Barré Barré, M. (hydrographer) (fl. 1768) ED1/2/11/2
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discovered that the palms from which Palmiers received its name produce the prized 'cocos de mer' (349).



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 351.

Notices to Correspondents

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Editorial Reply

Subjects:

Astronomy


    Recommends John F W Herschel's Herschel, Sir John Frederick William (1792–1871) DSB ODNB
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Outlines of Astronomy Herschel, John Frederick William 1849. Outlines of Astronomy, London: Longmans
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.



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Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 364–67.

First Trials of a Young Physician  [2/2]Anon Elisabeth S Phelps, 'First Trials of a Young Physician', Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 2 (1853–54), 325–32

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Elisabeth S Phelps Phelps, Elisabeth Smart (1815–52) WBI
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Genre:

Short Fiction, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Vaccination


    Dr Harris reflects on his poor record of attracting patients, but considers that his time has not been entirely wasted because he has used it to study several medical works (364). He visits a boy suffering from a disease and laments the fact that he was prevented from having a vaccination (365). Harris consults with other physicians about giving the boy treatment and his judgement is supported. Following the boy's recovery, Harris's reputation and practice steadily grow (366).



Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  2 (1853–54), 390.

Things Worth Knowing

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Instruction

Subjects:

Chemistry, Domestic Economy


    Details a chemical process for making ink.



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