Science in the 19th Century Periodical

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 12  (July to December 1828)
Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), [iii]–iv.

Preface

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Anon

Genre:

Preface

Subjects:

Periodicals, Popularization


    Considers that the Mirror of Literature Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction (1822–47) Mirror Monthly Magazine (1847–49) Waterloo Directory
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has succeeded primarily through the 'economy' of its plan and its encouragement of 'the spirit of curiosity' (iii). Observes: 'The arrangement of the present Volume, generally accords with those of its successful predecessors. Fact and fancy; sentiment, poetry, and popular science; anecdote and art; love of nature and knowledge of the world—alternate in its columns' (iv).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 5–7.

On Coals, and the Period when the Coal Mines in England will be Exhausted. (From Bakewell's Introduction to Geology, 3rd Edition, 1828)

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Bakewell 1828 Bakewell, Robert 1828. An Introduction to Geology: Comprising the Elements of the Science in its Present Advanced State, and all the Recent Discoveries: With an Outline of the Geology of England and Wales, 3rd edn, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green
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Subjects:

Geology, Mining, Industry, Futurism, Declinism, Error

People mentioned:

Thomas Thomson, Thomson, Thomas (1773–1852) DSB
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Richard Reynolds Reynolds, Richard (1735–1816) ODNB
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Publications cited:

Bailey 1810, Bailey, John 1810. General View of the Agriculture of the County of Durham, with Observations on the Means of its Improvement: Drawn up for the Consideration of the Board of Agriculture and Internal Improvement, London: R. Phillips
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Annals of Philosophy Annals of Philosophy (1813–26) Waterloo Directory
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Holmes 1816 Holmes, J. H. H. 1816. A Treatise on the Coal Mines of Durham and Northumberland: With Information Relative to the Stratifications of the Two Counties: and Containing Accounts of the Explosions from Fire-Damp which have Occurred Therein for the Last Twenty Years, Their Causes, and the Means Proposed for their Remedy, and for the General Improvements of the Mining System, by New Methods of Ventilation, &c., London: Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 7–8.

Hints for Health

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Tim Tobykin Tobykin, Tim
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Genre:

Introduction / Extract

Publications extracted:

Rennie 1828 Rennie, A. 1828. A Treatise on Gout, Apoplexy, Paralysis, and Disorders of the Nervous System, London: Burgess and Hill
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Subjects:

Periodicals, Popularization, Health, Climatology, Physiology, Heat, Light


    The editor includes some of the extracts sent in by the correspondent, noting that they are 'written in a popular style and appear to be equally applicable to the welfare of all classes'. He continues: 'We are not friendly to the introduction of purely professional matters into the pages of the MIRROR Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction (1822–47) Mirror Monthly Magazine (1847–49) Waterloo Directory
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, but the following extracts are so far divested of technicality as to render their utility and importance obvious to every reader'. (7)



Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 8–9.

Early Hours

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

Benjamin Franklin Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 9.

Sensitive Plants

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Botany, Light, Physiology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 9.

Ostriches

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Miller 1828 Miller, John 1828. Memoirs of General Miller, in the Service of the Republic of Peru, 2 vols, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green
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Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 9.

[Digestion in Dogs]

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Nutrition, Physiology

People mentioned:

Busick Harwood Harwood, Sir Busick (1750–1814) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 10.

[Dugald Stewart Stewart, Dugald (1753–1828) ODNB
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]

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Anon

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Philosophy, Authorship, Endeavour, Lecturing, Education


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 10.

[March of Intellect Men]

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Education, Gender, Utilitarianism, Steam-power, Machinery


    'Dine with a march-of-intellect man, and only observe the downcast eyes of his pale-faced, trembling wife—the knit brows of his sullen sons—the sulky sorrows of his joy-denied daughters. All that comes of your hard-hearted, hard-headed, music-painting-and-poetry-despising, utilitarian, intellectual, all-in-all educationists, who know nothing so admirable as a steam-engine, and would wish to see the whole world worked by machinery'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 11.

[Anecdote of a Woodpecker]

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Anecdote

Publications extracted:

Walsh 1828 Walsh, Robert 1828. Narrative of a Journey from Constantinople to England, London: Frederick Westley and A.H. Davis
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Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 11.

[Salt as a Manure]

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Lecture

Publications extracted:

William T Brande Brande, William Thomas (1788–1866) DSB
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Subjects:

Chemistry, Agriculture


Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 13.

Society of Civil Engineers Institution of Civil Engineers
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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Engineering, Societies, Professionalization

People mentioned:

Thomas Telford Telford, Thomas (1757–1834) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 13.

Toads as Ant-Eaters

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Letter

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Horticulture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 13.

Laying out Part of the Calton Hill as Pleasure-Ground

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, News-Commentary

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Horticulture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 13.

Vegetables

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Horticulture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 13.

Mortar

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Chemistry


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 13.

Treatment of Gold and Silver Fish

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Zoology, Acclimatization, Menageries


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 13–14.

Climate

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Paper

Publications extracted:

Edinburgh Journal of Science Edinburgh Journal of Science (1824–32) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Climatology, Time

People mentioned:

Joakim F Schouw Schouw, Joakim Frederik (1789–1852) DSB
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Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 16.

Modern Salamander

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Experiment, Display, Heat, Physiology


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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 20–21.

Recent Earthquake in Colombia. (Communicated by a Correspondent to Brande's Brande, William Thomas (1788–1866) DSB
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Journal)

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Journal of Science Journal of Science and the Arts (1816–19) Quarterly Journal of Literature, Science and the Arts (1819–27) Quarterly Journal of Literature, Science and Art (1827–30) Journal of the Royal Institution of Great Britain (1830–31) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Vulcanology, Fear


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 24–28.

Captain Popanilla's Voyage

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Anon

Genre:

Abstract, Novel

Publications abstracted:

[Disraeli] 1828 [Disraeli, Benjamin] 1828. The Voyage of Captain Popanilla, London: Henry Colburn
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Subjects:

Education, Publishing, Utility, Human Species, Progress, Evolution, Reading, Physics, Government, Utilitarianism, Steam-power, Lecturing, Navigation, Naturalists, Political Economy, Agriculture, Exploration, Authorship, Display, Gas Chemistry, Botany, Disease, Race, Medical Treatment, Nutrition, Medical Practitioners, Emigration

Institutions mentioned:

Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge
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Select Committee on Emigration Select Committee on Emigration
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    Popanilla, the narrator of the novel, is the native of an Indian isle called the Isle of Fantaisie. A ship being wrecked off the coast, Popanilla finds 'a chest [...] filled with "Useful Knowledge Tracts," books on "the Hamiltonian system," [a system of language learning designed by James Hamilton Hamilton, James (1769–1829) ODNB
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] &c.' He falls asleep, and when he awakes, finds that a troop of monkeys 'had taken the opportunity of his slumber to become acquainted with some of the first principles of science'. Some of the monkeys have since been seen with their tails cut off, 'passing themselves for human beings among those people who do not read novels, and are consequently unacquainted with mankind'. Popanilla reads a treatise on hydrostatics, and incessantly speculates on the cause of all incidents involving the action of water. He 'soon becomes a man of science: his wit flies off in tangents, and he tries to prove his sovereign a lantern, and himself a sun, by undertaking to re-shape all the institutions of Fantaisie'. He dogmatises about utility and 'man being a developing animal'. After offending the king he 'consoles himself for having nobody to speak to, by reading some very amusing "Conversations on Political Economy" [Marcet, Jane] 1816. Conversations on Political Economy: In Which the Elements of That Science are Familiarly Explained, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
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'. He takes on many pupils, who, as soon as they have 'mastered the first principles of science' begin 'lecturing upon every lecturable topic'.

    Becoming a favourite at court, Popanilla 'is overpowered with promotion, told that "with the aid of a treatise or two," he will make "a consummate naval commander," although he has "never been at sea in the whole course of his life"'. He is sent out in a canoe, and arrives at a 'magnificent city' ['Hubbabub'—i.e. London], where, thanks to the Hamiltonian system, he is 'more loquacious than could have been Capt. Parry Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
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'. (25) He exchanges his gold for 'the banker's pink shells', and there follow 'some quips on the shell question (currency), and Mr. Secretary Perriwinkle, the most eminent conchologist', and on the national debt. Popanilla publishes an account of his three-day voyage in a quarto volume, the eminent bookseller having assured him that 'it was by no means difficult for a man to publish his travels without writing a line'. 'Then we have a shower of squibs on converzazioni—as dukes imbibing a new theory of gas [...] a field-marshal intent on essence of hellebore'. Popanilla is most delighted by 'hearing a lecture from the most eminent lawyer and statesman [i.e. Henry P Brougham Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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] in Vraibleusia [i.e. Britain], on his first and favourite study of hydrostatics'. (26) 'In one morning's lionizing [...] he acquires "a general knowledge of the chief arts and sciences, eats three hundred sandwiches, and tastes as many bottles of sherry' (26–27). Describes 'the establishment of a "Society for the Diffusion of Fashionable Knowledge"—its first treatise, Nonchalance—dissertations "on leaving cards," "cutting friends," "on bores", &c.'.

    Popanilla becomes ill, 'like all other great foreigners who visit England', and his treatment and recovery is described. Arrested for high treason during a financial crisis, he is imprisoned in great luxury, and is daily attended by 'the most eminent physician, and the most celebrated practitioner in Hubbabub'; he is informed that 'the rest of the prisoners were treated in a manner equally indulgent'. (27) A 'public instructor, Flummery Flam, [...] ascribes all the debt and distress to "a slight overtrading," chatters about demand, supply, rent, wages, profit, and, as a temporary relief, suggests "emigration." "Flummery-Flammism triumphs, and every person, from the managers to the chalk-chewing mechanics, attends lectures on that enlightening science"' (27–28). After being acquitted, Popanilla sees the words 'Emigration Committee' on the blind of a house, and joins 'the last Emigration squadron', which is about to sail.



Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 28.

Machine for Sharpening Knives at Once

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

London Journal of Arts and Sciences London Journal of Arts and Sciences (1820–54) Newton's London Journal of Arts and Sciences (1855–67) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Machinery


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 28.

Influence of Electricity on the Development of Seeds

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Subjects:

Botany, Electricity, Physiology

People mentioned:

M Astier Astier, M (fl. 1828) ML1/12/322b/4
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 28–29.

Botany

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Journal of Agriculture Quarterly Journal of Agriculture (1828–43) Journal of Agriculture (1843–68) Country Gentleman's Magazine and Journal of Agriculture (1868–73) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Botany, Plenitude, Wonder, Climatology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 29.

Blight in Fruit Trees

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G W N N, G W
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Genre:

Instructions

Subjects:

Horticulture, Chemistry


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 29.

On the Live Stock of Britain, France, &c.

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Anon

Genre:

Abstract

Publications abstracted:

Pierre C F Dupin Dupin, Pierre-Charles-François (1784–1873) DSB
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Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Breeding, Statistics, Cultural Geography


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 29.

Supposed Nervous System in Plants

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Subjects:

Botany, Physiology, Cytology

Publications cited:

Dutrochet 1826 Dutrochet, René Joachim Henri 1826. L'agent immédiat du mouvement vital dévoilé dans sa nature et dans son mode d'action chez les vegétaux et chez les animaux, Paris: Baillière
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 33–34.

Columbia College, New York Columbia College, New York
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Beta Beta
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Genre:

Introduction / Miscellaneous / Afterword

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Education, Colleges, Universities, Gravity, Medical Practitioners, Societies, Government, Patronage, Libraries, Museums, Anatomy, Mineralogy, Natural History, Laboratories, Chemistry, Botanical Gardens, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Lecturing

Institutions mentioned:

Columbia College, New York—Medical School, Columbia College, New York—Medical School
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College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
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    Reflects on the founding of the University of London University of London
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and King's College, London King's College, London
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, welcoming 'the important benefits which they are calculated to work'. Observes: 'We are not of those who would (even were Newton's Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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theory practicable) compress the world into a nutshell, or neglect "aught toward the general good"'. (33) Welcomes accordingly the contributed illustration and description of Columbia College. A concluding note discusses the history of Gresham College Gresham College
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and Sion College Sion College
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, lamenting the failure of the former to fulfil Thomas Gresham's Gresham, Sir Thomas (c.1518–79) ODNB
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intentions.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 34–36.

Superstitions on the Weather. From Sir H.Davy's Salmonia; or, Days of Fly-Fishing. (In Conversations)

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Dialogue

Publications extracted:

[Davy] 1828 [Davy, Humphry] 1828. Salmonia; or, Days of Fly Fishing, in a Series of Conversations: With Some Account of the Habits of Fishes Belonging to the Genus Salmo, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Prognostication, Light, Physics, Ornithology, Entomology, Animal Behaviour, Superstition, Causation, Reason, Unbelief, Miracle


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 36–39.

Anecdotes of a Tamed Panther. By Mrs. Bowdich

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Ed Timbs, John (1801–75) ODNB
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Genre:

Introduction, Biography; Extract, Anecdote

Publications extracted:

Sarah Bowdich Lee (née Wallis, formerly Bowdich), Sarah (1791–1856) ODNB
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, Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Exploration, Heroism, Authorship, Natural History, Zoology, Menageries, Animal Behaviour, Disease, Pharmaceuticals

People mentioned:

Thomas E Bowdich, Bowdich, Thomas Edward (1791?–1824) ODNB
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Mr Hutchison Hutchison, Mr (fl. 1828) ML1/12/323/3
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Institutions mentioned:

Exeter Exchange—Royal Menagerie Exeter Exchange—Royal Menagerie
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Publications cited:

[Bowdich] 1828[–1838] [Bowdich, Sarah] 1828[–1838]. The Fresh-Water Fishes of Great Britain, London: printed for the authoress
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Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 41.

Filtering Apparatus

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Jno. Field Field, John (fl. 1828) ML1/12/323a/4
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Genre:

Letter, Instructions

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Domestic Economy


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 41–42.

Effects of Lightning

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Library of Useful Knowledge Library of Useful Knowledge: Library of Useful Knowledge. Published Under the Superintendence of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1827–46
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Electricity, History of Science, Instruments, Heroism, Experiment, Accidents

People mentioned:

Stephen Gray, Gray, Stephen (1666–1736) DSB
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Jean A Nollet, Nollet, Jean-Antoine (1700–70) DSB
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Benjamin Franklin, Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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Thomas F Dalibard, Dalibard, Thomas François (1703–79) DSB
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George W Richmann Richmann, George Wilhelm (1711–53) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

Imperial Academy of Sciences Imperial Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 42–46.

The Sketch-Book. The Mysterious Tailor. A Romance of High Holborn  [1/2]Anon, 'The Sketch-Book. The Mysterious Tailor. A Romance of High Holborn', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 58–61

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract, Serial, Short Fiction

Publications extracted:

Monthly Magazine Monthly Magazine (1796–1843) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Hospitals


    The narrator describes himself as a 'medical practitioner', and continues: 'My income, too—which seldom or never encumbers a surgeon who has not yet done walking the hospitals—is limited' (43).



Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 46–47.

Norfolk Punch. An Incantation

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Poetry, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Chemistry, Medical Practitioners, Museums, Monstrosities


    Refers to 'Nantz' (Brandy) as being 'By Arabia's chemic skill, / Sublimed, condensed, in trickling still'. Directs the removal of the skins of thirty oranges and lemons, continuing: 'Then, as doctors wise preserve / Things from nature's course that swerve, / Insects of portentous shape—worms, / Wreathed serpents, asps, and tape-worms, / Ill-fashioned fishes, dead and swimming, / And untimely fruits of women; / All the thirty skins infuse / In Alcohol's Phlogistic dews'. (46)



Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 47.

[Carolina Parrots Poisonous to Cats]

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Anon

Genre:

Note

Subjects:

Natural History, Physiology


    'It is said that the intestines of the Carolina parrot are an instantaneous poison to cats'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 48.

[Wisdom of God]

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Edinburgh Review Edinburgh Review (1802–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Plenitude, Theodicy


    'There is not only room but use, for all that God has made in his wisdom—a use not the less real, because not always tangible, or immediate'.



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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 49–50.

Kingston New Bridge Kingston New Bridge, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey
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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

I Dodd Dodd, I (fl. 1820–30) Engen 1985
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Subjects:

Engineering

People mentioned:

Edward Lapidge Lapidge, Edward (1779–1860) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 51–53.

Days of Fly Fishing

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Anon

Genre:

Review; Extract

Publications reviewed:

[Davy] 1828 [Davy, Humphry] 1828. Salmonia; or, Days of Fly Fishing, in a Series of Conversations: With Some Account of the Habits of Fishes Belonging to the Genus Salmo, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Societies, Status, Hunting, Pharmaceuticals, Chemistry, Military Technology, Natural History, Natural Philosophy, Causation, Reading Amusement, Education, Zoology, Physiology, Cruelty, Entomology

People mentioned:

Richard Watson, Watson, Richard (1737–1816) DSB
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William Babington Babington, William (1756–1833) DSB
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Publications cited:

[Berkeley 1744], [Berkeley, George] 1744. Siris: A Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and Inquiries Concerning the Virtues of Tar Water and Divers Other Subjects Connected Together and Arising One from Another, Dublin: R. Gunne
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Walton 1653 Walton, Isaak 1653. The Compleat Angler; or, The Contemplative Man's Recreation. Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing, Not Unworthy the Perusal of Most Anglers [...] London: Richard Marriot
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    Observes that an ex-president of the Royal Society Royal Society of London
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(i.e. Humphry Davy Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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) writing a book on 'field sports' might 'at first sight appear rather unphilosophical', and recounts some similarly incongruous instances, such as 'a Scotch minister inventing a safety gun'. Considers that this is nevertheless a very pleasant volume. Remarks that it is 'less practical than it might have been', but that 'this defect is more than atoned for in the author's felicitous mode of intermingling with the main subject, some of the most curious facts and phenomena in natural history and philosophy so as to familiarize the angler with many causes and effects which altogether belong to a higher class of reading than that of mere amusement'. (51) Gives two lengthy extracts: a vindication of fly-fishing and an account of flies on the River Wandle (Surrey) and elsewhere.


See also:

Anon, 'Superstitions on the Weather. From Sir H.Davy's Salmonia; or, Days of Fly-Fishing. (In Conversations)', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 34–36


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 54–55.

Colebrook-Dale Iron-Works—The Reynolds'

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Salopiensis, Shrewsbury Salopiensis (of Shrewsbury)
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Genre:

Letter, Rejoinder

Subjects:

Geology, Mining, Error, Industry, Christianity, Engineering, Genius

People mentioned:

Richard Reynolds, Reynolds, Richard (1735–1816) ODNB
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Hannah Reynolds, Reynolds (née Darby), Hannah (d. 1762) ODNB, s.v. Reynolds, Richard
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Abraham Darby (1678–1717), Darby, Abraham (1678–1717) ODNB
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Abraham Darby (1711–63), Darby, Abraham (1711–63) ODNB
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Abraham Darby (1750–1789), Darby, Abraham (1750–89) ODNB
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William Reynolds Reynolds, William (1758–1803) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Darby and Company, Darby and Company, firm
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Religious Society of Friends, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
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Iron Bridge Iron Bridge, Ironbridge, Shropshire
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See also:

Anon, 'On Coals, and the Period when the Coal Mines in England will be Exhausted. (From Bakewell's Introduction to Geology, 3rd Edition, 1828)', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 5–7


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 55.

[Pleasures of Science and Literature]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Education, Amusement


    'Science and literature are "the nourishment of youth, the delight of age, the ornaments of prosperous life, the refuge and consolation of adversity, the companions of our weary travels, of our rural solitudes, of our sleepless nights"'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 55.

The River Nile

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Sparks 1828 Sparks, Jared 1828. Memoirs of the Life and Travels of John Ledyard, from his Journals and Correspondence, London: Henry Colburn
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Subjects:

Physical Geography, Wonder, Reading

People mentioned:

John Ledyard Ledyard, John (1751–89) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 56.

Phrenology

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Foreign Quarterly Review Foreign Quarterly Review (1827–47) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Phrenology, Crime, Display

People mentioned:

Franz J Gall Gall, Franz Joseph (1758–1828) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 56–57.

Saving Habits of the English

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Political Economy, Population, Statistics


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 58.

[Limits of Science]

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Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Human Species, Physics, Astronomy


    'Man is not quite so manageable in the hands of science as boiling water or a fixed star'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 58–61.

The Sketch-Book. The Mysterious Tailor. A Romance of High Holborn  [2/2]Anon, 'The Sketch-Book. The Mysterious Tailor. A Romance of High Holborn', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 42–46

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract, Serial, Short Fiction

Publications extracted:

Monthly Magazine Monthly Magazine (1796–1843) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Mental Illness, Medical Treatment


    The narrator having been overcome by the apparently phantom appearance of a tailor to whom he is indebted, he recovers consciousness to find 'a physician and two apothecaries' beside him and that he has been delirious for two days. He describes his slow recovery.



Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 61.

The Tour of Dulness

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Poetry, Satire

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Narcotics, Cultural Geography, Phrenology, Political Economy, Universities


    The female figure 'Dulness' has a 'poppy-crown'd head'. She tours the British Isles, starting in London. From zealous Dublin 'sped she to the Land of Cakes [Scotland], / The land she loves and its possessors; / She loves its Craniologists, / Political Economists, / And all Scotch mists and Scotch Professors. / And Chiefly she on M'Culloch McCulloch, John Ramsay (1789–1864) ODNB
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smiled, / As a mother smiles on her darling child, / Or a lady on her lover'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 61.

Cannibalism

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Drollery

Publications extracted:

New Monthly Magazine New Monthly Magazine (1814–81) New Monthly (1882–84) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Dissection, Quackery, Adulteration


    Rails against the different forms of cannibalism found in great cities. Observes: 'The town is occasionally very indignant and very noisy against the gouls of Surgeons' Hall Royal College of Surgeons
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, because they live upon the dead carcasses of their fellow-creatures; while, strange to say, it takes but little account of the hordes of wretches who openly, and in the face of day, hunt down living men in their nefarious dealings as porter brewers, quack doctors, [...] manufacturers of bean flour, alum, and Portland stone; and torture their subjects like so many barbecued pigs, in the complicated processes of their cookery'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 61–62.

Signs of the Times

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

New Monthly Magazine New Monthly Magazine (1814–81) New Monthly (1882–84) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Adulteration, Publishing, Medical Treatment, Public Health, Pollution, Quackery, Pharmaceuticals

People mentioned:

Friedrich C Accum Accum, Friedrich Christian (1769–1838) DSB
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    Begins: 'CAVEAT EMPTOR! This is the age of fraud, imposture, substitution, transmutation, adulteration, abomination, contamination, and many others of the same sinister ending, always excepting purification'. Relates the 'increase of bilious and dyspeptic patients', 'the number of new books upon stomach complaints', and 'the rapid fortunes made by practitioners who undertake [...] to cure indigestion' to adulteration. (61) Also observes that 'even the water supplied to us by our companies is any thing rather than the real Simon Pure it professes to be', and 'our quack doctors implore us to beware of spurious articles' (62).



Section: The Anecdote Gallery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 62–64.

Voltaire Voltaire, François Marie Arouet de (1694–1778) DSB
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. (From Various Authorities)

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Philo Philo
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Genre:

Biography

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Representation, Heroism, Entomology

People mentioned:

François Huber, Huber, François (1750–1831) WBI
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Pierre Huber Huber, Pierre (1777–1840) WBI
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    Describes Voltaire's bedroom, 'just as he left it in 1777', round the walls of which were 'bad prints of Washington Washington, George (1732–99) CBD
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, Franklin Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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, Sir Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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, and several other celebrated personages' (62). A footnote relates an anecdote concerning the Huber family.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 66.

Tremendous Rains

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P T W, pseud.  [Peter T Westcott] Westcott, Peter Thomas (1782/3–1845) Gentleman's Magazine, n.s. 23 (1845), 328
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Timbs, John 1871.'My Autobiography: Incidental Notes and Personal Recollections', Leisure Hour (1871), 20–23, 85–88, 181–84, 212–15, 266–69, 293–95, 347–51, 394–98, 420–24, 469–72, 500–03, 596–600, 612–15, 644–48, 685–88, 692–96, 730–33, and 794–99
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Meteorology, Astrology


    Reports that an old English proverb, 'It rains by Planets', signifies that 'the showers are governed by planets, which being erratic in their own motions, cause such uncertain wandering of clouds and falls of rain'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 66–67.

Curious Scraps

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P T W, pseud.  [Peter T Westcott] Westcott, Peter Thomas (1782/3–1845) Gentleman's Magazine, n.s. 23 (1845), 328
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Timbs, John 1871.'My Autobiography: Incidental Notes and Personal Recollections', Leisure Hour (1871), 20–23, 85–88, 181–84, 212–15, 266–69, 293–95, 347–51, 394–98, 420–24, 469–72, 500–03, 596–600, 612–15, 644–48, 685–88, 692–96, 730–33, and 794–99
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Dissection, Anatomy, Physiology | Astronomy | Temperance, Physiology, Crime

People mentioned:

Ptolemy Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolomaeus) (c. 100–c.170) DSB
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Publications cited:

Rush 1790 Rush, Benjamin 1790. An Inquiry into the Effects of Spiritous Liquors on the Human Body: To Which is Added, a Moral and Physical Thermometer, Boston: Thomas and Andrews
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    Reports that the 'first dissection on record, is one in which Democritus of Obdera Democritus (late 5th century BC) DSB
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, was engaged, in order to ascertain the sources and course of the bile' (66)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 68–69.

Prussic Acid

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S S T T, S S
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Crime, Chemistry, Physiology, Death, Skill, Pharmaceuticals

People mentioned:

John B Montgomery Montgomery, John Burgh ('Colonel Wallace'; 'Colonel Morgan') (d. 1828) WBI
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 70–73.

Popular Superstitions. Witchcraft

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Vyvyan Vyvyan
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Genre:

Regular Feature, Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Magic, Superstition, Progress, Astrology, Prognostication, Imposture, Medical Practitioners, Crime

People mentioned:

Zoroaster, Zoroaster (Grecized form of Zarathustra) (c. 630–c. 553 BC) CBD
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Thomas Browne, Browne, Sir Thomas (1605–82) DSB ODNB
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John Gaule Gaule, John (1603/4–87) ODNB
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See also:

Vyvyan, 'Popular Superstitions. Witchcraft', Mirror of Literature, 11 (1828), 391–93


Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 73.

Paper from Straw

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Institutions, Display, Industry

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 73.

Hardening Steel

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Subjects:

Industry, Metallurgy, Heat, Experiment


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 73.

Detection of Blood

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Chemistry, Controversy

People mentioned:

François V Raspail, Raspail, François-Vincent (1794–1878) DSB
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Mateo J B Orfila y Rocher Orfila y Rocher, Mateo José Buenaventura (1787–1853) WBI
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 73–74.

Cedars of Lebanon

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Exploration, Christianity, Botany

People mentioned:

Joseph Wolff Wolff, Joseph (1795–1862) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Leeches

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Anon

Genre:

Abstract, Paper

Publications abstracted:

London Medical Repository London Medical, Surgical and Pharmaceutical Repository, Monthly Journal and Review (1814) London Medical Repository, Monthly Journal and Review (1814–28) London Medical and Surgical Journal (1828–37) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Epidemiology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Stinging Flies

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Entomology, Animal Husbandry


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Mont Blanc

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Measurement


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Bird-Catching

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Instructions

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Collecting, Ornithology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Shower of Herrings in Ross-Shire

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Inverness Courier Inverness Courier (1817–1900+) COPAC
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Subjects:

Wonder, Zoology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Spanish Asses

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Acclimatization, Animal Husbandry

People mentioned:

Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville (1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos) Grenville, Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (formerly Nugent-Temple-Grenville) (1776–1839) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Drawing Instrument

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Instruments, Invention, Display, Institutions


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

White Cats

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

W T Bree Bree, W T (of Allersley Rectory, near Coventry) (fl. 1828) ML1/12/325a/16
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, Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Zoology, Heredity

People mentioned:

John C Loudon Loudon, John Claudius (1783–1843) ODNB
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Publications cited:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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See also:

Anon, 'Cats', Mirror of Literature, 11 (1828), 319


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74.

Ultramarine

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Industry, Chemistry


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 74–75.

Indication of Storms

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Edinburgh Journal of Science Edinburgh Journal of Science (1824–32) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Prognostication, Sound

People mentioned:

William Scott Scott, William (1800–54) NSTC
Close   View the register entry >>


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 75.

To Preserve Wine in Draught

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Chemistry, Industry


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 75.

Union of the Atlantic and Pacific

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Navigation, Engineering


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 75.

Vesuvius

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Vulcanology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 75.

Bees in Mourning

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Anon

Genre:

Abstract, Letter

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Superstition, Entomology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 75.

Rare Insects

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Entomology, Animal Husbandry


Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 75–76.

Men and Monkeys

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Human Species, Zoology, Reason, Language, Race, Menageries


    Discusses, somewhat drolly, the similarity of monkeys and humans. Rebuts the arguments of those, from Aristotle Aristotle (384–322 BC) DSB
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to William Smellie Smellie, William (1740–95) ODNB
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, who sought to distinguish them on the basis of speech and reason. Argues that monkeys exercise reason, and that they have a language superior to 'Hottentottish' and Gaelic. Leaves open the question whether humans and monkeys are 'one and the same animal'. (75) Observes that it is unjust to judge monkeys on the basis of the specimens kept in menageries.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 77.

A Summer Tour

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Agriculture, Travel, Nationalism


    Discusses some of the sights that might be taken in by a young English traveller. Observes that, 'To the agriculturalist [...] England offers much that is remarkable. [...] we doubt whether agriculture, as an art, has anywhere (except in Flanders and Tuscany alone) reached the same perfection as in the less fertile soils of the Lothians, Northumberland, and Norfolk'.



Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 79.

[Pauperism in London]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Population, Statistics


    'Estimating the population of London and its environs at 1,200,000, its proportion of paupers would amount to 100,000!'



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 79.

[Pineapples]

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Botany, Pharmaceuticals


    'CHRISTOVAL ACOSTA Acosta, Cristóbal (c. 1525–c. 1594) DSB
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, speaking of the pine-apple, says that "no medicinal virtues have been discovered in it, and it is good for nothing but to eat"'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 79.

Smoking

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Military Technology, Pollution


    'JOSHUAH SILVESTER Sylvester, Josuah (1562/3–1618) ODNB
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questioned whether the devil had done more harm in latter ages by means of fire and smoke, through the invention of guns, or of tobacco-pipes [...]'.



Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 80.

Onion Soup

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Nutrition, Physiology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 80.

[Lobsters]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Invertebrate Zoology

People mentioned:

Olaus Magnus, Olaus Magnus (1490–1557) DSB
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Konrad Gesner Gesner, Konrad (1516–65) DSB
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 83–84.

Extraordinary Criminals

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G W N N, G W
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G K K, G
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Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Crime, Physiology, Medical Treatment


    Reports a case of a condemned prisoner struck dumb, and several cases of hung prisoners being still alive when cut down.



Section: The Contemporary Traveller

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 84–86.

Account of the Volcanic Formations Near the Rhine

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D D
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Travel, Vulcanology, Geology, Naturalists, Status, Gas Chemistry

People mentioned:

Alexander von Humboldt, Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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George J P Scrope, Scrope, George Julius Poulett (1797–1876) DSB
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Publius Tacitus Tacitus, Publius (or Gaius Cornelius) (c. 55–120) CBD
Close   View the register entry >>


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 86–88.

The Sketch-Book. Garden of Bremhill Parsonage, the Residence of the Rev. W. L. Bowles Bowles, William Lisle (1762–1850) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Bowles 1828 Bowles, William Lisle 1828. The Parochial History of Bremhill, in the County of Wilts: Containing a Particular Account, from Authentic and Unpublished Documents, of the Cistercian Abbey of Stanley in that Parish; with Observations and Reflections on the Origin and Establishment of Parochial Clergy, and other Circumstances of General Parochial Interest, Including Illustrations of the Origin and Designation of the Stupendous Monuments of Antiquity in the Neighbourhood, Avebury, Silbury, and Wansdike, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners


    Mentions with pride that the 'old carved chair' in the 'root-house' in the garden has 'received, among other visiters [sic]', Humphry Davy Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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and Dugald Stewart Stewart, Dugald (1753–1828) ODNB
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(87).



Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 90.

The Husband's Complaint

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Drollery, Poetry

Publications extracted:

London Magazine London Magazine (1820–29) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Gender, Physics, Chemistry, Domestic Economy, Mathematics, Physical Geography, Astronomy, Collecting, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Palaeontology, Light, Electricity, Anatomy, Geology, Piety, Sex, Botany, Zoology, Phrenology, Colleges, Education, Nomenclature


    The narrator is 'utterly sick of this hateful alliance / Which the ladies have form'd with impractical Science!'. The poem details the many derelictions of domestic duty resulting from the scientific interests of women. Each failing relates to the scientific subject under study, as, for example, 'They put out their washing to learn hydrostatics'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 91–93.

Awkwardness

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Human Species, Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology


    The article urges: 'Man is naturally the most awkward animal that inhales the breath of life' (91). Describes drolly the physical awkwardness of the human species when involved in different activities.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 97–99.

Rosamond's Well, at Woodstock

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Anon / Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Natural History, Supernaturalism, Imposture, Error, Reason


    Observes: 'In these days of "hobgoblin lore," it may not be incurious to add, that Woodstock is distinguished in Dr. Plot's Plot, Robert (1640–96) DSB
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Natural History of Oxfordshire P[lot], R[obert] 1677. The Natural History of Oxford-shire: Being an Essay Toward the Natural History of England, Oxford: at the Theatre; London: Mr. S. Millers
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[...] as the scene of a series of hoax and disturbance'. Relates Walter Scott's Scott, Sir Walter, 1st Baronet (1771–1832) ODNB
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view that it is '"highly probable" that this "piece of phantasmagoria was conducted by means of the secret passages and recesses in the Labyrinth of Rosamond"'. (98) Refers the interested reader to Plot's account and to Glanvill 1667 G[lanvill], J[oseph] 1667. Some Philosophical Considerations Touching the Being of Witches and Witchcraft: Written in a Letter to the Much Honour'd Robert Hunt Esq, London: James Collins
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. Concludes: 'This is an age of inquiry, and we do not see why such follies should be left unturned—from Priam's shade to the murderous dreams and omens of our own times' (99).


See also:

[Thomas Byerley], 'The Waverley Novels. No. III. Illustrations of Woodstock', Mirror of Literature, 7 (1826), 322–25


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 99.

The 'Napoleon' Child

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Exhibitions, Obstetrics, Human Development, Medical Practitioners

People mentioned:

Astley P Cooper Cooper, Sir Astley Paston, 1st Baronet (1768–1841) ODNB
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    Relates the details of a visit to 'the Bazaar in Oxford-street
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' to view a three-year-old child on whose irises are inscribed the words 'Napoleon' and 'Empereur'. Reports that this has been accounted for 'by the child's mother earnestly looking at a franc-piece of Napoleon's, which was given to her by her brother previous to a long absence; and this operating during her pregnancy has produced the appearance in question'.



Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 106.

Irish Poor

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Edinburgh Review Edinburgh Review (1802–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Population, Steamships, Class


    Discusses the deleterious effects on the British poor of Irish immigration. Observes: 'The facilities of conveyance afforded by steam-navigation are such, that the merest beggar, provided he can command a sixpence, may get himself carried from Ireland to England'. Considers that 'what may almost without a metaphor be termed floating bridges, have been established between Belfast and Glasgow, and Dublin and Liverpool'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 106.

[Pauperism in England]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Population, Statistics


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 106.

[Bishop Watson on Geologists]

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Geology, Error


    'Bishop Watson Watson, Richard (1737–1816) DSB
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compares a geologist to a gnat mounted on an elephant, and laying down theories as to the whole internal structure of the vast animal, from the phenomena of the hide'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 106.

[Greatness of Character]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Edinburgh Review Edinburgh Review (1802–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Biogeography, Climatology


    States that it is in 'the harmony of strong contrasts in which greatness of character truly dwells'. Observes: 'As it rises, its variety and rich profusion only remind us of those southern mountains, whose majestic ascent combines the fruits of every latitude, and the temperature of every clime'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 107.

Battle of the Heads. Phrenologists—Anti-Phrenologists

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Phrenology


    Gives two brief claims: by the phrenologists that their subject is now a giant who cannot be smothered, and by the anti-phrenologists that the 'giant is a butterfly; to-day he roams on gilded wings, to-morrow he will show his hideousness and be forgotten'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 107–08.

Portrait Painting

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Microscopy


    Denies that exact resemblance is the measure of quality in a portrait. The painter should not contemplate his subject 'through a powerful microscope, and transfer to the canvass the pores of the skin, the blood-vessels of the eye, and all the other beauties which Gulliver discovered in the Brobdignagian maids of honour'. Moreover, if he did, 'a microscope of greater power than that which he had employed, would convict him of innumerable omissions'. (108)



Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 108–09.

The Bachelor's Vade-Mecum

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Advertisement, Spoof

Publications extracted:

New Monthly Magazine New Monthly Magazine (1814–81) New Monthly (1882–84) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Gender, Chemistry, Lecturing


    The spoof publication being advertised is to appear periodically, listing 'all genuine and undoubted heiresses in the metropolis, and within ten miles around it, and of those ladies whose fortune depends on contingencies'. One of the specimen entries describes a woman as 'Weak in understanding [...] Fond of bull-finches and canary-birds. [...] Attends lectures on chemistry. Sits with her mouth open'. (108)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 109–10.

London Lyrics.—Table Talk

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Poetry, Drollery

Publications extracted:

New Monthly Magazine New Monthly Magazine (1814–81) New Monthly (1882–84) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Acclimatization, Surgery


    Warns: 'Shun technicals in each extreme; / Exclusive talk, whate'er the theme, / The proper boundary passes'. Observes: 'Jokes are like trees; their place of birth / Best suits them; stuck in foreign earth, / They perish in the process'. Apostrophizes 'Merriment' with the observation: 'when men entrap / Thy bells, and women steal thy cap, / They think they have trepann'd thee'. (110)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 110–12.

Select Biography. Ledyard Ledyard, John (1751–89) ODNB
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the Traveller
  [1/2]Anon, 'Select Biography. Ledyard the Traveller', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 125–28

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract, Biography, Serial

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Exploration, Authorship, Publishing

Institutions mentioned:

Admiralty Admiralty
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Publications cited:

Ledyard 1783 Ledyard, John 1783. A Journal of Captain Cook's Last Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, and in Quest of a North-West Passage, Between Asia & America: Performed in the Years 1776, 1777, 1778 and 1779; Illustrated with a Chart, Shewing the Tracts of the Ships Employed in this Expedition, Hartford: Nathaniel Patten
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    Describes Ledyard's involvement in James Cook's Cook, James (1728–79) DSB
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last voyage, and his interest in undertaking the office of historiographer of the expedition.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 115–16.

The "Intellectual Cat"

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Furet de Londres Furet de Londres (1826–42) BUCOP
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Subjects:

Heredity, Sex, Experiment, Physiology, Animal Behaviour, Gravity, Natural Philosophy, Light, Mathematics, Botany, Encyclopaedias


    The writer of the introduction observes that the 'cat mania has hitherto been more popular in France than in England'. Lists a few instances of English interest in cats, including 'the newspaper story of tortoiseshell male cats'. Relates that in France cats 'are associated with better names', giving as an example the fact that 'M. L'Abbe de Fontenu Fontenu, Louis François de (1667–1759) WBI
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was in the habit of experimenting on these animals, one of which he found could exist twenty-six months without drinking! which fact is recorded in the History of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris, 1753 Histoire de l'Académie Royale des Sciences (1699–1790) BUCOP
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'. (115) The translated extract drolly eulogizes the supposed perfections of the cat. In balancing on roofs, falling on its feet, narrowing its eyes, jumping agilely, and eating grasses, the cat shows itself to 'understand the laws of gravity', to be 'an excellent natural philosopher', a 'perfect optician', a 'skilful geometrician', and an 'excellent botanist'. Any man possessing as many kinds of knowledge as the cat would be 'a living cyclopædia, or concentration of human wisdom'. (116)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 116–17.

"Trout Binning" in Westmoreland

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W H H H, W H
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Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Hunting


    The writer is prompted to contribute another article on angling by the editor's reference to him in giving extracts from Humphry Davy's Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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Salmonia [Davy, Humphry] 1828. Salmonia; or, Days of Fly Fishing, in a Series of Conversations: With Some Account of the Habits of Fishes Belonging to the Genus Salmo, London: John Murray
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.


See also:

Anon, 'Days of Fly Fishing', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 51–53


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 122–23.

The Pine-Apple

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Botany

People mentioned:

Gonzalo H de Oviedo y Valdés Oviedo y Valdés, Gonzalo Hernández de (1478–1557) CBD
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 123.

Patrons of Astronomy

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Astronomy, Patronage, Observatories, Instruments, Cultural Geography

People mentioned:

Joseph Fraunhofer, Fraunhofer, Joseph (1787–1826) DSB
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King George III, George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover (1738–1820) ODNB
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King George IV George IV, King of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover (1762–1830) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Dorpat Observatory, Russia, Dorpat Observatory, Russia
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Royal Observatory, Edinburgh Royal Observatory, Edinburgh
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Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 124–25.

Dinners

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Physiognomy, Phrenology


    The narrator observes that if a 'lank-and-leather-jawed gentleman' at an imagined literary dinner does not 'commit suicide before September' then 'Lavater Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741–1801) CBD
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must have been as great a goose as Gall Gall, Franz Joseph (1758–1828) DSB
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' (124).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 125–28.

Select Biography. Ledyard Ledyard, John (1751–89) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
the Traveller
  [2/2]Anon, 'Select Biography. Ledyard the Traveller', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 110–12

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract, Biography, Serial

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Exploration, Patronage, Medical Treatment

People mentioned:

James Cook, Cook, James (1728–79) DSB
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James Hall, Hall, Sir James (1761–1832) DSB
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Joseph Banks, Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) DSB ODNB
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Pytor S Pallas, Pallas, Pytor Simon (1741–1811) DSB
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Joseph Billings , Billings, Joseph (1758–1806) ODNB
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Henry Beaufoy Beaufoy, Henry Hanbury (1750–1795) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa
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Publications cited:

Ledyard 1783, Ledyard, John 1783. A Journal of Captain Cook's Last Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, and in Quest of a North-West Passage, Between Asia & America: Performed in the Years 1776, 1777, 1778 and 1779; Illustrated with a Chart, Shewing the Tracts of the Ships Employed in this Expedition, Hartford: Nathaniel Patten
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Sparks 1828 Sparks, Jared 1828. Memoirs of the Life and Travels of John Ledyard, from his Journals and Correspondence, London: Henry Colburn
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Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 128.

Large Bonnets

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P T W, pseud.  [Peter T Westcott] Westcott, Peter Thomas (1782/3–1845) Gentleman's Magazine, n.s. 23 (1845), 328
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Timbs, John 1871.'My Autobiography: Incidental Notes and Personal Recollections', Leisure Hour (1871), 20–23, 85–88, 181–84, 212–15, 266–69, 293–95, 347–51, 394–98, 420–24, 469–72, 500–03, 596–600, 612–15, 644–48, 685–88, 692–96, 730–33, and 794–99
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Letter, Drollery

Subjects:

Gender, Education


    Observes: 'The immense large bonnets which decorate the ladies of the present day [...] seem to keep pace with the "march of intellect"'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 131–32.

March of "Improvement"

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Anon / Anon

Genre:

Introduction / Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Colleges, Commerce, Architecture


    Introduces as a 'castle-building jeu d'esprit rather than as a serious matter' a letter from an 'old Subscriber' raising questions concerning the improvement of the metropolis (131). The letter enquires: 'Is not the Borough a very improper place for the king's King's College, London
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, or any other, college?—Is it not the very mart of trade, and consequently every noisy and in confusion?—And what a magnificent improvement would its erection near Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey
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be to that ancient and very sumptuous pile.' Suggests that it should be built in Gothic style to correspond with the abbey, and notes: 'The seat of learning and wisdom is in that neighbourhood (Westminster School Westminster School
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, Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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, Courts of Justice, &c.); therefore it is the place best adapted for the erection of a college'. (132)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 132–33.

Introduction of Silk into Europe

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C V V, C
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Entomology, Commerce, Acclimatization


Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 137.

Improved Safety Lamp

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Invention, Mining, Accidents, Gas Chemistry, Controversy, Experiment

People mentioned:

Mr Dillon, Dillon, Mr (fl. 1828) ML1/12/329a/3
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Humphry Davy Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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Section: The Selector; and Literary Notices of New Works

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 138–41.

Penelope; or, Love's Labour Lost

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Anon

Genre:

Review;

Publications reviewed:

[Scargill] 1828 [Scargill, William Pitt] 1828. Penelope; or, Love's Labour Lost: A Novel, 3 vols, London: Hunt and Clarke
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Subjects:

Education, Class, Universities, Mathematics, Phrenology, Reading


    One of the novel's characters, Lord Spoonbill, is described in an extract as not being 'one of those foolish people who go to university and study hard to acquire languages which they never use, and sciences which they never apply in after-life. His lordship had sense enough to conclude that [...] as hereditary legislators have nothing to do with the exact sciences, it would be a piece of idle impertinence in him to study mathematics'. His 'organ of exclusiveness was strongly developed' as shown in his sense of the dignity of his rank. (139) Another extract describes the humorous interchanges of Peter Kipperson, 'a "march of intellect" man' (139), and Sir George Aimwell, who 'could not see the use of reading' and 'thought it a great piece of affectation for country gentlemen to have libraries' (140). Kipperson, 'when sitting at the table of the worthy baronet, assailed the magistrate with various scientific subjects, but all to no purpose; there was no response from his worthy host' (140). He concluded that 'baronets and magistrates were the most ignorant creatures on the face of the earth, and he congratulated himself that neither he nor Sir Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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were baronets' (140–41).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 141–43.

Dialogues on Fly Fishing. By Sir Humphry Davy Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Dialogue

Publications extracted:

[Davy 1828] [Davy, Humphry] 1828. Salmonia; or, Days of Fly Fishing, in a Series of Conversations: With Some Account of the Habits of Fishes Belonging to the Genus Salmo, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Hunting, Natural History, Invention, Acclimatization

People mentioned:

Prince Rupert Rupert, Prince and Count Palatine of the Rhine and 1st Duke of Cumberland (1619–82) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Royal Society, Royal Society of London
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Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 143.

Parochial Histories

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Statistics, Political Economy

Publications cited:

Sinclair 1791–99 Sinclair, John 1791–99. The Statistical Account of Scotland. Drawn up from the Communications of the Ministers of the Different Parishes, 21 vols, Edinburgh: W. Creech
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Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 144.

Newspaper Wonders

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Hereford Journal Hereford Journal (1793–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Animal Behaviour


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 145.

Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's Park Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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View full article text

I Dodd Dodd, I (fl. 1820–30) Engen 1985
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Genre:

Illustration

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

I Dodd Dodd, I (fl. 1820–30) Engen 1985
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 146–48.

Why Are Not the English a Musical People?

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Astronomy, Music, Technology, Progress, Steam-power


    The essay begins: 'Astronomy, music, and architecture, are the floating topics of the day'. Discusses the second of these, regretting that 'nothing is done in England towards the advancement of music as a science'. Enquires: 'Why should we, who are marching in every other direction, stand still in this? But no; what Orpehus did with music, we are striving to accomplish by steam; what he effected by quietly touching his lyre, we study with the atmospheres and condensers of high and low pressure engines'. (146) Observes that if an Englishman were to play like Orpheus 'the disposal of Mr. Cross's menagerie Cross's Menagerie, King's Mews, Charing Cross
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[might] be no longer a question, since the animals might be allowed to ramble about the Strand' (147).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 148–50.

Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's Park Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Wonder, Menageries, Societies, Utility, Zoology, Museums, Patronage, Government

People mentioned:

Nicholas A Vigors Vigors, Nicholas Aylward (1785/6–1840) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society, Zoological Society of London
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Muséum D'Histoire Naturelle, Paris Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris
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Publications cited:

Landseer 1828 Landseer, Thomas 1828. Monkey-ana; or, Men in Miniature, [London]: Moon, Boys & Graves
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See also:

I Dodd, 'Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's Park', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 145, Anon, 'Zoological Society', Mirror of Literature, 11 (1828), 413


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 150–51.

Herschel's Herschel, Sir William (1738–1822) DSB ODNB
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Telescope

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A Constant Reader Constant Reader, A
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Genre:

Letter, Anecdote / Afterword

Subjects:

Astronomy, Patronage, Instrument-makers, Cultural Geography, Nationalism, Observatories, Societies

People mentioned:

John Arnold, Arnold, John (1735/6–99) ODNB
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George Adams, Adams, George (1750–95) ODNB
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[John F W Herschel] Herschel, Sir John Frederick William (1792–1871) DSB ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Royal Society, Royal Society of London
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Académie des Sciences, Paris, Académie des Sciences, Paris
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Royal Observatory, Greenwich, Royal Observatory, Greenwich
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Dunsink Observatory, Dublin Dunsink Observatory, Dublin
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Publications cited:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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    The letter relates an anecdote concerning James Watson's Watson, James (fl. 1771–1824) Clifton 1993
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intention of building a telescope superior to Herschel's 'great telescope', until countermanded by the crown (150). The editorial afterword reflects further on the paucity of patronage for astronomy in Britain, relating that 'one of the most able and enterprising astronomers of the present day [a reference to James South South, James (1785–1867) DSB
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] relinquished a lucrative profession, that he might be more at leisure to indulge his philosophical pursuits' (151).


See also:

Anon, 'Patrons of Astronomy', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 123


Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 159.

Fly Water

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Instructions

Subjects:

Chemistry, Domestic Economy


    'Prussic acid has been obtained from the leaves of green tea, in so concentrated a state, that one drop killed a dog almost instantaneously. A strong infusion of Souchong tea, sweetened with sugar, is as effectual in poisoning flies as the solution of arsenic, generally sold for that purpose'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 162–65.

On National Varieties  [1/2], 'On National Varieties', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 213–16

Close

View full article text

D D
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Genre:

Essay, Serial

Subjects:

Cultural Geography, Ethnology, Travel, Publishing, Race, Human Species, Reason, Instinct, Evolution, Descent, Degeneration, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

James C Prichard, Prichard, James Cowles (1786–1848) DSB
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James Burnett (Lord Monboddo), Burnett, James, Lord Monboddo (bap. 1714–99) ODNB
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François M A de Voltaire, Voltaire, François Marie Arouet de (1694–1778) DSB
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Jean J Rousseau, Rousseau, Jean Jacques (1712–78) CBD
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Georges L Leclerc, comte de Buffon, Buffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de (1707–88) DSB
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Peter the Wild Boy Peter the Wild Boy (c. 1712–1785) ODNB
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    Offers observations on 'the several causes to which the diversities in men have been referred, not pretending to any decided opinion on so nice a point, as whether these causes are wholly of a physical or of a moral kind' (162). Dismisses as 'fanciful' suggestions that 'the monkey is but another species of the human race'. Reviews instances of 'men in a savage state' and observes that the idea of 'a race of men [...] having ever existed without the possession of reason, is now deemed wholly fallacious'. Reports Friedrich von Schlegel's Schlegel, Friedrich (Karl Wilhelm Friedrich) von (1772–1829) CBD
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belief that 'the civilized state is the primitive one, and that savage life is a degeneracy from it', and describes his theory that civilization spread from the East. Argues that it is difficult 'to imagine by what gradation language could have proceeded, from the howl of savages, and the cries of nature, till it reached the eloquent music, the heart-stirring oratory of the Greek'. Seeks to relate the early history of civilization to the narrative of the early chapters of Genesis. Follows William Lawrence Lawrence, Sir William, 1st Baronet (1783–1867) ODNB
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in suggesting that 'the general divisions of human beings' represent 'different species' of one genus. Argues for their descent from 'one common stock'. (163) Describes Johann F Blumenbach's Blumenbach, Johann Friedrich (1752–1840) DSB
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characterization of the varieties of humans. Considers the possible causes, natural and moral, for the differences between human races, dismissing the potency of climate as a cause of change in human culture.



Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 168–69.

The Annuals for 1829

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Gossip

Subjects:

Acclimatization, Botany, Periodicals


    Refers to Rudolph Ackermann Ackermann, Rudolph (1764–1834) ODNB
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as the man 'to whom we are indebted for the naturalization of "Annuals"' (168). Announces that the Arcana of Science and Art Arcana of Science and Art (1828–38) Yearbook of Facts in Science and Art (1838–80) Waterloo Directory
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will be published towards the close of the year.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 171.

Pleasures of Travelling

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Societies, Patronage


    The narrator complains: 'I never got an egg boiled properly in my life! Royal Society Royal Society of London
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ought to give a premium'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 171–74.

Sketch Book. Striking Incident in the Life of a Midshipman

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract—Introduction; Reportage

Publications extracted:

Oriental Herald Oriental Herald (1824–29) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Natural Law, Psychology


    Introduces the narrative by observing that the authors of some theories seek to account for apparitions by reference to the 'physical laws of matter'. Inclines to the view held by others 'that the origin of such marvels must be looked for in the mind of the seers', although does not 'go the length of their scepticism, and deny the actual existence of the ghostly show, as a real and visible spectacle, before the eyes' (171). Presents the ghost story in illustration of these observations.



Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 174.

Zoological Gardens

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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See also:

Anon, 'Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's Park', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 148–50, Anon, '[The Emu]', Mirror of Literature, 11 (1828), 378


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 174.

Venerable Orange Tree

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Horticulture, Ageing


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 174.

Potato Mortar

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Chemistry, Domestic Economy

People mentioned:

Antoine A F Cadet de Vaux Cadet de Vaux (or Cadet-Devaux or Cadet le jeune), Antoine-Alexis-François (1743–1828) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 174.

An Experimental Farm

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Foreign Quarterly Review Foreign Quarterly Review (1827–47) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Husbandry, Institutions, Education

People mentioned:

Dominique G F de R de P de F de Pradt Pradt, Dominique Georges Frédéric de Riom de Prolhiac de Fourt de (1759–1837) WBI
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 174.

A Tunnel under the Vistula, at Warsaw

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Subjects:

Engineering


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 174.

Small White Slugs

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Instructions

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Horticulture


Mirror of Literature,  12 1828, 174–75.

Turkish Method of Preserving Filberts

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Instructions

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Domestic Economy


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 175.

Extinction of Fires

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Anon

Genre:

Instructions

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Gas Chemistry


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 175.

Oysters

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Natural History


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 175.

Swarming of Bees

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Anon

Genre:

Abstract, Proceedings

Publications abstracted:

Thomas A Knight Knight, Thomas Andrew (1759–1838) ODNB
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Royal Society Royal Society of London
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Subjects:

Entomology, Animal Behaviour


Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 176.

A Hint to Retiring Citizens

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Poetry, Drollery

Publications extracted:

New Monthly Magazine New Monthly Magazine (1814–81) New Monthly (1882–84) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Commerce, Feeling


    Observes that many who retire from active trades to live in the country find themselves longing once more for the city. Relates: 'Sir Astley Cooper, cloy'd with wealth, / Sick of luxurious ease and health, / And rural meditation, / Sighs for his useful London life, / The restless night—the saw and knife / Of daily amputation'. Observes that they are fortunate who escape from 'Mammon's yoke while yet unwrung / Or spoilt for nobler duty:— / Who still can gaze on Nature's face / With all a lover's zeal, and trace / In every change a beauty'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 182–83.

Marine Glow Worms

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G W N N, G W
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Invertebrate Zoology


Section: The Cosmopolite

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 184–87.

Wet Weather

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Philo Philo
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Genre:

Miscellaneous, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Periodicals, Publishing, Physics, Hydropathy, Engineering, Mining, Steam-power, Instruments, Geology, Travel, Fieldwork

Publications cited:

Brougham 1827, Brougham, Henry Peter 1827. Hydrostatics, Library of Useful Knowledge, London: Cradock, and Joy; Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd; Glasgow: Robertson and Atkinson; Dublin: W.F. Wakeman; New York: G. & C. Carvill
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Millington 1827 Millington, John 1827. Hydraulics, Library of Useful Knowledge, London: Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy; Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd; Glasgow: Robertson and Atkinson; Dublin: W. F. Wakeman
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    Considers wet weather is 'a floating topic', and discusses the manner in which it permeates conversation and the newspapers. Suggests that the English predeliction for meteorological talk may arise from England's being an island nation. Avers that 'water is one the most popular subjects in this age of enquiry', recalling that 'the first treatises of the Useful Knowledge Society Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge
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' were on hydrostatics and hydraulics. Observes that the taste for water is carried into financial speculations, although the 'Thames Tunnel Thames Tunnel
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is too amphibious an affair to be included in the number'. (184) Refers the reader to a recent paper on the nervous system in the Edinburgh Review Edinburgh Review (1802–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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(i.e. Conolly 1828 [Conolly, John] 1828. '[Nervous System]', Edinburgh Review, 47, 441–81
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), in evidence that 'much of our predeliction for hanging and drowning is to be attributed to this "insular situation"'. Observes: 'Every man and woman of us is indeed a self pluviometer, or rain-gauge; or, in plain terms, our nerves are like so many musical strings, affected by every change of the atmosphere'. Reflects on the metaphorical difficulty 'of keeping above water'. Reports, from 'a grave, philosophical work', that some river-dwelling children in China 'have a hollow ball of some light material attached constantly to their necks' as lifesavers. Observes that, 'As the great secret in swimming is to keep the chest as full of air as possible, perhaps the great art of living is to keep the head a vacuum, a state "adapted to the meanest capacity"'. Had 'kind Nature supplied us with an air-bladder at the neck' the Humane Society Royal Humane Society
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need not have been troubled. (185) Speculates that a coachman waiting in the rain, 'whose inside porosity is well indicated by his bundle of coats, as Dr. Kitchener Kitchiner, William (1778–1827) ODNB
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says, is labouring under "the unwholesome effervescence of the hot and rebellious liquors which have been taken to revive the flagging spirits," and like a sponge, absorbs liquids, owing to the pressure of the surrounding air'. Describes the misery of wet weather in the country, giving an instance of having been 'overtaken by such weather in a pedestrian tour through the Isle of Wight, when just then about to leave Niton for a geological excursion to the Needles'. (186)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 187.

Manners & Customs of all Nations

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Introduction; Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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[2] Superstition Relating to Bees

Subjects:

Entomology, Superstition


See also:

Anon, 'Bees in Mourning', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 75


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 188.

Poets not Botanists

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Botany


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 189.

Sharks

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Anecdote

Publications extracted:

Oriental Herald Oriental Herald (1824–29) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Natural History


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 189.

Jonah's Whale

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Anon

Genre:

Abstract, Paper

Publications abstracted:

David Scot Scot, David (1770?-1834) ODNB
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Wernerian Natural History Society, Edinburgh Wernerian Natural History Society, Edinburgh
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Subjects:

Biblical Authority, Natural History


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 189.

Mushrooms

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Instructions

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Botany, Domestic Economy


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 189.

Nature and Art

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Cobbett 1829 Cobbett, William 1829. The English Gardener; or, A Treatise on the Situation, Soil, Enclosing and Laying-Out of Kitchen Gardens, on the Making of Hot-Beds and Green Houses, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of all Sorts of Kitchen-Garden Plants, and of Fruit Trees Whether of the Garden or the Orchard: And also on the Formation of Shrubberies and Flower Gardens, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of the Several Sorts of Shrubs and Flowers, Concluding with a Kalendar, Giving Instructions Relative to the Sowings, Plantings, Prunings and other Labours, to be Performed in the Gardens, in Each Month of the Year, London: printed for the author
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Subjects:

Botany, Aesthetics


    'It is curious enough that people decorate their chimney-pieces with imitations of beautiful fruits, while they seem to think nothing at all of the originals hanging upon the trees, with all the elegant accompaniments of flourishing branches, buds, and leaves'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 190.

Amber

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Granville 1828 Granville, Augustus Bozzi 1828. St Petersburgh: A Journal of Travels to and from That Capital, through Flanders, the Rhenish Provinces, Prussia, Russia, Poland, Silesia, Saxony, the Federated States of Germany, and France , London: H. Colburn
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Subjects:

Mining, Mineralogy, Geology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 190.

[Dr Gall Gall, Franz Joseph (1758–1828) DSB
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Dissected]

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Phrenology, Scientific Practitioners, Dissection


    'The head of the late Dr. Gall has been taken off agreeably to his wishes, and dissected and dried for the benefit of science'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 190.

[Davy on Innocent Pursuits]

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Humphry Davy Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Endeavour, Morality


    'The most important principle perhaps in life is to have a pursuit—a useful one if possible, and at all events an innocent one. The unripe fruit tree of knowledge is, I believe, always bitter or sour; and scepticism and discontent—sickness of the mind—are often the results of devouring it'.



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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 198–99.

The Topographer. Visit to Matlock Baths

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M S P P, M S
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Genre:

Regular Feature, Travelogue

Subjects:

Travel, Hydropathy, Mineralogy, Geology, Mining, Museums, Natural History, Botanical Gardens, Wonder, Accidents

People mentioned:

[John Mawe], Mawe, John (1766–1829) ODNB
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Mr Bownes Bownes, Mr (1829) ML1/12/333/1
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Institutions mentioned:

Royal Museum, Matlock Bath, Royal Museum, Matlock Bath
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Matlock Bath botanical gardens Matlock Bath. botanical gardens
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Section: Fine Arts

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 200–02.

The Cat Raphael Raphael (properly Raffaello Santi or Sanzio) (1483–1520) CBD
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Biography

Publications extracted:

Foreign Review Foreign Review and Continental Miscellany (1827–30) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Zoology, Illustration

People mentioned:

Gottfried Mind, Mind, Gottfried (1768–1814) WBI
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Johann E Ridinger Ridinger, Johann Elias (1698–1767) WBI
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Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 202.

The Jews

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Granville 1828 Granville, Augustus Bozzi 1828. St Petersburgh: A Journal of Travels to and from That Capital, through Flanders, the Rhenish Provinces, Prussia, Russia, Poland, Silesia, Saxony, the Federated States of Germany, and France , London: H. Colburn
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Subjects:

Race, Human Development


    Notes the remarkable consistency of Jewish racial characteristics in widely different localities.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 203.

Mathematics

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Foreign Review Foreign Review and Continental Miscellany (1827–30) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Mathematics, Education, Proof


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 203–04.

Mechanical Triumphs

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Machinery, Manufactures, Mining, Nationalism


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 204.

[Necessity of Complex Mechanism]

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Machinery, Time


    Illustrates, using the example of a watch, the aphorism that 'To attain complex and difficult ends by simple means, whether in physics or politics, falls not to the lot of man'.



Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 208.

Obstinate Pun

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Anon

Genre:

Epigram, Drollery

Subjects:

Physics, Heat


    'Aliquid is mater unite dextra ordinari læto he at. A liquid is matter united extraordinarily to heat.'



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 210–11.

The Spider's Web

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W I T, Rugby T, W I (of Rugby)
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Genre:

Letter, Instructions

Subjects:

Natural History, Illustration


    Gives instructions for producing an impression on paper of the web of the 'field-spider' (210).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 211–12.

Atar Gul

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M L B B, M L
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Genre:

Letter, Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Chemistry

People mentioned:

Otto Tachenius, Tachenius, Otto (d. 1670) WBIDSB
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Friedrich Hoffmann Hoffmann, Friedrich (1660–1762) DSB
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    Relates details of some of the chemical trials to which the extraction of this perfume has been subjected.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 213–16.

On National Varieties  [2/2]D, 'On National Varieties', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 162–65

Close

View full article text

D D
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Genre:

Essay, Serial

Subjects:

Human Species, Race, Cultural Geography, Climatology, History of Science, Nationalism, Exploration, Education, Progress

People mentioned:

Joseph Banks, Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) DSB ODNB
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Daniel C Solander Solander, Daniel Carl (1733–82) DSB
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    Asserts the difficulty of establishing a rule 'which would define the variations of national manners as having any reference to climate' (213). Surveys nations and characteristics in relation to this topic. Drawing on George Berkeley Berkeley, George (1685–1753) DSB
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, considers the relative merits of southern and northern European climates in regard to the development of the intellect. Argues that the narrower diffusion of learning among the peoples of northern countries provides a greater incentive for individuals to excel, 'which is one way of accounting for the giants of science that have appeared in the north' (214–15). Argues that 'the northern nations have a stronger apprehension of abstract propositions, and a greater fondness for generalizing'. Considers climate to have little effect even on bodily characteristics of the human races. Concludes that 'the capacities for improvement of races, as of individuals, [...] have been differently bestowed by nature; but that none are actually incapable of culture'. Argues that 'the Negroes', 'American Indians', and 'the Esquimaux' are particularly difficult races to improve, but that even here education will have beneficial effects. (215)



Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 217–18.

Tanning

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Extract

Publications extracted:

William T Brande Brande, William Thomas (1788–1866) DSB
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, Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Industrial Chemistry


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

Mites

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Entomology, Endeavour, Wonder


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

Electro-Attraction of Leaves

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Electricity, Natural History


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

Enormous Whale

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Zoology, Wonder, Museums

People mentioned:

Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

Universiteit Gent—Museum Voor Dierkunde Universiteit Gent—Museum Voor Dierkunde
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

Fly in Wheat

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Entomology, Agriculture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

Spiders

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Abstract

Publications abstracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Entomology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

Light of the Sea

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Extract

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Natural History, Light


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

Woodpeckers

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Extract

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Natural History, Hunting


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218.

The Tea Shrub

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Acclimatization, Agriculture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 218–19.

Floating Island

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Extract

Publications extracted:

American Journal of Science and Arts American Journal of Science and Arts (1818–1900+) BUCOP
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Subjects:

Natural History


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 219.

An Immense Medusa

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Reportage, Extract

Publications extracted:

Charles Telfair Telfair, Charles (1778–1833) ODNB
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, Robert Barclay Barclay, Robert (1751–1830) WBI
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Subjects:

Zoology, Monstrosities


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 219.

Himalaya Mountains

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Extract

Publications extracted:

Heber 1828 Heber, Reginald 1828. Narrative of a Journey Through the Upper Provinces of India from Calcutta to Bombay 1824–25 (With Notes upon Ceylon): An Account of a Journey to Madras and the Southern Provinces, 1826, and Letters Written in India, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Exploration, Physical Geography

People mentioned:

Alexander Gerard, Gerard, Alexander (1792–1839) ODNB
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Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 219.

Hippopotamus

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Zoology, Hunting, Wonder, Natural Imperialism


Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 222–23.

Death of Young Park Park, Thomas (d. 1827) WBI
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Exploration, Accidents, Superstition

People mentioned:

Mungo Park Park, Mungo (1771–1806) ODNB
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Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 224.

Craniology

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Wadd 1827b Wadd, William 1827b. Mems. Maxims, and Memoirs, London: Callow and Wilson
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Subjects:

Phrenology, Error, Physiognomy


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 224.

Scotch Degree

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G J Y Y, G J
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Genre:

Anecdote

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 224.

Three Faces

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Anon

Genre:

Anecdote

Subjects:

Medical Treatment

People mentioned:

Michel P Bouvart Bouvart, Michel Philippe (1711–1787) WBI
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 228–30.

English Gardening

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Cobbett 1829 Cobbett, William 1829. The English Gardener; or, A Treatise on the Situation, Soil, Enclosing and Laying-Out of Kitchen Gardens, on the Making of Hot-Beds and Green Houses, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of all Sorts of Kitchen-Garden Plants, and of Fruit Trees Whether of the Garden or the Orchard: And also on the Formation of Shrubberies and Flower Gardens, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of the Several Sorts of Shrubs and Flowers, Concluding with a Kalendar, Giving Instructions Relative to the Sowings, Plantings, Prunings and other Labours, to be Performed in the Gardens, in Each Month of the Year, London: printed for the author
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Horticulture


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 233.

Chain of Being

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

Dillon 1827 Dillon, Richard 1827. Popular Premises Examined, in Connexion with the Origin of Moral Evil, and the Attributes of God: An Essay, London: T. Griffiths
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Subjects:

Popularization, Plenitude, Theology of Nature


    The introduction observes that whilst the 'opinions' of the work extracted 'are as popularly examined as is consistent with philosophical inquiry' they are 'still not just calculated for the majority of the readers of the MIRROR Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction (1822–47) Mirror Monthly Magazine (1847–49) Waterloo Directory
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'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 234.

Barber-Surgeons

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Wadd 1827a Wadd, William 1827a. Nugae Canorae; or, Epitaphian Mementos (in Stone-Cutters' Verse) of the Medici Family of Modern Times. By Unus Quorum, London: Callow & Wilson
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Dissection

People mentioned:

Jacob de Castro Sarmento Sarmento, Jacob de Castro (formerly Henrique de Castro) (1692?–1762) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Worshipful Company of Barber-Surgeons, Worshipful Company of Barber Surgeons
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Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 234–35.

[Sir Theodore Mayerne Mayerne, Theodore Turquet de (1573–1655) ODNB
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]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Biography, Extract

Publications extracted:

Wadd 1827a Wadd, William 1827a. Nugae Canorae; or, Epitaphian Mementos (in Stone-Cutters' Verse) of the Medici Family of Modern Times. By Unus Quorum, London: Callow & Wilson
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Chemistry, Domestic Economy

People mentioned:

John Petitot, Petitot, John (1607–91) WBI
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John Hill, Hill, John (1714–75) ODNB
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William Kitchiner Kitchiner, William (1778–1827) ODNB
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Section: The Selector, and Literary Notices of New Works

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 235.

The Coffee-Drinker's Manual

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Anon

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

H**** 1828 H****, M. 1828. The Coffee-Drinker's Manual; with the French Method of Making Coffee, &c. London
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Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Medical Treatment, Mental Illness, Digestion, Natural History


    Includes an extract on the 'medicinal effects' of coffee, which contrasts the beneficial effects of coffee in the case of 'a fit of spleen' with the 'unavailing' art of the 'faculty'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 235–39.

Perils of the War of Independence in South America

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Miller 1828 Miller, John 1828. Memoirs of General Miller, in the Service of the Republic of Peru, 2 vols, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green
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Subjects:

Disease, Medical Treatment, Meteorology, Electricity


    Part of a lengthy extract describes the 'difficulty of respiration' experienced in regions of the Andes, which is attributed to 'occasional exhalations of metalliferous vapour', and details its treatment by 'opening the temporal artery' (238).



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 242–43.

Epitome of Comets

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P T W, pseud.  [Peter T Westcott] Westcott, Peter Thomas (1782/3–1845) Gentleman's Magazine, n.s. 23 (1845), 328
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Timbs, John 1871.'My Autobiography: Incidental Notes and Personal Recollections', Leisure Hour (1871), 20–23, 85–88, 181–84, 212–15, 266–69, 293–95, 347–51, 394–98, 420–24, 469–72, 500–03, 596–600, 612–15, 644–48, 685–88, 692–96, 730–33, and 794–99
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Astronomy, Light, Heat, Theology of Nature, Wonder, Design

People mentioned:

Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 244.

Herschel's Telescope

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J D, pseud.  [John Davies] Davies, John (fl. 1817–36) Clifton 1993
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Genre:

Letter, Rejoinder

Subjects:

Astronomy, Instruments

People mentioned:

King George III, George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover (1738–1820) ODNB
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James Watson Watson, James (fl. 1771–1824) Clifton 1993
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See also:

A Constant Reader [John Timbs], 'Herschel's Telescope', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 150–51


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 253–54.

Eels

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Miscellaneous, Extract

Publications extracted:

[Davy] 1828 [Davy, Humphry] 1828. Salmonia; or, Days of Fly Fishing, in a Series of Conversations: With Some Account of the Habits of Fishes Belonging to the Genus Salmo, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Natural History, Controversy, Microscopy

People mentioned:

Bernard G E de la Ville-Sur-Illon, comte de Lacépède, Lacépède, Bernard-Germain-Étienne de la Ville-Sur-Illon, comte de (1756–1825) DSB
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Jonathan Couch, Couch, Jonathan (1789–1870) ODNB
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William Arderon, Arderon, William (1702/3–67) ODNB
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Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Leeuwenhoek, Antoni van (1632–1723) DSB
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Publications cited:

Transactions of the Linnean Society, Transactions of the Linnean Society (1791–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (1665–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Plot 1686 Plot, Robert 1686. The Natural History of Staffordshire, Oxford: at the Theatre
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 254–55.

The Zoological Society

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery, Extract

Publications extracted:

Christmas Box Christmas Box (1828–31) Marshall's Christmas Box (1831–32) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Societies, Palaeontology, Extinction


    Reviews the various animals brought to the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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by the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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, suggesting that the Regent's Park Regent's Park
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will grow to be a fashionable place with birds and beasts as well as humans. The last stanza reads: 'Would a mammoth could be found / And made across the sea to swim! / But now, alas! upon the ground / The bones alone are left of him: / I fear a hungry mammoth too, / (So monstrous and unquiet he,) / By hunger urged might eat the Zo- / Ological Society!' (255).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 255.

Insects

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Anon

Genre:

Instructions, Extract

Publications extracted:

Cobbett 1829 Cobbett, William 1829. The English Gardener; or, A Treatise on the Situation, Soil, Enclosing and Laying-Out of Kitchen Gardens, on the Making of Hot-Beds and Green Houses, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of all Sorts of Kitchen-Garden Plants, and of Fruit Trees Whether of the Garden or the Orchard: And also on the Formation of Shrubberies and Flower Gardens, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of the Several Sorts of Shrubs and Flowers, Concluding with a Kalendar, Giving Instructions Relative to the Sowings, Plantings, Prunings and other Labours, to be Performed in the Gardens, in Each Month of the Year, London: printed for the author
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Subjects:

Entomology, Horticulture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 255.

Bulbous Roots

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Anon

Genre:

Instructions, Extract

Publications extracted:

Cobbett 1829 Cobbett, William 1829. The English Gardener; or, A Treatise on the Situation, Soil, Enclosing and Laying-Out of Kitchen Gardens, on the Making of Hot-Beds and Green Houses, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of all Sorts of Kitchen-Garden Plants, and of Fruit Trees Whether of the Garden or the Orchard: And also on the Formation of Shrubberies and Flower Gardens, and on the Propagation and Cultivation of the Several Sorts of Shrubs and Flowers, Concluding with a Kalendar, Giving Instructions Relative to the Sowings, Plantings, Prunings and other Labours, to be Performed in the Gardens, in Each Month of the Year, London: printed for the author
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Subjects:

Horticulture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 255.

Travelling Invalids

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Extract

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Climatology, Death, Nationalism


    Asserts the 'mischief [...] done by committing invalids to long and precarious journeys, for the sake of doubtful benefits'.



Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 256.

The Biter Bit

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G I F F, G I
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Genre:

Anecdote, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners


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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 257–58.

Cheese Wring

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J Silvester Silvester, J (fl. 1828) ML1/12/337/1
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

Sears Sc. Sears, Matthew Urlwin (fl. 1826–59) Engen 1985
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Subjects:

Geology, Religion


    Depicts and discusses a bizarre rock outcrop in Cornwall called the Cheese Wring. Observes that geologists 'are inclined to consider it as a natural production', but also describes the pagan significance of such rocks (257).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 259–62.

The Sketch Book. An Hour too Many

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract, Short Fiction, Drollery

Publications extracted:

Forget Me Not Forget Me Not (1822–47) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Naturalists, Collecting, Scientific Practioners

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Society Royal Society of London
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    The narrator describes how as a child he always had a 'superabundance of time'. He observes; 'a naturalist-taste for bird-nesting, which, in maturer years would have made me one of the wonders of the Linnæan Society Linnean Society
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; a passion for investigating the inside of every thing, from a Catherine-wheel to a China-closet, which would yet have entitled me to the honours of an F. R. S. [...] were nature's helps to get rid of this oppressive bounty'. (260)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 262–63.

Manners & Customs of All Nations

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W G C C, W G
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Genre:

Regular Feature, Miscellaneous



[3] Chinese Physicians

Subjects:

Ethnography, Medical Practitioners



Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 268–69.

Flowers

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Essay

Publications extracted:

New Monthly Magazine New Monthly Magazine (1814–81) New Monthly (1882–84) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Horticulture, Natural History, Botany, Reading


    In a wide-ranging appreciation of flowers, observes that books are more enjoyed in 'the flower-garden alcove' and the 'library ornamented with flowers' than elsewhere. Asserts: 'To enjoy reading under such circumstances most, works of imagination are preferable to abstract subjects. Poetry and romance [...] ligher history [...] or natural history—these are best adapted to peruse amidst sweets and flowers: in short, any species of writing that does not keep the mind too intently fixed to allow the senses to wander occasionally over the scene around, and to catch the beauty of the rich vegetation'. (269)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 270.

Principles of Blackwood's Magazine

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Anon

Genre:

Extract. Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Astronomy, Time, Cosmology, Eschatology


    In an extract from the 'Noctes Ambrosianæ', the Ettrick Shepherd [James Hogg Hogg, James ('the Ettrick Shepherd') (1770–1835) ODNB
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] charges Christopher North [John Wilson Wilson, John ('Christopher North') (1785–1854) ODNB
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] with editing a magazine that has been 'deludin' and distracktin' men and women folk, till it's impossible for them to ken [...] if the Millennium be really close at haun'—or the present Solar System be calculated to last to a' eternity'.



Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 272.

Painters

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Physiognomy


    Reports: 'Lavater Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741–1801) CBD
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affirms, that no one whose person is not well formed can become a good physiognomist'.



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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 275.

Game of Chess

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G H C C, G H
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Genre:

Letter, Rejoinder, Anecdote

Subjects:

Mathematics


    Relates an anecdote concerning the inventor of the game of chess having claimed a colossal reward from the Chinese emperor, using a subterfuge depending on the surprising rate of exponential increase.



Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 279.

On Planting Poor Light Land

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Transactions of the Society of Arts Transactions of the Society, Instituted at London, for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (1783–1850) BUCOP
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Subjects:

Agriculture

People mentioned:

William Withers Withers, William (fl. 1840) WBI
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 279.

The Air Plant

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Horticulture

People mentioned:

Prince Leopold Leopold I, King of Belgium (1790–1865) CBD
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 279.

Potato Flour

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Agriculture, Domestic Economy, Nutrition

People mentioned:

John Sinclair Sinclair, Sir John, 1st Baronet (1754–1835) ODNB
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See also:

Anon, 'Observations on the Potato', Mirror of Literature, 11 (1828), 53


Section: The Selector; and Literary Notices of New Works

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 283.

The Boy's Own Book

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Anon

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Clarke 1828 Clarke, William 1828. The Boy's Own Book: A Complete Encyclopedia of All the Diversions, Athletic, Scientific, and Recreative, of Boyhood and Youth, London: Vizetelly, Branston and Co.
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Subjects:

Education, Gender, Publishing, Illustration


    Describes the book as 'a holiday book, stuck as full of woodcuts as a cake is of currants'. The book 'professes to be a complete encyclopædia of the sports and pastimes of youth' including 'Birds, and other boy fancies' and 'Scientific Recreations'. Its pages, 'like every sheet of the MIRROR Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction (1822–47) Mirror Monthly Magazine (1847–49) Waterloo Directory
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, are as full as an egg. The vignettes and tail-pieces are the prettiest things we have ever seen, and some are very picturesque'.



Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 286.

Hard Rain

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Meteorology


    Relates William R Wilson's Wilson, William Rae (1772–1849) ODNB
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report of a shower of granite stones.



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Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 294.

Aerial Voyages of Spiders

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Entomology, Wonder, Aeronautics

People mentioned:

John Murray, Murray, John (1785/6–1851) ODNB
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John E Bowman Bowman, John Eddowes, the elder (1785–1841) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 294–95.

The Ichneumon Fly

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Thomas Carpenter Carpenter, Thomas (fl. 1829–30) RSCSP
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, Gill's Technological Repository Technological Repository (1822–27) Gill's Technological Repository (1827–30) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Entomology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 295.

Hawking

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

John S Sebright Sebright, Sir John Saunders (1767–1846) ODNB
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Subjects:

Ornithology, Hunting


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 295.

Technicalities of Science

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Nomenclature, Popularization


    Illustrates 'the inutility of scence, written in a merely technical form' from the example of Marcus Tullius Cicero Cicero, Marcus Tullius (106–43BC) CBD
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, whose intention to write in Latin rather than Greek was opposed by his friends, but who 'persevered in the popular style, and led the fashion'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 295.

Doubtful Discoveries

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Magazine of Natural History Magazine of Natural History (1828–40) Waterloo DirectoryCOPAC
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Subjects:

Discovery, Miscroscopy, Microbiology, Skill, Error

People mentioned:

René J H Dutrochet, Dutrochet, René-Joachim-Henri (1776–1847) DSB
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Lazzaro Spallanzani Spallanzani, Lazzaro (1729–99) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 295.

Faculties of Brutes

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

London Medical Gazette London Medical Gazette (1827–51) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Human Species

People mentioned:

Gottfried W Leibniz Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 295.

Sea Air

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Harwood 1828 Harwood, William 1828. On the Curative Influence of the Southern Coast of England; Especially that of Hastings: with Observations on Diseases in which a Residence on the Coast is most Beneficial, London: Henry Colburn
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Subjects:

Gas Chemistry, Physiology


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 302.

A New Cyclopædia

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Lardner 1829–44 Lardner, Dionysius ed. 1829–44. Cabinet Cyclopaedia, 133 vols, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, and John Taylor
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Subjects:

Encyclopaedias

Publications cited:

Encyclopédie méthodique, Encyclopédie méthodique: Encyclopédie méthodique, ou, par ordre de matieères; précédée d'un vocabulaire universel, servant de table pour tout l'ouvrage, ornée des portraits de MM. Diderot & d'Alembert, premiers éditeurs de l'Encyclopédie, 200 vols, Paris: Panckoucke, 1782–1832
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Smedley, Rose, and Rose [1817–]45 Smedley, Edward, Rose, Hugh James, and Rose, Henry John, eds. [1817–]45. Encyclopædia Metropolitana; or, Universal Dictionary of Knowledge, on an Original Plan, Comprising the Twofold Advantage of a Philosophical and an Alphabetical Arrangement, with Appropriate Engravings, 26 vols, 59 parts, London, B. Fellowes
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 302.

Cats and Feline Animals (Once More!)

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Wilson 18[28–]31 Wilson, James 18[28–]31. Illustrations of Zoology: Being Representations of New, Rare, or Remarkable Subjects of the Animal Kingdom, Drawn and Coloured After Nature, with Historical and Descriptive Details, Edinburgh: W. Blackwood; and London: T. Cadell
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Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Zoology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 302.

Mr. Abernethy

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Anon

Genre:

Anecdote, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education

People mentioned:

John Abernethy Abernethy, John (1764–1831) ODNB
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    Relates that Abernethy thought of sending his son to Eton College Eton College, Berkshire
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to learn manners, and was told by his wife that it would have been as well had he gone there too.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 303.

English Benevolence

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Agriculture, Nationalism


    Reports on the 'stupendous act of national generosity' of the English which averted the 'plague of hunger' caused by the failure of the potato crop in Ireland in 1821 and 1822.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 303.

Alligators Swallowing Stones

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Hunting


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 306–09.

The Forget-Me-Not, Edited by Frederic Shoberl, Esq. Shoberl, Frederic (1775–1853) ODNB
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Short Fiction

Publications extracted:

Forget Me Not Forget Me Not (1822–47) Waterloo Directory
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[1] The Magician of Vicenza

Subjects:

Magic, Superstition, War, Steamships, Accidents


    Provides an account, apparently fictional, or in any case fictionalized, of the conquest of Vicenza by the French in 1796. The French general is represented as taking the city by stealth, having arrived in the guise of a magician. The magical effect is redoubled by his arrival in a steamboat and its unplanned explosion.




Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 313–17.

The Amulet. Edited by S. C. Hall, Esq. Hall, Samuel Carter (1800–89) ODNB
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Short Fiction

Publications extracted:

Jane Porter Porter, Jane (bap. 1776–1850) ODNB
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, Amulet Amulet (1826–36) Waterloo Directory
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[1] The South Sea Chief. By Miss Jane Porter

Subjects:

Astronomy, Exploration, Ethnography


    Provides an account, apparently fictional, or in any case fictionalized, of the adventures of a captured French sailor, Laonce, following his shipwreck in the Society Islands.




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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 325.

Anecdotes of Christina Christina, Queen of Sweden (1620–89) WBI
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, the Young Queen of Sweden

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P T W, pseud.  [Peter T Westcott] Westcott, Peter Thomas (1782/3–1845) Gentleman's Magazine, n.s. 23 (1845), 328
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Timbs, John 1871.'My Autobiography: Incidental Notes and Personal Recollections', Leisure Hour (1871), 20–23, 85–88, 181–84, 212–15, 266–69, 293–95, 347–51, 394–98, 420–24, 469–72, 500–03, 596–600, 612–15, 644–48, 685–88, 692–96, 730–33, and 794–99
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Genre:

Biography

Subjects:

Gender, Scientific Practitioners, Patronage

People mentioned:

Gottfried W Leibniz Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 325.

Method of Ascertaining the State of the Lungs

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G W N N, G W
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Genre:

Instructions

Subjects:

Health, Disease


Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 329–30.

Paley

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Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Unbelief, Natural Theology, Scientific Practitioners, Expertise, Anatomy, Design, Nomenclature, Medical Practitioners, Theodicy

People mentioned:

Georges Cuvier, Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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Everard Home Home, Sir Everard, 1st Baronet (1756–1832) DSB ODNB
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    Begins: 'We think it next to impossible for a candid unbeliever to read the Evidences of Paley, in their proper order, unshaken. His Natural Theology Paley, William 1802. Natural Theology; or, Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the Deity: Collected from the Appearances of Nature, [London]: R. Faulder
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will open the heart that it may understand, or at least receive the Scriptures, if any thing can'. Commends at some length the quotidian nature of Paley's expository prose. For example, Paley refers the increased thickness of animal fur in winter to the authority of 'any dealer in rabbit skins', but 'in these days, such an assertion would be backed by an appeal to some learned Rabbi of a Zoological Society, who had written a deep pamphlet, upon what he would probably call the Theory of Hair'. (329)



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 331.

Intense Cold

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Exploration, Heat

People mentioned:

John Franklin, Franklin, Sir John (1786–1847) ODNB
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Edward N Kendall Kendall, Edward Nicholas (c. 1800–45) WBI
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Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 332–33.

Mr. Abernethy

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reminiscences

Publications extracted:

New Monthly Magazine New Monthly Magazine (1814–81) New Monthly (1882–84) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Status, Class, Medical Treatment, Nutrition, Authorship, Hydropathy

People mentioned:

John Abernethy Abernethy, John (1764–1831) ODNB
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Section: Scientific Recreations

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 334.

Electrical Phenomena. (From the Treatise on Electricity—in the Library of Useful Knowledge)

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

[Roget] 1827 [Roget, Peter Mark] 1827. Electricity, Library of Useful Knowledge, London: Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge
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Subjects:

Electricity

People mentioned:

George J Singer Singer, George John (1786–1817) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 334.

Heating Rooms

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Literary Gazette Literary Gazette (1817–62) Parthenon (1863) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Heat, Domestic Economy, Chemistry, Invention


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 339–40.

Locusts and Wild Honey

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W G C C, W G
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Natural History, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

Adam Clarke Clarke, Adam (1762?–1832) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 340.

Flowers

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S S T T, S S
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Genre:

Letter, Rejoinder; Editorial

Subjects:

Botany, Gas Chemistry, Physiology, Health


    The letter-writer corrects the author of an earlier extract concerning the effects of plant respiration on human health when flowers are kept in a bedroom at night. In an afterword, the editor thanks 'S S T' and avers: 'Our pages are always open to the correction of our readers', while also observing 'we think he has misconceived some portion of the [original] article on "Flowers"'.


See also:

Anon, 'Flowers', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 268–69


Section: The Anecdote Gallery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 341–43.

A Living Alchemist

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Phillips 1828 Phillips, Richard 1828. A Personal Tour Through the United Kingdom; Describing Living Objects, and Contemporaneous Interests, London: Horatio Phillips
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Subjects:

Alchemy, Politics, Nationalism, Error

People mentioned:

John Kellerman, Kellerman, John (fl. 1828) COPAC, ML1/12/342a/3
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Roger Bacon, Bacon, Roger (c. 1219–c. 1292) DSB
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St Albertus Magnus, Albertus Magnus, Saint (c. 1200–80) DSB
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Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban), Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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Paracelsus, Paracelsus (Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim) (1493–1541) DSB
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Robert Boyle, Boyle, Hon Robert (1627–91) DSB ODNB
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Hermann Boerhaave, Boerhaave, Hermann (1668–1738) DSB
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John Dee, Dee, John (1527–1608) DSB
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Edward Kelley Kelley, Sir Edward (1555–1597/8) ODNB
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Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 344.

Street Sympathies

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Accidents, Medical Practitioners, Dissection


    Reflects that, while the stranger in London during the 'season' might think that no-one in the 'busy and enormous multitude' would care if he should have an accident, he would be wrong. There would be two who would 'evince the greatest sympathy in his fate': the newspaper reporter and 'the surgeon's apprentice, who, with anxious care, would bear him off to his hospital, that he might "try his 'prentice hand" to doctor him while living, and dissect him when dead'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 345.

Algebra

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Amory 1756 Amory, Thomas 1756. The Life of John Buncle, Esq., Containing Various Observations and Reflections, Made in Several Parts of the World; and Many Extraordinary Relations, London: J. Noon
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Subjects:

Mathematics, Amusement


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 346.

Nelson

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Anecdote

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

War, Hospitals, Disability

People mentioned:

Horatio Nelson (Viscount Nelson) Nelson, Horatio, Viscount Nelson (1758–1805) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 346.

The British Almanac

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Anon

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

British Almanac British Almanac (1828–1900+) BUCOP
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Subjects:

Societies, Popularization, Meteorology, Climatology, Superstition

People mentioned:

Luke Howard Howard, Luke (1772–1864) ODNB
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    Observes: 'As a compilation, with occasional originality, it is one of the best executed labours of the Society from whom it emanates, and who, from the multiplicity of facts here assembled, may be called "The Society for the" Condensation "of Useful Knowledge" Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge
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.'



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 347–51.

The Sketch Book. A Vision of Purgatory. By William Maginn, Esq.

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Extract, Short Fiction

Publications extracted:

William Maginn Maginn, William (1794–1842) ODNB
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, Literary Souvenir Literary Souvenir (1823–35) Cabinet of Modern Art and Literary Souvenir (1835–37) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Death, Dissection, Crime, Superstition


    On the death of Sir Theodore De Lacy, the narrator observes: 'with the march of mind comes trouble and vexation. A man has now-a-days no certainty of quietness in his coffin—unless it be a patent one. He is laid down in the grave, and the next morning finds himself called upon to demonstrate an interesting fact!' (347). De Lacy had asked Larry Sweeney to watch over his grave for three days and nights to ensure it was not robbed, particularly by the local surgeon, Dr Dickenson. The story concerns Larry Sweeney's superstitiously troubled dream as he attempts to fulfil his promise.



Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 352.

Rableias. A Jeu D'Esprit

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P M M, P
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Controversy


    Depicts François Rabelais Rabelais, François (1494?–1553?) CBD
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finding during an illness that a large number of medical practitioners are noisily disputing the appropriate treatment around his bed. He requests them to be quiet, and concludes: 'if, perforce, I must resign my breath, / For heav'n's sake let me die a NATURAL death'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Section: The Anecdote Gallery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 358–59.

Paley

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reminiscences

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Natural Theology, Authorship


    Describes William Paley's Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
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habits while writing his Natural Theology Paley, William 1802. Natural Theology; or, Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the Deity: Collected from the Appearances of Nature, [London]: R. Faulder
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.



Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360.

The Tea Plant

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

"Asiatic Register" [Asiatic Journal?] Asiatic Journal (1816–45) Asiatic and Colonial Quarterly Journal (1846–49) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Agriculture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360.

Portsmouth Literary and Philosophical Society Portsmouth and Portsea Literary and Philosophical Society
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Societies, Museums, Geology, Mineralogy


    Relates the prosperity of the society, as revealed by its interesting annual report. Observes: 'Some of the lectures, especially those on Geology, or Mineralogy, are very attractive; and in the curator's report, we notice that the Museum, previously rich in fossil organic remains, has been enriched by numerous donations in this department, during the past session. The entire number of specimens in the Museum is upwards of 9,000'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360.

Conversations on Geology

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Anon 1828b Anon. 1828b. Conversations on Geology: Comprising a Familiar Explanation of the Huttonian and Wernerian systems, the Mosaic geology as Explained by Granville Penn, and the Late Discoveries of Professor Buckland, Humboldt, Dr. MacCulloch and Others, London: S. Maunder
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Subjects:

Geology, Popularization, Biblical Authority, Education, Amusement

People mentioned:

James Hutton, Hutton, James (1726–97) DSB
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Abraham G Werner Werner, Abraham Gottlob (1749–1817) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360.

"Arcana of Science for 1829"

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Arcana of Science and Art Arcana of Science and Art (1828–38) Yearbook of Facts in Science and Art (1838–80) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Periodicals, Illustration, Chemistry, Machinery


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360.

Rice

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Agriculture, Acclimatization


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360.

Turf

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Horticulture


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360.

Garden of the Hesperides

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Horticulture

People mentioned:

Alexander von Humboldt, Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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William Bullock Bullock, William (early 1780s–after 1843) ODNB
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Publications cited:

Beechey and Beechey 1828 Beechey, Frederick W and Beechey, Henry W 1828. Proceedings of the Expedition to Explore the Northern Coast of Africa from Tripoly Eastward; in MDCCCXXI. and MDCCCXXII. Comprehending an Account of the Greater Syrtis and Cyrenaica; and of the Ancient Cities Composing the Pentapolis, London: John Murray
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 360–61.

Preparation of Cinnamon

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Agriculture, Commerce

People mentioned:

Reginald Heber Heber, Reginald (1783–1826) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 361.

Power of the Sun's Rays

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Bristol Nursery Library Bristol Nursery Library
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Subjects:

Engineering, Machinery, Light


    An extract from the 'MS. Journal of the Bristol Nursery Library' reports on the observations of 'Mr. Mackintosh Mackintosh, Mr (contractor for the government works at Stonehouse Point, Devon) (fl. 1826) ML1/8/217b/9, ML1/12/343b/10
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, contractor for the government works at Stonehouse Point, Devon' relative to the burning strength of the sun's rays when concentrated by the circular windows of a diving bell, even when deep under water.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 361.

The Cowslip and Polyanthus

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Horticulture, Botany, Breeding


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 361.

Ivy

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Botany


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 361.

Parasite Sycamore

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Botany


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 361.

Turpentine

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

[Stephenson and Churchill 1828–31?] Stephenson, John and Churchill, James Morss 1828–31. Medical Botany; or, Illustrations and Descriptions of the Medicinal Plants of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias; Including a Popular and Scientific Description of Poisonous Plants, 4 vols, London: J. Churchill
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Subjects:

Botany, Pharmaceuticals


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 361.

Gum Arabic

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

[Stephenson and Churchill 1828–31?] Stephenson, John and Churchill, James Morss 1828–31. Medical Botany; or, Illustrations and Descriptions of the Medicinal Plants of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias; Including a Popular and Scientific Description of Poisonous Plants, 4 vols, London: J. Churchill
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Subjects:

Botany, Pharmaceuticals


Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 362–65.

Recollections of a R*t. Written by Himself  [1/2]John Timbs, 'Recollections of a R*t', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 397–99

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Reminiscences, Spoof

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Exploration, Palaeontology, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

Georges L Leclerc, comte de Buffon, Buffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de (1707–88) DSB
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Erik Pontoppidan Pontoppidan, Erik (1698–1764) WBI
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    The extract, which is introduced as 'a pleasant piece of satire upon the autobiographical mania of the present day', purports to be the reminiscences of a rat (362). Observes of his ancestors: 'We sent out parties to make discoveries with Vasquez de Gama Gama, Vasco da (c. 1469–1525) CBD
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, Dampier Dampier, William (1651–1715) ODNB
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, Anson Anson, George, 1st Baron Anson (1697–1762) ODNB
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, and Cook Cook, James (1728–79) DSB
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, and although we English gentlemen [...] are known to have such a natural abhorrence at cold, the love of science prevailed, and a strong party were sent to the frozen seas with Ross Ross, Sir John (1777–1856) ODNB
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, Lyon Lyon, George Francis (1795–1832) ODNB
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, and Parry Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
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.' Also asserts: 'Before the flood, as the cave of Yorkshire [i.e. the Kirkdale Cave] no doubt proves, we were to be found in this island'. (363)



Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 367.

Filthy Water

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

John Bull John Bull (1820–92) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Sanitation, Public Health, Microscopy, Microbiology


    Observes: 'If the unhappy victims of mud-juice had constant access to the solar microscope, and there was occasionally in London a little sunshiene to set off the animated bedevilments which are crowded into the composition, and could see thousands of animals, generated in filth, and living in the highest spirits and the greatest abundance in the stuff destined for their stomachs, they would go mad'.



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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 376–78.

Friendship's Offering, Edited by Thomas Pringle, Esq. Pringle, Thomas (1789–1834) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice; Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Dr Philip Philip, Dr (fl. 1828) ML1/12/344/1
Close   View the register entry >>
, Friendship's Offering Friendship's Offering (1824–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Travel, Light


    Includes an extract of an article on tropical sunsets.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 379–83.

The Winter's Wreath

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice; Extract, Short Fiction

Publications noticed:

Winter's Wreath Winter's Wreath (1825–32) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Naturalists, Travel, Education


    'The Wreath contains 132 pieces or flowers, some of them perennials [....] One of the perennials is a Journey up the Missisippi, by Audubon Audubon, John James (1785–1851) DSB
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, the American naturalist. [...] The introduction of the paper on Popular Education, in what the editor himself calls "a work of elegant amusement like the present," is somewhat objectionable, and the writer's sentiments will be very unpalatable to a certain party' (380).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 383–84.

Time's Telescope

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice; Extract, Short Fiction

Publications noticed:

Time's Telescope Time's Telescope (1814–34) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Astronomy, Natural History


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 384.

The Christmas Box

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Christmas Box Christmas Box (1828–31) Marshall's Christmas Box (1831–32) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Periodicals, Illustration


    Observes: 'The Visit to the Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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is not just what we expected; still it is attractive'. Reports that the illustrations 'are from the pencil of our "right trustye" friend and excellent artist, Mr. W. H. Brooke Brooke, William Henry (1772–1860) ODNB
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, whose horses, coaches, and dogs excite so much mirth among the young friends of the MIRROR Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction (1822–47) Mirror Monthly Magazine (1847–49) Waterloo Directory
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—for, in truth, Mr. Brooke is an A.M.—an associate of the MIRROR, and enables us to jump from Whitehall to Constantine's Arch at Rome, shake hands with the Bears of the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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, and Peg in the Ring at Abury.'



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 384.

[Afterword]

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Anon

Genre:

Editorial

Subjects:

Light, Instruments, Periodicals


    'Here our motley-minded sheet finishes, and we leave our readers in possession of its sweet fancies. Its little compartments of poetry and prose remind us of mosaic work, and its sentimentalities have all the varieties of the kaleidoscope. To gladden the eye, study the taste, and improve the heart, of each reader has been our aim—feelings which we hope pervade this and every other Number of the MIRROR Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction (1822–47) Mirror Monthly Magazine (1847–49) Waterloo Directory
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.'



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Section: The Cosmopolite

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 388–90.

Dancing

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Disease, Superstition, Menageries

People mentioned:

Philip Astley, Astley, Philip (1742–1814) ODNB
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Andrew Ducrow Ducrow, Andrew (1793–1842) ODNB
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    Refers in passing to the phenomenon of dancing with pain 'or when, as Lord Bacon Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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says, "in pestilences, the malignity of the infecting vapour danceth the principal spirits"' (388). Briefly discusses St Vitus's Dance. Also reviews the history of dancing animals.



Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 397–99.

Recollections of a R*t  [2/2]Anon, 'Recollections of a R*t. Written by Himself', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 362–65

Close

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Ed Timbs, John (1801–75) ODNB
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Genre:

Extract, Reminiscences, Spoof; Editorial, Afterword

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Natural History, Heredity, Government, Animal Behaviour, Astronomy


    The rat-narrator observes: 'When I was in the House of Lords House of Lords
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, a companion whispered to me, that he had heard an act read, offering a reward of 10,000l. for a male tortoise-shell cat. This I believe, indeed, is a very safe offer, for such a thing was never heard of' (398). Also records that he 'studied astronomy with the celebrated M. Olbers Olbers, Heinrich Wilhelm Matthias (1758–1840) DSB
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of Bremen, and assisted him in making many useful observations and discoveries', particularly concerning the likelihood of the earth being destroyed by a collision with a comet (399).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 399–400.

The Fancy Ball

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Poetry

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Engineering


    The narrator gives a sample of the 'Babel' talk at the fancy ball: '"The Giraffe"—"plays the fiddle"— / "Macadam's McAdam, John Loudon (1756–1836) ODNB
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roads"—"I hate this chalk"' (400).



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 403–04.

Turkish Cannon

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W G C C, W G
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Military Technology


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 405–06.

Select Biography. Dr. Gall Gall, Franz Joseph (1758–1828) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

T B B, T
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Genre:

Regular Feature, Obituary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Phrenology, Controversy, Lecturing, Patronage, Induction, Dissection

People mentioned:

Jean Hermann, Hermann, Jean (1738–1800) WBI
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Prince Clemens L W Metternich, Metternich, Clemens Lothar Wenzel, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire (1773–1859) CBD
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Johann C Spurzheim Spurzheim, Johann Christoph (1776–1832) DSB
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Publications cited:

Gall and Spurzheim 1810–19 Gall, Franz Josef and Spurzheim, Johann Caspar 1810–19. Anatomie et physiologie du systême nerveux en général, et du cerveau en particulier: avec des observations sur la possibilité de reconnoitre plusieurs dispositions intellectuelles et morales de l'homme et des animaux, par la configuration de leurs têtes, 4 vols, Paris: F. Schoell
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    An appreciative account of Gall's life and work, which urges a liberal examination of his doctrines. Observes: 'The test for the science of phrenology [...] consists in an induction of facts and observations; and by this mode it is that the disciples of Gall and Spurzheim challenge their antagonists' (405). Provides details of the dissection of Gall's body, his funeral, and the eulogy of François J V Broussais Broussais, François Joseph Victor (1772–1838) DSB
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.



Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 408.

Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Animal Behaviour, Exploration


    Gives an account of changes at the gardens since the Mirror's Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction (1822–47) Mirror Monthly Magazine (1847–49) Waterloo Directory
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last visit. Observes: 'The three bears exhibited as much good-breeding as the visiters [sic] encouraged,—climbing to the top of the pole when there was any thing to climb after, and an Admiralty Admiralty
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expedition could do no more.'


See also:

Anon, 'Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's Park', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 148–50


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 408–09.

Poisoning of Vegetables

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Journal of Agriculture Quarterly Journal of Agriculture (1828–43) Journal of Agriculture (1843–68) Country Gentleman's Magazine and Journal of Agriculture (1868–73) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Botany, Chemistry, Pollution, Physiology

People mentioned:

François Marcet Marcet, François (1803–1883) WBI
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Section: Notes of a Reader

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 410.

Short-Hand

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice

Subjects:

Machinery, Periodicals


    Dilating on the value of short-hand, observes: 'What would all Mr. Applegath's Applegath, Augustus (1788–1871) CBD
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machinery do toward producing the newspaper without the aid of short-hand, which makes its expedition second only to thought'.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 410.

Cruelty to Animals

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Anon 1828c Anon. 1828c. The Voice of Humanity: Observations on Instances of Cruelty to Animals, which Can Be Efficiently Restrained by the Legislature Alone; on the Present Law Available to this Subject and on the Formation and Regulation of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to which is Added an Appendix Containing a Summary of the Evidence Given Before the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the State of Smithfield Market and the Slaughterhouses London: Sherwood and Co.
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Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Menageries, Cruelty

People mentioned:

James Mackintosh Mackintosh, Sir James (1765–1832) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Smithfield Market Smithfield Market
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 411.

Phrenology

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Anon

Genre:

Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Crook 1828 Crook, William Henry 1828. A Compendium of Phrenology, London: Samuel Leigh
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Subjects:

Phrenology

Institutions mentioned:

London Phrenological Society London Phrenological Society
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Section: Spirit of the Public Journals

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 413–15.

Flies

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Essay

Publications extracted:

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh Monthly Magazine (1817) Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1817–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Cruelty, Animal Husbandry, Menageries, Government, Electricity, Population, Patronage, Invention, Machinery, Vaccination, Pharmaceuticals

People mentioned:

Richard Martin Martin, Richard ('Humanity') (1754–1834) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Smithfield Market, Smithfield Market
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Royal Humane Society Royal Humane Society
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    The essay begins with commendatory comments on recent parliamentary action against cruelty to animals, before exploring the reasons why flies should be excluded from such humanitarian concerns. Describes the behaviour of a sleeping gentleman disturbed by flies: 'we remark with surprise sundry violent twitches and contortions of the limbs, as though the sleeper were under the operation of galvanism' (413). Observes of flies: 'Having little other occupation than that of propagating their species, the natural consequence, as we may learn from Mr. Malthus Malthus, Thomas Robert (1766–1834) DSB
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, is that their numbers increase in a frightfully progressive ratio from year to year' (414). Suggests: 'let the Society of Arts Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce
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offer their next large gold medal to the person who shall invent the most ingenious and destructive fly-trap' (414–15). Proposes that a 'certain quantity of quassia might be distributed gratis at Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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, as vaccinatory matter is at the Cow-pox Hospital Smallpox and Inoculation Hospital
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, with very considerable effect' (415).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 415.

[Chemical Analysis of Literature]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Analytical Chemistry


    'It would be a very pleasant thing, if literary productions could be submitted to something like chemical analysis,—if we could separate the merit of a book, as we can the magnesia of Epsom salts, by a simple practical application of the doctrine of affinities.'



Section: The Gatherer

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 416.

A Good Fellow

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Mathematics


    Two members of a literary society asked to define 'a good fellow' replied: 'Mr. Le Blanc.—A good fellow is one who studies deep, reads trigonometry, and burns love songs; has a most cordial aversion for dancing [...] and would rather encounter a cannon than a fancy ball. Hon. G. Montgomery.—A good fellow is one who abhors moralists and mathematics, and adores the classics'.



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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 417–18.

European Cities.—Naples

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Vulcanology, Travel


    Observes: 'the contemplative philospher may read in the volcanic remains, and other phenomena on its shores, many inspiring lessons in the broad volume of Nature' (418).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 421.

[Temperance]

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Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

William Babington Babington, William (1756–1833) DSB
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Subjects:

Temperance, Health


    'A HALF-PINT of wine for young men in perfect health is enough, and you will be able to take your exercise better, and feel better for this abstinence'.



Section: The Selector; and Literary Notices of New Works

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 425–31.

Memoirs of Vidocq Vidocq, Eugène François (1775–1857) CBD
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. The French Thief-Taker

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Reminiscences

Subjects:

Engineering

People mentioned:

John L McAdam McAdam, John Loudon (1756–1836) ODNB
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    The introduction discusses the attractions of books involving 'hair-breadth escapes', and observes: 'People with macadamized minds, and their histories [...] are mere nonentities, and food for the trunk-maker' (426).



Section: The Anecdote Gallery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 431.

Whitfield Whitefield, George (1714–1770) ODNB
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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Anecdote

Publications extracted:

Robert Southey Southey, Robert (1774–1843) ODNB
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners


    Relates how Benjamin Franklin Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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was moved to give money to one of Whitefield's charitable causes against his previous resolution, having been swayed by Whitfield's preaching.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 431–32.

Sir Richard Jebb Jebb, Sir Richard, 1st Baronet (bap. 1729–1787) ODNB
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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Anecdote

Publications extracted:

Wadd 1827b Wadd, William 1827b. Mems. Maxims, and Memoirs, London: Callow and Wilson
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners


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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 433-34.

Barber's Barn, Hackney

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

I Dodd Dodd, I (fl. 1820–30) Engen 1985
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Subjects:

Horticulture, Commerce, Patronage


    Describes the use of this ancient property in Mare Street, Hackney (which is depicted in a half-page illustration), as a nursery, initially, from the mid-eighteenth century, by Johann Busch Busch, Johann (or John) (c. 1730–90+) Desmond 1977
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. Relates that, in 1771, Busch gave up his nursery to Conrad Loddiges Loddiges, Conrad (c. 1739–1826) Desmond 1977
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, in order to work for Empress Catherine II Catherine II ('the Great'), Empress of Russia (1729–1796) CBD
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of Russia. Describes the nurseries of Conrad Loddiges & Sons Loddiges (Conrad) & Sons, firm
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, 'who rank as the most eminent florists and nurserymen of their time' (433).



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 434–35.

Last Days of, and Rough Notes on, 1828

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Vyvyan Vyvyan
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Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Astrology, Progress, Periodicals, Steam-power, Steamships, Machinery, Publishing


    Observes: 'Those versed in the lore of Francis Moore Moore, Francis (1657–1714?) ODNB
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, physician, which must doubtless include most of our readers, are aware that our veteran friend, eighteen hundred and twenty-eight, has been for some time in what is called a "galloping" consumption'. Describing predictions of impending war in the True Prophetic Messenger Prophetic Messenger (1821–39) Raphael's Prophetic Almanac (1840–1900+) BUCOP
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of 'Raphael' (Robert C Smith Smith, Robert Cross ('Raphael') (1795–1832) ODNB
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), relates: 'we have had comets and "rumours" of comets for many months past, while the red and glaring appearance of the planet, Mars, is as we have elsewhere observed, considered by the many a forerunner, and sign of long wars and much bloodshed'. (434) Comments on the progress of the 'march of mind'. Observes: 'We regret that we cannot chronicle a "Narrative of a first attempt to reach the cities of Bath and Bristol, in the year 1828, in an extra patent steam-coach, by Messrs. Burstall, or Gurney." The newspapers, however, still continue to inform us that such vehicles are about to start, so we may reasonably expect that Time will accomplish the long talked of event.' Also reports on the rumoured advent of steamers able to travel at 150 miles per hour, and apostrophises 'Oh, steam! steam! but this is well ploughed ground.' Comments on the progress of 'Art, science, and literature', wondering whether it will soon be a puzzle 'where to stow the books'.


See also:

Vyvyan, 'Popular Superstitions. Witchcraft', Mirror of Literature, 12 (1828), 70–73


Section: Spirit of Discovery

Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 439–40.

Specific Gravities

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Analytical Chemistry


    Gives the percentage of alcohol in a range of drinks.



Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 440.

Extraordinary Effect of Heat

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J G L L, J G
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Heat, Physiology, Exploration

People mentioned:

John Franklin Franklin, Sir John (1786–1847) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 440.

Method of Softening Cast-Iron

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W G C C, W G
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Genre:

Instructions

Subjects:

Metallurgy, Heat


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 440.

Washing Salads, Cresses, &c.

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Anecdote, Instructions

Publications extracted:

Gardener's Magazine Gardener's Magazine (1825–44) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Horticulture, Domestic Economy, Medical Treatment


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 440.

Insects on Trees

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Horticulture, Entomology

People mentioned:

George W Johnson Johnson, George William (1802–86) ODNB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 440.

Manna

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Instructions

Publications extracted:

[Stephenson and Churchill 1828–31?] Stephenson, John and Churchill, James Morss 1828–31. Medical Botany; or, Illustrations and Descriptions of the Medicinal Plants of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias; Including a Popular and Scientific Description of Poisonous Plants, 4 vols, London: J. Churchill
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Subjects:

Horticulture, Pharmaceuticals


Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 440.

Electricity on Plants

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Electricity, Botany, Physiology

People mentioned:

Tiberius Cavallo Cavallo, Tiberius (1749–1809) DSB
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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), 441–42.

Stanging

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W H H H, W H
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Genre:

Introduction, Editorial / Letter / Letter

Subjects:

Ethnography, Expoloration


    The two letters concern a custom (stanging), prevalent in Westmorland and Lanarkshire, for the public humiliation of abusive husbands. The second writer compares the custom to 'the analogous practice among the Negroes of Africa, mentioned by Mungo Park Park, Mungo (1771–1806) ODNB
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, under the denomination of the mysteries of Mumbo Jumbo' (442).



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Mirror of Literature,  12 (1828), [i]–iv.

Memoir of Thomas Moore Moore, Thomas (1779–1852) ODNB
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Anon

Genre:

Biography

Subjects:

Electricty, Physiology


    Quotes a speech of Moore's in which he stated of Crabbe Crabbe, George (1754–1832) ODNB
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that he 'has shown what the more than galvanic power of talent can effect, by giving not only motion, but life and soul to subjects that seem incapable of it' (ii).



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