Science in the 19th Century Periodical

The Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine [3rd]

Introductory Essay
Volume 5  (January to December 1826)

Section: Biography

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 1–8.

Memoir of Joseph Mitchell Mitchell, Joseph (1788–1825) WM3/5/1a/1
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Mr Peter Kruse Kruse, Peter (fl. 1826) WM3/5/1a/1
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Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Accidents, Medical Treatment, Piety

People mentioned:

Benjamin C Brodie Brodie, Sir Benjamin Collins, 1st Baronet (1783–1862) DSB ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

St George's Hospital St George's Hospital
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    The narrative records at length Mitchell's 'spiritual tranquility' under the conditions of his protracted final suffering following a fall.



Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 28–30.

On Infant Education

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F F
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Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Education, Religion, Utility, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Natural History


    The writer advocates the education of infants under six years of age, endorsing a strongly empirical and utilitarian approach. He describes how in existing infant schools 'an intelligent master and mistress have thus led their youthful charge, consisting of one or two hundred, to the study of language, figures, geography, the rudiments of mathematics, of natural philosophy, of botany, of natural history, and also to the manner in which most of the articles in common use are formed' (29–30).



Section: Review

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 35–40.

[Review of Remarks on Volney's 'Ruins', by William A Hails]

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Anon

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Hails 1825 Hails, William Anthony 1825. Remarks on Volney's 'Ruins; or, A Survey of the Revolutions of Empires', London: L. B. Seeley and Son
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Subjects:

Infidelity, Astronomy, Astrology, Biblical Authority


    The reviewer observes that the modern champions of infidelity have 'for some years past' sought 'to attack the history of Christianity, and to persuade the unlettered and ignorant, that the whole is a fiction, even to the very existence of its Founder' (35). Constantin F Chassebœf, comte de Volney's Volney, Constantin F Chasseboeuf, comte de (1757–1820) CBD
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Ruins Volney, Constantin F Chasseboeuf, comte de 1791. Les ruines; ou, méditations sur les révolutions des empires, Paris: Desenne, Volland, and Plassan
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'resolves Christ into an astronomical character, and has been long the textbook of this flippant class of infidels' (36). If this astronomical theory is to be adopted, infidels must show 'that a popular passion for the scientific study of astronomy prevailed at the time of the formation of Christianity; or, that there was a confederacy among the astronomers of the day, to invest the old astronomy with new symbols; and that the Galileos Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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, and Keplers Kepler, Johannes (1571–1630) DSB
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, and Newtons Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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, and Laplaces Laplace, Pierre-Simon, marquis de (1749–1827) DSB
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, of Greece and Rome, united to fetch their scientific symbols from the books of the Jews, and the writings of the evangelists' (37). A lengthy extract from William A Hails's Hails (or Hailes), William Anthony (1766–1845) ODNB
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book is used to demonstrate the failure of Volney's argument.



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 41–44.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious: With Occasional Characteristic Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Review; Literary Notice

Publications reviewed:

Time's Telescope (1826) Time's Telescope (1814–34) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Education, Amusement


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Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 165–69.

The Leviathan

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Harris 1824 Harris, Thaddeus Mason 1824. The Natural History of the Bible; or, A Description of All the Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Reptiles, and Insects, Trees, Plants, Flowers, Gums, and Precious Stones, Mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures: Collected from the Best Authorities, and Alphabetically Arranged, London: T. Tegg
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Subjects:

Natural History, Biblical Authority


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Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 236–41.

Manners and Customs of the Siamese

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EDIT. Jackson, Thomas (1783–1873) ODNB
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Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

Finlayson 1826 Finlayson, George 1826. The Mission to Siam, and Hue, the Capital of Cochin China, in the Years 1821–2: From the Journal of the Late George Finlayson, Esq. With a Memoir of the Author by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, London: J. Murray
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Subjects:

Naturalists, Exploration

People mentioned:

George Finlayson, Finlayson, George (1790–1823) ODNB
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Thomas S B Raffles Raffles, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley (1781–1826) DSB
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Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 241–42.

Explosion of Gas in a Coal-Mine

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John Daglish, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Daglish, John (of Newcastle-upon-Tyne) (fl. 1826) WM3/5/4a/2
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Genre:

Letter, Reportage

Subjects:

Mining, Accidents, Providence, Gas Chemistry


Section: Review

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 256–62.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious. With Occasional Characteristic Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Review; Literary Notice

Publications reviewed:

Humboldt 1814–29 Humboldt, Alexander von 1814–29. Personal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of the New Continent During the Years 1799–1804. By Alexander de Humboldt, and Aimé Bonpland, trans. by Helen Maria Williams, 7 vols, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown
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Publications noticed:

Denham and Clapperton 1826, Denham, Dixon and Clapperton, Hugh 1826. Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823 and 1824, by Major Denham, Captain Clapperton, and the late Doctor Oudney: Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Ellis 1826 Ellis, William 1826. Narrative of a Tour Through Hawaii, or Owhyhee: With Remarks on the History, Traditions, Manners, Customs, and Language of the Inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands, London: privately published
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Subjects:

Exploration, Ethnography, Geology


Section: Poetry

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 288.

On Seeing an Aurora Borealis at Sea

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Light, Astronomy, Reason, Feeling, Biblical Authority, Faith


    The poet moralizes on seeing a meteor, asking: 'And hast though not seen, o'er the waste of the mind, / The meteor of Reason triumphantly glide? / Aspiring it mounts on the wings of the wind, / Its pathway Creation,—Presumption its guide.' Reason sheds but a 'cheerless and cold' ray; the heart is only moved to faith by the beam which emerges from 'the Fountain of Light'.



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Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 310–15.

Cruelty to Animals

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Chalmers 1826 Chalmers, Thomas 1826. On Cruelty to Animals: A Sermon, Preached in Edinburgh, on the 5th of March, 1826, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins; Edinburgh: William Whyte & Co. and William Oliphant; Dublin: R. M. Tims and Wm. Curry, Jun.; London: G. B. Whittaker
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Subjects:

Cruelty, Theology of Nature, Feeling, Physiology, Vivisection, Anatomy, Education


    Reflecting on various forms of cruelty to animals, the author observes: 'we do not foresee, but with the perfecting of the two sciences of anatomy and physiology, the abolition of animal experiments; but we do foresee a gradual, and, at length, a complete abandonment of the experiments of illustration, which are at present a thousand fold more numerous than the experiments of humane discovery' (312). He notes that the 'atrocities' of François Magendie Magendie, François (1783–1855) DSB
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'have been blazoned before the eye of a British public', but considers his 'cruel luxury [...] of the intellect' to be less extensive than the 'cruel and sensual luxury' indulged in by British gourmets (313).



Section: Review

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 330–33.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious. With Occasional Characteristic Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Review; Literary Notice

Publications reviewed:

Dick 1826, Dick, Thomas 1826. The Philosophy of Religion; or, An Illustration of the Moral Laws of the Universe, London: G. B. Whittaker; Edinburgh: Chalmers and Collins [and 2 others]; Dublin: R. M. Tims, and Wm. Curry, jun. & Co.
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Ellis 1826, Ellis, William 1826. Narrative of a Tour Through Hawaii, or Owhyhee: With Remarks on the History, Traditions, Manners, Customs, and Language of the Inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands, London: privately published
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Chalmers 1826 Chalmers, Thomas 1826. On Cruelty to Animals: A Sermon, Preached in Edinburgh, on the 5th of March, 1826, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins; Edinburgh: William Whyte & Co. and William Oliphant; Dublin: R. M. Tims and Wm. Curry, Jun.; London: G. B. Whittaker
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[1 Review of Philosophy of Religion, by Thomas Dick]

Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Natural Theology


    The reviewer complains that Thomas Dick Dick, Thomas (1774–1857) ODNB
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does not dwell adequately on human depravity and on the Christian doctrine of atonement. Dick, it is claimed, 'is greatly enamoured with natural science, and censures Christian Ministers for not introducing more frequently in their public discourses an account of the magnitude and variety of the works of God'. However, the reviewer denies that 'the demon of malignity can be expelled from the human heart by arguments drawn from such topics, or by any other means than that of the direct agency of the Holy Ghost'. (331)



[2 Review of Narrative of a Tour through Hawaii, by William Ellis]

Subjects:

Exploration, Ethnography, Natural History, Vulcanology


[3 Review of On Cruelty to Animals, by Thomas Chalmers]

Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Cruelty, Government


    The reviewer applauds the law recently passed 'to protect the animal creation from wanton cruelty'. Noting the establishment of an annual lecture in Edinburgh on the subject, of which Thomas Chalmers's Chalmers, Thomas (1780–1847) ODNB
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is the first, the reviewer expresses the hope that other ministers in different parts of the country will take pains to 'remind the human savage, whether vulgar or polite, scientific or ignorant,' that the creation belongs to its divine author. (333)




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Section: Divinity

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 370–77.

Hope for the Heathen: A Sermon: By the Rev. John Mason, D.D.  [1/2]Anon, 'Hope for the Heathen: A Sermon: By the Rev. John Mason, D.D.', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 444–53

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Sermon, Serial

Publications extracted:

Mason 1803 Mason, John Mitchell 1803. First Ripe Fruits: Being a Collection of Tracts; to Which are Added, Two Sermons. With a Short Memoir of the Author, London: R. Ogle; Edinburgh: Ogle and Aikman; Glasgow: M. Ogle
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Subjects:

Natural Theology, Reason, Religion, Ancient Authorities

Institutions mentioned:

New York Missionary Society New York Missionary Society
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    Noting that 'God is the source of intellectual light', the preacher reflects on the intellectual darkness in which the heathen are plunged. He observes of God: 'The "heavens may declare his glory, and the firmament show forth his handy work;" (psal. xix. 1;) but the Pagans, unaccustomed to decipher their language, and to study their lessons, do not thence derive, in fact, just and clear perceptions even of "his eternal power and Godhead:" far less of his moral character' (373). The 'most celebrated heathen philosophers' were exceedingly dubious in their knowledge of the divinity (374).



Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 380–85.

Recent Discoveries in Africa  [1/4]Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 455–60
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 523–29
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 596–605

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Introduction; Extract, Abstract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Denham and Clapperton 1826 Denham, Dixon and Clapperton, Hugh 1826. Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823 and 1824, by Major Denham, Captain Clapperton, and the late Doctor Oudney: Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Exploration, Natural History, Ethnography


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Section: Divinity

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 444–53.

Hope for the Heathen: A Sermon: By the Rev. John Mason, D.D.  [2/2]Anon, 'Hope for the Heathen: A Sermon: By the Rev. John Mason, D.D.', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 370–77

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Sermon, Serial

Publications extracted:

Mason 1803 Mason, John Mitchell 1803. First Ripe Fruits: Being a Collection of Tracts; to Which are Added, Two Sermons. With a Short Memoir of the Author, London: R. Ogle; Edinburgh: Ogle and Aikman; Glasgow: M. Ogle
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Subjects:

Exploration, Scientific Practitioners, Religion


    In the sermon John M Mason Mason, John Mitchell (1770–1829) WBI
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contrasts the resoluteness of explorers with the timidity of Christians reluctant to engage in overseas missions. He observes that the most formidable difficulties which might be encountered in missionary work to the 'heathen' are regularly overcome by 'carnal' explorers: 'They can visit the savage tribes, can cross their rivers, climb their mountains, traverse their forests; can learn their language, conform to their manners, acquire their confidence; can patiently submit to hunger and cold, fatigue and peril:—For what? To decorate earthly science, or to collect the dust of lucre, or the vapours of fame' (451).



Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 455–60.

Recent Discoveries in Africa  [2/4]Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 380–85
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 523–29
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 596–605

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Extract, Abstract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Denham and Clapperton 1826 Denham, Dixon and Clapperton, Hugh 1826. Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823 and 1824, by Major Denham, Captain Clapperton, and the late Doctor Oudney: Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Exploration

People mentioned:

Walter Oudney Oudney, Walter (1790–1824) ODNB
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    The writer discusses the great importance of 'friendly intercourse' with Sheikh Muhammed el-A al-H Kanami Kanemi, Muhammed el-Amin al-Haji, Sheikh of Bornu (1779–1835) WBI
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of Bornu [part of modern Nigeria], both in terms of its benefit to 'science and research', and for reasons of commerce and philanthropy (459).



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 461–63.

Impure Air in Places of Worship

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

[American] Methodist Magazine Methodist Magazine (1818–28) Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review (1830–40) Methodist Quarterly Review (1841–84) Methodist Review (1884–1900) BUCOP
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Subjects:

Gas Chemistry, Physiology, Design, Disease, Epidemiology


Section: Review

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 471–73.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious. With Occasional Characteristic Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Literary Notice

Subjects:

Natural History

Publications cited:

Good 1826 Good, John Mason 1826. The Book of Nature, 3 vols, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green
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Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 522.

On Reading the Missionary Notices

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W G, Leeds G, W (of Leeds)
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Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Exploration, Scientific Practitioners, Natural History, Ethnography


    Reflecting on the missionary notices in the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine Arminian Magazine (1778–97) Methodist Magazine (1798–21) Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine (1822–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, the correspondent observes that many of the places mentioned in them are not in any atlas. He continues: 'and with reference to Africa especially, I am of opinion, with Mr. Wilberforce Wilberforce, William (1759–1833) ODNB
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, that Missionaries will be the explorers of that quarter of the globe'. The correspondent notes that the missionary reports provide information about 'the true condition of the heathen nations, concerning which we had long been misled by the falsehoods of travellers, and the misrepresentations of men who call each other philosophers'. The reports also frequently contain 'interesting information respecting the natural productions, soil, and climate of different countries, as well as correct descriptions of the manners, customs, and superstitions of the people'.



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 523–29.

Recent Discoveries in Africa  [3/4]Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 380–85
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 455–60
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 596–605

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Extract, Abstract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Denham and Clapperton 1826 Denham, Dixon and Clapperton, Hugh 1826. Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823 and 1824, by Major Denham, Captain Clapperton, and the late Doctor Oudney: Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Natural History, Ethnography


Section: Religious Intelligence

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 540–56.

Official Report of the Speeches Delivered at the Twenty-second Anniversary of the British and Foreign Bible Society British and Foreign Bible Society
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, on Wednesday, May 3, 1826

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings

Subjects:

Phrenology


    Addressing the meeting on the causes of the diminution in the funds of the society, John W Cunningham Cunningham, John William (1780–1861) ODNB
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declared: 'if I had the language as well as the discerning powers of Spurzheim Spurzheim, Johann Christoph (1776–1832) DSB
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, I should get a word to express what I mean; but you shall have the best I can give it,—there is a sort of pugnaciousness in human-nature' which maintained the level of contributions whilever the society was under attack, but which is no longer called into action (546).



Section: Varieties

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 556.

Irregularity of Clocks

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Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

Good 1826 Good, John Mason 1826. The Book of Nature, 3 vols, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green
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Subjects:

Physics


Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 556.

Insects in the Interior of Africa

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Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

Denham and Clapperton 1826 Denham, Dixon and Clapperton, Hugh 1826. Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823 and 1824, by Major Denham, Captain Clapperton, and the late Doctor Oudney: Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Exploration, Entomology


Section: Missionary Notices, Relating Principally to the Foreign Missions Carried on Under the Direction of the Methodist Conference

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 557–59.

Ceylon Mission. Extract of a Letter from Mr. Clough, Dated Colombo, Nov. 5th, 1825

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Extract

Publications extracted:

Benjamin Clough Clough, Benjamin (1791–1853) WBI
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Subjects:

Religion, Cosmology, Physical Geography, Astronomy


    Benjamin Clough relates his discussions with a Buddhist priest concerning the geography and cosmology of the Buddhist scriptures. In the course of these discussions, Clough 'produced some maps, a globe, a quadrant, and a compass, and proceeded to give him as correct an outline of our geography, navigation, &c.' as he was able 'and showed him by a variety of experiments, which he readily understood, how we must in the nature of things understand this matter' (558). He also pointed out that the Buddhist astronomy was erroneous. At the end of their interview, Clough reports, the priest thanked him and begged him to become his spiritual instructor.



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Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 596–605.

Recent Discoveries in Africa  [4/4]Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 380–85
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 455–60
Anon, 'Recent Discoveries in Africa', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 523–29

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Extract, Abstract, Travelogue

Publications extracted:

Denham and Clapperton 1826 Denham, Dixon and Clapperton, Hugh 1826. Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823 and 1824, by Major Denham, Captain Clapperton, and the late Doctor Oudney: Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Exploration, Medical Practitioners, Education, Instruments, Astronomy, Imperialism, Commerce


    The account details Hugh Clapperton's Clapperton, Hugh (1788–1827) ODNB
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visit to Sokoto, the capital of the Fulani empire [in modern Nigeria]. Clapperton describes the 'great regret' of Sultan Muhammad Bello Muhammad Bello, Sultan of Sokoto (fl. 1817–37) CBE
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of Sokoto at the death of Walter Oudney Oudney, Walter (1790–1824) ODNB
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, 'as he wished particularly to see an English physician, who might instruct his people in the healing art'. Clapperton was sent for by the Sultan to give an account of his sextant, which 'occasioned much surprise'. He exhibited a 'planisphere of the heavenly bodies', and discovered that the Sultan 'knew all the regions of the zodiac, some of the constellations, and many of the stars, by their Arabic names'. (598) The Sultan asked Clapperton to send him from England some Arabic books, and a map of the world. He promised protection 'to as many of our learned men as chose to visit his dominions', and spoke of gold and silver deposits. Clapperton 'assured him that we were less anxious about gold mines than the establishment of commerce, and the extension of science'. (602–3)



Section: Varieties

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 628.

A New Island

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Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

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

Exploration


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Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 675–80.

Structure of the Human Eye and Ear  [1/2]Daniel M'Allum, 'Structure of the Human Eye and Ear', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 747–52

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Rev. Daniel M'Allum, M.D. M'Allum, Daniel (1794–1827) Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 8 (1829), 1–11 and 73–83
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Genre:

Essay, Serial

Subjects:

Anatomy, Physiology, Design, Natural Theology, Theology of Nature, Biblical Authority, Light, Psychology, Immaterialism

People mentioned:

Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Publications cited:

[Paley 1802] 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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    The author's objective is to describe the anatomy and physiology of the organs of vision and hearing in 'familiar and popular language', and to 'draw out those views of the character of God, which the subject suggests'. He observes that William Paley Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
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has pursued such a course with almost unequalled perspicuity, but thinks that there are still things to be added to Paley's descriptions. Moreover, where Paley sought to 'prove the existence of God, and to infer the character of the Divine Being from the appearance of design observable in all his works' without the aid of revelation, M'Allum pretends to 'no such lofty aim'. He assumes the 'unquestionable certainty of revealed truth', including the 'existence, supremacy, and other perfections of the Godhead', and uses the structure of the ear and eye as 'illustrations of what the great Creator is, in so far as his character may be inferred from his works, mutilated and reft of original excellence, as by the fall they acknowledgedly are'. (675) The introduction is followed by a lengthy account of the human eye and of the nature of light. Discussing the processing of the focused image on the retina, M'Allum observes: 'Whatever belongs to the connexion between matter and mind is beyond our attainment and conception' (680).



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 682–89.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious. With Occasional Characteristic Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Review; Literary Notice

Publications reviewed:

[Rumsey] 1826, [Rumsey, James] 1826. Some Account of the Life and Character of the Late Thomas Bateman, M.D. F.L.S.: Physician to the Public Dispensary, and to the Fever Institution in London, London : Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green
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Parry 1826 Parry, William Edward 1826. Journal of a Third Voyage for the Discovery of a Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific: Performed in the Years 1824–25, in His Majesty's Ships Hecla and Fury, Under the Orders of Captain William Edward Parry, London: John Murray
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Publications noticed:

Ewing 1826 Ewing, Thomas 1826. A System of Geography: For the Use of Schools and Private Students, on a New and Easy Plan from the Latest and Best Authorities; Including also the Elements of Astronomy, an Account of the Solar System, and a Variety of Problems to be Solved by the Terrestrial and Celestial Globes, 7th edn, Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd
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[1 Review of Some Account of the Life and Character of the late Thomas Bateman]

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Authorship, Religion, Materialism, Scientific Practitioners, Education

Publications cited:

Rees ed. 18[02]–20 Rees, Abraham ed. 18[02]–20. The Cyclopaedia; or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, 45 vols, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown [and 26 others]
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[2 Review of Journal of a Third Voyage for the Discovery of a North-west Passage, by William E Parry]

Subjects:

Exploration, Navigation


[3 Notice of A System of Geography, by Thomas Ewing

Subjects:

Astronomy, Education



Section: Varieties

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 698.

Specimen of Arab Surgery

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Anon

Genre:

Extract

Publications extracted:

Denham and Clapperton 1826 Denham, Dixon and Clapperton, Hugh 1826. Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, in the Years 1822, 1823 and 1824, by Major Denham, Captain Clapperton, and the late Doctor Oudney: Extending Across the Great Desert to the Tenth Degree of Northern Latitude, and from Kouka in Bornou, to Sackatoo, the Capital of the Fellatah Empire, 2 vols, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Race


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Section: Biography

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 725–34.

Memoir of Mr. George Newton Newton, Mr George (of Thorncliffe, near Sheffield) (1761–1825) WM3/5/11a/1
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, of Thorncliffe, near Sheffield

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Anon

Genre:

Biography

Subjects:

Education, Reading, Astronomy, Mechanics, Instruments, Endeavour, Morality


    When he was apprenticed to a grocer in Darlington, George Newton's father allowed him only five shillings a year for pocket money. The biographer reports: 'Though the sum was but small, it enabled him to procure a few useful books; and his leisure hours were employed in the study of Mechanics, Geography, and Astronomy. With much ingenuity he constructed a terrestrial globe, and a sun-dial, which were both very correct'. The writer contrasts this behaviour with the 'depraved connexions' and 'expensive habits' often acquired by those children 'indulged with a liberal allowance of money during this period' (727). As an adult, 'he gratified his love of reading by procuring a choice collection of books on science and divinity', and he 'took a pleasure in imparting information to those who desired it' (732).



Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 747–52.

Structure of the Human Eye and Ear  [2/2]Daniel M'Allum, 'Structure of the Human Eye and Ear', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 5 (1826), 675–80

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Rev. Daniel M'Allum, M.D. M'Allum, Daniel (1794–1827) Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 8 (1829), 1–11 and 73–83
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Genre:

Essay, Serial

Subjects:

Anatomy, Sound, Design, Theology of Nature, Creation, Discovery, Serendipity, Instruments, Immaterialism, Psychology

People mentioned:

Galileo Galilei, Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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Isaac Newton, Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Thomas Reid Reid, Thomas (1710–96) ODNB
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    The writer begins with a discussion of the nature of sound, followed by an account of the anatomy of the human ear. The article concludes with a section headed 'The Argument', in which four numbered arguments are given. The first argument is that 'He that formed the eye and planted the ear must be a Being of infinite Power'. M'Allum contrasts divine power and ingenuity with that of human artists, reporting that the discovery of the telescope was a matter of the 'merest accident'. He observes that the communication between the organs of sight and hearing and the immaterial mind operates in a fashion which 'laughs at human wisdom to discover'. How it is done, 'we may not ask; for who can follow the Creator into his inner sanctuary'? The second argument is for divine wisdom. M'Allum considers that both the comprehensible mechanism of hearing and seeing, and those aspects 'where Science blushed that she could tell no more', should leave the reader acknowledging this. (749) The disparity of human and divine art is again emphasised. The third argument is for divine goodness. Drawing on an extensive quotation from William Paley's Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
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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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, M'Allum seconds the view that the pleasure humans derive from their senses of sight and hearing is an argument for divine goodness. The final argument—for the 'Incomprehensibility of the Deity'—is based on the incomprehensibility of the process by which images on the retina 'inform the immaterial man, the spiritual intelligence, of the colour, the size, the figure, and the position of things innumerable in heaven above, and in earth beneath' (751). M'Allum uses this case to illustrate the 'folly of incredulity in man, when the incomprehensibility of truth is the pretence for rejecting it', observing that 'the mysteries of Nature are as profound as the mysteries of Revelation' (752).



Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 761–66.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious. With Occasional Characteristic Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Review; Literary Notice

Publications reviewed:

Chalmers 1821–26 Chalmers, Thomas 1821–26. The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, 3 vols, Glasgow: Chalmers & Collins
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Subjects:

Political Economy


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Section: Miscellaneous Communications

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 812–14.

The Shark, and the Colossal Ray

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J F England, Madras England, J F (of Madras) (fl. 1826) WM3/5/12a/1
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Natural History, Wonder, Religion, Feeling, Theology of Nature

See also:

Anon, 'The Colossal Ray or Skate', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 3 (1824), 844–46


Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 831–34.

Select List of Books Recently Published, Chiefly Religious. With Occasional Characteristic Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Review; Literary Notice

Publications noticed:

Daubeny 1826, Daubeny, Charles Giles Bridle 1826. A Description of Active and Extinct Volcanos: With Remarks on their Origin, their Chemical Phaenomena, and the Character of their Products, as Determined by the Condition of the Earth During the Period of their Formation; Being the Substance of Some Lectures, Delivered Before the University of Oxford, with Much Additional Matter, London: W. Phillips
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Prichard 1826 Prichard, James Cowles 1826. Researches into the Physical History of Mankind, 2nd edn, 2 vols, London: J. and A. Arch
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Subjects:

Vulcanology, Chemistry | Ethnology


Section: Missionary Notices, Relating Principally to the Foreign Missions Carried on Under the Direction of the Methodist Conference

Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 5 (1826), 847–50.

South Sea Missions. New Zealand

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

James Stack Stack, James (1801–83) WBI
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Subjects:

Astronomy, Religion, Race


    James Stack's missionary journal reports an encounter with a Maori chief: 'Telling them the absurdity of supposing the left eye became a star after death, and being assisted by our boys to make known to them how very different our ideas were in reference to the heavenly bodies, a young man of rather superior appearance, said in way of ridicule, "What, have they been up to them to see what they are?" (848).



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