Youth's Magazine,  3rd ser. 10 (1837), 62–64.

History

S S

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Education, Climatology, Natural History, Physical Geography, History of Science, Genius, Instruments, Astronomy, Piety


    Argues that history should be viewed not as 'a mere chronological register of certain facts and occurrences [...] but as a science enriched with treasures from almost every source; as a connecting link between the various subjects of contemplation which ought to occupy the thoughts of intelligent beings'. Observes that if national character is in some degree influenced by climate, then the study of 'natural history and geography' becomes a necessary auxiliary to the student of history. (63) Continues: 'If, too, the nation derive any of its glory from mind and mind's achievements, then let its literature, its learned men—its arts and its artists—its sciences and philosophy, share the attention they deserve. Blot from England's annals the names of Milton, Shakespeare, Bacon, Newton, and the glory will be departed from the times in which they walked the earth'. Observes that the 'general manner' of attending to history is 'almost as unmeaning as the unconnected lenses of a telescope appear to a superficial observer', but that, when 'viewed in all its branches and relations' it presents 'objects of great and universal interest;—even as the telescopic glasses, just referred to, when fitted into their instrument, and applied by a philosopher, bring within their focus, objects of glory and sublimity from the distant regions of the universe'. Like astronomy, history also tends to 'shew forth' the praise of God. (64)



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