THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, For DECEMBER, 1808. SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF DR. JAMES ANDERSON. AMES ANDERSON was born in village near Edinburgh. His ancestors were farmers, and had for many generations occupied the same land; a circumstance which may be supposed to have early introduced Mr. Anderson to that branch of knowledge which formed the chief occupation of his life. Among the com, panions of his youth, born in the same village, was the present Dr. James Anderson, Physician-General at Madras. They were related, educated together, and formed an intimacy and correspondence, which death only has interrupted, and which a similarity of pursuits rendered pleasant and honourable to themselves, and advantageous to the world. Mr. Anderson lost his parents when very young; and as his guardian destined him to occupy the farm when he should be of age, a learned education was not thought necessary. But he soon discovered, from perusing books of agriculture, that few pursuits can be extensively cultivated without elevating the mind beyond mere mechanical knowledge; and in the first instance, he perceived that it would be necessary to study chemistry. With this view, he resolved to attend Dr. Cullen's Lectures, who, although surprised that one who was so very young should have formed this resolution, had soon reason to admire his pupil's laudable curiosity and good sense, and liberally afforded him every encouragement in his power. To chemistry he added the study of other collateral branches; and entered upon his farm at the age of fifteen, with knowledge superior to most of his neighbours, and an enterprising spirit, which induced him to attempt improvements, wherever they could be introduced with apparent adyantage. Among these was the small two-horse plough, now so common in Scotland.-At intervals, he prosecuted his studies with indefatiga bie zeal, and attended a private course of lectures, which Dr. Cullen delivered to a few favourite pupils. Mr. Anderson was the only one who took minutes of these lectures, which were afterwards unfairly obtained from him, and advertised to be published; but he prevented this, as he was afraid that his imperfect transcripts might tend to injure the fame of his master. In a few years, he left Hermiston, and took a long lease of a large farm of 1300 acres, in Aberdeenshire, which was almost in a state of nature. While endeavouring to cultivate this unpromising soil, he began his literary career by publishing, in 1777, Essays on Planting, which he had written in 1771, in the Edinburgh Weekly Magazine, under the signature of Agricola. All his early works were composed during a residence of more than 20 years at Monkshill, the name of this farm. The fame of these works procured him a very extensive acquaintance and correspondence with persons of eminence, who wished to profit by the knowledge of so able a practical farmer. In 1780, the degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by the University of Aberdeen, in a manner highly honourable to him, and without the least solicitation on his part. In 1783, having previously entrusted the management of his farm to proper persons, he removed to the neighbourhood of Edinburgh; parily with a view to the education of his numerous family, and partly to enjoy the society of those literary per sons sons with whom he had corresponded. About this time, he printed and circulated a tract among his friends, on the subject of the establishment of the North British Fisheries, with a view to alleviate such extreme distress as he had witnessed in Aberdeenshire, from the failure of the crops in 1782. This tract, although not published, drew the attention of Governmeat; and he was requested by the Treasury to take a survey of the Western coast of Scotland, for the purpose of obtaining information on this important subject. He readily acquiesced, and performed the task in 1784. The Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the State of the British Fisheries, May 11, 1785, makes very honourable mention of Mr. Anderson's services; but we do not find that he received, or was offered, any species of remuneration; and it is well known, he was of a temper too spirited and disinterested to ask for any. After his return, he resumed his literary labours in various shapes; and, among other schemes, projected a periodical work, intituled "The Bee,' to be published weekly, and to consist of the usual materials of a Magazine. Its encouragement was for a considerable time such as to enable him to carry on this work with advantage. Agriculturists, schoJars, men of taste and fancy, became occasionally his correspondents in the Bee; which, however, owing to sonie difficulties in the mode of publication, he was compelled to relinquish. He wrote much in this work; not only the principal part of the papers that are without signature, but those signed Senex, Timothy Hairbrain, and Alcibiades. Among other papers in the Bee wis a series of Essays on the Political Progress of Great Britain. These having been published during the democratie rage which prevailed at Edinburgh, soon after the breaking out of the French Revolution, the Sheriff sent for Dr. Anderson, and demanded the name of the Author. This be refused to give up, and desired to be considered as the Author; a circumstance the more singular, as his 'sentiments were well known to be directly opposite; but his conduct in this case proceeded from bis peculiar notions on the subject of literary secrecy; and as he had admitted those letters, he thought himseif bound to take the blame upon himself. After a second and third application, he still refused; and when the printers were sent for, he charged them, in the face of the magistrates, not to give up the name of the Author. Respect for his talents and character induced the magistrates to let the matter drop. The real Author, a Mr. Callender, who thought proper to leave his own country for America, previous to his departure, waited on the ma、 gistrates, and insinuated that Lord G, one of the Scotch Judges, a man to whom he owed many obligations, was the Author. Immediately on hearing of this infamous conduct, so becoming, however, the character and spirit of a genuine Democrat, Dr. Anderson went to the magistrates, and gave up Callender's name as the Author. About the year 1797, Dr. Anderson removed to the vicinity of London, where he cultivated the ac quaintance of many eminent charac ters; and, among the rest, the late Marquis of Lansdown paid much attention to him. At the request of his friends, he again took up his pen, in a periodical work, intituled, "Recreations in Agriculture;" the first number of which appeared in April, 1799. The greatest part of this work was composed by himself, except what was enriched by correspondence from abroad, and a very few contributions from his friends at home. The same difficulties, however, occurring as in the case of his "Bee," with respect to the mode of publication, he pursued this work no longer than the sixth volume, March, 1802. From this time, except in the publication of his correspondence with General Washington, and a pamphlet on Scarcity, he devoted himself almost entirely to the relaxation of a quiet life, and particularly the cultivation of his garden, which was now become the miniature of all his past labours. For some time * Where he was accidentally drowned; a death which, in his case, seems to have contradicted the old proverb. He had certainly given many indications of having been born to an exit of a very different and more public kind! past, past, his health and powers suffered a very sensible decline. He died Oct. 15, 1809, aged 69. He was twice married. First, in 1768, to Miss Seton of Mounie, an amiable and accomplished woman, by whom he had 13 children. She died in 1788. Secondly, To a lady of Isleworth, in 1801, who survived him. Of his numerous family only five sons and a daughter, Mrs. Outram, the widow of Mr. Benjamin Outram, are alive. In his younger days, Dr. Anderson was remarkably handsome in his person, of middle stature, and robust make. Extremely moderate in his living, the country exercise animated his cheek with the glow of health; but the overstrained exertion of his mental powers afterwards shook his constitution, ultimately wasted his faculties, and hurried him into old age. He was a man of an independent mind; and in the relative duties of husband and father, exhibited a prudential care, mixed with affection, from which he had every reason to have expected the happiest results, had Providence spared the whole of his family. In those who remain, it is not too much to say, that his integrity and talents have been acknowledged by all who know them. One of his sons, who lately died, is remembered by the connoisseurs, as having brought the beautiful art of wood-engraving to great perfection. Of Dr. Anderson's abilities, his works exhibit so many proofs, that they may be appealed to with perfect confidence. Although a voluminous Writer, there is no subject connected with his favourite pursuit, on which he has not thrown new light. But his knowledge was not confined to one science. He exhibited, to give only one instance, a very strong proof of powers of research, when in 1773, he published, in the first edition of the Eucyclopedia Britannica, an article under the head Monsoon. In this, he clearly predicted the result of Captain Cook's First Voyage; namely, that there did not exist, nor ever would be found, any continent or large island in the Southern hemisphere near the tropicks, excepting New Holland alone; and this was completely verified on Capt. Cook's return, seven months afterwards. In his style, Dr. Anderson was abundantly copious, and sometimes, perhaps, inclined to the prolix; but, on perusing his longest works, it will be found difficult to omit any thing, without a visible injury to his train of reasoning, which was always perspicuous and guarded. In conversation, as well as in writing, he had the happy faculty of not only entering with spirit and zeal on any favourite subject, but of rendering it so intelligible, as to command attention in those to whom it might be of less importance, and convey instruction to those who sought it. His manners were gentleman-like, free, and unconstrained, and, in the social circle, had a dash of pleasantry, from the many anecdotes he had stored up in his travels and long experience; and with respect to the principal object of his attention, he had the happiness to see agriculture, in all its branches, become the favourite study of his country, and a leading pursuit with the most opulent and distinguished characters in Great Britain and Ireland. The following is a very correct List of his Works: Books written and published by Dr. ANDERSON. N. B. Those marked *, are out of print. In the year 1776. A practical Treatise on Chimneys; containing full Directions for constructing them in all cases, so as to draw well, and for removing Smoke in Houses, 12mo. London. Third edition published in 1783. N. B. In this little Treatise was first explained the principle on which the patent Bath stove was afterwards constructed. * 1776. Free Thoughts on the American Contest, a tract. Edin. 8vo. ** 1777. Miscellaneous Observations on Planting and Training Timber-trees, by Agricola. Edinburgh, 8vo. first printed in the Edinburgh Weekly Amusement in 1771, and supposed to be his earliest production. 1777. Observations on the Means of exciting a Spirit of National Industry. Edin. 4to. * 1777. An Enquiry into the Nas ture of the Corn Laws, with a View to the new Corn Bill proposed for Scotland. A tract, 8vo. 1777. Essays relating to Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 8vo. Fifth edition in 1800, 3 vols. * 1779. * 1779. Au Enquiry into the Causes that have hitherto retarded the Advancement of Agriculture in Europe; with Hints for removing the Circumstances that have chiefly obstructed its Progress. A tract. Elliott, 4to. *1782. The Interest of Great Britain, with regard to her Americau Colonies, considered. Cadell, 8vo. 1783. The true Interest of Great Britain considered; or a Proposal for establishing the Northern British Fisheries. 12mo. * 1785. An Account of the present State of the Hebrides and Western Coasts of Scotland; being the Substance of a Report to the Lords of the Treasury. Edin. 8vo. * 1789. Observations on Slavery; particularly with a View to its Effects on the British Colonies in the West Indies. Manchester, 4to. *1790. Papers drawn up by him and Sir John Sinclair, in reference to a Report of a Committee of the Highland Society on Shetland Wool, Svo. Creech, &c. " 1791 to 1794, The Bee; consisting of Essays, Philosophical, Philological, and Miscellaneous, 18 vols. Edin. 8vo. * 1792. Observatious on the Effects of the Coal Duty. Edin. 8vo. A tract. *1793. Thoughts on the Privileges and Power of Juries; with Observations on the present State of the Country with regard to Credit. A tract. Svo. Edin. *1793.. Remarks on the Poor Laws in Scotland. A tract. 4to. Edin. 1794. A Practical Treatise on Peat Moss, in two Essays. 8vo. Robinsons. *1794. A General View of the Agriculture and Rural couomy of the County of Aberdeen; with Observations on the Means of its Improvement. Chiefly drawn up for the Board of Agriculture; in two Parts. Svo. Edin. 1794. An Account of the different Kinds of Sheep found in the Russian Dominions, &c. By Dr. Pallas; with five Appendixes, by Dr. Anderson. 8vo. Edin. * 1795. On an Universal Character. ginality of Elkington's Mode of Draining. Robinsons. 8vo. 1799 to 1802. Recreations in Agriculture, Natural History and Miscel laneous Literature. 6 vols. 8vo. Longman, &c. 1800. Selections from his own Correspondence with General Washington. A tract. 8vo. London. 1801. A calm Investigation of the Circumstances that have led to the present Scarcity of Grain in Britain; suggesting the Means of alleviating that Evil, and of preventing the Recurrence of such a Calamity in future. A tract. Svo. London. 1803. A Description of a Patent Hot-house, which operates chiefly by the Heat of the Sun; and other Subjects, London. 8vo. The following are also of his com position: An Account of the antient Monuments and Fortifications in the Highlands of Scotland; read in the Society of Antiquaries, 1777 and 1780, On the Antiquity of Woollen Manufactures of England. Gent. Mag. Aug. 1778; and other Papers in that work. A Letter to J. Burnett, Esq. on the present State of Aberdeenshire, in regard to Provisions. 1783. A Letter to Henry Laurens, Esq. during his Confinement in the Tower. Public Advertiser, Dec. 6, 1781. Several articles for the Encyclopædia Britannica, first edition, Edinburgh; among which are, under the heads, Dictionary, Winds and Monsoons, Language, Sound. He contributed numerous Essays, under a variety of signatures, in the early part of the Edinburgh Weekly Magazine; the principal of which were Agricola, Timoleon, Germanicus, Cimon, Scoto Britanus, E. Aberdeen, Henry Plain, Impartial, A Scot. He reviewed the subject of Agri cnlture for the Monthly Review for several years. *The List of the Patrons of LEICESTERSHIRE will be continued in January. Mr. URBAN, Morton, near Bourn, HE Toad, though a loathsome, In two Letters to Edward Home, is not generally considered a Esq. A tract. Edin. 8vo. 1797. A Practical Treatise on Draining Bogs and Swampy Grounds; with Cursory Remarks on the Ori venomous animal by the common people; many of whom, so far from indicating any disgust at its sight, 1808.] Noxious Qualities of the Toad; Qualities of the Toad; with an Antidote.1055 will frequently grasp it in their hands, and throw it wantonly at each other. That it is actually capable, however, of injuring the human frame, will appear from the following rare and curious occurrence: and, recollecting what intercourse be had so lately had with the antient inhabitants of the hollow wall, to suspect the injury arose from thence. On the following day, his nose was so swollen, his features so generally inflated, the colour of his face so heightened, that, independent of his corporeal habiliments, not even a neighbour would have known him. In this state of pain, distortion, and suspense, did he continue nearly a week; at the end of which, finding no abatement of the malady, appli cation was made to a farrier, who affixed a large leather plaster, cousisting of honey and verdigrise (because it is reputed to have cured, not long ago, a man bitten by a viper in a hay-field at Swinstead), to the part affected. This recipe had not long been applied before its salu tary efficacy began to be felt. Seven fertile ulcers burst out from his nose; which continued for many days to discharge a black foetid miter very profusely. The tumid mexber became daily less, the inflammation gradually subsided, the pain abated, and the features reassumed their natural shape. While Thomas Willson, a gardener of this place, was pulling down and repairing an old wall, in the early part of this cold and sterile month, he observed a cavity passing up the middle, with some outlets, at irregular distances, so smooth and black as induced him to suspect them to be the abodes of rats, or of some other quadrupedes. The severity of the day, the pendent position of the head, together with a cold under which he then laboured, aggregately caused a more copious effusion of the nasal fluid than at other times. To have disposed of this, drop by drop, repeatedly and deliberately, in the way usual in more civilized life, would have impeded the operations of one so assiduously employed. It was removed by an apter process; the fore-finger and thumb, accompanied by a sudden snort, a projecting jerk of the haud, and a corre sponding nutation. Thus was the hand for several hours alternately employed; one while squeezing the humid nostrils, at another time removing, handling, and refitting the smooth stones surrounding the cavities. In the extremity of these gloomy recesses, about the close of day, were discovered five monstrous toads, which, finding their domains invaded, had crawled thither for safety. In the evening, this person, not in the least apprehensive of any evil consequences likely to ensue, returned to his house, where he had not long been seated by the fire, before he was seized with a sharp throbing sensation, never before experienced, in that very part, which, during the course of the previous day, had been so often, pinched with Bath, Nov. 8. the finger and thumb. in the night fade an excursion to the OME friends having in Autumn this increased; and before the ensuing morning extended, with a considerable degree of painful inflammation, quite over his face to the crown of his head upwards, in a lateral direction to his cars, and downwards to his shoulders. Though not yet perfectly aware of the source from whence this evil proceeded, still he now began to be alarmed; The particulars of the above singular circumstance have thus been correctly and minutely detailed, with a view to caution persons, whose province more especially may lead them to such places as this and other reptiles are wont to inhabit, to convince them, what seems clear beyond all possibility of doubt, that the Toad is actually possessed with a power of infusing, somehow or other, a noxious quality into the human frame. The Writer, however, begs to be understood, that, notwithstanding the reputed quality of the large leather plaster, he will not vouch for its efficacy in a future or similar instance. S. H. Mr. URBAN, Lakes, with "A Fortnight's Ramble" as a companion, I was glad to hear that old-fashioned book had still pretensions to notice; and was gratified to understand, that the Author is spoken of with respect by the natives. To be remembered by the humble inhabitants, who "ne'er have-chang'd their place," after a lapse |