Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXVI. October, 1843. Vol. LIV.

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Gutenberg ID

23240

Title

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXVI. October, 1843. Vol. LIV.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of essays and tales from October 1843, featuring John Stuart Mill's systematic logic, Colonel Napier's Syrian campaign, the tragic fate of Polycrates, and a satirical critique of modern landscape painters. The volume blends rigorous intellectual inquiry with vivid historical narrative and political commentary.

Summary up to 500 words

This October 1843 issue of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine presents a rich tapestry of intellectual debate, travel narrative, and political commentary. The opening essay addresses John Stuart Mill's *A System of Logic*, defending the syllogism against metaphysical critics who claim it cannot generate new truths. The magazine argues that while the syllogism does not create knowledge, it accurately models the structure of all reasoning, offering essential discipline to the mind. The review praises Mill's clarity and his systematic harmonization of disparate theories on human belief. The issue then shifts to 'Travels of Kerim Khan,' a narrative detailing a journey from Delhi to England. This section offers sharp observations on British manners and customs, contrasting them with Eastern life. Following this is 'The Thirteenth; A Tale of Doom,' a dramatic poem recounting the fatal journey of Polycrates, a monarch who ignores prophetic warnings and is ultimately betrayed by a Satrap. The narrative captures the tension between a father's desire for glory and his daughter's fearful visions of doom. Colonel E. Napier's 'Reminiscences of Syria' provides a lively account of military forays during the Egyptian campaign. The text highlights the chaotic nature of the conflict, the character of various commanders, and the degeneracy of the Ottoman forces, contrasting their cruelty with the redeeming points of the Pashas of Egypt. The issue concludes with a serious defense of contemporary landscape artists in 'Modern Painters.' The author defends the old masters against an Oxford graduate who ironically claims their superiority. The critique asserts that true taste precedes practical rules and condemns the reviewer's ignorance and scholastic approach to art. Finally, a political piece discusses the waning agitation of Daniel O'Connell in Ireland, noting the government's successful containment of the conspiracy through silent precautions and vigilant preparation, effectively ending the movement's original purposes.

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