MACKEY'S THEORY OF THE EARTH.
(Vol. viii., pp. 468. 565.; Vol. ix., p. 89.)
A friend called on me this morning with the Number containing a notice of S. A. Mackey, supposing that, being a neighbour, I could furnish a few particulars of that extraordinary man. The whole of his MSS. came into my possession after his demise. Amongst these was a MS. of his Life, written by himself, and of which I took a faithful copy: which I have transcribed for gentlemen who wish to possess a copy. I am ready to furnish any gentleman with a copy, neatly written, book included, for 5s. It consists of fifty-two pages large demy 4to. The original is in the possession of a Mr. Brereton of Flitcham, near Lynn, Norfolk, to whom I sold all the MSS., Mr. Brereton being an intimate friend of S. A. Mackey.
I have on sale a copy of Mr. Mackey's Works, selected by Mr. Shickle, another intimate friend; neatly done up in coloured cloth. Also a copy of his Mythological Astronomy, with copious notes, in one hundred pages. Also, an Appendix of forty-eight pages. And another copy of the MS. Astronomy, with notes; but minus the Appendix.
I may as well inform you, that a friend of mine has in his possession a half-length full-size portrait of Mr. Mackey; admirably executed, and in prime condition, in a handsome frame. I believe it is for sale. I assure you, when I first saw it, I felt at the moment a kind of impulse to shake hands with my old friend and neighbour.
I shall feel great pleasure in answering any inquiries, so far as my knowledge extends. His Life is truly interesting; being that of a man born in sorrow, and cradled in adversity. Like him, I am a self-taught humble individual, and in my eighty-second year.
J. Dawson.
15. Doughty's Hospital, Calvert Street, Norwich.
In July, 1830, Sampson Arnold Mackey delivered a course of six "astro-historical lectures" in a large room near the Philanthropic Institution. The attendance was full, considering the subject, and I was surprised at the admiration which many well-educated persons expressed for his strange theories, to which they seemed to give full assent. To me his calculations and etymologies appeared as good as those of Pluche, Sir W. Drummond, Volney, and Dupuis, but no better. I met him at the house of the late Dr. Wright, then resident physician to Bethlehem Hospital. He was quiet and unassuming; but so perfectly satisfied that he had proved his system, that though ready to explain, he declined to answer objections, or defend his opinions. As a remarkable example of "the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties," he excited sympathy, and I believe that he disposed of all the copies of his various works then unsold.
H. B. C.
U. U. Club.