| | 3 | Author: | Coxe, John Redman, 1773-1864 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Observations & remarks tending to explain certain parts of the sacred scriptures, 1812-1813
| | | | Dates: | 1812-1813 | | | | Abstract: | John Redman Coxe was a premier physician in nineteenth century America best known for his work in medicine as a physician, teacher, and author. The John Redman Coxe Collection shows a different side of Coxe. The APS Collection is a bound, handwritten essay by Coxe entitled, "Observations and Remarks Tending to Explain Certain Parts of the Sacred Scriptures, 1812-1813." This fascinating and often-sophisticated volume deals with various arguments put forward by skeptics that challenge the accuracy of the Bible, with particular attention paid to Genesis. Coxe then offers his own rebuttal or the rebuttal of others. Coxe frequently challenges prevailing translations of Hebrew words, believing that more accurate definitions can sometimes solve confusion or controversy. Although the work was never published, it does offer insight into the types of debates about the Bible accessible to Americans in the nineteenth century.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.220.2.C836 | | | | Extent: | 1 volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Natural history | Religion | Science and technology | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | | | | Subjects: | Bible - Criticism, interpretation, etc. | |
| 4 | Author: | Bruno, M. de | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Essai metaphysique, physique et phisiologistique relativement à la découverte de M. Mesmer, 1786
| | | | Dates: | 1786 | | | | Abstract: | This is a handwritten essay on Franz Mesmer and his claims to have healing and other metaphysical powers. Mesmer is today thought of as an early user of hypnosis. Throughout the 1770s and 1780s, he captivated French society. Marie Antoinette was particularly interested in his abilities. Finally, King Louis convened a scientific body in 1784 to examine the claims of Mesmer and his disciples. Benjamin Franklin, still in France as an American envoy, headed the committee, which debunked Mesmerism. The report can be found in the Papers of Benjamin Franklin and in the Diary of Benjamin Franklin Bache, both of which are at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.134.B83 | | | | Extent: | 1 volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Beyond Early America | Medicine | Natural history | Science and technology | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | | | | Subjects: | Animal magnetism. | Hypnotism. | Mesmerism. | |
| 5 | Author: | Ord, George, 1781-1866 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Extracts from letters on John James Audubon, [n.d.]
| | | | Dates: | n.d. | | | | Abstract: | This single volume serves as George Ord's indictment of Audubon's work. The volume contains twenty-two letters likely written by Ord between 1831 and 1838 that highlight deficiencies and mistakes in Audubon's work. There is also a manuscript copy of a review of Audubon's work that details Audubon's history in Philadelphia and the origins of the rivalry between Ord and Audubon.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.Au25o | | | | Extent: | 1 volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Natural history | Science and technology | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | Scientific Correspondence | |
| 11 | Author: | Byrd, William, 1674-1744 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The history of the dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina, 1728
| | | | Dates: | 1728 | | | | Abstract: | The collection of William Byrd's writings consists of two leather bound, handwritten copies of Byrd's History of the Dividing Line Run in the Year 1728 (Mss.975.5.B99h) and A Secret History of the Dividing Line (Mss.975.5.B99s). The former was likely written for public audiences and contains the details of drawing the lines, interactions with Indians, observations of the flora and fauna of the area, the health and culture of settlers, and the official actions of the commissioners. Byrd regularly wrote Peter Collinson, an English scientist, about his journal and his hope that it would be of interest and benefit to a wide audience. The Secret History, on the other hand, contains a wealth of the more personal, private, and often humorous anecdotes of the trip. Neither manuscript was published in Byrd's lifetime, although both were eventually published.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.975.5.B99h | | | | Extent: | 1 volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Colony and State Specific History | Exploration. | Native America | Natural history | Surveying and Maps | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | Travel Narratives and Journals | | | | Subjects: | Boundaries, State. | |
| 12 | Author: | Rafinesque, C. S. (Constantine Samuel ), 1783-1840 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | C. S. (Constantine Samuel) Rafinesque Papers, 1808-1840
| | | | Dates: | 1808-1840 | | | | Abstract: | The Rafinesque Collection consists of two types of documents: correspondence and copies of his writings. The correspondence is separated into three distinct parts: general correspondence, correspondence with Augustin Pyramus de Candole (a Swiss botanist), and correspondence with John Quincy Adams. The copies of his writings consist of manuscript essays, notebooks, lectures, and other materials that discuss various scientific topics, especially botany.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.R124 | | | | Extent: | 1.75 Linear Feet | | | | Topics: | International Travel | Native America | Natural history | Science and technology | Travel | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | Native American Materials | Notebooks | Political Correspondence | Scientific Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | Anishinaabe | Biology, genetics, eugenics | Botany. | Culture, community, organizations | Delaware Indians | Indians of North America -- Louisiana | Ojibwa Indians | Osage Indians | Ottawa Indians | Plains Indians | Race, race relations, racism | Wallam olum | Zoology. | |
| 13 | Author: | Byrd, William, 1674-1744 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The secret history of the line between Virginia and North Carolina, [1728]
| | | | Dates: | Circa 1728 | | | | Abstract: | The collection of William Byrd's writings consists of two leather bound, handwritten copies of Byrd's History of the Dividing Line Run in the Year 1728 (Mss.975.5.B99h) and A Secret History of the Dividing Line (Mss.975.5.B99s). The former was likely written for public audiences and contains the details of drawing the lines, interactions with Indians, observations of the flora and fauna of the area, the health and culture of settlers, and the official actions of the commissioners. Byrd regularly wrote Peter Collinson, an English scientist, about his journal and his hope that it would be of interest and benefit to a wide audience. The Secret History, on the other hand, contains a wealth of the more personal, private, and often humorous anecdotes of the trip. Neither manuscript was published in Byrd's lifetime, although both were eventually published.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.975.5.B99s | | | | Extent: | 1 volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Colony and State Specific History | Exploration. | Land and Speculation | Natural history | Surveying and Maps | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | Maps and Surveys | Official Government Documents and Records | Travel Narratives and Journals | | | | Subjects: | Boundaries, State. | |
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