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the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Dugald Stewart

  

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Dugald Stewart : Philosophy of the Human Mind

'27th June - The last book worth mentioning, which I perused was Stewart's preliminary dissertation - for the second time. The longer I study the works of this philosopher, the more I become convinced of two things. First, that in perspicacity & comprehensiveness of understanding he yields to several. But, secondly, that in taste, variety of acquirements, and, what is of more importance, in moral dignity of mind, he has no rival that I know of.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind

'In the course of the winter I read some of Mr. Dugald Stewart's "Essays on the Human Mind", together with a part of Dr. Reid's on the same subject. I also read Mr. Cary's translation of Dante and Mr. Jowell's 'Christian Researches'.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : unknown

Harriet Martineau on philosophical studies in early adulthood: 'I surrendered myself [...] to the charm of Dugald Stewart's writings'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Harriet Martineau      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : Dissertation First

[Marginalia]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind

'The first article in the last Quarterly review is [on] Stewart's second volume. The wise men of London are earnest in their censures of "the metaphysical heresies" of their northern neighbours: and notwithstanding the high admiration they pay to Stewarts talents, the[y] differ from him in almost all his results - because they disbelieve his principles - the "first principles" of Dr. Reid. Their opinion (and they give no reasons), on a point of this nature, is of little consequence. All the prejudices natural to Englishmen, they entertain in their full extent - and always modify their decisions accordingly[.] For my part, tho' far be it from me to attempt to disparage or vilipend this great man - I cannot help thinking, that, the perusal of his book has done me hurt. Perpetually talking about analysing perceptions, & retiring within ones self, & mighty improvements that we are to make?no one knows how, - I believe, he will generally leave the mind of his reader?crowded with disjointed notions & nondescript ideas - which the sooner he gets rid of, the better. I know you think differently; but de gustibus non est disputandum [concerning taste it is needless to dispute, ed. note]; and very probably, the fault is not with the Author - but his subject'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : The Life and Writings of William Robertson

'I was re[a]ding lately, Stewart's "life of Robertson", Smith's "wealth of nations", and Kames' "Essays on the principles of morality". The first is a sensible sort of book - unworthy, however, of Stewart. Dr Smith is a man of much research, & appears to understand completely all the bearings of his complicated subject. I have read his first and second volumes with much pleasure. He always writes like a philosopher. With regard to Lord Kames - his works are generally all an awkward compound of ingenuity and absurdity and in this volume the latter quality it appears to me, considerably preponderates. It is Metaphysical; upon Belief, identity, Necessity &c &c and I devoutly wish that no friend of mine may ever come to study it - unless he wish to learn - To weave fine cobwebs fit for scull That's empty when the moon is full. - and in that case he cannot study under a more proper master.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : Philosophical Essays

'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : [Introductory essay to Encyclopaedia Britannica]

'I return always to the study of Physics with more pleasure - after trying "The Philosophy of Mind". It is delightful, after wandering in the thick darkness of metaphysics?to behold again the fair face of truth. When will there arise a man who shall do for the science of mind - what Newton did for that of matter - establish its fundamental laws on the firm basis of induction - and discard forever those absurd theories - that so many dreamers have devised? - I believe this is a foolish question - for its answer is - never. - I am led to talk in this manner - by having lately read M[r.] Sweart's [Stewart's] "History of Philosophy" in the supplement to the "Encyclopedia Britannica"[.] I doubt I am going to displease you - but I must say - that I do not recollect of ever having bestowed as much attention with so little effect - upon any author as upon Profr Stewart. Let me study his writings as I like - my mind seems only to turn on its axis - but without progressive or retrograde motion at all.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind

'My habits have been so much deranged by change of place, that I have not yet got rightly settled to my studies. I have read little since I saw you: and of that little, I doubt, I have not made the best use. Have you seen Playfairs introductory essay in the Encyclopedia? I am sure you will like it. It is distinguished for its elegance & perspicuity. I perused it some weeks ago, and thought it greatly preferable to Stewarts. Indeed I have often told you, that I am somewhat displeased with myself because I cannot admire this great philosopher, half as much as many critics do. He is so very stately - so transcendental - and withal so unintelligible, that I cannot look upon him with the needful veneration. I was reading the second volume of his "Philosophy of the human mind", lately. It is principally devoted to the consideration of Reason. The greater part of the book is taken up with statements of the opinions of others; and it often required all my penetration to discover what the Author's own views of the matter were. He talks much about Analysis & Mathematics, and disports him very pleasantly upon geometrical reasoning; but leaves what is to me the principal difficulty, untouched. Tell me if you have read it.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : [Dissertation printed in the Encyclopaedia Britannica]

'I have just read Dugald Stewart's "Preliminary Dissertations". In the first place, it is totally clear of all his defects. No insane dread of misrepresentation; no discussion put off until another time, just at the moment it was expected, and would have been interesting; no unmanly timidity; less formality of style and cathedral pomp of sentence. The good, it would be trite to enumerate: - the love of human happiness and virtue, the ardour for the extension of knowledge, the command of fine language, happiness of allusion, varied and pleasing literature, tact, wisdom and moderation! Without these high qualities, we all know Stewart cannot write. I suspect he has misrepresented Horne Took, and his silence regarding Hartley is very censurable. I was amazingly pleased with his comparison of the universities to enormous hulks confined with mooring chains, everything flowing and progressing around them. Nothing can be more happy'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : Life of Adam Smith

'Thursday March 16th. [...] Read the Life of Adam Smith [makes notes on this] [...] In Smith's Treatise concerning the Imitative Arts I find the following: "The Minuet, where the Lady passes & repasses the Gentleman, then gives him one hand and then another, and at last both, is supposed to be a[...] Moorish dance emblematic of the passion of love." So little did our prudish grandmother's [sic] know what they were about.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Claire Clairmont      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : essays

Elizabeth Barrett to Edmund Henry Barker, 12 May 1829: 'You desire to have my remarks on Dugald Stewart versus Sir Uvedale [Price]. Some time ago I read Stewart's Essays; & I flattered myself, till this moment, that I recollected his arguments clearly enough, to be able to write upon them to you. But upon opening the book & turning over the pages, I find more pages [...] on the subject, than I recollected or reckoned upon: and this letter must not be kept till I can read & think them all over.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Barrett      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : essays

Elizabeth Barrett to Edmund Henry Barker, 12 May 1829: 'You desire to have my remarks on Dugald Stewart versus Sir Uvedale [Price]. Some time ago I read Stewart's Essays; & I flattered myself, till this moment, that I recollected his arguments clearly enough, to be able to write upon them to you. But upon opening the book & turning over the pages, I find more pages [...] on the subject, than I recollected or reckoned upon: and this letter must not be kept till I can read & think them all over.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Barrett      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : [unknown]

'[EDITOR'S WORDS] Although Mrs Hamilton never lost her relish for works of humour and imagination, she had, during the last six years of her life, a decided preference for compositions of a higher order. Dugald Stewart, Paley, and Allison, had long been the chosen companions of her private hours'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Hamilton      Print: Book

  

Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind

'A book I have a high opinion of'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton      Print: Book

  

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