THE REMEDY.
From the earliest days of Christianity, the blessed truths of the Gospel
were almost invariably accompanied by acts of mercy and love. At first,
these truths were impressed upon the memories of reckless and darkly
ignorant multitudes by signs and wonders, well suited to the times and
people; and miracles, resulting in immediate temporary benefit to the
afflicted, were apt, though but faint, illustrations of the incalculable
boon about to be conferred on the immortal souls of the believers and
followers of our blessed Redeemer—the blind received their sight—the lame
recovered the use of their limbs—the sick were healed—and even the dead
were brought to life again. The early apostles were physicians both to
the soul and body; and those that had faith but as a grain of
mustard-seed went about doing good to the sick and dying. These miracles
were palpable and beyond the power of refutation; and as long as the
necessity for something beyond the comprehension of man existed, such
things were requisite to draw and fix the attention of ignorant and
superstitious idolators; but as soon as the true faith had taken root,
and the young sapling no longer required outward and visible props to
secure it from those tempestuous hurricanes of persecution which, through
so long a period, raged with hardly any intermission, then palpable
miracles ceased to be exercised on earth—the visible sign was removed—the
word of command or the touch no longer possessed the healing virtue—but
miracles of grace and mercy still continued to be performed, and they
continue to this day the same, as palpably visible to the
spiritually-minded man (who can distinguish the hand of God in every
temporal blessing enjoyed by the true followers of Christ), as was the
resurrection of Lazarus to those unbelieving Jews who were eyewitnesses
to that marvellous demonstration of infinite power tempered with infinite
mercy. In lieu of this power of performing miracles, or of witnessing
them, men were endowed with a spirit of wisdom, which gradually developed
itself in successive generations; and the sick and the dying—the maimed,
the halt, and the blind, who had now no further hope of instantaneous or
certain relief through miraculous gifts, resorted to the skill of
physicians, men of more enlightened education than themselves, but in
other respects their equals, co-partners of the joys and sorrows
inherited in this world, and destined like themselves to terminate their
earthly career in the grave. And these physicians, or at least some
amongst them, laboured for the benefit of humanity.
At first, we may readily conceive that their resources were limited, and
their primitive knowledge of medicines extremely scant; but the healing
art never retrograded a single step. Of this we have abundant proof in
the history of nations, as regards the advancement of this peculiar
branch of science, though it is most true, that in countries such as, for
instance, Arabia, which, in times past, was pre-eminent for its knowledge
of medicinal drugs, and which may be said to have been the nursery of
chemistry; this art has almost entirely disappeared whilst in the present
day the medical profession may in Europe be said to have arrived nearly
at its zenith; other sciences may have kept pace with it in their
marvellous and beneficial discoveries, but none can so much claim the
thankful gratitude of mankind in general. Health is universally
acknowledged to be the most precious of all temporal blessings, and,
consequently, the pillars that maintain and prop up health have a prior
claim to all others; and that man must be blind indeed, both spiritually
and bodily, who does not see and acknowledge in this boon to suffering
humanity the invisible hand of the Almighty Benefactor, as clearly
intelligent to the man of God now, as were then the words, “_Arise_,
_take up thy bed and walk_,” to the hopeless palsied patient. In short,
every cure and every relief afforded to the sick and dying, are so many
miracles of mercy. A man meets with an accident—he is mortally wounded
in battle—crushed by a railway accident—burnt in a fire—all but drowned
in water—sick of a fatal malady lingering with vain hopes and vainer love
of life—the marked victim of consumption—these all have their immediate
and most excruciating tortures benumbed or alleviated by the skill of the
physician; or, if there is hope of life, the whispering of that hope
falls from their lips like precious balm of Gilead imbuing them with
courage and patience to undergo suffering, for great beyond measure is
the tenaciousness to life. If, on the other hand, the skilful
practitioner believes his patient doomed, and pronounces the last
verdict, still he can proclaim to him the sweet hope of mercy—mercy
eternal and boundless—for the penitent sinner, and help him to collect
his scattered thoughts from wandering to that world which he must now
speedily leave; he may whisper to him that there is still time for hope,
and to hope for mercy, and he may assist him to spend these last precious
moments in penitence and prayer.
What has long ceased to be a marvel amongst nations advanced in
civilisation, is still regarded in the light of a miracle by the
untutored portion of the world. Those who have penetrated into the
remotest and least-known regions, have adduced evidence in support of
this; and it is natural that a savage should regard with superstitious
awe and reverence, a man endowed by education with even such every-day
attainments as would barely pass muster in England, France, or America;
and it is as natural, that this awe and reverence should gradually give
place to affection and gratitude when, by the interposition of medical
skill, the sick and suffering man experiences a speedy transition from
pain and disease to the rapturous bliss of a state of convalescence,—and
this transition brought about, too, by what, to him in his ignorance
appears a magical influence. His faith in that man’s power is so great,
that, if he only drop a word in proper season, the untutored mind of the
comparative savage has sufficient natural energy to grow inquisitive
about what so materially regards himself; and he soon feels persuaded
that one from whom he has already received such convincing proofs of
disinterested kindness can never be capable of doing him an injury; and
this leads him to reflect; and reflection is the first grand
foundation-stone, which, when once firmly set, can readily be built upon,
and become, with God’s blessing, a house upon a rock. Throughout all
ages since the foundation of the Christian faith, those missionaries who
have penetrated into barbarous countries, have invariably found the great
utility of being acquainted, however slightly, with a knowledge of
medicines and their proper application. The very word _hakeem_ is a
passport to the Oriental heart and good-will. How else could Europeans,
in the garb of monks, and furnished only with staff and wallet, have
traversed those vast and unknown regions of China, Tartary, Thibet, etc.,
and have escaped scatheless to make known to the world their travels and
adventures in lands and amongst people whose very name was a mystery to
civilised Europe? That physicians are honoured by these people, and even
in some instances gratefully remembered, is certain. This truth is
placed beyond a doubt by the fact of a Chinese poet having celebrated the
name, fame, and good deeds of a skilful European oculist in a lengthy
poem, part of which was translated into English and published some few
years since in London, taken, I believe, from the notes of the late Rev.
Mr. Abed, a distinguished American settled at Singapore. And it is owing
to the fact of monks, professionally physicians, having been with
impunity permitted to travel through unknown lands, that Europeans are
indebted for the introduction of the silkworm from China into their own
country, an indefatigable monk having ingeniously contrived to convey the
eggs carefully packed in the hollow of his staff over thousands of miles,
and through apparently insuperable dangers and difficulties from China to
Turkey.
I have now, I hope, succeeded in proving to the reader the necessity that
exists of incorporating the medical with the clerical profession in the
persons of those good Christians, valiant soldiers of Christ, who are
cheerfully willing to devote their lives and talents to the furtherance
of the Gospel as missionaries in foreign parts; and I shall now endeavour
to explain my views, hopes, and wishes, as connected more immediately
with the spread of the Truth in Syria and throughout the East. Many
thousands of pounds have been already lavished upon futile attempts to
convert the heathen, and many excellent Christians are now to be found in
England ready with open hands to further a good cause; but as I never
intend to participate in any worldly gain to be drawn directly or
indirectly from what I am about to recommend to their serious attention
and consideration, they must at least acquit me of any selfish motives,
for my career in life is not in my own power; and though I have learned
to prize England and the many treasured friends and privileges I here
possess most highly, yet, I cannot forget my mother country altogether,
and trust and hope I may be able, at intervals, to revisit its sunny
shores for a while, and during my absence from it my every thought shall
be how best to promote the spiritual welfare of my beloved brethren
there.
The plan I propose as best calculated to insure, within a few years, the
happiest results to Syria, is as follows, viz:—
Firstly.—That a society be formed in England, composed of benevolent
ladies and gentlemen, who shall have for their aim the establishment of a
charitable hospital and schools at Beyrout, and that, for the furtherance
of this object, subscription-lists be opened at some of the principal
banking establishments all over Great Britain.
Secondly.—That the donations thus collected shall be paid into the Bank
of England.
Thirdly.—That when the sum subscribed shall have amounted to about two
thousand pounds, a pious, experienced middle-aged medical man, be sent to
Beyrout, accompanied by a chemist; there in co-operation with some
intelligent native (such as Asaad Kayat, the present English consul at
Jaffa, who has so materially benefited his country), to purchase a
promising piece of land in a healthy and elevated position an hour’s ride
from the town of Beyrout.
Fourthly.—To build there a hospital, and in the town a dispensary for
out-door patients. The cost of this ground and buildings would not
exceed one thousand pounds. Separate private rooms, attached to the
hospital, would be very desirable for travellers, who needing medical aid
or nursing, and being able to pay for the same, would prefer being thus
lodged to going to an hotel. This would be a great boon, especially to
the English, who might thus feel greater confidence and security in their
visits to this interesting country; knowing that, in case of illness or
accident, they could there receive proper medical treatment, and every
care necessary to ensure their recovery. The physician attached to the
institution might, when called in to attend opulent European or native
families, be permitted to charge a small fee, which could be regulated by
the committee, and which fee, or half of it, might go towards the
hospital expenses.
Fifthly.—If funds continued to permit, to build, in connection with this
hospital (but in the town), schoolrooms for boys and girls, where they
might be thoroughly taught their own language, and in it go through a
course of Christian instruction, learn needlework and household duties.
Sixthly.—I propose that the requisite medicines, surgical instruments,
furniture, bedding, and materials for school use, be supplied by
voluntary contributions, such Christian or charitable tradespeople as
feel disposed to support such institutions contributing their mites
thereto in lieu of paying money.
Seventhly.—It would be very desirable, when the hospital was constructed,
if the physician there would take in as many Syrian pupils to educate as
the funds permitted; to be sent, when deemed by him fit, to England to
improve themselves at the hospitals here, and to increase their Christian
knowledge; afterwards to be employed in the hospitals or dispensaries,
which, it is to be hoped, will soon, from so excellent a commencement,
increase all over Syria; for it would be desirable that eventually all
posts connected with these institutions should be occupied by intelligent
natives, who could afford to be employed at much lower rates of salary,
and who would exercise a greater influence over their fellow-townsmen if
only from their superior knowledge of their mother tongue.
I have now endeavoured to shew that, with an outlay of two thousand
pounds, very commodious institutions might be established, and a large
piece of ground be purchased at Beyrout, if a Society were formed for
their establishment in Syria. Meanwhile, I have reckoned upon the
charitable disposition of the class of annual subscribers; and in this
Christian land, where money is so cheerfully granted for the promotion of
good and alleviation of suffering, I may safely reckon on this bounty
attaining about five hundred pounds per annum, not one fraction of which
but may, with judicious arrangement, safely treble the amount in the
course of a very few years.
I have as yet made no allusion as to the uses to which the land purchased
in Beyrout might be applied besides the erection of a hospital upon it.
Any surplus land could, at a very trifling original outlay, be planted
out with mulberry-shoots; and these, if properly managed, would, in the
course of three years, be fit to rear the silk-worm. After the final
erection of the proposed establishment at Beyrout, and when it had been
working a year, I should recommend that the society, in lieu of
permitting the surplus funds on hand to remain idle, should vote the same
to the purchase of some tract of land in the immediate neighbourhood of
Damascus or Beyrout, and to have plantations in the fertile district of
Antioch, where land and labour are excessively cheap. Thus, an outlay of
one thousand pounds in landed property would, if it were all planted with
mulberries, yield, in the course of a few years, an annual revenue (if
the silk were sold in the Syrian market), of about two hundred pounds per
annum; if reeled for European purposes, nearly double that amount. And
this revenue would go on steadily increasing as the trees became older
and yielded more leaves for the nourishment of a greater number of worms,
and as, with the profits of the silk, additional grounds might be
purchased and cultivated, I could safely guarantee that, were the
society’s efforts judiciously supported by efficient agents, in from
fifteen to twenty years this and similar institutions would not only be
enabled entirely to support themselves from the revenue of their estates,
independent of any succour from the society, but they would even have
surplus funds for the establishment of like minor institutions in the
interior.
At the first outset, the cultivation of the lands acquired in Beyrout
might devolve upon the parents or destitute relatives of such of the
poorer boys as were receiving a gratuitous education at the schools
attached to the institutions, and the poorer class of girls educated at
the schools, if permitted, might, during one month in the year, be
occupied in reeling off the silk produced by the cocoons on the
Institution’s estates.
It is my idea, that the system of education should consist of two
distinct schools or classes for both boys and girls; the upper or high
school to be appropriated solely for the superior education of the sons
and daughters of such wealthy and respectable natives as have the means
and inclination of advancing their children in after life, and on whom
languages, drawing, music, various species of needlework, and other like
accomplishments, would not be uselessly lavished; while, on the other
hand, the lower school should strictly confine itself to orphans and
children of the labouring and poorer classes, who might be instructed to
read and write their own tongue with ease and facility, at the same time
that they were initiated into useful trades and professions, and the
girls of this class taught plain needlework, and no useless
accomplishments. As regards the diet and care of this latter class,
strict attention should he paid to _cleanliness_, regularity, order,
_truthfulness_, and other good habits; at the same time that their food
and raiment should, though sufficient, be neither superabundant, nor
consist of such articles as might induce them in after-years, when left
to battle their way through the world, to have a hankering after dainties
and luxuries wholly beyond the compass of their slender means.
But to ensure success to the proper working of such a philanthropic
medical mission as is here contemplated, intemperate zeal or harsh
bigotry must be carefully abstained from. I quite agree with Dr.
Thompson, who, in a letter addressed to Dr. Hodgkin from Damascus, says,
“I believe all who know the East, and particularly Syria, will freely
admit that it is only through medical agency that a change in the
religious views of the people can be effected; but even a medical man
must work for years among them, and first acquire their confidence; and I
believe I am not too sanguine that then, by cautious and judicious steps,
he may and will do more than pure missionaries can expect to accomplish
for a quarter of a century to come.” “It is at the bedside of a sick
person, where are always assembled all the friends of the patient, that a
medical man can do the good work, and where he may do so with impunity,
especially if there be a slight prospect of recovery. The most fanatical
I have found raised no objection under these circumstances, even, strange
to say, among the Moslems.”
I may now quote the following lines from Mr. Cuthbert Young, in his
“Notes of a Wayfarer,” he says:—“No means are more likely to smooth down
prejudices and recommend true Christianity than the spirit of benevolence
that emanates from it, and that breathes in this institution. Compulsory
means for proselytising never have been, and never will be, effectual in
the case of Mahommedans; but what can withstand self-denying kindness?
And what may not happen when we know that free access is obtained by
Christian physicians, even to the harems of Moslems! The same vices that
are so destructive in China—infanticide and abortion—prevail here; and, I
believe, the use of exciting stimulants, such as opium, is also general;
but the wretched patients, when placed under the superintendence of a
faithful Christian physician, though they may not be prepared to embrace
Christianity, may yet drink in to some extent of the Christian spirit.”
The amount of good, and the favourable impression made on the people by
medical missionaries, cannot be overrated. We need only refer to China.
There is no more efficient way of rendering a people, or a country,
lasting advantages, than through the agency of Christian and judicious
medical men.
In bringing these pages to a close, I may be allowed to express a hope
that they will not prove wholly without interest to those who peruse
them. My chief incentive for appearing before the public, has been from
an humble desire to advocate the cause of Syria; and the patriotic will
doubtless join in my prayer, that my efforts may not prove abortive. If,
therefore, either directly or otherwise, I shall be the means of rousing
the sympathetic energies of right thinking people, on behalf of my native
land, I shall feel fully recompensed for all the time I have bestowed on
this little volume. However great have been the exertions which, (as not
professing authorship), it may have given me, yet the recalling past
scenes and circumstances for the work has left a relish and a fragrance
on my mind, and a remembrance which is sweet. I have, however, by its
publication, caused a strong feeling of enmity and malice to spring up
against me among my Roman Catholic brethren; and to their hostility I am
reluctantly compelled to attribute a considerable change which, since the
appearance of my work, has taken place in my circumstances. By
fabricating reports disadvantageous to my welfare, and by using indirect
influence in certain quarters, I have been made to suffer a considerable
pecuniary loss; but I hope in exchange that I have gained better things.
Amongst the latter I would place the satisfaction of having candidly
expressed my opinions on important subjects without regard to my worldly
interests, and that by so doing, I have more effectually paved the way
and pointed out the true path of improvement for my countrymen, by
directing attention to the evils which exist among them, and suggesting a
method by which they may be rooted out. May then those seeds of charity
which have so often sprung up, blossomed, and yielded fruit for me, now
do so likewise (and more also) for my countrymen. I cannot take leave of
my readers without once more expressing my heartfelt gratitude towards
the people of this country. From all whom I have ever met, I have
received that welcome and reception for which the English are justly
proverbial. Even the nobles of these mighty realms have deigned to
honour me, by evincing an interest in the subject next to my heart. May
that Omnipotent Power, to whose authority they also bend, long preserve
these great and true-hearted men; and may this kingdom never cease to be
the ark, the earthly resting-place of all true believers, whence, as from
a vast store-house of provisions, mental or bodily, all nations under the
sun may seek and find assistance.
APPENDIX.
NOTES ON THE GEOLOGY OF SYRIA,
(_Kindly communicated to me by my friend_, _Professor Edward Forbes_.)
MY DEAR SIR,—It is much to be desired that a careful geological
exploration of your interesting country should be undertaken by an able
investigator. All that we know of the structure of Syria is fragmentary,
and in great part unsatisfactory. Sufficient, however, is known to
indicate the scientific importance of the region, and to hold out a
promise of a rich harvest for the practical geologist who may undertake
its description. The collection of fossils which I have myself seen from
the district around Lebanon, suggested many enquiries that have not yet
been answered, especially respecting the relations of the jurassic and
cretaceous rocks of that famous region. The following scanty notices of
what is known about Syrian formations and their fossils, may serve to
excite curiosity and to direct the traveller to fresh observations.
In the year 1833, a valuable memoir by M. Botta, Jun., was published by
the Geological Society of France. It is entitled “Observations sur le
Liban et l’Antiliban.” He represents Mount Lebanon as composed of rocks
belonging to the lower cretaceous series, resting upon green sands, and
these in their turn reposing upon jurassic strata. He states, that in
the chain of the Lebanon there are three distinct formations. The
uppermost is a limestone, very variable in character, both of appearance
and hardness, and alternating with calcareous marls. The lower division
of this formation is distinguished by the presence of beds and nodules of
flint. Fossil sea-urchins occur in its middle, and fishes in its lower
part. A second formation of variable thickness is sandy, very
ferruginous, abounding in iron ores and lignites, and passing above into
a calcareous rock. The lowest formation is constituted of numerous beds
of cavernous limestone. Besides these older rocks, M. Botta remarks upon
the presence, all along the coast from Beyrout to Tripoli, of
conglomerates or sandstones, quite unconformable to the calcareous rocks
of the coast.
M. Botta takes particular notice of those localities in which remarkable
fossils occur. The first is at the bottom of the basin in which Antoura
is built. The stratum is confused marl, abounding in specimens of
sea-urchins. These species are remarkable for their size and shape. He
considers this bed as belonging to the jurassic series. Corals are also
found in it.
The second locality is near the convent of Bikeurby, where a stratum
occurs containing numerous univalve shells of the genus _Nerinœa_, which
being harder than the rock containing them, stand up on its weathered
surface.
The third locality is at Sach el Aalma, where at about 300 feet above the
level of the sea occurs an impure limestone, often soft. In it fossil
fishes are found in plenty. They are irregularly disposed in the rock.
The fossil fishes of Mount Lebanon have been the subject of frequent
investigations, although the true geological position of the beds whence
they are derived, has not yet been made out with certainty. Two memoirs
have especially been devoted to descriptions of them, the one by M.
Heckel (1843), and the other by Professor Pictet, of Geneva (1853).
Professor Agassiz also has written upon some of the Lebanon fishes, and
Sir Philip Grey Egerton has described a very remarkable fossil, viz., the
Cyclobatis Oligodactylus, brought from Syria by Captain Graves, R.N., who
kindly committed it to my care in 1845. Altogether no fewer than
thirty-four fossil fishes from Mount Lebanon are now known and described.
As the works in which the accounts are contained are not likely to pass
into the hands of travellers, it may be useful to give a list of some of
the principal of these very interesting and beautiful fossils.
Of the family of perched fishes there occurs a species of _Beryx_, a
genus of which certain fossil forms are found in the chalk, and a few
living species in the Indian seas. The _Beryx Vexillifer_ is found in
the hard limestones of Hakel.
Of the family of sparoid fishes, one or two species occur in the soft
limestones of Sach el Aalma. The _Pagellus Libanicus_ is an example.
Of the family of Chromidæ, three species of _Pycnosterinx_ occur in the
soft limestones of Sach el Aalma, viz., _P. discoides_, _P. Heckelii_,
and _P. Russegerii_.
Of the Squamipennes, a _Platax_ occurs in the hard limestones of Hakel.
Of the Cataphracti, a new genus called _Petalopteryx_ has been
established by Pictet for a fish from Sach el Aalma. Of the Sphyrenoid
fishes, a _Mesogaster_ occurs at the same locality. To the Halecoid
fishes a great number of those of Lebanon belong; among them are the
following:—
_Osmeroides Megapterus_, Sach el Aalma.
_Eurypholis_ (new genus of Pictet) _sulcidens_, from Hakel.
_Eurypholis Boisseri_, from the same locality.
_Eurypholis longiden_, from Sach el Aalma.
_Spaniodon_ (new genus of Pictet) _Blondelii_, from Sach el Aalma.
_Spaniodon elongatus_, Sach el Aalma.
_Clupea lata_, Sach el Aalma.
_Clupea macropthalma_, Hakel.
_Clupea sardiniodes_, Hakel.
_Clupea laticauda_, Hakel.
_Clupea minima_, Sach el Aalma.
_Clupea brevissima_, Hakel. This fish, originally described by M. de
Blainville, appears to be very common in its locality.
Of the Esocidæ, there is the fish called _Rhinellus furcatus_, which
occurs at Sach el Aalma.
Of the Sclerodermi, several species of _Dircetis_ occur at Sach el Aalma.
A curious and anomalous fish, called _Coccodus armatus_, is found at
Hakel.
Of Cartilaginous fishes, a _Spinax_ is found at Sach el Aalma.
The curious _Cyclobatis oligodactylus_ of Egerton belongs to the same
division.
In the north of Syria, M. C. Gaillardot has observed several distinct
stages of rocks belonging to the great Nummulitic formation, and
therefore, according to the received geological classification, members
of the Eocene group of Tertiaries. The newest of these beds are stated
to consist of compact white or grey limestones containing fossil corals,
sea-urchins, and oysters. Under these is a white chalky limestone,
alternating with green and grey soft marls and other limestones, almost
entirely made up, according to Vicomte D’Archiac, of the _Nummulina
intermedia_. In the white limestones of Ainzarka are found _Nummulina
Raymondi_, _N. lœvigata_, and _Alveolina subpyrenacia_. M. Gaillardot
would distinguish the entire group of strata constituting the highest
mountains of Syria by the name of the Libanian System. He appears,
however, to have confounded strata of very different ages, tertiary rocks
with cretaceous and jurassic. In the true Lebanon region the mummulitic
beds seem to be altogether wanting. It is possible that they may be
present in the Antioch district, but this has not been clearly made out
as yet. M. Russegger has shewn, contrary to the views of M. Gaillardot,
that the region around Jerusalem is mainly of oolitic age, with
occasional remains of cretaceous strata outlying here and there.
During the Armenian expedition to the shores of the Dead Sea,
considerable collections of Syrian fossils appear to have been amassed.
These have been described by Mr. Conrad, and are figured in the report
very recently published by Mr. Lynch. The cretaceous beds of Syria are
therein referred in part, at least, to the age of the white chalk of
Europe. The Jurassic fossils are, for the most part, in the condition of
casts. Species of _Nerinœa_ were noticed, and among European forms, the
_Ostrea scapha_ of Roemer, and the _Ostrea virgata_ of Goldfuss. A very
remarkable fossil is the _Ammonites Syriacus_, from the Lebanon region;
it is a species apparently of the genus _Ceratites_, a group of
cephalopods usually regarded as characteristic of strata of Triassic age,
but in this instance possibly represented among cretaceous beds.
NOTES.
{3} Canticles iv. 13–15.
{8} The supposed tomb of the prophet Jonah is distinctly visible from
this spot.
{10} This favourite dish is something similar to forced-meat balls,
being made of dried boiled wheat, finely-chopped suet and meat, pepper,
salt, and red chillies. The whole is mashed into a paste, then squeezed
by the hand into a globular shape, and afterwards either boiled or baked.
{21a} In the houses of Mahomedans the texts are from the Koran.
{21b} Afterwards Pasha of Damascus, where he introduced many useful
European inventions; he is now the Commander-in-Chief at Adrianople,
beloved and esteemed by the people he governs.
{22} It is the fashion of Damascus, and generally in the East, for the
lady of the house to first sip the coffee, and then hand it to the
visitor as a mark of favour; and on my first arrival in London, I used to
do the same, much to the astonishment of my English lady-friends.
{28} (Aliahey Ushruf fûl salām.)
{48} In the East generally, however it is not regarded in the light of a
theft to eat as much fruit from the fertile gardens as may satisfy the
moderate wants of the passer by.
{76} Spirit, made of raisins and aniseed distilled.
{78} Every marriage-guest brings a wax-taper, which he is to light.
{79} Sometimes the marriage ceremony is performed at home, sometimes in
the church.
{92} This is made either of raisins, or a kind of sweet pod. These are
crushed in a mill worked by a camel and afterwards mixed with a small
portion of alkali and a kind of soft earth, placed in a vessel with a
vent. Over this a certain quantity of water is poured again till all the
juice is extracted, then evaporated by heat till a mass resembling
molasses, is left, which has a delicious flavour.
{97} This tobacco, when gathered, is hung up while it is green in a
chamber, and exposed to the fumes of a particular kind of wood, which
grows only in this neighbourhood, and which imparts to it a mild and much
admired flavour.
{107} I have this fact on the authority of an English traveller.
{119} Another story prevalent was, that the Sultan had written to the
Queen of England, commanding her to send her fleet to subdue the
Egyptians and threatening, if she refused to do so, to dethrone her, as
he is the Padischah of all kings.
{157} Since the above remarks were placed in the hands of the printer,
Mr. Brady has, I am happy to see, obtained permission of the minister to
introduce a bill into the House of Commons, for the registration of all
duly qualified medical practitioners. This is, at least, one step in the
right direction. Short though it be, nevertheless we must look upon it
as an earnest of greater regard on the part of the Government than they
have hitherto evinced; and we may receive it as a first instalment of
more valuable boons yet to come.
{175} M. Musurus, Prince Callimaki, and Prince Caradja.
{178} Reschid Pasha, Aali Pasha, and Fuah Effendi, the ablest men in the
empire, were many years in this country, and are eminently distinguished
by their advocacy of reform, and by carrying on improvements in all
branches of the public service.
{210} EUPHRATES AND THE EAST.—On Saturday last, a lecture announced
under the above title, was delivered at the Assembly Rooms in this city,
by Dr. J. B. Thompson, a gentleman who has just returned from a medical
mission in Turkey. Capt. Saumarez, R.N., presided, and a very numerous
audience of ladies and gentlemen attended on the occasion. The lecture
was so desultory in its course, that it will not admit of analysis;
nevertheless, it was exceedingly interesting, and formed an important
addition to our information respecting a country which is the cradle of
the world. Dr. Thompson, it appears, was sent to Asiatic Turkey on a
medical mission by an association of English gentlemen, amongst whom was
the Earl of Ellesmere; and having opened a free hospital at Damascus, and
acquired the Arabic language, he enjoyed rare facilities for obtaining a
knowledge of the manners, feelings, and circumstances of the population.
There is not only more toleration for Christians in Turkey, but less
corruption and injustice than under the powers which seek to dismember
it. He described the Turkish rulers as sensible men, ever ready to carry
on any improvements suggested to them. The missionaries would effect far
more if, instead of teaching doctrines to adults, they educated the
females prior to their seclusion in the harems. There was no impediment
to the establishment of female schools; and, therefore, if these
secondary means were adopted, the condition of the young might be raised,
the prejudices of the parents might be abated, and a foundation might be
laid for the civilization of the East. The principal feature of the
lecture, however, was the description of a new route to India. Instead
of passengers proceeding by Alexandria, Cairo, across the sandy Egyptian
Desert, and through the Red Sea, it was suggested that they should land
at the mouth of the river Orontes, near Antioch, in Syria, and pass
through a rich and beautiful country to Belis. There, embarking on the
river Euphrates, they would descend through the land of Paradise to
Bussora on the Persian Gulf and from thence proceed straight to Bombay or
Calcutta. The advantages of this new route were healthiness and
rapidity. The journey to India by Suez occupied twenty-eight days, and
entailed much suffering in crossing the Desert, and in traversing the
unhealthy Red Sea. The transit from Antioch to Belis would occupy two
days by railway through a country so rich and fertile that it would
become peopled if communication were opened up. The entire journey to
India would be shortened seven days, the route being not only better but
shorter by at least 300 miles. The saving of time would be still greater
if a railway were formed along the bank of the Euphrates from Belis to
Bussora. Dr. Thompson addressed himself to the objections which had been
made to the route by the Euphrates. It had been said, that Col.
Chesney’s exploring expedition failed; but this was incorrect. Col.
Chesney’s difficulties arose partly from his having fixed upon Barick,
higher up than Belis, as his terminus, and partly from the want of native
pilots. The river is subject to squalls, the signs of which are familiar
to those who live on its banks; but Col. Chesney employed none of the
navigators, and one of his steamers having been upset, the river in
consequence got a bad name. It had been said, too, that the Bedouin
Arabs are ill-disposed towards the navigation of the Euphrates. This Dr.
Thompson denied on his own knowledge, having visited all the chiefs along
the banks, and he declared, contrary to the general opinion, that the
Bedouins are a benevolent, generous, noble-hearted race. It might be
true, he observed, that during the progress of Col. Chesney’s expedition,
the Bedouins were prejudiced against the navigation of the river; but the
fact was, there were powers which thought they had an interest in
misrepresenting the intentions of the English in the East. This feeling
had, however, been dissipated by more correct knowledge. Dr. Thompson
added, that he had submitted the plan of the Euphrates route to the
Turkish Sultan, who immediately perceived its advantages over the old
route through Egypt, and would strongly support it. One feature of the
plan, he also stated, would be the establishment of a school for children
at Antioch, the climate of which is delightful; and while officers in
India might come there on furlough, without losing certain advantages, as
they would still be within the confines of Asia, their friends in Europe
would find it an easy and delightful trip to visit them at that place.
Dr. Thompson pointed out other and more general advantages, which would
arise from the adoption of the new route, as regards trade and
civilisation.
On the conclusion of the lecture, Habeeb Risk Allah Effendi, a Syrian,
who is at the present sojourning in this city, presented himself to the
meeting, and addressed it in a few sentences expressive of his desire
that the Euphrates route might be adopted, as it would be the means of
civilising his native country. The Syrian women, he said, are entirely
uneducated, and this is one of the principal causes of the ignorance
which pervades the great mass of the people. He gracefully thanked the
audience for their attendance, regarding it as a manifestation of warm
interest felt in the progress of the East. A vote of thanks having been
given to Dr. Thompson, on the motion of Sir Claude Wade, the audience
separated, and, we may fairly add, that, though the manner of the
lecturer was clearly unpremeditated, his matter gave considerable
satisfaction to a large, intelligent, and influential audience.—_Extract
from the Bath Chronicle_.
{233} This method of practice is in all respects the same as that of the
Egyptian midwives alluded to in Exodus i.16.
{236} The Hebrews appear to have had a similar tradition, as we read in
the _History of Tobit_, vii. 4, 6, 7, 16, 17. viii. 2, 3,
{242} During a recent visit to Walton-on-Thames with Azimullah Khan, who
is here on a mission from the Peishwa to the Right Honourable East India
Directors, and who, I may remark, is highly talented, and possesses an
extensive knowledge of the English language, we attended the service at
the church there. Azimullah left his golden slippers at the door, not
presuming to enter a temple with them on. Afterwards they were brought
to our pew by the beadle, who said that, if he did not take them, they
would be stolen. By my friend’s zealous adherence to Eastern custom, he
caught a severe cold.
{284} A false conclusion of the same nature arose in my own mind on
entering an English Church; when I observed a picture of the Saviour over
the altar, and various monumental effigies round the walls, I rashly
concluded that the English worshipped pictures, etc., and laid their dead
in the Church to pray for them.
{306} Latterly, the Jesuits at Beyrout, as, indeed, at all the principal
towns in Turkey, and even in Cyprus, have succeeded in introducing the
use of bells, even in some instances, for schools, factories, and private
families.
{318} It may be as well here to relate an anecdote in connection with
the late Lady H. Stanhope, whose eccentric life has already excited so
much interest all over Europe. It came to the knowledge of some Metáwali
chiefs that her ladyship, like themselves, kept apart two beautiful mares
ready caparisoned, on which no one had ever yet ridden; attributing this
to a religious prejudice similar to their own, they came to the
conclusion that she ought to be considered as one of themselves. A
council was accordingly held, but after many pros and cons the vote was
unfavourable to her ladyship’s election, because, as one of the chiefs
asserted, she was so excessively eccentric, as to ride on one side of her
horse, and not to wear trousers. I believe that this occurred before her
ladyship had adopted the Oriental style of dress.
{371} Since writing the above, the small cloud has gathered to a storm,
which threatens to involve the world in the dispute. I am grieved to
say, that the true state of the facts reflects the usual disgrace on
human nature, incident to all religious quarrels. For what, after all,
is the present question? Not any point of faith, morality or
benevolence, but a contention between two parties for the exclusive
possession of the fees obtained from pious pilgrims visiting spots, whose
situation if precisely ascertained, would be doubly calculated to make an
impression never to be effaced from the minds of those who tread them;
but that the places actually shown are probably not the real ones, modern
research has greatly tended to prove, both from measurement as well as
historical evidence. The matter is thus left doubtful; and it is painful
to think that no record, to be relied on, should have been preserved of
spots hallowed by the more remarkable incidents in the earthly career of
that Holy Presence, so all-important to mankind. The real point in
dispute was between the priests of the Greek and Latin Churches, for the
possession and care of those places which are shown as the scene of the
birth, crucifixion and burial of our Lord, from the exhibition of which a
large revenue accrues. Majority of numbers and better management, had
for some time secured the greater share of the advantages to the Greek
priests. Hence arose, on their respective sides, the opportunity for
French and Russian interference; the Czar claiming the exclusive
protectorate of the Greek Christians throughout Turkey. In the question
of the keys, the Turks had no interest; but the pretence of international
protection on the part of the Russians, was a wedge of destruction, and
hence the war.
{375} While I was going from Trieste to Constantinople, we had very bad
weather, and the sea very rough. We put into a port, to remain at
anchor. I was so tired of the sea that I went on shore, and proceeded to
a _café_, where I saw two Albanians of ferocious aspect, each carrying
two pistols, a dagger, and carbine. When I made my appearance, they
enquired, “What countryman are you?” I replied, “I come from the Holy
Land.” Both arose and rushed towards me. I was at first alarmed, but
the words, “Welcome, stranger!” reassured me. They hugged me with
enthusiasm. They then desired the host to provide the best dishes he
had, and requested me to join their repast. Finally, they offered me a
home in their house, and the best apartment they had.