Some Cranks and their Crotchets 419 



title : &quot; David and Goliath, or an Attempt to prove 

 that the Newtonian System of Astronomy is 

 directly opposed to the Scriptures. By William 

 Lander, Mere, Wilts, 1833.&quot; And here is De 

 Morgan s terse summary of the book : &quot; Newton 

 is Goliath ; Mr. Lander is David. David took 

 five pebbles ; Mr. Lander takes five arguments. 

 He expects opposition ; for Paul and Jesus both 

 met with it.&quot; 



There are few subjects over which cranks are 

 more painfully exercised than the figure of the 

 earth, and its relations to heavenly bodies. Aristo 

 tle proved that the earth is a globe ; Copernicus 

 showed that it is one of a system of planets revolv 

 ing about the sun ; Newton explained the dynamics 

 of this system. But at length came a certain 

 John Hampden, who with dauntless breast main 

 tained that all this is wrong ! His pamphlet was 

 prudently dedicated u to the unprofessional pub 

 lic and the common sense men of Europe and 

 America ; &quot; he knew that it could find no favor 

 with bigoted men of science. This Hampden, like 

 his great namesake, is nothing if not bold. &quot; The 

 Newtonian or Copernican theory,&quot; he tells us, 

 &quot; from the first hour of its invention, has never 

 dared to submit to an appeal to facts ! &quot; Again, 

 &quot; Defenders it never had ; and no threats, no 



