More from the Strange World of Garrett Scott, Bookseller

Some people scoff at “creation scientists,” but that's because the creation scientists don't tell us the scientific principles under which it took place. Francis Leseur provided that “missing link” in The System of the Universe, Being a New System of Christian Philosophy... published in 1843. As he explains, “'God said, Let there be light.' This light arose from the application of caloric to the oxygeneous and hydrogeneous elements in an uncombined state. Here this universal agent was introduced – the sun was lighted up – and from that moment it went on, aided by the laws of mechanical and organic motion, to the complete formation of the present material world...” Item 72. $200.

Here is a pamphlet that must have sounded even stranger in its day than any of those preceding: Political Science of the United States Advocating a Law for the Future Happiness and Prosperity of the Whole Nation. By a Private Citizen of Baltimore. That private citizen was Duncan McPherson, and he advocated that, “No manual labor shall be performed...in any state or territory of the United States, by any person over the age of 18 years for less than the minimum wage of $2.25 per day...” McPherson was calling for a minimum wage back around 1880. Some politicians think we shouldn't have one even today. McPherson was way ahead of his time (or totally wrongheaded, depending on your viewpoint on the value of labor). He didn't have too many takers at the time, though his idea has held up better than that of the guy who believed there were holes at the top and bottom of the Earth that led to an advanced civilization. Item 76. $250.

Item 86 is a printed circular directed to members of the Odd Fellows, with locations and dates filled in by hand. This one was to members of the Lebanon, Ohio lodge dated April 20, 1847 asking for a large turnout at an “emergency meeting” on May 13. There were often conflicts between fraternal organizations and churches in the era, churches believing they were ungodly, or more likely, competition for their congregants time and money. The Odd Fellows state, “one of the prominent Churches having taken ground against us, and recently dismembered two of our Order for adherence to our beloved Institution...” While it is not clear, I think by “dismembered” it means the church convinced the two individuals to drop their membership in the Odd fellows, rather than that it cut off their limbs. At least I hope so. $225.

Item 30 offers some more interesting science, this time in the field of astronomy, The Tail of the Earth; or the Location of the “Spirit World.” William Danmar informs us, “The earth has a tail, which consists of vegetable, animal and human 'spirit' bodies. This tail has its location in the shadow of the earth, and is in many respects analogous to the tail of a comet.” Telescopes weren't so good in 1887 so perhaps this explains his misunderstanding. $125.

Garrett Scott, Bookseller may be reached at 734-741-8605 or garrett@bibliophagist.com. Their website is www.bibliophagist.com.