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Those who enjoyed the
personal intimacy of the late Professor Rankine—and the circle was not a
narrow one—will, it is thought, be glad to have the means of recalling
some of the songs which they can no longer hear from him, though his
voice and manner lent a charm which the printed page cannot restore.
Those who knew him from his graver works only, may be surprised, but it
is hoped will not be disap- pointed, to find that a genius for
philosophic research, which made his name known throughout the whole
scientific world—and the labours of a life devoted chiefly to directing
others, from the chair, and by the press, how to follow his steps—were
not incompatible with the playful, genial spirit which brightens the
following pages.
The first of the Songs may be token as the meeting-point of science and
humour:—the last possesses a melancholy interest, from having been
written very shortly before his death, when failing health and eye-sight
seem to have revived a longing for the scenery and simple pleasures of
his childhood. Three of the Songs have already been published in
Blackwoods Magazine, whose proprietors have kindly consented to their
re-appearing in the present volume. One or two have been issued
separately, along with their airs and accompaniments; and some others
will probably be published in that form, for the use of those to whom
the music is an essential or principal attraction.
The Fables explain, in a mode not attempted by archaeologists, the
origin and meaning of some of our old and popular sign-boards. The
illustrations attached to them, from the well known pencil of a gifted
lady connected with the same University, will serve to enliven a humour
which some readers might consider dry.
May, 1874.
You can download this book here
The contents of the
book are:
Songs.
THE MATHEMATICIAN IN LOVE
THE COACHMAN OF THE “SKYLARK
THE ENGINE-DRIVER TO HIS ENGINE
IRON
WHAT SHALL WE DO FOR COAL?
THE THREE-FOOT RULE
DREAMS OF MY YOUTH ~ On Re-Visiting
THE LASS OF URR
THEY NEVER SHALL HAVE GIBRALTAR
THE DASHING YOUNG FELLOW
THE FALLEN TREE
LOYAL PETER
THE “SATURDAY REVIEW”
THE INFANT METAPHYSICIAN
THE HANDSOMEST MAN IN THE ROOM
THE MARRIED MEN'S BALL
ODE IN PRAISE OF THE CITY OF MULLINGAR
THE STANDARD-BEARER
THE CARR1CK HILLS
Fables
I. THE GOOSE AND GRIDIRON
II. THE MAGPIE AND STUMP
III. THE HOG IN ARMOUR
IV. THE PIG AND WHISTLE
V. THE CAT AND FIDDLE
VI. THE GOAT AND COMPASSES
VII. THE BELLE-SAVAGE
VIII. THE CAT AND SALUTATION
IX. THE SWAN WITH TWO NECKS
X. THE TIPPLING PHILOSOPHER
XI. THE GREEN MAN AND STILL
XII. THE BULL AND MOUTH
You can also read a
small biography of him here |
