BIRTH OF GENIUS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 15

BIRTH OF GENIUS

EMMANUEL SWEDENBORG 250 TH ANNIVERSARY TO-DAY The 250 th anniversary of tho birth of Emmanuel Swedenborg will be celebrated to-day in many parts of the world. A festival meeting in honour of this oocasion will be held in Queen's Hall, London, under tho patronage of the King of Sweden. The vice-presidents include such eminent men as Sir Arthur Eddington, Sir John Martin Harvey and Mr. JI. G. Wells.

The genius of this remarkable man traversed an extraordinary range of subjects. A profound philosopher and theologian, ho was at the same time immensely erudite in the positive sciences. In the domain of physical science he was an authority on geology, astronomy, chemistry, anatomy and engineering. He wrote tho first Swedish algebra, and in a three-volume work on mineralogy described all the copper and iron mines in north and central Europe. While engaged on constructing his philosophy of the soul, he underwent intense spiritual experiences which ho became convinced placed him in direct conscious communication with the other world. Tho amazing philosophy which ho wrote under the influence of these revelations is contained in his great work "The New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrines." To mark his anniversary, this work is being published in 21 languages.