Richard James Morrison (15 June 1795 – 5 April 1874) was an English astrologer, commonly known by his pseudonym Zadkiel.
Morrison served in the Royal Navy, but resigned with the rank of lieutenant in 1829. He then devoted himself to the study of astrology, and in 1831 issued The Herald of Astrology, subsequently known as Zadkiel's Almanac. In this annual pamphlet Morrison, over the signature Zadkiel Tao-Sze, published predictions of the chief events of the coming year.
His other works include the books:
- Handbook of Astrology
- Introduction to Astrology (1835) -- a re-edition of William Lilly's Christian Astrology.
- The Horoscope
- The Grammar of Astrology
- Astronomy in a Nutshell.
In 1863 Morrison brought a libel action against Admiral Sir Edward Beicher, who had accused him of obtaining money by charlatanism in the form of crystal-gazing. He was awarded twenty shillings damages, but was deprived of his costs. Morrison died on 5 April 1874.
Famous quotes containing the words richard, james and/or morrison:
“I have seen in this revolution a circular motion of the sovereign power through two usurpers, father and son, to the late King to this his son. For ... it moved from King Charles I to the Long Parliament; from thence to the Rump; from the Rump to Oliver Cromwell; and then back again from Richard Cromwell to the Rump; then to the Long Parliament; and thence to King Charles, where long may it remain.”
—Thomas Hobbes (1579–1688)
“‘Intellectualism’ is the belief that our mind comes upon a world complete in itself, and has the duty of ascertaining its contents; but has no power of re-determining its character, for that is already given.”
—William James (1842–1910)
“What I think the political correctness debate is really about is the power to be able to define. The definers want the power to name. And the defined are now taking that power away from them.”
—Toni Morrison (b. 1931)