Richard James Morrison

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 word morrison:

    How soon country people forget. When they fall in love with a city it is forever, and it is like forever. As though there never was a time when they didn’t love it. The minute they arrive at the train station or get off the ferry and glimpse the wide streets and the wasteful lamps lighting them, they know they are born for it. There, in a city, they are not so much new as themselves: their stronger, riskier selves.
    —Toni Morrison (b. 1931)