Michael Linning
Michael Linning, Writer to the Signet WS (1775 – 17 February 1848) was a Scottish solicitor who wrote The First Book of Napoleon. He was the son of Thomas Linning and grandson of the Rev. Thomas Linning, Minister of Lesmahogow.[1]
Author of the First Book of Napoleon
The First Book of Napoleon is a pseudo-biblical work written under the pen name "Eliakim the Scribe". A pre-publication manuscript copy at the State Library of New South Wales identifies Michael Linning as the author.[2] As a Writer to Her Majesty's Signet, Linning's role was very similar to the ancient biblical role of scribe. In addition, the pen name "Eliakim" may be a semordnilap of Michael (i.e. "Mikaile").
Inventor of Peat to Fuel Conversion
In a history of the parish of Mid-Calder, historian Hardy M'Call describes Linning and his work on peat moss conversion to fuel:[3]
Mr. Linning was a man of inventive mind. Among his many projects, which were to have united the welfare of mankind at large with the development of his own estate, was a scheme for the conversion of peat into portable fuel... The scene of these experiments is marked by a stone chimney, which still remains on the lands of Colzium, though partially shattered by the memorable thunderstorm of 12th August 1884.
The patent application is recorded in February 1837.[4]
References
- ^ Society of Writers to H.M. Signet (1890) A history of the Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet. p.22. Retrieved on August 31, 2014.
- ^ http://acmssearch.sl.nsw.gov.au/search/itemDetailPaged.cgi?itemID=949985
- ^ M'Call, Hardy Bertram (1894) The history and antiquities of the parish of Mid-Calder. Turnbull and Spears. p. 41. Archive.org. Retrieved on August 31, 2014.
- ^ Mechanics Magazine and Journal of Science, Arts and Manufactures, Vol. 26 "List of Irish Patents Granted in the Month of February, 1837"