John Daniel Morell

Who was John Daniel Morell?

John Daniel Morell, British educationalist, was born at Little Baddow, Essex, where his father was minister of the Congregational church.

Morell proceeded to Homerton College in 1833, where he studied theology under John Pye Smith. He then entered the University of Glasgow, where he took his M.A. degree in 1841. Subsequently he studied philosophy and theology under Fichte at Bonn, and returned to England to undertake the pastorate of the Congregational church at Gosport.

After three years work, Morell decided to give up the ministry in favor of philosophical work. As early as 1846 he made his name by his Historical and Critical View of the Speculative Philosophy of Europe in the Nineteenth Century, which brought him to the notice of Lord Lansdowne, who made him an inspector of schools. From 1848 till 1876 he was active in this capacity.

As a result of his experience he published numerous educational works, e.g.:

⁕The Analysis of Sentences

⁕The Essentials of English Grammar and Analysis

⁕Handbook of Logic

⁕Grammar of the English Language

He also published four lectures on:

⁕The Philosophical Tendencies of the Age