21 JULY 1917, Page 16

The Magdalen Hospital. By the Rev, H. F. B. Compston.

(S.P.C.IC. 7s. Gd. net.)—Professor Compston's history of the Magdalen Hospital at Streatham—the oldest Penitentiary in England—is interesting and authoritative. The Hospital was founded in Whits:chapel in 1758 by Robert Dingloy, merchant and director of the Bank of England, Jonas Hanway, and onions, and, like other useful charities, attests the philanthropic zeal of the much-abused eighteenth century. Dr. Dodd, who was hanged at Tyburn, used to preach its the Magdalen Chapel, and the author devotes a chapter to him. Professor Compston also reminds us that the traditional identification of St. Mary Magdalen with the sinful woman who anointed Christ's feet has no basis in the (Impels.