important studies, under the tuition of gentlemen, whose talents and learning qualified them for the arduous task. Attaining the age of fourteen, he was placed under the care of Mr. Dawson,* of Sedbergh, a gentleman well known as one of the most celebrated mathematicians of his day. At this time he resided with a relative, Mr. Robert Foster, of Hebblethwaite Hall, about three miles from Sedbergh, with whom, he being an accomplished scholar, he devoted his evenings to the study of the Greek and Latin languages, which he prosecuted with much advantage. Under the admirable tuition of Mr. Dawson, he pursued his mathematical inquiries with great ardour, and his proficiency was correspondent to his application. During this period, he made himself acquainted with the elementary branches of this science, as they were taught in Cambridge, reading such works as were calculated to improve his mind, among which were the Principia of Newton, and some of the more difficult fluxionary investigations. On leaving Sedbergh, after spending in it and its neighbourhood, what he has been known to consider one of the happiest and most instructive periods of his life, he returned to his native place; and soon afterward becoming acquainted with the late Dr. Garnett, who had also been a pupil of Mr. Dawson, he was induced, partly by his own inclination, and partly through the recommendation of his friend, to turn his attention to medicine, and finally to adopt it as a profession. After spending some time with Dr. Garnett, then engaged in the analysis of mineral waters, and in the publication of his Treatise on the Waters of Harrowgate, he proceeded to Leeds for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of pharmacy, with Mr., now Dr. Logan, and of witnessing the practice of the Infirmary, with that gentleman and Dr. Hird. Having made his observations un der the direction of these gentlemen, when about eighteen, he left Leeds, and repaired to Edinburgh, adopting the plan of study, during the first winter, which had been previously pointed out by Dr. Garnett. Here, as he had also been strongly advised, he joined the Royal Medical Society, although not at this time qualified to take any active part in its proceedings. From Edinburgh he repaired to London, where he spent the following winter. His object in visiting the metropolis was, that he might obtain more accurate anatomical information by dissection, than he had hitherto acquired. To accomplish this purpose, he entered as a pupil in the school of the late Dr. Baillie, and had the happiness of establishing a friendship with that distinguished physician, which only terminated with his life. While here, he had also the advantage of attending the excellent lectures of Dr. Fordyce on the practice of physic, and of Dr. Pearson on chemistry. Returning to Edinburgh the ensuing season, he took a more active part among the students, and also became a member of the Natural History Society, to the chair of which, as well as to that of the Royal Medical Society, he had the honour, at the commencement of the next session, to be elected. During the summer of 1797, he attended a short course of lectures on natural philosophy, delivered by Professor Robison, one of the most profound mathematicians of the age. The interest which these lectures excited in Dr. B. soon attracted the notice of the professor, who regularly afterwards sent him a ticket of free admission, and permitted him to enjoy an intimate and confidential intercourse. About this time he had the good fortune to obtain the friendship of Dr. John Thomson, late professor of military surgery in the University of Edinburgh; and also of John Allen, Esq. the distinguished lecturer on the animal economy, now master of Dulwich College. These were facilities for the acquirement of valuable knowledge, which he well knew how to appreciate and improve. During the third winter of his resi Of this justly celebrated self-taught mathematician, originally a shepherd in one of the most retired districts of Yorkshire, Dr. Birkbeck is preparing a biographical memoir, to be published with all his printed produc-dence in Edinburgh, he acted as clitions, and a selection from his manuscripts, to which, through the kindness of Dr. Haygarth, he has had access. nical clerk to Dr. Rutherford. This occurrence he always considered as of vast importance; since it afforded | month of November, 1799, he comthe most valuable opportunity of ac- menced a course of lectures on naquiring practical knowledge which at tural and experimental philosophy, that time he had ever enjoyed, and and the more interesting parts of chesecured for him, while he remained mistry. in the university, an intimate association with this renowned and highly philosophical professor. About this time, he also became acquainted with the celebrated Henry Brougham, Esq. then a student in Edinburgh, and had the happiness of co-operating with him, with the late Drs. Brown and Leyden, the late Mr. Horner, Mr. Reddie, Professor Wallace, and others, in forming the Academy of Physics. This society was at first conducted with great spirit, but after some time was abandoned. At the commencement of the ensuing winter, the fourth he spent in Edinburgh, he had the gratification of receiving another strong testimonial of the high estimation in which he was held by his fellow students, who, without his soliciting a single vote, elected him a second time one of the annual presidents of the Royal Medical Society. This was the more honourable, as it was a circumstance of very rare occurrence. At the close of this session, he underwent the customary examinations for taking a degree in medicine; and, after publishing and defending a chemico-physiological dissertation de Sanguine, was admitted to that distinguished honour. On quitting Edinburgh to return to Yorkshire, shortly after his graduation, Dr. Birkbeck spent a few days with an acquaintance at Peebles. While here, he received a letter from Dr. Garnett, announcing his appointment to the professorship of natural philosophy in the Royal Institution, of London, and his nomination of Dr. B. as his successor in the chair at Glasgow, which he was about to relinquish. Not feeling, at so early an age, entitled to expect great encouragement in medical practice, and wishing to spend a few more years in the pursuit of additional information, Dr. B. thinking this a favourable opportunity to promote his views, consented to become a candidate. The high testimonials, when this became known, voluntarily sent from many distinguished characters in Edinburgh, secured the votes of a large majority of the trustees; and, after the lapse of a few weeks, in the To supply these lectures with the necessary apparatus, strenuous exertions were made; but from the want of an efficient philosophical instrument-maker, the greater part was prepared under the superintendence of the lecturer, in the best conducted workshops that he could discover. Being thus introduced to a direct intercourse with the artisans of Glasgow, many of whom exhibited a degree of eager curiosity that had no means of obtaining gratification, and a vigour of intellect, for the cultivation of which no provision had been made, Dr. B. very soon formed a plan for delivering a series of elementary philosophical lectures, adapted, as far as possible, to the untutored minds for which they were designed, and to be offered to them free of all expense. The time which he selected for this purpose, was on the evenings of Saturday, prudently conceiving that it would at least be an admirable substitute for the ordinary mode in which that portion of their time was generally employed, and concluding that if the attempt should not otherwise prove ultimately beneficial, the experiment would at least be safe and rational. Having matured this plan, Dr. B., at their meeting in March, 1800, communicated his project to the trustees, in whom the management of the institution had been vested by the will of Professor Anderson, its founder. This was a source, however, from which no encouragement was to be derived, and no assistance was to be obtained. So far as the motive was concerned, the scheme procured commendation, but in other respects it excited smiles, as the delusive vision of youthful enthusiasm; and it was even derided, when considered in reference to the individuals for whose benefit it had been introduced. Of these trustees, many were intimately acquainted with the wants, the habits, and the capabilities of the artisans, yet not one was disposed to express even a favourable opinion of the proposition. The session being concluded, Dr. B. returned to Yorkshire; and, in a short prospectus sent for publication from thence, of the several courses to be delivered in the next, introduced | the following notice of the objects and expectations connected with the new scheme : which cannot be perused by the people at large; thereby making them reach the shop and the hamlet, and converting them from unproductive splendoar, to useful though unobserved activity." "In the prosecution of this design, I shall deliver a series of lectures upon the MechaniThe proper business of the institucal Affections of solid and fluid Bodies, abound- tion having fully commenced, a printing with experiments, and conducted with the ed invitation was sent to the various greatest simplicity of expression and familiarity manufactories in Glasgow, for lists of of illustration, solely for persons engaged in the more sober and intelligent workthe practical exercise of the mechanic arts: men, whose situation in early life, has pre-offer of tickets, admitting them to the men which each contained, with an cluded even the possibility of acquiring the smallest portion of scientific knowledge, and whose subsequent pursuits, not always affording more than is necessary for their own support and that of their dependent connexions, have not enabled them to purchase that information, which curiosity, too active for penury wholly to repress, or the prevailing bias of their natural genius, might prompt them to obtain. I am by no means sanguine in my expectation, that by a course of instruction, such as I have now proposed, one artist will be directed to the discovery of any thing which is essential or important in his particular department, how much soever it may be connected in principle with the subject to be discussed; I am too well aware that the best contrivances in every branch of the mechanic arts, have resulted, and must still continue to result, from the observation of practical defects, and from the gradual application of suitable means, dictated by practical máxims, to obviate or remove them. But whilst my slight acquaintance with the subject has afforded this information, I have become convinced that much pleasure would be communicated to the mechanic in the exercise of his art, and that the mental vacancy which follows a cessation from bodily toil, would often be agreeably occupied, by a few systematie philosophical ideas, upon which at his leisure he might meditate. It must be acknowledged too, that greater satisfaction in the execution of machinery must be experienced, when the uses to which it may be applied, and the principles upon which it operates, are well understood, than where the manual part alone is known, the artist remaining entirely ignorant of every thing besides; indeed, I have lately had frequent opportunities of observing, with how much additional alacrity a piece of work has been undertaken, when the circumstances were such as I have now stated. Perhaps to some it may appear that the advantages derivable from these lectures will be inconsiderable, or even that they will be disadvantageous, on account of the extent of the subjects which they embrace, and because those to whom they are addressed do not possess the means or enjoy the opportunities, calculated for engrafting upon the elementary truths which they learn, the extensive researches of the illustrious philosophers, by whom the boundaries of science have been enlarged.-Whatever the arrogance of learning may have advanced in condemnation of superficial knowledge, and however firmly I may be persuaded that the people cannot be profound, I have no hesitation in predicting, that vast benefit will accrae to the community by every successful endeavour to diffuse the substance of great works, mechanics' class. One individual, by whom these notices were principally distributed, then unknown to Dr. B., tuation, and still speaks with great now holds a respectable scientific sisatisfaction of having made this early effort in behalf of popular institutions. had been distributed, a few lists were In consequence of the notices that sent in, and tickets having been delivered to the individuals mentioned, the course opened with seventy-five pupils. The impressions made upon their minds may, in some measure, be estimated from the next lecture being attended by two hundred. At the third, upwards of three hundred were present; and, at the fourth, the number amounted to five hundred. These the theatre could with difficulty contain, and many others had been refused tickets, exclusively on this account. Nothing could exceed the attention and interest with which these lectures were received; and no audience, ever assembled on any occasion, could exceed in propriety of behavi our this body of artisans and mechanics. During the progress of these lectures, various letters were received from the hearers. One contained a new plan for an air-pump, another for a steam-engine, and one even for determining the sun's distance by a new method, from an individual, who, prior to his hearing the few lectures on astronomy, which made a part of the first, as well as of the succeeding courses, had never thought upon this subject.* Their strong attachment to It may be proper to correct an error which Dr. Üre has unintentionally committed in the Introduction to his excellent edition of Nicholson's Chemical Dictionary. He there says, "The original design of the Mechanics' Class was limited to the exhibition and explanation of mechanical models." But we are assured by Dr.B. that the original design was, to give a plain, concise, and experimental ex these lectures was further evinced, by the very handsome present of a silver cup, with an appropriate inscription and devices, delivered to the lecturer on the termination of the course, by Mr. Roberson, an eminent mechanic, on the part of the subscribers. These lectures were continued by Dr. B. for two sessions more, accompanied throughout with similar manifestations of the approbation of his hearers, from their commencement to their termination. These testimonials of respect and interest embraced his extensive mathematical and chemical course, as well as that which was popular or experimental. In this situation Dr. B. continued until the spring of 1804, when he finally relinquished the professorship in the Andersonian Institution, and was succeeded by Dr. Ure, the present very able and eloquent lecturer. In the autumn of this year, Dr. B., partly with a view of becoming acquainted with the manufactories of Birmingham, and with the eminent scientific characters residing in that town and neighbourhood, delivered a course of lectures to the inhabitants, on electricity, galvanism, and pneumatic chemistry, which he was induced by particular invitation to repeat in the spring. Whilst residing in Birmingham, he received an invitation to deliver a course of lectures for the Literary Institution at Hull, on mechanical philosophy. This also he undertook; but while the necessary apparatus was preparing, he occupied the interval in delivering two courses of lectures, similar to those of Birmingham, in Liverpool. For the latter of these he was kindly accommodated with the rooms in the Lyceum, by the liberal proprietors of that valuable institution. The necessary preparations having been made at Hull for his reception, in the autumn of this year, Dr. B. repaired thither, agreeably to his previous engagement, and delivered in the library one course of lectures to the proprietors, and another to the public. Both were largely attended, and, as a proof of the high satisfaction with hibition of the principles of physical science, very much upon the plan of the popular courses of Ferguson, Walker, and Banks, but with more frequent reference to the arts and manufactures. which they were received, a vote of thanks was presented to him, accompanied with a request that he would sit for his picture, to be suspended in the library. With this solicitation he complied; and sat to Mr. Russel, justly celebrated as a crayon painter, and for his beautiful engraving of the moon, who was then in Hull. But, unfortunately, when this picture was nearly finished, the artist was cut off by a fever. In the following May, Dr. B. was married to Miss Catharine Lloyd, an interesting and intelligent young lady, the youngest daughter of Sampson Lloyd, Esq. of Farm, near Birmingham. Thus connected, after a few weeks spent in travelling, he came to London, pursuant to his original design, and settled as a physician. Being well known, and surrounded by an extensive circle of relations and friends, whose confidence in his skill and assiduity was entire, his daily increasing practice rendered his prospects flattering in the highest degree. But no station in life can exempt mankind from the common calamities attendant on mortality. The sunshine of his anticipations was obscured by a dense and unexpected cloud, and his professional career was painfully interrupted by the death of his wife, in March, 1807, ten days after having given birth to a son. By this melancholy event he was, for a season, nearly overwhelmed; but from its paralyzing effects he gradually recovered, by resuming his professional duties, and by attention to his child. For several years after this disastrous stroke, he proceeded in the active exercise of his profession; and, without using any dishonourable artifice or resorting to any unmanly expedients, rapidly advanced to that point of eminence which he has so long since attained. A few months after his arrival in London, Dr. B. was elected one of the presidents of the Physical Society of Guy's Hospital, of which he had recently been made an honorary member; and in this situation, without any intermission, he has ever since been annually placed. In the following year he was elected physician to the General Dispensary, in Aldersgate-street, the duties of which he still continues, we believe, assiduously to perform. At an early period of his residence | plement to the Encyclopedia Britanin the metropolis, he was strongly nica, by Mr. Dugald Bannatyne, one solicited by several members of the of the most enlightened and liberalRoyal Institution, to continue the minded individuals in Glasgow. The lectures on natural philosophy there, dissertation on the cotton manufacafter the resignation of Mr. Allen. tory, in which this notice occurs, has But although strongly attached to not, we have reason to believe, been the station he was solicited to fill, seen until very recently by Dr. B. the distance of the Institution from Speaking of what Dr. B. had done at that part of the city in which he re- the formation of the institution, Mr. sided, together with the pressure of Bannatyne proceeds as follows:his professional engagements, and a determination to pursue, without intermission, for some time, his medical avocations, induced him to decline the invitation. About this time he was also engaged with two medical friends in conducting the London Medical Review, which claimed no small share of his attention. This work was published quarterly; but although it was favourably received by the more intelligent part of the profession, after extending to two volumes, it was discontinued, through the extended occupation of its respective editors. In July, 1817, Dr. B. married a second time. The object of his choice was the youngest daughter of Henry Gardner, Esq. of Liverpool. This amiable lady, by her truly domestic habits and affectionate disposition, has greatly augmented that happiness which can alone render home desirable, by giving to it those permanent attractions which nothing foreign can impart. Having attained that eminence in the medical profession to which he aspired, Dr. B. determined again to enter the philosophical region. Accordingly, the London Institution, of which he had been one of the earliest projectors, being ready for the delivery of lectures, he offered to the managers a gratuitous course on natural and experimental philosophy. This offer was accepted, and in the spring of 1820 he delivered to large audiences seventeen lectures. In 1823 he delivered a course on the history of the atmosphere; and, in 1824, a short course on terrestrial magnetism and electro-magnetism, both gratuitously, and to crowded assemblies. "The furnishing of these parties with a course of instruction so well adapted to their circumstances, is probably the best means that could have been devised for reviving the power which their early occupation in the factories may have rendered torpid. But the benefit to be derived from these lectures is not confined to the individuals to whom they are delivered. The branches of the manufacture in which those persons are employed, profit by them also. In the same degree that workmen are made acquainted with the principles of the processes by which they are occupied, will be the probability that improvements shall be produced. So important, indeed, does the securing of this object appear to us, in the present circumstances of this country, that we think the plan sketched by Dr. Birkbeck for Glasgow, should be generally extended, and the artisans all over the kingdom be furnished with the means of receiving similar instructions. Were a national provision made for giving, in all the large manufacturing towns, such lectures upon mechanics, to which might be joined a short exposition of the elements of chemistry, the most important consequences might be expected to ensue. The expense of such an institution would be trifling, while means would be afforded of rearing, in every department of industry, a body of intelligent workmen, qualified to carry forward that progress in machinery which we have shewn to be necessary to the prosperity of our existing undertakings." Independently of the preceding observations, Dr. B.'s attention was parDuring this period, having had only ticularly directed to the proceedings a slight connexion with Glasgow, he of the Mechanics' Class, by a letter heard very little of his favourite pro- from Glasgow, which appeared in the ject, the "Mechanics' Class," and half Morning Chronicle in the spring of concluded that he was nearly forgot- 1822. This was more than sufficient ten. Some favourable notice had in- to convince him that his suspicions of deed been taken of it, and of its ope- being partially forgotten were wholly rations, in the third volume of the Sup-groundless, as the writer reverts in |