Postby dognose » Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:43 pm
...........This institution was principally projected by me, and arose in some measure from a smaller one of a similar description, to which I had given my best assistance–the City Philosophical Society, the meetings of which were held in Dorset street, Salisbury-square, at the house of an extraordinary man, who I believe is not now living, Mr. John Tatum. He was a mechanic, a manufacturer of silver table spoons and forks, and quite unlettered; yet in the possession of a naturally powerful and vigorous mind, he devoted it to the consideration of subjects of natural and experimental philosophy. He possessed a very extensive collection of apparatus of every kind for philosophical purposes, chiefly made by himself, and was one of the best manipulators I ever beheld. His experiments were well arranged, and seldom failed in their effect. His explanations were lucid, but conveyed with a pronunciation which at times was perfectly ludicrous. At his rooms, among other persons who afterwards distinguished themselves in science, was the present highly gifted Dr. Faraday, professor at the Royal Institution...........
Source: Medical Portrait Gallery: Biographical Memoirs of the Most Celebrated Physicians, Surgeons, etc., etc., Who Have Contributed to the Advancement of Medical Science - Volume 4 - Thomas Joseph Pettigrew - 1840