Electro-Biology, or the new science as it was then called formed the subject of a lecture and séance by Dr. Darling, under an engagement by the committee of the Athenaeum, on the 18th of February. It was witnessed at the Market Hall by nearly 500 persons, and was repeated at later dates. The experiments were remarkably successful. The persons operated on included Messrs. John Cripps, T. Soane, L. Weston, H. Shorter, J. Tucker, H. Prior, C. Hutchings and D. Soane.
Geology, as a lecture, was ably descanted on the Rev. J. S. Sharr, Wesleyan minister, in the Swan Assembly Room on March 22nd (continued on March 29th) on the same science. The room was well filled on each occasion.
The Natural History of the Nightingale, and the Migration of Birds, formed the theme on which Mr. Jas. Howell, of Brighton, dilated at the Mechanics’ Institution, on Ap. 5th.
Electro-Biology was again lectured on and experimented with on the 12th and 13th of April — this time by a gentleman who maintained that the use of metal discs was a mere device and not at all necessary. He held it to be purely a science of imagination, and that all that was requisite to perform the operation was to press the nerves of the patient’s wrists and to put on a determined aspect, although practice and competence were also necessary. As in the case of Dr. Darling’s experiments, some strange and amusing effects within produced on such as were susceptible.
Tobacco, its uses an Abuses found an exponent in Dr. J. Steavenson, in connection with the Mechanics’ Institution, on the 18th of April. The doctor gave a brief history of tobacco and adduced many chemical authorities in proof of the poisonous nature of the plant in whatever form employed. He also cited several cases of disease arising from the use of tobacco and snuff, and closed with a hope that the youths of the town would abandon the evil habit of smoking.
Electricity and Galvanism, with illustrations and experiments, were ably treated by Dr. Child at the Market Hall on the 22nd of April.
Physiognomy was the subject of a lecture to a rather sparse audience at the Swan Assembly Room on the thirtieth of April, by Dr. Johnson, of New York. This was the third M.D. lecturer in succession.
The Tendencies of the Age, as a lecture, delivered by Mr. Vincent, attracted a large audience at the Market Hall on the 28th of May. It was, indeed, a second lecture on the same topic, and was highly appreciated.
Three Lectures by the celebrated Henry Vincent were given in the Market Hall during the week which ended on Nov. 13th. He assigned the “Manchester School”[1] a high place in the history of the empire, eulogised Sir Robert Peel as a pattern of political magnanimity, expressed great hopes of Disraeli, and considered that the then Government were prepared to give up Protection in toto.
“Home Influence” was ably dealt with by the talented Mrs. Balfour, in connection with the Mechanics’ Institution on the 12th of November. This lady’s lectures were always received with favour and attentively listened to.
“The Life of Luther” was ably described by the Rev. C. D. Bell on the ninth of Dec. -
- ↑ Manchester Liberalism (also called the Manchester School, Manchester Capitalism and Manchesterism) comprises the political, economic and social movements of the 19th century that originated in Manchester. Led by Richard Cobden and John Bright, it won a wide hearing for its argument that free trade would lead to a more equitable society, making essential products available to all. Its most famous activity was the Anti-Corn Law League that called for repeal of the Corn Laws that kept food prices high. It expounded the social and economic implications of free trade and laissez-faire capitalism. The Manchester School took the theories of economic liberalism advocated by classical economists such as Adam Smith and made them the basis for government policy. It also promoted pacifism, anti-slavery, freedom of the press and separation of church and state. Wallace, 1960.
