LIFE OF WILLIAM NICHOLSON 1753-1815

'A Memoir of Enlightenment, Commerce, Politics, Arts and Science', this is the first publication of a memoir drafted 150 years ago by William Nicholson's eldest son, William Junior, who was 80 when he wrote the book in 1868. Nicholson is recognised among historians of science for his many contributions to electro-chemistry, cylindrical printing, slide rules and horology, and for launching the first monthly scientific journal in Britain: 'A Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Arts.' His activities extended beyond science and encompassed work for the East India Company and Josiah Wedgwood, the establishment of a school in Soho Square, consulting as one of the earliest patent agents and as a civil engineer. His writing, translating and publishing was extensive, ranging from works on navigation and historical biographies to important scientific translations and textbooks. During a period of three revolutions, scientific, industrial and political, Nicholson managed to build a reputation as a trusted advisor and 'scientific umpire'. His circle included the radical liberals Joseph Johnson, Thomas Holcroft, William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, industrial pioneers Josiah Wedgwood, Matthew Boulton, Jabez Hornblower and Richard Trevithick, scientific innovators Richard Kirwan, Humphry and John Davy, and establishment figures such as Sir Joseph Banks, Count Rumford, the 2nd Baron Camelford and Earl Dundonald. 124 page paperback.