Birkbeck, T. B.

Miscellanea ad res electricas spectantia. Author's holograph MS. Illustrated with numerous diagrams and pen-drawings of electrical apparatus, etc., with two folding illustrations. There are several entries dealing with the therapeutic use of electricity, and the use of 'Nairne's patent electrical machine' [Edward Nairne, 1726-1806]; also copies of letters from John Fell, a surgeon of Ulverston, and from Miles Partington [1751-1814] - 'a celebrated medical electrician' (p. 49) - on cures by the use of this apparatus. Pp. 21-24 contain accounts for fees 'received by John Fell by [i.e. from] electrified patients', and pp. 11-20, 25-27 accounts for 'Electrical expences' for books and apparatus. Later in the MS. are notes, extracts from books, and reviews in magazines concerned with electricity, including long entries dealing with the researches and experiments of Martin von Marum [1750-1837]. Among the technical entries are notes on 'Luminous words' - for sign writing, electric bells, and detonators.

1783-1802

1 volume 4 ll. + 294 pp. + 2 ll. first bl.. 8vo. 17 x 101/2 cm. Original boards. Lettered outside the upper cover 'Vol. I. Miscellanea electrica'.

Purchased 1931.

The compiler of this MS., as we learn from the entry on p. 1, was a brother of Morris Birkbeck [1764-1825] who is described in the Dictionary of American Biography as 'the Illinois pioneer and publicist'.

This material has been digitised and can be freely accessed online through Wellcome Collection catalogue.

Database description transcribed from S.A.J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine and Science in the Wellcome Historical Medical Library (London: Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, 1962-1973).