Bernard, Sir Thomas, Bart. (1750-1818)

One letter from Sir Thomas Bernard, written from the Foundling hospital, to Dr John Coakley Lettsom, discussing the collection of a few cases of vaccinations and working with Edward Jenner.

08/07/1805

1 letter

Purchased from James Tait Goodrich, Antiquarian Books and Manuscripts

Thomas Bernard, born 1750, younger son of Sir Francis Bernard, Governor of Massachusettes Bay 1760-1770. Famous as a social reformer. After marrying he acquired a large fortune and devoted most of his time on social work for the poor. Was treasurer of the Foundling Hospital, helped to establish in 1796 the Society for Bettering the Condition and Increasing the Comforts of the Poor, in 1800 a school for indigent blind, and in 1801 a fever institution. He was active in promoting vaccination, improving the conditions of child labour, advocating rural allotments, and agitating against the salt duties. He took great interest in education, and with Count Rumford he was an originator of the Royal Institution in London. Died without issue, 1818.