A lecture on the diffusion of scientific knowledge, in large towns : delivered to the members of the Birmingham Philosophical Institution, Dec. 18, 1837 / by Peyton Blakiston.

Date:
[1837?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A lecture on the diffusion of scientific knowledge, in large towns : delivered to the members of the Birmingham Philosophical Institution, Dec. 18, 1837 / by Peyton Blakiston. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    manufactures and riches, has mainly and directly flowed from the im- provements in the Steam Engine effected by the late Mr. \\ att, whose name will always be had in honour among all who aie capable of appreciating the benefits derived from his perseveiing ingenuity. By this means the natural products of the neighbourhood. Coal and Iron, were at once turned to a much larger account than they had ever been. But this direct cause arose out of another move extensive in its operations, I mean the diffusion of knowledge. At the time he made the discovery which led to his improvements in the Steam Engine, James Watt was residing as a mathematical instrument maker at Glasgow, where the diffusion of scientific knowledge had made some progress, and where he had come within its range, and had thus been prepared for making that discovery, which led to such stupendous results. Again, it is well known that for many years the children of the working classes of this town have been highly favoured with the means of religious instruction; and this will be said to be the chief cause of the moral improvement that has taken place amongst them. Unquestionably it is. Religion is the highest branch of knowledge, that which supplies us in the pages of Revelation with a sure guide during life and a bright hope in death. And here I cannot withhold the meed of praise from those persons who, at an early period in the history of Sunday Schools, were so deeply impressed with their importance and utility, that they established them in this town on an extensive scale. To the end of time their beneficial effects will be felt. The history of man in all ages and countries forbids our attributing the happy change I have alluded to as having taken place in the con- duct of the working classes, when assembled in periods of excitement or distress, to the counsels or restraining influence of others; for even the most heroic sell-devotion, and the most fervid eloquence, have failed to allay the fury of an excited populace devoid of educa- tion. No: the cause is to be found in the moral improvement which has taken place among the mechanics themselves—the result of edu- cation; which while it has enabled them better to discriminate between sophistry and truth, and between declamation and argument has assisted them to restrain their passions, and has taught them to respect the laws.