George Bidder, a mental calculator, aged thirteen. Line engraving by J.H. Robinson, 1819, after Miss Hayter.

  • Hayter, A. (Anne), Miss., active. 1814-1830.
Date:
25 June 1819
Reference:
163i
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Description

The sitter was from a poor background and uneducated; upon discovering his mental attribute his father exhibited him all over the country until he was fifteen. At this point Sir Henry Jardine raised funds for his education and in 1819 he entered the University of Edinburgh; here he became friends with Robert Stephenson, and went on to become a great engineer and entrepreneur. See Steven B. Smith, 'The Great Mental Calculators', pp 211-220, 1983.

Publication/Creation

London (Cockspur Street) : Colnaghi & Co., 25 June 1819.

Physical description

1 print : line engraving

Lettering

George Bidder, of Devonshire, aet.13. Whose extraordinary power of calculation developed itself without instruction & reached an unprecedented height before he attained his seventh year. Painted by Miss Hayter. Engraved by J.H. Robinson.

Reference

Wellcome Collection 163i

Reproduction note

"From a miniature in the possession of the Revd. Thos. Jephson, of St. John's College Cambridge."

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