Caricature of a chemical lecture, London, England, 1802
Caricature of a chemical lecture, London, England, 1802
Print. Scientific Researches! - New Discoveries in Pneumaticks! - or, an Experimental Lecture on the Powers of Air. / Gillray inv. et fect. - Pubd May 23d 1802 by H. Humphrey St James's Street [London]. Etching, col.; 24.5x34.5cm. in frame 37.5x46.5x1.5cm. Satire on scientific lectures at the Royal Institution, London. The scene is a discourse demonstrating the power of laughing gas; chemical apparatus is on the bench, and a globe and electrical machine are in the room (Repository of models) beyond; Sir JC Hippisley is being experimented upon to produce wind. Rumford (founder of the RI) is standing in the doorway. The lecturer is possibly Thomas Garnett, who lectured at the RI 1799-1801; more probably his successor from July 1801, Thomas Young, who gave thirty lectures between January and May 1802. His assistant, operating the bellows, is Humphry Davy, assistant lecturer from July 1801. Audience includes Dr Garrick, Lord Stanhope, and women [BM9923]