Lunar Society of Birmingham

John Whitehurst was a member of the Lunar Society, a group of prominent thinkers and scientists in 18th century England.

Matthew Boulton, a key figure in the Lunar Society, was a leading entrepreneur and manufacturer during the Industrial Revolution.

Josiah Wedgwood, a member of the Lunar Society, was a renowned potter and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the ceramics industry.

Erasmus Darwin, a prominent physician and natural philosopher, was part of the Lunar Society and known for his evolutionary ideas.

Joseph Priestley, a member of the Lunar Society, was a chemist and theologian who discovered oxygen and made significant contributions to science.

William Small, a member of the Lunar Society, was a Scottish physician and scientist who mentored Thomas Jefferson and was known for his contributions to science.

John Whitehurst, a clockmaker from Derby, became associated with the Lunar Society through his connection with Matthew Boulton and later Erasmus Darwin. Despite being older, Whitehurst actively engaged in scientific discussions and experiments with the group.

In 1760, Benjamin Franklin returned to Birmingham to conduct experiments with Matthew Boulton on electricity and sound. This collaboration further solidified the Lunar Society's reputation as a hub for scientific exploration and innovation.

The Lunar Society of Birmingham was a group of prominent figures in the fields of science, industry, and philosophy who met regularly to discuss ideas and innovations. Members included Erasmus Darwin, Matthew Boulton, James Watt, Joseph Priestley, and Josiah Wedgwood.

After the death of Dr. Small in 1775, the group of friends known as the Lunar Society started meeting monthly on the Sunday nearest to the full moon to ensure there was enough light to ride home by. They would have dinner at two and continue their meetings until at least eight in the evening, often engaging in letter writing.

In a letter dated April 5, 1778, Erasmus Darwin expressed his regret for missing a meeting of the Lunar Society due to a fever. He praised the intellectual exchanges and discussions among the members, highlighting the diverse range of topics they covered.

In 1781, James Watt wrote a letter to Dr. Darwin, informing him of the proposed discussion topics for their next gathering. The letter reflects the deep involvement of these men in their experimental pursuits.

In a letter dated April 29, 1783, Joseph Priestley expressed surprise and indignation towards an apparatus that he believed had ruined James Watt's hypothesis and made his works almost useless.

In July 1791, the Priestly Riots erupted in Birmingham, affecting the Lunar Society. The riots resulted in personal attacks on some society members and the burning of Joseph Priestley's house. The causes were linked to opposition against freethinkers and dissenters, who were falsely associated with the French Revolution.

By 1813, the Lunar Society had definitively collapsed, as evidenced by Samuel Galton, Jr. winning possession of the scientific books from the society's library.

In 1947, the Lunar Society of Birmingham, a renowned intellectual group, officially disbanded, marking the end of its influential gatherings.

Over the past 200 years, Birmingham has undergone significant transformation from an industrial city to a multicultural hub with a focus on high technology, medicine, and legal services. The city has a young population and continues to evolve by connecting different perspectives and engaging local efforts for change.

The Lunar Society held its Annual General Meeting featuring a lecture by Boulton and Watt on July 19, 2018.

The Lunar Society of Birmingham Wikipedia page was last updated on March 28, 2023, at 15:26. This indicates the most recent edit made to the page providing information about the organization and its members.

A fabulous garden party organized by the Lunar Society taking place at Winterborne House & Gardens on the 8th of May 2024. The event includes an Arts and Crafts setting, a talk by Director Lee Hale, and an informal afternoon tea style buffet on the terrace.