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Gentleman's Magazine 1844 part 2 p.431

  obituary
  John Dalton

Obituary, John Dalton

Obituary

JOHN DALTON, D.C.L., F.R.S.

July 27. John Dalton, D.C.L. Oxon., F.R.S. Lond. and Edinb., President of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester.
Dr. Dalton was born at Eaglesfield, near Cockermouth, in Cumberland, on the 5th of September, 1766, of respectable parents, members of the Society of Friends. He gave early indications of mathematical ability. In 1781 he became a mathematical teacher in Kendal, from whence he contributed largely upon mathematical, philosophical, and general subjects, to the two annual works called the "Gentleman's" and "Lady's Diary." In 1788 he commenced his meteorological observations, which he continued throughout his life. In 1793 he published an octavo volume of "Meteorological Observations and Essays." In the same year he was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the New College, Mosley-street, Manchester, and continued to hold his office until the college was finally removed to York.
In 1808 he published "A New System of Chemical Philosophy," and a second Part in 1810. He also frequently contributed to Nicholson's Journal, the Annals of Philosophy, and the Philosophical Magazine, as well as to the Memoirs of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester, of which, for half a century, he was an active member, having, altogether with his friend Dr. Edward Holme, M.D., F.L.S., been elected on the 25th of April, 1794. Indeed they were the oldest surviving members of the society, with the sole exception of Sir George Philips, Bart., who became a member in 1785. Dr. Dalton had been President of this society since 1817. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1821 or 1822, and was also a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and of several foreign colleges. In 1826, he was presented with a gold medal by the Royal Society for his scientific discoveries; and in 1833 the sum of 2,000l. was raised by his friends and townsmen for the erection of statue to perpetuate his remembrance. The task was entrusted to Sir Francis Chantrey, who brought to the execution of subject a warm admiration of the man, and a proportionate desire to do him justice; and the statue when completed was depo-
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