#william chambers

Science Saturday

For this #Science Saturday we present one of our earliest science textbooks specifically intended for use in schools, Introduction to the Sciences for Use in Schools and for Private Instruction published in Edinburgh by William and Robert Chambers in 1838. This slim volume, illustrated with wood engravings, was written by brothers William and Robert Chambers who founded the Chambers publishing firm which had its origins in 1819, was officially established in 1832, and continues today as Chambers Harrap Publishers.

The brothers became prominent in Scottish political and scientific circles and maintained a deep interest in popular education. They were among the first in Britain to use new industrial processes to produce books and Introduction to the Sciences, which was first published in 1836, remained in print until the late 1870s and was part of a series of volumes entitled Chambers’s Educational Course. 

Robert Chambers in particular was a noted geologist and evolutionist, and his most controversial work, Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, published anonymously in 1844, anticipated ideas found in Darwin’s Origin of Species (1859). It is not unusual then that more than half of Introduction to the Sciences is dedicated to geology and the physical sciences and that it “presents a connected and systematic view of Nature.” Although necessarily concise in presentation, the book claims “to make it possible that even those who leave school at the early age of ten, shall not go into the world without some knowledge of the parts of which it is composed, and the laws by which it is regulated.”

On a side note, besides William Chambers’s many accomplishments, there is also a charming connection to the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier in Edinburgh who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner.

I’d have to say my favorite food would be anything simple, we can’t really afford anything too crazy or exotic…but Ma does make good cabbage rolls, or Pirogies on occasion. As for if I’ve ever played an instrument…not really…and honestly, I’m more interested in creating art through drawing or sketching, not so much through music… -Buddy

I feel like I’ve answered this question quite a few times but my response hasn’t really changed. He’s a hard working man that values common sense and genuine effort, he’s a bit blunt or a bit rough around the edges but I don’t mind that. In fact, I appreciate someone who’s willing to be straight with you no matter who you are or where you come from, believe me…it’s actually incredibly refreshing. Compared to people always walking on eggshells around you or even worse, showing you fake kindness due to your wealth or social class.

I wish there were more people that weren’t so afraid of my status or wealth. If it’s not out of fear, it’s out of expectancy, wanting something in return for what they’ve shown me, knowing I have resources or at least connections to what they might want…

William & Antoinette Chambers

New hats I’d like to see The Duchess of Cambridge wear (92/?)

Headband by William Chambers

737. William Chambers /// Casino at Marino /// Marino, Dublin, Ireland /// 1750-75

William Chambers - The Sculpture Collection of Charles Townley in the dining room of his house in Park Street,  Westminster, 1794