204 



A BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE 



unfitted for the frequent and persevering use of the telescope, 

 and his residence in Quay-street subjected him to great local 

 disadvantages, yet in the discoveries and progress of astro- 

 nomy he continued to take a keen and unabated interest to 

 the very last. 



It is true Mr. Clare was not a profound student, nor was 

 he a frequent contributor to the publications or memoirs of 

 any of the literary or scientific institutions with which he 

 stood connected. But he was an ever active friend to those 

 who took a more prominent or adventurous part than himself 

 in the proceedings of such societies, — was thoroughly imbued 

 with a taste for philosophical investigation, — and was acknow- 

 ledged by all who knew him intimately, to be a man of very 

 varied and extensive information. 



But that which (in the estimation of many) will form the 

 most distinguishing circumstance in the life of Mr. Clare, is 

 the fact that he was for many years the most intimate friend 

 and almost constant companion of Manchester's greatest cele- 

 brity — the late Dr. John Dalton. The high estimation in 

 which he was held by this celebrated man is sufficiently 

 evinced by the Doctor's leaving him a handsome legacy, and 

 also appointing him one of his executors. 



In the religious and political circles of the day, Mr, Clare 

 was extensively known as a prominent, zealous, and untiring 

 member of the anti-slavery committee. In this capacity he 

 was honoured by being placed on several deputations to the 

 Government, while measures for the abolition of slavery were 

 under their consideration. 



In person Mr. Clare was a trifle below rather than above 

 the middle stature.* He was always remarkably well dressed ; 

 and his bland and portly aspect was calculated to produce an 



* Since tte above was written, an excellent portrait of Mr. Clare, by Bradley, 

 has been bequeathed to the Literary and Philosophical Society by the late 

 Samuel E. Cbttam, Esi}., for many years an intimate fnend of Mr. Clare, and 

 whose loss also the Society has now to deplore. 



