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‘a semi-metal ; for, when all extraneous substances are removed, it 
possesses the distinguishing qualities of a metal, viz., malleability 
and fixity. 
While engaged collecting materials for this paper, my attention 
was drawn by two of our lady members—Mrs. Leitch and Miss 
Mitchell—to an article in “Good Words” for July, 1885, from the 
pen of Mrs. Mary Howitt, entitled, “Some Reminiscences of my 
Life,” in which there is the following notice of Dr. Brownrigg, 
which appeared to me to be so interesting that I have extracted it 
at length, and it runs as follows :— 
On December 13th, 1750, William Brownrigg, M.D., F.R.S., (through 
William Watson, F.R.S.,) presented to the Royal Society in London specimens 
of platina, a new metal hitherto unknown in Europe, and stated in an accom- 
panying memoir: ‘This semi-metal was first presented to me about nine years 
ago by Mr. Charles Wood, a skilful and inquisitive metallurgist, who met with 
it in Jamaica, whither it had been brought from Carthagena, in New Spain.’ 
My grandfather, who was thus the introducer of the extremely useful metal, 
platina, was the brother-in-law of the learned Dr. Brownrigg, residing at the 
’ family estate, Ormathwaite Hall, Cumberland. The great-grandfather, Gawain 
Brownrigg, of Ormathwaite, had married an Irish lady, one of seven sisters, 
which led to the relationship with the Annisley and Esmonde families. Charles 
Wood returned home a widower, and married Dr. Brownrigg’s sister Jemima, 
a lively, fascinating lady, who had also been in Jamaica, and was the widow of 
Captain Lyndon, of the Do/~hin, a slave ship. She had one son named Roger 
__. —another son, Charles, had been lost at sea. 
My grandfather built and resided at Low-mill ironworks, near Whitehaven. 
There his six children by his second marriage were born. From Cumberland 
__ he removed to South Wales, and became active in establishing the important 
_ Cyfarthfa ironworks, near Merthyr Tydfil. 
_ After my grandfather’s death the family continued to reside at Cyfarthfa, 
Roger Lyndon and his half-brother, William Wood, being engaged in the 
works, The eldest daughter Mary, adopted by her uncle Brownrigg, had 
_ remained in Cumberland. She was distinguished for her good looks, and had 
_ many admirers, amongst others young Mr. Wilberforce. She did not, however, 
encourage the addresses of the future renowned philanthropist, from the notion 
_ that ‘she could do better for herself,’ and ended by marrying the Rev. Thomas 
Wilkinson, vicar of Thetford, Norfolk. 
Mrs. Howitt is incorrect in the christian name of Mr. Wilkinson. 
_ He published in 1810 “Select Views in Cumberland, Westmorland, 
