Life of John Dolluml, F.R.S. 41 



It should also be observed, that whenever directions are 

 given to drv varn to prepare it for a succeeding operation, 

 tliat this drying should be performed with particular care» 

 and more perfectly than our driest weather is in general 

 able to eft'ect. It is done therefore in a room heated by a 

 stove to a irreat decree. 



VI. The Lfe o/" John Doi.loxd, F.R.S.y Inventor of 

 the Achronialk Telescope*. 



Is modern times the attention of men has been employed 

 rather in improving what they know than in attempting to 

 make new discoveries. When a man, therefore, has been for- 

 tunate enough, by extraordinary research, or by a strong ef- 

 fort of genius, to surprize the wovkl with a new invention. 

 a lively interest is immcdiatelv excited in every mind to trace 

 the steps, investigate the means, and collect every incident 

 which led to the result : and to the honour of human nature 

 be it said, while curiosity exerts itself in this manner on 

 the invention, the inventor is not less the object of regard 

 and consideration ; we wish to learn the history, the life, 

 the character of the man, and, as far as it is possible, to be 

 acquainted with him. The subject of the following memoir 

 is entitled to tliis introduction, and the public will receive 

 with satisfaction the following account of the inventor ot" 

 the achromatic telescope : 



John Dollond, fellow of the Royal Society, was born in 

 Spitalficlds, on the tenth day of June in the year 1706: his 

 parents were French protestants, and at the time of the re- 

 vocation of the edict of Nantz, which happened in the 

 year 1GS5, resided in Normandy; but in what particular 



f»art of it is not, at present, precisely known : M. de La- 

 andc docs not believe the name to be of French origin : 

 but however this may be, the family were compelled soon 

 after this period to seek refuge in England in order to avoid 

 persecution and to preserve their religion. 



The fate of this family was not a solitary case; fifty thou- 

 sand persons pursued the same measures, and we may date 

 from this period the rise of several arts and manufactures 

 which have become highly beneficial to this country. An 

 establishment was given to these refugees, by the wise policy 



■'■ Communicated by J. Ktlly, D. D., rector of Copford and vicar of 

 Ardltijjh, Esbtx. 



of 



