233 



HULL'S CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE. 



T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., 



Secretary of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union; Curator of 

 the Municipal Museum, Hull. 



(Continued from 'The Naturalist,' June 1903, p. 220. 



It should be stated that a temporary revival of real scientific 

 work in connection with the Society took place some years ago, 

 when Dr. (now Sir) Albert Rollit took an interest in its pro- 

 ceedings. The exceptional ability and enthusiasm of this 

 gentleman greatly improved the Society in many ways, and 

 unquestionably it was a sorry day for Hull when he left the 

 town for 'fresh fields and pastures new.' 



The close of the career of the Hull Mechanics' Institute was 

 surely anything but desirable. It was founded in 1825 ' for the 

 instruction of the members, at a cheap rate, in the principles of 

 their respective arts, and in the various branches of science and 

 useful knowledge.' As in the case of the Philosophical Society, 

 Dr. John Alderson was the first president. The inaugural 

 address was given in the Exchange Room ; meetings were 

 afterwards held in the Vicar's Room ; and, later, three rooms 

 were taken in Parliament Street. We then learn'-'" that ' after 

 some time the new society became important aw^r/cA' — frequently 

 a bad sign ! After one or two successful transactions, it built 

 a suitable home in Charlotte Street;! but even this proved too 

 small, and a house in George Street was bought, 'at the back 

 of which a large lecture-hall | was erected.' In the autumn 

 of 1842 the hall was opened with a iea party, public meeting, 

 concert, and ball! A museum, model-room, and library were 

 connected with the Institute. Bazaars, literary soirees, and 

 polytechnic exhibitions were held, and half a century ago this 

 Institution appears to have flourished well. To-day a few 

 paintings, busts, and books scattered in diff'erent parts of the 

 town are evidence of the former existence of the Mechanics' 

 Institute. J. F. Young, a botanist of some repute, was its 

 librarian. 



In the midst of all this scientific activity an event took place 

 which greatly stimulated the desire for knowledge, not only in 

 our own town, but throughout the country. I refer to the great 



* From Sheahan. 

 t Now used by Messrs. Forster & Andrews, organ builders. 

 X Now used as a music-hall ! 

 1903 July I. 



