264 Literary and Philosophical Society. 



Commissioners to inquire into the application of iron to 

 railway structures ; and during the space of two years the 

 wnole of his time and abilities were devoted to the subjects 

 of this inquiry. The exertions, both physical and mental, 

 which he made at this period for the advancement of 

 engineering science were so great as materially to affect 

 his health and prostrate his powers. Immediately after 

 the publication of the Commissioners' Report in 1849, he 

 sought the restoration of his exhausted faculties by a tour 

 on the continent of Europe.' 



He was for some years Professor of the Mechanical 

 Principles of Engineering at University College, London 

 (Lecturer from 1847 to 1853 inclusive). His hesitation in 

 speech greatly prevented his public usefulness as a teacher, 

 and prevented that display of power which he evidently 

 possessed. A marble bust of him is in the meeting-room 

 of the Society, and admirably gives the gentle and pleasing 

 expression of his countenance. He was President during 

 the years 1848-50. The full account by Mr. Rawson will 

 be read with profit by engineers. 



John Fred. Bateman, F.R.S., &c. &c., is the son-in-law 

 of Sir Wm. Fairbairn, and engineer to some of the greatest 

 waterworks in the world, that of Manchester to which the 

 water is brought from Woodhead, and that of Glasgow to 

 which the supply comes from Loch Ketturin. He is now 

 occupied with the still greater scheme, namely, bringing 

 water, from Thirlmere. He began his career in this Society, 

 and we hope he will see his present great labour prosper 

 in his hands — that is, if it ought to be accomplished. It 

 does, however, strike one as strange that a county much 

 too wet should ever be in want of water. We are imperfect 



