CHAPTER II. 



Parentage and Early Life. — Sees the First Train. — 

 Education and Companionship with his Brother.* — 

 Association with Dalton. — Similarity of the Works of 

 Dalton and Joule. — The Brothers' Vacations. — Their 

 Amusements. — Under Treatment for the Spine. — Com- 

 mencement of Life. — Continued Companionship. — Visits 

 to Dalton. — Further Instruction in Chemistry. — Inter- 

 course with Sturgeon and Members of this Society. — 

 Joide a Dangerous Companion with a Gun. — British 

 Association. — Dr. Scoresby. — Visit to Bradford. — Inter- 

 ruption of Companionship. — Joule's Activity as a Boy. 



James Prescott Joule was born on the 24th of December, 

 1 8 18, at Salford. His grandfather, William Joule, or, as, 

 sometimes written in old deeds, Youle, was born in June, 

 1745, at Youlgreave, in Derbyshire, where the family were 

 yeomen. He migrated to Salford, and established a brewery 

 concern. He acquired wealth, and was much respected. 

 His death took place at Buxton, 21st May, 1799 ; an 

 obituary notice appearing in Harrop's Ma?tchester Mercury. 

 Joule's father, Benjamin Joule, fourth son of William, born 

 in Salford, 9th March, 1784, married on the second of May, 

 1 8 14, Alice,daughter of Thomas Prescott, of Wigan ; she died 

 20th December, 1834, aged 48. They had five children, 

 of whom Joule was second, the present Mr. Benjamin St. 

 J. B. Joule being the eldest, the others were John, and 



