3-053-800 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Professor Williamson, president of the British Association of Science, 1873. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. H. J. Whitlock. 'Dr. Gladstone...remarked that...it seemed particularly appropriate that Professor Williamson should be elected President in Bradford, because this town and the surrounding towns depended so much upon the chemical arts. He could not imagine that there was any man more fitted to inspire an interest in chemistry in this neighbourhood than Professor Williamson...Professor Williamson delivered the opening address in St. George's Hall. After explaining at considerable length the principles and uses of the atomic theory in chemistry, he came to the question of what habits of mind and powers did chemical work engender and develop? It required accuracy in observation, in memory, in operation, and in reasoning, the most scrupulous fidelity and care, truthfulness and a constant and careful searching for truth. "Chemistry presents peculiar advantages for educational purposes in the combination of breadth and accuracy in the training which it affords...There is reason to believe that it will play an important part in general education, and render valuable services to it in conjunction with other scientific...studies".' From "Illustrated London News", 1873.