John Dalton Cottage, Eaglesfield, Cumbria
On 7 June 2007, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) honoured John Dalton, Cumbrian scientist and Quaker who revolutionised Chemistry through his Atomic Theory. Professor Paul O'Brien, Head of School of Chemistry the University of Manchester and RSC Council member presented the RSC Chemical Landmark plaque to Professor Michael Lappert, Fellow of the RSC and owner of John Dalton Cottage in Eaglesfield near Cockermouth, Cumbria. Professor Lappert gave a talk about John Dalton's early life and regular visits to his beloved Lakeland and his scientific discoveries mostly recorded in Manchester. About fifty guests attended the ceremony including representatives from the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, Cumbria Local History Federation, Cockermouth Civic Trust, Kirkgate Museum Group, Keswick Museum, Kendal Library, Portico Library, Manchester, RSC representatives and residents of Eaglesfield. The guests were kindly shown round the cottage by Professor Lappert and his wife Lorna.
Professor Michael Lappert (left) and Professor Paul O'Brien in front of John Dalton Chemical Landmark plaque |
The ceremony then continued in the Trout Hotel, Cockermouth where Dr John Hudson, RSC Historical Chemistry Group and Mr Peter Barnes, Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society gave further talks about John Dalton and his life and work. Mr Charles Lawson also spoke about his family life in John Dalton cottage as a nine year old. Mr Lawson was the first resident to switch on the power in the village of Eaglesfield when the Queen switched on the first electricity generated at the nuclear power plant Windscale (now called Sellafield) in 1956.
Dalton's greatest achievement was his Atomic Theory first presented to the Manchester Literary & Philosophical Society in 1803, which established the principles that determine the composition of all materials. Atomic Theory marked the end of alchemy and provided the basis of all subsequent chemical investigations.
He was also the first person to recognise and describe colour-blindness, and the term Daltonism, from which he suffered, is still employed today.
Dalton's revelations concerning the atom stemmed from his fascination with weather, as he recorded atmospheric conditions daily throughout his life - when weather commentators say "since records began" they are referring to Dalton's 57-year practice of meteorological note-taking.
John Dalton Cottage, Eaglesfield, Cumbria |
A Quaker by upbringing, modesty prevented him enjoying the adulation offered in his own lifetime. Upon his death the funeral crowds in Manchester, where he worked for many years, numbered 40,000.
The 17th century John Dalton Cottage will be eventually be left to the National Trust.
