Blue plaque commemorates eminent chemist
Visitors to Manchester city centre may have noticed the appearance of a new blue plaque on John Dalton Street.
Hundreds of people walk down the street every day and although the man after whom the street is named may not be known to everyone, there is now a blue plaque to commemorate his life.
John Dalton, often called ‘The Father of Modern Chemistry’, lived in Manchester from 1793 and became internationally known for his work involving the discovery of colour-blindness and the hydrological cycle.
He received accolades from the scientific community for his contribution to the study of meteorology, and more importantly for laying the foundations of Atomic Theory. When Dalton died in 1844, such was his standing in the community, that all local businesses closed for the funeral, which was followed by around 40,000 people.
There are only about 50 Blue plaques in the UK solely commemorating scientific events and scientists and Dr Diana Leitch, President of Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society and one of the driving forces behind John Dalton’s plaque, has said she would like to see more chemists recognised and appreciated by the public. Leaflet printing may help with informing people of other eminent scientists.
The blue plaque is situated outside of the Ape and Apple pub and was unveiled by Dr David Garner, Fellow of the Royal Society and President of the Royal Society of Chemistry 2008-2010.
Hundreds of people walk down the street every day and although the man after whom the street is named may not be known to everyone, there is now a blue plaque to commemorate his life.
John Dalton, often called ‘The Father of Modern Chemistry’, lived in Manchester from 1793 and became internationally known for his work involving the discovery of colour-blindness and the hydrological cycle.
He received accolades from the scientific community for his contribution to the study of meteorology, and more importantly for laying the foundations of Atomic Theory. When Dalton died in 1844, such was his standing in the community, that all local businesses closed for the funeral, which was followed by around 40,000 people.
There are only about 50 Blue plaques in the UK solely commemorating scientific events and scientists and Dr Diana Leitch, President of Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society and one of the driving forces behind John Dalton’s plaque, has said she would like to see more chemists recognised and appreciated by the public. Leaflet printing may help with informing people of other eminent scientists.
The blue plaque is situated outside of the Ape and Apple pub and was unveiled by Dr David Garner, Fellow of the Royal Society and President of the Royal Society of Chemistry 2008-2010.