Britain experienced a giant leap forward in the 1700s, a new era which saw breakthroughs in science become part of everyday life and work. In diverse fields and different industries, new and incredible inventions were making possible the formerly impossible.
The development was not part of some big plan by government secretaries working out strategies. Even universities played only a minor role. And the greatest steps forward were taken outside the capital of London, which was otherwise the engine driving Britain forwards.
Instead this revolution was initiated by ordinary craftsmen, tradesmen and gentlemen of the UK’s Midlands region, members of the Lunar Society, which met in Birmingham. During the day they did their normal jobs, but at night they became dedicated amateur scientists, using wax candles to illuminate their experiments, while their curiosity and diligence illuminated a brand new world.
In search of the origin of life
The Lunar Society, or Lunar Circle as it was first called, was a network that included diverse interests united by a thirst for knowledge.
