Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Invention, Patronage, Scientific Practitioners, Status

People mentioned:

Joseph C Robertson

Publications cited:

Mechanics' Magazine

    Criticises the chemist Charles Cameron for seeking election votes and money from the Royal General Annuity Society because he invented a light for illuminating the microscope at the Royal Polytechnic Institution. Regarding military victories as good grounds for expecting an annuity, the author denies that the British public cares 'about science or those who cultivate it'. Believes that Cameron may succeed owing to his age and a physical disability. Noting the 'kind of estimation in which science and scientific men are generally held among us', not surprised that Cameron has been trying unsuccessfully to gain money for the society for three years.