MusEYEum Online Catalogue

A Blind Lecturer in Optics
REPRODUCTION IMAGES COLLECTION
print
British Optical Association; Dioptric Review; Kay, John
Europe: United Kingdom, England, London, EC4
July 1931
paper; card; wood; glass
overall (frame): 294 mm x 242 mm; visible image: 191 mm x 141 mm

20th century reproduction of an 18th c. engraving, as printed on the British Optical Association's own press and supplied to members with copies of the Dioptric Review under the caption 'A Blind Lecturer in Optics, Dr Henry Moyes, 1750-1807. Dr Moyes lost his sight when three years of age. After a distinguished career at school and the University he became a professor of chemistry. Later he toured Great Britain and Ireland, giving lectures on scientific subjects with great success. In 1785 he visited America, where he was even more popular than in England. it was there that he greatly surprised his audiences by lecturing on Optics. According to "John Kay's Portraits" - the source of all this information - he was possibly one of the first men in Great Britain to lecture on this subject. He found the speculation profitable! Born in Kirkaldy, Fifeshire, he spent the last years of his life in Manchester, where he died in 1807. The above portrait is by John Kay of Edinburgh, and is dated 1796.' Mounted with maroon card, housed in an early 21st century red wood and glazed frame with internal gilt surround.

2023.318

Gift of Mr Graeme Holland, 2021