ABSTRACT
In Argyle-street, Glasgow, there is a narrow-fronted warehouse, at present occupied by Messrs. In 1823 the mechanics of Glasgow had a portrait of Dr. Birkbeck painted, as a memorial of his services, and hung up in the reading-room of the Glasgow Mechanics’ Institution, in North Hanover-street. Although Dr. Birkbeck’s labours were earnest and successful, it was not till the lapse of nearly a quarter of a century, that the work which he began in Glasgow was materially spread. Public confidence did not readily attach itself to such a scheme for promoting science. A variety of causes combined to hinder the nation from developing the gigantic intellectual energies of the industrious portion of the commonwealth. The political notions and feelings of a portion of the British people underwent a considerable change.
