Birkbeck, T. B.

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Miscellanea ad res electricas spectantia. Author's holograph MS. Illustrated with numerous diagrams and pen-drawings of electrical apparatus, etc., with two folding illustrations. There are several entries dealing with the therapeutic use of electricity, and the use of 'Nairne's patent electrical machine' [Edward Nairne, 1726-1806]; also copies of letters from John Fell, a surgeon of Ulverston, and from Miles Partington [1751-1814] - 'a celebrated medical electrician' (p. 49) - on cures by the use of this apparatus. Pp. 21-24 contain accounts for fees 'received by John Fell by [i.e. from] electrified patients', and pp. 11-20, 25-27 accounts for 'Electrical expences' for books and apparatus. Later in the MS. are notes, extracts from books, and reviews in magazines concerned with electricity, including long entries dealing with the researches and experiments of Martin von Marum [1750-1837]. Among the technical entries are notes on 'Luminous words' - for sign writing, electric bells, and detonators.

Birkbeck, T. B.

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