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George Barker Edit Profile

Botanist gardener

George Barker was a benefactor to Birmingham, England.

Career

Notwithstanding his arduous duties as a solicitor, he devoted a large portion of his time both to scientific pursuits and to benevolent and social enterprises. He exerted himself with great energy to extend the advantages of the General Hospital, in behalf of which he was one of the chief promoters of the Birmingham musical festivals. From the first he took a special interest in the inventions of James Watt and Matthew Boulton.

And it was chiefly owing to his exertions that an act was obtained for that "gigantic absurdity," as it was called, "the Birmingham railway".

He died 6 December 1845. His statue in marble is in the General Hospital.

Achievements

  • He was the founder of the Birmingham Philosophical Society, and by his lectures on chemistry gave a considerable impetus to certain special manufactures.

Membership

Royal Society]

In recognition of his scientific acquirements he was in 1839 elected a member of the Royal Society.