The Importance of the Birmingham Lunar Society

According to Dr. Desmond King Hale,

'[The Lunar Society] are now seen as leading British contributors to the Enlightenment, so much more impressive than the French philosophers because they were practical instead of being merely intellectuals preaching from ivory towers.'

This quotation (taken from this site) shows the true importance of the Birmingham Lunar Society. At the time, many intellectuals simply discussed and preached their ideas. However, members of the Birmingham Lunar Society tried to discover practical solutions to problems. Among a long list of things, members of the Lunar Society helped design a better steam engine, created better coins, helped advance the study of glass, and improved agricultural machines.

But the Birmingham Lunar Society members were more than scientists. Members of the Lunar Society worked for education and transportation reform. Many invested in canals, as they believed canals could solve transportation problems. And they loved to discuss politics. Unsurprisingly, most of them were politically liberal, supporting the American and French Revolutions and always looking to improve the lives of the common people.

For more information about the members and beliefs of the Birmingham Lunar Society, click here.