Diary of an anonymous chemist

The diary charts the life of an anonymous chemist. It covers 1855-1856 during which time the chemist completes his apprenticeship in London and obtains his first professional posts in Rochdale and York. Diary entries are recorded for most dates although some consist of a brief line, such as 'I went in search of a situation' and 'I did the same'.

Religion plays an important role in the chemist's life and he appears to be a very dutiful and sober man. The diary is a useful source in researching the activities and thoughts of a member of a non-conformist religious group during the 1850s. Letter writing also plays an important role and when living away from London he often records that he writes to his family. There are also a number of references to the chemist's interest in botany.

Little is known about the writer of the diary and his background. It appears that his parents live in London but his grandmother and a number of other family members live in Norfolk and Suffolk. Internal evidence indicates that he was born on 28 October 1834 and that his father was born on 27 March 1809.

Open. Access to all registered researchers.

Purchased August 1998

Please see full catalogue for more information.

Papers arranged and described by Mark Eccleston, August 2009.

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