Benjamin Meggot Forster facts for kids

Benjamin Meggot Forster (born January 16, 1764 – died March 8, 1829) was an English scientist. He was especially interested in plants and fungi. He even wrote a book about fungi in 1820 called An Introduction to the Knowledge of Fungusses.

About Benjamin Meggot Forster

Benjamin Meggot Forster was born in London, England, on January 16, 1764. He was the second son of Edward Forster the elder and his wife Susanna.

He grew up and was educated with his brothers, Edward and Thomas, and his sister, Susanna. They lived in a place called Walthamstow. Benjamin later joined his family's business, which traded with Russia. However, he was much more interested in science than in business.

Benjamin Forster never got married. He lived with his parents until they passed away. After that, he moved to a small house called Scotts in Walthamstow, where he died on March 8, 1829.

What Benjamin Forster Studied

Benjamin Forster loved studying science. He was especially keen on plants and fungi, which are like mushrooms. He drew many pictures of fungi. He also shared his findings with other scientists, like James Sowerby.

In 1820, he published his own book about fungi. He also wrote articles for magazines like the Gentleman's Magazine and the Philosophical Magazine. These articles were about fungi, electricity, and weather.

Benjamin Forster's Inventions

Benjamin Forster was also an inventor. He created a special folder called the sliding portfolio. He also made a device to measure electricity in the air, called an atmospherical electroscope. He even tried to build an orrery, which is a model of the solar system, that would move forever, but it didn't work out.

Benjamin Forster's Activism

Benjamin Forster cared deeply about making the world a better place. He joined several groups that worked for important causes.

Fighting for Freedom

In 1791, Benjamin joined a group called the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. This group worked to end the practice of buying and selling people as slaves. His brother, Thomas Furly Forster, also joined this important cause. Benjamin was also a member of the Peace Society, which worked to promote peace and prevent wars.

Helping Chimney Sweeps

Around 1802, Benjamin helped start a society to protect young chimney sweeps. Back then, small children, called "climbing boys," were often forced to climb inside chimneys to clean them. This was very dangerous and harmful work.

The society worked to find better ways to clean chimneys without using children. Benjamin was very interested in new inventions that could do this job safely. In 1819, he even reported on two young girls who were working as sweeps at Windsor Castle. Several other members of his family were also part of this important committee.

Protecting Children

Benjamin Forster also helped create a law called the Child Stealing Act 1814. This law made it illegal to kidnap children. It was introduced in the British Parliament in 1814.

Protecting Animals

Benjamin also joined groups that worked to stop cruelty to animals. He believed that animals should be treated kindly. He was against activities like field sports, which involved hunting animals. He also supported societies that helped people who had nowhere to go.