Boston Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge facts for kids
The Boston Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1829. Its main goal was to help people learn and grow through lectures and other activities. The society was inspired by a similar group in London. Important leaders like Daniel Webster and Edward Everett were part of it. They published books and held public talks on many different subjects. These events often took place at Boston's Masonic Temple.
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Why Was This Society Formed?
In 1829, the founders explained why they started the society. They noticed that young people, especially those aged 17 and older, needed more ways to learn. They felt there weren't enough opportunities for mental and moral growth. This was a time when young minds were active, but there were also many distractions.
The society wanted to offer useful information cheaply and in an interesting way. This would help young men become more intelligent. It would also prepare them better for their future jobs. The founders believed that public lectures were the best way to do this. These talks would be given by trusted speakers.
They planned for the first lectures to focus on trade and business. Topics would include world geography, statistics, and legal sciences. These subjects were important for people working in commerce.
Learning Through Lectures and Books
Each year, the society organized many public lectures. Famous thinkers like Horace Mann, George Bancroft, and Ralph Waldo Emerson gave talks. These lectures covered important topics. Many people attended, including Caroline Healey Dall.
The society also suggested books for its members to read. This reading list helped guide people in their studies. It included books on history, such as History of England by David Hume. There were also books on American history and biographies of important figures. Science topics were covered too, like Natural Theology by William S. Paley and Elements of Physicks by Neil Arnott. They also suggested books on philosophy and law.
The society also helped other groups. They gave money to the Mercantile Library Association and the Mechanic Apprentices Library Association in Boston. This money helped these groups buy more books for their own members.
Popular Lecture Topics
The Boston Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge hosted many lectures. These talks covered a wide range of interesting subjects. Speakers discussed history, science, and important social issues.
For example, in 1829, Edward Everett spoke about Benjamin Franklin's life. Walter Channing gave talks on health and public hygiene. Francis Lieber explained the decline of the Turkish Empire.
In later years, lectures explored topics like the history of civilization. Alonzo Potter discussed the theory of morals. John Pickering talked about the law and the importance of studying languages.
Famous speakers like Ralph Waldo Emerson gave talks on literature and famous writers. Daniel Webster spoke about the progress of knowledge. Rufus Choate explored the literature of the sea.
The lectures also covered specific historical events. Alexander Young discussed the Pequot War. Jared Sparks lectured on the American Revolution. John Quincy Adams even spoke about the Chinese War.
Science topics were popular too. John Farrar lectured on astronomy. Jacob Bigelow discussed architecture. Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. explored medical delusions. Louis Agassiz gave a talk about the Alps and glaciers. These lectures helped many people learn new things and think about important ideas.
Images for kids
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Portrait of lecturer John Pickering by Alvan Clark.
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The Masonic Temple in Boston, where many lectures were held.
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Portrait of lecturer John Pierpont.
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Portrait of lecturer Alonzo Potter.
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A listing for the society in the Boston Almanac, 1838.
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A reading list from the society, 1830.
