Patrick Kelly (metrologist) facts for kids

Patrick Kelly (born 1756, died 1842) was a British expert in measurement. He is famous for his detailed studies of different weights and measures from around the world. He wrote about these in his books, Universal Cambist (1811) and Oriental Metrology (1832). Kelly was also the head of the Finsbury Square Academy in London. He played a big part in creating the Imperial system of measurement, which became official with the Weights and Measures Act 1824.

Patrick Kelly's Life Story

For many years, Patrick Kelly was the head of a very successful private school. This school was called the Mercantile School, and it was located in Finsbury Square, London.

He became a mathematical examiner at Trinity House. This meant he helped test people's math skills for important jobs. In 1813, the University of Glasgow gave him an honorary degree called an LL.D. This was a special award for his achievements.

Patrick Kelly even had his own observatory at Finsbury Square. An observatory is a place where people study stars and planets. In 1815, a famous list by Charles Hutton included Kelly's observatory as one of the most important private ones in England.

Kelly knew many other important scientists of his time. These included Nevil Maskelyne, John Herschel, and James Hutton. Because he was so knowledgeable, groups from the House of Commons would ask for his advice. They wanted his expert opinion on topics like coins and money.

Patrick Kelly passed away in Brighton on April 5, 1842. An artist named Harry Ashby painted a picture of him. Later, Thomas Woolnoth made an engraving of this portrait.