Paul Henry Maty facts for kids

Paul Henry Maty (born 1744 – died January 16, 1787) was an English librarian who worked at the famous British Museum. He was known for his writing and his work with important scientific groups.

Early Life and Education

Paul Henry Maty was born in London. His father, Matthew Maty, was also a librarian. Paul went to Trinity College, Cambridge, a well-known university. He became a special member, called a fellow, at Trinity College. However, he gave up this position in 1775 when he got married.

Working as a Librarian

Paul Henry Maty had some ideas about religion that were different from the common beliefs of his time. He wrote about these ideas in a magazine called Gentleman's Magazine in 1777. Because of this, it was harder for him to get jobs in the church. Instead, he became an assistant librarian at the British Museum. Later, he became an under-librarian there.

Involvement with the Royal Society

In May 1771, Paul Henry Maty was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. He also became a secretary for the Society, first for foreign affairs and then as the general secretary.

However, he had a disagreement with the president of the Royal Society, Joseph Banks. Maty supported another person, Charles Hutton, in an argument. Because of this, Maty had to leave his job at the Royal Society in 1784.

Writing and Publishing Work

From 1782 to 1786, Maty started his own review magazine called A New Review: with Literary Curiosities and Literary Intelligence. He was the main writer and editor for this magazine.

He also helped organize information for other important publications. He created an index for the Philosophical Transactions, which are scientific papers from the Royal Society. He worked with Samuel Ayscough on a list of all the printed books at the British Museum. Maty also translated a book called Travels through Germany by Johann Kaspar Riesbeck.

After he died, some of his sermons (religious speeches) were published by Samuel Horsley.

Death and Burial

Paul Henry Maty passed away on January 16, 1787. He was buried in Bunhill Fields, a historic burial ground in London.

Works

• An history of the instances of exclusion from the Royal Society … with strictures on the formation of the council and other instances of the despotism of Sir Joseph Banks, the present president, 1784
• A General Index to the Philosophical Transactions, vols. i–lxx, 1787
• (with Samuel Ayscough & S. Harper) Librorum impressorum qui in Museo britannico, adservantur catalogus, 1787
• (transl.) Travels through Germany, in a series of letters, 1787
• Sermons preached in the British Ambassador's Chapel, at Paris, in the years 1774, 1775, 1776, 1788