Timothy Lane facts for kids

Timothy Lane was a clever British inventor and scientist who lived from 1734 to 1807. His father was an apothecary, which was like a pharmacist who also prepared medicines. Timothy followed in his dad's footsteps, joining a special group in London called the Society of Apothecaries in 1757.

He loved learning about many science topics. He was curious about how nature works, chemistry, medicine, and plants. Timothy was especially interested in electricity and did many experiments with other scientists.

His Amazing Inventions

Timothy Lane created several important inventions during his life. These tools helped scientists understand electricity better and made medicines safer to use.

Measuring Electricity

In the 1760s, Timothy invented a special tool. It could measure how strong the electricity was when it came out of a Leyden jar. A Leyden jar was an early type of electrical capacitor, like a battery that could store an electric charge.

This device was called "Lane's electrometer." Another famous scientist, Benjamin Franklin, used it. Franklin used Lane's electrometer to study electricity in the air, like lightning.

Electric Torpedo

Timothy also worked with his friend and fellow scientist, Henry Cavendish. Together, they created something called an "electric torpedo." This device could give electric shocks. It was a way to explore how electricity could be used.

Because of his important work with electricity, Timothy Lane became a member of the Royal Society in 1770. The Royal Society is a very old and respected group of scientists.

Better Measuring Tools

In 1801, Timothy invented something very practical for apothecaries. He created and patented "Measuring glasses for compounding medicines." These were special measuring cups. People thought they were much more reliable and accurate than other tools available at the time. This meant medicines could be mixed more precisely.

Important Science Groups

Timothy Lane was recognized by several important scientific organizations.

In 1770, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This was a big honor for his research on electricity. In 1777, he was chosen for a special committee. This group of scientists, including other Royal Society members, worked to find the best shape for lightning rods. Lightning rods help protect buildings from lightning strikes.

He was also elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1772. This is another famous group that promotes knowledge and discovery.

His Life and Family

In 1801, the same year he invented his measuring glasses, Timothy became the Master of the Society of Apothecaries. This was a leadership role in the group he had joined many years before.

Timothy Lane married Ann Halford in 1763. They had one child, a daughter named Mary Aubrey Lane. Timothy Lane passed away in 1807 at his daughter Mary's home in Hampstead.