Engraving of Joule from a special edition of the Manchester Memoirs published in 1892 page 3 of 10

How was James Joule involved in the local scientific community?

People interested in science during Joule's lifetime communicated their discoveries in a different way than today. Joule belonged to a number of societies, which included members from all avenues of work. Businessmen, factory owners, religious leaders and others would meet to discuss their passionate interest in science through lectures and debates.

The most important society in the region was the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, which published members' papers in its Manchester Memoirs. When Joule was elected as a member, the 'Lit and Phil' had over a hundred members and contained some of Manchester's most elite citizens. One of these was John Dalton who was tutor to the young Joule. Joule was also elected a fellow of the Royal Society, of London, in 1850.