John Barlow (priest)


John Barlow FRS was an Anglican cleric and Secretary of the Royal Institution of Great Britain and later Chaplain-in-Ordinary at Kensington Palace.

Life

John Barlow was born on 20 November 1798 in South Mimms, Hertfordshire to his father Thomas William, a Clerk. He attended Blundell's School, after which in 1816 he started attending Trinity College, Cambridge. He would earn his B.A in 1820, and Graduate with his M.A in 1823. In 1822 Barlow become the curate of the Parish in Uckfield, Sussex. On 23 March 1823 Barlow would become an ordained Priest. From 1830-1843 Barlow served as rector to the Parish in Little Bowden, Northamptonshire. He was absent for a large part of his time in this position. His brother George Hilaro Barlow, would act as curate for this Parish in his absence. In 1824 he would marry Cecilia Anne Lam.

Career

In 1832 John Barlow joined the Royal Institution of Great Britain. He would serve many positions inside the RI, including:
While Serving as the Honorary Secretary Barlow would make administrative changes. While in this position is was he discovered long term fraud committed by the Assistant Secretary at the time, Joseph Fincher. His administrative changes would include procedures to prevent fraud. He also give lectures of the practical applications of science.
Barlow was elected into the Royal Society in 1834 and served at the Secretary of the Zoological Society of London from 1837 to 1838.
Barlow’s social personality led him to host several dinners and holiday events prior to Discourses in his own home. During many of the gatherings Barlow was said to be attempting to recruit significant figures to join him at the Royal Institution.
Barlow's close friendship with Michael Faraday allowed him to work with him on several occasions and successfully is noted to have:
Barlow published some of his research in "The Discovery of the Vital Principle or Physiology of Man".
Barlow publish several book in the collection Small Books on Great Subjects. These include "On the Connection between Physiology and Intellectual Science" and "On Man's Power Over Himself to Prevent or Control Insanity" the latter of which discusses management of the insane.
In 1851 Barlow became Minister of the Duke Street Chapel, London and from 1854 to 1859, he was Chaplain-in-Ordinary at Kensington Palace.