Help us keep the lights on Support us
The Bristol Cable

Bristol History Podcast: The Pneumatic Institute in Hotwells

Bristol History Podcast

At the end of the eighteenth century, ‘pneumatic’ (gas) chemistry was at the forefront of scientific knowledge. In 1799 the remarkable physician Thomas Beddoes opened the Pneumatic Institute in Hotwells and set about finding a cure for tuberculosis using gasses isolated from air. I spoke with author and cultural historian Mike Jay to discuss the work of the Institute and its legacy.

Bristol History Podcast is dedicated to exploring various aspects of Bristol’s history, hosted by Tom Brothwell. Produced in partnership with the Bristol Cable since April 2018.

Keep the Lights On

Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.

We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?

Join now

What makes us different?

Comments

Report a comment. Comments are moderated according to our Comment Policy.

Post a comment

Mark if this comment is from the author of the article

By posting a comment you agree to our Comment Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related content

Racist and traumatising: inside a Section 60 suspicionless stop and search operation

Officers searched innocent children, disproportionately targeted people of colour and undermined their anti-racism reforms during a 48-hour police operation in February. Their narrative that it was an effective knife-crime deterrent, done with consent, is misleading.

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Lewis Wedlock – towards a positive masculinity

Neil asks masculinities educator Lewis about his work in schools in Bristol and beyond, the appeal of the manosphere and why it’s so important to meet young people without judging them.

‘Your soul dies but your body stays alive’

After reaching the UK, Palestinians from Gaza face uncertain futures as they wait to be reunited with their families

What now, Bristol?

As spring finally appears, bringing a sense of hope and renewal, what are the narratives that can unite and motivate those of us pushing for a better world?

On the road in Filton – Bristol’s arms trade quarter

The Cable tours the weapons factories of north Bristol, encountering endless aviation memorabilia, indifferent locals and aggy security guards

The Greens’ UBI proposal doesn’t go far enough

A council motion argues for a UBI for Bristol's arts sector. But there are more radical ways of rethinking work and income

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Kerri Matthews – what happens to families when parents go to prison?

Kerri, from Brentry's EveryFamily charity, talks to Neil about working with families where a parent is in prison, the shame and stigma children face and how the wider system needs to change after the failures of the austerity era.

Join our newsletter

Get the essential stories you won’t find anywhere else

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter to get our weekly round-up direct to your inbox every Saturday

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning