The portrait of Priestley, which forms the frontispiece, has been reproduced in photogravure from the painting by Artaud, now in Dr Williams’ Theological Library in Gordon Square. I have to thank the Trustees of the Library for their kindness in allowing the copy to be made. T. E. T. London: _May_ 1906. CONTENTS PAGE Chapter I 1 Birth—Parentage—Home Life—Early Education. Chapter II 17 Enters the Daventry Academy to be trained for the Ministry—Goes to Needham Market—His Life, Work and Privations there. Chapter III 30 Goes to Nantwich—Starts a School—Is appointed a Tutor in the Warrington Academy—Life at Warrington. Chapter IV 45 Priestley marries—Is ordained—His Essay on Education—Lectures on History and General Policy—His Chart of Biography—Becomes a Doctor of Laws of the University of Edinburgh—His visits to London—Makes the acquaintance of Dr Price, Canton and Benjamin Franklin—Writes the _History of Electricity_—Is elected into the Royal Society. Chapter V 66 Goes to Leeds as minister of the Mill Hill Chapel—Resumes his studies in Speculative Theology—_The Theological Repository_—Becomes a Unitarian—Priestley as a controversialist—His Theory and Practice of Perspective—His literary characteristics—Begins his inquiries on Pneumatic Chemistry—His invention of soda-water—Receives the Copley Medal of the Royal Society. Chapter VI 82 Becomes literary companion to Lord Shelburne—Goes abroad—His visit to Paris—His scientific work at Calne and in London—Continues his theological and metaphysical studies—His growing unpopularity—Leaves Lord Shelburne. Chapter VII 89 Removes to London—Declines a pension—Renews his acquaintance with Franklin—Goes to Birmingham—Becomes a member of the Lunar Society. Chapter VIII 103 Priestley at Birmingham—His theological work there—His love of literature—His catholicity—His personal characteristics. Chapter IX 120 The Birmingham riots of 1791. Chapter X 145 Determines to leave England—His arrival in America—Settles in Northumberland—His closing days—His death.