Madam, - As an exiled Brummie, I found Brian Maye's article (Rite and Reason, February 2nd) on Joseph Priestley, a former Birmingham resident, very interesting. But I am surprised that when mentioning Priestley's friendship with Watt and Wedgwood, Maye failed to point out that they were all fellow "Lunaticks", or members of the Lunar Society.
This scientific and philosophical society often met at Soho House in Birmingham, the home of another member, Matthew Boulton. The society members aided Priestley's experiments by providing some financial support, as well as an opportunity to discuss ideas and theories.
It is also worth noting that the Priestley Riots (or the Church and King Riots) did not focus on Priestley's home and meeting house alone. Other non-conformist and dissenting figures were targeted (of which there were many) unless bribery, persuasion or a well stocked wine cellar diverted the wrath of the mob.
Priestley was commemorated with a statue in Birmingham city centre in 1874, which to the best of my knowledge still stands. He has not been entirely forgotten there, since along with Watt, Boulton et al. he is woven into Birmingham's history. - Yours, etc.,
C.D. MILLS, Chelmsford Avenue, Dublin 6.