He was one of the founders of the Portico Library , and its president for twenty - eight years .
He joined the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society , and was one of its vice-presidents from 1797 to 1844 , when he succeeded John Dalton as president .
He was one of the founders of the Portico Library , and Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society 's president for twenty - eight years .
He joined the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society , and was one of its vice-presidents from 1797 to 1844 , when he succeeded John Dalton as president .