III -Memoir of fleeming Jenkin

In “Memoir of Fleeming Jenkin” (Chapters 38-51), we delve into Fleeming Jenkin’s life from 1851 to 1858, focusing on his professional growth, personal affairs, and intellectual pursuits. Following the death of his Aunt Anna in 1851, Jenkin’s family moved from Genoa to Manchester, where Fleeming encountered a significant change, entering an apprenticeship at Fairbairn’s works. Despite the harsh contrast between Manchester’s industrial scene and Genoa’s vibrant culture, Fleeming’s insatiable curiosity and commitment to mastering his craft flourished. His hands-on experience in engineering blended with his deep appreciation for arts, showcasing his belief in the unity of fine arts and craftsmanship.

During his apprenticeship, Fleeming not only gained practical skills but also interacted with diverse social circles, including working-class communities and intellectuals, which shaped his perspectives on social issues and fueled his passion for technical education. An incident during a strike at Fairbairn’s works left a profound impression on him, highlighting the complexities of labor relations.

Fleeming’s intellectual curiosity led him to engage with various subjects, from Greek architectural proportions to marine telegraphy. His work ethic and pursuit of knowledge were evident in his efforts to learn navigation, his explorations into Leonardo’s drawings, and his investigations into Greek architecture with Dr. Bell, demonstrating his multifaceted interests and the intertwining of art and science in his worldview.

A significant chapter of Fleeming’s life unfolded with his engagement to Anne Austin, marking a turning point in his personal and professional journey. Anne, raised in an intellectually stimulating environment by her parents, Alfred and Eliza Barron Austin, represented an ideal match for Fleeming, embodying the qualities he admired and aspired to possess. Their courtship and eventual marriage were characterized by mutual respect, shared intellectual pursuits, and a profound commitment to personal growth and societal contribution.

Fleeming’s professional life was equally transformative. His engagement in marine telegraphy with Messrs. Liddell & Gordon presented new challenges and opportunities, catalyzing his development as an engineer and inventor. Amidst these professional endeavors, Fleeming’s correspondence with Anne offered insights into his thoughts, aspirations, and the joy he found in both his work and their relationship.

This period in Fleeming Jenkin’s life encapsulates his transition from a young apprentice to a seasoned engineer and a devoted partner, highlighting the evolution of his intellectual, professional, and emotional landscapes. Through trials, learning opportunities, and personal connections, Jenkin emerges as a figure of relentless pursuit, embodying the synthesis of technical mastery and humanistic values.