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Bishop Samuel Wilberforce of Oxford
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Bishop Samuel Wilberforce of Oxford
Fine lithographic engraving of Samuel Wilberforce (1846) Lord Bishop of Oxford by George Richmond, engraved by Henry Robinson and published by J. Hogarth, London. Samuel Wilberforce, son of William Wilberforce. He was later called Soapy Sam for his habit of wringing his hands while debating. He was an eloquent church member with an interest in science. He was a confident of Sir Richard Owen, and in this capacity he stood against T.H. Huxley in the famous Oxford Debate of 1860. Wilberforce died in a fall from his horse in 1873 and Huxley is said to have quipped too cruelly in a letter to John Tyndall, " For once, reality and his brain came into contact, and the result was fatal"
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Media ID 6344957
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bishop Darwin Evolution Huxley Owen Oxford Debate Religion Samuel Wilberforce Soapy Sam Wilberforce
EDITORS COMMENTS
This lithographic engraving captures Bishop Samuel Wilberforce of Oxford in all his eloquence and intellectual prowess. Created by the talented artist George Richmond and engraved by Henry Robinson, this fine print showcases the distinguished bishop who was known for his habit of wringing his hands while engaging in debates, earning him the nickname "Soapy Sam". As the son of renowned abolitionist William Wilberforce, Samuel followed in his father's footsteps as a passionate advocate for social justice. However, he also possessed a keen interest in science that set him apart from many church members of his time. A close confidant of Sir Richard Owen, Bishop Wilberforce found himself at odds with T. H. Huxley during the famous Oxford Debate of 1860. This clash between two brilliant minds marked a pivotal moment in history as they debated human evolution and its compatibility with religious beliefs. Tragically, Bishop Wilberforce met an untimely demise when he fell from his horse in 1873. It is said that Huxley cruelly remarked to John Tyndall that reality finally caught up with Wilberforce's brain, resulting in fatal consequences. This remarkable artwork not only immortalizes Bishop Samuel Wilberforce but also serves as a testament to the intersection between religion and science during a time of great intellectual exploration and debate.
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