Dr Lyon Playfair (1819-1898)
Special Commissioner

Playfair was one of the most distinguished scientists of the Victorian period and devised a way of dividing the Exhibition contents into 30 classes. In the summer of 1850, he helped promote the Exhibition in the British regions when enthusiasm was waning there. With his fellow Special Commissioner, Lientenant-Colonel J.A. Lloyd, he toured the manufacturing towns, liaising with over 300 local committees that had been set up to send material to the Exhibition.

Playfair advised Prince Albert on scientific matters and was actively involved in the promotion of science in education.

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LYON PLAYFAIR

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