Stuff You Missed in History Class SYMHC Classics: Andrew Crosse
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Jan 3, 2026 Explore the intriguing life of Andrew Crosse, a 19th-century scientist whose experiments with electricity led to a media sensation. Discover his childhood curiosities, quirky pranks, and how his passion for science transformed his life. Hear about the strange creatures he accidentally created in his lab and the public's fearful reaction that earned him the nickname 'Wizard of Broomfield.' Delve into the sensationalism of the press and the controversies it sparked, alongside connections to literary giants like Mary Shelley.
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Listener Suggestion Sparks Episode
- The episode's origin came from a listener suggestion and hosts framed Cross's story as a mix of eccentricity and scientific curiosity.
- Tracy B. Wilson and Holly Fry emphasize the episode's lighthearted approach to Crosse's quirky experiments and public reactions.
Home Turned Into Thunderous Laboratory
- Andrew Crosse converted much of Fine Court into an electrical laboratory with jars, wires, and large batteries powering dramatic sparks.
- Visitors reported cannon-like reports and lightning leaping between conductors that frightened neighbors and earned him the nickname "the thunder and lightning man."
Electricity Drives Crystal Formation
- Crosse believed crystal growth in Holwell Cavern suggested an electric cause and began electrocrystallization experiments.
- His work linked electricity to mineral deposition and early electrorefining techniques used by experimenters like Sir Humphry Davy.
