Thomas Christie

Deciding that he was more interested in literature and science, Christie studied medicine independently and then matriculated at the Westminster General Dispensary in London in 1784.

At the same time, he began writing a series of articles on natural history for the Gentleman's Magazine and became friends with its editor, John Nichols.

In 1788 Christie and Joseph Johnson founded the highly influential Analytical Review, a periodical dedicated to open inquiry.

His reply, Letters on the Revolution in France and the New Constitution, described his impressions of Paris and provided a contrast to Burke's depiction of it as lawless and violent.

On 9 September 1792 Christie married a Miss Thomson and entered into a partnership with her grandfather's successful London carpet manufacturing business.