1754-Born August 21st Auchinleck Ayrshire.

1777-Entered the engineering firm of Matthew Boulton and James Watt in their Soho works at Birmingham.

1779-Sent to Cornwall to superintend the fitting of Watts steam engines.

At his home in Redruth Cornwall he experimented in distilling coal.

1792-By producing coal gas in large iron retorts and conveying it 70 feet through metal pipes, he lighted his Redruth cottage and offices with gas.

1799-After returning to Birmingham he perfected further practical methods for making, storing, and purifying gas.

1802-Part of the Soho factory's exterior was lighted with gas to celebrate the Peace of Amiens.

1803-The factory interior was lighted by gas.

Other places nearby, such as the Phillips and Lee cotton mill, began to use gas lighting.

1808-Murdock read a paper before the Royal Society detailing his discovery.

1839-Died November 15th Birmingham Warwickshire.