The Patrons

Those patronizing the coffeehouses of eighteenth century London were merchants and artisans of differing wealth and status in search of a good time, information, business connections, and new mechanical instruments.

The patrons came to see the displays of pyrotechnics and water works, and would actively seek lecturers that had dazzling displays and intricate machines.  The merchants enjoyed the opportunity to understand Newtonian physics.  The coffeehouse also let the patrons network with other merchants with the same business interests.  The wealthier patrons of the coffeehouse often searched for practical devices such as the water pump to purchase to use in mines or for irrigational purposes.

Thus there were a variety of patrons in the coffeehouses due to its many attractions, but there were also those that disliked the coffeehouse.  The most amusing opponents of the coffeehouses were the wives of the patrons.  In The Women’s Petition Against Coffee they complain that the coffee makes the men impotent and reduces their libido.