The Poker Club

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For the 2008 film, see The Poker Club (film).

The Poker Club was one of several clubs at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment where many associated with that movement met and exchanged views in a convivial atmosphere.[1]: 110 

History

The Poker Club was created in 1762[1]: 109  out of the ashes of The Select Society.[2]

The Poker was the name given to the Militia Club at its third or fourth meeting. The Militia was formed in Edinburgh to promote the cause of establishing a

fireplace poker
stirs a fire to flame up, The Poker was to "stir up" the militia question.

David Hume could well find the company of The Poker a relief from a skeptical depression – "Most fortunately it happens that since reason is incapable of dispelling these clouds, nature herself suffices to that purpose ... I dine, I play a game of backgammon, I converse, and am merry with my friends; and when after three or four hours amusement, I return to these speculations, they appear so cold, and strain'd, and ridiculous, that I cannot find it in my heart to enter into them any farther."[5]

As to why the club collapsed, Adam Smith said, "Divided counsels and diminished zeal supply, no doubt, the main reason for the decay of the Poker Club," but he also mentioned the rising costs to members.[6]

Membership

The club was said by

claret, and the reckoning
to be called at six o’clock".

The first fifteen members were chosen by nomination, the rest by

black balls to exclude the candidate". A new "preses" (chairman) was chosen at each meeting. There were three office bearers: the Secretary, Sir William Pulteney, the Assassin, Andrew Crosbie and the Assassin’s Assessor, David Hume "without whose assent nothing could be done, so that between "plus" and "minus" there was likely to be no bloodshed".[citation needed
]

The

George Dempster, and Adam Smith
.

See also

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.3366/E1748538X0800023X
    .
  2. ISBN 9781602060418
    .
  3. ISBN 9780436304200
    .
  4. JSTOR 1880860
    .
  5. ISBN 978-0300184860
    .
  6. ISBN 9781602060418
    .
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