Correspondence networks and the Royal Society, 1700–1750

Dados Bibliográficos

ID8049360
AutoresAndrea Rusnock (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, autor correspondente)
Ano1999
Volume32
Fascículo2
Páginas155-169
Data de publicação1999-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe British Journal for the History of Science (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0007-0874 • E-ISSN: 1474-001X
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s000708749900357x
PMID11623838
OpenAlexW2154141551
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas22

The Royal Society in the eighteenth century cuts a poor figure in comparison with its robust parent of the seventeenth century. Contemporary satirists and modern historians alike have found little to recommend the weak and well-padded institution. After Newton's death in 1727, it was no longer the centre for natural philosophy, and even during his tenure as President the Society did not escape censure. Fascination with monstrous curiosities and antiquarian puzzles replaced serious scientific work, according to various detractors. Recently scholars have begun to re-evaluate this caricature and point to the myriad ways in which the Society cultivated natural philosophy and natural history during the eighteenth century. This essay focuses on one of the Society's frequently overlooked strengths: its extensive correspondence

Institution · Natural Philosophy · Historical Philosophy and Science · History of Science and Medicine · History of Science and Natural History