Public Understanding of Science: A History of Communicating Scientific Ideas (Routledge Studies in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine)

Answering questions such as whether the interesting parts of science be conveyed in sermons, poems, pictures and journalism, Knight explores the history of science to show how the successes and failures of our ancestors can help us understand the position science comes to occupy now. Between The French Revolution In 1789 And The 'chemists' War' (1914-18), Science Became Culturally And Economically Vital; Seemingly Pervasive But Also Difficult. This Book Explores How Science Was Disseminated During This Period, Moving From A Time In The Late Eighteenth Century When Science Was Not Widely Regarded As A Necessary Tool For Investigating The World To The Start Of The Twentieth Century, When It Was Crucial. In The Era Of Political And Industrial Revolution, Preachers, Poets, Artists, Writers And Lecturer-performers Attracted Large Publics Ready To Be Convinced Of Intellectual And Social Progress Made Visible Through Science. Did Scientists (a Nineteenth-century Word) Have An Easily Learned And More Widely Applicable Method? Who Was Best At Communicating It: Scientists, Popularisers Or Critics? David Knight's History Reveals How The Successes And Failures Of Our Ancestors Help Us Understand The Position Science Comes To Occupy Now.--jacket. Understanding -- God's Clockworld -- Holding Forth -- Poetry, Metaphor, And Algebra -- Picturing Science -- Ballyhoo -- Display -- Travel -- Imagining -- Science Gossip -- Suspending Judgement -- Classical Physics -- Promoters And Popularisers. David Knight. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [197]-227) And Index. Examining sources and case studies, this fascinating book explores early Christianity, how it was studied, how it is studied now, and how Judaeo-Christian values came to form the ideological bedrock of modern western culture. Looking at the diverse source materials available, from the earliest New Testament texts and the complex treaties of third century authors such as Lactantius, to archaeology, epigraphy and papyrology, the book examines what is needed to study the subject, what materials were available, how useful they were, and how the study of the subject may be approached. Also including a comprehensive guide for students that lists major collections of literary and non-literary sources, major journals and series, and major text books