The Naturalist in Britain: A Social History (Princeton Paperbacks)

At once a major resource for historians of science and an excellent introduction to natural history for the general reader, David Allen's The Naturalist in Britain established a precedent for investigating natural history as a social phenomenon. Here the author traces the evolution of natural history from the seventeenth to the early twentieth centuries, from the "herbalizings" of apprentice apothecaries to the establishment of national reserves and international societies to the emergence of natural history as an organized discipline. Along the way he describes the role of scientific ideas, popular fashion, religious motivations, literary influences, the increase of leisure time and disposable income, and the tendency of like-minded persons to form clubs. His comprehensive and entertaining discussion creates a vibrant portrait of a scientific movement inextricably woven into a particular culture. Frontmatter List of Plates (page xi) List of Illustrations (page xiii) Preface (1994) (page xv) Preface to the First Edition (page xvii) Chapter One Organization Begins (page 3) Chapter Two The Rise to Fashion (page 22) Chapter Three Wonders of the Past (page 45) Chapter Four The Victorian Setting (page 64) Chapter Five The Fruits of Efficiency (page 83) Chapter Six Exploring the Fringes (page 108) Chapter Seven Deadlier Weapons (page 126) Chapter Eight The Field Club (page 142) Chapter Nine The Parting of the Ways (page 158) Chapter Ten Dispersed Efforts (page 175) Chapter Eleven Recovery on the Coasts (page 186) Chapter Twelve An Infusion of Mobility (page 202) Chapter Thirteen A Break for Play (page 220) Chapter Fourteen The Eventual Combining (page 227) Notes on Sources (page 245) Index (page 257) "At once a major resource for historians of science and an excellent introduction to natural history for the general reader, David Allen's The Naturalist in Britain established a precedent for investigating natural history as a social phenomenon. Here the author traces the evolution of natural history from the seventeenth to the early twentieth centuries, from the "herbalizings" of apprentice apothecaries to the establishment of national reserves and international societies to the emergence of natural history as an organized discipline."--BOOK JACKET Organization Begins -- The Rise To Fashion -- Wonders Of The Past -- The Victorian Setting -- The Fruits Of Efficiency -- Exploring The Fringes -- Deadlier Weapons -- The Field Club -- The Parting Of The Ways -- Dispersed Efforts -- Recovery On The Coasts -- An Infusion Of Mobility -- A Break For Play -- The Eventual Combining. David Elliston Allen. Originally Published: London : A. Lane. 1976. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Offers an introduction to natural history for the general reader. This title establishes a precedent for investigating natural history as a social phenomenon. It traces the evolution of natural history from the seventeenth to the early twentieth centuries.