This tool fills an important gap for all science collections. Choice

Biographical Dictionary of American Science: The Seventeenth Through the Nineteenth Centuries

Elliott, Clark A.

Science & Math

Greenwood

This collection of original historical essays examines aspects of the relationship between science and the nation's oldest academic institution. This is history as viewed from the varying perspectives of a group of scholars for whom science at Harvard University is a significant component of their ongoing research. Thus, the essays are of specialist interest, while collectively the volume is a case study of science in an institutional setting. In conducting their research, the authors have used a wealth of primary sources from the Harvard Archives and other repositories.The volume opens with a thematic introduction by Margaret Rossiter reflecting the picture of Harvard science drawn in the several papers in the volume, while suggesting ways in which a study of Harvard relates to and illuminates the history of science in America.The subsequent papers follow a generally chronological sequence, beginning with Sara Schechner Genuth's study of attitudes toward comets in relation to early Harvard University programs and functions. Mary Ann James examines the beginnings of applied science at Harvard, and Bruce Sinclair continues that theme with a comparative study of MIT and Harvard.Toby Appel's paper on zoologist Jeffries Wyman identifies the special part that personal character plays in institutional history. Curtis Hinsley concentrates on facilities and shows how the Peabody Museum gave rise to teaching in anthropology. David Livingstone's biographical treatment of Nathaniel S. Shaler reveals a number of intellectual strands running through the University in the late nineteenth century, and John Parascandola's paper on L. J. Henderson likewise deals with a figure of wide influence and many interests, ranging from biochemistry to sociology. The latter topic leads to Lawrence Nichols's account of the rise of sociology at Harvard. A view of the internal tensions within psychology are seen in Rodney Triplet's study of Henry A. Murray.I. Bernard Cohen examines the relations among Howard Aiken, IBM, and Harvard in the development of the Mark I computer, while Peggy Kidwell studies the Observatory community during World War II and its response to national defense and a developing federal support system.Finally, Clark Elliott considers the history of Harvard science as a field for study through a review of published literature and archival sources and makes suggestions for further investigation.

Science At Harvard University: Historical Perspectives

Biographies & Memoirs

Professionals & Academics

Lehigh University Press

Thaddeus William Harris first made his living as a physician and for many years thereafter as Harvard librarian. He also taught natural history in Harvard College--Henry David Thoreau was one of his students--but his desire for a full-time professorship was never realized. He is chiefly remembered as a naturalist and is generally considered the "founder of applied entomology" in the United States. His historical reputation is linked to his Treatise on Some of the Insects Injurious to Vegetation. Going beyond the Treatise and examining Harris's life through his correspondence, reveals a picture that is more complex than his traditional reputation would suggest. In addition to a review of his familial and scientific origins, the author explores how Harris tried to build a scientific career, and looks at his work as an academic librarian. His research and writing per se is examined. While his work on insects as agricultural pests is well-known, in the 1830s Harris prepared the earliest systematic listing and classification of American insects. Most importantly, in his more specialized studies, he became interested in nocturnal Lepidoptera (moths), a group not much studied in America at the time. Here, Harris brought to bear his great knowledge of life histories of insects that was so germane to his agricultural effort, as well as some innovative uses of wing vein patterns, as aids to taxonomy. The book discusses his publishing strategies for scientific and popular work and his relations to individuals and organizations in the scientific community. Harris's well-formulated views on correct personal and communal conduct in natural history presents the context for a consideration of scientific practice in his era. The study also delves into his political and religious beliefs and his attitudes to the natural world and how these related to his scientific program.

Thaddeus William Harris 1795-1856: Nature, Science, and Society in the Life of an American Naturalist

Biological Sciences

Lehigh Univ Pr

Thaddeus William Harris first made his living as a physician and for many years thereafter as Harvard librarian. He also taught natural history in Harvard College―Henry David Thoreau was one of his students―but his desire for a full-time professorship was never realized. He is chiefly remembered as a naturalist and is generally considered the 'founder of applied entomology' in the United States. His historical reputation is linked to his Treatise on Some of the Insects Injurious to Vegetation. Going beyond the Treatise and examining Harris's life through his correspondence, reveals a picture that is more complex than his traditional reputation would suggest. In addition to a review of his familial and scientific origins, the author explores how Harris tried to build a scientific career, and looks at his work as an academic librarian. His research and writing per se is examined. While his work on insects as agricultural pests is well-known, in the 1830s Harris prepared the earliest systematic listing and classification of American insects. Most importantly, in his more specialized studies, he became interested in nocturnal Lepidoptera (moths), a group not much studied in America at the time. Here, Harris brought to bear his great knowledge of life histories of insects that was so germane to his agricultural effort, as well as some innovative uses of wing vein patterns, as aids to taxonomy. The book discusses his publishing strategies for scientific and popular work and his relations to individuals and organizations in the scientific community. Harris's well-formulated views on correct personal and communal conduct in natural history presents the context for a consideration of scientific practice in his era. The study also delves into his political and religious beliefs and his attitudes to the natural world and how these related to his scientific program.

Thaddeus William Harris (1795-1856): Nature, Science, and Society in the Life of an American Naturalist

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Elliott, Clark A.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Elliott, Clark A.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Elliott, Clark A.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Biographical Dictionary of American Science: The Seventeenth Through the Nineteenth Centuries

Science At Harvard University: Historical Perspectives

Thaddeus William Harris 1795-1856: Nature, Science, and Society in the Life of an American Naturalist

Thaddeus William Harris (1795-1856): Nature, Science, and Society in the Life of an American Naturalist