Abstract

This volume is a brief anthology of the most influential writing by American scientists between 1800 and 1900. Arranged thematically and chronologically to highlight the movement of American science throughout the nineteenth century, from its beginnings in self-taught classification and exploration to the movement towards university education and specialization, this anthology is the first of its kind. Biographies front each section, putting human faces to each time period, and the anthology includes such notable names as Thomas Jefferson and Louis Agassiz. 

“This work reflects a thorough reading of the major sources in the history of science in America. Its preface and introductions present a well-digested summary survey of scientific activity in the United States, and nothing comparable to this collection of primary sources exists. Its focus on the scientists’ own words brings to life the theories, methods, and questions that animated both their own and their contemporaries’ research.” —Donald deB. Beaver, Professor of History of Science, Williams College

“A valuable collection of original source documents on the natural and physical sciences not readily available to scholars and the general public. This anthology expands our understanding of the American contribution to nineteenth-century science, which is often overshadowed by European achievements.” —Alan S. Weber, Premedical Program, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, and editor of ‘Nineteenth-Century Science’

C. R. Resetarits is an essayist, scholar and writer whose work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, including ‘Gender Studies’, ‘Fabula’, ‘Kenyon Review’ and ‘Mississippi Review’. She was a teaching fellow at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and served as associate editor for the ‘Natural Areas Journal’. Her background in American studies and her interest in natural history have combined with her research expertise to bring about the current anthology.

This volume is a brief anthology of the most influential writing by American scientists between 1800 and 1900. Arranged thematically and chronologically to highlight the progression of American science throughout the nineteenth century – from its beginnings in self-taught classification and exploration to the movement towards university education and specialization – it is the first collection of its kind. Each section begins with a biography, putting human faces to each time period, and introducing such notable figures as Thomas Jefferson and Louis Agassiz.