By Robert V Bruce
Synopsis: This is a broad study of the emergence of American science in the second half of the nineteenth century. During this period, science became increasingly professionalized through the establishment of associations such as the National Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This period also saw the expansion of opportunities for scientific education and of science-related employment in the government and corporate spheres. America’s economic expansion and the rise of technology were intertwined with the increasing prominence and organization of science during the period of this study. This book includes a discussion of the role of the Smithsonian and its founding Secretary, Joseph Henry,in shaping American science.
Winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for History
Published: 1987 | ISBN-10: 0394553942
LA Times Book Review
New England Quarterly Book Review
NYTimes Book Review
[Image Credit: http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=acls;idno=heb00622 ]
Science Book a Day 