Early modern science

Abstract

This is an account of knowledge of the natural world in Europe, ca. 1500-1700. Referred to as the Scientific Revolution, this period saw major transformations in various fields such as anatomy, astronomy & natural history.

Contents

Introduction : the age of the new / Katharine Park and Lorraine Daston -- Pt. I. The new nature. Physics and foundations / Daniel Garber -- Scientific explanation from formal causes to laws of nature / Lynn S. Joy -- The meanings of experience / Peter Dear -- Proof and persuasion / R.W. Serjeantson -- Pt. II. Personae and sites of natural knowledge. The man of science / Steven Shapin -- Women of natural knowledge / Londa Schiebinger -- Markets, piazzas, and villages / William Eamon -- Homes and households / Alix Cooper -- Libraries and lecture halls / Anthony Grafton -- Courts and academies / Bruce T. Moran -- Anatomy theaters, botanical gardens, and natural history collections / Paula Findlen -- Laboratories / Pamela H. Smith -- Sites of military science and technology / Kelly Devries -- Coffeehouses and print shops / Adrian Johns -- Networks of travel, correspondence, and exchange / Steven J. Harris -- Pt. III. Dividing the study of nature. Natural philosophy / Ann Blair -- Medicine / Harold J. Cook -- Natural history / Paula Findlen -- Cosmography / Klaus A. Vogel -- From alchemy to "chymistry" / William R. Newman -- Magic / Brian P. Copenhaver -- Astrology / H. Darrel Rutkin -- Astronomy / William Donahue -- Acoustics and optics / Paolo Mancosu -- Mechanics / Domenico Bertoloni Meli -- The mechanical arts / Jim Bennett -- Pure mathematics / Kirsti Andersen and Henk J.M. Bos Pt. IV. Cultural meanings of natural knowledge. Religion / Rivka Feldhay -- Literature / Mary Baine Campbell -- Art / Carmen Niekrasz and Claudia Swan -- Gender / Dorinda Outram -- European expansion and self-definition / Klaus A. Vogel.