A bit of blatant "self" promotion, in the spirit of inclusive fitness - but I frankly found the whole thing fascinating.
>From Anthem Press http://www.anthempress.com/index.php/an-anthology-of-nineteenth-century-american-science-writing.html American Science in the 19th century lagged behind Europe but was certainly not without it luminaries and its lasting contributions, especially in the Natural Sciences. The impact of American scientists grew throughout the period and set the stage for the tremendous explosion of American science in the 20th century. Have you have ever lectured on the history of your particular area of Biology, perhaps bringing up such luminaries as Wilson, Say, Rafinesque, Leidy, Gray, Dana, Forbes, Marsh, Wright, Cope, Agassiz, and Cowles, or wondered about American contributions to the development of other areas of science, such as Mathematics, Geology, Physics, Navigation, and Meteorology? Have you wondered about who these people really were and their place in American Science? Have you ever had the opportunity to read their original works? Then this work should be on your bookshelf. An Anthology of Nineteenth-Century American Science Writing Edited by C. R. Resetarits About This Book 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. 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 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
