Public Understanding of Science: A History of Communicating Scientific Ideas

Between the French Revolution in 1789 and the "Chemists' War" (1914-18) science became culturally and economically vital; seemingly pervasive but also difficult. This book explores how science was disseminated during this period, moving from a time in the late eighteenth century when science was not widely regarded as a necessary tool for investigating the world - to the start of the twentieth century when it was crucial. In the era of political and industrial revolution, preachers, poets, artists, writers and lecturer-performers attracted large publics ready to be convinced of intellectual and social progress made visible through science. Did scientists (itself a nineteenth-century word) have an easily-learned and more widely-applicable method? Who was best at communicating it: scientists, popularizes, or critics? David Knight's fascinating history reveals how the successes and failures of our ancestors help us understand the position science comes to occupy now. Ruefully, scientists seethat "chemical" is a dirty word, and technology is criticized, whilst "alternative" therapies flourish. We now live in a culture of suspicion, where experts are distrusted. Seeing how enthusiasm for science was kindled in the 19th century Age of Science casts light on our current situation. This highly engaging, readable book will be of great interest to scientists and professionals alike, as well as to literary critics and historians; it will be equally accessible to the general reader.

David Knight is Emeritus Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Durham.