Victorian science in context
By: edited by Bernard Lightman.
Contributors: Lightman, Bernard V., 1950-
Publisher: University of Chicago Press; University Of Chicago Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Chicago, Ill
Language: eng
Number of pages: 489
Subjects: Science -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century.; Great Britain -- Social conditions -- 19th century.
Description: Victorians were fascinated by the flood of strange new worlds that science was opening to them. Exotic plants and animals poured into London from all corners of the empire, while revolutionary theories such as the idea that humans might be descended from apes drew crowds to heated debates.

Victorian Science in Context captures the essence of this fascination, charting the many ways in which science influenced and was influenced by the larger Victorian culture. Leading scholars in history, literature, and the history of science explore questions such as, What did science mean to the Victorians? For whom was Victorian science written? What ideological messages did it convey?

The contributors show how the practical side of science, such as the choice of particular instruments an the manner of measurement, indeed the entire laboratory setup, interacted with the social and cultural context to mold Victorian science.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.