DOCSLIB.ORG

Leibniz’S Correspondence in Science, Technology and Medicine (1676 –1701)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Leibniz’S Correspondence in Science, Technology and Medicine (1676 –1701) [Title page] Leibniz’s Correspondence in Science, Technology And Medicine (1676 –1701) Core Themes and Core Texts James G. O’Hara Contents Preface Acknowledgements List of Illustrations or Plates Introduction: Core Themes 1) Biographical Background (1676 –1701) 2) Mathematics 3) Natural Philosophy Dynamics Vis Viva 4) Physics The Pneumatic Engine Theory of Matter, Elasticity, Sound and Acoustics, Strength of Materials Terrestrial Magnetism Meteorology Astronomy and Celestial Mechanics Resisting Media and Motion in Resisting Media Optics: Theories of Light: Newton and Huygens Catoptrics, Dioptrics and Optical Instruments Microscopy 5) Energy Conversion, Transmission, and Storage. Power Technology Mining in the Harz Mountains Transport and Transportation The Steam Pump and Steam Engine Other Enginery 6) Engineering Ballistae – Military Engines and Engineering Civil Engineering: Urban Water Supply, Garden Design and Architecture Engineering Manufactories Process or Chemical Engineering Engineering Science: Mechanics of Fluids 7) Projects Calculating Machines Steganography and Cryptography Military-Related Projects (Submarines, et similia) Economic and Techno-Economic Projects The Organization of Science and Education 8) Alchemy and Chemistry 9) Earth Sciences: Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology and Ethnography, Etymology 10) Biology and Life Sciences 11) Medicine: Anatomy, Physiology Pathology, Therapeutics, Pharmacology Epidemiology, Demography The Medical Profession, Mathematization and Rationalization The Correspondence: Core Texts Chapter 1 (1676 –June1683) Biographical Background (1676–June 1683) Mathematics Natural Philosophy and Physics Technology: Mining in the Harz District Projects: Calculating Machines Techno-Economic Projects Projects: The Organization of Science Alchemy and Chemistry Geology, Mineralogy and Paleontology Medicine Chapter 2 (July1683–1690) Biographical Background (1683–1690) Mathematics: Infinitesimal Calculus and other Issues Natural Philosophy Physics: Celestial Mechanics, Mechanics, Acoustics, Optics and sundry topics Technology: Mining and Power Technology Ballistae – Military Engines and Engineering Engineering Science Projects: Economics and Administration Alchemy and Chemistry Geology, Mineralogy and Paleontology Biology and Medicine Chapter 3 (1691–1693) Biographical Background (1691–1693) Infinitesimal Calculus and other Mathematics Natural Philosophy and Dynamics Physics: Celestial and Terrestrial Mechanics Physics: Optics Engineering Science: Hydromechanics and Mechanics of Fluids Projects: Calculating Machines and Cryptography Projects: Experiments with Submersible Vessels Techno-Economic Projects Projects: The Organization of Science Medicine Chapter4 (1694–June 1696) Biographical Background (1694 – June 1696) Infinitesimal Calculus and other Mathematics Dynamics and Natural Philosophy Physics: Celestial Mechanics, Gravitation Physics: Optics Power Technology and Mining Engineering Engineering: Ballistae, Military Engines Projects: Mathematical Instruments and Calculating Machines Projects: Submersibles, Diving Vessels and Navigation Projects: Economics and Trade Projects: The Organization of Science and Education Medicine and Res Medica Chapter 5 (July 1696–1698) Biographical Background (July 1696 – 1698) Mathematics: The Brachistochrone and Isoperimetric Problems Mathematics: The Priority Dispute Mathematics: Criticism of the Differential Calculus Mathematics: Mathematical Textbooks and Sundry topics Natural Philosophy: The Controversy with Papin about “Vis Viva” and “Actio” Physics: Optics Power Technology Civil Engineering, Garden Design and Architecture Other Engineering Enterprises Process or Chemical Engineering Projects: Cryptography Projects: Brandy Distillation Alchemy and Chemistry Paleontology and Earth History Biology Medicine Chapter 6 (1699–1701) Biographical Background (1699–1701) Mathematics Natural Philosophy Physics Astronomy and Calendar Reform Power Technology Engineering: Manufactories Projects: Calculating Machines Projects: the Berlin Society of Sciences and the Organization of Science Alchemy Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, and Ethnography, Etymology Biology Medicine Conclusion Epilog: Core Theses and Conclusion The Ten Theses 1) The Field of Mathematics 2) The Field of Natural Philosophy 3) The Field of Physics 4) Energy, Power Technology, Mining, Transportation 5) Engineering and Engineering Science 6) The World of Projects and Projectors 7) The Fields of Alchemy and Chemistry 8) Geology, Mineralogy, and Paleontology 9) The Fields of Biology and the Life Sciences 10) The Field of Medicine Conclusion and Concluding Thesis Name Index Subject Index Bibliography (Works Cited) Preface Leibniz’s correspondence in mathematics, science and technology is being edited and published in Series III of the German Academy Edition of all of his writings and letters.1 The first volume of the third series covering the period of Leibniz’s sojourn in Paris (1672-1676) was edited by Joseph Ehrenfried Hofmann (1900-1973) and published posthumously in 1976 and in a revised form in 1988.2 Hofmann was a scholar – whose specialist interest was the development of Leibniz’s infinitesimal calculus during the Paris period – and the author of Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Leibnizschen Mathematik während des Aufenthaltes in Paris (1672- 1676), published in 19493, and of Leibniz in Paris 1672-1676 –his growth to mathematical maturity, published in 1974 and reprinted in 2008.4 The overriding interest in mathematics in the first volume of the series meant that the systematic presentation of Leibniz’s correspondence in science, technology – a term that was used for the first time in the modern sense more than 60 years after Leibniz’s death – and medicine only began with the publication of the second volume in 1987 which covered Leibniz’s first years in Hannover from 1676 to 1679.5 Subsequent volumes of the series then appeared in 1991, 1995, 2003, 2004, 2011 and 2015, covering Leibniz’s life to the year 1701.6 The present work aims to present in English central themes and central texts from Leibniz’s correspondence in science, technology and medicine derived mainly from the first eight volumes of Series III of the Academy Edition. Chapter 1 presents key texts published (for the most part) in the first three volumes of the series. Each one of the following five chapters (Chapters 2 to 6) then presents texts published 1 Academy Edition (A) = G. W. Leibniz, Sämtliche Schriften und Briefe, published by the Prussian (Preußische) later German (deutsche), and most recently Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences (Berlin- Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften) together with the Academy of Sciences in Göttingen (Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen), Darmstadt (later Leipzig, most recently Berlin), 1923ff. To date (end of 2020) about 60 volumes in 7 series (I-IV, VI-VIII) have been published (cf. http://www.leibnizedition.de ). 2 A III,1 = Academy Edition, ser. III, vol. 1. 3 J. E. Hofmann, Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Leibnizschen Mathematik während des Aufenthaltes in Paris (1672-1676), Munich, 1949. 4 J. E. Hofmann, Leibniz in Paris 1672-1676 – his growth to mathematical maturity, London and New York, 1974 and 2008 (reprint). 5 A III,2. 6 A III,3-8. (again for the most part) in a specific volume of the series (volumes 4 through 8). The author of the present work (writing here in the third person) has coedited the texts of (and coauthored the introductions to) the latter five volumes. The ideas and interpretations presented here in the introduction and in the text presentations are however the outcome of the joint editorial ‘spadework’ undertaken in cooperation with a range of former colleagues over a period of twenty six years spent at the ‘Leibniz-Archiv’, the editorial and research center at the ‘Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Bibliothek’, the State Library of the German federal state of Lower Saxony, in Hannover. A play on words, a pun around the German word ‘Band’ (meaning volume), gave rise within the editorial team to the designation ‘bandleader’ (or ‘band’ leader) for the most senior colleague working on a particular volume. In this vein then, mention must be made here of the ‘band leaders’ whose ideas and interpretations find expression in the present work (albeit in the translation by the author), namely Herbert Breger (Volume 3), Heinz- Jürgen Heß (Volumes 2, 4, 5 and 6), and Charlotte Wahl (Volume 8). The author of the present work then had the honor to act as a ‘big band leader’ for Volume 7 (with more than 1000 printed pages) covering the period of the greatest density of Leibniz’s correspondence in mathematics, science and technology, namely July 1696 to December 1698. Besides the ideas and interpretations of the ‘band leaders’ referred to, those of other former colleagues who worked on the volumes of Series III may possibly also be found in the present work, namely Ralf Krömer and Heike Sefrin-Weis (Volume 7) and Uwe Mayer (Volume 8). If the play on words or pun around the German word ‘Band’ be applied to the present volume, then the author must surely be seen in his role as a ‘broad band leader’ and architect of a volume in which there is a shift away from a predominance of mathematics with scientific subject areas now becoming more prevalent. While mathematics retains its pivotal position in many respects, nine other scientific or scholarly subject areas have been identified and included alongside mathematics. The present ‘broad band’ represents as it were a decathlon
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Steam Engines
    Evolving Design Steam Engines Tetsuo Tomiyama ([email protected]) 1 Intelligent Mechanical Systems, Bio-Mechanical Engineering Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Overview • A Small Question • History of Thermodynamics • Steam Engines • Thomas Newcomen • James Watt • After Watt • Improvements • Steam Cars • Steam Locomotives • Steamboats • Exam 2008 Wb3110: Steam Engines 2 ©2011 Tetsuo Tomiyama Which is the Oldest? • MIT 1861 • Second Law of Thermodynamics 1850 Rudolf Julius Emanuel Clausius (1822-1888) • TU Delft 1842 Wb3110: Steam Engines 3 ©2011 Tetsuo Tomiyama Definition of Mechanical Engineering • “To Build and Run a Steam Engine!” • (Unofficial Version@ME MIT) Wb3110: Steam Engines 4 ©2011 Tetsuo Tomiyama History of Thermodynamics • 1660: Robert Boyle Boyle's Law • 1712: Thomas Newcomen • 1741: École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussés • 1765: James Watt (Only the Idea) • 1770: Steam Car • 1776: James Watt (The Engine), Steamboat • 1794: Ecole Polytechnique • 1804: Steam Locomotive • 1824: Sadi Carnot, Carnot Cycle • 1842: TU Delft Wb3110: Steam Engines 5 ©2011 Tetsuo Tomiyama History of Thermodynamics • 1843: James Joule, Mechanical Equivalent of Heat • 1847: Hermann von Helmholtz, Definitive Statement of the First Law of Thermodynamics • 1849: William John Macquorn Rankine, Saturated Vapor Table (Pressure and Temperature) • 1850: Rudolf Clausius, The Second Law of Thermodynamics • 1851: Thomson an Alternative Statement of the Second Law • 1854: Clausius, Found dQ/T, but Did Not Name It • 1854: Rankine, Entropy
    [Show full text]
  • The Mechanical Career of Councillor Orffyreus, Confidence
    The mechanical career of Councillor Orffyreus, confidence man Alejandro Jenkins∗ High Energy Physics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4350, USA and Escuela de F´ısica, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501-2060 San Jos´e, Costa Rica (Dated: Jan. 2013, last revised Mar. 2013; to appear in Am. J. Phys. 81) In the early 18th century, J. E. E. Bessler, known as Orffyreus, constructed several wheels that he claimed could keep turning forever, powered only by gravity. He never revealed the details of his invention, but he conducted demonstrations (with the machine’s inner workings covered) that persuaded competent observers that he might have discovered the secret of perpetual motion. Among Bessler’s defenders were Gottfried Leibniz, Johann Bernoulli, Professor Willem ’s Gravesande of Leiden University (who wrote to Isaac Newton on the subject), and Prince Karl, ruler of the German state of Hesse-Kassel. We review Bessler’s work, placing it within the context of the intellectual debates of the time about mechanical conservation laws and the (im)possibility of perpetual motion. We also mention Bessler’s long career as a confidence man, the details of which were discussed in popular 19th-century German publications, but have remained unfamiliar to authors in other languages. Keywords: perpetual motion, early modern science, vis viva controversy, scientific fraud PACS: 01.65.+g, 45.20.dg I. INTRODUCTION The perpetual motion devices whose drawings add mystery to the pages of the more effusive encyclopedias do not work either. Nor do the metaphysical and theological theories that customarily declare who we are and what manner of thing the world is.
    [Show full text]
  • Vacuum in the 17Th Century and Onward the Beginning of Experimental Sciences Donald M
    HISTORY CORNER A SHORT HISTORY: VACUUM IN THE 17TH CENTURY AND ONWARD THE BEGINNING OF Experimental SCIENCES Donald M. Mattox, Management Plus Inc., Albuquerque, N.M. acuum as defined as a space with nothing in it (“perfect Early Vacuum Equipment vacuum”) was debated by the early Greek philosophers. The early period of vacuum technology may be taken as the V The saying “Nature abhors a vacuum” (horror vacui) is gener- 1640s to the 1850s. In the 1850s, invention of the platinum- ally attributed to Aristotle (Athens ~350 BC). Aristotle argued to-metal seal and improved vacuum pumping technology al- that vacuum was logically impossible. Plato (Aristotle’s teach- lowed the beginning of widespread studies of glow discharges er) argued against there being such a thing as a vacuum since using “Geissler tubes”[6]. Invention of the incandescent lamp “nothing” cannot be said to exist. Hero (Heron) of Alexandria in the 1850s provided the incentive for development of indus- (Roman Egypt) attempted using experimental techniques to trial scale vacuum technology[7]. create a vacuum (~50 AD) but his attempts failed although he did invent the first steam engine (“Heron’s steam engine”) and Single-stroke Mercury-piston Vacuum Pump “Heron’s fountain,” often used in teaching hydraulics. Hero It was the latter part of 1641 that Gasparo Berti demonstrated wrote extensively about siphons in his book Pneumatica and his water manometer, which consisted of a lead pipe about 10 noted that there was a maximum height to which a siphon can meters tall with a glass flask cemented to the top of the pipe “lift” water.
    [Show full text]
  • Blois Et Denis Papin »
    Focus sur enis apin Il y a trois cents ans, un illustre blésois rend son dernier souffle en Angleterre après avoir parcouru l’Europe, et surtout après « En ce qui regarde le seul gouvernement avoir contribué à l’une des inventions majeures du XVIIIe siècle : la machine de l’eau vaporisée, qu’ont fait les successeurs à vapeur. Du haut de l’escalier de Papin sinon d’agencer, de modifier plus éponyme, Denis Papin contemple heureusement ce qu’il a trouvé ? Qui donc aujourd’hui le territoire qui l’a vu est l’inventeur, le vrai, le réel inventeur ? La naître. Une sœur jumelle pour la postérité a répondu : un Français, un Blésois, statue de Blois Denis Papin. » Le dimanche 16 janvier 1887, a lieu dans la cour principale du Conservatoire Sa vie, son œuvre national des arts et métiers, à Paris, Le Service Ville d’art et d’histoire de la Ville de Blois organise Louis de la Saussaye Né en 1647, en région blaisoise, probablement dans la commune l’inauguration de la statue de Denis Papin. Sur toute l’année des visites guidées dont « Blois et Denis Papin ». 1869 de Chitenay, Denis Papin est un savant marqué par la méthode l’initiative du directeur du Conservatoire, monsieur Laussedat, une Pour plus d’informations : Blois Ville d’Art et d’Histoire Château royal de Blois cartésienne. Inventeur ingénieux, il met facilement ses théories en souscription a été ouverte par la Chambre syndicale parisienne des tél : 02 54 90 33 32 mécaniciens, chaudronniers et fondeurs. Il s’agit d’une copie de www.blois.fr rubrique « Découvrir Blois » puis « Histoire » Place du château application.
    [Show full text]
  • The Invention of the Steam Engine
    The Invention of the Steam Engine by Rochelle Forrester Copyright © 2019 Rochelle Forrester All Rights Reserved The moral right of the author has been asserted Anyone may reproduce all or any part of this paper without the permission of the author so long as a full acknowledgement of the source of the reproduced material is made. Second Edition Published 30 September 2019 Preface This paper was written in order to examine the order of discovery of significant developments in the history of the steam engine. It is part of my efforts to put the study of social and cultural history and social change on a scientific basis capable of rational analysis and understanding. This has resulted in a hard copy book How Change Happens: A Theory of Philosophy of History, Social Change and ​ Cultural Evolution and a website How Change Happens Rochelle Forrester’s Social Change, Cultural ​ ​ Evolution and Philosophy of History website. There are also philosophy of history papers such as The ​ ​ Course of History, The Scientific Study of History, Guttman Scale Analysis and its use to explain ​ ​ ​ ​ Cultural Evolution and Social Change and the Philosophy of History and papers on Academia.edu, ​ ​ ​ Figshare, Mendeley, Vixra, Phil Papers, Humanities Common and Social Science Research Network ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ websites. This paper is part of a series on the History of Science and Technology. Other papers in the series are The Invention of Stone Tools Fire The Discovery of Agriculture The Invention of Pottery ​ History of Metallurgy The Development of Agriculture
    [Show full text]
  • The Steam Engine in England and France
    Master’s Thesis 2016 30 ECTS School of Economics and Business The spark that ignited the Industrial Revolution An examination of the institutions surrounding the development of the steam engine in England and France Joshua Bragg Development and Natural Resource Economics Contents Preface and Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Research Questions ............................................................................................................................. 5 Why did England dominate steam engine development and not France? ..................................... 6 Journey into Great Economic Mysteries ............................................................................................. 6 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Energy Canyons ................................................................................................................................... 8 The Sources of Economic Growth ....................................................................................................... 8 The Mystery of Economic Growth ..................................................................................................... 10 Endogenous Growth
    [Show full text]
  • Experimental Philosophers and Public Demonstrators in Augustan England
    13 J B)HS, 1995, 28, 131-56 Who did the work? Experimental philosophers and public demonstrators in Augustan England STEPHEN PUMFREY* The growth of modern science has been accompanied by the growth of professionalization. We can unquestionably speak of professional science since the nineteenth century, although historians dispute about where, when and how much. It is much more problematic and anachronistic to do so of the late seventeenth century, despite the familiar view that the period saw the origin of modern experimental science. This paper explores the broad implications of that problem. One area of scientific activity, public science lecturing and demonstrating, certainly produced its first professionals in the period 1660-1730. This was a period which Geoffrey Holmes called 'Augustan England', and which he found to be marked by the expansion of many of the professions.1 Swollen lower ranks of physicians, civil servants and teachers crowded onto the ladder up to gentility, and even solicitors achieved respectability. Alongside these established types the professional scientist, such as the public lecturer, was a novelty. Later, in the high Georgian era, a small army of men like Stephen Demainbray and Benjamin Martin made recognized if precarious livings from public experimentation, but the first generation pioneers were entering new and risky territory. As Larry Stewart has shown, 'the rise of public science' was a successful social and economic transformation of the highest significance in the history of science which was part of what has been called England's commercial revolution.2 We are accustomed to think of early, pioneering professionals like Robert Hooke, Francis Hauksbee or Denis Papin as 'notable scientists'.
    [Show full text]
  • Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the Humanist Agenda and the Scientific Method
    3237827: M.Sc. Dissertation Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the humanist agenda and the scientific method Kundan Misra A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Research), University of New South Wales School of Mathematics and Statistics Faculty of Science University of New South Wales Submitted August 2011 Changes completed September 2012 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Misra First name: Kundan Other name/s: n/a Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: MSc School: Mathematics and Statistics Faculty: Science Title: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the humanist agenda and the scientific method Abstract 350 words maximum: Modernity began in Leibniz’s lifetime, arguably, and due to the efforts of a group of philosopher-scientists of which Leibniz was one of the most significant active contributors. Leibniz invented machines and developed the calculus. He was a force for peace, and industrial and cultural development through his work as a diplomat and correspondence with leaders across Europe, and in Russia and China. With Leibniz, science became a means for improving human living conditions. For Leibniz, science must begin with the “God’s eye view” and begin with an understanding of how the Creator would have designed the universe. Accordingly, Leibniz advocated the a priori method of scientific discovery, including the use of intellectual constructions or artifices. He defended the usefulness and success of these methods against detractors. While cognizant of Baconian empiricism, Leibniz found that an unbalanced emphasis on experiment left the investigator short of conclusions on efficient causes.
    [Show full text]
  • European Steamboats Prior to The
    222 Scientific American SEPTEMBER 25, 1909. to the exercise of the profession of a civil engineer. He The engine was horizontal, and the reciprocating mo­ EUROPEAN STEAMBOATS PRIOR obtained patents for several improvements in the steam tion of the piston was converted into rotary motion by engine, and deSigned a steam carriage, which in 1786 means of "a ratchet' gear acting upon a spur wheel upon TO THE "CLERMONT." he submitted to several learned and scientific men in the main driving axle. ------,-._..... HI Edinburgh. Here he met Patrick Miller of Dalswin­ ....__ - ____ ton, a wealthy banker, who informed Symington that AMERICAN STEAMBOATS PRIOR TO THE "CLERMONT." As in America, so in Europe, the quarter of a cen­ h'l had "spent much time in making experim ents as (Concluded. from page 219.) tury preceding the successful inauguration of steam­ to the propelling of vessels upon water by using Council, after a trip on the Delaware, were so greatly boat service on �he Hudson River was a period of wheels in place of sails or oars. These �heels he pleased as to present Fitch with a suit of colors for his extraordinary interest among inventors in the possi­ had put in motion, applying the strength of men to boat. bilities of steamboat navigation, during which a great the turning of a handle or winch." Symington told The new venture was now ready for commercial amount of thought and experimental work was devoted Miller that he believed a steam engine might be con­ exploitation. A schedule of sailing dates and fares to the development of a successful steam-driven ves­ structed for the purpose, and he proposed that favorite was drawn up, and during the following three months sel.
    [Show full text]
  • Translating Early Modern Science
    Translating Early Modern Science Sietske Fransen, Niall Hodson, and Karl A.E. Enenkel - 978-90-04-34926-1 Downloaded from Brill.com02/23/2021 02:30:39PM via free access Intersections Interdisciplinary Studies in Early Modern Culture General Editor Karl A.E. Enenkel (Chair of Medieval and Neo-Latin Literature Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster e-mail: kenen_01@uni_muenster.de) Editorial Board W. van Anrooij (University of Leiden) W. de Boer (Miami University) Chr. Göttler (University of Bern) J.L. de Jong (University of Groningen) W.S. Melion (Emory University) R. Seidel (Goethe University Frankfurt am Main) P.J. Smith (University of Leiden) J. Thompson (Queen’s University Belfast) A. Traninger (Freie Universität Berlin) C. Zittel (University of Stuttgart) C. Zwierlein (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) VOLUME 51 – 2017 The titles published in this series are listed at brill.com/inte Sietske Fransen, Niall Hodson, and Karl A.E. Enenkel - 978-90-04-34926-1 Downloaded from Brill.com02/23/2021 02:30:39PM via free access Translating Early Modern Science Edited by Sietske Fransen Niall Hodson Karl A.E. Enenkel LEIDEN | BOSTON Sietske Fransen, Niall Hodson, and Karl A.E. Enenkel - 978-90-04-34926-1 Downloaded from Brill.com02/23/2021 02:30:39PM via free access Cover illustration: Adriaen Lommelin, frontispiece of Noël de Berlaimont, Dictionariolum et colloquia octo linguarum, Latinae, Gallicae, Belgicae, Teutonicae, Hispanicae, Italicae, Anglicae et Portugallicae (Antwerp, Hendrick Aertsen: 1662). Engraving. The Hague, Koninklijke Bibliotheek. Image © Koninklijke Bibliotheek. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Fransen, Sietske, editor. | Hodson, Niall, editor. | Enenkel, K. A. E., editor.
    [Show full text]
  • Leibniz, in the Best of Company
    LEIBNIZ, IN THE BEST OF COMPANY Insights into correspondence with 8 personalities 000I0 3 Leibniz, in the best Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) was a tireless Interesting insights in the life and work of one of the of company writer of letters. A fact demonstrated by some 20,000 most prominent scientists and universal scholars of his letters from and to about 1,300 correspondents with time can be gained, for example, from the exchange of whom he was in contact across the globe. The Gottfried letters with the following eight eminent contemporaries: Wilhelm Leibniz Bibliothek (GWLB), part of the Nieder- Queen Sophia Charlotte, Sir Isaac Newton, Czar Peter I, sächsische Landesbibliothek (Lower Saxony State Library), Baruch de Spinoza, Electress Sophia, Emperor Kangxi, houses the lion’s share of his extensive legacy. Denis Papin and Princess Caroline. UNESCO accepted the Leibniz correspondence into To see and listen to three letters and a memorandum the Memory of the World Register in August 2007 as a penned by Leibniz, please visit: ‘unique testimony of the European republic of scholars www.wissen.hannover.de/leibniz in its transition from Baroque to the early Enlighten - ment’. 00I00 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in Hannover 5 For Leibniz, Hannover was a blessing and a curse Europe as a scientist, philosopher and science organ - at the same time. iser he was unable to permanently settle in Vienna, Paris or London. Leibniz died after a short illness on “Every morning he (Leibniz) would travel past my 14 November 1716 in his apartment in the Schmiede- parents’ house to the court, because every time his straße in Hannover and was buried on 14 December in large jet black wig caught my eye (...).
    [Show full text]
  • 17. Engineering Empires: Chaps 1–2 1. Cultural History of Technology
    17. Engineering Empires: Chaps 1–2 1. Cultural History of Technology Whig history "...the history of the winning side, valuing the past only where it matches, or approaches, the present, and all but ignoring the 'failures', 'dead-ends' or paths not taken, except where they stand as salutary reminders of the extent of human folly, nurtured by arrogance or fashion". (MS05, pg. viii.) "A central aim of our book... is to highlight the cultural contingencies which shaped the varied technologies of empire in the long 19th century [~1760–WWII]." (MS05, pg. ix.) history of technology Cultural history = history of science of technology cultural history Types of history of technology: (i) Popularized accounts: "...the inexorable march of material technological progress; the individual triumph over adversity and the forces of conservatism; and the moralized life of the engineering 'visionary', outside—and yet ahead of—his (always his) time." (ii) Economic accounts: quantitative analyses of technologies based on "economic impact". (iii) Antiquarian accounts: "Internal", detail-specific accounts, as opposed to "external" accounts of broader meanings or patterns of use. Cultural history = "the study of the construction (or production) and the dissemination (or reproduction) of meanings in varying historical and cultural settings." Is there a distinction between "technology" and "culture"? • Does technology produce culture, or does culture produce technology? "...we might instead prefer to see 'technology' and 'culture' in simultaneous reciprocal transformation—each involved in the other's production and each conferring meaning on the other." (MS05, pg. 5.) "We accept, therefore, historical contingency rather than assuming the inevitable success of certain projects or technologies, especially those subsequently found to have been 'successful', in some sense, in the long term." (MS05, pg.
    [Show full text]