No. 86: june 2008

IsSN: 1751-8261

Contents Science in song Main feature 1 Science in song Melanie Keene considers the yield of the Outreach and Education BSHS grants report 4 project on songs that reflect, satirise and celebrate science. A reception study? 5 Reports of Meetings 6 ‘Oh! have you heard the news of late, reach and Education Committee has been About our great original state; collecting examples of scientific songs from BSHS Postgrad Conference If you have not, I will relate the past two hundred years. Ranging across BSLS The grand Darwinian theory…’ historical periods, geographic locations, musi- Imperial & Colonial Medicine cal and lyrical genres, disciplinary divisions, Wrexham Science Festival How did you first come to hear about the and degrees of expertise, many different theory of evolution? For many children at the cultures have embraced the choral possibili- Reviews 9 end of the 19th century it was through The ties of the natural and technological worlds. ‘Undead controversies’ 10 Scottish Students’ Songbook and John Young’s Encompassing everything from 17th-century scientific song ‘The Grand Darwinian Theory’. ballads on fen drainage to Jingle Bells rewrit- The questionnaire 10 But why was a member of the Perthshire ten as a carol celebrating lipid biochemistry, BSHS news 12 Society of Natural Science writing such lyrics? this diverse array of tunes and lyrics was What is the history of science in song? composed by figures from the well-known News 14 Over the last few months the BSHS Out- Irving Berlin to the rather more mysteriously- Listings 15 BJHS, Viewpoint details 16

Editorial

This issue is again kicked off with an excel- lent leading article, this time by Melanie Keene on ‘scientific’ songs. In this essay she shows that new theories and technologies have often been the subject of songs by both experts and the public, and suggests that these might lead to new ways of reaching the public in the present. Proving that there is a huge public for history of science, John van Wyhe’s contri- bution looks at the extraordinary recep- tion of Darwin Online’s latest release of papers. Current BSHS-supported research is outlined by Stephanie Eichberg, in her report on the papers of the Swiss poly- math Albrecht von Haller. A possible future research project is suggested by Graham Richards: ‘undead controversies’, or scien- tific disputes that fail to follow the usual routes of closure. The subject of the Questionnaire is Frank James, the out-going president, and the issue is completed with reviews, news of the Society and the profession. Contribu- tions to the next issue should be sent to newsletter[a]bshs.org.uk by 15 Aug 2008. ‘There’s a Wireless Station Down in My Heart’ (New York: Broadway Rebekah Higgitt, Editor Music Corp, 1913) – Lewis Music Library, MIT.  Viewpoint No. 86

‘Too Thin, or Darwin’s Little Joke: A Comic vast amount of music that dealt with the age Song’ (New York: William A. Pond, 1874) of atomic warfare, which has been collected – Lester S. Levy collection, Sheridan as a box-set entitled ‘Atomic Platters’. Libraries, permission from Johns Hopkins Songs were also written by those within University Library. the scientific community themselves: many societies – from the eminent Geological to a rather more obscure circle of 1930s Viennese economists who sang about marginal utility on 5th Avenue and the ‘Prince of W(h)ales’. and the business cycle – have included witty The song concluded that ‘the theory Darwin- ditties as almost as essential a component of ian/In my humble poor opinion/Is the only their meetings as readings of papers, or ‘vig- one to clear away the fog’. orous’ intellectual debate. The songs formed Technological innovation provided another part of a sociable culture of fraternal commu- focus of attention for song-writers, as they nities; music-making that cemented bonds celebrated or critiqued the impact of new of shared interests, pursuits, and vocations. inventions. For example, one lyric of August For example, the Cavendish Physical Soci- 1858 hailed ‘The Anglo-Saxon Twins, con- ety’s Post-Prandial Proceedings documented nected by the Atlantic Telegraph’, in lines a continued tradition of song-writing about to be sung to the popular tune of Yankee the subjects and objects of research in the Doodle Dandy: famous Cambridge laboratory, usually rewrit- ing the words to well-known tunes. ‘Ions SUCCESS at last sits, like a crown, Mine’ (to the melody of ‘Clementine’) evoked Upon our work gigantic; the atmosphere of working with elementary Behold the Telegraph laid down particles in 1906: Beneath the broad Atlantic. Yankee doodle, &c. In the dusty lab’ratory, ‘Mid the coils and wax and twine, The cable ‘two thousand miles beneath There the atoms in their glory the sea’ was lauded as facilitating the spread named ‘O’Rangoutang’. (above) From this Ionise and recombine. potential cacophony of clashing subjects, a of a free press and the potential destruction few key themes can be discerned. of despots by the now literally conjoined Scientific theories and heroic personages nations. The last verse acknowledged the themselves have been subject to lyrical inter- scientific understanding of its audience, with pretation, being encapsulated in and commu- a pun on the ‘inclination’ of the lyricist. nicated via a musical medium. Evolutionary At the turn of the 20th century new biology has been the inspiration for a number technologies such as the telephone, electric of these songs; ‘The Grand Darwinian Theory’ lighting, wireless, and, eventually, aeroplanes, made many appearances in a popular music (1878) was just one example that attempted hall culture that defined itself by comic com- to engage its listener in conversation about mentary on modernity and the ‘spirit of the the origins of man. Set to the popular 19th- age’. Titles including ‘Come Take a Trip in My century ditty ‘The King of the Cannibal Airship’, ‘The Lover’s Telegraph’, and ‘There’s Islands’, Young’s lyrics relied on its audience’s a Wireless Station Down in My Heart’ (see p. familiarity with that original subject, punning 1), exploited the inventions of the day but that when eating Victorian delicacies from linked them to traditional romantic topics. For grouse to mutton: ‘What horrible cannibals example, Berlin’s 1912 jaunty cautionary tale we must be,/Devouring the flesh, which warned its young female listeners to ‘Keep may yet become we’? Young’s rather critical Away from the Fellow Who Owns an Automo- and horrified response to the possibility of a bile’. Characterised as ‘a certain flirtin’ man’, the familial relationship with other creatures can chorus counselled that this fellow would ‘take be contrasted with Fred Lyster’s more positive you far in his motor car, Too darn far from your ‘Evolution: An Anthropological Rhyme’ (1885), Pa and Ma’. Once in the car, things could take (right) which pondered the animal character- a dangerous turn: ‘There’s no chance to talk, istics retained by figures in society, from ‘lyin’ squawk or balk, You must kiss him or get out (lion) men at the law courts to ‘pretty ducks’ and walk’! The least said about the sad fate 1. As it was impossible to thank everyone person- of the motorists who appeared in the second ally at the time, the author would like to acknowl- verse the better: after they had run out of ‘Evolution: An Anthropological Rhyme’ edge the help of all those who responded to petrol, the song ended by claiming ‘that (1885)– Lester S. Levy collection, Sheridan her survey last year and offered their wonderful suggestions of songs, many of which appear in they’re walking yet’… Such responses to new Libraries, permission from Johns Hopkins this article. technologies reached its apotheosis in the University Library. Viewpoint No. 86 

Chorus. Oh my darlings! Oh my darlings! anything I wouldn’t synthesize. Oh, and the Oh my darling ions mine! reciprocal of pi to your good wife’), we should You are lost and gone for ever instead teach thermodynamics through song, When just once you recombine! which he then attempted to do by getting Donald Swann to repeat that ‘you can’t pass These songs written for the restricted com- heat from a cooler to a hotter’. This culture of munity of experts often relied on technical didactic scientific singing survives in modern detail and a familiarity with particular scien- universities: at Cambridge, biochemist Ron tific processes: as the Biochemist’s Songbook Laskey has entertained generations of Natural (now in its second edition) hinted with its Science tripos students by unveiling his guitar title, this was really a work for practitioners at the last lecture of term, and by being the only. Anyone else would find the chorus to only person who could get away with rhym- ‘Protein Synthesis’ rather difficult to compre- ing ‘Babbage’ with ‘cabbage’. hend (to be sung to the refrain ‘My Bonnie The success of scientific singing appears Lies Over The Ocean’): to be guaranteed for the 21st century. Contemporary artists continue to draw on Intron and exons science and the history of science for lyrical Changes are posttranscriptional, and all inspiration, such as the Super Furry Animals’ Glycosylations ‘Hermann Loves Pauline’, which chronicled Don’t alter such basics at all the relationship between Albert Einstein’s parents, and name-checked Marie Curie, and Such jargon-laden in-joke humour was an Coldplay’s ‘The Scientist’ and ‘The Speed easy target for satirical mockery; and, indeed, of Sound’. Trawling the internet reveals yet the 19th-century pages of Punch fairly hum ‘Live Wires Rag’ (Chicago: Harold Rossiter, further musical delights, including a selection (if not groan) with songs, covering musical 1910) – Lewis Music Library, MIT. of appropriate odes for ‘Pi day’ (you’ve missed genres from a mathematical madrigal to a it – it was on 14th March, or 3-14), an online canzonet on cosmetics. Though it began by radio station that plays only scientific songs, claiming ‘Ah, science is a lovely thing’, Robert frankly admitted, ‘rehearsals had been few details of how music has been used in school More’s 1843 ‘A Scientific Man’ was far from a and far between’ – the cast was praised classrooms, and even a dedicated Scientific paean to the practice; rather, this comic song for its ‘pleasing willingness of spirit’, which Songwriters’ Association. From the epic (jazz took the form of a lament by ‘Mrs Crucible’, ‘offset’ whatever weaknesses there may have composer Willie Ruff’s electronic realisation who regretted uniting herself with the epony- been ‘in vocal and dramatic talent’. Indeed, of Kepler’s ‘Harmonies of the World’) to the mous philosopher. Lampooning the sup- it can be seen that performances of scien- frankly ridiculous (a German pop setting of posed eccentricities of the obsessive scholar, tific songs were not always exemplary: E.C. Heidegger’s Was Is Sein), myriad possibilities she detailed how he turned her clean house Stoner, a research student at the Cavendish for science in song continue to thrive. into a ‘chemist’s shop’, spoilt her ‘satin dress’ in the twenties, complained of the pianist’s Through this brief survey of the choral with noxious blue substances, kept her up all ‘feeble’ rendition of his song ‘Isotopes’, which culture of science I hope to have demon- night by pacing the attic floor whilst star-gaz- celebrated the 1922 Nobel Prize; and at a later strated how scientific discoveries and ideas ing, scared the children with a steam engine, performance the accompanist was heard to have been a topic of both private and public and even electrocuted Grandmama with a have ‘lost a modulation every time, which was music-making, as well as of fashionable Leyden Jar. She would not, she determined, rather upsetting … and hardly gave the song discussion in railway carriages and lecture recommend such an alliance to her cousin a fair chance’! theatres, at dinner parties and panoramas, in Jane. Sometimes songs were used to bridge the pubs and periodicals. They have been used Works inspired by those peerless satirists, sciences and the arts, demonstrating how as critical responses to new theories and Gilbert and Sullivan, provide almost enough non-experts could come to learn something technologies, as part of a fraternal culture of material for an entire scientific anthology of about technical knowledge. For example, scientific sociability, as didactic mechanisms, their own. Most famously, their ‘Modern Major Flanders and Swann’s comic ‘First and Second and as satirical lyrics to well-known tunes. General’ was the source for Harvard Professor Law’ sent-up the ‘Two Cultures’ debate As well as drawing attention to this per- Tom Lehrer’s ‘The Elements’, just one of his between C.P. Snow and F.R. Leavis. As the haps neglected topic of research, a focus on many humorous songs on scientific themes. song’s introduction stated: ‘One of the great scientific songs points to a way to bring the The Observatory Pinafore had combined these problems in the world today is undoubt- histories of science, medicine, and technol- traditions of sociable entertainment and edly this problem of not being able to talk ogy to new audiences, encouraging them to satire when in 1879 the staff of the Harvard to scientists, because we don’t understand open their ears as well as their minds to our Observatory rewrote HMS Pinafore as ‘the science. They can’t talk to us because they subjects. All aboard HPS Pinafore? attempt of Dr. Leonard Waldo, LL.D., and his don’t understand anything else, poor dears.’ influential men of Providence, to hire away … Michael Flanders suggested that rather Josephine McCormack, peerless circle reader.’ than modify our own language to render it Melanie Keene Upon its eventual performance on New Year’s scientific (a greeting would be something University of Cambridge

Eve, 1929 – for which, the Cambridge Chronicle like ‘Ah, H2SO4 Professor! Don’t synthesize mjk32[a]cam.ac.u  Viewpoint No. 86

BSHS grants

The BSHS grant schemes are running successfully - look out for Viewpoint reports from successful applicants, such as that below.

The British Society for the History of Science attending a BSHS conference. Only student The Society also supports the organisation operates the following grants schemes: members of the Society are eligible. There of conferences and events, but not through * Master’s Degree Bursaries: bursaries of are multiple cycles: candidates should apply these grants schemes. For more details of the £1,000 to support students taking taught by the registration deadline for the relevant support available to conference organisers, Master’s courses in the history of science or conference. see BSHS Support for Events and also our technology. Non-members of the Society are * Special Projects Grants: grants, usually from main Conferences and Outreach webpages. eligible. Deadline: 30 September each year. £50 to £1500 in value, to fund ‘special projects’ All applications should be sent (in enve- * Research Grants: small grants for specific which promote the general aims of the BSHS. lopes marked with the name of the grants research purposes, from £50 to £500. There There are two cycles per year. Only members scheme) to: BSHS Executive Secretary, PO Box are two cycles per year. Only members of the of the Society are eligible. Deadlines: 30 Sep- 3401, Norwich, United Kingdom NR7 7JF Society are eligible. Deadlines: 30 September tember and 31 March each year. Enquiries (only) may be made by email: and 31 March each year. * Care Grants: grants of up to £100 towards execsec[a]bshs.org.uk. * Butler-Eyles Travel Grants: grants of up delegates’ care arrangements during the Lucy Tetlow to £100 to assist with the travel costs of BSHS Annual Conference. BSHS Executive Secretary

Grant report: archival research in Berne

Stephanie Eichberg reports on her grant-supported research on Albrecht van Haller.

Apart from the Haller papers, the HoM grant, without which this fulfilling research Institute holds other treasures, including a week would not have been possible. range of archival sources and literature on the history of psychiatry, pharmaceutics and Stephanie Eichberg hospital practice, as well as a biographical Durham University (CHMD) archive, a collection of images and portraits, stephanie.eichberg[a]durham.ac.uk and a collection of microscopes. As my own current project investigates Haller’s experimental research on the nervous system, based on his orations De Partibus Sen- silibus et Irritabilibus Corporis Humani (1752), the travel to Berne could not have been more rewarding. One well-known member of the Library of the History of Medicine Institute, Berne HoM Institute, Hubert Steinke, whose Berne. published PhD thesis (Irritating Experiments: Haller’s Concept and the European Controversy Anyone interested in the Swiss polymath Al- on Irritability and Sensibility, 1750-90, Clio brecht von Haller (1708-1777), whose prolific Medica 76, 2005) focuses on Haller’s experi- writings cover many aspects of Enlighten- mental research, was particularly helpful and ment science and medicine, must go to his generous in sharing his knowledge, experi- birthplace Berne, Switzerland. The libraries ence and research material on the subject in Berne, in particular the Burgerbibliothek with me. and the library of the History of Medicine For eight days, I browsed through Haller’s (HoM) Institute, hold the majority of his works German, French and Latin writings, selecting, and correspondence. Moreover, from 1990 copying and taking notes from the relevant to 2003, members of this Institute have, in sources. I have altogether collected a vast conjunction with the Burgerbibliothek, as- amount of published and unpublished mate- sessed, indexed, annotated and turned into rial and am now well equipped to get another a database the huge written corpus Studia PhD chapter under way. For this, I have to Halleriana. As a result, historians of 18th-cen- express my gratitude, not only to the team tury science and medicine can now easily at the History of Medicine Institute in Berne, Frontispiece of Albrecht von Haller’s Mem- navigate through Haller’s extensive collection but also to the British Society for the History oires sur la natur sensible et irritable de of writings. of Science for providing me with a research parties du corps animal (1756). Viewpoint No. 86 

A reception study in the making?

John van Wyhe recounts the unprecedented reception of Darwin’s private papers online.

The traffic to the website was unprec- edented. On the 17th the site recorded 7 million hits, bringing the server several times briefly to a standstill. On the 18th there were 8 million hits. On the 17th the site uploaded 1.86 terabytes of data (a terabyte is 1000 gigabytes) which was six times the data uploaded when Darwin’s publications were launched online on 19 October 2006. In total it is estimated that over 20 terabytes of data were uploaded in April. The Google news service blog search fea- ture showed 17,000 hits for blogs discussing ‘Darwin’s papers’ in the first 48 hours. Users A page made hundreds of thousands of searches from within the site’s manuscript catalogue, the Darwin’s first electronic union catalogue of Darwin theoreti- papers around the world (still a work in cal note- progress), and thus found their way into books. the papers. Others browsed through whole volumes – clicking through sequences of hundreds of images – to read and explore. On 17 April 2008 Darwin Online launched Users were also accessing the rest of the of the microfilms. These were then sent to the largest collection of Charles Darwin’s site. On the 17th alone 14,000 copies of the India and commercially scanned and cropped private papers ever published online. In terms pdf version of the 1st edition of Origin of for c. £10,000. The resulting images still of the amount of newly published material, Species were downloaded – and in the month need a lot of work. They arrived back in the the size and variety of the collection and the of April 68,778 copies. This and the other UK named 001.jpeg, 002.jpeg etc. The files overwhelming public interest, the launch downloads show that more copies of Darwin’s needed to be named according to the archive was a historic event in its own right. Never works were distributed in 48 hours than in catalogue. To date just over 10,000 items have before had so much material by and about the whole of the 19th century. been numbered by hand. (We are still looking Charles Darwin been released to the public. Another interesting feature was the large for volunteers to help with this.) To make the The online collection of c. 20,000 items across percentage of traffic from non-English remainder accessible and, importantly, to c. 90,000 electronic images are scans from speaking countries. Hundreds of thousands allow users to move through them without microfilms of thousands of the papers in of referrals were recorded by the site coming needing to go through the catalogue for the Darwin Archive at Cambridge University from translation services like Google and specific items, browseable sequences of en- Library. It is only with the extremely generous Babblefish. tire volumes were created. Hence for Darwin cooperation of Cambridge University Library The collection includes many items readers Archive 226 a single sequence of 781 images that such a release was possible. The words will have heard about or quoted without ever was created all bearing the name DAR226 ‘private papers’ were chosen with care. For a having seen the original manuscripts. Journal- and numbered automatically. start many lay readers would not understand ists like to have a small number of highlighted Many letters from readers were received. ‘manuscripts’ and secondly the collection items to report. In this case it was almost These express gratitude for being able to see includes thousands of printed items, photos impossible to chose any individual items that Darwin’s papers for the first time for free and and maps that belonged or pertain to Darwin. could be representative of such a varied col- excitement at the richness to be explored. The public and media reception exceeded lection. A combination of dramatic, represent- This is encouraging news for the history of all expectations – marking an involvement ative and personal items were chosen. science. While few figures generate as much with the history of science on a global scale. One curious feature of the reporting and fuss as Darwin, the general public is inter- The news was announced via press releases commenting of the site, which was observed ested in accessing and using primary materi- and interviews in most of the national news- when images of Emma Darwin’s diaries were als from the history of science. The possibili- papers and on Radio 4’s Today Programme. launched in March 2007, there were no refer- ties before us for online research and public Following the Today Programme there were ences to the fact that the images are not in engagement with the history of science are four local and regional radio interviews, two colour. This is perhaps the major drawback limitless. on Radio 5, two in Australia and one in Ireland to using scans from microfilms, although and Brazil. Subsequently there was an inter- many online projects use them. They offer, at John van Wyhe view on National Public Radio in America and present, unbeatable value. It would probably University of Cambridge Voice of America radio. Hundreds of newspa- cost several million pounds to scan these ma- jmv21[a]cam.ac.uk pers, magazines and news websites carried terials afresh in colour. The greatest ex pense www.darwin-online.org.uk the story on the 17th and following days. for Darwin Online was actually buying copies Images © Cambridge University Library  Viewpoint No. 86

Reports of meetings

Postgraduate Conference 2008

Katie Taylor reports on a successful meeting in Leeds. leucha veneer (Manchester) assessed contrasting accounts of cognitive relationships to cancer given by Herbert Snow (1847-1931) and Hans Eysenck (1916-1997), and Alice Nicholls (Manchester) introduced her work on the development of The conference intensive care between 1950 and 1995. ‘survivors’ on the Cultural influences were prominent, with final day. several talks addressing the intersection between science and popular culture. Chris Plumb (Manchester) explored the polite par- lour of the 18th century, reconstructing the place of women and their parrots – living and dead – in the production of scientific knowl- edge. Don Leggett’s (Kent) account of the first public display of the marine turbine in 1897, and the ‘cultural measurement of technol- ogy’ that accompanied measurements made by the scientific community, also considered non-experts. Focusing on the 1920s-1930s, Stine Grumsen (Aarhus) traced the inter- Undeterred by heavy snowfall, delegates from Charles Hoy Fort’s ‘excluded’ data (Ian Kidd, relation of popular advertisements and across the globe arrived at the University of Durham). professional debates in the development of Leeds’ Philosophy Department in early Janu- The margins of traditionally well rep- American dentistry, with a colourful presenta- ary for the 2008 BSHS Postgraduate Confer- resented areas were also treated, and the tion drawing heavily on early 20th-century ence. The meeting offered an opportunity for history of medicine panels burst at the toothpaste campaigns. scholars at the start of their academic careers conventional seams. Niels van Manen (York) Several speakers drew on visual and mate- to present and discuss work outside their unearthed the importance of the body-envi- rial, as well as textual, sources. Geoff Belknap home institutions. Professional training was ronment relationship in early 19th-century (Cambridge) explored the function of the emphasised this year, with a talk by Dr Greg medical responses to disease in young photograph in his account of science as Radick on turning conference talks into publi- chimney sweeps’ assistants. Other contri- visualised in The Graphic. Paul Marshall (Man- cations. Additionally, friendships were forged butions offered accounts that stretched chester) offered us a television break, electro- in the course of regular breaks over tea and a well into the 20th century; Joanna Baines mechanical-style, with a demonstration of his blessedly rich array of biscuits. The conference dinner, held in the illustrious surroundings leucha veneer of the Leeds Gentlemen’s Club, also saw high brow conversation, largely in relation to the Grade 1 listed toilets, flowing freely! As in previous years, conference delegates covered diverse topics, beginning with nas- cent agricultural science under Sir Rowland The conference Harry Biffen at Cambridge (Berris Charnley, dinner. Leeds), and finishing with French thermo- dynamics as codified in Gabriel Lippmann’s textbooks (Daniel Mitchell, Oxford). Talks dealt with periods from Late Babylonia (Jen- nifer Gray, Durham) to the Space Age (Ray Macauley, Manchester), and spanned the disciplinary spectrum of ‘science’, broadly construed. Along the way we heard about the Quaker influence on E. B. Tylor’s anthropology (Efram Sera Shriar, Leeds), forayed into public and institutional reactions to British weather (Anna Carlsson, Manchester), and glimpsed Viewpoint No. 86 

replica of the 1920s technology, while Louise of topics as wave-particle theory, physiology century. Indeed, several conference attendees Thorn (Imperial) suggested new perspectives in Oscar Wilde, Oppenheimer, melancholy, commented on the relative dominance of on the presentation of history of science in laughter and the fourth dimension inevita- papers focusing on the 19th century, a matter the museum. This tied into an exhibition of bly produced an array of methodological which is surely worthy of serious considera- objects from planetary slides to galvanom- approaches which somewhat supported tion for the discipline as a whole. eters, put on in addition to the programme of Small’s note that literary criticism is often Saturday kicked off with the third and talks, which whet appetites for the planned perceived to lack a coherent methodology. final plenary, by Steven Connor of Birkbeck Leeds museum of the history of science. What is unclear, however, is whether such College, London, entitled ‘Pregnable of Eye: Many thanks to the BSHS Programmes methodological diversity is the sign of the X-Rays, Vision and Magic’. Connor’s cultural Committee, Leucha Veneer and the local richness of the field or of confusion: certainly history of the X-ray fascinated his audi- organisers for coordinating such a successful the quality of many of the papers given at ence. Indeed, the discussion which followed event. Delegates appreciated the innovative the conference, and the meticulous research generated some interesting revelations on incorporation of aspects of professional train- underpinning them, suggested the former. the relation between scientific knowledge, ing and insights into developments at the A plenary paper given by the physicist cultural representation, and our beliefs about host institution that characterised this year’s Frank Close, ‘The Void: Everything about Noth- the world around us. As one respondent meeting. As well as gaining useful confer- ing’, exploring the problems scientists face in powerfully noted, though we know light rays ence experience, many participants formed thinking about the beginning of the universe, enter our eyes enabling us to see, nonethe- links with students at other institutions, and was informative and presented with panache. less many of us continue to believe that we plans were made to meet again at the widely But much of Close’s delivery also revealed ‘look out’ actively into the world, rather than anticipated Three Societies Conference... see many of the assumptions Small had noted receive its data somewhat passively. Similarly, you in July! literary critics face about the nature of their Connor reminded us that voice coaches often study, and particularly about its contribu- falsely refer to the chest as an empty cavity Katie Taylor tion (or lack thereof) to scientific thought. around which sound may be ‘bounced’. Of University of Cambridge Similarly it revealed assumptions about the course, we all know that our bodies are not kt271[a]cam.ac.uk history of science which instantiated many of empty at all, packed full of tissues and organs. the old ‘two cultures’ myths and suggested But the question is: do we believe it? As such, that they continue to have a pervasive pres- this paper offered a suggestive route through ence within the scientific community. But the methodological quagmire: to what extent British Society for Close’s paper was also fascinating, captivating are older representations of phenomena his audience’s imagination and stimulating transformed through science, and vice versa? Literature and an interesting discussion. A society like the And how do we respond to scientific ‘facts’ BSLS has the potential to subvert some of within our everyday lives? Following some Science conference the assumptions all of us are liable to create poetry readings and another round of panels, regardless of our disciplinary backgrounds, this exceptionally well-organized conference and it is to be hoped that Close’s plenary will The BSLS conference was at- drew to a close – and not without offering mark the beginning of some more fruitful pause for thought on many of the unresolved tended by Adelene Buckland in and self-reflexive discussion between literary tensions which drive such interdisciplinary scholars, practising scientists, science writers, research fields as ‘literature and science’ March. and historians of science. It is particularly to studies. be noted that, at present, the conference is The third meeting of the British Society for overwhelmingly attended by literary scholars, Adelene Buckland Literature and Science, held in beautiful Keele with scientists and particularly historians Cambridge Victorian Studies Group Hall at Keele University, was superbly well- of science grossly under-represented. If a ab732[a]cam.ac.uk organized by Sharon Rustin and took place fledgling field like ‘literature and science’ is on 27th-29th March 2008. Kicking off with to gain authoritative weight, and if the work Helen Small’s plenary lecture ‘The Function of of literary scholars interested in science is leucha veneer Antagonism’ the conference addressed, from to become more rigorous, discussion with the start, questions on the nature of ‘literature historians and scientists must be facilitated at Imagining and and science studies’ and the methodologi- all costs. cal issues such interdisciplinary work might At the conference banquet Ralph Practising Imperial entail. Noting the ways in which literary stud- O’Connor’s excellent Chicago University Press ies is often perceived by both scientists and book The Earth on Show was announced as and Colonial the public as trivial, overly-theoretical and the winner of the first BSLS book prize. The over-specialized, Small went on to argue that book beat off heady competition from a short Medicine, 1870-1960 literary criticism might profit from concern- list which also included Gowan Dawson’s ing itself, once more, with the study of ‘truths’. well-received Darwin, Literature, and Victorian Jennifer Gold was in Oxford Through a series of stunning close poetry Respectability, Jonathan Adams’ Interference to consider the links between readings Small powerfully demonstrated that Patterns, Mark Francis’s Herbert Spencer and the value of literary criticism to science stud- the Invention of Modern Life, Elizabeth Leane’s medicine and empire. ies might lie in its capacity to keep scientific Reading Popular Physics, and James Mussell’s discourse ‘true’ to the provisionality of its Science, Time and Space in the Late Nineteenth- This well-organised three day conference findings. Century Periodical Press. Such a shortlist is drew an international audience with the The nature of interdisciplinary research was testament to the excellent scholarly work expressed aim of challenging the ‘bounda- a talking-point throughout the conference, taking place within this field, and particularly ries defining imperial and colonial medicine’ though papers covering such a diverse range taking place in studies focusing on the 19th in light of contemporary trends in imperial  Viewpoint No. 86

historiography. Hosted by the Wellcome Unit ticular highlights included a wine reception see the stars from my window’) and many for the History of Medicine at St. Anthony’s at the Museum of the History of Science adult visitors were intrigued to find out about College, Oxford – a university setting that (University of Oxford) and a much enjoyed cultural perceptions of astronomy and enter- itself has deep resonances with the history conference dinner in the splendid surround- tainment in the Georgian period. of empire – the 36 papers presented here ings of the Vaults & Garden Restaurant, Later in the day the BSHS Strolling Players across ten sessions mirrored the breadth of University Church. The organising commit- arrived to present another viewing of their the historical research now subsumed under tee and contributors should be commended ‘Death and the City’ plague role play. There the umbrella of the history of imperial and for this stimulating and extremely engaging were several probing questions from the colonial medicine, ranging in substantive conference. audience that tested our witnesses’ claims, content from psychiatry and clinical research particularly Dr Brightwell’s use of expensive to nursing and the legislative regulation of Jennifer Gold remedies. Despite being younger than the disease. University of Cambridge target audience of 11 years and over, some of Understandably perhaps British imperial jmg81[a]cam.ac.uk the children were able to relate to the play’s history dominated the attentions of contribu- content through their existing knowledge tors, but other submitted papers covered – such as reading in a Horrible Histories book medical practices and ideas in contexts that that you should put half a dead pigeon on have been comparatively overlooked by the pestilent buboes. There was a disgusted scholars. Laura Ishiguro (Simon Fraser), for Seeing Stars response to the vivid make-up, once again! example, examined federal government- Both events were warmly supported by funded mission hospitals for Inuit communi- both visitors and event organisers, and we ties in the Canadian Arctic between 1929 and Louise Thorn on the new hope to repeat these activities at other 1935. Similarly, while US national histori- historical astronomy activities forthcoming family days. Further photos ographies have seldom invoked narratives of the ‘Astronomical Amusements’ can be of empire, papers by Paul Sutter (Georgia), at the Wrexham Science Festi- seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ Mariola Espinosa (Southern Illinois) and Jean val, organised by the Outreach 14457166[a]N06/sets/72157604151184799/ Kim (Dartmouth) provided valuable explora- while role-play photos and video can be tions of US medical interventions in Panama, and Education Committee accessed from the ‘Death and the City’ section Cuba and Hawaii around the turn of the of the OEC website: http://www.bshs.org. 20th century. Examining American colonisa- uk/bshs/outreach/death_and_the_city/index. tion through a different set of actors, Sioban The Campaign for Dark Skies (http://www. html. Nelson (Toronto) considered the Rockefeller britastro.org/dark-skies/) would be glad to Foundation’s nursing education programme know that suitable light conditions are keep- from the 1920s to 1950s. Foreign nurses ing astronomy alive and kicking in Wrexham, Louise Thorn brought to North America for training were north-east Wales. The enthusiastic children of Imperial College to serve as advocates for a specific model of the local area provided a responsive audience louise.thorn04[a]imperial.ac.uk health reform upon their return home. for the OEC’s events at the ‘Scientriffic’ Family with thanks to Melanie Keene A number of papers offered further Day back in March. Melanie Keene and myself andOEC members perspectives on recent scholarly attention ran a stall based on Georgian astronomy- to networked conceptualisations of empire themed parlour games. Several hands-on – bringing a welcome recognition of the activities were on offer, such as replicas of the complexity often hidden by core-periphery 1804 ‘Science in Sport’ astronomical board models of medical knowledge and practice. game, complete with counters and tetotum; Robert Perrins (Acadia), for instance, focused a replica 1813 Mogg’s Celestial Sphere (cour- on the inter-personal scientific networks tesy of Katie Taylor and HPS, Cambridge) to be maintained by medical professionals in early- dissected and reassembled; and replica 1824 20th century Southern Manchuria, while Sally ‘Urania’s Mirror’ constellation cards to demon- Wilde (Queensland) discussed transnational strate the patterns and classical myths of the connections through the career biography constellations. On a more sticky note, children of anatomist Archibald Watson. Insight into could also sit down and construct for them- other exciting new avenues of research selves a ‘juvenile transparent solar system’ inquiry was on plentiful display. Sabine out of card, paper, and tissue paper; or (for Clarke’s (Oxford) contribution highlighted the younger children) simply cut out their own dearth of existing studies on the expansion of versions of the ‘Urania’s Mirror’ cards to take colonial scientific research across the British home. Suitable ‘Georgian’ clothing, a colourful crown colonies in the late colonial period, decorated table and a backdrop of relevant with a specific focus on insecticide research imagery helped set the historical scene. directed at disease control (British East Africa, Competing against the lure of noisy pipe 1940-1960). Meanwhile, David Hardiman xylophones, skulls, bubbles, snakes and (Warwick) provided an excellent review of the spiders (luckily I only found out about the growing body of work on indigenous medi- latter at the end of the day), our ‘Astronomical cine in colonial contexts, which was compli- Amusements’ proved to be a draw to many mented by papers on such practices such as children aged 5-12, including some local melanie keene chaulmoogra (Noémi Tousignant, Montréal) Scouts. Several of the participants could relate Wrexham starry table: A selection of and ayurveda (Rachel Berger, Concordia). to the activities through their own astronomi- facsimile Georgian recreational astronomy Aside from the main proceedings, par- cal experiences (‘I live on a mountain and can games to attract our visitors Viewpoint No. 86 

Reviews in Washington. to be a comprehensive biography. Instead Books Bizony’s account is an entertaining and he takes episodes in Eddington’s career and informative one bringing together a good examines them in relation to ‘valence values’ range of sources and oral history interviews. which these demonstrate. This is therefore Piers Bizony, The Man Who Ran It should be said that much of this material is a book making a claim for a certain method the Moon: James Webb, JFK and familiar to historians especially as a propor- in the study of the history of science as well tion of it is based on NASA’s own in-house as being a philosophical account of various the Secret History of Project histories and interviews. As such much of the themes in Eddington’s life. Apollo, Icon Books, 2006, 256 Webb story and certainly the wider history Eddington’s background as a Quaker gave pp., £8.99 of Apollo are well known. For those of us him values of pacifism and internationalism interested in ‘big science’ organisation there is which were demonstrated in his reaction to perhaps not enough detail on the administra- conscription and anti-German feeling during James Webb, a name largely unknown out- tion of NASA, but for a popular science style the First World War. According to Stanley the side space historical circles, was Administrator book there is maybe too much. In addition famous eclipse expedition of 1919 was not (i.e. Director) of the National Aeronautics and some parts of the book, particularly towards a purely scientific affair of an experiment to Space Administration (NASA) throughout the end, feel peripheral to the main story. test General Relativity, but also a rehabilita- most of the Apollo programme. Webb had Nevertheless, Bizony has written a good tion of German science and a demonstration been relegated to a relatively minor position account, especially so for drawing attention of internationalism by Eddington. This was in American space history, despite the fact to the importance of Webb in the history of significant to a British scientific establishment that he managed NASA and led the Apollo NASA and the Apollo programme moon programme from the project’s incep- which regarded Einstein as an enemy alien tion up until 1968. During this time Webb led and his theories with much scepticism. The Matt Godwin a vast multi-site organisation spending vast use of the eclipse expedition and its publi- Lancaster University sums of public money, truly the biggest of cized success, show how Eddington’s values m.godwin[a]lancaster.ac.uk ‘big science’ projects. influenced his science. Stanley calls this a In The Man Who Ran the Moon Piers Bizony ‘value-driven methodology in science’ (p. 240). sets out to provide a biographical account Stanley emphasizes how these values link of Webb with the aim of highlighting his scientific work into general culture. The book neglected role in the Apollo programme Matthew Stanley, Practical is particularly good in giving the cultural which is so often associated only with the Mystic. Religion, Science, and A.S. background to Eddington’s work, specifically, public face of astronauts. Webb was certainly Quakerism, Conscientious Objection, and the an intriguing character. A lawyer by training Eddington, The University of Science-Religion debate in the 1920s and he was adept at political manoeuvring and Chicago Press, 2007, x, 313 pp., 1930s. However, whilst excellently done and more often than not was able to steer NASA with useful references for further reading, successfully against attacks from opponents £22.00 (hb). sometimes there is rather too much back- in Washington. He was a prominent Democrat ground and not enough Eddington! and also a through and through technocrat, Eddington’s values are also demonstrated seeing NASA as an organisation that would in his defence of religious experience against shape and influence American life through its scientific materialism. Eddington went out of educational, industrial, and political impact. his way to write in philosophy journals and As such Webb was especially interested in attend philosophy conferences. His oppo- the academic value of space as evidenced in nents were quick to accuse him of meddling his Sustaining Universities Programme. Some outside his area of expertise and of attacking of these ideas brought Webb into conflict. a ‘billiard-ball materialism’ that had long been In particular Webb clashed with President JF abandoned. His idealist philosophy placed Kennedy who, more interested in the cold equality on both scientific and religious expe- war expediency of getting a man on the rience, a mysticism which put him into high- moon, was not so convinced by the priorities profile conflict with atheists and materialists, accorded to space science. In this way Webb such as Bertrand Russell. This was not helped was not afraid of standing his ground even by his adoption by a conservative religious against the President. establishment as a ‘religious scientist’. Stanley Bizony devotes a large portion of the book shows how Eddington’s scientific work was to Webb’s untimely departure from NASA regarded by him as an extension of his reli- (just one year before the landing of man on gious life. That seeking the truth in astrophys- the moon) which was bound up with the ics was not entirely different to seeking the weakening of his position following a tragic truth of God. accident in January 1967. During a test of the Matthew Stanley is an Assistant Professor at This book is a fascinating account of a dar- Apollo command module a fire broke out the Lyman Briggs College, Michigan and has ing scientist who acted on his beliefs, whose inside the capsule quickly killing the three a distinguished record of publications about philosophy motivated him in every facet of astronauts inside. Although not personally the British astrophysicist Sir Arthur Eddington his life. responsible, the investigation which followed (1882-1944), including in the BJHS (40:53-82). and the criticism arising in consequence, was It is sad that there is not a satisfactory Mark Hurn damaging to Webb’s reputation and led even- biography of Eddington and Stanley would Institute of Astronomy tually to him taking retirement. After NASA be an ideal person to write one. But Stanley University of Cambridge Webb returned to his early career as a lawyer makes clear that he does not intend his book hurnm[a]ast.cam.ac.uk 10 Viewpoint No. 86

Views: ‘Undead controversies’: a suitable case HSTM People: for postgraduate treatment? The Questionnaire Graham Richards suggests a topic worthy of in-depth study. Interview by Patricia Fara.

The management and resolution of scientific factors involved in the emergence of undead controversies has received much attention controversies so prominently in the late 20th in HSTM in recent decades, but a new facet century, and why they resist closure. One can of the issue is now clearly emerging. This is speculate off the top of one’s head about what I call the ‘undead controversy’, a phrase I this but it is a question which really demands have used in relation to the ‘race’ and IQ issue close scholarly scrutiny. We might guess that it (G.Richards, 1997). An undead controversy is has something to do with the massive expan- one in which, despite an overwhelming con- sion of STM as offering careers like any other sensus in the disciplines involved, an illusion and thus attracting a small proportion of is maintained that the issue remains a live people who, for whatever reason, are corrupt- one. The lid of the Latourian ‘black box’ is ible, temperamentally inclined to be hereti- repeatedly prised open. cal, or just fail to grasp the nature of science The two most obvious current examples beyond the restricted specialist skills they are the reality and anthropogenic causes of have qualified in (possibly in quite mediocre global warming and evolution versus ‘Intel- institutions). ‘This is science Isaac, but not as ligent Design’, while the ‘race’ and IQ debate we know it.’ Or again, we might suppose that Who/what first turned you towards the His- also still sputters on. Less prominently there the growing role of large commercial organi- tory of Science, Technology and Medicine? are those in psychiatry and psychotherapy sations, such as the pharmaceutical, oil and I’d always been interested in history, but who continue to insist that homosexuality tobacco industries, as sites and sponsors of the way I was streamed at school meant is pathological over 30 years after its expul- scientific research means they can always find that I ended up doing science. However, sion from the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical somebody with a scientific qualification to the then O-level in Astronomy had a sig- Manual of Mental Disorders). Another case in contest the consensus if they see this as being nificant section devoted to the history of the recent past was the link between smoking in their economic interest. Religious and astronomy. So from an early stage I was and cancer. In all these cases the dissent- ideological lobbies are also, prima facie, obvi- aware that there existed such a subject as ing position demonstrably fails for various ously implicated as well as the mass media. the history of science. Science and I parted reasons. The very position itself may be con- These are though mere guesses at this stage. company in the middle of my second ceptually incoherent, the empirical evidence The different undead controversies have to be year at university when I asked my tutor against is virtually uncontestable, or the entire unravelled on a case by case basis before any whether the reductio ad absurdum method dissenting position being proposed in the general conclusions can be drawn. could not have a third option, and was told service of non-scientific interests and motives. What I am suggesting in this forum then is that would be covered in the final year. Bad In the case of Intelligent Design all three may that, given both its current importance and teaching, but sufficient for me to seek a perhaps be discerned. Albeit tentatively, I the lack of serious attention it has received, different subject which, given my interests thus propose that the ‘undead controversy’ the ‘undead controversy’ phenomenon might and qualifications, meant history of sci- presents a new category of scientific contro- be an ideal topic for postgraduate students ence. Looking back, I think I also see in that versy in which the processes of closure which wishing to embark on HSTM research. It has incident the beginning of my dissatisfac- HSTM has identified apparently fail to work. contemporary relevance, is near virgin terri- tion with science as positive knowledge, What I am curious about is, first, how recent tory, potentially addresses profound contex- and the claim for its special epistemologi- a phenomenon this really is. Leaving aside tual questions, and offers the opportunity cal status as knowledge somehow existing the Flat Earth Society, can we find earlier of exploration of the deeper, as well as most independently of historical contingency or instances? The long endurance of belief recent, past. human agency. in so-called (if inaccurately) ‘Lamarckian inheritance’ of acquired characteristics may What’s your best dinner-table HSTM story? be a candidate, only finally scuppered by the One story that I tell quite often concerns Lysenko affair in the 1950s. Some of the ten- Reference my entry for George Porter in the New ets of Eugenics (such as the effectiveness of G. Richards, ‘Race’, Racism and Psychology: To- Dictionary of Scientific Biography. I had real ‘negative’ eugenic measures like sterilisation) wards a Reflexive History (London: Routledge, problems with the editors over this basi- could provide others. There is also perhaps 1997) cally because they did not understand the a feminist angle here related to the persist- English set-up and I felt they were trying to ence of various scientific myths about female Graham Richards. make Porter into someone that he wasn’t. I physiology. I leave it to readers to ponder on Formerly Professor of History of other possible examples. Psychology, Staffordshire University and protested strongly, and the editors agreed Secondly, and more substantially, an Director of the British Psychological to reinstate everything that they had tried historical analysis is clearly needed of the Society History of Psychology Centre. Viewpoint No. 86 11

The distinguished historian Frank James is just coming to the end of his very successful two-year term as Pres- ident of the British Society for the History of Science, during which he has campaigned for greater public recognition of the Society and its interests. James has spent most of his career at the Royal Institution, where he has been a professor since 2005. He is internation- ally renowned for his research into Michael Faraday, and has recently completed the fifth of his six-volume collection of Faraday’s correspondence, which will contain about four and a half thousand letters, most of them previously unpublished.

to remove – except for explaining sixth form edge out of the laboratory and using it risation, of journal quality, the suspension to an American audience as everyone knew practically has always been and remains very of research leave by the AHRC, and their what it meant from reading Harry Potter. difficult. decision to fund postgraduates through the block grant scheme. This latter may well What has been your best career moment? If you did not work in HSTM, what other have very serious detrimental effects on the I am not sure about best, but there are career might you choose? number of students entering the subject. a number of discoveries that are firmly There are strong similarities between histo- One thing we need to do is for us to develop embedded in my mind in that were it not rians and lawyers – both have to search for the agenda rather than let organisations discouraged in libraries and archives I could evidence, construct a case, cross-examine who have little or no interest in the subject, have danced around the desk at the time. For evidence and so on, but for some reason a but who have the power of resources, to instance, finding 500 Faraday letters in the career in law never appealed to me. dictate it. We have some ideal opportunities Guildhall Library, or finding the Admiralty file over the next couple of years to demon- in the Public Record Office on Lord Dundon- What are your favourite HSTM books? strate the importance of history of science ald’s 1854 proposal to attack Cronstadt using My all time favourite book in the subject is to a variety of audiences: would scientists sulphur ships which was vetoed by Faraday. Henry Roscoe’s autobiography Life & Experi- be getting as excited as they are over the ences (1906). He was a student of Bunsen’s Darwinfest next year were it not for all the Which historical person would you most like (the book is illustrated by a Beatrix Potter scholarship that has gone into Darwin over to meet? drawing showing a mouse sitting by a Bun- the past few decades? Obviously Michael Faraday. Having spent sen burner) and was later Professor of Chem- much of my career working either directly on istry at Manchester. It is beautifully written How do you see the future shape of HSTM? him or on related matters, I still have not got and conveys the atmosphere of what it felt There are a significant number of long term a firm grasp of his character. He was one of to be a chemist in the latter half of the 19th strategic issues which may very well have those people, who still exist, who could make century. At the risk of offending by omission an adverse effect on the subject. There are audiences understand what he was saying at many dear friends and colleagues I always also others related to the Treasury’s obses- the time, even though they were later unable look forward to a new book from David sion with full economic costing that have to provide a coherent account of his views. Knight. He always has something interesting already done significant damage to the I’d like to find out what it was about his and intriguing to say, writes in an engag- subject such as their withdrawal of the Royal make-up that enabled him to exercise such ing manner and seeks a readership beyond Society’s grant towards special projects and influence. academia. It is essential that some, at least, of conferences in HSTM. But nevertheless the us professional practitioners do engage with enthusiasm that I encounter for the subject What should every 16-year-old know about wider publics for the good of the subject as at Postgraduate meetings and the enormous HSTM? a whole. attendance at the forthcoming Three Socie- That scientific knowledge is historically ties meeting in Oxford demonstrates that contingent on a wide range of apparently What would you do to strengthen HSTM as a the subject is intellectually vibrant. That is non-scientific events, matters and interests discipline? our strongest card and so long as we retain beyond the laboratory and the study. And At the moment HSTM is in defensive mode that then I am sure we can work successfully that the process of taking scientific knowl- over issues such as the ranking, sorry catego- to overcome the problems ahead. 12 Viewpoint No. 86

BSHS news

difference if someone is listening. Press service The British Society for the History of Sci- The Society’s subscription to AlphaGalileo has ence now offers a new and exciting opportu- four benefits: nity for its members to actually reach a larger audience. Through the society members 1) All BSHS-related events will be uploaded are now able to advertise their publications, to their calendar to make journalists aware of project and major events at AlphaGalileo, the what is happening in our field largest European press service for journal- 2) Those members who give the Society ists. Unfortunately the Society is not able to permission will be registered at AlphaGalileo’s write press releases for members. But we can experts database giving science journalists upload press releases written by members an easier opportunity to find experts on spe- themselves or in collaboration with university cific fields or questions among the Society’s press officers. members 3) Members can publicise books, major Members in the news projects or events getting an opportunity for Members’ benefit: In the process of turning the Society’s website getting more media attention into a more powerful resource for anyone 4) The Society can upload press releases from taking history of interested in the history of science we are members (e.g. written by local universities’ also offering members the opportunity to press officers) science to a wider announce their appearances in the media. We are interested in getting everything – news- Please send items – both for the ‘members audience paper articles, radio or television appearances in the news’ and the ‘press service’ – to in any language – but the Society has no media[a]bshs.org.uk. means of gathering these stories. Hence, we depend on members forwarding information about their own, students’ or colleagues ap- The Chair of the Communica- pearances in the media. So, don’t be shy. Send Henry Nicholls tion Coordination Committee, us your good stories, preferably with links, BSHS Communications Officer and think about how this will help getting and Peter C. Kjærgaard, Chair of the BSHS Peter C. Kjærgaard, and Com- more attention to the history of science. Fur- Communication Coordination Committee munications Officer, Henry thermore, you will get a welcome opportunity media[a]bshs.org.uk Nicholls, outline the press serv- of seeing what your colleagues are up to. ice available to members.

A new service to BSHS members Historians of science are specialised in writing for an expert audience. But as there is today a great general interest in understanding OEC activites: and learning more about science, technology Wrexham Science and medicine and how they relate to history, Festival (see report culture and society, we should start think- p. 8). ing about how our work could reach a wider audience. One of the ways is to avoid the pitfalls of ‘hyperprofessionalism’, as Steven Shapin warned against a few years ago: self-refer- entiality, self-absorption, and a narrowing of intellectual focus. But it makes little difference if no-one but one’s usual hyperprofessional peers’ notice. We need, more actively, to start thinking about ways in which people could learn about what our colleagues and students do and what we do ourselves. We have a lot to say—and it matters. But it only makes a melanie keene Viewpoint No. 86 13

unpublished essay, based on original research New outreach into any aspect of the history of science, technology or medicine. The Prize is intended mailing list for younger scholars or recent entrants into the profession. The Prize may be awarded to the writer of The Outreach and Education one outstanding essay, or may be awarded Committee launch their to two or more entrants. The Prize will usually be presented at the BSHS annual conference mailing list. and the Society will contribute towards the winner’s travel expenses for attending the A mailing list, BSHS-OEC-NEWS[a]jiscmail. meeting. Publication in the British Journal for ac.uk, has been set up for those interested in the History of Science will be at the discretion hearing the latest news about the activites of of the Editor. Essays on offer or in press are the British Society for the History of Science not be eligible. Outreach and Education Committee. Postings will be infrequent, and will contain General Rules details of events and activities including: Candidates must be registered for a post- graduate degree or have been awarded such *The annual competition (this year - ‘Design- in the two years prior to the closing date. ing Darwin’) Entry is not limited to British nationals. *Public lectures and debates Essays must not exceed 8,000 words Néstor Herran, who attended the 2005 Annual Conference in Leeds, *The Dingle Prize (including footnotes following the style with his commendation certificate *Bursaries for Outreach day at the BSHS and 3 guidelines in the British Journal for the His- showing his Special Commendation in Societies conferences tory of Science), must be fully documented, the Singer Prize competition. *Collaborations with the BA Festival of typewritten with double-line spacing, and Science submitted in English. Use of published and *Pilot projects currently under development unpublished primary material is strongly *Downloadable educational resources for use encouraged, and full and correct use of schol- at home, in schools and museums arly apparatus (eg footnotes) is expected. BSHS on Facebook *One-off nights of history of science-themed Entries (3 copies, stating the number of theatre and music words) should be sent to arrive not later than One of the miriad of groups which members *News of related educational activities in the 15 December 2008. Essays must not bear any of Facebook can now join is the British Soci- international community of historians of sci- reference to the author, either by name or ety for the History of Science. Although not ence, technology, and medicine department; candidates should send a cover- an official BSHS enterprise, this was started in *And much more! ing letter with documentation of their status the wake of the 2008 Postgraduate Confer- and details of any publications. Do not send ence and is administered by Don Leggett of To join the list subscribe to BSHS-OEC-NEWS essays as email attachments. the University of Kent. The group currently on the jiscmail pages at http://www.jiscmail. has 76 members and is ‘open’, meaning that ac.uk/lists/BSHS-OEC-NEWS.html. Entries should be sent to: anyone can join. The page may advertise the Society and its activities to those who might Outreach and Education Committee Ms Lucy Tetlow not otherwise come to hear of it. outreach[a]bshs.org.uk BSHS Executive Secretary The Facebook page is a useful additional PO Box 3401 forum for BSHS news but, unlike the BSHS Norwich website, provides the means to link up with NR7 7JF like-minded individuals and members of simi- lar groups. It may prove an excellent means of Singer Prize Enquiries only to: secretary[a]bshs.org.uk. keeping in contact with ‘conference buddies’ Further information about the prize is avail- as well as sharing more informal news, gossip, Announcing the 2008 BSHS able at www.bshs.org.uk/bshs/prizes/singer_ photographs and useful information. Views prize, including a list of former winners. and expressed here are not, of course, those of the Singer Essay Prize. the titles of the winning essays. BSHS. However, for those of you interested in History of Science 2.0 this is the place to start.

The Prize On behalf of Viviane Quirke Rebekah Higgitt The Singer Prize, of up to £300, is awarded by BSHS Honorary Secretary Newsletter Editor the BSHS every two years to the writer of an secretary[a]bshs.org.uk rnewsletter[a]bshs.org.uk 14 Viewpoint No. 86

News aside. Gordon Teal took over responsibility to Butterfield’s period as Regius Professor The transistor radio for research. He was aware of German patent of Physic at Cambridge, 1976-1987, and the literature and scientific publications and had development of the School of Clinical Medi- turns 60 learned about the Czochralski process of cine. Other records relate to other university growing crystals and doping them with tiny departments, including History and Philoso- impurities. He left Bell Labs for Texas Instru- phy of Science, colleges, sports clubs and the In June 1948, Bell Labs’ research director an- ments where he applied and perfected the NHS. nounced and demonstrated at a press confer- process. In April 1954, he announced the Material relating to the many societies ence in New York transistors being used as a first production-worthy commercial silicon and organisations of which Butterfield was a replacement of vacuum tubes in telephone transistors. member form the largest component of the exchanges, in radio and television receivers. In 1956, William Shockley, John Bardeen archive. In addition there is material relating In the same month, a small laboratory and Walter Brattain shared the Nobel Prize to business of the House of Lords. Official and located near Paris started serial production in Physics “for their researches on semicon- personal correspondence is well represented, of germanium solid state amplifiers. In 1946, ductors and their discovery of the transistor particularly but not only from his period as two German scientists, Herbert Mataré and effect”. In his Nobel lecture Bardeen men- Regius Professor. There is also a significant Heinrich Welker had been recruited by the tioned: “none of us had worked on semicon- record of his relations with patients, and refer- French government to develop production ductors during the war years.” ences and recommendations material. of semiconductor diodes for use as rectifiers In 1953, when Akio Morita signed a licens- Other catalogues recently completed are in radar and telecommunications. Their war- ing agreement, he was told that the amplify- those of the geologist Robert Milner Shack- time experience at Telefunken and Siemens ing capacity of the transistor was sufficient leton (1909-2001) and the physicist Herbert had convinced them that semiconductors only for hearing aids. It took three more years Frölich (1905-1991), whose papers are held could also be developed to amplify audio to develop a functional transistor. In 1957, at the Geological Society of London and signals. Sony launched the TR-63 transistor radio. Liverpool University Library respectively. Cur- Research into the personalities and the rent cataloguing activity includes the papers events leading to the invention of the transis- of the medical geneticist Malcolm Ferguson- tor suggests that Bell Labs’ claims are open Smith, the physiologist and Nobel Laureate to question and that priority of the invention Sir Andrew Huxley, and the physicists Nicho- belongs to Herbert Mataré. las Kurti, Sir WIlliam Mitchell and Sir Joseph Rothblat, also a Nobel peace prize winner. Further reading • Herbert Mataré, ‘An Inventor of the Transis- Text by Rebekah Higgitt based on tor has his Moment’ (New York Times, 24 Feb the NCUACS Progress Report 2003) No. 42, October 2007- March 2008. • Armand Van Domael, ‘The French Transistor’ (IEEE Conference 2004) • www.avandormael.net Notes and Records Armand Van Dormael a.vandormael[a]skynet.be Robert Fox of the Museum for the History of Science in Oxford, is the new editor of Notes and Records of the Royal Society. The journal Herbert Franz Mataré (1912–), co- is likewise taking a new direction, publish- inventor of the “French transistor” ing original research in the area of history of in 1948. NCUACS science, technology and medicine, up to and including the 20th century, while continuing Welker grew the germanium crystals; The National Cataloguing Unit for the Ar- to welcome submissions on its traditional Mataré carried out the tests and the measure- chives of Contemporary Scientists at the Uni- themes of the Royal Society and its Fellows. ments. The first semiconductors providing versity of Bath have posted their most recent Notes and Records is now published four adequate amplification were obtained in progress report at www.bath.ac.uk/ncuacs. times a year - in March, June, September and June 1948. Manufacturing started immedi- One of the most interesting collections December. Themed issues appear on a regular ately. Total production was acquired by the for which the cataloguing has been com- basis; the March 2008 issue was ‘Techni- telecommunications laboratories and the pleted is that of the medical researcher and cians’ edited by Professor Rob Iliffe. Further military. Despite the positive and promis- administrator John Butterfield (1920-2000), details can be found at http://publishing. ing results, when the French government whose papers were deposited in Cambridge royalsociety.org/notes. To submit an article go launched its nuclear power program, the University Library by Lady Butterfield in 2004 to http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/nrrs or semiconductor project was scrapped and and 2005. contact note[a]royalsociety.org. the invention consigned to oblivion. In 2003, The collection is substantial, covering the Notes and Records has a delayed open The New York Times was the first to bring this period 1945-2000. Personal papers include access policy. This means that all online episode of the post-war period to public long sequences of engagement diaries, mes- content more than one year old (from 2001) attention. sage books and notebooks. The last series, is currently free online. Readers can also After the announcement of its invention, running from 1968 to 2000, are particularly arrange for a 60 days free trial online access for several years nothing was heard of the Bell important, recording research ideas, plans, to current issues of Notes and Records or Labs transistor. Shockley and Bardeen left the personal reflections and drafts. request a free print sample copy by contact- company in anger. Their theories were put An extensive part of the archive relates ing trial[a]publishing.royalsociety.org. Viewpoint No. 86 15

Listings Conferences land, Brisbane, Australia. tion form on the website of the Science Photo An international symposium focusing on the Library (www.sciencephoto.com). The SPL Chasing Eden: Nature, Health and the Politics changing function and format of personal deal with commercial picture supply but for of Environment notebooks. academic, personal and non-profit use please 4-5 Sep 2008, Eden Project/Exeter University Conference website: www.neer.arts.uwa.edu. contact the RAS librarian, Peter Hingley, Cornwall Campus. au/theme_symposium_2008. directly (pdh[a]ras.org.uk). Seeks to encourage a conversation between Scientific Voyaging: Histories and historians of politics and historians of science, Announcements medicine and environment on environmental Comparisons 8-10 July 2008, National Maritime Museum. politics in the 19th and 20th centuries. Professor Graeme Gooday A three-day international interdisciplinary See www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~eden2008/. Graeme Gooday has been promoted to Pro- conference exploring relations between mari- fessor of the History of Science and Technol- History of Science Society Annual Conference time exploration and the sciences in the pe- ogy at the Department of Philosophy in the 6-9 Nov 2008, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. riod from the 17th century to the large-scale University of Leeds. He was also awarded a Following meeting: 18-22 Nov 2009, Phoenix, scientific expeditions of the 19th century. Higher Education Academy National Teaching Arizona. See www.hssonline.org. See www.nmm.ac.uk/conferences. Fellowship for 2007-2010. Institute of Physics, History of Science Group Winner of 2008 Edelstein Award The Rayleigh Laboratories (half-day meeting) Prizes The Division of the History of Chemistry 17 Jul 2008, IoP, 76 Portland Place, London William T. Stearn Student Essay Prize of the American Chemical Society (HIST) W1B 1NT. Further information at www.iop. The Society for the History of Natural History announces that Sir John Shipley Rowlinson, org/activity/groups/subject/hp/Events/page_ will award the prize to the best original, a Fellow of Exeter College at Oxford, has 29202.html. unpublished essay in the history of natural been selected to receive the 2008 Sidney M. history by an undergraduate or postgraduate International Society for Cultural History Edelstein Award for Outstanding Achieve- student. The winner will receive £300 and the 28-31 Aug 2008, Ghent University, Belgium. ment in the History of Chemistry. Rowlinson winning essay will normally be published in Orientations: this conference will address a was chosen from a group of international the journal Archives of Natural History. series of fundamental questions about the nominees “because of the breadth and qual- Deadline: 30 June 2008. recent impact and the near future of diverse ity of his research publications in the history Details and entry form at www.shnh.org. forms of cultural history. of physical chemistry and his contributions See www.abdn.ac.uk/isch/ for further details. over the last three decades to the devel- Web opment of the history of chemistry at the Notebooks and Note-takers: da Vinci to University of Oxford”. See http://www.scs.uiuc. Darwin Royal Astronomical Society historical images edu/~mainzv/HIST/awards/edelstein.php for 17-19 Jul 2008, The State Library of Queens- Many are now available online in low resolu- further information. BSHS Conferences Third Annual Conference on Science and the Public (BSHS-sponsored). Victoria Baths, Manchester, UK, 21-22 June 2008.

Sixth Joint Meeting of the BSHS, CHSPS and HSS Keble College, Oxford, UK, 4-6 July 2008.

BSHS Postgraduate Conference Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine University of Manchester, 7-9 January 2009.

The BSHS Postgraduate Conference takes place annually and has both an academic and a social purpose: to provide postgraduates with an opportunity to meet each other, to share ideas and experiences, and to give early conference papers in a friendly and support- ive environment. Each conference is organised entirely by postgraduates, and provides an ideal opportunity to meet fellow researchers and gain valuable early conference experience. Researchers in all areas of the history of science, technology and medicine are welcome to attend and give papers, and it is expected that the conference will be attended by a sizable minority of overseas postgraduates. The conference forms an essential part of the annual timetable for postgraduate researchers working within the broad fields of the history of medicine, science and technology, and the overlapping boundaries between the three fields. It often acts as an essential introduction into the academic world for early researchers, with many presenters discussing their work only three months into their project to a friendly audience. The conference is not only restricted to science but actively welcomes medical topics. The call for papers will be announced in late summer. The organizing committee is Anna Carlsson, James Farry, Ian Miller, Ray Macau- ley, Alice Nicholls, Christopher Plumb, Rachael Russell, Melissa Smith. Further information about the conference and venue can be found at www.chstm.manchester.ac.uk and www.bshs.org.uk/bshs/conferences. Enquiries can be sent to bshs2009[a]googlemail.com. www.bshs.org.uk/bshs/conferences 16 Viewpoint No. 86

The British Journal for the History of Science In September BJHS will contain a selection from the following, plus reviews:

• Russell Smith, ‘Optical reflection and mechanical rebound: the shift from analogy to axiomatization in the seven- teenth century. Part 2’ • Elizabeth Hedrick, ‘Romancing the salve: Sir Kenelm Digby and the powder of sympathy’ • Peter Heering, ‘The enlightened microscope: re-enactment and analysis of projections with eighteenth-century solar microscopes’

• Terje Brundtland, ‘From medicine to natural philosophy: Francis Hauksbee’s way to the air-pump’ • Nick Wilding, ‘The return of Thomas Salusbury’s Life of Galileo (1664)’ • Elizabeth Cavicchi, ‘A witness account of solar microscope projections: collective acts integrating across personal and historical memory’

For online access follow the links from www.bshs.org.uk/bshs/publications/bjhs/

Viewpoint: the Newsletter of the BSHS

Contributions All contributions and correspondence should be sent to the Editor, Dr Rebekah Higgitt, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, newsletter[a]bshs.org.uk. Electronic communication is preferred. Viewpoint is issued three times a year – in February, June and October. The next issue will be in October 2008 and the deadline for copy is 15th August 2008.

Circulation Enquiries about circulation should be sent to the Executive Secretary, British Society for the History of Sci- ence, PO Box 3401, Norwich, NR7 7JF, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1603 858947; execsec[a]bshs.org.uk. Viewpoint is free to BSHS members and is priced £10.00 a year (three issues) for non-members.

Advertisements The Editor will consider advertisements regarding new appointments but, as a general rule, other advertisements are not printed in this publication. However, for an appropriate charge, leaflets advertising suitable events, publications etc. can be sent out with Viewpoint, subject to size and postage restrictions: full details are available from the BSHS Executive Secretary; execsec[a]bshs.org.uk.

Copyright © The British Society for the History of Science Ltd. 2008. Extracts not exceeding the equivalent of a normal paragraph may be repro- duced elsewhere providing acknowledgement is given to Viewpoint: the Newsletter of the British Society for the History of Science.

Disclaimer Any views expressed in Viewpoint are those of the Editor or named contributor and not those of the council or membership of the BSHS. Every effort is made to provide accurate information, but no responsibility is accepted by the Editor or Council for omissions or errors.

The British Society for the History of Science

All enquiries to the Executive Secretary, British Society for the History of Science, PO Box 3401, Norwich, NR7 7JF, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1603 858947; execsec[a]bshs.org.uk.

You can join online, paying by credit or debit card at www.bshs.org.uk/bshs/join_the_bshs. Alternatively you can download a direct debit mandate form.

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