Doctoral Dissertation Research in the History of Science and Technology

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Alice Walters, doctoral student: Dissertation, "Tools of Enlightenment: Scientific Texts and Instruments and the Dissemination of Ideas in Eighteenth-Century Britain." During the 18th century, scientific books and instruments-- tangible objects designed to communicate knowledge about the natural world--acted both as media and merchandise, and did so in remarkably similar ways. Ms. Walters, working under the direction of Professor John Heilbron, is exploiting this fact in her dissertation research which seeks to elucidate the role of both in the dissemination of ideas in 18th century Britain. Ms. Walters distinguishes four functions of books and instruments as media, defined as measuring, modeling, magnifying, and manufacturing, which correspond to four different conceptions of mankind's ability to act on nature. Special emphasis is placed on the active functions, magnification and manufacture. As commodities, books and instruments were produced, advertised, sold, and consumed, frequently by the same individuals for the same reasons. These market activities are examined, with particular attention focused on the many individuals with professional or commercial interests in both books and instruments. Finally, the conceptual and commercial functions of books and instruments are tied together through consideration of the impact of the various commercial activities on the ideas communicated by these objects and their presentation.