The Natural Sciences and American Scientists in the Revolutionary Era: A Bibliography

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The years 1760 to 1789 mark the political birth of the United States; simultaneously, an emancipation of American scientific endeavour from the influence of England and Europe was taking place. This is especially evident in the area of natural sciences - the growing frontiers and population of America opened a up vast areas to scientific scrutiny. This extensive bibliography commemorates the scholarship that was published in many forms by and about Revolutionary American science from 1760 through the 20th century. Part one of Kataline Harkanyi's work provides an overview of the natural sciences in the Revolutionary Era. Comprehensive and general sources are listed in the fields of "natural history" (botany, zoology, agriculture, and geology), "natural philosophy" (mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, surveying, engineering, and architecture), and medicine (dentistry, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine). Included are journals, documents, biographies, bibliographies, histories, orations, and even travel journals and diaries which create a framework for the study of Revolutionary American science. The second part of this bibliography is devoted to the scientists themselves: the men and women who wrote partial or specific studies. This section of the book shows that these early Americans were capable of remarkable investigations into the natural world, rivalling their European contemporaries. Here are listed the scientists, their extant monographic works, and studies written about them from their age into the 20th century. Appendices include scientific firsts and special achievements of Revolutionary Americans and a list of scientists arranged by discipline. This book will be a useful guide for historians and scientists, as well as inquiring general readers, who want to know more about the early growth of American science.

Reviews

Addresses the scholarship by and about Revolutionary American science published from 1760 through the 20th century. Part one covers the sources (including journals, documents, biographies, bibliographies, histories, orations, travel journals, diaries), arranged by scientific field. The second part, devoted to the scientists themselves, lists the scientists, their extant monographic works, and studies written about them from their age into the present century.-Reference & Research Book News
"Addresses the scholarship by and about Revolutionary American science published from 1760 through the 20th century. Part one covers the sources (including journals, documents, biographies, bibliographies, histories, orations, travel journals, diaries), arranged by scientific field. The second part, devoted to the scientists themselves, lists the scientists, their extant monographic works, and studies written about them from their age into the present century."-Reference & Research Book News

Author Bio

KATALIN HARKANYI is a Science Reference Librarian and Chemistry, Energy, and Engineering Subject Bibliographer at San Diego State University. In addition to academic degrees in chemistry and library science, she has special and public library experience. Mrs. Harkanyi is member of SLA, ASEE, History of Science Society, History of Technology Society, and Beta Phi Mu, the International Library Science Honor Fraternity. She has also published a number of bibliographies, including The Aztecs, Chemistry, and Sunbeams and Solar Energy, and she co-authored an article published in Library Resources and Technical Services.