Search

This document is a book review of "Generations of Reason: A Family's Search for Meaning in Post-Newtonian England" by Joan L. Richards. The book explores the struggles of mathematicians in post-Newtonian England as they grappled with the power of reason and its relationship to Anglican doctrine. It focuses on the experiences of individuals such as William Frend, Theophilus Lindsey, and Augustus de Morgan, who were drawn to heterodox beliefs and sought to reconcile reason with their religious convictions. The review highlights the intersections between mathematics, religion, and social reform during this period, and discusses the influence of figures like Franz Joseph Gall and John Elliotson on the family's exploration of phrenology and mesmerism. The author suggests that Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species" can be seen as a representation of the challenges faced by this family of reason. [Extracted from the article]

Focuses on coffee-houses in eighteenth century London, England, as venues for philosophical discourse. Overemphasis on the Royal Society; European context of achievement; Role of patronage culture in the philosophical marketplace; James Hodgson's public lectures.

Features the science exhibit entitled `The King George III Collection' at the Science Museum. Historical background of the exhibits; Political milieu of Great Britain under King George III; Significance of the exhibit.

Experiments in pneumatic chemistry paved the way for medical innovation in the last quarter of the eighteenth century. Thomas Beddoes and James Watt were instrumental in the spread of the use of new gas chemistry in pneumatic therapy, but they were far from alone. There was no shortage of experimental subjects, as the practice was quickly taken up by medics throughout Britain.