The history of sciences and scientific culture in Europe

The role that the history of science and technology can play in the development of a genuine scientific culture in Europe was the subject of a symposium organized in Florence in late 1991. This article summarizes the papers and discussions presented at that meeting, on subjects such as the status of research, the history of science in teaching and its place in the media, scientific, economic and political issues, and above all opportunities for European cooperation in the field.