Galileo made claims that had significant implications for moral and social order in early modern Europe. We often consider his work, as well as the work of many early modern astronomers, when we think of why there was a shift in people’s thinking about the physical world and its relationship to a divine system.
There were many other new understandings that emerged during this era, however. People’s observations of many aspects of the physical world brought “scientific” inquiry into many aspects of life in the immediate world in which people lived. Astronomers dealt in using mathematical principles to understand larger, organizational ideas – but people applied similar thinking about uncovering the mechanisms behind the world at all levels. This week, I would like you to take a look at some of the other experimentation and investigation being done in other “disciplines.”
First, choose one “scientific” figure from the lists below — there area more than a few links below regarding different individuals. Choose one person and one of their major works. For example, Maria Merian and Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium.
Next, Read over the document. Look closely at the introduction and the main arguments. If there is a preface, that’s usually a good place to look for clues about why the document was written. You don’t need to read the document from “cover to cover” — but you should be familiar enough with what the argument in the document is. You’re welcome (and encouraged) to do some research on the text in order to help you understand it better.
Written Assignment:
4-5 pages, double-spaced.
In this assignment, I would like you to do a historical analysis of the work by your chosen author. Use the original source (from the links here) and also do your own internet research to help you with your analysis. You will investiage this work as a historical primary source.
In essay form, please address these issues:
What is the title of the work and who is the author?
When was the work written or created?
What is the central idea of the work?
Why was this particular work so important?
What impact or influence did it have during the time in which it was written?
What has been the impact/influence of this work in terms of the history of science?
Source:
https://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/newton/project/about.do
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