Before Big Science: The Pursuit Of Modern Chemistry And Physics, 1800-1940

by Mary Jo Nye

Today's vast multinational scientific monoliths bear little resemblance to the modest laboratories of the early nineteenth century. Yet early in the nineteenth century--when heat and electricity were still counted among the elements--changes were already under way that would revolutionize chemistry and physics into the "big science" of the late twentieth century, expanding tiny, makeshift laboratories into bustling research institutes and replacing the scientific amateurs and generalist savants of the early Victorian era with the professional specialists of contemporary physical science. Mary Jo Nye traces the social and intellectual history of the physical sciences from the early 1800s to the beginning of the Second World War, examining the sweeping transformation of scientific institutions and professions during the period and the groundbreaking experiments that fueled that change, from the earliest investigations of molecular chemistry and field dynamics to the revolutionary breakthroughs of quantum mechanics, relativity theory, and nuclear science.

Genres: Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Leon Olivier, Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book that describes the history of chemistry and physics during a time of great development. The book discussed many key players and their theories. A background in basic chemistry and physics is helpful. Loved this book.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems like it's partially a history of science and partially a science textbook. Since I'm not a massive science geek, a lot of it went over my head. When she's discussing the history of scientific revolutions, or the people behind them, I got it; but when she starts going into technical details about the scientists' findings, and their equations, my brain glazed over. Unfortunately, I glazed over more than I got it.

[Allie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly formated and difficult to read. The sections that I read were mostly factual and did not offer much of insight on any topic mentioned. I would not recommend this book for reading on this topic, there are better books, like Making Modern Science by Bowler and Morus, which is better formated, covers a wider range of topics, and offers something other than facts.