The Science of James Smithson: Discoveries from The Smithsonian Founder

by Steven Turner, John Curless (reader)

Accessible exploration of the noteworthy scientific career of James Smithson, who left his fortune to establish the Smithsonian Institution.

James Smithson is best known as the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, but few people know his full and fascinating story. He was a widely respected chemist and mineralogist and a member of the Royal Society, but in 1865, his letters, collection of 10,000 minerals, and more than 200 unpublished papers were lost to a fire in the Smithsonian Castle. His scientific legacy was further written off as insignificant in an 1879 essay published through the Smithsonian fifty years after his death--a claim that author Steven Turner demonstrates is far from the truth.

By providing scientific and intellectual context to his work, The Science of James Smithson is a comprehensive tribute to Smithson's contributions to his fields, including chemistry, mineralogy, and more. This detailed narrative illuminates Smithson and his quest for knowledge at a time when chemists still debated thing as basic as the nature of fire, and struggled to maintain their networks amid the ever-changing conditions of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Genres: Science, History, Biography, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

Published December 15, 2020

Reviews

[David Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the science of James Smithson. Yes, he actually did science, which even those who know he bequeathed the money that started the Smithsonian Institution may not know. Having written about him and the Smithsonian and had a long career in science prior to became a Lincoln historian, I had some knowledge of the man. But even I hadn't realized the extent of the scientific work that he had done (mostly in chemistry and mineralogy but extending into other fields such as electricity on occasion). I also hadn't realized the extent that he traveled the continent outside of Britain. Turner's extensive research and experience (including recreating some of Smithson's experiments) demonstrate just how different scientific endeavors were in Smithson's time compared to today.

I should qualify what I mean by fascinating. Admittedly, the deep dives into Smithson's chemical and mineral papers are esoteric and can be dry for non-scientists, but Turner also brings in the other major scientific personalities of the era, the history and practice of science at the time, and other historical factors that affect how science was done and interpreted. Not surprisingly, there was some interference with science that was perceived to conflict with political and theocratic beliefs. This "going beyond the science" is what makes this book so valuable.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think most Americans have heard of the Smithsonian, but few probably know about James Smithson, the British scientist who donated his fortune to a country he had never visited in order to “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Prepping to volunteer at a cart in the American History Museum about Smithson, I read some of this book which focuses on his scientific innovation and research. While some of the science in this book is over my head, I enjoyed learning about what motivated his evolving interests and innovation. If this book seems like too much of a commitment, consider googling Smithson or visiting the Smithsonian website to learn more about him. How his money got here, how the Smithsonian evolved, and how he came to be the only person interred on the National Mall is a good story.