Katia’s Reviews > The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science > Status Update

This chapter on Davy introduced me to several other people: poets, scientists, philosophers. The gas experiments were particularly disturbing! The field of chemistry replaces alchemy as elements are separated, studied, discovered. Really revolutionary. Davy blazes a trail for chemistry; broadens its scope. Man’s search for answers to the universe, meaning, continue to push God aside, yet… can’t get rid of Him!

Deeper understanding of the universe is sought. Appreciated the heavier focus on Caroline Herschel sweeping the stars. Slightly alarmed and saddened by the growing dismissal or questioning of God. Human observers basing all truth and knowledge upon self’s discovery (“I” have searched and “I” have not found…). Fallible.
Economics of a 40ft telescope. Ice cream with Napoleon. Science influencing poetry.

“Beautiful and terrifying” (p. 161). Exactly how I would describe heights.
Touched on the first successful cross-channel crossing of an aerostat. (Whew!) Cloud classification.
Ballooning wasn’t really picked up again until the American Civil War.

When are the British going to fly? Well, eventually. This short section detailed the first female aeronaut, and some of the dangers involved in ballooning.
Yikes, did not like that note about Ralph’s end. Dreadfully unpleasant.
I could only imagine what it must have been like to first see people taking off in hot air balloons! I would probably pay something to see it… but I understand the sentiments of others!

Finished the chapter on Herschel. Surprised how much Caroline Herschel, the sister, was a part of his story! A true helper. The historical figures become candid with written quotes. The ballooning chapter thus far is particularly entertaining. (The communication btwn Banks and Ben Franklin! British and French rivalry!) FLIGHT becomes a reality. How it will be used… unknown. Loved Pilâtra’s level-headedness.

More history. Has been on my Thriftbooks wishlist for so long.
Pros: captivating prose; easy to read; utilizes quotations from the historical figures and those surrounding Banks. First chapter about the Endeavor’s voyage to the S.Pacific, focusing on Tahiti.
Cons: seems to relegate Christianity as a corrupting influence, anathema to progress/science. More humanistic interpretive approach. Scandals are a highlight.