Nearly five centuries of science books
In four steps – from Renaissance to the dawn of the 20th century – this issue explores some aspects of the history of book sciences, as research and popularisation instruments also playing a role in economy. Adrian Johns speaks about the origin of science books in the Renaissance. Then, through the papers respectively by Bruce Lewenstein and Paola Govoni, the focus moves to science books in 19th-century America and Italy. They demonstrate that, in both countries, science books were a stimulus to the establishment of a national scientific community. Finally, Francesco De Ceglia exemplifies the role played by agrarian catechisms in the process of spreading farming skills among landowners.
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Invited commentaries
The interview portrays the role of scientific books during the Renaissance. Books written within the tradition of skilled technical and intellectual practice shaped …
The interview presents an overview on the role of scientific publications during some key periods in United States history. It describes the developing …
Popularizing science in Italy: a historical perspective. An interview with Paola Govoni
Mar 21, 2011The interview concerns the role of scientific books in the Italian society from the 19th century until today. Having played an important role …
Catechism, a literary genre of a religious origin, was once employed in the teaching of ‘lay’ subjects, especially of a technical nature. This …