The Correspondence of John Tyndall, Volume 3 - by Ruth Barton & Jeremiah Rankin & Michael S Reidy (Hardcover)

About the Book

In the period covered by this volume, Tyndall completed his degree, published his first scientific papers, became a regular participant in the British Association meetings, established friendships with leading men of science in Berlin and London, and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. As the volume ends, he was preparing his first lecture to the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the catalyst for a profound transition in his life. The letters offer a behind-the-scenes view of nineteenth-century publishing processes, the practices and challenges of diamagnetic research, the application procedures for university positions, the use of patronage in establishing a scientific career, and the often anxious and weary-worn personality of Tyndall, the ambitious protagonist.

Book Synopsis

As this volume begins, John Tyndall was a PhD student living in Marburg. He was unknown, almost broke, and working himself to the brink of mental and physical exhaustion in his determination to forge a reputation in science. In the period covered by this volume, he completed his degree, published his first scientific papers, became a regular participant in the British Association meetings, established friendships with leading men of science in Berlin and London, was elected Fellow of the Royal Society, and applied for, but failed to obtain, various scientific positions. As the volume ends, he was preparing his first lecture to the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the catalyst for a profound transition in his life. Taken together, the 305 letters herein offer a behind-the-scenes view of nineteenth-century publishing processes, the practices and challenges of diamagnetic research, the application procedures for university positions, the use of patronage in establishing a scientific career, and the often anxious and weary-worn personality of Tyndall, the ambitious protagonist.

Review Quotes

Tyndall should be considered an important figure in the history of scientific communication and the public understanding of science. These first three volumes (with more to come) are a fascinating social document with significance beyond the specifics of Tyndall's life.-- "SciComm Book Reviews"

About the Author

Ruth Barton (Editor)
Ruth Barton is associate professor of history at the University of Auckland.

Jeremiah Rankin (Editor)
Jeremiah Rankin is a doctoral candidate in philosophy at the University of Auckland.

Michael S. Reidy (Editor)
Michael S. Reidy is professor of history at Montana State University. He is author of Tides of History: Ocean Science and Her Majesty's Navy and coauthor, with Alan G. Gross and Joseph E. Harmon, of Communicating Science: The Scientific Article from the 17th Century to the Present.