Thomas Huxley: Making the 'Man of Science' (Cambridge Science Biographies) - Hardcover

White, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521640199 ISBN 13: 9780521640190

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2002

Synopsis

This book examines the persona of the "man of science" in the Victorian period as it was shaped by Thomas Huxley, the leading British naturalist and notorious popularizer of Darwinian theory. It demonstrates how the scientific practitioner was regarded as a moral and religious figure; simultaneously considered to be the epitome of the secular, professional scientist. Breaking with traditional biographies, this fascinating portrait treats Huxley as the consummate British "man of science" and reflects on the historical significance of scientific authority.

About this title

Book Description:

This book examines the identity of the "man of science" in the Victorian period as it was shaped by Thomas Huxley, a leading naturalist and notorious popularizer of Darwinian theory. It shows that the scientific practitioner continued to be regarded as a moral and religious figure during the period, even by someone long taken to be the epitome of the secular, professional scientist. Breaking with traditional biographies, this book treats Huxley as exemplary of the British "man of science" and reflects on the historical significance of scientific authority.

Review:

'... cogently argued account ... Paul White has created a sensitive and multifaceted portrait of Huxley ... A particular strength ... is the treatment of Huxley's relationships with Owen and Charles Darwin. ... One of the most consistently developed aspects of White's portrait is the depiction of Huxley as a defender of high culture ... beautifully written and persuasive account ...' British Journal of the History of Science

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0521640199
• ISBN 13: 9780521640190
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 222