A thoughtful portrait of Thomas Jefferson’s scientific mind and public life.
This nonfiction work gathers reflections on Jefferson’s character and his pivotal role as a promoter of natural and physical science, originally delivered by Samuel L. Mitchill before the New-York Lyceum of Natural History in 1826. It blends biographical insight with excerpts and notes that illuminate his curiosity, intellect, and lasting influence.
This edition deepens our understanding of Jefferson beyond politics, highlighting how his broad interests shaped a generation of American science and learning. Readers will see how his letters, friendships, and published works connected the seeds of inquiry to the nation’s growth, and how a statesman’s scientific passions intertwined with the era’s advances.
- A focused look at Jefferson as a promoter of natural and physical science.
- Insight into his correspondence, habits, and eloquence in public and private letters.
- Context on early American science, philosophy, and the growth of institutions.
- Notes and commentary that help situate his ideas within his time and legacy.
Ideal for readers of history, biography, and the history of science seeking a window into Jefferson’s scholarly side and the era that shaped American inquiry.