Australian Science in the Making

In this 1989 volume the Australian Academy of Science celebrates and assesses two centuries of Australian science.

Roderick Weir Home (Edited by)

9780521396400, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 September 1990

444 pages
24.6 x 18.9 x 2.3 cm, 0.79 kg

'The (text) concentrates a usable reference to the memorable moments and characters involved in the colourful history of Australia's participation in the scientific world.' The Canberra Times

In this 1989 volume the Australian Academy of Science celebrates and assesses two centuries of Australian science. Authors with different fields of interest present a group of general surveys and case studies on the development of scientific understanding and research. Topics cover major historical phases in the development of Australian science, ranging from traditional Aboriginal conceptions of the workings of nature to the directions and priorities of the present day. Among issues the book addresses are the place of science in a colonial society, the relationship between science in isolated Australia and elsewhere, particularly Britain, the impact of war on the Australian scientific community and the shaping of contemporary scientific institutions, including their relationship to the industrial sector. The book is noteworthy for its broad coverage and confirms the place of science in Australia's cultural and institutional history. Australian Science in the Making is a central point of reference on the development and nature of Australian science and a starting point for future study and understanding.

Introduction R. W. Home
Part I. Early Days: 1. Aboriginal conceptions of the workings of nature L. R. Hiatt and Rhys Jones
2. Philosophical travellers at the ends of the earth: Baudin, Peron and the Tasmanians M. J. Hughes
3. Cultural transmission: science and society to 1850 S. Jack
Part II. Science in a Colonial Society: 4. The long arm of London: Sir Roderick Murchison and imperial science in Australia R. A. Stafford
5. Support for the scientific enterprise, 1850–1900 I. Inkster and J. Todd
6. Baron von Mueller: protege turned patron A. M. Lucas
7. Gorilla warfare in Melbourne: Halford, Huxley and 'Man's place in nature' B. W. Butcher
8. 'Sweetness and light': industrial research in the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, 1855–1900 G. Bindon and D. P. Miller
Part III. Passage to Modernity: 9. Cancer, physics and society: interactions between the wars H. Hamersley
10. Science on service, 1939–45 R. W. Home
11. Plant introduction in Australia R. L. Burt and W. T. Williams
12. Research in the medical sciences: the road to national independence F. C. Courtice
13. Early years of Australian radio astronomy W. T. Sullivan, III
14. Australian astronomy since the Second World War S. C. B. Gascoigne
15. The shaping of contemporary scientific institutions R. Johnston and J. Buckley
Index.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]