Gay-Lussac
Scientist and Bourgeois

This is the first work to examine critically both the scientific work and the man behind it.

Maurice P. Crosland (Author)

9780521524834, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 12 February 2004

352 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 2.1 cm, 0.53 kg

'This exact and handsome reprint of a book published in 1978 [] is now available through Cambridge's 'print on demand' system … makes a good read … This meaty book passes the test of time.' Notes and Records of the Royal Society

Gay-Lussac is best known for his chemical work but also made important contributions to other physical sciences and technology. This is the first work to examine critically both the scientific work and the man behind it. Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1778–1850) lived through three revolutions in France and his life reflected the social transformations taking place around him. His education and early progress in science depended on the Revolution of 1789 and on the patronage of the chemist Berthollet, a close associate of Napoleon Bonaparte. Gay-Lussac may be seen as the first 'professional' scientist and indeed, throughout the book, Professor Crosland emphasises that he knew how to use his science to solve practical problems and was able to profit considerably from this application.

Preface
Chronological table
List of abbreviations
1. A young provincial in Paris
2. The apprentice of Arcueil
3. Personal influences and the search for laws
4. Collaboration and rivalry
5. The volumetric approach
6. Scientific research
7. Professor, academician and editor
8. A scientist in the service of government and industry
9. A new technique and the dissemination of technical information
10. Scientist and bourgeois in the political arena
11. The legacy
Appendix
Notes
Select bibliography
Name index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]