Visual Cultures in Science and Technology: A Comparative History

This book aims to provide a synthesis of the history, generation, use, and transfer of images in scientific practice. It delves into the rich reservoir of case studies on visual representations in scientific and technological practice that have accumulated over the past couple of decades by
historians, sociologists, and philosophers of science. The main aim is thus located on the meta-level. It adopts an integrative view of recurrently noted general features of visual cultures in science and technology, something hitherto unachieved and believed by many to be a mission impossible.

By systematic comparison of numerous case studies, the purview broadens away from myopic microanalysis in search of overriding patterns. The many different disciplines and research areas involved encompass mathematics, technology, natural history, medicine, the geosciences, astronomy, chemistry, and
physics. The chosen examples span the period from the Renaissance to the late 20th century. The broad range of visual representations in scientific practice is treated, as well as schooling in pattern recognition, design and implementation of visual devices, and a narrowing in on the special role of
illustrators and image specialists.


Author: Klaus Hentschel
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 01/22/2019
Pages: 512
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.30lbs
Size: 9.60h x 6.70w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9780198829782

About the Author

Klaus Hentschel, Head of Section for the History of Science & Technology, History Department, Stuttgart University

Prior to his current full professorship in the history of science and technology at the University of Stuttgart, Klaus Hentschel was a Lecturer/Researcher at the Universities of Berlin, Gottingen and Berne, a Fellow at the Dibner Institute for the History of Science & Technology at MIT in Cambridge,
Massachusetts 1996/97 and Ernst Cassirer Guest Professor at the University of Hamburg 2003.