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  3. Reflections on the Decline of Science in England, and on Some of its Causes
  • Cited by 5
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
August 2013
Print publication year:
2013
First published in:
1830
Online ISBN:
9781139381048
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139381048
Subjects:
Mathematics (general), Mathematics, History of Science, History of Mathematics, General Science
Series:
Cambridge Library Collection - Mathematics
Information

Book description

The mathematician Charles Babbage (1791–1871) was one of the most original thinkers of the nineteenth century. In this influential 1830 publication, he criticises the continued failure of government to support science and scientists. In addition, he identifies the weaknesses of the then existing scientific societies, saving his most caustic remarks for the Royal Society. Asserting that the societies were operated largely by small groups of amateurs possessing only superficial interest and knowledge of science, Babbage explores the importance of the relationships between science, technology and society. Exposing the absence of a true scientific culture, he states, 'The pursuit of science does not, in England, constitute a distinct profession, as it does in other countries.' These concerns found favour with many, influencing reforms of the Royal Society and leading to the founding of the British Association.

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