Beyond Science and Empire: Circulation of Knowledge in an Age of Global Empires, 1750-1945

This book explores the relationship between empire and science from 1750 to 1945 through ten case studies by international specialists. It demonstrates that the adoption of a global scale of analysis or an emphasis on circulatory processes does not entail analytical vagueness or complacency with imperialism. The chapters show scientific knowledge emerging from the actions of little-known individuals moving across several Empires in unanticipated places and institutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of the circulation and production of scientific knowledge across various disciplines from 1750 to 1945. Through ten meticulously researched case studies conducted by esteemed international specialists, the book explores the complex web of relationships between empire and science during this pivotal period. While most of the world was enveloped by the influence of imperial power, science emerged as a distinct and independent field of inquiry. The central question that permeates the book is: What was the interplay between empire and science? Did science merely serve as a tool for imperial dominance? While this inquiry aligns with the broader field of science and empire studies, the book offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective that engages in dialogue with global history and circulatory approaches.

The book makes a compelling argument by presenting detailed historical case studies that demonstrate that adopting a global scale of analysis or emphasizing circulatory processes does not lead to analytical vagueness or a complacent embrace of imperialism. Instead, the chapters reveal how scientific knowledge emerged from the actions of individuals who were often overlooked, operating across multiple Empires, including European, Asian, and South American. These individuals traversed unexpected paths and institutions, engaging in complex processes of exchange, competition, collaboration, and the circulation of knowledge.

The book will appeal to scholars, undergraduate and graduate students alike, with an interest in the intersections of science, imperial history, and global history. It provides valuable insights into the complex relationships that shaped the development of scientific knowledge during a period of immense political and social transformation. By examining the ways in which knowledge flowed across borders and empires, the book sheds light on the ways in which imperial power and scientific progress intertwined, shaping the world we know today.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367410728