Science and Reading in the Eighteenth Century: The Hardwicke Circle and the Royal Society, 1740-1766

Science and Reading in the Eighteenth Century explores the reading habits of the Hardwicke Circle, a group of historians and science administrators, through an analysis of their unpublished private correspondence. The research shows that the Circle shifted their focus from early-modern British history to reforming British intellectual institutions, particularly the Royal Society, in the early 1750s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Science and Reading in the Eighteenth Century delves into the captivating world of reading habits among a group of historians and science administrators, known as the Hardwicke Circle. This extensive research is rooted in a meticulous analysis of an unpublished private correspondence, spanning from 1741 to 1766, between Thomas Birch (1705–1766), the esteemed Secretary of the Royal Society, and Philip Yorke (1720–1790), who later assumed the title of the second earl of Hardwicke. Birch and Yorke, both avid and voracious readers, embraced a wide range of literary pursuits, making them true enthusiasts of knowledge.

The study employs the Weekly Letter as a valuable source to quantify the diverse texts that engaged the minds of these remarkable individuals. By delving into the role of reading in their intellectual lives, the research unveils a fascinating transformation within the Hardwicke Circle. In the early 1750s, a significant shift occurred, as they transitioned from a primary focus on early-modern British history to a renewed concern with reforming and revitalizing British intellectual institutions, particularly the esteemed Royal Society.

Through their extensive reading, Birch and Yorke were exposed to a wealth of ideas and perspectives, which shaped their intellectual growth and contributed to the development of new ideas within the scientific and intellectual communities. Their engagement with a diverse array of texts, ranging from scientific journals to philosophical treatises, broadened their horizons and fostered a deeper understanding of the world.

The research not only sheds light on the reading habits of the Hardwicke Circle but also provides valuable insights into the broader cultural and intellectual landscape of the eighteenth century. It underscores the importance of reading as a means of acquiring knowledge, fostering intellectual curiosity, and shaping the course of intellectual discourse. The Hardwicke Circle's transformation from a historical focus to an institutional reform agenda serves as a testament to the power of literature and the role of individuals in driving intellectual progress.

In conclusion, Science and Reading in the Eighteenth Century offers a profound exploration of the reading habits of the Hardwicke Circle, shedding light on their intellectual pursuits, cultural influences, and the transformative power of literature. Through meticulous analysis and a deep understanding of the historical context, this research provides valuable insights into the eighteenth-century intellectual landscape and the enduring impact of reading on the development of knowledge.

Weight: 169g
ISBN-13: 9781009217200