Scientific Americans: Invention, Technology, and NationalIdentity

Susan Branson's book explores how science and technology helped shape American culture during the early republic and antebellum eras, highlighting the role of informal scientific education and financial support in generating enthusiasm for scientific advancements. It shows how inventions such as mechanical clocks and steam engines influenced the creation and expansion of the American nation and how discoveries, inventions, and technologies articulated Americans' earliest ambitions and prejudices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In Scientific Americans, Susan Branson delves into the profound role of science and technology in the quest for cultural independence from Europe and America's nation-building efforts during the early republic and antebellum eras. This captivating exploration of scientific education and practices among ordinary citizens traces the evolution of nationalism and national identity alongside the development of roads, rails, and machines. Scientific Americans unveils how informal scientific education, facilitated by almanacs, public lectures, and demonstrations, coupled with financial support from early scientific societies, sparked a fervent enthusiasm for applying science and technology to civic, commercial, and domestic advancements. Moreover, the American people were captivated by the practicality and ingenuity of inventions, eagerly embracing them as tools for progress.

Branson skillfully weaves together scientific research and popular wonder, charting how innovations such as mechanical clocks and steam engines shaped the creation and expansion of the American nation. From the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations to the fate of the Amistad captives, Scientific Americans reveals how the promotion and celebration of discoveries, inventions, and technologies articulated the earliest aspirations and prejudices of the American people throughout the first American century. This insightful work provides a valuable perspective on the intricate interplay between science, technology, and the formation of American society.

Weight: 28g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501760914