Scientific Visual Representations in History

This book explores the historical use of visual representations in science and related disciplines, highlighting recent developments and their importance in epistemic functions. It collects historical reflections on the use of visual material across cultures, focusing on drawings, prints, tables, mathematical symbols, photos, data visualizations, mapping processes, and visualizations of data extracted from historical sources.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of continuity and ruptures in the historical deployment of visual representations across science and allied disciplines, including art history and anthropology. It also takes a keen look at the recent advancements that underscore the unparalleled significance of scientific visualizations, encompassing a wide array of mediums such as video recordings, animations, simulations, graphs, and enhanced realities. The volume assembles a rich collection of historical reflections that explore the utilization of visual material, visualization, and vision in scientific endeavors, spanning a vast expanse of cultures from antiquity to the present day.

At the heart of this exploration lies a profound focus on visual representations, encompassing a diverse range of mediums such as drawings, prints, tables, mathematical symbols, photographs, data visualizations, mapping processes, and, on a meta-level, visualizations of data derived from historical sources to serve as powerful visual aids in historical research. By examining the interplay between continuity and ruptures, the book sheds light on the evolving roles of visual material in the pursuit of knowledge across different eras.

The analysis is contextualized within the broader framework of the epistemic functions of visual material in science. Three primary epistemic categories are identified: exploration, transformation, and transmission of knowledge. These categories serve as a framework for understanding how visual representations have played a pivotal role in shaping scientific inquiry, enabling researchers to uncover new insights, manipulate data, and disseminate knowledge to broader audiences.

Through a meticulous examination of historical cases and contemporary developments, this book offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the enduring significance of visual representations in science. It highlights the ways in which visualizations have evolved, adapted, and been harnessed to communicate complex ideas, foster scientific understanding, and inspire innovation. Moreover, it underscores the ethical considerations and challenges associated with the use of visual material in scientific research, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accuracy, and responsible representation.

In conclusion, this book is a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, providing a comprehensive exploration of the historical and contemporary uses of visual representations in science and related fields. It offers valuable insights into the epistemic functions of visual material, the evolution of visualization techniques, and the ethical implications of their deployment. By shedding light on the rich tapestry of continuity and ruptures, this book contributes to our understanding of the role of visualizations in shaping the scientific enterprise and advancing human knowledge.

Weight: 735g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031113161
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023