To Light Such a Candle: Chapters in the History of Science and TechnologyWhat are the most important scientific advances in the last couple of centuries? For many of us, the answers that spring to mind are the things that surround us - our computers, televisions, telephones, and lightbulbs. To a scientist, the answers would most likely be different, and mightincludes Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic radiation, the quantum theory and its extension into quantum mechanics, and the theory of relativity. Why should there be such a discrepancy between these two sets of answers? The problem lies in part in the distinction between science and technology, or pure and applied science. In To light such a candle, the renowned chemist and historian of science Keith Laidler examines the discoveries of some gifted individuals over the centuries - some scientists, sometechnologists - and how they have lit candles that have transformed our material lives. Taking seven themes in science and technology, he considers their often complicated inter-relationship. We see how "pure research" (much under threat at present) often leads to practical applications of thegreatest importance. Faraday's pure research on electricity had immense technological implications, while Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic radiation led directly to the discovery of radio transmission, something of which Maxwell himself had no conception. Conversely, the early steam engineswere by no means science-based, but they led directly to the science of thermodynamics, one of the most fundamental branches of pure science. Illuminated by many fascinating stories from the history of science, this book provides a powerful argument for the relevance of pure research, and gives the general reader and scientist alike an idea of the nature and importance of the links between science and technology. |
Contents
Science and technology | 1 |
James Watt and the science of thermodynamics | 13 |
Daguerre Talbot and the legacy of photography | 68 |
Copyright | |
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acid alternating current Arrhenius atoms battery became Bohr Bragg called Cambridge Carnot carried cell century Chapter chemical chemist chemistry College colour crystals Daguerre diagram discovered discovery Dorothy Hodgkin Edison Einstein electric current electrolysis electromagnetic electromagnetic induction electron energy entropy example experimental experiments Faraday's gases Glenlair heat Henry Herschel Hertz hydrogen idea interest invention investigations ions James Clerk Maxwell John John Herschel Joule Kathleen Lonsdale Kelvin laboratory laser later law of thermodynamics lecture light London magnet mathematical Maxwell Maxwell's mechanical Michael Faraday molecular molecules motor moving n-type semiconductor Nernst Newton Nobel Prize obtained Oxford oxygen paper particles particularly patent photographic physicist plates produced proteins published radiation radio reaction realized result Royal Institution Royal Society scientific scientists second law spectra spectrum speed steam engine Stirling engines structure substances suggested Talbot technique temperature Thomson tion University valence band van't Hoff Watt wave William wire X-ray