The Age of Wonder - Book Report/Review Example

The Age of Wonder Science is one of the most intriguing s in the field of research and education since time immemorial. Generations after generations have seen the discovery and invention of different scientific figures and theories that have assisted human beings in the advancements of their lives. There have been many books written about the inspiring stories of these scientists that have served as motivation for greater advancements while at the same time for the appreciation of the efforts made by those people. One of the renowned authors of the science field is Richard Holms. He has had many works of literature in the field and one of his most acclaimed books is The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science. The book is clear and concise about the subject of science and offers insight on science through past references (Holmes 3). The book clearly discusses the works of science developed by men and women back in the 18th century. Richard focuses mainly on the inventions that took place around Britain. The time through which the book was written is around when Captain Cook took his first voyage. History artifacts and reliable resources put this as around 1768 (Holmes 34). The book culminates its stories in around 1831 when Darwin took his Beagle Journey. At around that time, there was also a lot of literature sweeping through Europe. There was the emergence of poets and drawers who also tried their best to prove a point in an effort to leave a landmark in the lives of the coming generations. Richard tries his best to connect science and the work of romantics in this book. One of the most important people featured in the book is Joseph Banks. Banks served as the president of the Royal Society and hence had an upper hand in most of the activities that ran in Britain. Moreover, his post earned him a lot of respect from the British people. He is known to be among the very first developers of science in Britain owing to his contribution in the field of Botany. Banks introduced many species of trees and assisted in the discovery of their scientific names. This helped me understand and relate why most of the plants in science have biological names and why it is important for the society to uphold them, this is because society owes it to this man to treasure and respect his hard work. Carolyn Herschel receives credit as one of the most brave women in the 18th century due to her contribution in science at a time that women in society did not receive much attention and were rather treated as slaves for their husbands. This was important, as I was able to recognize that despite the criticism offered to women in society in golden times, they could still contribute to developments if only given the chance. Herschel introduced advanced characters in the field of telescopes that could assist a lot in astronomy. Still in the field of Astronomy, Richard recognizes the efforts of Carolyn’s brother, William Herschel (Holmes 69). William assists in the understanding of the development of the telescope to a more advanced manner. He was able to create the manufacture in a manner that it had the ability to zoom in and out to assist in the closer view of the various stars. In his book, Banks focuses on one other period as a whole chapter. The period ran between 1771 and 1806. This period marked the disappearance of many Africans that went to Europe in an effort to advance their knowledge. Many of them never returned to their families in their native countries and thus led to many controversies at the time. The British society focused on this as one of the most pressing issues. It is a widely recognized notion that when the Africans went to the United Kingdom either to advance their knowledge or even to try to contribute to the science subject, they did not receive the respect they deserved. This was because the British society gave more respect to their own pioneers and did not take any efforts made by the scientists seriously. However, there were those African scientists who were outspoken and they could not allow their works of science go down the drain. When the British recognized the efforts made by the Africans, they often took their works for analysis and tried to find out if they had legitimate claims. Upon the scrutiny of the works, there are times when they found real scientific advancements made by the Africans. However, despite of acknowledging the efforts made by the Africans, they could take their works, incorporate it to their own, and claim that it was their own jobs. After this, they could claim that the work was of their original making and that the Africans had nothing to do with it. In retrospect, the British could pay off the Africans to comply with the statements and gave them numerous rewards (Holmes 131). However, there were those that were stubborn and they are the ones who’s whereabouts not known One of the most respected fields of science is chemistry. One of the pioneers in the field at around that time according to Richard was a man named Humphry Davy. He is known for his efforts in agricultural sciences and gases. In reading the book, I was able to relate the various developments in society alongside his discoveries in science (Holmes 148). This is due to the fact that Davy assisted in the recognition of agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers that assist in the faster development and the production of healthier plants and in a quicker manner. In comparison of science and society, it is very imperative to put in mind that the painters of the period and the scientists had a unique way of interacting as each tried to prove their points. It is thus important to note that the interaction between the two of them was very symbiotic. This is because the scientists often required the painters and poets to describe their works of science through drawings and poems. Through this, the information spread to the public in a manner that they could understand. As a way of returning the favor, the scientists could sell their chemicals to the poems in a cheaper and much more affordable price. The chemicals were important in that they made the paint used in the drawing of portraits or other works of art. The chemicals also served as ink for the writing pens used by the poets. There was a definite connection between the poets and the scientists. This can be found from the fact that the paintings that the drawers did were sold to the people around them. The civilians in the society assisted in the development of their businesses by ensuring that they purchased the works of art of the painters. This subsequently meant an increased amount of money for the painters that led to them developing their business to an advanced manner. This meant that they would require more chemicals from the scientists. Richard brought this out in the book in a manner understood in a simpler manner (Holmes 386). Davy not only assisted in the agricultural field but also was also influential in the development of gases used to fight common dangers in the society. This is for example through the manufacture of pesticides that assisted in the fighting of household pests and flies that were a constant bother to society. Not all the people in society however welcomed the widespread scientific discoveries. The traditionalists were first to argue that the usage of the new scientific inventions brought about by the scientists was a form of religious mockery. They claimed that it was important for people to respect God and not try to improve the Universe. However, most people in society went along with the scientific advances because they made their lives simpler and fun. Richard explains that from 1816-1822 there was the Vitalism Debate that majorly involved a Dr. Frankeinstein. The debate majorly argued the query whether there was any form of realism in the scientific advances. There were those that were against the advancements in science due to philosophical and ethical reasons. They stated that it was not natural for the scientific advancements made as they proved threatening to the nature of human beings and the manner through which they would perceive the environment. This especially received criticism around Cooks voyage, as there were many upcoming people stating that they had various advancements to make in science. This is from the manner in which an argument developed as to whether the society was supposed to have scientifically induced developments or rather stick to the old and the usual materialistic form of life. Naturphilosohie was mysticism associated with the science and found to be sweeping through many societies at that time (Holmes 471). The arguments were so intense that they even kept the scientists at the edge and could at times not find suitable basis to hold their arguments. There was the stating of health issues in an effort to stall the developments made in science. This was especially made with reference to Humphry Davy’s work. The development of the fertilizers was seen as a health hazard and not everyone in society showed their support. This is because they claimed that the chemicals contained in the fertilizers could affect the body systems of human beings. In the book, Richard explores the various issues that arose at around the time of the scientific revolution. Richard explores the advances not only from the scientist’s point of view but rather extends his work to offer a scope of the society’s point of view. This was important as the review of both the positive and negative results of the advances helps in the recognition of the errors made by the scientists. However, the progress made at that time and the interrelation between the society and scientists is the major factor to review. Work Cited Holmes, Richard. The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. 2010. Print. Read More