The Cambridge History of Science: Volume 6, The Modern Biological and Earth Sciences

A guide to the latest thinking among historians of science dealing with developments in the life and earth sciences since 1800. It covers major theoretical innovations such as evolutionism, the emergence of new disciplines such as genetics and biochemistry, and the changing interactions of medical science and practice.

This book in the highly respected Cambridge History of Science series is devoted to the history of the life and earth sciences since 1800. It provides comprehensive and authoritative surveys of historical thinking on major developments in these areas of science, on the social and cultural milieus in which the knowledge was generated, and on the wider impact of the major theoretical and practical innovations. The articles are written by acknowledged experts who provide concise accounts of the latest historical thinking coupled with guides to the most important recent literature. In addition to histories of traditional sciences, the book covers the emergence of newer disciplines such as genetics, biochemistry and geophysics. The interaction of scientific techniques with their practical applications in areas such as medicine is a major focus of the book, as is its coverage of controversial areas such as science and religion, and environmentalism.