George Wilson's Vision of Early Victorian Science and Technology

Unity in Variety

David F. Channell

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9781032079530
• eBook ISBN: 9781000730586
• Edition: 1
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Teaching History
• Index: History

This volume is a comprehensive study of George Wilson, a leading advocate for evangelical science and for the role of biology in technology – it examines his work to develop a unitary vision of Victorian science and technology by drawing upon religion, transcendental natural history, and Baconian philosophy

George Wilson was the first Regius Professor of Technology at the University of Edinburgh and the founding Director of the Industrial Museum of Scotland (now the National Museum of Scotland). Throughout his career he lectured and published on a wide range of topics, including the prospect of life on other planets, the history of science, natural theology, chemistry and poetry. His works were very popular - he was praised by Charles Dickens and his lectures drew large audiences, particularly women. Wilson sought to educate people about the significant scientific and technological developments taking place during the first half of the nineteenth century and create a unitary vision of science and technology. This book is largely based on Wilson's own writings, and it is the first book-length study of him published in the last 160 years.

This book is essential for researchers and scholars alike interested in Victorian science and technology.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• 1 A New Variety: Science and Technology in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
• 2 From Medicine to Chemistry: Wilson’s Early Years
• 3 Unity in Variety: Wilson’s Theology of Nature
• 4 Wilson’s Methodology of Science
• 5 The Eye and the Hand: Wilson’s Biological View of Technology
• 6 Wilson’s Industrial Museum
• 7 Epilogue: Victorian Science and Technology after George Wilson
• Index