Charles Coulston Gillispie Knihy

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- CONTENTS -- PREFACE -- FOREWORD -- INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW PAPERBACK EDITION -- I. FULL CIRCLE -- II. ART, LIFE, AND EXPERIMENT -- III. THE NEW PHILOSOPHY -- IV. NEWTON WITH HIS PRISM AND SILENT FACE -- V. SCIENCE AND THE ENLIGHTENMENT -- VI. THE RATIONALIZATION OF MATTER -- VII. THE HISTORY OF NATURE -- VIII. BIOLOGY COMES OF AGE -- IX. EARLY ENERGETICS -- X. FIELD PHYSICS -- XI. EPILOGUE -- BIBLIOGRAPHIC ESSAY -- INDEX

The book explores the significant impact of the revolutionary and Napoleonic eras on the modernization of both politics and science in France from the 1770s to the 1820s. Building on his earlier analysis, Charles Gillispie delves into the cultural, political, and technical factors that shaped scientific advancements during this transformative period. His examination highlights the interplay between scientific progress and the political landscape, illustrating how these elements influenced each other in the wake of the Revolution.

This work describes the background of social and theoretical ideas and the progress of scientific researches which, between them, produced the religious difficulties that afflicted the development of science in early industrial England.

Laplace's contributions to science include his role in establishing mathematical physics and his philosophical approach to scientific presentation. His notable works, such as the five-volume Traité de mécanique céleste, showcased the mathematical stability of the solar system under Newtonian gravity. In Théorie analytique des probabilités, he transformed probability theory from diverse problems into a rigorous mathematical discipline, enabling statistical inference and error quantification across various fields, including social sciences and medicine.

The narrative focuses on the pioneering Montgolfier brothers, who made history by launching the first hot air balloon in Annonay, France, on June 4, 1783. Through vivid illustrations, readers are immersed in the innovative spirit and excitement of this groundbreaking achievement in aviation. The book highlights the brothers' ingenuity and the significance of their invention, capturing a pivotal moment in the history of flight.

The book examines the intricate relationship between science and politics in late eighteenth-century France, highlighting their intersections leading up to the French Revolution. It delves into how scientific advancements influenced governmental reforms, economic modernization, and the professionalization of science and engineering. Charles Gillispie provides a detailed analysis of how knowledge and power intertwined during this transformative period, showcasing the significant impact of scientific thought on state affairs.