Experimentation, communication and patronage: a perspective on René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur (1683-1757).
Historians of science have neglected the French Academician Réaumur, whose work is emblematic of a modern conception of science that joins together technology, science, and society. Réaumur practised rigorous experimentation on organisms, and uncovered industrial and utilitarian secrets which he communicated to the public. His patronage was essential in boosting the generation of young naturalists of the 1740s who advanced further the experimental approach to the study of nature. For Réaumur, his work was not separate from his mission to disclose and communicate previously restricted knowledge for the benefits of science and society.
Ratcliff
Marc J
MJ
Institut d'Histoire de la Médecine et de la Santé, University of Geneva, CP 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland. marc.ratcliff@pse.unige.ch
D005602:France; D049671:History, 18th Century; D019021:Natural History / Q000266:history*; D012106:Research / Q000266:history; D012586:Science / Q000266:history*; D013672:Technology / Q000266:history