3min chapter

The Infinite Monkey Cage cover image

An Unexpected History of Science - Rufus Hound, Matthew Cobb, Victoria Herridge and Keith Moore

The Infinite Monkey Cage

CHAPTER

The Cost of Knowledge: Willoughby's Book of Fish

This chapter examines the historical implications of Willoughby's Book of Fish, highlighting its impressive illustrations while revealing how its publication financially burdened the Royal Society, impeding the release of Newton's Principia Mathematica. The discussion also addresses the rarity of important scientific texts, the socio-economic factors influencing access to them, and invites listeners to view archival photographs related to these works.

00:00

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode