The Infinite Monkey Cage An Unexpected History of Science - Rufus Hound, Matthew Cobb, Victoria Herridge and Keith Moore
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Aug 14, 2024 Join paleontologist Tori Herridge, zoologist Matthew Cobb, and Royal Society librarian Keith Moore as they explore the quirky origins of scientific inquiry. They unveil bizarre endeavors like testing unicorn horn as a spider repellent and discuss how a stunning book on fish nearly derailed Newton's groundbreaking work. With humorous anecdotes about historical artifacts and a nod to the overlooked contributions of women in science, this conversation highlights the delightful absurdities that have shaped scientific progress through the ages.
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Early Science
- In 1660, science revolved around a small group of individuals seeking royal approval.
- Their focus was on repeatable experiments and observations of nature, a shift from previous approaches.
Fossil Folklore
- In 1659, large fossil discoveries were often attributed to giants or mythological creatures due to lack of scientific context.
- This interpretation stemmed from a need to explain the unknown, blending folklore with observation.
Scientific Revolution
- Around 1660, rapid scientific developments occurred, leading to significant discoveries.
- Steno's work on muscles, geology, and reproductive biology exemplifies this shift towards modern science.
