An Unexpected History of Science - Rufus Hound, Matthew Cobb, Victoria Herridge and Keith Moore
Aug 14, 2024
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Join Rufus Hound, a comedic entertainer, alongside biologist Matthew Cobb, paleontologist Victoria Herridge, and scientist Keith Moore. They delve into the quirky history of the Royal Society, revealing bizarre experiments like using unicorn horn to repel insects. Discover how a beautiful fish book almost derailed Newton’s work and why dragons made their way into Swiss fauna guides. The conversation highlights Mary Anning's trailblazing paleontology and paints a humorous picture of early scientific endeavors—funny yet enlightening!
The early members of the Royal Society employed a whimsical approach to science, blurring the lines between mythology and empirical investigation.
Mary Anning's contributions to paleontology emphasize the vital role of women in science, highlighting the need to address historical inequalities.
Deep dives
Exploring the Royal Society's Origins
The Royal Society, established in 1660, began as a small group of 12 individuals aiming to promote scientific inquiry through repeatable experiments and direct observations of nature. This period marked a significant evolution in the understanding of science, transitioning from folklore and religion to empirical observation. Early members sought moral approval from society, especially under the recently restored monarchy of Charles II, indicating a juxtaposition of scientific pursuit with social acceptance. This endeavor paved the way for modern science as known today, as they documented their findings and established a framework for systematic inquiry.
Unexpected Discoveries in Science
Throughout the episode, various surprising anecdotes demonstrate the quirky and often unexpected side of scientific discoveries. For instance, one guest recounted how unicorn horn powder was once believed to repel spiders, leading to an experiment where a spider was simply placed in a circle of the powder. This reflects the whimsical nature of early scientific experimentation, where the lines between mythology and empirical investigation were often blurred. Such stories reveal an essential characteristic of the scientific process during this era—an open-minded approach that allowed for exploration and creativity in the search for knowledge.
Women in Science: The Legacy of Mary Anning
The narrative of Mary Anning serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions women made to the field of paleontology despite societal challenges. As a working-class woman in the 19th century, Anning's discoveries were often overshadowed by her male contemporaries, yet she was regarded as a pioneer in fossil discovery. One poignant moment discussed was when she showcased her findings of an ichthyosaur to William Buckland, indicating her awareness of her worth in a male-dominated field. Her story underscores the importance of recognizing and preserving the contributions of women in science, as well as the ongoing need to address historical inequalities within the scientific narrative.
The Evolution of Scientific Communication
The episode highlights the gradual evolution of scientific communication, particularly through the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions, the oldest continuously running scientific journal. Initially a private venture, it became integral to the dissemination of scientific knowledge across disciplines, marking the transition to formal peer-reviewed publications. The discussion illustrates how the journal was not only a record of scientific advancements but also a platform where ideas were debated and refined, contributing to the community of inquiry established by the Royal Society. This framework laid the groundwork for contemporary scientific communication, advocating for rigorous standards and collaboration among researchers.
Brian Cox and Robin Ince raid the archives of the Royal Society to reveal an unexpected history of science with guests Rufus Hound, Tori Herridge, Matthew Cobb and Keith Moore. Together they explore some of the surprising and wackiest scientific endeavours undertaken by early members of the Royal Society from the discovery of sperm to testing the insect repelling properties of unicorn horn. They hear how a beautiful book on fish almost scuppered Newton's Principia Mathematica and why a guide to the fauna of Switzerland ended up including depictions of dragons.
Producer: Melanie Brown
Exec Producer: Alexandra Feachem
BBC Studios Audio production
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