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18th Century Science and Technology
by Rick Brainard Science as we know it today was in its infancy. Technology, the age of machines, began in the later half of the 18th century. Industry was still in the homes and small shops everywhere. Science during the 18th century falls into two categories or periods; the Baroque period, which started in the 17th century and lasted to the early 18th century, and the Classical period which lasted into the early 19th century.
Definitions
Before we look into these Web sites, I will define a few terms for my younger readers. Science
The Dictionary defines science as the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena. Technology
The Dictionary defines technology as the application, or use of science, especially in industry or commerce. Web sites Now on to the fun stuff, finding out where to look on the Internet for sites that describe or discuss this topic.
The Science and the Industrial Revolution Web site is a good starting point in learning about how people used science to improve the conditions of man and how the way new technologies were implemented to improve production of consumer products, like shoes, clothes. The theory of evolution had its beginnings in the 18th century. For more information on this controversial topic, you want to visit the Evolution Entrance. This site explores the people and ideas that pertain to this theory. It has biographies and other links to similar Web sites on the Internet. Throughout history, the Catholic Church made a considerable contribution to science. The Jesuits, a monastic order, were and still are major contributors to the knowledge of the way things work. Jesuits and the Sciences: 1540-1995 is the main page that starts you of in an interesting look into their contributions to mankind. For the purposes of learning about the 18th century, you want to go to the Jesuits and the Sciences, 1720-1773 page of the site.
To learn more about science in the 18th century, you can read about it. The Social Relations of Science, Renaissance Through 18th c. - General is a bibliography of books that cover this topic. It is a beginners guide to research in the history of science. For more information about science and Technology, check out the
Science Resource section of this site.
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