2000 HSS/PSA Program 1 - History of Science Society

HSS Abstracts
appropriated as such. In this paper I shall discuss Herschel’s Cape voyage from
the private, public and imperial perspectives. The private perspective is that of
Herschel. I intend to discuss his efforts to ensure that the voyage and astronomical
observations were free from any official obligation. The public image of the Cape
voyage will be discussed to help locate the voyage in the popular discourse of
imperial science and exploration. By leaving the metropolis for the periphery, in
the public mind Herschel also crossed the boundary from mere scientist to the
much more evocative and noble position of scientist-explorer. Finally, I will consider
the voyage from the perspective of the British empire, specifically the Admiralty.
I shall argue that Herschel’s presence at the Cape was to be used as a stabilizing
factor and form of justification for British control there. Although John quite
emphatically went to the Cape colony as a private citizen of private means and
private intentions, his voyage was interpreted as a project aligned with and beneficial
to the expansionist ambitions of the British empire.
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Lisa␣ T. Sarasohn Oregon State University
Samuel Sorbière: Amateur and Broker of Science
Samuel Sorbière has not fared well in the annals of the Scientific Revolution.
Although Sorbière oversaw the publication of works by both Hobbes and
Gassendi, and attended the Montmor Academy and visited the Royal Society,
he is characterized in the seventeenth century —and now— as someone out
for the main chance. Nevertheless, I will argue that his role in the emerging
scientific community needs to be recharacterized. Sorbière served a specific
function in the intellectual world of his day: rather than a figure living off the
ideas of others, he was a true broker of knowledge. Within the social
constellations of the nascent scientific community, a broker was both audience
and promoter, someone who urged the development of ideas, and then served
as their apostle. While serving the interests of Hobbes, Gassendi, or others,
Sorbière was recognizing their status and honoring their activities. His role as
broker helped actualize their role as scientists. Sorbière’s activities demonstrate
that the role of amateurs of science was more complex and significant than
previously recognized.
Sara Schechner Harvard University
The Material Culture of Astronomy in Daily Life:
Sundials, Science, and Social Change
Sundials were among the most ancient of astronomical instruments, and they
employed mathematical projections of surprising sophistication. By showing
changing shadow lengths and positions, sundials marked the passage of time,
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