The 'scientific revolution' of the sixteenth and seventeenth century continues to command attention in historical debate. Controversy still rages about the extent to which it was essentially a 'revolution of the mind', or how far it must also be explained by wider considerations. In this volume, leading scholars of early modern science argue the importance of specifically national contexts for understanding the transformation in natural philosophy between Copernicus and Newton. Distinct political, religious, cultural and linguistic formations shaped scientific interests and concerns differently in each European state and explain different levels of scientific intensity. Questions of institutional development and of the transmission of scientific ideas are also addressed. The emphasis upon national determinants makes this volume an interesting contribution to the study of the Scientific Revolution.
Notes on contributors; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Scientific revolution, social bricolage and etiquette Mario Biagioli; 2. The scientific revolution in France L. W. B. Brockliss; 3. The scientific revolution in the German nations William Clark; 4. The new philosophy in the low countries Harold J. Cook; 5. The scientific revolution in Poland Jerzy Dobrzycki; 6. The scientific revolution in Spain and Portugal David Goodman; 7. The scientific revolution in England John Henry; 8. The scientific revolution in Bohemia Josef Smolka; 9. Instituting science in Sweden Sven Widmalm; 10. The scientific revolution in Scotland Paul Wood; Index.
