Review by Choice Review
Wragge-Morley (New York Univ.) successfully melds a readable narrative of the Scientific Revolution in England with an original historical interpretation of the foundations and methods of empirical science underlying the work of its key figures. Based on clear expositions of foundational works by John Ray, Robert Boyle, Nehemiah Grew, Robert Hooke, and others, Wragge-Morley demonstrates that, contrary to customary historical and philosophical interpretations, the aesthetic and theological beliefs of these early scientists are neither independent of their empirical methods nor unwarranted inferences from empirical work. Instead, these scientists had a conception that included subjective aesthetic and religious experience as well as literal observation of natural phenomena. Uncovering hidden design and beauty could, in their conception, be simultaneously an aesthetic pleasure, a guide to truth, and a way of knowing God. Despite explicating the subtle interactions of 17th-century empirical discoveries and emerging empirical methods, philosophy, and theology, the work is remarkably free of unnecessary jargon or pedantic argument. It should be in every library with strengths in intellectual history, European history, or the history and philosophy of science. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. --David Bantz, University of Alaska
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
