An apprenticeship in scientific communication: The early correspondence of Henry Oldenburg (1656-63)

Notes and Records of the Royal Society

Volumn 53, Issue 2, 1999, Pages 187-201

  Avramov, Iordan ^a  

^a BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES   (Bulgaria)

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EID: 0042126696     PISSN: 00359149     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1098/rsnr.1999.0074     Document Type: Article

References (56)

1. Some of the most important papers evaluating Oldenburg's overall activity are as follows: M. B. Hall, 'Oldenburg and the art of scientific communication', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 2, 277-290 (1965); J. Henry, 'The origins of modern science: Henry Oldenburg's contribution', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 21, 103-110 (1988); M. Hunter, 'Promoting the new science: Henry Oldenburg and the early Royal Society', Hist. Sci. 26, 165-181 (1988); S. Shapin, 'O Henry', Isis 78, 417-424 (1987).
2. Some of the most important papers evaluating Oldenburg's overall activity are as follows: M. B. Hall, 'Oldenburg and the art of scientific communication', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 2, 277-290 (1965); J. Henry, 'The origins of modern science: Henry Oldenburg's contribution', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 21, 103-110 (1988); M. Hunter, 'Promoting the new science: Henry Oldenburg and the early Royal Society', Hist. Sci. 26, 165-181 (1988); S. Shapin, 'O Henry', Isis 78, 417-424 (1987).
3. Some of the most important papers evaluating Oldenburg's overall activity are as follows: M. B. Hall, 'Oldenburg and the art of scientific communication', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 2, 277-290 (1965); J. Henry, 'The origins of modern science: Henry Oldenburg's contribution', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 21, 103-110 (1988); M. Hunter, 'Promoting the new science: Henry Oldenburg and the early Royal Society', Hist. Sci. 26, 165-181 (1988); S. Shapin, 'O Henry', Isis 78, 417-424 (1987).
4. Some of the most important papers evaluating Oldenburg's overall activity are as follows: M. B. Hall, 'Oldenburg and the art of scientific communication', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 2, 277-290 (1965); J. Henry, 'The origins of modern science: Henry Oldenburg's contribution', Br. J. Hist. Sci. 21, 103-110 (1988); M. Hunter, 'Promoting the new science: Henry Oldenburg and the early Royal Society', Hist. Sci. 26, 165-181 (1988); S. Shapin, 'O Henry', Isis 78, 417-424 (1987).
5. For example, M. Hunter has drawn attention to how tactfully Oldenburg put Eccard Leichner in his place when in 1663 this author tried to busy the Royal Society with themes that had little to do with the natural philosophy; M. Hunter, op. cit. note 1, pp. 169-170.
6. A. R. Hall and M. B. Hall (eds) The correspondence of Henry Oldenburg, vol. i, p. 98, vols i-ix (University of Wisconsin Press, Madison and Milwaukee, 1965-73); x-xi (Mansell, London, 1975-76); xii-xiii (Taylor & Francis, London, 1986).
7. A. R. Hall and M. B. Hall (eds) The correspondence of Henry Oldenburg, vol. i, p. 98, vols i-ix (University of Wisconsin Press, Madison and Milwaukee, 1965-73); x-xi (Mansell, London, 1975-76); xii-xiii (Taylor & Francis, London, 1986).
8. A. R. Hall and M. B. Hall (eds) The correspondence of Henry Oldenburg, vol. i, p. 98, vols i-ix (University of Wisconsin Press, Madison and Milwaukee, 1965-73); x-xi (Mansell, London, 1975-76); xii-xiii (Taylor & Francis, London, 1986).
9. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 114.
10. To be sure, these are predominantly letters to and from Hartlib and Boyle. Unfortunately, Lady Ranelagh's letters to Oldenburg have not been preserved, and there are only four letters extant from Oldenburg to Boyle's sister (one of them being of dubious identity). However, there is enough evidence showing that a massive amount of letters was exchanged between Oldenburg and Lady Ranelagh during the educational tour of her son and his tutor across Europe. See, for example, Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 149-150, 154. Moreover, much of what was sent to a member of the group, was typically passed on to the others; it is notable that the three men treated Lady Ranelagh as an equal when it came to sharing public news or even scientific 'secrets'. So, when in June 1659, Oldenburg, at that time already freely merchandising in knowledge, communicated to Hartlib a 'Chymicall process of vitrioll' he added the following: '...And intreat you to communicate it to none, but noble Mr Boyle, who, I am sure, upon my desire will impart it to none but My Lady Ranalaugh, wch is a person, yt can keep a secret as well, as any I know'. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 270.
11. To be sure, these are predominantly letters to and from Hartlib and Boyle. Unfortunately, Lady Ranelagh's letters to Oldenburg have not been preserved, and there are only four letters extant from Oldenburg to Boyle's sister (one of them being of dubious identity). However, there is enough evidence showing that a massive amount of letters was exchanged between Oldenburg and Lady Ranelagh during the educational tour of her son and his tutor across Europe. See, for example, Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 149-150, 154. Moreover, much of what was sent to a member of the group, was typically passed on to the others; it is notable that the three men treated Lady Ranelagh as an equal when it came to sharing public news or even scientific 'secrets'. So, when in June 1659, Oldenburg, at that time already freely merchandising in knowledge, communicated to Hartlib a 'Chymicall process of vitrioll' he added the following: '...And intreat you to communicate it to none, but noble Mr Boyle, who, I am sure, upon my desire will impart it to none but My Lady Ranalaugh, wch is a person, yt can keep a secret as well, as any I know'. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 270.
12. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 137.
13. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 177.
14. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 171.
15. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 187.
16. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 190.
17. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 209-210.
18. The Halls have pointed out to the frequent use of this 'trick' by Oldenburg: by 'bumping heads together' he made scientists divulge their findings; Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. xxii. This specific 'know-how' was not a sole priority of the greats of scientific communication like Oldenburg and Mersenne; even less important figures in the business often employed it with good success. See, for example, Sir Robert Morey's experience along the same lines: Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. ii, p. 641.
19. The Halls have pointed out to the frequent use of this 'trick' by Oldenburg: by 'bumping heads together' he made scientists divulge their findings; Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. xxii. This specific 'know-how' was not a sole priority of the greats of scientific communication like Oldenburg and Mersenne; even less important figures in the business often employed it with good success. See, for example, Sir Robert Morey's experience along the same lines: Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. ii, p. 641.
20. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 211.
21. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 214-215.
22. For an example of such a letter written in medias res, see the letter from Oldenburg to Gansland of 27 April 1659; Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 243-245; or another one from Oldenburg to the same man of 18 June 1659; ibid., pp. 265-267.
23. For an example of such a letter written in medias res, see the letter from Oldenburg to Gansland of 27 April 1659; Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 243-245; or another one from Oldenburg to the same man of 18 June 1659; ibid., pp. 265-267.
24. The letter from Oldenburg to Saporta of 18 June 1659 is typical of this kind of change. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 259-265.
25. A telling evidence that he did become popular in those places can be found in a well-known place in Sorbière's A voyage to England: 'I had seen the other several times at Paris, in my own house, and in the meeting held at Mons. Montmor's, where he constantly attended with the Lord Ranelagh, Mr. Boyle's nephew, who was under his tuition: this curious German having well improved himself by his travels, and pursuant to the advice of the Montagne, rubbed his brains against those of other people, was upon his return into England entertained as a person of great merit, and so made Secretary to the Royal Society.'; S. Sorbière, A Voyage to England, containing many things relating to the state of learning, religion, and other curiosities of that kingdom, p. 30 (J. Woodward, London, 1709).
26. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 298 The passage is quoted also by H. Brown: H. Brown, Scientific organizations in seventeenth century France (1620-1680), pp. 101-102 (The Williams and Wilkins Company, Baltimore, 1934).
27. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 298 The passage is quoted also by H. Brown: H. Brown, Scientific organizations in seventeenth century France (1620-1680), pp. 101-102 (The Williams and Wilkins Company, Baltimore, 1934).
28. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. xxxvii.
29. See, for example, how he recommended the young Robert Southwell to 'Mr. de Pradilles, Lawyer of Montpellier' in October, 1659; Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 313.
30. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 253.
31. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 329.
32. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 352.
33. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 355.
34. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 241.
35. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 287.
36. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 278.
37. The passages quoted above have often been referred to by historians of science. The one containing the Italian proverb is quoted by H. Brown: Brown, op. cit. note 18, p. 101, and by M. B. Hall: Hall, op. cit. note 1, p. 281. The most recent reference I am aware of is in R. Iliffe, 'Foreign bodies: pride, prejudice and the early Royal Society of London, part 2'. ' The land of experimental knowledge. Can. J. Hist. 1999.
38. The passages quoted above have often been referred to by historians of science. The one containing the Italian proverb is quoted by H. Brown: Brown, op. cit. note 18, p. 101, and by M. B. Hall: Hall, op. cit. note 1, p. 281. The most recent reference I am aware of is in R. Iliffe, 'Foreign bodies: pride, prejudice and the early Royal Society of London, part 2'. ' The land of experimental knowledge. Can. J. Hist. 1999.
39. The passages quoted above have often been referred to by historians of science. The one containing the Italian proverb is quoted by H. Brown: Brown, op. cit. note 18, p. 101, and by M. B. Hall: Hall, op. cit. note 1, p. 281. The most recent reference I am aware of is in R. Iliffe, 'Foreign bodies: pride, prejudice and the early Royal Society of London, part 2'. ' The land of experimental knowledge. Can. J. Hist. 1999.
40. The passages quoted above have often been referred to by historians of science. The one containing the Italian proverb is quoted by H. Brown: Brown, op. cit. note 18, p. 101, and by M. B. Hall: Hall, op. cit. note 1, p. 281. The most recent reference I am aware of is in R. Iliffe, 'Foreign bodies: pride, prejudice and the early Royal Society of London, part 2'. ' The land of experimental knowledge. Can. J. Hist. 1999.
41. Hall and Hall, op.cit. note 3, vol. i, p. 241.
42. Hall and Hall, op.cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 227-228.
43. For example, in the spring of 1660, Colonel Tuke, Charles II's ambassador to Mazarine's funeral, retraced Oldenburg's steps by paying a visit to Montmor's salon on behalf of the Royal Society. On this case, see again H. Brown: Brown, op. cit. note 18, pp. 115-116.
44. Hall and Hall, op.cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 413-416.
45. Sometimes he made himself sound so perplexed in his requests for more clarifications, that had those lines been written by someone like Pascal, one would have been able to bet safely on them being a display of mocking irony. Hall and Hall, op.cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 430-431.
46. A new edition of Boyle's work, based on its second edition of 1669, will be published in M. Hunter and E. Davis, The works of Robert Boyle, vol. 2 (London, Pickering and Chatto, 1999) (In the press.)
47. Hall and Hall, op.cit. note 3, vol. i, pp. 448-470.
48. For the scientific content of the controversy see, for example, H. Daudin, 'Spinoza et la science expérimentale: sa discussion de l'expériance de Boyle', Revue d'Histoire des Sciences et de leurs Applications 2, 179-190 (1949); A. R. Hall and M. B. Hall, 'Philosophy and natural philosophy: Boyle and Spinoza', Mélanges Alexandre Koyré, vol. 2 (ed. R. Taton and F. Braudel), pp. 241-256 (Paris, 1964); A. Clericuzio, 'A redefinition of Boyle's chemistry and corpuscular philosophy', Ann. Sci. 47, 561-589 (1990); the last paper containing even more references.
49. For the scientific content of the controversy see, for example, H. Daudin, 'Spinoza et la science expérimentale: sa discussion de l'expériance de Boyle', Revue d'Histoire des Sciences et de leurs Applications 2, 179-190 (1949); A. R. Hall and M. B. Hall, 'Philosophy and natural philosophy: Boyle and Spinoza', Mélanges Alexandre Koyré, vol. 2 (ed. R. Taton and F. Braudel), pp. 241-256 (Paris, 1964); A. Clericuzio, 'A redefinition of Boyle's chemistry and corpuscular philosophy', Ann. Sci. 47, 561-589 (1990); the last paper containing even more references.
50. For the scientific content of the controversy see, for example, H. Daudin, 'Spinoza et la science expérimentale: sa discussion de l'expériance de Boyle', Revue d'Histoire des Sciences et de leurs Applications 2, 179-190 (1949); A. R. Hall and M. B. Hall, 'Philosophy and natural philosophy: Boyle and Spinoza', Mélanges Alexandre Koyré, vol. 2 (ed. R. Taton and F. Braudel), pp. 241-256 (Paris, 1964); A. Clericuzio, 'A redefinition of Boyle's chemistry and corpuscular philosophy', Ann. Sci. 47, 561-589 (1990); the last paper containing even more references.
51. This does not mean that historians have entirely failed to observe it. On the contrary, the Halls, for example, acknowledged his participation in the discussion by citing a relevant passage from one of his letters to Spinoza at the end of their article quoted above: Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 36, p. 256. S. Shapin was more articulate on the issue, showing in just few lines, how Oldenburg was trying to protect his patron, Boyle, by means we are now to analyse more fully; Shapin, op. cit. note 1, p. 419.
52. This does not mean that historians have entirely failed to observe it. On the contrary, the Halls, for example, acknowledged his participation in the discussion by citing a relevant passage from one of his letters to Spinoza at the end of their article quoted above: Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 36, p. 256. S. Shapin was more articulate on the issue, showing in just few lines, how Oldenburg was trying to protect his patron, Boyle, by means we are now to analyse more fully; Shapin, op. cit. note 1, p. 419.
53. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. ii, p. 42.
54. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. ii, p. 96.
55. Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. ii, p. 104.
56. For example, see how Oldenburg suggested to M. Malpighi in February 1671/72 that his work on the 'anatomy of plants' was in good accord with the studies of a possible rival, namely, N. Grew; Hall and Hall, op. cit. note 3, vol. viii, p. 553.