Bioscience. Space Exploration. Engineering. Information Technology.
Advances in Science Exhibit Reception Poster
These are but a few of the rapidly advancing fields of science which affect our modern lives. Achievements in these disciplines have built, and continue to build upon discoveries made by preceding generations of scientists. As Sir Isaac Newton famously wrote, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
The exhibit Advances in Science, 1586-1999: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants explores the layered nature of scientific research, in which new knowledge is gained over the framework of each new discovery. Throughout the exhibit, one may see how the scientific method, first advocated by Sir Francis Bacon, informed the methodology of naturalist Charles Darwin and later the scientists who discovered DNA, Watson and Crick. In the field of applied mathematics, the theories espoused by Euclid during the 3rd century, B.C.E. created a system of mathematical thinking that would not be expanded until the 19th century. And even as applied mathematics advances and paradigms shift, the work of Euclid remains relevant.
This exhibition explores the evolution of scientific thought through rare books, archival documents, and photographs held in the George Mason University Libraries Special Collections Research Center. It examines two major branches of science: the life sciences and applied mathematics. Featuring the works of Euclid, Bacon, Spallanzani, Pasteur, Linnaeus, and Darwin, Advances in Science, 1586 – 1999: Standing on the Giants spans the period between the formulation of the scientific method to the construction of the International Space Station.
1627 edition of Euclid’s Elements, Call Number: QA3 .S8708 1627
The exhibit reception for Advances in Science, 1586-1999: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants will be Tuesday, November 7th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, and will include a gallery tour, and remarks from Robinson Professor Jim Trefil on the importance of studying the history of science.
We hope you’ll join us!
