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History of Science and Technology

Learn about the history of science and technology, two distinct but integrated fields. Scientists rely on evolving technology to conduct experiments and validate theories; for example, Galileo using a telescope in the early 1600s to upend the age-old belief that the sun revolved around the Earth. While Galileo is credited with establishing the ground rules for scientific research, he was not the first scientist to place the sun at the center of the universe. One century before Galileo, Nicolaus Copernicus’ study of the heavens led to the publication of his groundbreaking theories of heliocentrism.

The Scientific Revolution reached its zenith in the 17th century, with Sir Isaac Newton leading the way; his unveiling of the laws of motion launched the birth of modern physics. William Harvey, an Englishman like Newton, established modern biology with his study of the circulation of the blood. Meanwhile, Dutch physicist Christiaan Huygens’ work advanced the fields of optics and mechanics. Huygens also invented the pendulum clock.

Technology and innovation reshaped the world over the next few centuries. The steam engine was the driving force that powered the Industrial Revolution in the early 1800s, while the invention of the cotton gin hastened the coming of the Civil War. The locomotive and internal combustion engine led to the development of railroads and highways, and transformed both economics and American society at large. Air travel would have the same effect decades later. And the telegraph, telephone, radio, television, and motion pictures changed the way people conducted business and spent their leisure time.

In the 20th century, several key figures further revolutionized science: Albert Einstein, with his theories of relativity; Max Planck, through his study of quantum theory; and Werner Heisenberg, who all but created the field of quantum mechanics. In the life sciences, one of the most historic breakthroughs was by James Watson and Francis Crick, who mapped the double-helix structure of the DNA molecule. Moreover, scientific research was vital in eradicating dreaded scourges like smallpox and polio.
 

The development of computers in the latter half of the 20th century led to even greater scientific progress. Computers allowed researchers to process data and perform calculations instantly—and with greater accuracy. Furthermore, scientists could test their theories using computer models. In the early 21st century, the internet and social media have influenced the way people interact with each other. Indeed, computer technology has changed the world in ways Galileo and Newton couldn’t have possibly imagined.

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History of Science and Technology Resources

Gale provides scholarly resources, including primary source archives and eBooks for the history of science and technology research.

Primary Source Archives

Gale Primary Sources combines digital archives in a single cross-search interface. Users can learn more about the history of science and technology by accessing journals, newspaper articles, photographs, maps, and a wide range of other materials. 

Gale eBooks

Gale offers a variety of eBooks covering a wide range of topics, including sociology, biology, medicine, engineering, and more. Users can add Gale eBooks to a customized collection and cross-search to pinpoint relevant content. Workflow tools help users easily share, save, and download content.

  • History Just Before You Were Born: The Human Genome Project, 1st Edition

    History Just Before You Were Born: The Human Genome Project, 1st Edition

    Gareth Stevens Publishing | 2019 | ISBN-13: 9781538230954

    The Human Genome Project was a revolutionary development of the late 20th century and a major breakthrough in molecular biology and medicine. Readers of this remarkable volume will follow the scientists of the international, collaborative research program as they map the human genome. They’ll learn about the science behind the project as well as the medical possibilities opened by it. Vivid photographs support the text, and sidebars, fact boxes, and captions enrich the reader’s experience.

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  • Science, Technology, Innovation, and Development in the Arab Countries, 1st Edition

    Science, Technology, Innovation, and Development in the Arab Countries, 1st Edition

    Academic Press | 2018 | ISBN-13: 9780128125786

    This work takes a fresh approach to science, technology, and innovation policy formulation and implementation in the region, with applications to developing countries all over the world. Creating useful contexts for studying Arab policies about science, technology, and innovation requires trustworthy material and sound judgment. The author brings together both in this publication.

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  • STEM Milestones: Historic Inventions and Discoveries: Alexander Graham Bell’s Telephone, 1st Edition

    STEM Milestones: Historic Inventions and Discoveries: Alexander Graham Bell’s Telephone, 1st Edition

    Powerkids Press | 2019 | ISBN-13: 9781538343944

    The phone is an essential part of our everyday lives, thanks in large part to Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the first practical telephone in 1876. This book features biographical information about Bell and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts necessary to understand how his invention marked a historical milestone. Full-color and essential primary sources convey to readers how the phone has evolved and transformed society over the last century.

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  • STEM Milestones: Historic Inventions and Discoveries: Charles Darwin and the Origin of Species, 1st Edition

    STEM Milestones: Historic Inventions and Discoveries: Charles Darwin and the Origin of Species, 1st Edition

    Powerkids Press | 2019 | ISBN-13: 9781538343951

    Charles Darwin made indispensable contributions to the way we understand the world. Descriptive examples of his theories on evolution and natural selection will help young readers understand how all livings things have changed over time. Moreover, a biographical look into Darwin’s life shows how he came to shape and confirm his revolutionary theories.

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  • Technology in Ancient China, 1st Edition

    Technology in Ancient China, 1st Edition

    Gareth Stevens Publishing | 2014 | ISBN-13: 9781433996276

    This book explores the origins of China’s technological dominance through some of their landmark achievements in farming, astronomy, and metalworking. In addition, a timeline guides the reader through ancient Chinese history. Photographs and historical images augment information about the building of the Great Wall, the Grand Canal, and other scientific and technological breakthroughs that emerged from ancient China.

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