Benjamin Franklin's invention of the lightning rod is the founding fable of American science; but Franklin was only one of many early Americans fascinated by electricity. As a dramatically new physical experience; electricity amazed those who dared to tame the lightning and set it coursing through their own bodies. Thanks to its technological and medical utility; but also its surprising ability to defy rational experimental mastery; electricity was a powerful experience of enlightenment; at once social; intellectual; and spiritual. In this compelling book; James Delbourgo moves beyond Franklin to trace the path of electricity through early American culture; exploring how the relationship between human; natural; and divine powers was understood in the eighteenth century. By examining the lives and visions of natural philosophers; spectacular showmen; religious preachers; and medical therapists; he shows how electrical experiences of wonder; terror; and awe were connected to a broad array of cultural concerns that defined the American Enlightenment. The history of lightning rods; electrical demonstrations; electric eels; and medical electricity reveals how early American science; medicine; and technology were shaped by a culture of commercial performance; evangelical religion; and republican politics from mid-century to the early republic. The first book to situate early American experimental science in the context of a transatlantic public sphere; A Most Amazing Scene of Wonders offers a captivating view of the origins of American science and the cultural meaning of the American Enlightenment. In a story of shocks and sparks from New England to the Caribbean; Delbourgo brilliantly illuminates a revolutionary New World of wonder.
#772332 in Books Harvard University Press 2003-04-30 2003-02-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.36 x .80 x 5.93l; .81 #File Name: 0674011112320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy E. KolinchakWell packaged and protected.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Terribly BoringBy Matthew LaForgeI read this book for a book club and could barely make it through. The whole book could be condensed down to a couple of paragraphs. The entire thing is a collection of two sentence anecdotes about what this or that person once mentioned about food. It is completely lacking in both rigor and storytelling. I would absolutely NOT recommend to anyone.Also; there are no pictures or illustrations in the Kindle edition; just a note to "refer to the print edition of this title" to see the image.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. not for the light readerBy roberta langeWhile the topic is interesting; it's a very hard read. The way it's written and the writing style make this the kind of book you read a page or two; and try to come back to...but. I"m only two chapters in hope somebody else reads it so I can get the information in it.
