Description
Book SynopsisThis book focuses upon the activities of a group of Midland intellectuals who strove to promote social, political and urban improvements which had national and international consequences. It examines a turbulent period of British history, an age of political and industrial revolution in which the Derby philosophers were closely involved. -- .
Table of ContentsList of figures
Introduction
1 Politics, religion, urban culture and Natural Philosophy, c.1700-1770
2 Natural Philosophy and utility.
3 Joseph Wright, John Whitehurst and Derby philosophical culture c.1760-1783
4 The Derby Philosophical Society.
5 Dissent, politics and Natural Philosophy: the campaigns of the 1780s and 1790s
6 Enlightenment and improvement: The campaign for the enclosure of common lands during the 1790s
7 The Derby Literary and Philosophical Society
8 The Derbyshire General Infirmary
9 Evolution: Erasmus Darwin, William George Spencer and Herbert Spencer.
10 Women and Derby scientific culture, c.1780-1850
11: Civic science and rational recreation: the Derby Mechanic’s Institute (1825) and the Derby Arboretum (1840)
Conclusion
Appendix: members of the Derby Philosophical Society (1783-1850) and members of the Derby Literary and Philosophical Society (1908-1816)
Select bibliography
Index
