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A fascinating study of the third oldest learned society in the United States, founded in 1799. From its inception, when it was "the only place in town" to go to share the latest knowledge and ideas, to the dawn of the 21st century, when the Academy continues to provide an opportunity, free from the restrictions of government and university, to share knowledge and ideas. At lectures and in a series of specialized publications the members of the Academy spoke and wrote about natural science and expressed a wish to compile statistics about their new nation. You will read about well-known Connecticut citizens, such as Noah Webster, Benjamin Silliman, Ezra Stiles and Timothy Dwight. The earliest publication, containing observations on temperature change in winter by Noah Webster, has recently been reprinted. The story in the later nineteenth century and early twentieth century continues with the promulgation of scientific research - some of it, such as the chemical research by J. W. Gibbs, ground breaking. In the later part of the twentieth century, Academy members have directed some of their attention beyond the local to world history and literature. Recent works have included subjects as diverse as a study of Semelai culture in New Guinea and a detailed study of Obernberg, a small Tirolean village. Although the meetings are limited to Connecticut locations, the publications serve an international audience. This work effectively chronicles the journey of the first two hundred years and sets the stage for the next century of learned discourse. 254 pgs 6" x 9" (1999) Hardcover: $35.00 Softcover: $17.50 Order Information: |
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