This thesis explores the dissemination and development
of science in colonial America. Specifically, I examine a
general periodical (or newspaper), the Pennsylvania Gazette,
in the years 1729 - 1755 for articles on natural philosophy,
naturalism, technics, medicine, and husbandry, among others.
I approach several concerns: the role of the Gazette in the
'popularization' and accessibility of science, the image of
natural philosophy that was promoted in the Gazette, how the
Gazette served the interests of the public and of those doing
science, and how this history influenced science and the
press.
Public acceptance of scientific method and results made
the newspaper critical for a developing colonial American
science tied to commercial interests. The image of science
presented utilized rationality, empiricism, commercial
viability, and opposition to superstition. The Gazette
sought a reading public which embodied this epistemology.
And to attract an audience, it made science entertaining and
meaningful.
Yet I little effort went into making science directly
accessible through the Gazette. The style of science in the paper remained top down I necessitating expertise, time, and
resources for any in the public interested in doing science.
No theory and little in the way of explanations could be
found in its pages, only what might be termed 'matters of
fact' and advertisements for the lectures, texts, and
products of science. Those doing science used al ternati ve
venues for communicating. Thus, science in the press
followed market and governmental forms with a structure of
specialization and representation which I term "republican science." I conclude by noting that this form of public
science continues in today's newspapers.
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