The coiner of scientist? - 12/31/03 01:50 AM
Science/Nature section of my paper says today:
>Nineteenth-century philosopher William Whewell invented the word 'scientist'. Before that, the fitting descriptive terms were either 'man of science' or 'natural philosopher'.
>Whewell wrote on a wide array of topics, from mineralogy and geology to political economy and theology to architecture and mechanics.
>Among the other words he invented were 'anode', 'cathode', and 'ion'.
>He is best known today for his writing on the history and philosophy of science that led to debates with other 19th century philosophers. In the 20th century, critics of logical postivism rediscovered these writings.
So, 'tis it so?...the word stuff that is?
(and, hmmm, the philosophy of science, some here might find that a bit oxymoronic, to say the least. Must...resist...starting...another [duck-for-cover] philosphy thread. Let's try to stick to the word coinages here [ahem])
>Nineteenth-century philosopher William Whewell invented the word 'scientist'. Before that, the fitting descriptive terms were either 'man of science' or 'natural philosopher'.
>Whewell wrote on a wide array of topics, from mineralogy and geology to political economy and theology to architecture and mechanics.
>Among the other words he invented were 'anode', 'cathode', and 'ion'.
>He is best known today for his writing on the history and philosophy of science that led to debates with other 19th century philosophers. In the 20th century, critics of logical postivism rediscovered these writings.
So, 'tis it so?...the word stuff that is?
(and, hmmm, the philosophy of science, some here might find that a bit oxymoronic, to say the least. Must...resist...starting...another [duck-for-cover] philosphy thread. Let's try to stick to the word coinages here [ahem])
