Jan Golinski, Science as Public Culture: Chemistry and Enlightenment in Britain, 1760-1820. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992.
I just started reading this book and am really optimistic about it. While I don’t think Golinski will delve into the chemical theories of the various people that I’m interested in, he does do a great job of establishing the societal context for exactly my period of interest. He looks at virtual witnessing ala Shapin and Schaffer, scientific rhetoric in various forms of communication, education, and professionalization. I’m going to get back to reading now, but based on initial impressions, I’d recommend this book to all people interested in the sociological end of history of science.
