New book brings to life the making of American science at the Academy of Natural Sciences
A new, richly illustrated book recounts the passionate personalities and the landmark achievements that shaped the first 200 years of the oldest natural history museum in the Western Hemisphere.
A Glorious Enterprise: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the Making of American Science is the first complete history of the institution, which was founded in Philadelphia in 1812. Early expeditions organized at the Academy were of central importance to the exploration of America's western wilderness, and the plant and animal specimens that were brought back formed the foundation of a collection that today contains some 18 million items.
What began as a small gathering of devoted amateurs has grown into a vibrant international center for scientific education and research. On March 24, the Academy will kick off a yearlong celebration of its past, present, and future with the opening of a major exhibition and a weekend of special events and programs.
A Glorious Enterprise tells the story of the brilliant and passionate men and women who endeavored to acquire and disseminate knowledge of the natural world. Thomas Jefferson, John James Audubon, Robert Peary, Ernest Hemingway, and James Bond are just a few of the colorful Academy associates profiled in this lively narrative.
Academy naturalist and historian Robert McCracken Peck and historical biographer Patricia Tyson Stroud take readers behind the scenes of the Academy, recounting the signal moments and achievements that shaped its first 200 years—from its landmark discoveries in North America and around the world, through the construction of its famed dioramas in the 1930s, to the pioneering work of Academy scientists in water pollution and conservation long before these were topics of popular concern. The 464-page book is richly illustrated throughout with hundreds of archival images and stunningly original works by acclaimed photographer Rosamond Purcell that cast specimens from the Academy's collections in a new light.
Provided by Academy of Natural Sciences