Lecture 9 Flashcards
What was the ‘holy other; and how did it relate to the Royal Society?
- The ‘holy other’ as coined by Westfall, referred to the male-dominated gatekeeping of knowledge in the royal society
- Women were excluded, and knowledge was standardized to benefit capitalism and industry
What was Isaac Newton’s contribution to science and society?
- Introduced universal laws of motion and gravity (Principia)
- Promoted standardized scientific methods
- His work signaled the “westernization” of science, tying it to capitalism and practical utility
How did the Royal Society influence industrial advancements?
The Society encouraged experiments with electricity, vacuum, amd steam, laying the groundwork for industrial and transportation revolutions
What problem did the steam engine originally solve?
- It was designed to pump water out of mines, not to power factories.
- Early versions included:
- Thomas Savery’s Miner’s Friend
- Denis Papin’s piston steam engine
- Thomas Newcomen’s atmospheric engine
How did James Watt improve the steam engine?
- In 1765, Watt added an external condenser to improve efficiency
- He later partnered with Matthew Boulton to mass-produce engines at the Soho factory
What role did John Wilkinson play in steam engine development?
Wilkosons cannon-boring machine allowed for precise machining of steam engine cylinders, revolutionizing engine performance
How did the factory system differ from the ‘putting-out’ system?
- The putting out system involved home-based production. Factories centralized labor, using large machines and removing workers from homes, resulting in
- Minimal wages
- Dependency on water or steam power
- New labour organization technologies, such as Arkwright’s Cromford Mill
What was the significance of the Portsmouth Block Mills
Marc Brunel introduced automated prediction and assembly lines in 1802, marking the shift toward modern industrial manufacturing
How did technological positivism view the relationship between technology and society?
It argued that technology had a one-way, purely positive influence on society, a perspective later challenged by the social consequences of industrialization
What were the social impacts of the factory system?
While it led to enormous personal wealth for some, it also created widespread poverty and poor working conditions, highlighting the inequality of industrial society
What role did design stealing play in the development of steam engines?
- Design stealing was common during this period.
- For example, Denis Papin’s steam engine design was adapted by others, including Thomas Newcomen, whose atmospheric engine became widely used. Papin’s lack of social networks and support left his contributions overshadowed
Why did Denis Papin fail to commercialize his inventions?
Papin lacked strong social networks and institutional support, especially when isaac Newton, a rival, became head of the Royal Society. Papin’s ideas were later adapted by others without credit.
