Science in a Tavern: Essays & Diversions on Science in the Making
by: Charles S. Slichter

Hardcover. Madison, University of Wisconsin Press, 1st, 1938, Book: Very Good, Dust Jacket: None, Hardcover, blue cloth covers with gilt lettering, 186 pages. The title of this book refers to the meetings in London taverns and private houses, beginning about 1650, of English scientists and men of means and philosophical interests. At these meetings a great deal was eaten and drunk, discussion and even experimentation took place. It was from this nucleus that the Royal Society was formed in 1662. After that an inner circle still dined before the meetings of the Society and in 1725 formed a dining club. Dean Slichter, in the first two essays of this volume sketches the parallel early histories of the Royal Society and of the Club, stressing the importance for science of the patronage of the men of wealth and social position who belonged to these organizations. Name on front fly leaf, otherwise clean.