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The concept of the "heroic inventor" or the
"heroic scientist" has long dominated the history of science
and technology. Heroic histories tend to portray individuals scientists
or inventors as making amazing new breakthroughs in isolation from
other understandings or circumstances. These histories are often found
in the form of a biography that depict brilliant individuals overcoming
personal difficulties to make giant leaps in our understanding of
the natural world or to create exciting new technologies.
In this section we will explore one such scientist, Joseph Henry, who has occasionally been the subject of heroic histories. Henry was one of the scientists responsible for developing an understanding of electro-magnetism that allowed for the invention of a number of useful technologies. In the next section we will compare Henry to another famous scientist, Michael Faraday and ask the question, "how can two researchers make the same discovery independently and simultaneously?" Work your way through the assignment, taking your time to visit the linked pages. When you finish reading the linked pages, simply press you "Back" button on your browser to re-enter the on-line assignment. The question to which you will respond about this written assignment will be handed out in class. Use the information and arguments from the on-line assignment to complete the written assignment. |
