Writing Lives in the History of Science

Opens May 5, 2025
Museum Mezzanine

Whose stories do we tell? Why?

Our latest exhibition from our A Closer Read series explores the motives, experiences, and tools biographers have brought to bear on scientific figures from the 18th century to the present. It shows that history, just like science, is always changing. Come see rare books from the Othmer Library collection and unique archival materials that shed light on the personalities and projects of scientific biographers.

Works on display include a “scholar’s copy” of Joseph Priestley’s landmark Chart of Biography, a remarkable “extra-illustrated” copy of Memoirs of the Life of Sir Humphry Davy written by his brother, John, and selections from the private correspondence amassed by Morris Goran in his pursuit of The Story of Fritz Haber.

Writing Lives in the History of Science was curated by Judy Kaplan, Cain Curatorial Fellow at the Science History Institute, and Megan Krempa, a master of information student at Dalhousie University.

About A Closer Read: Stories from Our Library Shelves

A Closer Read is a series of exhibitions featuring materials from the Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Library of Chemical History. On display on the mezzanine level of the Science History Institute Museum, these exhibitions use rare books, archival materials, and modern books and journals to share new stories from the history of science.

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SCIENTIFIC BIOGRAPHIES

Joseph Priestley

One of the 18th century’s most preeminent experimental scientists, Priestley is best remembered for discovering oxygen.

SCIENTIFIC BIOGRAPHIES

Fritz Haber

The Nobel Prize-winning chemist was controversial for his role in developing Germany’s poison-gas program during World War I.

SCIENTIFIC BIOGRAPHIES

Humphrey Davy

This self-taught electrochemistry pioneer became a leader in Lavoisier’s reformed chemistry movement of the late 18th century.