What was science like in America 250 years ago?

Sure, the American colonies had Benjamin Franklin and his kite. But many other natural philosophers were thinking big thoughts about the world.

If you hear “colonial America” and “science,” one name probably comes to mind: Benjamin Franklin. But he wasn’t the only one thinking big thoughts and asking big questions. Many other natural philosophers were also looking at the world in new ways, and trying to make sense of how it worked.  

In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, Host Ira Flatow traveled to Boston, the birthplace of the American Revolution, for a conversation with historian Robert Allison about scientific thought in early America.

Guest:

Dr. Robert Allison is a professor of history at Suffolk University, chair of Revolution 250, and president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. 

Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.

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