Science, race, and religion in the American South : John Bachman and the Charleston circle of naturalists, 1815-1895 / Lester D. Stephens.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stephens, Lester D.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Naturalists--South Carolina--Charleston--Biography.

Naturalists.

Natural history--South Carolina--Charleston--History--19th century.

Natural history.

Bachman, John, 1790-1874.

Bachman, John.

History.

South Carolina--Charleston.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

xviii, 338 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Chapel Hill : University of North Carolina Press, [2000]

Summary:

In the decades before the Civil War, Charleston, South Carolina, enjoyed recognition as the center of scientific activity in the South. By 1850, only three other cities in the United States--Philadelphia, Boston, and New York--exceeded Charleston in natural history studies, and the city boasted an excellent museum of natural history. This book examines the scientific activities and contributions of six Charleston naturalists: John Bachman, Edmund Ravenel, John Edwards Holbrook, Lewis R. Gibbes, Francis S. Holmes, and John McCrady. Bound together in spirit by their devotion to southern culture, their commitment to advancing science in their city and region, and their interest in natural history, the Charleston circle constituted a dynamic community of productive, respected scientists in a region that conventionally has been dismissed as largely devoid of scientific interests.

In telling the story of the Charleston naturalists, Lester Stephens details their scientific contributions and explores the regional circumstances that hindered their work. He pays particular attention to the ways in which their religious and racial beliefs interacted with and shaped their scientific pursuits. John Bachman's example provides an especially compelling illustration of the tension between these two forces. The unofficial leader of the Charleston circle, Bachman was a Lutheran clergyman and an authority on North American mammals. He was also an advocate of the unity of all human races, applying scientific principles to support his argument that all people are of one species.

Contents:

1 In a Singular Place 1

2 Exalting Two Books 11

3 In the Shadow of Audubon 39

4 Treasures of Earth and Sea 60

5 A Low Class of Animals 78

6 From Alpha to Omega 101

7 Ancient Animals 127

8 Passionate Pursuits 146

9 Hyenas and Hybrids 165

10 The Jawbone of an Ass 195

11 The Broken Circle 218

12 Last Links 239.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [303]-326) and index.

ISBN:

0807825182

OCLC:

41266068