Speaker
Description
The emergence of electromagnetism as a distinct phenomenon in the early 19th century marked a significant milestone in the study of electricity and magnetism. However, despite considerable experimental developments, the parental nature of electrical and magnetic forces remained inadequately understood. To have a more comprehensive understanding of the scientific problems of the 19th century, it is essential to examine the main ideas that persisted throughout the 18th century, because these earlier developments formed a basis for later discoveries in electromagnetism. The evolution of natural sciences from philosophical inquiry began in the 17th century and progressed throughout the 18th century, prepared the way for basic principles that influence the modern scientific thought.
The outline of this research is based on Lectures on Electricity, delivered by William Sturgeon at the Royal Victoria Gallery in Manchester during the 1841–1842 session. In those lectures, various philosophical instruments relevant to the study of electrical phenomena from the early 17th to the early 18th century were examined, with a particular focus on their structural composition and the underlying principles governing their function.
These lectures, attended by both public audiences and academic participants, serve as a bridge between philosophical inquiry and the practical applications of early electrical technologies in Victorian England.
Sturgeon’s role as a lecturer positioned him between experimental philosophers and an engaged public eager to explore this emerging scientific field. His work reflects a concerted effort to elucidate the theoretical principles underlying electrical experiments, particularly the fundamental physical laws governing this branch of science. In his lectures, Sturgeon not only contributed to scientific discourse but also facilitated a deeper public understanding of electricity and its implications.
This work aims to contribute to the understanding of 18th century philosophical instruments by offering understanding into the instrumental developments of electrical phenomena, not only from a practical perspective but also in a wider philosophical meaning.
Short Biography
Tuğçe Esenduran is a PhD candidate in Istanbul Technical University, studying in the Department of History of Science and Technology.
With a background including Physics Engineering (BSc) and Control and Automation Engineering (MSc) in Istanbul Technical University, she is an engineer with passion for basic science. Her research interests are situated at the intersections of science and technology.
Currently, most of her works are involved in the history of technology, focusing mainly on the electromagnetic developments in consideration of the works of William Sturgeon who is an experimental philosopher and lecturer that guided the studies on electricity and magnetism in England in the first half of the 19th century. Scientific instruments are her primary interest including to examine the underlying laws that govern them and analyzing their wider effects on science and technology. Her academic background provides her with necessary knowledge to understand the science behind technology.
She is in her intended path to form a link including ‘Table of Contents for Issues of Annals of Electricity, Magnetism and Chemistry’ which published between 1836-1843 as 10 volumes and conducted by William Sturgeon.
In her opinion those Annals serve as a clear representation of scientifc tendencies in philosophical meaning between the late 18th century and the early 19th century. Notably, the proceedings of the 'Electrical Society of London', the first effort of its time dedicated to electrical research, appeared also in those Annals.
| Keywords | Electric fluid, electric battery, Leyden jar, electric forces, electroscope, electrometer, atmospheric electricity, polarization, electric machine, electric kite experiments, pith ball electroscope, universal discharger, electro-mechanical phenomena, Volta's condenser, Discharges of Leyden Jar, the velocity of electric fluid lateral discharges, aurora borealis, Voltaic electricity |
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| esenduran@itu.edu.tr | |
| Affiliation | Department of History of Science and Technology in ITU |
| Position | PhD student |
