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SUMMARY:The role of instruments in exploration: the RGS and its explorers\
 , c.1830–1900 - Jane Wess (University of Edinburgh)
DTSTART:20141103T130000Z
DTEND:20141103T141500Z
UID:TALK54707@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Margaret Carlyle
DESCRIPTION:The Royal Geographical Society was founded in 1830\, and\, fro
 m the beginning\, instruments were to be involved in its undertakings. The
 se 'instruments' have been defined by the actors: they were for measuring 
 and drawing\; commensurate with the earlier category of 'mathematical'. A 
 way of approaching their role is to consider what they _embodied_\, how th
 ey were _mobilised_ and what _agency_ they exerted. Embodiment would inclu
 de the knowledge and resources involved in their production\, the mathemat
 ical principles they assumed\, the discipline involved in their management
  by the RGS\, and the spirit of modernism that is inherent in them. Their 
 mobilisation would look at specifics of when\, where and by whom they were
  used\, what particular instruments were selected in what circumstances\, 
 and the difficulties with transport and standardisation. Their agency woul
 d focus on the practices they impose\, the hierarchies they establish\, an
 d the 'othering' of native inhabitants to which they contribute\, as well 
 as the physical results of their use. The paper will argue that instrument
 s played a crucial role in establishing the 'explorer' and the 'field' dur
 ing the mid-19th century\, and continued to maintain the authority of West
 ern values after that time.
LOCATION:Seminar Room 2\, Department of History and Philosophy of Science
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