Visual Cultures in Science and Technology, A Comparative History

• First effort at a historiographic synthesis of decades worth of micro-studies on visual science cultures
• Comparative approach - discerns recurrent patterns of emergence, development, change and transfer
• In-depth discussion of selected examples provides deep insight into scientific, technical and medical practices from the early-modern period to the late 20th century
• Profusely illustrated with examples of all kinds of visual representations in science, technology and medicine, ranging from technical drawings to graphs, early MRI images and PET

This book is offers a broad, comparative survey of a booming field within the history of science: the history, generation, use, and function of images in scientific practice. It explores every aspect of visuality in science, arguing for the concept of visual domains. What makes a good scientific image? What cultural baggage is essential to it? Is science indeed defined by its pictures?

"This is a rich exploration of the visual cultures of science and technology. Its scope and depth are dazzling, ranging from the development of visual skills to philosophical implications, and from cinematography to Martian canals. Complemented by generous illustrations, this fascinating exploration leads to fruitful insights." - Sean F. Johnston, University of Glasgow