Synopses & Reviews
Claire Preston argues that Thomas Browne's work can be fully understood only within the range of disciplines and practices associated with natural philosophy and early writing on subjects ranging from medicine and botany to archaeology and antiquarianism. Preston examines how the developing essay form, the discourse of scientific experiment, and, above all, Bacon's model of intellectual progress and cooperation determined the unique character of Browne's contributions to early modern literature, science and philosophy.
Synopsis
In this illuminating study, Claire Preston examines Thomas Browne's work in the context of the development of scientific disciplines and practices in the seventeenth century. In particular, she charts the intellectual configurations and beliefs that determined the unique character of Browne's contributions to early modern literature, science and philosophy.
About the Author
Claire Preston is Fellow and Lecturer in English, Sidney Sussex College, and Newton Trust Lecturer, Faculty of English, Cambridge University.
Table of Contents
1. Browne's civility; 2. Religio Medici: the junior endeavour; 3. The civil monument: Pseudodoxia Epidemica and investigative culture; 4. The laureate of the grave: Urne-Buriall and the failure of memory; 5. The jocund cabinet and the melancholy museum: a brief excursion into Brownean comedy; 6. The epitome of the earth: The Garden of Cyrus and verdancy; 7. The fruits of natural knowledge: the fugitive writings, and a conclusion.