Jefferson and Science

Thomas Jefferson is a very revered and well known figure in American history. The book Jefferson and Science further this idea by elaborating on the side of Jefferson many readers will not be aware of. The style of writing and the authority with which the Smithsonian historian, Silvio Bedini, writes makes for a one-hundred seven page brief but enlightening exploration into Jefferson and his involvement and impact upon the sciences. Readability, verifiability, and a clear and concise style make this book an excellent choice though Bedini does lack some of the higher level connections found in other biographies. To summarize, Bedini talks in some of his short three to twelve page chapters about each of the areas of science (Surveying, Meteorology, Astronomy, Ethnology, Health and Medicine, Botany, Horology, and Agriculture) Jefferson made contributions or showed a keen interest in. The other chapters talk about a broad contribution or area of Jefferson' life that relate to science (The American Philosophical Society, Science in Europe, Notes on the State of Virginia, Health and Medicine, Exploration and Discovery, Invention, and The University of Virginia). Each of the chapters is relatively factual though Bedini is inclined to belabor a chapter with unnecessary amounts of specific details. Due to Jefferson's notoriety the author does not feel inclined to make a case for this by expounding upon Jefferson's many and varied accomplishments thereby saving the reader repetitious and boring details. Instead this presupposition allows Bedini to focus and give credit to Jefferson where many historians and typical people fail to appreciate Jefferson. Once a reader enters the book they will find that it is not quite like other biographies written about Thomas Jefferson. No birth date or death date will can be found and there is very little written specifically about his presidency or the Declaration of Independence. The primary emphasis of the book is the side of Thomas Jefferson relating to science, a side not often seen. Bedini conveys to readers each of the aspects of science Jefferson took an interest in. Many of the chapters are devoted solely to Jefferson's involvement in a particular field of science. This gives the book a highly organized and clear structure. However, while Bedini does an excellent job presenting the details of Jefferson's interest and involvement in science, he fails to give an adequate amount of abstraction to Jefferson's involvement in the sciences. For example, the introduction of the book should clearly explain what information will be conveyed and why this information is important. A lacking connection is found between Jefferson's interest in science and its importance. Presumably Jefferson's interest in science helps promote scientific advancement with posterity in mind. This connection is made quite obvious when Bedini speaks about Jefferson's role in the establishment of the University of Virginia; yet elsewhere it appe