The Lunar Society legacy
JMS Pearce United Kingdom Mention “Lunar Society” and most academics will stare vacantly, despite the society’s fame during the eighteenth century. Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802), grandfather of Charles Darwin, was a founder of the Lunar Society in Birmingham (c. 1765- c.1800), which counted several physicians in its numbers. The original “Lunarmen” comprised a select club, […]
Polymathy in decline?
J.M.S. Pearce United Kingdom Try to know something about everything and everything about something. —attributed to T H Huxley (1825-95) Nicolaus Copernicus, 1872 Jan Matejko Jagiellonian University, Krakow Polymaths are rare and interesting people. Their fund of learning enlightens conversation, provokes new ideas, and excites our imagination and understanding. The ancient Greeks concentrated on natural […]
Retired Hurt
J.M.S. Pearce United Kingdom Poet’s statement: Lines on retirement written years ago in a transient mood of reflection, not depression. Retired hurt1 What is this life with time to spare, There’s too much time to stand and stare. No breakfast rushed, no traffic race No bureaucrat’s unsmiling face. No prim grey suit worn everyday, […]