Visiting professor: Frank A.J.L. James, University College London/Royal Institution

Abstract

Prof. Frank James' visit is a part of the exchange program included in our Thematic Project "Revealing natural process through the laboratory (phase II): the quest for material principles in the three kingdoms until the specialization of science in the 1800s" (grant #2011/14040-9, São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP). Collaboration with Prof. James began in 2000 to gain impetus in the following years in several work meetings held in London, as well as in his two previous visits to CESIMA. The first such visit took place in 2008, when Prof. James not only participated in event "Simão Mathias Centennial", but also made considerable contributions to our projects. Prof. James visited us again in 2014, on the occasion of event CESIMA ANNO XX, when work meetings were also conducted to discuss his and our research projects. Prof. James forthcoming visit, scheduled for November 14th - December 1st will not only be highly relevant for the aforementioned Thematic Project, but also for issues related to other projects currently conducted at CESIMA. Prof. James' research interests include: the sciences of matter in the early 19th century, especially the interface between physics and chemistry, and also medicine; and the organization of archives specialized in the history of science. In addition to professor at Science and Technology Studies Department, University College London, prof. James is the director of the Royal Institution, in which condition he is in charge of RI's rich collection of documents and instruments. Upon addressing men of science affiliated with the Royal Institution, such as M. Faraday and H. Davy, and their contacts, like T. Beddoes and the Watt family, Prof. James thoroughly discusses topics related to the specialization of knowledge and the establishment of new fields of research. All these subjects will be discussed in seminars and meetings at CESIMA and a lecture to be delivered at University of São Paulo. (AU)