Topic Guides

The History of Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) is an eclectic discipline, with faculty working with an extensive range of sources and utilizing a variety of methodologies. The history of science attracts a broad range of interest in its various domains, from philosophy and mathematics, to physical and biological sciences, to technology and agriculture. Scholars are interested in all eras of history, from the pre-modern era to the 20th and now into the early 21st century.

As a discipline, STE historians see interconnections between the history of science and the history of civilization broadly conceived. Historians examine not only the writings, theories, logic, and discoveries of scientists, but also the external social and cultural factors that influence scientific thought and development. Additionally, historians seek to understand how scientists interacted with their subjects, the public, and the world at large.

In addition to CRL’s own rich collections in the History of STE (see next tab), CRL’s Global Resources Partnership with the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering and Technology enables access to the trove of resources collected and maintained by Linda Hall in areas including engineering, physics & astrophysics, and chemistry (among others). CRL facilitates document delivery and digitization of articles, monographs, and historical serials from the collections of CRL and Linda Hall.