Collecting in the Colonies: Hidden Histories of British Science, 1660-1838 – NEW!
This module explores the hidden connections between British scientific advancement, imperial expansion, and the transatlantic slave trade during the early modern period (1660–1838). Beginning with the founding of the Royal Society, it examines the ways that the development of “Western science” was deeply interconnected with empire and slavery, while foregrounding the often-overlooked contributions of enslaved and free people of African descent, whose expertise, skills, and labor made British collecting and natural history possible. The module also introduces students to the “reading against the grain” methodology, and the ways this skill can help to uncover historically marginalized voices, while also connecting this history of exclusion to contemporary efforts to decolonize scientific institutions today.
Original version authored by Libi Sundermann
Readings and Primary Sources
Before the Module:
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-0.0-Module Lesson Plan
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-0.1-Schedule at a Glance
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-0.2-About this Module for Students
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-0.3-Historical Context, Timeline, and Glossary
Lesson 1:
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-1.1-Reading 1
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-1.2-Primary Source Royal Charter
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-1.3-Primary Source Ode to Royal Society
Lesson 2:
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-2.1-Reading 2
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-2.2-Primary Sources-Darwin’s Cabin and the Challenger
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-2.3-Primary Source Petiver
Lesson 3:
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-3.1-Reading 3
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-3.2-Primary Source Stedman’s Narrative Against the Grain
- Collecting-in-the-Colonies-3.3-Primary Source Equiano
Lesson 4:
