>I have a sensation that in the 18-19th century it was the chemical sciences that were similarly shrouded in secrecy. I'm not sure this is the case. Chemistry

>I have a sensation that in the 18-19th century it was the chemical sciences that were similarly shrouded in secrecy. I'm not sure this is the case. Chemistry and geology were both popular with hobbyists (albeit, it seemed to often be aristocratic hobbyists) during that period.