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Robert Hooke’s “Micrographia” had a really profound effect on the history of science. Here is the book— check out the letter to the king. I think people’s minds

Robert Hooke’s “Micrographia” had a really profound effect on the history of science. Here is the book— check out the letter to the king. I think people’s minds were blown and were ready to accept some new realities. https://www.milestone-books.de/pages/books/003613/robert-hooke/micrographia-or-some-physiological-descriptions-of-minute-bodies-made-by-magnifying-glasses https://www.milestone-books.de/pages/books/003613/robert-hoo...

nerdponx 4y ago
That letter is really something. I tend to think of grandiose flattery towards royalty as something that belongs in the ancient world. The puns on "small" and "least" at the end were also unexpectedly funny. I wonder how much people took this kind of flattery seriously, or if it was done with eyes rolled and tongue in cheek.
- yamtaddle 4y ago
  > I wonder how much people took this kind of flattery seriously, or if it was done with eyes rolled and tongue in cheek. Probably everyone who wasn't an idiot knew it was kinda silly and the sentiments not genuine, or at least exaggerated, but did it anyway. Cf business English, résumé cover letters, et c.
- dr_dshiv 4y ago
  Keep in mind that this letter and book helped guarantee funding for the Royal Society! Edit: The text “…Philosophy and Experimental Learning have prosper'd under your Royal Patronage. And as the calm prosperity of your Reign has given us the leisure to follow these Studies of quiet and retirement, so it is just, that the Fruits of them should, by way of acknowledgement, be return'd to your Majesty. There are, Sir, several other of your Subjects, of your Royal Society, now busie about Nobler matters: The Improvement of Manufactures and Agriculture, the Increase of Commerce, the Advantage of Navigation: In all which they are assisted by your Majesties Incouragement and Example. Amidst all those greater Designs, I here presume to bring in that which is more proportionable to the smalness of my Abilities, and to offer some of the least of all visible things, to that Mighty King, that has establisht an Empire over the best of all Invisible things of this World, the Minds of Men.“
  - nerdponx 4y ago
    Right, it's as much personal flattery of the king as it is a statement of allegiance to and gratitude for the institution of royalty! I'm sure the Civil War must've been quite a scary time, and I have no doubt that he's sincere about having greater peace and safety under the the restored monarchy. It's a really fascinating glimpse into that time period, beyond just the history of science.

nerdponx 4y ago

That letter is really something. I tend to think of grandiose flattery towards royalty as something that belongs in the ancient world. The puns on "small" and "least" at the end were also unexpectedly funny. I wonder how much people took this kind of flattery seriously, or if it was done with eyes rolled and tongue in cheek.

yamtaddle 4y ago
> I wonder how much people took this kind of flattery seriously, or if it was done with eyes rolled and tongue in cheek. Probably everyone who wasn't an idiot knew it was kinda silly and the sentiments not genuine, or at least exaggerated, but did it anyway. Cf business English, résumé cover letters, et c.
dr_dshiv 4y ago
Keep in mind that this letter and book helped guarantee funding for the Royal Society! Edit: The text “…Philosophy and Experimental Learning have prosper'd under your Royal Patronage. And as the calm prosperity of your Reign has given us the leisure to follow these Studies of quiet and retirement, so it is just, that the Fruits of them should, by way of acknowledgement, be return'd to your Majesty. There are, Sir, several other of your Subjects, of your Royal Society, now busie about Nobler matters: The Improvement of Manufactures and Agriculture, the Increase of Commerce, the Advantage of Navigation: In all which they are assisted by your Majesties Incouragement and Example. Amidst all those greater Designs, I here presume to bring in that which is more proportionable to the smalness of my Abilities, and to offer some of the least of all visible things, to that Mighty King, that has establisht an Empire over the best of all Invisible things of this World, the Minds of Men.“
- nerdponx 4y ago
  Right, it's as much personal flattery of the king as it is a statement of allegiance to and gratitude for the institution of royalty! I'm sure the Civil War must've been quite a scary time, and I have no doubt that he's sincere about having greater peace and safety under the the restored monarchy. It's a really fascinating glimpse into that time period, beyond just the history of science.