Why Collect Science?

In this critical assessment of the ‘museology of science’ I cherry-pick recent scholarship and practice to unpack the functions of science collections. Some practices (exhibition, engagement, study) have already attracted considerable attention, others not yet (storage); but all tend to be considere...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Samuel J M M Alberti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ubiquity Press 2017-12-01
Series:Journal of Conservation and Museum Studies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.jcms-journal.com/articles/150
Description
Summary:In this critical assessment of the ‘museology of science’ I cherry-pick recent scholarship and practice to unpack the functions of science collections. Some practices (exhibition, engagement, study) have already attracted considerable attention, others not yet (storage); but all tend to be considered separately as case studies from particular institutions and for particular disciplinary audiences. Juxtaposing different reasons to collect reveals both the tensions inherent in science collections and the opportunities these collections afford, especially around their materiality. This is why we have collected science, and why we should continue.
ISSN:2049-4572
1364-0429