Beyond fixed geographies: Moving localities and the making of knowledge

Abstract

In recent historiography the notion of circulation serves as a basis for weaving together global narratives of the history of science. However, the emphasis placed by such narratives on the impact of European science should not overshadow the fact that the making of knowledge in Europe is a dynamic and multi-layered process that cannot be reduced to simple models of knowledge circulation among fixed localities. In order to develop this perspective, the authors introduce the notion of “moving localities,” as a means to depict the mutually transformative encounters that shaped the notion of European science and technology.