Life of Natural Philosophy

Abstract

The chemist Edward Thorpe, editor-in-chief of Cavendish’s scientific papers, says of Cavendish what could not be said of any other British man of science of the time, that “almost every department of the physical science of his time appealed to him with equal force and he pursued all with equal zeal and success.” This observation is borne out by his publications, his unpublished manuscripts, the books he bought for his library, and testimony from the time. Key features of his pursuit include the quality of his mind, the manner in which he employed his senses, his ways of communicating with the scientific world, and the value he placed on objectivity, accuracy, precision, perfection, knowledge, and truth. His superior talent and application were recognized by his colleagues. Humphry Davy wrote: “Since the death of Newton, if I may be permitted to give an opinion, England has sustained no scientific loss so great as that of Cavendish.” For all intents and purposes, Cavendish’s life was his work, and all of his work was related to natural philosophy. The chapter concludes with “natural philosophy as a way of life” as it pertains to Cavendish.