Nature and empire : science and the colonial enterprise

Surveying Africa, Asia and the Americas, this new collection looks at the roles of science, medicine and technology during five centuries of colonialism. This thought-provoking history examines the many intersections of science, politics and culture during colonialism, including the relation between racism and medical science, "exploration" and its potential for wealth, and the perceived differences between indigenous knowledge and European science. Sixteen chapters focus on such topics as intellectual property rights and biodiversity, "acclimatizing" the world, and science and development. Bringing together contributions from around the globe, "Colonialism and Science" forges a new path for readers interested in science and society during the modern era.