Keeping scientists in their place

An account is given of the introduction of the laboratory into English school science education. The factors which enabled and constrained the introduction of the school laboratory as part of the rise of science education from the mid-nineteenth century are outlined. Four possible categories of reasons for the introduction of laboratories into schools are discussed: educational and pedagogic reasons; political and economic reasons; professional reasons; research reasons. Finally it is proposed that the story of the school laboratory in England and Wales shows that many scientists played various roles at various times and that scientists can be described as researchers, teachers and politicians depending on the context in which they are functioning.