12th November 1661, the English natural philosopher, architect and polymath Robert Hooke (18 July 1635 – 3 March 1703), appointed Curator of Experiments to the Royal Society, England. Robert Hooke was the author of Micrographia, published in September 1665, the book detailed Hooke's observations through various lenses through his microscope, it was the first scientific best-seller, inspiring a wide public interest in the new science of microscopy. Hooke’s book is notable for coining the biological term ‘cell’ to describe the basic unit of life. The box like structure’s Hooke saw reminded him of the structure of Monk’s cells. Also based on his observations of fossils, Hooke was an early proponent of biological evolution. Although microscopy would not yet observe the strains of bacteria that would kill an estimated 100,000 people in the Great Plague of London, the same year as Hooke’s work was published. 13th November 1688, birth of French priest and teacher Noël-Antoine Pluche, author of ‘The spectacle of Nature and the peculiarities of natural history’ was written in nine volumes between 1732–1742. The book influenced many to become naturalists, even though its theories were not scientific. The two works are in themselves a microcosm, (apologies for the pun), of the dichotomy existing between the scientific revolution, and the continued existence of older folk belief, that contracted the new reasoning, or in Pluche’s case, became a combination. With reference again to the Great Plague of London, which the new scientific revolution was unable to counter, a testament to this dichotomy can be seen in Daniel Defoe’s account of the Plague written in 1722, and his dismissal of Londoner’s hanging the word ‘Abracadabra’ on their doors to attempt to ward off the sickness. Continued in comments #steampunk #steampunkart #steampunkartist #roberthooke #danieldefoe #greatplagueoflondon #plague #plaguedoctor #blackdeath #microscope #historyofscience #steampunkhistory #abracadabra #londonhistory #micrographia #theroyalsociety #ofgraveconcern #darkhistory #strangehistory #macabrehistory #macabreart #folklore #folkloreart #naturalhistory #naturalhistoryart https://www.instagram.com/p/CHnZ1gwAAdl/?igshid=nhff2g094id
