Ordering Life

Ordering Life by Kristin Johnson

For centuries naturalists have endeavored to name, order, and explain biological diversity. Karl Jordan (1861-1959) dedicated his long life to this effort, describing thousands of new species in the process. "Ordering Life" explores the career of this prominent figure as he worked to ensure a continued role for natural history museums and the field of taxonomy in the rapidly changing world of twentieth-century science. Jordan made an effort to both practice good taxonomy and secure status and patronage in a world that would soon be transformed by wars and economic and political upheaval. Kristin Johnson traces his response to these changes and shows that creating scientific knowledge about the natural world depends on much more than just good method or robust theory. The broader social context in which scientists work is just as important to the project of naming, describing, classifying, and, ultimately, explaining life.

For those with an interest in the history of natural history-- Ian Paulsen, GrrlScientist Guardian A very readable account of the long-lived naturalist/entomologist Karl Jordan (1861-1959). Choice Any college-level natural history holding will find this enlightening. Midwest Book Review Karl Jordan's innovative methods of classifying insect species are highlighted in this biography of the early 20th century entomologist. Science News Ordering Life, by Kristin Johnson, is one part biography to three parts history and philosophy of science. 'Jordan serves as a useful guide', Johnson writes, 'not only to understanding how knowledge about biodiversity is obtained but how the answer to that question has changed over time and why'. -- Louise Fabiani Times Literary Supplement There are layers of richness in Johnson's book and readers will doubtless draw their own conclusions for Johnson's pleasong style leads the reader by means of historical narrtive rather than proselytization. -- Malcolm J. Scoble Biological Journal of the Linnean Society

Kristin Johnson is an assistant professor of science, technology, and society at the University of Puget Sound.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781421406008
ISBN 10	1421406004
Title	Ordering Life
Author	Kristin Johnson
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Johns Hopkins University Press
Year published	2012-10-10
Number of pages	392
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.