Abstract
This chapter outlines the history of American marine biology from the eighteenth century to the present. First, it highlights the growing interest in marine organisms in America in the mid-nineteenth century. The onboard naturalists of the eighteenth century voyages gave way to scientists who identified themselves as marine zoologists. Next, the chapter details the infusion of German biological ideas into the American academic system and the subsequent rise of marine laboratories. Then, it examines how oceanography and fisheries biology split from marine biology in the mid-twentieth century and the eventual definition of marine biology post-World War II. Finally, the chapter suggests several historiographical gaps that, if filled, would allow a deeper understanding of the place of marine biology in American scientific and popular culture today.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | A Companion to the History of American Science |
Pages | 134-146 |
Number of pages | 13 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781119072218 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 10 Oct 2015 |
Keywords
- Fisheries biology
- Marine biology
- Marine laboratories
- Marine zoologists
- Oceanography
- Onboard naturalists