Call for papers (with apologies for cross posting)
9th International Conference in the History of Chemistry (9ICHC)
CHEMISTRY IN MATERIAL CULTURE
Uppsala University 21-23 August, 2013
Conference webpage: http://www.9ichc.se
This interdisciplinary conference welcomes participants from a range of
academic disciplines, including history of science and technology, economic
history, cultural heritage research and the STS-field, as well as
participants from chemistry, material science and related disciplines who
have an interest in contributing to the writing of the history of their
fields.
Chemistry is the premier science dealing with the material world. From early
modern times to the present, chemists have been involved in the analysis and
synthesis of materials, in manufacture and industrial production. Engaging
in diverse fields such as medicine, metallurgy, dyeing, agriculture, et
cetera the science has had an important part in the shaping of the modern
world, and was in turn shaped through its interactions with technology and
industry. Simultaneously, the chemical laboratory is a site where our
concepts of reality may be redefined. Historically, chemists have had an
important role in defining the relationship of modern culture with the
material world.
The conference will investigate all aspects of the history of alchemy and
chemistry in its engagement with material culture, including the chemistry
of materials and the philosophy of matter. Papers might address:
* Chemical sites, objects and practices as cultural heritage.
* The philosophical meaning of chemical "materiality".
* Chemical industry and the commodification of chemicals.
* The cultural and economic significance of elements and other chemical
"objects".
* Museum collections of chemical instruments and other chemistry-related
objects.
* Laboratories and experiments.
Session proposals and abstracts of a maximum of 300 words are invited on any
of these, or related topics. Submissions should be posted to the conference
administration at the Swedish Chemical Society, david@chemsoc.se at the
latest by 31 March, 2013. Please write 9ichc in the message field.