Call for papers: two symposia on the history of geology, to be held at the ICHSTM Congress in Manchester, 22-28 July 2013.
Deadline for submission of abstracts to symposia: 15 October 2012. This has been extended from a previous deadline and is non-negotiable.
You will be informed as to whether or not your paper has been accepted by 15 November 2012 at the latest. Due to limited space and the need to ensure a balanced programme around the themes announced, not all papers offered will be accepted, and rejection does not imply any judgment as to quality. Those whose papers are not accepted will still have time to submit their abstracts separately to the general iCHSTM call for papers (deadline 23 November 2012).
Symposium 1) S112 – Geology in Art and Literature
Proposals for 15-minute papers are invited for a symposium on
Geology in Art and Literature. The symposium is convened by Ralph O’Connor (UK) and Noah Heringman (USA).
This symposium will explore the role of art and literature in the production and communication of geological knowledge. ‘Literature’ and ‘art’ are broadly defined: papers will explore both ‘high’ genres (such as fine art and poetry) and genres which are conventionally associated with science communication in which artistic form was no less important (such as scientific treatises and printed illustrations). Papers will discuss figures and representational traditions from around the world, although the main focus will be on the period from the eighteenth century to the present day (in order to achieve a sense of disciplinary focus around geology). The papers will discuss the ways in which knowledge was shaped by the constraints and possibilities of artistic and literary forms or aesthetic demands, the role of art and literature in shaping wider public perceptions of geology, and the ways in which art and literature have represented the work of geological knowledge-production itself.
Please submit your abstract of not more than 2500 characters (including spaces) to
Ralph O’Connor: ralph.j.oconnor@gmail.com
Symposium 2) S113 – Geologists in the Field
Proposals for 15-minute papers are invited for a symposium on
Geologists in the Field. The symposium is convened by Leucha Veneer (UK) and Martina Kölbl-Ebert (Germany).
This symposium will explore the history of geological and geophysical fieldwork, examining the work of individuals, research groups and commercial explorers in all areas of the world, from all periods of history. Papers considering the changing nature and status of fieldwork, innovations in the instruments, techniques and training methods of fieldwork, and the role of fieldwork in the development of geological knowledge and theory are welcome. Papers discussing the relation-ships between fieldwork and collections and museums, or between fieldwork and laboratory-based studies are also welcome, as are papers that relate to any aspect of fieldwork not discussed above, including the importance of geological fieldwork as it relates to any aspect of the history of science, technology and medicine.
Please submit your abstract of not more than 2500 characters (including spaces) to
Leucha Veneer leucha.veneer@manchester.ac.uk