Synthesizes Welsh history of science during the long eighteenth century.

‘" World of New Ideas": 1650–1820 is a series of two volumes revealing the often-forgotten contributions made by Welsh scientists to the scientific history of the long eighteenth century. The first volume—The Isles—centers on the contribution made in Wales particularly but also includes England, Scotland, and Ireland. By presenting a synthesis of published material and original research in three sections (Theory, Practice, and Results), its chapters examine how Welsh contributions fit into the history of science developed from the quasi-magical worlds of alchemy and early chemistry, through the advent of Cartesian and Newtonian science, to the world of technological innovation and industrial development.