My interest in the place of science in early Victorian culture began with postgraduate work on natural theology as a philosophical framework for scientific investigation in that period. Whewell was a figure in this thesis and has been in other work I have published. But it is only recently, and with the benefit of some further specialist studies, that it has seemed possible to use Whewell as the focus of a book on debates about the nature of science in nineteenth-century Britain. Inevitably, this brings problems of selection, since nothing like comprehensive attention can be given both to Whewell's activities and to the range of issues in the public discussions in which he participated. Consequently, I have not attempted to include detailed accounts of Whewell's interventions in particular scientific disciplines such as mineralogy, geology, or electrochemistry, or his contributions to terminology. Where possible, I indicate other relevant treatment of these topics. I have aimed to place Whewell's work in its cultural context and therefore hope that this book will interest not only people who already know Whewell, but also students of Victorian intellectual history more generally.

Although this book was written over the last few years, it has a prehistory. During this time, which I'd rather not quantify, I have happily gathered many debts. An inadequate attempt to recount them should start with thanks to the librarians of Fisher Library, Sydney University, and Griffith University Library, especially the interlibrary loans staff who ferry the large Victorian holdings of Australian institutions.