The organizational formation of atmospheric science

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the International History, Philosophy, and Science Teaching Organization, November 2001, in Denver, Colorado. This paper was completed in part with support from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (while Taylor was a Visiting Research Scientist in the Advanced Studies Program), and the University of Wyoming.

Abstract

In this paper, the history of atmospheric science is traced, from the earliest discussions from meteorologists, and the first meetings to describe this new research area. The development of atmospheric science proceeded in three phases with each phase being marked by the attempt to organize resources, and bring into the atmospheric science network, scientists from other fields. I argue here that this construction of a science provides evidence of the social nature of science as well as the importance of organizations to the creation of a science.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Diane Rabson, archivist at NCAR; Deborah Day, archivist at Scripps Oceanographic Institute; George Mazuzan of the National Science Foundation; James Fleming of Colby College; Audie Blevins and Burke Grandjean of the University of Wyoming, and reviewers at the Social Science Journal for their comments and assistance. The conclusions are the author's own.

Notes

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the International History, Philosophy, and Science Teaching Organization, November 2001, in Denver, Colorado. This paper was completed in part with support from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (while Taylor was a Visiting Research Scientist in the Advanced Studies Program), and the University of Wyoming.