Symposium on Scientific Instruments in the Early American
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                "Natural Philosophy" and the Domestic Sphere: Scientific
Instruments in the Early American Home, 1750-1850 - The role of scientific
instruments in daily life is the focus of an upcoming symposium sponsored by
the Fairfax County Park Authority and the George Mason University Department
of History.  The program will be presented on Friday, March 29, 2002, at the
university in Fairfax, Virginia.

        An historical portrayal of a period surveyor by Jim Daniel
(Consultant) opens the program. Michael O'Malley (George Mason University)
surveys the cultural, social and technological development of the history of
science ("natural philosophy.") Deborah Warner (National Museum of American
History) discusses at the scientific instruments used by educated and
wealthy gentlemen in their "natural philosophy" pursuits and as entertaining
curiosities for middling classes. Jon Nese (The Franklin Institute) explores
early attempts at weather prediction. Beth Bisbano (American Clock & Watch
Museum) examines timekeeping, clocks and associated devices.

                Tabletop exhibits and demonstrations of period clocks and
barometers and other instruments, survey equipment and "chaining", making
and reading sundials, weather-related folklore and other associated
interpretive activities accompany the program. Related resource books will
be on sale.

                Prepaid registrations are required and must be postmarked by
March 15, 2002. The $50.00 fee covers all sessions of the symposium, parking
and lunch.  For information and registration forms write to the Collections
Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority, 12055 Government Center Parkway,
Suite 927, Fairfax, Virginia, 22035, phone 703/631-1429 or 703/708-0861, fax
703/631-8319 or e-mail [log in to unmask]

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