History and Philosophy of Science at Oregon State University

Long-time OSU historians Mina Carson and Mary Jo Nye (emerita) contributed to a fascinating OPB documentary on chemist and activist Linus Pauling.  It includes substantial discussion of the science, the political controversies, and his partnership with Ava Helen Pauling.

Navajo scientist Perry H. Charley and Navajo elder Elsie Mae Begay joined with History of Science graduate student Linda Richards and others recently on a panel about radiation effects, held this April in Phoenix at the annual meeting of the American Society for Environmental History.  Charley brought samples of rock from Begay’s home, along with […]

By Jacob Darwin Hamblin The earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan is a potent reminder of how vulnerable humans are to the shrugs and twitches of nature. Nuclear power advocates are quick to say that the compromised Japanese reactors were of an old design. But Japan is a sophisticated, technologically savvy nation. If a […]