Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
What is less clear is the degree to which Morrison's work was di-
rected or overseen by the ACS. It is likely that Morrison worked with
Hixson, and the plan for the topic originated with the Tercentenary
Committee, but beyond that there is no direct evidence of 'writing by
committee'.
4
There were numerous sub-committees for the conference
(including 'Golf' and 'Plant Visits') but nothing specific about this
project. Publishing records do not appear to exist, but the print run may
have been as large as 10,000 copies, a substantial number, but in keeping
with other books of the period.
5
According to copies bearing company
stamps or labels, the topic was purchased by at least two chemical com-
panies and given away to libraries, and both Hixson and Morrison gave
out copies.
6
Although
Man in a Chemical World
was Morrison's most significant
work of science popularization, his most widely circulated work was an
article cum pamphlet entitled 'Seven Reasons Why a Scientist Believes
in God'.
7
Morrison further explored the issue of religion and science in
his 1944 book
Man Does Not Stand Alone
(Morrison 1944).
It is impor-
tant to see the material in
Man in a Chemical World
as part of Morrison's
larger conception of science and religion. Chemistry, and science more
generally, was linked to the divine.
It is easy to see Morrison and the other popularizers simply as pro-
moters of science and their books as boosterism, but there is a deeper
layer to their work that is about the struggle to create a public voice for a
discipline that had grown increasingly private (Shapin 1988). The extent
of the concern among the chemical community, particularly among the
leadership of the ACS, about public awareness can be seen in Arthur W.
Hixson's 'Foreword' to Morrison's book. It is a good example of the en-
4
If readers are aware of any information about the production of
Man in a Chemical
World
, the author would be grateful for the assistance. Publishing records are often
difficult or impossible to find.
5
Charles Scribner's Sons is now an imprint of Thomson Gale. They have little exact
information on this title (personal discussion with the publisher).
6
Author's collection includes a form letter from Hixson inserted in a copy and Morri-
son dedication in another copy.
7
For an expanded version, see Morrison 1962. The basic article is widely available on
the Internet.
