Use this page if you are new to the field of history of science and need to find resources for a research paper or project. This page includes tips on doing research and presents a variety of resources that can help you:
- Pick a topic
- Find biographical information about scientists
- Identify writings by scientists
- Find reference materials, introductory works, and scholarly studies in your topic area
Starting Your Project
- Review the assignment
- Make sure you understand what is required, including types of resources needed.
- Reach out to faculty or graduate assistants if something is not clear or for help
- Contact History of Science Collections staff or email Dr. JoAnn Palmeri palmerij@ou.edu for help
RESEARCH TIPS
- Follow the Footnote Trail - current historical studies will lead you to more sources, whether from the text itself, or from references in the bibliographies and footnotes; you will know you are on the right track when you start to recognize the authors and sources cited in the works you are reading.
- Don't Reinvent the Wheel - it is likely that there is an existing literature and set of standard works in your topic area; also be sure to seek out research guides, bibliographies, and other research tools developed by librarians and historians.
- Context is Key - understanding context is essential to historical work. For research in history of science, attention to language is particularly important. While a term we use may the same as used in earlier periods, its meaning may be very different. (Some particularly "dangerous words" include: astronomy, physics, science). Context is important for understanding primary sources as well as for assessing and evaluating secondary sources.
- Avoid Anachronism - be sensitive to language as well as analysis that applies contemporary concepts and views in the interpretation of the past
Types of Research Resources
The following table provides examples of the different types of resources available to you for doing historical research:
- KNOWN MATERIALS
- CATALOGS, DATABASES & BIBLIOGRAPHIES
- SECONDARY SOURCES
- PRIMARY SOURCES
- ONLINE SITES, DIGITAL COLLECTIONS & PROJECTS (includes links to sites featuring the variety of resources listed above)
Many of the examples of resources listed in the table below can be found in the History of Science Research Guides. Browse these guides to find additional resources.
| TYPE OF RESOURCE | EXAMPLE |
RESEARCH TIPS & LINKS |
KNOWN MATERIALS (CLASS NOTES & READINGS) |
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| Read and review known materials (class notes and readings) as a starting point to identify topics and sources | Articles and books used in class can lead you to important authors and additional works Look at bibliographies and endnotes |
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CATALOGS, DATABASES & BIBLIOGRAPHIES |
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Search for Books (Secondary Sources) using Discover Local |
Preliminary searches can give you an idea about the works published in your topic area.
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Air and Space History: An Annotated Bibliography Science across Cultures: An Annotated Bibliography of Books on Non-Western Science, Technology and Medicine Studies of Scientific Disciplines: An Annotated Bibliography Women and Technology: A Bibliography |
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SECONDARY SOURCES |
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Secondary Sources by Topic Secondary Sources by Type |
The lists within the guides link to the catalog records of items from the History of Science Collections, Bizzell stacks, as well as items available through online access. The lists are meant to provide a starting point for research; they are selective and illustrative of the variety of sources and studies available. |
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Complete Dictionary of Scientifc Biography History of Science in the United States: An Encyclopedia Dictionary of the History of Ideas |
Be sure to look at the indexes of reference works; the topic or concept you are researching may not have its own entry, but may be discussed within a broader topical entry. For example, "projectile motion" may be included in an entry on "natural philosophy." |
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A History of Science in Society: From Philosophy to Utility Making Modern Science: A Historical Survey Theories of the World from Antiquity to the Copernican Revolution Revolutionizing the Sciences: European Knowledge and its Ambitions, 1500-1700 |
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The Mantra of Efficiency from Waterwheel to Social Control |
Browse the Virtual Book Shelf for available Ebooks on a wide range of topics (For info on finding Ebooks see Finding Ebooks using WorldCat & Online Sites |
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Cambridge History of Science series Companion Encyclopedia of the History of Medicine Companion to the History of Modern Science |
Overviews & Research Companions page |
PRIMARY SOURCES |
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Use History of Science Primary Sources Guide to help identify and search for scientists' works and other primary sources. See pages on:
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For additional tips on searching for works by scientists see:
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| Search databases available through OU Libraries website to find primary sources |
American History in Video American Archive of Public Broadcasting ArchiveGrid New York Times Historical African American Newspapers |
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ONLINE SITES, DIGITAL COLLECTIONS & PROJECTS |
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| Look for online exhibits, projects, and resources relevant to your topic. These may be associated with institutions, collaborative groups, or individuals. Search gateway sites like DPLA to learn about available digital resources and collections |
Digital Collections Projects & Exhibits
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HELP WITH RESEARCH & PROJECTS
OU Libraries - Help Pages & Tutorials
OU Libraries - Help with Research Skills
History of Science Collections - Key Links
- History of Science Collections main page
- FAQ Doing Research in 5th Floor Special Collections
- How to Search the Collection
- OU Libraries Digital Collections
History of Science - Research Guides
- List of History of Science Research Guides
- Searching Tips
- Research and Writing Tips
- Virtual Book Shelf (Ebooks)
History Research Guides