[Commonplace book concerning science and mathematics]

Mary Smith’s Commonplace Book Concerning Science and Mathematics is a two volume hand-written manuscript, which dates from around 1769-1780. The manuscript is a remarkable collection of personal writings and summaries of articles concerning everything form science and math to medicine and religion. Mary Smith appeared to be a wealthy or well-connected British woman and was afforded a good education at a time when women in general were not given such an opportunity. In the manuscript, she summarizes and refers to articles and lectures of the time. Some of the journals referred to by Smith include: London Magazine, Philosophical Transactions, Gentleman’s Magazine, and the Universal Museum. In addition, references are made to articles and lectures sponsored by the Royal Society and the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce. Topics of particular interest to her were inventions and scientific theories of the time.

Transcription courtesy of the Smithsonian Transcription Center https://transcription.si.edu/project/6774 and digital volunteers.