seventeenth

In 1913 Martha Ornstein, a Barnard College and Columbia University graduate, published her pioneering doctoral thesis on the intersection of scientific advancement and the rise of scientific societies. Her work helped form what would become the "New History" movement of the 20^th century, which helped broaden the study of history and allowed for more diverse and inclusive interpretations of it. This volume is a third edition of her thesis, published in 1938 and acquired by the Smithsonian in 1944. It offers a concise history of the rise and role of certain scientists, societies, j

The historical Shaka (circa 1787-1828), the greatest of the Zulu kings, was a brave and skillful warrior who became king in 1817.  Through clever diplomacy, unusual military techniques, and strategic assassination, he controlled an empire of some 200,000 square miles. However, increasing military failure and, ultimately, his mother’s death left him a broken man. To mourn his mother, he imposed a nationwide grieving process so bizarre and destructive that his land was devastated and his people deeply traumatized.  In 1828, two of his half-brothers assassinated him.