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  • WTF Fun Fact 13726 – The Word Scientist

    WTF Fun Fact 13726 – The Word Scientist

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    The word “scientist” originated in the 19th century when William Whewell, a Cambridge historian and philosopher, sought to create a unifying term for those engaged in the sciences. Before this, various terms like “natural philosopher” and “savant” were used.

    Whewell considered several options before settling on “scientist,” inspired by the word “artist.” This designation emphasized the interconnectedness of different scientific disciplines and reflected the artistry involved in scientific discovery.

    In a short time, “scientist” became widely accepted and shaped how we perceive scientific professions today.

    The Birth of a New Term

    Before “scientist,” the field of science didn’t have a unified term to describe its practitioners. Individuals like Isaac Newton or Charles Darwin were referred to as “natural philosophers,” which suggested their work was rooted in philosophy rather than practical science. Other terms like “savant” and the German “naturforscher” were floated but never gained traction.

    William Whewell’s Contribution

    William Whewell, known for his contributions to multiple disciplines, sought to encapsulate the essence of scientific exploration. His work on “The Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences” paved the way for standardizing scientific methods and terminology. The idea was to encapsulate scientific disciplines into one collective term that reflected the exploratory nature of science.

    Whewell suggested “scientist” to refer to those who engage in scientific inquiry, much like “artist” describes those involved in artistic pursuits. Initially, he was concerned that the term sounded too close to “economist” or “atheist,” both having negative connotations in that era. However, he decided to adopt it, and the term quickly caught on, symbolizing a new identity for those exploring various scientific disciplines.

    The Legacy of the Word Scientist

    The term “scientist” has since gained universal acceptance and shaped how the world perceives individuals in this field. It emphasizes the unity among diverse scientific disciplines and acknowledges the creativity and ingenuity in scientific research.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “How The Word ‘Scientist’ Came To Be” — NPR

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13544 – What Darwin Ate

    WTF Fun Fact 13544 – What Darwin Ate

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    You might assume that Charles Darwin, the famed naturalist, was a vegetarian since he was so enamored with living creatures, but he was just the opposite – in fact, Darwin ate some of his discoveries.

    During his journey on The Beagle, he indulged in an array of exotic meats – from puma, which he found “remarkably like veal in taste,” to armadillos and iguanas.

    His curiosity even led him to taste the bladder contents of a giant tortoise. Darwin’s palate wasn’t just adventurous; it was scientific. He was known for eating specimens he was studying and trying to describe scientifically.

    Modern Biologists Follow Suit

    This gastronomic curiosity didn’t end with Darwin. Many modern scientists continue to eat their study subjects, either out of convenience (as with those researching edible plants and animals like trout or blueberries) or driven by sheer curiosity. From bluegill and sea urchin to more peculiar choices like beetles and cicadas, the range of their dietary experiments is vast.

    Notably, Richard Wassersug, while conducting a study on the palatability of tadpoles in the 1970s, had graduate students (bribed with beer) taste but not swallow various tadpole species. This experiment, now impossible to conduct due to ethical restrictions, showed that easy-to-catch tadpoles often tasted worse. Wassersug himself described the taste of toad tadpoles as “astonishingly bitter.”

    The Drive Behind Why Darwin Ate an Unusual Diet

    The motivation behind these gastronomic explorations varies. Sometimes it’s an academic pursuit, as in Wassersug’s study. Other times, it’s a quest to manage invasive species, turning them from pests into menu items. Sarah Treanor Bois, during her Ph.D. research on invasive plants, attended a cook-off featuring dishes made from invasive species like nutria and bullfrog legs. Eating invasives is not just about satiating curiosity but also about drawing attention to ecological problems.

    However, the most common reason cited for these unusual diets is pure scientific curiosity. Robert Thorson, a geologist, once tasted 30,000-year-old meat from a giant steppe bison found in permafrost. His verdict? It was stringy and flavorless, with a “pungent rankness.”

    Scientists’ Gastronomic Adventures

    Why are scientists so inclined towards tasting their research subjects? Mark Siddall, a leech expert, believes it’s about familiarity. Just as an omnivore eats chicken, beef, or pork, scientists consume what they’re familiar with. To a biologist, an organism they’ve studied extensively may not seem so different from regular food. Richard Wassersug views it as a part of being a naturalist. To fully understand and connect with nature, one must engage all senses, including taste.

    It’s not just about curiosity but also about a sense of community and perhaps a bit of competitiveness among scientists. The stories of Darwin and others set a precedent, and many modern scientists feel compelled to follow in their footsteps, driven by peer or ‘beer’ pressure.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Dining Like Darwin: When Scientists Swallow Their Subjects” — NPR

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