Within today's society science is an entity almost entirely separate from religion and politics, yet history paints a different picture. During 17th and 18th century Europe, the spread of ideas and the inspiration to perform science were a direct result of religion and politics. The readings of Darnton, Dobbs and Jacob illuminate how social, political and religious elements were crucial to the development and spread of modern science.

Politics and religion often inspired new discoveries and perspectives in relation to science. Jacob mentions that the natural philosophers "looked forward to the progressive purification of religion and a moral reformation...to which science...was seen as being crucial." Therefore, the people of this era depicted science as a key element to ignite political and religious change. Moreover, Jacob observes that the populace felt that "the discovery of nature would overcome the religious divisions and usher in a world reformation."2 Through an expanded knowledge of nature the true religious doctrine would be located and the entire population would follow. This inspired scientists to reach new frontiers via scientific discoveries for

Numerous people utilized science to bolster their religious or political position. As Darnton recalls, "the government offered Mesmer a life pension of 20,000 livres and another 10,000 a year to set up a clinic." This offer was to try to convince Mesmer to remain in France and continue his healing of the populace. Therefore, his involvement in science brought him popularity and potential fortune. Bergasse became a national hero and a leading member of the Estates General through his involvement in science.16 Essentially it was the involvement in the politics that coincided with the science of mesmerism that caused Bergasse to improve his status. Finally, Westfall points out that Newton was elected to the Mint, granted knighthood, and named as a government official.17 These were all rewards for his significant advancements in science. Participation in the field of science provided grand rewards of varying degrees depending on the scale of ones contribution.

Throughout the written works of Darnton, Dobbs, and Jacob the manner in which the social, political, and religious concerns shaped the development of science becomes apparent. The people of Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries were driven to promote moral order and the open spread of ideas for the common good. In the political arena, the rulers encouraged the collaboration amongst specific groups and provided the atmosphere to test these theories by building research facilities. Yet, the government utilized its control over the specific groups to halt the spread of ideas outside these circles. Furthermore, politics could not provide the peaceful and civilizing avenue for change that customarily followed science. Religion provided an inspiration to discover more about the surrounding world to learn more about God. The division of religion during this time period elevated the drive to learn more about God for many people because they hoped to ignite a world reformation in which a universal religion emerges.

The criteria to determine the validity of scientific solutions became increasingly specific throughout this time period. In Mesmerism and the End of the Enlightenment in France, Mercier asserts that "love o

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