7 Questions with Sam Kean, Bestselling Author and Podcaster on Science and History

 

Sam Kean spent years collecting mercury from broken thermometers as a kid, and now he’s a writer in Washington, D.C. His stories have appeared in The Best American Science and Nature Writing, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Slate, and Psychology Today, among other places, and his work has been featured on NPR’s “Radiolab”, “Science Friday”, and “All Things Considered,” among other shows. The Bastard Brigade was a “Science Friday” book of the year, while Caesar’s Last Breath was the Guardian science book of the year. The Disappearing Spoon was a runner-up for the Royal Society book of the year. Both The Violinist’s Thumb and The Dueling Neurosurgeons were nominated for PEN’s literary science writing award. He also hosts the podcast "The Disappearing Spoon." where he tells stories of science and history. Website https://samkean.com/ 

1.      How and when did you get  hooked on history?

I've always liked history, but was set on being a scientist for a long time. Then I started working in real science labs, and realized it wasn't for me. (I was clumsy, and hated the specialization.) But I
thought back on what I liked about science, and realized that I enjoyed learning about the people involved - those who discovered things, those who missed out, the heroes and the villains. I liked the
stories. So learning about the history of science was a natural way to get into those stories.

2.      What role does history play or has it played in your personal life?

I think it gives me a broader perspective on the world and current events. I also enjoy seeing the cyclical nature of history - how themes and ideas repeat themselves over time. Science is a cumulative
field that builds on previous advances, but it's beholden to history
nevertheless.

3.      How does history play  a part of your professional life/career?

It's what I write about! I enjoy covering new scientific discoveries sometimes, but I feel like you don't understand what's happening unless you really get into the history.

4.      Why is studying/knowing history important?

Again, it gives your perspective. It's so easy to get wrapped up in daily events, whiplashing back and forth. Learning history teaches you to focus on what matters.

5.      What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?

Anything science-related, I'm game to learn about. And I interpret that broadly. My new book is about experimental archaeology, and I like how the field uses science to open up whole new windows into the past.

6.       Your books and podcasts focus on the science in history or the history of science. Where did you first start to put them together?

Ha, when I realized that I was cut out to work in labs! This happened back in college, and I really wanted to keep learning about science and be involved in the field ... just not be in the lab all the time. Writing about science and science history allowed me to do that.

7.      Your most recent book is The Icepick Surgeon. After researching and writing the book, what impressions or newfound knowledge and understanding are you left with?

This was a tough book to write, but an important one for me. It takes a hard look at science and some of the awful things that have happened in the name of science. I always have and always will love science, but I don't think we can bury our heads and pretend like bad things didn't happen. But I promise my next book will be more fun. :)