Jim Bennett (historian)

Jim Bennett is a British historian of science, specializing in the history of scientific instruments and museums. He served as Director of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford (now the History of Science Museum) from 1994 to 2012.

Bennett's research focuses on the interplay between scientific practice, instrument making, and the broader cultural context of science. He has published extensively on topics ranging from the development of mathematical instruments in the early modern period to the history of scientific museums and collecting.

His key contributions include:

• Studies of Scientific Instruments: Bennett's work has illuminated the role of instruments in shaping scientific knowledge and practice. He has explored the social and material dimensions of instrument making, use, and exchange.
• History of Museums: Bennett has made significant contributions to understanding the evolution of scientific museums as sites of knowledge production, display, and public engagement.
• Early Modern Science: He has published extensively on the scientific revolution, examining the changing relationships between mathematics, natural philosophy, and practical knowledge.
• Publications: He is the author and co-author of numerous books and articles, including notable works on the history of navigation, astronomy, and instrument collections.

Bennett's work is recognized for its meticulous scholarship, its interdisciplinary approach, and its commitment to making the history of science accessible to a wider audience.