Ideas worth spreading

1,337,503 views | Laura Snyder • TEDGlobal 2012

The Philosophical Breakfast Club

In 1812, four men at Cambridge University met for breakfast. What began as an impassioned meal grew into a new scientific revolution, in which these men -- who called themselves “natural philosophers” until they later coined “scientist” -- introduced four major principles into scientific inquiry. Historian and philosopher Laura Snyder tells their intriguing story.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

In 1812, four men at Cambridge University met for breakfast. What began as an impassioned meal grew into a new scientific revolution, in which these men -- who called themselves “natural philosophers” until they later coined “scientist” -- introduced four major principles into scientific inquiry. Historian and philosopher Laura Snyder tells their intriguing story.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Science historian

See speaker profile

Laura Snyder weaves tales of Victorian-era scientists that have been described as “fit for Masterpiece Theater.”

Laura Snyder | W.W. Norton and Company, 2015 | Book

Eye of the Beholder

This book is a 'prequel' of sorts to The Philosophical Breakfast Club. In the 19th century, a divide was created between art and science. In Eye of the Beholder, I go back to a time when artists and scientists were both working to create a new way of seeing the world.

| Explore

Oliver Sacks' books

Sacks has published many books which bring aspects of neurological science to a broad reading public. As a storyteller and scientist, he has inspired my work.

Learn more