The Day Laborers of Science. Technical Work at the Astronomical Observatory of Chile (1852-1927)

This book fills a significant gap in the historiography of science by examining the overlooked contributions of non-astronomical personnel in the early National Astronomical Observatory of Chile. Drawing upon David Edgerton’s critique of the bias towards academic scientists in historical narratives, this research delves into the roles of other scientists, technicians, collaborators, and other support staff in shaping scientific endeavors. The book analyzes archival documents and reveals the essential yet often unacknowledged labor involved in routine scientific tasks. By challenging the hierarchical structure of observatory organizations and spotlighting the significance of routine work, the book redefines the production of scientific knowledge beyond the conventional focus on eminent scientists. Emphasizing the importance of failures, conflicts, and controversies, this book unveils the hidden narratives of everyday scientific labor, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the history of astronomy in Chile.

Carlos Sanhueza-Cerda, Ph.D., is an academic and the associate professor at the Universidad de Chile, where he occupies the Latin American Chair in History and History of Science. With numerous publications to his credit, including books, articles, and chapters, Dr. Sanhueza-Cerda’s work offers valuable insights into various aspects of observational sciences, particularly astronomy and meteorology. Notably, his recent studies shed light on the astronomy networks of the 19th century, pivotal in establishing astronomical observatories in Chile. His groundbreaking research is exemplified in his article ＂Finding a Point of Observation in the Global South: The C. L. Gerling and J.M. Gilliss Correspondence (1847-1856),＂ published in the Journal for the History of Astronomy (2020). Moreover, Dr. Sanhueza-Cerda’s scholarly endeavors extend to exploring the global dynamics of astronomical instrument movements, focusing on the exchange between users and manufacturers of telescopes, with a special emphasis on Chile in the early 20th century. His work in this area has earned him recognition, with publications in esteemed journals such as Isis, making him one of the few Latin American scholars to feature in the journal. Dedicated to advancing international collaborations in the history of science, Dr. Sanhueza-Cerda serves on the steering committee of RECSLAC (USA) and engages in projects with eminent scholars such as Jürgen Renn at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin.