How the sublime, despite its elusive mystery, was useful for scientists

What is it about?

Although the sublime could seem a threat to science, suggesting an unavoidable mystery--sublime comes from the Latin up to the limit--scientists could and did use it for the benefit of science. For example, it could indicate future areas for empiricism to do its work. I track how even the negatives associated with the sublime could lend science intellectual cachet.

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Why is it important?

I track the use of "sublime" in Romantic scientific writings ranging from Mesmer and Blumenbach through Adam Smith and Humphry Davy to von Humboldt and Swedenborg.his article shows a key convergence between art and science: both were invested in the sublime. Although most would dismiss Mesmer as a pseudo scientist, he understood well how to exploit Newtonian language to make his work seem scientific.

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