Although Denmark, a small country on the European periphery, has only
made a modest contribution to decisive progress in scientific research
on the international arena, there have nevertheless been numerous
significant Danish contributions, and naturally this present work
describes these high points. While the high points are represented by
scientists like Tycho Brahe, H.C. Orsted and Niels Bohr, this
publication distances itself from prevailing heroic presentations by
putting weight on the dependence of these scientists on a wide-ranging
professional network, as well as close contacts to private patrons, the
state and other sponsors. Even though splendid pinnacles are also to be
found, the flat landscape is perhaps more representative of Danish
natural science history. In Denmark, the natural sciences (as also
applies to other sciences, and culture in general) have developed mainly
through the reception of and adaptation to science from abroad.
Reception-history has therefore been given a prominent place in the
work. Institutions- and organisations-history is another area that is
given high priority, just as great weight has been laid on the material,
economic and cultural framework under which research has always
functioned. Although Danish natural science researchers have nearly
always emphasised the importance of international cooperation, there are
many national aspects of a social, political and cultural type which
have had significant influence on the scientific practice in Denmark.
The present work is documented in such a way that it (also) makes sense
to write the international scientists history in a national context, and
thereby placing the work solidly in a new and fast-growing
scientific-historic genre.
