Synthesizes Welsh history of science during the long eighteenth century. ‘" World of New Ideas": 1650–1820 is a series of two volumes revealing the often-forgotten contributions made by Welsh scientists to the scientific history of the long eighteenth century. The first volume— The Isles —centers on the contribution made in Wales particularly but also includes England, Scotland, and Ireland. By presenting a synthesis of published material and original research in three sections (Theory, Practice, and Results), its chapters examine how Welsh contributions fit into the history of science developed from the quasi-magical worlds of alchemy and early chemistry, through the advent of Cartesian and Newtonian science, to the world of technological innovation and industrial development. "Even volumes and series on peripheral Enlightenments have doubted whether a country of bards and druids contributed to the 'natural philosophy', science and practical knowledge that underpin the modern world. This pioneering volume proves that a small country on the Atlantic periphery of Europe can pack a big punch. Welsh poets made references to science; Welsh Methodists preached on it; Welsh engineers built-world famous bridges; and Welsh artisans developed the optical instruments that enabled ground-breaking astronomical discoveries." ― Marion Löffler, reader in Welsh history and history, Cardiff University "This book contains multitudes. Packed with fascinating characters, skillfully written, and alive with the energies and enthusiasms of the long eighteenth century it describes, ‘A World of New Ideas’ will be a wonderful resource for readers and researchers across the arts and sciences alike." ― Professor Mary-Ann Constantine, University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies Paul Frame is an honorary fellow of the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies in Aberystwyth and the author of Liberty’s Apostle: Richard Price, His Life and Times .