J D Bernal: philosophy, politics and the science of science

This paper is an examination of the philosophical and political legacy of John Desmond Bernal. It addresses the evidence of an emerging consensus on Bernal based on the recent biography of Bernal by Andrew Brown and the reviews it has received. It takes issue with this view of Bernal, which tends to be admiring of his scientific contribution, bemused by his sexuality, condescending to his philosophy and hostile to his politics. This article is a critical defence of his philosophical and political position

J D Bernal: philosophy, politics and the science of science

This paper is an examination of the philosophical and political legacy of John Desmond Bernal. It addresses the evidence of an emerging consensus on Bernal based on the recent biography of Bernal by Andrew Brown and the reviews it has received. It takes issue with this view of Bernal, which tends to be admiring of his scientific contribution, bemused by his sexuality, condescending to his philosophy and hostile to his politics. This article is a critical defence of his philosophical and political position

Agriculture and nobility in Lombardy. Land, management and innovation (1815-1861)

This article aims to reassess the contribution of the nobility in the nineteenth-century economic transformation of Lombardy in northern Italy, focusing on its role in agricultural development. Relying on ongoing archival research into thousands of documents such as correspondence, notarial deeds, probate records, accounting books, the article attempts to demonstrate that noblemen acted in an entrepreneurial manner, supported the progress of techniques and innovation, and played a leading role in the modernisation of the sector. The article reconsiders the contribution of noble families both to the enhancement and management of their lands and to the elaboration and application of agricultural innovation