Science & technology of the 19th century

[Murazor]

I am considering writing a sci-fi story set during the second half of the nineteenth century, but, despite knowing quite a bit about the political and social events of this period, I only have the vaguest understanding of the state of scientific research at this point of time.

Since I'd like to avoid steampunk style pseudoscience as much as possible, I'd appreciate it if someone here could direct me towards some resource or reference work about the history of science and technology to correct this ignorance of mine.

[Isolder74]

Read Jules Verne and H G Wells.

[Samuel]

They didn't know about radioactivity, they believed the universe was Newtonian, they thought light was transmitted through the aether, etc.

Also, what point in the late 19th century? 50 years is a long time.

[Broomstick]

I am considering writing a sci-fi story set during the second half of the nineteenth century, but, despite knowing quite a bit about the political and social events of this period, I only have the vaguest understanding of the state of scientific research at this point of time.

Since I'd like to avoid steampunk style pseudoscience as much as possible, I'd appreciate it if someone here could direct me towards some resource or reference work about the history of science and technology to correct this ignorance of mine.

Seriously, read Jules Verne. He wrote hard science fiction based on contemporary understanding of science. His books are available from the Gutenberg Project for free as downloads.

Try to find some old textbooks from the time period, too.

[Surlethe]

A good history of science book, or even a simple timeline, should help, too. I direct you to the Wikipedia page on the history of physics, with the always-caveat that it is Wikipedia. Check out the links at the bottom of the page; the books by Nye and Segre seem promising.

PS- Split Isolder's double post.