by Len Fisher | 19 May 2015 | Food & Gastronomy: Media and Writing, Mini Stories from Science
I haven’t yet finished with Count Rumford, because his encounters with heat didn’t end with brass cannons. Apple pies were also on the menu, and their properties puzzled him: When dining, I had often observed that some some particular dishes retain their Heat much... 
by Len Fisher | 8 May 2015 | Mini Stories from Science
I collect encyclopedias. They occupy a wall-length bookcase in an upper room of my house, whose floor had to be reinforced to take them. I collect them because I am interested to see how knowledge and understanding have changed over time. That change is nowhere better... 
by Len Fisher | 3 May 2015 | Food & Gastronomy: Media and Writing, Stray Thoughts
And finally, here is the historian’s perspective on Rumford and his gravestone bread ovens. It seems that Rumford’s reputation is on the line! 
by Len Fisher | 3 May 2015 | Food & Gastronomy: Media and Writing, Stray Thoughts
Following the last post, here is Rumford’s own description of how he worked out the true nature of heat. 
by Len Fisher | 3 May 2015 | Food & Gastronomy: Media and Writing, Stray Thoughts
Count Rumford, aka the American adventurer Benjamin Thompson, is famous in scientific circles for elucidating the nature of heat, and in food circles for his invention of the Rumford stove. But seldom do the twain meet, as I discovered when I entered into...