In the early 20th century, painter A. H. Munsell sought to bring order to the chaotic world by creating a color system. He was primarily interested in devising better instructional methods for children in color theory, which he saw in moral terms. But after his death, scientists in his company became key players in an effort to systematically use color as a proxy for more time-intensive scientific and technical tests. This presentation examines this shift in Munsell’s color system from aide to moral instruction to scientific tool.
Erin McLeary was CHF’s curator of exhibitions from 2005 until earlier this year. As head curator and writer for Making Modernity, she led a team of scholars and collections personnel in creating the exhibition. Prior to her work at CHF, McLeary curated exhibits at the Museum of the American Philosophical Society, the Library of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the Mütter Museum, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. She has also taught courses in the history and sociology of science, the history of technology, and medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, and Cornell University. McLeary has a Ph.D. in the history and sociology of science from the University of Pennsylvania.
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