Söderqvist Thomas
Medical Museion, University of Copenhagen, Fredericiagade 18, 1310, Copenhagen, Denmark,
J Hist Biol. 2011 Winter;44(4):633-50. doi: 10.1007/s10739-011-9272-x.
Today, scientific biography is primarily thought of as a way of writing contextual history of science. But the genre has other functions as well. This article discusses seven kinds of ideal-typical subgenres of scientific biography. In addition to its mainstream function as an ancilla historiae, it is also frequently used to enrich the understanding of the individual construction of scientific knowledge, to promote the public engagement with science, and as a substitute for belles-lettres. Currently less acknowledged kinds of scientific biography include its use as a medium for public and private, respectively, commemoration. Finally, the use of scientific biography as a research (virtue) ethical genre, providing examples of 'the good life in science', is emphasized.
如今，科学传记主要被视为一种书写科学背景史的方式。但这一类型还有其他功能。本文讨论了科学传记的七种理想类型的子类型。除了作为历史辅助这一主流功能外，它还经常被用于丰富对科学知识个体构建的理解、促进公众对科学的参与，以及作为纯文学的替代品。目前较少被认可的科学传记类型包括其分别作为公共纪念和私人纪念的媒介。最后，强调了将科学传记用作一种研究（美德）伦理类型，提供“科学中的美好生活”的范例。
