First Robert Boyle Summer School announced

Wednesday, 20th June 2012

First Robert Boyle Summer School announced at his birthplace of Lismore Physicist Robert Boyle described, as the 'Father of Modern Chemistry' will be honored at the first Robert Boyle Summer School, which is due to take place in his birthplace of Lismore, Co. Waterford from July 15 to 18. Robert Boyle described in his life-time as the 'Philosopher Boyle' was one of the most important intellectual figures of the 17th Century. He wrote widely on religion and theology and funded the first translation of the bible into Irish. However, it is as a scientist that he is best remembered, known by secondary school pupils around the world for 'Boyle's Law' and regarded as the 'Father of Modern Chemistry'. Robert Boyle was born at Lismore Castle on 27th January 1627. His father Richard the 'Great Earl of Cork' reputedly the richest man in Ireland and possibly Britain purchased Lismore, Youghal and vast tracts of land from Sir Walter Raleigh. Robert lived through the English Civil War, regicide, interregnum and restoration and dying just a year after the battle of the Boyne. While his family were involved in these events, he devoted his time and money to philosophy – in particular 'natural philosophy' through which he felt the workings of God could be revealed. The Robert Boyle Summer School which will run over four days will be devoted to the life, works and legacy of Boyle and reflect on his impact on modern science and thought. Commencing on July 15 with an evening launch and BBQ and continuing over the following days with talks, walks and discussion, the school is designed to be a meeting place for conversation between the scientist, historian and those interested in science. World-leading Boyle scholars taking to the stage at the Summer school include Michael Hunter, Birbeck College London, Lawrence Principe John Hopkins University, Michelle DiMeo, Georgia Tech, Kieth Moore, Librarian at the Royal Society. Scientists including Jonathan Ashmore FRS and Ingrid Hook have also been announced for the Summer School. Costumed recreations of Boyle's most famous experiments of the 1600's will also take place. The Summer School is collaboration between Waterford Institute of Technology's award-winning science outreach centre, Calmast and The Lismore Heritage centre. Commenting on the events at the Summer School, Director of CALMAST at WIT Eoin Gill said, "We are delighted to be launching this Robert Boyle Summer School in Lismore, the school will be a place where scientists and non-scientists can meet and discuss matters relating to our modern world. We will be celebrating the fundamental work that Robert Boyle contributed to science. It is very significant timing as this year is the 350th anniversary of the publication of 'Boyle's Law' and we will be discussing his 'Boyle's Law' experiment and the controversy surrounding it. Until recently Boyle has been portrayed in a very simple manner and as a man way ahead of his time but experts will reveal Boyle as a complex man and in many ways a man of his time who practised alchemy and experimented with herbal medicines. Boyle's contribution to science was not confined to scientific discovery, he was a proselytiser for experimental science and a key founder of the Royal Society and the 15th July will be the 350th anniversary of the granting of the royal charter to the Royal Society." Commenting at the announcement of the Robert Boyle Summer School Mealla Fahey Project Manager at Lismore Heritage Centre said, "Robert Boyle is one of our most famous former citizens and we are honoured to be celebrating his life and contributions to science this summer. The school commences with ideal timing just as Europe's largest science conference- ESOF closes in Dublin." Full programme details for the Robert Boyle Summer School may be found at http://www.robertboyle.ie Booking for summer school events may be made through Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Anna Grey and David Boyd pictured launching the first Robert Boyle Summer School at Lismore castle the birthplace of the famous scientist – the summer school will take place in Lismore from July 15 to 18 see robertboyle.ie photograph Patrick Browne.