How to do research in the History of Science
Library resources for researchers working on the history of medicine, psychology, botany, physics and other sciences
Start with good keywords
Topic-specific keywords will help improve your results in a general multidisciplinary database like Google, Google Scholar, HOLLIS, or Academic Search Premier.
Add keywords like these to your search:
- Topic words - “colonial medicine,” “African diaspora,” “yellow fever”
- Geographic terms - Texas, Brazil
- Time periods or events - “Early Modern,” 19th, Nineteenth century, “World War I”
Upgrade your search: Key Databases
The best tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. These databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools:
Web of Science (via HarvardKey) - is a comprehensive collection of articles in all areas of science (1900- ). The "cited reference search" feature allows you to track the scholarly conversation via citations, by linking from an article to other articles that have cited it. Guide to searching Web of Science
PubMed (via HarvardKey) - is the largest, most widely used index of medical literature (1947- ). It’s an excellent source for both primary and secondary sources in the history of medicine. PubMed User Guide
History of Science, Technology and Medicine (via HarvardKey) - is the main source for secondary source articles in the field.
Dig Deeper
The Introduction to the History of Science guide provides many different access points into the study of the various fields in the History of Science.
Databases for History of Science - explore the full list of Harvard Library databases in this subject category.
Connect with Us
Fred Burchsted and Emily Bell are the library liaisons to the History of Science. They are available to support researchers via email or in-person consultation.
- Some Harvard Library locations will be closed or have special hours for Commencement, Thursday, May 26. Please check the Library Hours page for specifics. Ask a Librarian and chat hours will remain as usual.
- Most Harvard Library locations will be closed Monday, May 30 and Tuesday, May 31, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Ask a Librarian and chat service will be closed on these dates.
- If you're experiencing an ongoing technical issue when you attempt to access library materials with your HarvardKey during these times, please report it to Library Technology Services.
Chat
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Chat is intended for brief inquiries from the Harvard community.
Reach out to librarians and other reference specialists by email using our online form. We usually respond within 24 hours Monday through Friday.
Meet
Talk to a librarian for advice on defining your topic, developing your research strategy, and locating and using sources. Make an appointment now.
These services are intended primarily for Harvard University faculty, staff and students. If you are not affiliated with Harvard, please use these services only to request information about the Library and its collections.