Scientific 'marvels' in the public sphere : Barcelona and its 1888 International Exhibition

Abstract

This paper examines the scientific culture of the 1888 Barcelona International Exhibition from different perspectives. Firstly, it emphasises how controversy rather than consensus imbued the everyday life of the city during that exceptional event, from April to December 1888. Secondly, the article discusses how science-including science, technology and medicine-became a tool in political debates about the pros and contras of the exhibition. Thirdly, through the careful analysis of particular case studies (public fasting, captive ballooning, electric and optical wonders, and live animal displays), the paper contributes to gaining a deeper understanding of the scientific culture in international exhibitions