SOURCE: Benton, Robert M. “The John Winthrops and Developing Scientific Thought in New England.” Early American Literature 7, no. 3 (winter 1973): 272-80.

In this essay, Benton argues how the lives and practices of Winthrop and two of his descendents influenced the evolution of scientific thought in America, beginning with Winthrop's meticulous documentation of natural phenomena.

Plantations in their beginnings have work ynough, & find difficulties sufficient to settle a comfortable way of subsistence, there beinge buildings, fencings, cleeringe and breakinge up of ground, lands to be attended, orchards to be planted, highways & bridges & fortifications to be made, & all thinges to doe, as in the beginninge of the world. Its not to be wondered if there have not yet beene itinera subterranea. …

John Winthrop, Jr., to Sir Robert Moray¹

A study of science or scientific thought should never be conducted along national lines as if there were something called French, German or...