Traces the influential friendship of William Whewell, Charles Babbage, John Herschel, and Richard Jones, citing their pivotal contributions to a significant array of scientific achievements throughout the mid-nineteenth century.

Inventing the scientist -- Waterworks -- Philosophical breakfasts -- Experimental lives -- Mechanical toys -- Dismal science -- The great battle -- Mapping the world -- A divine programmer -- Sciences of shadow and light -- Angels and fairies -- New worlds -- Nature decoded -- Endings -- A new horizon.