Emergence of a techno-legal specialty: Animal tests to assess chemical safety in the UK, 1945–1960 |
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| Authors: | Anne-Marie Coles |
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| Institution: | Department of Systems Management and Strategy, Faculty of Business, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London, SE10 9LS, UK;Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia;University of Sydney, Australia;Boston University Department of Philosophy, 745 Commonwealth Ave, Boston 02215, Massachusetts, USA;Department of Philosophy, University of South Florida, FAO 226, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA;Institut d’Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques, 13 rue du Four, 75006, Paris, France;University of Melbourne, Australia |
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| Abstract: | It has been suggested that knowledge domains which emerge within regulatory science represent a compromise between technical knowledge and policy priorities. This article investigates the claim through consideration of the emergence of animal tests to evaluate chemical safety in the UK between 1945 and 1960. During this period there was a proliferation of new chemical-based innovations in consumer products. The situation gave rise to concerns about the potential impact on public health. Solutions required development of a knowledge domain that would fulfil policy requirements, outside the remit of academic science. Lack of consensus in the scientific field gave rise to debate over the best means to collect accurate data. This resulted in emergence of the new specialty of safety testing, in response to political and industrial needs. The socio-political context of this case illustrates the impact that organisational setting can have on shaping knowledge claims. |
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| Keywords: | Technology policy Scientific debate Regulatory science Toxicology history Animal testing |
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