Our Science, Our History: Hidden Treasures Online from the Nova Scotian Institute of Science

Abstract

Did you know that Nova Scotia mackerel were once described as “pouty and greedy”? Or that certain boulders in Nova Scotia survived a storm-tossed history? In January 2012, the Dalhousie Libraries officially launched the online Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science, one of the country’s oldest scientific journals. The project makes available free of charge on the internet, the first 120 years of the publication. During that period, from 1863 to 1984, some 900 articles were published in the journal, representing the work of over 400 authors. The online Proceedings capture the excitement and dedication of natural historians and provide insights into biological and geological discoveries of early scientists in Nova Scotia. The articles can provide primary source material for students and researchers and will appeal to those who enjoy Nova Scotia history.