The historical anecdote as a “caricature”: A case study

Much discussion has recently taken place about uses which can be made of historical material in science teaching. A great deal of advice, taking advantage of the particular and unique contributions which the history of science can make to science education, is available. The encounter between Thomas Huxley and Bishop Wilberforce in 1860 is frequently referred to when teaching about the theory of evolution and an investigation of the main characteristics of reports of this incident in both educational and historical literature has been carried out. The purposes of using this incident in the educational setting are identified and the appropriateness of these purposes is discussed in the light of a historical understanding of this encounter. Specializations: Physics education, concept development, history and philosophy of science and science teaching.