Charles Coulston Gillispie
1918–2015 (age 97)
Historian of science
Biography
Charles Coulston Gillispie was a leading historian of science who spent decades advancing our understanding of the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment. His thoughtful scholarship and influential books, including works on Newton and the development of scientific ideas, helped shape the discipline at institutions such as Princeton University.
Gillispie nurtured generations of students and colleagues through his teaching, editorial work, and leadership in the scholarly community, leaving a lasting imprint on the field. He is remembered for his wit, generosity, and unwavering dedication to sharing the story of science with the wider world.