"A welcome contribution to the history of science in the South during the period since the Civil War. . . . By considering the academies in the larger context of scientific professionalism, South and North, Midgette has produced a surprisingly wide-ranging and informative study. This is overall a judicious and carefully researched work. The writing is straightforward and admirably clear, while the topic is effectively organized and presented. The book is a commendably original addition to local and regional history as well as history of American Science."

--Journal of American History

"Midgette's study is thorough and well organized and should be consulted by anyone interested in American science and American higher education."

--Florida Historical Quarterly

"A very useful survey."

--Choice