LAUSR

remained ‘satellites of metropolitan centres of science’ (p. 321). If there is a weakness to Vetter’s approach, it is that the rich description of different forms of scientific field practice, and the plethora of site-specific examples, are provided at the cost of an amplified development of narrative. Individual scientists and labourers move in and out of these different field sites, but we learn little about their lives beyond their scientific work, about their individual backgrounds, stated aspirations and sacrifices. The environment, rather than the scientist, is the main character in Vetter’s account. But by according such primacy to place within a regional history, Field Life delivers an important reminder: we must not lose sight of the fact that, as a form of work, science is constrained by local environments and transport infrastructure.