On the sudden rise of Dutch science at the end of the nineteenth century: a core-periphery approach

This paper analyzes the remarkable success of Dutch scientists near end nineteenth century, as exemplified by five Nobel laureates in period 1901–1913. Some historians suggest that key factor contributing to sudden rise science was establishment a new type high school, called HBS, which generated unprecedented social mobility middle-class pupils universities. The HBS also provided pathway for its teachers write PhD thesis outside walls university. Taking core-periphery approach, we compare effects an HBS-background (periphery) and Royal Academy membership (core) on recognition professors. Consistent with theory, find professors who taught at while writing their – remote from university influences made most creative contributions science, confirm academy members were attributed more than non-members.