Meaning: Simon Newcomb was a prominent Canadian-American astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and economics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The quote, "My first undertaking in the way of scientific experiment was in the field of economics and psychology," reflects Newcomb's multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry and his early exploration of the intersection between economics and psychology.

Newcomb's foray into the field of economics and psychology is indicative of his broad intellectual curiosity and his willingness to engage with diverse disciplines in pursuit of knowledge. This interdisciplinary approach was relatively uncommon during his time, as many scientists and scholars tended to specialize in a single field. However, Newcomb's willingness to bridge the gap between economics and psychology demonstrates his understanding of the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines and the potential for cross-disciplinary insights.

In the late 19th century, the fields of economics and psychology were still in their formative stages, and the intersection between the two disciplines was a relatively unexplored area of study. Newcomb's early interest in this intersection reveals his forward-thinking approach to scientific inquiry and his recognition of the potential synergies between economics and psychology. His decision to embark on scientific experiments in this interdisciplinary domain speaks to his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional academic silos and explore novel connections between different areas of knowledge.

Newcomb's exploration of the intersection between economics and psychology also aligns with the broader intellectual currents of his time. The late 19th century was a period of significant intellectual ferment, marked by the emergence of new scientific paradigms and the cross-fertilization of ideas across disciplinary boundaries. Figures such as William James, the renowned American psychologist and philosopher, were also engaging with the intersections between psychology and other fields, contributing to a climate of intellectual openness and interdisciplinary exchange.

Moreover, Newcomb's early experiments in the field of economics and psychology may have laid the groundwork for the later development of behavioral economics, a field that explicitly integrates insights from psychology into economic analysis. Behavioral economics, which investigates how psychological factors influence economic decision-making, has become an influential and thriving area of research in contemporary economics. Newcomb's early foray into this interdisciplinary terrain suggests a prescient awareness of the potential for psychological insights to inform economic theory and practice.

In conclusion, Simon Newcomb's quote, "My first undertaking in the way of scientific experiment was in the field of economics and psychology," encapsulates his innovative and interdisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry. By venturing into the uncharted territory of the intersection between economics and psychology, Newcomb demonstrated a willingness to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries and explore novel connections between diverse areas of knowledge. His early exploration of this interdisciplinary terrain foreshadowed the later development of fields such as behavioral economics and reflects his forward-thinking approach to scientific research. As a pioneering figure in astronomy, mathematics, and economics, Newcomb's engagement with the intersection between economics and psychology underscores the rich potential for cross-disciplinary insights and the enduring relevance of interdisciplinary exploration in scientific inquiry.