Introduction : the problem of interdisciplinarity in theory and practice over time -- Sciences of life and society in the making of the research university : genetic biology and sociology, 1890s-1920s -- Crossing and remaking boundaries : the humanities and communication, 1870s-1960s -- In search of unification for war and peace : social relations and operations research, 1930s-1960s -- Between mind and mentality : cognitive science and new histories, 1940s-1980s -- A material world and the making of lifeworlds : materials science and cultural studies, 1950s-1990s -- The past and future of interdisciplinarity : bioscience and literacy studies.