Science: A Four Thousand Year History
| AUTHOR | Fara, Patricia |
| PUBLISHER | Oxford University Press, USA (04/05/2010) |
| PRODUCT TYPE | Paperback (Paperback) |
Description
In Science, Patricia Fara rewrites science's past to provide new ways of understanding and questioning our modern technological society. Sweeping through the centuries from ancient Babylon right up to the latest hi-tech experiments in genetics and particle physics, Fara's book also ranges internationally, challenging notions of European superiority by emphasizing the importance of scientific projects based around the world, including revealing discussions of China and the Islamic Empire alongside the more familiar stories about Copernicus's sun-centered astronomy, Newton's gravity, and Darwin's theory of evolution. We see for instance how Muslim leaders encouraged science by building massive libraries, hospitals, and astronomical observatories and we rediscover the significance of medieval Europe--long overlooked--where, surprisingly, religious institutions ensured science's survival, as the learning preserved in monasteries was subsequently developed in new and unique institutions: universities. Instead of focussing on esoteric experiments and abstract theories, she explains how science belongs to the practical world of war, politics, and business. And rather than glorifying scientists as idealized heroes, she tells true stories about real people--men (and some women) who needed to earn their living, who made mistakes, and who trampled down their rivals.
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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13:
9780199580279
ISBN-10:
0199580278
Binding:
Paperback or Softback (Trade Paperback (Us))
Content Language:
English
More Product Details
Page Count:
512
Carton Quantity:
24
Product Dimensions:
5.06 x 1.07 x 7.72 inches
Weight:
1.18 pound(s)
Feature Codes:
Bibliography,
Index,
Price on Product,
Maps,
Table of Contents,
Illustrated
Country of Origin:
GB
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Science | History
Dewey Decimal:
509
Library of Congress Control Number:
2009939948
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
publisher marketing
In Science, Patricia Fara rewrites science's past to provide new ways of understanding and questioning our modern technological society. Sweeping through the centuries from ancient Babylon right up to the latest hi-tech experiments in genetics and particle physics, Fara's book also ranges internationally, challenging notions of European superiority by emphasizing the importance of scientific projects based around the world, including revealing discussions of China and the Islamic Empire alongside the more familiar stories about Copernicus's sun-centered astronomy, Newton's gravity, and Darwin's theory of evolution. We see for instance how Muslim leaders encouraged science by building massive libraries, hospitals, and astronomical observatories and we rediscover the significance of medieval Europe--long overlooked--where, surprisingly, religious institutions ensured science's survival, as the learning preserved in monasteries was subsequently developed in new and unique institutions: universities. Instead of focussing on esoteric experiments and abstract theories, she explains how science belongs to the practical world of war, politics, and business. And rather than glorifying scientists as idealized heroes, she tells true stories about real people--men (and some women) who needed to earn their living, who made mistakes, and who trampled down their rivals.
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Author:
Fara, Patricia
Patricia Fara is a fellow of Clare College at Cambridge University, where she teaches the history of science. She is the author of "An Entertainment for Angels: Electricity in the Enlightenment, Newton: The Making of Genius" (both published by Columbia), and "Pandora's Breeches: Women, Science, and Power in the Enlightenment."
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