Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science [Hardcover]

Roshdi Rashed (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415020638 | ISBN-13: 978-0415020633 | Publication Date: May 9, 1996

The Arabic contribution is fundamental to the history of science, mathematics and technology, but until now no single publication has offered an up-to-date synthesis of knowledge in this area. In three fully-illustrated volumes the Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science documents the history and philosophy of Arabic science from the earliest times to the present day. The set as a whole covers seven centuries. Thirty chapters, written by an international team of specialists from Europe, America, the Middle East and Russia cover such areas as astronomy, mathematics, music, engineering, nautical science and scientific institutions.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

During the early Middle Ages, European science declined, but scientific activity continued to grow in Arabic-speaking nations. Renaissance scientists were heavily dependent on Arabic research, with most of their scientific works initially being wholly derived from Arabic studies. Because of its important influence on Western science and thought, a work like this encyclopedia is long overdue. Divided into three volumes (Astromy?Theoretical and Applied; Mathematics and the Physical Sciences; and Technology, Alchemy, and Life Sciences), each with its own bibliography, the set covers the history of Arabic science in 30 long chapters, written by specialists well known and established in their fields. Each article discusses a specific subject area such as geometry or medicine and looks at the development of that science. This work would have been considerably improved by an article devoted to the Arabic philosophy of science and the significant role of religion in science. Still, it will be very valuable to larger public and research libraries wanting a broad-based collection in the history of science.?Eric D. Albright, Galter Health Sciences Lib., Northwestern Univ., Chicago
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

'Each of the three volumes in the Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science contains a full bibliography of items quoted, making the work an indispensable tool for those eager for an introduction to the history of Arabic sciences including medicine.' - Society for Ancient Medicine Review

'There is a tremendous amount of material in here of direct relevance to anyone teaching biology whether in school, college or university.' - Journal of Biological Education

'They provide what has never been available to the general public before.' - Journal for the History of Science

'The Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science is the first current effort to describe and analyze a broad range of disciplianry topics in Arabic writings, instruments, and occasionally practices. Thirty chapters ... permit the nonspecialist reader to glimpse the rich heritage of a substantial part of Arabic scholarly culture.' - Technology and Culture

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1242 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (May 9, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415020638
• ISBN-13: 978-0415020633
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.1 x 4.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,327,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)