About the Author

David C. Lindberg (1935-2015) was the Hilldale Professor Emeritus of the History of Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and past-president of the History of Science Society. His scholarship focused on the history of medieval and early modern science, especially physical science and the relationship between religion and science. He was the author or editor of many books, several of which were published by the University of Chicago Press.

Reviews

This is the best history of ancient and medieval science that has been written for many years. It will replace the smaller two volumes by G.E.R. Lloyd, Early Greek Science: Thales to Aristotle (Norton, 1971) and Greek Science After Aristotle ( LJ 1/15/74). Lindberg's book not only reflects more recent research but is also much easier to read and provides major themes more clearly. Delineating 2000 years of science in all its varieties, from the physical sciences and mathematics to medicine and biology, Lindberg provides social, intellectual, and religious background and shows each development or theme in its appropriate historical context. The book is geared toward interested and educated lay readers and college students, who can use it as an introductory textbook on the early history of science. It is extensively illustrated and has a very good 35-page bibliography, making it a useful reference source as well. Highly recommended for most libraries.-- Eric D. Albright, Galter Health Sciences Lib., Northwestern Univ., Chicago