The Scientific Revolution and the Origins of Modern Science (Studies in European History)

Herbert Butterfield suggested that the Scientific Revolution was the most significant event since the rise of Christianity, reducing 'the Renaissance and the Reformation to the rank of mere episodes'. This study provides a brief survey and guide to the most important aspects of the Scientific Revolution. Taking account of the latest developments in our understanding of this aspect of European history, it is an invaluable guide for students and other interested readers. Seen as the most significant event since the rise of Christianity and the ultimate reason for the cultural domination of Western civilization in the modern world, the Scientific Revolution was the period in which the techniques, major precepts and world-view of modern science were first established.

This highly successful study, now in its third edition, provides a brief and accessible guide not only to the astonishing scientific innovations of this time, but also to the reasons why the Scientific Revolution occurred when and where it did. Among other things, this essential survey: considers the rise of mathematicians from humble craft practitioners to the intellectual leaders of science, explores the role of magic in the development of the experimental method, examines the importance of religious beliefs in the rise of the modern scientific world-view, features a helpful Glossary and extensive annotated Bibliography to aid study.

Concise and approachable, the third edition has been updated throughout to reflect new developments in historiography, while various sections have been revised, extended and strengthened in light of the latest scholarship and research.

About the Author:
John Henry is Reader in the History of Science at the University of Edinburgh

This study provides a brief survey and accessible guide to the most important aspects of the Scientific Revolution. As well as considering the development of the mathematical and experimental approaches to an understanding of the natural world, it looks at the crucial role of magical traditions in the origins of modern science and the importance of the Christian world-view in the shaping of the scientific endeavour. Written with the non-scientist in mind, it does not dwell on technical details but seeks to show the social, cultural, and intellectual factors which shaped the development of science in its formative stage and prepared the way for the predominance of science in modern Western culture. Taking account of the latest developments in our understanding of this vital aspect of European history, it is also a useful guide to more detailed literature for students and other interested readers. Front Matter....Pages i-x The Scientific Revolution and the Historiography of Science....Pages 1-7 The Scientific Method....Pages 8-41 Magic and the Origins of Modern Science....Pages 42-55 The Mechanical Philosophy....Pages 56-72 Religion and Science....Pages 73-85 Science and the Wider Culture....Pages 86-93 Conclusion....Pages 94-96 Back Matter....Pages 97-137