A study guide is a useful thing, particularly in the history of science. Standing astride the ‘Two Cultures,’ the History of Science holds a unique but challenging position. Because it draws students equally from the sciences and humanities, attention must be given to basic elements of the historical tradition as well as to the rudiments […]
Historic Periodizations
Pre-Classical & Classical Science
‘Pre-Scientific’ Thought: Frankfort’s view of myth: A subjective mode of explanation/description of Nature, based on an ‘I-Thou’ intimacy with Nature; hence, a highly individual approach to phenomena concentrating on specific aspects rather than general patterns. This approach was decisively overturned by the Pre-Socratics who developed a supposedly objective ‘I-It’ relation with Nature. Giorgio de Santillana’s […]
Ancient Chronology
Egyptian Chronology
Problems in Egyptian chronology are as ancient as Egypt itself. Like all ancient kingdoms the recognition of the importance of accurate historical records in Egypt grew very slowly. (There were numerous reasons, principally political, for not keeping accurate records). Thus by the third century B.C. virtually all problems connected with Egyptian chronology were already known, […]
Astronomical Symbols
Observed Celestial Motions
Motion of sun on ecliptic, 1 degree/day, W to E; Moon, 12 degrees/day, W to E EW Sun-linked motion of inferior planets (max. elongational: 29 degrees and 47 degrees) EW Retrograde motion of superior planets. EW Figures represent motions of the sun, moon, and planets (looking south, for those in the northern hemisphere) against the […]
Stellar – Solar & Lunar Phenomena
Egyptian Numerals for Integer Values
Egyptian Contributions to Astronomy
24-Hour Division of the Day: One of the two lasting contributions of the Egyptians to astronomy (in the large sense) is the 24-hour division of the day. This convention is the end product of a large number of events which are quite impossible to summarize in a few sentences. However, the basic fact to remember […]