Late classical and medieval science

Contemporary definition

Middle ages

What does the phrase “Scientific Revolution” imply?

Aristotle (philosophy/physics) (4th C BC)

Ptolemy (1st – 2nd C BC) Hellenized Egyptian astronomer modified Aristotelian astronomy by using Aristotelian logic

Galen (2nd -3rd C AD) Physiology/medicine. Medieval medicine is based in many ways off of all of his teachings, and his work was not lost since it was done in the Roman empire

From Islamic World, mainly Spain from 11th C on

Prior to this, only Greek influence in Western Europe was Plato

Now Aristotle incorporated in to intellectual climate

Every object has its “place”

Elements

Motion Corporeal Violent Perfect

Perfect, unchangeable Circular, perfect motion Earth – changeable – at

center Planets in spheres, their

movement caused by the rubbing of other sphere from prime mover

Four humors Each a combination of

two of the elements

Liver center of organism – blood flows from here

Treat patients humorally – need to balance humors

Clockwise from upper left: a) blood - passionate and sanguine, b) phlegm - sluggish and dull, c) black bile - melancholic and depressed and d) yellow bile - choleric and quick to anger.

The Practical applications of science Alchemy – transmutation of

items into more valuable items

Astrology – practical application of astronomy

Astronomy can be done by mathematicians – astrology is the “science”

Horoscopes/predictions From cosmic rays

Medicine – combination of humoral theory with astrology

Renaissance refocus on anatomy leads to questions about Galen’s work

Paracelsus Treatment through

alchemy Challenges Galenical

norms