The Oxford Handbook of Science and Medicine in the Classical World

The Oxford Handbook of Science and Medicine in the Classical World provides an in-depth synthesis of science and medicine in ancient societies from 650 BCE to 650 CE, including Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China. It covers five sections, each with a specific focus, and includes approximately four dozen essays exploring topics such as music theory, ancient philosophers, astrology, and alchemy. The Handbook guides readers to further exploration of the concepts and models of the ancient sciences, their evolution, and their relations to one another and their antecedents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1064 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Oxford Handbook of Science and Medicine in the Classical World is a comprehensive exploration of science and medicine in ancient societies, including Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China, from approximately 650 BCE to 650 CE. Spanning five sections, the Handbook delves into the early Greek era, the long Hellenistic era, the Roman era, and the era of Late Antiquity. Each section is accompanied by approximately four dozen essays that provide a synthesis and synopsis of the concepts and models of various ancient natural sciences, encompassing topics such as music theory, ancient philosophers, astrology, and alchemy.

The Handbook serves as a guide for further exploration of the ancient sciences, tracing their evolution and development over time and exploring their relationships with one another and their antecedents. Contributors offer insights into scholarly disagreements and are free to advocate their positions, fostering a rich and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

The early Greek era, spanning from the time of Plato to the mid-fourth century BCE, is explored in the second section. The third section covers the long Hellenistic era, from Aristotle to the end of the Roman Republic. It acknowledges that the political shift at this time does not mark a sharp intellectual break, highlighting the continuity of scientific inquiry. The fourth section focuses on the Roman era, from the late Republic to the transition to Late Antiquity. The final section covers the era of Late Antiquity, including the early Byzantine centuries.

Through each of the essays, the Handbook offers a comprehensive synthesis and synopsis of the concepts and models of the various ancient natural sciences. It covers a wide range of topics, from astronomy and mathematics to medicine and philosophy. The primary texts are extensively analyzed, providing insights into what is now known and shedding light on what future generations of scholars may discover.

The Handbook is an invaluable resource for scholars and students of ancient history, classical studies, and the history of science and medicine. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the rich tapestry of scientific and medical knowledge that emerged in the ancient world, and encourages further exploration of these fascinating subjects.

Weight: 2026g
Dimension: 246 x 170 x 60 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197611968