late classical and medieval science
TRANSCRIPT
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