Histoire des sciences exactes et naturelles dans l'antiquité gréco-romaine: exposé sommaire des écoles et des principes

Abstract

PROF. ARNOLD REYMOND has for many years given a course of lectures on the history of science at the University of Neuchatel. This course is attended by students in the Faculty of Letters as well as by those in the Faculty of Science, a practice which is worthy of the notice of university authorities in Great Britain and elsewhere. The present book represents that part of the course which deals with the development of mathematics, the natural sciences, and medicine in Greco-Roman antiquity. It is very well written, and shows that its author has not only a complete command of his subject, but also a ready appreciation of the requirements and mental equipment of his audiences. Whilst avoiding a parade of learning, Prof. Reymond gives full references to his authorities for any statement of importance, and the book will thus appeal to all students of the history of science, especially those whose main interests do not lie in this particular field. It is of course very difficult to deal adequately with such a large subject in the space of 230 pages, and detail has had to be cut down to a minimum. Nevertheless, Prof. Reymond has contrived to be readable, and as a bird's -eye view of the scientific knowledge of the ancient world his book may be heartily recommended. The increasing interest in the history of science which is manifesting itself in Great Britain suggests that an English translation might be well worth publishing. No other book of the size treats the subject with the same skill. Histoire des sciences exactes et naturelles dans l'antiquité gréco-romaine: exposé sommaire des écoles et des principes. Par Prof. Arnold Reymond. Pp. viii + 238. (Paris: Albert Blanchard, 1924). 12 francs.