Scientific Work in India

Abstract

In the August number of Discovery, Sir Lewis Fermor gives an interesting account of the history and development of pure and applied science in India. It is well known that India possesses a very ancient culture and civilization. As regards ancient science, the Hindus made important contributions to mathematics, and, as Sir Lewis points out, they possessed a considerable knowledge of zoology, medicine and chemistry. Sir Prafulla Chandra Ray's book on the “History of Hindu Chemistry” from the earliest times up to the middle of the sixteenth century A.D. provides valuable information concerning this branch of science. The conquests of Alexander the Great gave India an important stimulus to intercourse with Europe, but, as Sir Lewis observes, much ancient Indian science antedates this Greek influence. Moreover, it must not be forgotten that when the Arabs brought science to Europe, their knowledge derived from Indian as well as Greek sources. Although in its earlier days the East India Company did not employ scientific men as such in India, it is a striking fact that James Prinsep, one of the Company's official assayers, deciphered in 1838 the ancient Brahmi script used in the rock-cut inscriptions or edicts of the Indian Buddhist king, Asoka (died circa 237 B.C.).