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Science, Medieval Books
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Bibliographical history of electricity & magnetism, chronologically arranged
"Bibliographical History of Electricity & Magnetism, Chronologically Arranged" by Paul Fleury Mottelay is a scholarly historical account written in the early 20th century. This extensive work chronicles the development of electricity and magnetism from ancient times to the early 19th century, highlighting significant figures and discoveries in the field of natural philosophy. It seeks to provide a comprehensive bibliography and history of the key milestones in the understanding and application of these scientific principles. The opening of the book introduces the ambitious scope of Mottelay's project, reflecting on the vast timeline it covers—from 2637 B.C., where the use of the magnetic compass is first recorded in ancient China, to 1821, marking Michael Faraday's contributions to electromagnetism. The introduction emphasizes the importance of original sources for studying the history of science and presents a chronological arrangement of entries that document influential scholars and pivotal discoveries. The foreword by Sir Richard T. Glazebrook sets the tone for the scholarly journey, revealing both the dedication of the author and the significance of the themes explored in this definitive work on the history of electricity and magnetism.
Anglicus Bartholomaeus
Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus
"Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus" by Robert Steele is a collection of writings that dives into the scientific, medicinal, and societal understandings of the Middle Ages, drawn from the works of the English Franciscan Bartholomew, likely written in the mid-13th century. The text serves as an encyclopedic resource, elucidating the properties of various elements and facets of life during this era, while also shedding light on the aspirations and intellectual pursuits of its contemporaries. At the start of this work, a preface by William Morris provides context for the medieval perspective on knowledge and learning, correcting misconceptions about this time as chaotic and ignorant. Following the preface, the translator's prologue sets the tone by explaining the purpose behind Bartholomew’s work, which is to clarify allusions found in religious texts through the exploration of natural objects. The introduction outlines the scope of the original text, hinting at its broad appeal across different classes of society in medieval Europe. This opening portion is rich with reflections on how medieval life intertwined with topics of science, medicine, and social norms, setting the stage for readers to engage with a world that perceived nature through a symbolic lens.
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