Encyclopaedia of the History of Science and Technology in Ancient Cultures
The study of human progress is often fragmented by modern academic boundaries. However, the Encyclopaedia of the History of Science and Technology in Ancient Cultures seeks to bridge these gaps. By consolidating knowledge from disparate fields, this comprehensive work aims to legitimize the study of science across various global cultures, recognizing that in antiquity, science, technology, and medicine were deeply interconnected disciplines rather than separate silos.
Key Facts
- Purpose: To unify the study of science, technology, and medicine from ancient cultures.
- First Edition: Published in 1997 with 600 articles.
- Second Edition: Published in 2008, expanded to 1,000 articles and split into two volumes.
- Scope: Alphabetical coverage ranging from "Abacus" to "Zu Chongzi".
- Top Contributor: K. V. Sarma, who authored 35 articles.
Evolution of the Encyclopaedia
The publication began as a single-volume effort in 1997. This first edition featured 600 articles authored by a diverse group of experts, organized alphabetically to allow for easy navigation. To ensure thoroughness, the first edition included a detailed index spanning pages 1079 to 1117.
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As the body of knowledge grew, the work underwent a significant expansion. In 2008, a second edition was released. This version grew to include 1,000 articles and was split into two separate volumes to accommodate the increased depth and breadth of the research.
Expert Contributions
The quality of the Encyclopaedia is rooted in the contributions of numerous scholars. A small group of experts provided a substantial portion of the content, ensuring a high level of academic rigor across the entries.
| Contributor | Number of Articles |
|---|---|
| K. V. Sarma | 35 |
| Greg De Young | 13 |
| Boris A. Rosenfeld | 12 |
| Emilia Calvo | 11 |
| Ho Peng Yoke | 11 |
| Fabrizio Pregadio | 10 |
| Julio Samo | 9 |
| Richard Bertschinger | 8 |
| Radha Charan Gupta | 8 |
| David A. King | 8 |
Beyond these primary authors, dozens of other contributors provided additional articles, creating a collaborative tapestry of ancient scientific history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Encyclopaedia?
The goal is to bring together knowledge from various fields to legitimize the study of science in non-Western ancient cultures and to reflect how science, technology, and medicine were historically connected.
How many articles are in the second edition?
The second edition, published in 2008, contains 1,000 articles.
Who was the most prolific contributor to the first edition?
K. V. Sarma was the most prolific contributor, writing 35 articles.
How is the content of the Encyclopaedia organized?
The articles are arranged alphabetically, starting with "Abacus" and ending with "Zu Chongzi".
How did the format change between the first and second editions?
The first edition (1997) was a single volume with 600 articles, while the second edition (2008) was expanded to 1,000 articles and split into two volumes.