Science in History: Volume 1 The Emergence of Science

by J.D. Bernal

J. D. Bernal's monumental work Science in History is the first full-scale attempt to analyze the relationship between science and society throughout history, from the perfection of the first flint hand ax to the construction of the hydrogen bomb. This remarkable study illustrates the impetus given to and the limitations placed upon discovery and invention by pastoral, agricultural, feudal, capitalist, and socialist systems, and conversely the ways in which science has altered economic, social, and political beliefs and practices.

This first volume begins with the discussion of the particular nature and methodology of science. It then continues with a description of the emergence of science in the Stone Age, and traces its development through the full formulations of the Greeks to its development under Christendom and Islam in the Middle Ages.

Genres: History, Science, History Of Science, Nonfiction

398 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 1971

About the author

John Desmond Bernal FRS was one of the United Kingdom's most well-known and controversial scientists. Bernal is considered a pioneer in X-ray crystallography in molecular biology. He published extensively on the history of science. In addition, Bernal wrote popular books on science and society, and he was also a communist activist.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science in history; decidedly not a history of science. Lots of philosophy, religion and class struggles which may be off-putting to science nerds.

[Frank Keizer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dryly written but wide overview of science's influence on history and the class struggle. This first volume covers the time period from the paleolithic al the way up to the late Middle Ages, before the breaktroughs of the Renaissance. Probably a bit outdated on some accounts because there has been a wealth of research material since the time of writing in the sixties, but an impressive synthesis nonetheless. Thoroughly marxist but from a technical perspective, which is still an underacknowledged part of its tradition.