Science Book Reviews

Eureka! The Birth of Science

Andrew Gregory, author of Eureka! The Birth of Science, promises a book that 'attempts to capture the essence and the spirit of Greek achievement, and something of the excitement of the debate between Greek thinkers', and this is just what he delivers. His own personal excitement for the subject bursts through as well, sweeping the reader along and daring them not to get caught up with his enthusiasm.

Eureka! The Birth of Science is a synopsis of the key ideas and schools of thought developed throughout nearly a millennia of ancient Greek theorising that have influenced Renaissance and modern science. In a simple and clear manner, Andrew Gregory presents opposing views on how the Greeks thought the world was composed, and how new ideas built upon the foundations of the masters from previous generations. He also sets the socio-economic and philosophical scene that framed both the ancient Greeks topics of enquiry and conclusions. The reader is presented with a world that seems identical to his own, yet is understood by the Greeks in a way that may seem almost quirky to 21st century science aficionados. The Pythagoreans, for instance, were some of the first people to believe that science could be described mathematically, an idea that modern society takes for granted; however, they also believed that the earth was made out of numbers rather than matter. At times, the descriptions could use further elaboration; however, this book's aim is to summarise rather than to provide an exhaustive exploration of the scientific, historical, and societal underpinnings of Greek science. What we are offered is an introduction into the topic of ancient Greek science. This book is a very clear, digestible, and quick read.

And remember: the quicker you finish this book, the quicker you can run out and get another to further delve into any of the topics therein that have titillated your imagination!