Encyclopaedia of the history of science, technology and medicine in non-western cultures (Q2785488)

The aim of this extraordinary volume is ``to bring together knowledge of many disparate fields in one place and to legitimize the study of other cultures' science. Our aim is not to claim the superiority of other cultures, but to engage in a mutual exchange of ideas.'' (p. 11). The editor Selin emphasizes that nobody should believe that science is limited to a fraction of a world. 269 authors contributed about 600 articles, among them being a range of essays from short biographical and descriptive ones, as well as extensive, philosophical ones. The editor included them, because, as she explains, the study of non-Western science is not just a study of facts, but also of culture and philosophy. There is an extensive, general entry on mathematics. It underlines the importance of searching for different ways of knowing or establishing mathematical truths found in various traditions. 15 articles deal with mathematics in non-Western cultures, like in Africa, South of the Sahara, in China, Egypt, India, Islam, Japan etc. Other articles deal with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, weights and measures in different non-Western traditions, with famous mathematicians, important mathematical notions, calculus, numbers, (pi, Zero), instruments (astrolab, sundial), problems (surveying, calendars), etc. Though the price of the book is heigh, its scientific value is certainly worth it. It will be the reference book for a long time to come.