History

History of Magic and Experimental Science (Vol. 1&2) (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. Study on Alchemy & Pseudoscience During the First Thirteen Centuries of Our EraBy Lynn Thorndike

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About this audiobook

Lynn Thorndike's History of Magic and Experimental Science (Vol. 1&2) is a monumental inquiry into the intertwined development of learned magic, astrology, alchemy, medicine, natural philosophy, and empirical inquiry from antiquity through the thirteenth century. Written in a rigorous documentary style, the work resists triumphalist narratives of science by showing how experimental habits often emerged within traditions modern readers might call occult. Its dense citations, manuscript learning, and comparative method place it among the foundational works of early twentieth-century intellectual history. Thorndike, an American medievalist and historian of science, was trained to read the Middle Ages on its own terms rather than as a mere prelude to modernity. His scholarly career was shaped by a desire to recover neglected Latin, Arabic, and scholastic sources and to explain how medieval thinkers classified nature, causality, marvels, and authority. This background enabled him to treat magic not as superstition alone, but as part of a broader culture of investigation. This book is essential for readers interested in the prehistory of science, medieval thought, and the porous boundary between reason and wonder. Though demanding, it rewards patient reading with a vast, nuanced map of Western intellectual transformation. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.