Science Since Babylon

This text is an excerpt from Derek J. de Solla Price's Science Since Babylon, an enlarged edition exploring the history of science. Price examines the unique development of Western science, contrasting it with other civilizations' approaches and highlighting the fusion of Greek logic with Babylonian numerical methods. He further explores the relationship between science and technology, arguing for their distinct yet interconnected natures and examining the impact of the printing press on scientific progress. The book also discusses the exponential growth of scientific publications and the resulting challenges, including specialization and the need for efficient information management. Finally, Price considers the "humanities of science," advocating for its study as a large-scale, interdisciplinary field.