vi PREFACE 



Bacon said, the history of the world without a his- 

 tory of learning is like a statue of Polyphemus with 

 the eye out. The history of science studies the past 

 for the sake of the future. It is a story of continu- 

 ous progress. It is rich in biographical material. It 

 shows the sciences in their interrelations, and saves 

 the student from narrowness and premature special- 

 ization. It affords a unique approach to the study 

 of philosophy. It gives new motive to the study of 

 foreign languages. It gives an interest in the ap- 

 plications of knowledge, offers a clue to the complex 

 civilization of the present, and renders the mind hos- 

 pitable to new discoveries and inventions. 



The history of science is hostile to the spirit of 

 caste. It shows the sciences rising from daily needs 

 and occupations, formulated by philosophy, enrich- 

 ing philosophy, giving rise to new industries, which 

 react in turn upon the sciences. The history of sci- 

 ence reveals men of all grades of intelligence and 

 of all social ranks cooperating in the cause of human 

 progress. It is a basis of intellectual and social homo- 

 geneity. 



Science is international, English, Germans, French, 

 Italians, Russians all nations contributing to 

 advance the general interests. Accordingly, a survey 

 of the sciences tends to increase mutual respect, and 

 to heighten the humanitarian sentiment. The history 

 of science can be taught to people of all creeds and 

 colors, and cannot fail to enhance in the breast of 

 every young man, or woman, faith in human progress 

 and good- will to all mankind. 



This book is intended as a simple introduction, 

 taking advantage of the interests of youth of from 



