The narrative surrounding the history of science within medieval Islamicate culture is both rich and complex, intricately linked to the evolution of global knowledge systems. Following concerns regarding the limitations in Jim Al-Khalili’s depiction within “The House of Wisdom,” it is possible to seek out more detailed and multifaceted accounts that cover this vast historical timeframe. While Roshdi Rashed’s three-volume “Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science” offers an extensive examination of the topic, it is currently unavailable in print, though it can still be accessed through the Internet Archive.
In the search for credible resources, a number of key texts come to light. Stephen P. Blake’s “Astronomy and Astrology in the Islamic World” provides valuable insights into the study of celestial phenomena within an Islamic framework. Donald R. Hill’s “Islamic Science and Engineering” serves as a sharp introduction to the achievements in science and engineering. Hill’s personal narrative, transitioning from a Royal Engineers officer to a prominent scholar in Islamic engineering, enriches his analyses, shedding light on advancements in mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and groundbreaking technologies. His examination of machinery and civil engineering is especially commendable, although an update of his bibliographic references would be beneficial.
To fill the gap regarding Islamic medicine in Hill’s writing, “Medieval Islamic Medicine” by Peter E. Pormann and Emilie Savage-Smith emerges as a highlighted resource, utilizing a thematic approach that weaves together social history, medical practices, and the incorporation of magic and folklore. This work goes beyond theoretical discussions, addressing the societal applications of medical knowledge, making it an essential reference.
Enhancing this field further is Yossef Rapoport’s “Islamic Maps,” which illuminates the diverse and unique traditions of Islamic cartography. This book puts forth a challenge to contemporary cartographic concepts by revisiting historical mapping practices from the ninth to seventeenth centuries, providing visual and contextual analyses of maps of the Islamic world. For those intrigued by the confluence of geography, art, and history, “Lost Maps of the Caliphs” by Rapoport and Elizabeth Savage-Smith explores the “Book of Curiosities” from 11th-century Egypt, deepening the understanding of cultural and scientific narratives in cartography.
Together, these works foster a deeper understanding of the intellectual endeavors within the medieval Islamicate region, highlighting its crucial influence in the overarching history of science and technology, and paving the way for future inquiry and exploration in this dynamic field of study.