Reading #1 Flashcards
Genius & Gibberish
Why would a majority of medieval Europe think that there was no need for science? (i.e. why did scientific progress stagnate)
Widespread belief in timeless spiritual values, no “progress” if all beliefs are unquestioned. Any question could be answered by religious teachings and theology.
What effect did the Muslim conquest of Spain have on later scientific understanding?
Spain held large repositories of scientific knowledge from Muslim culture but also the ancient world (written in Arabic). These works were later translated and used by European scientists.
What basic premise of science (inherited from ancient philosophers) was accepted by medieval thinkers?
Causation. The idea that every effect is the product of a preceding cause (inherited from Aristotle).
What did Thomas Aquinas try to prove using the idea of causation? Why was this a bad idea?
The existence of God. Tried to combine theology with science, two forces which at the time were ideologically opposed.
What are 2 examples of medieval scientific invention?
- the wheelbarrow
- the mechanical clock
(also the horseshoe and the horse collar)
Who was considered to be one of the first great European figures in alchemy?
Albertus Magnus, a priest. He was later canonized by the Roman Catholic church, becoming the patron saint of scientists.
What makes alchemy more noteworthy than the other sciences during the medieval period?
It was the only real science of matter during the period, the only intellectual pursuit still trying to answer questions about the world.
How are Thomas Aquinas and Albertus Magnus connected?
Thomas Aquinas is reputed to have walked from Southern Italy to Paris just to become the pupil of Albertus Magnus.
In which scientific fields was Albertus Magnus involved?
Philosophy, chemistry, biology, as well as alchemy.
Which element is Albertus Magnus noted for being the first to isolate?
Arsenic.
What idea of change did Albertus Magnus propose that was not previously attributed to Aristotle?
Chemical change as being distinct from Aristotelian ideas such as projectile motion, ageing, seasons, etc.
What major work did Roger Bacon write, which wasn’t published until long after his death?
His “Opus Majus”, written in Latin and containing knowledge from many fields of natural science.
What ideas did Roger Bacon have (some of which were later mirrored by Leonardo da Vinci)?
Mechanisms - such as submarines, steamships, and airplanes - as well as evidence suggesting the independent invention of gunpowder in Europe and even speculation that people might one day circumnavigate the globe.
What significant view did Roger Bacon maintain regarding experimentation?
Stressed that experimentation and the application of mathematics was key to scientific progress and discovery.
Who was Nicolas Flamel? Who else is reported to have shared this success?
A French alchemist who claims, in his writings, to have succeeded in transmuting mercury to gold. This was also thought to have been achieved by Raimondo Lul (Raymond Lully), who used the gold to pay off King Edward II of England’s debts.
According to medieval philosophers, how did Aristotelian theory take place in minerals?
All minerals sought to become gold. First stones turned to rock, then rock became metals, gradually advancing towards perfection.
What category of solution was discovered by the medieval alchemists that is still widely used today? What was the first highly reactive example of this? Who made this breakthrough?
They were the first to understand acids (other than the weak vinegar known to ancient people). The first breakthrough came when ‘false Geber’ created vitriol, better known as sulphuric acid.
What important role did sulphuric acid play in industry?
Even up to the mid 20th century, the volume of sulphuric acid consumed by a country’s industry each year was used as a measure of that country’s development.
What 2 acids did ‘false Geber’ discover that allowed a whole new range of alchemical experimentation?
Sulphuric acid (vitriol) and nitric acid (aqua fortis).
What kinds of experiments did the discovery of strong acids allow?
Forming and dissolution of compounds, transformation of compounds, isolation of elements, salt formation and precipitation experiments, etc.
What did Roger Bacon believe regarding alchemy?
That it was possible to transmute base metals into gold, and that an elixir was required to catalyze this transformation.
What did the philosophy of Aristotelian thinkers stipulate about the natural world? How did this relate to Alchemy?
All things strive towards perfection. Flesh aspires to embody the spirit just as all metals strive to become gold.
What human factor made alchemical ideas difficult for the average person to understand?
Alchemists were often very secretive and cryptic in the description of their work.
What other example of a pseudo-science is given in the text and compared to alchemy as being something that gave rise to a modern scientific field?
Astrology is mentioned as leading to the study of behaviour and personality, the basis of modern psychology.
