Why did the West win the “science race”, when Chinese and Islamic countries were once several centuries in the lead? The Rise of Early Modern Science: Islam, China and the West by Toby E. Huff (Cambridge University Press, £13.95 pbk, ISBN 0 521 498 33 3) is a fascinating, rather studious, discussion exploring the historical relation of thought and culture. The insights are especially important now the Net is the current revolution, with its own ideas of worldwide progress.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
A volcano has erupted remnants of Earth's primordial magma ocean
2
Orangutan mothers seem to plan playdates for their offspring
3
A type of fibre that stimulates GLP-1 release approved for use in food
4
‘Hobbit’ hominins scavenged meat left over by Komodo dragons
5
Random wobbles in time could finally solve gravity’s greatest mystery
6
The 4 must-watch science-fiction films of the year so far
7
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
8
Slowdown of AMOC ocean current may be gradual and reversible
9
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
10
Evocative photos of Canadian Arctic win New Scientist Editors Award
