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Science and the Secrets of Nature: Books of Secrets in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (Revised)

by Science and the Secrets of Nature: Books of Secrets in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (Revised)

$71.13

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Description

By explaining how to sire multicolored horses, produce nuts without shells, and create an egg the size of a human head, Giambattista Della Porta's Natural Magic (1559) conveys a fascination with tricks and illusions that makes it a work difficult for historians of science to take seriously. Yet, according to William Eamon, it is in the "how-to" books written by medieval alchemists, magicians, and artisans that modern science has its roots. These compilations of recipes on everything from parlor tricks through medical remedies to wool-dyeing fascinated medieval intellectuals because they promised access to esoteric "secrets of nature." In closely examining this rich but little-known source of literature, Eamon reveals that printing technology and popular culture had as great, if not stronger, an impact on early modern science as did the traditional academic disciplines.

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Product Details

  • Princeton University Pres Brand
  • Jun 2, 1996 Pub Date:
  • 0691026025 ISBN-10:
  • 9780691026022 ISBN-13:
  • English Language
  • 510.0 pages Paperback
  • 9.25 in * 1.16 in * 6.25 in Dimensions:
  • 2 lb Weight: