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Rating: 
Summary: A polished gem
Review: I bought this book six years ago and have kept it within reach ever since. Open it up at a random page and you will find a gem of an essay on Babylonian astronomy, mummification techniques, the first etnographer, or urban planning in ancient Greece. Sarton has managed to compress more than thirty centuries of scientific history in 600 pages without becoming superficial. He starts with the Babylonians and ends with the ancient Greeks. Nothing is omitted. You will read about astronomy, astrology, biology, mathematics, literature, history, crafts, technical achievements, etnography, trade and economics, mining, government organization, law, medicine, animal husbandry, and - of course - philosophy. George Sarton writes balanced, with authority and clarity, but first and foremost with great love for his subject. His view is balanced and spiced with an enormous number of delightful details. Did you know that the first Greek colonists brought an urban planner with them? Or that citizens of Athens received a tax credit in 473BC because of a windfall in mining revenues? The Egyptian scientist who got it wrong but asked the right question will have Sarton's sympathy. The Greek philosopher who made his name by reycling ideas stolen from the Babylonians is condemned. I should stop writing before I get carried away. Let me say one more thing: it is truly astonishing that this book has not become an instant bestseller.
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