Science and Technology in Medieval European Life

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Despite the popular view of medieval Europe as a Dark Age of intellectual stagnation, scientific and technological achievement thrived during this time. Churches and castles remain lasting testaments to the ingenuity of that period in history. Through carefully chosen examples which are presented in easily accessible thematic chapters, Science and Technology in Medieval European Life demonstrates how these two aspects of human achievement, far from being ivory-tower enterprises, affected the daily life of people in medieval Europe. These topics will also resonate with modern readers in their own daily lives. This reference work begins with an historical introduction that situates medieval science and technology into its social, intellectual and religious context. Among the varied topics found in the chapters are: armour manufacture, waterwheels and waterpower, chimneys, stained glass, communication technology, ship building, medicine - both academic and empirical, mechanical clocks, calendar creation, and astrology. the book concludes with a chronology of events, a suggested list of further reading and a glossary.