Sciences Hellenistic period

eratosthenes method determining radius , circumference of earth.



one of oldest surviving fragments of euclid s elements, found @ oxyrhynchus , dated c. ad 100 (p. oxy. 29). diagram accompanies book ii, proposition 5.

hellenistic culture produced seats of learning throughout mediterranean. hellenistic science differed greek science in @ least 2 ways: first, benefited cross-fertilization of greek ideas had developed in larger hellenistic world; secondly, extent, supported royal patrons in kingdoms founded alexander s successors. important hellenistic science city of alexandria in egypt, became major center of scientific research in 3rd century bc. hellenistic scholars employed principles developed in earlier greek thought: application of mathematics , deliberate empirical research, in scientific investigations.

hellenistic geometers such archimedes (c. 287 – 212 bc), apollonius of perga (c. 262 – c. 190 bc), , euclid (c. 325 – 265 bc), elements became important textbook in mathematics until 19th century, built upon work of hellenic era pythagoreans. euclid developed proofs pythagorean theorem, infinitude of primes, , worked on 5 platonic solids. eratosthenes used knowledge of geometry measure circumference of earth. calculation remarkably accurate. first calculate tilt of earth s axis (again remarkable accuracy). additionally, may have accurately calculated distance earth sun , invented leap day. known father of geography , eratosthenes created first map of world incorporating parallels , meridians, based on available geographical knowledge of era.

the antikythera mechanism ancient analog computer designed calculate astronomical positions.

astronomers hipparchus (c. 190 – c. 120 bc) built upon measurements of babylonian astronomers before him, measure precession of earth. pliny reports hipparchus produced first systematic star catalog after observed new star (it uncertain whether nova or comet) , wished preserve astronomical record of stars, other new stars discovered. has been claimed celestial globe based on hipparchus s star catalog sits atop broad shoulders of large 2nd-century roman statue known farnese atlas. astronomer, aristarchos of samos developed heliocentric system.

the level of hellenistic achievement in astronomy , engineering impressively shown antikythera mechanism (150–100 bc). 37-gear mechanical computer computed motions of sun , moon, including lunar , solar eclipses predicted on basis of astronomical periods believed have been learned babylonians. devices of sort not found again until 10th century, when simpler eight-geared luni-solar calculator incorporated astrolabe described persian scholar, al-biruni. complex devices developed other muslim engineers , astronomers during middle ages.

medicine, dominated hippocratic tradition, saw new advances under praxagoras of kos, theorized blood traveled through veins. herophilos (335–280 bc) first base conclusions on dissection of human body , animal vivisection, , provide accurate descriptions of nervous system, liver , other key organs. influenced philinus of cos (fl. 250), student of herophilos, new medical sect emerged, empiric school, based on strict observation , rejected unseen causes of dogmatic school.

bolos of mendes made developments in alchemy , theophrastus known work in plant classification. krateuas wrote compendium on botanic pharmacy. library of alexandria included zoo research , hellenistic zoologists include archelaos, leonidas of byzantion, apollodoros of alexandria , bion of soloi.

technological developments hellenistic period include cogged gears, pulleys, screw, archimedes screw, screw press, glassblowing, hollow bronze casting, surveying instruments, odometer, pantograph, water clock, water organ, , piston pump.

the interpretation of hellenistic science varies widely. @ 1 extreme view of english classical scholar cornford, believed important , original work done in 3 centuries 600 300 bc . @ other view of italian physicist , mathematician lucio russo, claims scientific method born in 3rd century bc, forgotten during roman period , revived in renaissance.