Science Since Babylon

Science Since Babylon was written by Derek J. de Solla Price based on a series of five lectures he delivered at Yale University's Sterling Memorial Library in October and November 1959 on the history of science. In 1961 it was published in London and New Haven by Yale University Press, and sold as a Yale Paperbound (paperback) in 1962. It is notable due to Price's observation of the exponential trajectory of scientific growth, and his subsequent prediction of that growth leveling off due to saturation. The book is often cited by Eric Weinstein for its observations about growth. Weinstein also notes that it is odd how few people know about this book.

Summary

Preface summary

1. The Peculiarity of a Scientific Civilization

Summary.

2. Celestial Clockwork in Greece and China

Summary.

3. Renaissance Roots of Yankee Ingenuity

Summary.

4. Mutations of Science

Summary.

5. Diseases of Science

Summary.

Epilogue: Humanities of Science

Summary.

Links

• The book on Amazon