A History of Magic and Experimental Science, Volume 1 (of 2) During the First Thirteen Centuries of Our Era

"A History of Magic and Experimental Science, Volume 1" by Lynn Thorndike is a journey into the past, examining the surprising connection between magic and early science through the first thirteen centuries. The book casts a wide net, looking at not just formal studies but also folk beliefs and superstitions, especially how they played out in Christian thinking. The author is determined to show how deeply magic was woven into the fabric of daily life and how it influenced the beginnings of scientific thought. Readers will discover how ancient civilizations like Egypt and Babylon contributed to these ideas, setting the stage for later developments. By studying magic and science side by side, the book promises a deeper understanding of their shared history and the impact they had on the world. The beginning chapter sets the stage for a broad exploration of these themes, inviting us to reconsider the boundaries between the mystical and the rational in the ancient world.