Science in Translation: Movements of Knowledge through Cultures and Time

by Scott L. Montgomery

Overview

In this innovative work, Scott L. Montgomery explores the diverse roles that translation has played in the development of science from antiquity to the present—from the Arabic translations of Greek and Latin texts whose reintroduction to Europe was crucial to the Renaissance, to the origin and evolution of modern science in Japan.

"[A] book of great richness, as much for its examples as for its ideas, which keenly illustrate the development of knowledge across languages and epochs. It is a book to read and reread. Its subject is important; it is ours, it is our history." -André Clas, Meta: Journal des Traducteurs

"[T]his book . . . seems to stand alone on the shelf. A good thing, therefore, that it is so full of good things, both in the content and the prose." —William R. Everdell, MAA Online

"[A]n impressive work. . . . By reminding us of the role of diverse cultures in the elevation of science within a particular nation or civilization, the book makes a substantial contribution to the postmodern worldview that emphasizes multiculturalism." —Choice

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226534817
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	05/01/2002
Edition description:	1
Pages:	333
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Scott L. Montgomery is a consulting geologist, writer, and independent scholar who worked as a part-time technical translator for more than a decade.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: Transfers of Learning, Questions of Influence
Part I. The Heavens through Time and Space: A History of Translating Astronomy in the West
1. The Era of Roman Translation
From Greek Science to Medieval Manuscript
2. Astronomy in the East
The Syriac and Persian-Indian Conversions
3. The Formation of Arabic Science, Eighth through Tenth Centuries
Translation and the Creation of Intellectual Traditions
4. Era of Translation into Latin
Transformations of the Medieval World
Part II. Science in the Non-Western World: Levels of Adaptation
5. Record of Recent Matters
Translation and the Origins of Modern Japanese Science
6. Japanese Science in the Making
Of Texts and Translators
Part III. The Contemporary Context: Realities of Change and Difference
7. Issues and Examples for the Study of Scientific Translation Today
8. Conclusion
Gained in Translation
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

A geologist who worked part-time as a technical translator for over a decade, Montgomery contends that science is not written in a universal language and changes when it is translated. Among the case studies he describes are Greek science to Medieval manuscript, astronomy in the Syriac and Persian-Indian conversions, and the origins of modern Japanese science. He also discusses issues and examples in scientific translation today, and cases in which the science gained in translation. He does not consider ongoing attempts to translate such eastern sciences as acupuncture and feng shui into the west. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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