The book is lavishly furnished with more than 160 illustrations, including photographs—some of rare origin—and schematic drawings of technological innovations. Eleven well-organized chapters deal with the technology of physical, chemical, geological and agricultural sciences. The authors deliberately avoid footnotes and in-text references, but provide a useful bibliography of selected references.
In a chapter analyzing the forces behind Islamic technological development, the authors explore the increase in the quality of life, demands of urbanization and the freedom of movement across the vast areas of the Islamic empire. It is clear that Arabic language enhanced communications and fulfilled the requirements of scientific terminology. Another factor of profound importance to development was Muslim willingness and ability to learn from the Greek sciences, and to preserve and improve upon its offerings with impeccable scientific integrity. The authors also give credence to the important role Islamic culture and religion played in refining the thinking process ...
