Cross-cultural scientific exchanges in the eastern Mediterranean, 1560-1660

"Avner Ben-Zaken reconsiders the fundamental question of how early modern scientific thought traveled between Western and Eastern cultures in the age of the so-called Scientific Revolution. Through five meticulously researched case studiesin which he explores how a single obscure object or text moved in the Eastern worldBen-Zaken reveals the intricate ways that scientific knowledge moved across cultures. His diligent exploration traces the eastward flow of post-Copernican cosmologies and scientific discoveries, showing how these ideas were disseminated, modified, and applied to local cultures. Never before has a student of scientific traffic in the Mediterranean taken such pains to see precisely which instruments, books, and ideas first appeared where, in whose hands, by what means, and with what implications. In doing so, Ben-Zaken challenges accepted views of Western primacy in this fruitful exchange. He shows not only how Islamic cultures benefited from European scientific knowledge but also how Eastern understanding of classical Greek texts informed developments in the West. Ben-Zakens mastery of different cultures and languages uniquely positions him to tell this intriguing story. His findings reshape our understanding of scientific discourse in this critical period and contribute to the growing field of cross-cultural Christian-Muslim studies."--Front insid flap of dust jacket.

Introduction : Incommensurable cultures? -- Trading clocks, globes, and captives in the end time -- Exchanging Heliocentrism for Ur-Text -- Transcending time in the scribal East -- Converting measurements and invoking the "linguistic leviathan" -- Exchanging heavens and hearts -- Conclusion : From "incommensurability of cultures" to mutually embraced zones.