Cradles of Early Instr. Jeremiah G.

Pedral
PUP- CSDPS
Science

 Cradles of Early Science

• Uncovered pieces of history
such as buried artifacts and
ancient structures are proofs
of the existence of science
and technology since the
ancient times. While the early
civilizations did not contribute
evenly in numbers, each of
them has provided one which
contributed to the different
technological developments
throughout history.
 Cradles of Early Science
• Meso-American - The
region is known for its
contributions in the elds
of agriculture,
engineering,
architecture,
astronomy,
mathematics,
commerce, education,
social management,
manufacturing, arts
and the creation of
chocolates
fi
 Meso-American Revolution

• Aztec and Toltec

civilizations were already
known as great city builders
with great architectural
works along with the temple
pyramid architectures that
are still left standing today.
Aztec people introduced
the use of public latrines as
their means of maintaining
public sanitation
 Meso-American Revolution

• Mayan culture introduced the

use of corbelled vaults for
pitched ceilings. The fields of
astronomy and mathematics
were also developed by the
Mesoamerican civilizations
specifically that of the Mayans.
the Mayan Calendar was used to
record their achievements and
major events and became a
means to schedule their
planting and harvesting
seasons.
 Meso-American Revolution

• Inca civilization developed

the road and bridge
systems for pack animals
and pedestrians to
transport goods and send
messages and constructed
earthquake-proof homes
made out of stones.
 Meso-American Revolution

• The Aztec civilization imposed a mandatory

educational system which was divided into two classes:
for administrative works and for technical and
domestic works. This introduced the public-school
system to the world. Meanwhile, the Inca empire
founded the legal expression of heavy punishments
on its constituents.

• Olmec, Zapotec and Mixtec had practiced the industry

of paper-making but it is the Maya civilization that made
use of it extensively.

 Cradles of Early Science

• Asian- In the Asian
region, those that have
significant
contributions to
science and
technology are China
and India.
 Asian
• China - The paper, printing
technology, gunpowder and
compass are considered as
the inventions of Chinese
civilizations of having greatest
global significance.
 Asian
• The Chinese people also
practiced hydraulic
engineering in the
construction of infrastructure
for flood controls, iron
casting and brass
production.
 Asian
• China also holds the oldest
medical system in the world
including acupuncture and herbal
remedies which aims the
restoration of the yin (passive) and
yang (active) forces pervading the
human body.
 Asian
• India has huge contributions in the fields of
mathematics, medicine, metallurgy, textile and ship-
building.

• The idea of zero and its integration to the place-value

system which made possible for us to write numbers
using only ten symbols came from India. It is also
believed that the idea of mathematical equation
originated from India. These innovations lead to the
term “algorithm” which replaced the use of abacus in
calculations.

 Asian
• Brahmagupta defined zero as
a result from subtracting a
number from itself, gave
arithmetical rules on positive
and negative numbers,
described the methods of
multiplication using the place-
value system, presented
algorithms in the calculation
of square roots and
presented numerous
astronomical works. Brahmagupta
 Asian
• Kerala came up with different mathematical infinite
series leading to the convergent expression of the
“pi”. The mathematical influence of India is very wide
that it also incorporates trigonometric functions, some
ideas in calculus and geometry including a belief that
Pythagorean Theorem somehow originated from
them.
 Asian
• India also had a long history of medicine. The medical
practice, advocates a system of human over divine
intervention, is still being used in India and is now known as
“Ayurveda”. This medical procedure uses herbs and drugs
from animal and mineral origins which lead to researches
of potential naturally occurring substances. In addition to
this, India also practiced vaccination, rhinoplasty and eye
surgery before they were introduced to the Western culture.

• India is also known as a pioneer in the industries of

metallurgy, textiles and ship-building. Zinc extraction was
practiced as early as 4th century BCE.

 Cradles of Early Science

• African mathematics
during the ancient times
also included
multiplication and division
of fractions, geometric
formulas used in
calculating areas and
volumes, distance, angles,
algebraic equations,
concept of square root
and their own version of
pi-value estimation.
 Cradles of Early Science
• African astronomy, ancient
Africa has its Dogon culture
with records on the discovery
of the Saturn rings, Jupiter’s
moons, the spiral structure of
the Milky Way and the
movements of the sun and
constellations.
 Cradles of Early Science
• ancient Africa had applied
numerous techniques in
the medical field which
include hydrotherapy,
heat therapy, spinal
manipulation,
quarantine, bone
setting, vaccination,
autopsy, surgery, skin
grafting, dental filling
and surgery.
 Cradles of Early Science
• Egyptian science - Paper and ink,
cosmetics, the toothbrush and
toothpaste, even the ancestor of the
modern breath mint, were all
invented by the Egyptians.
Additionally, they made advances in
almost every sphere of knowledge
from the manufacture of simple
household goods to beer brewing,
engineering and construction, to
agriculture and architecture,
medicine, astronomy, art and
literature.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/
 Egyptian science
• Household Goods

• The simple handheld mirror

one finds so commonplace in
the present day was created
by the Egyptians.

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste

were invented because of the
grit and sand which found its
way into the bread and
vegetables of the daily meals.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/

 Egyptian science
• Toothpaste was made of rock
salt, mint, dried iris petals,
and pepper. Another recipe
contains ox hooves and ash,
which, mixed with one's
saliva, created a cleansing
paste for the teeth. To aide
one’s breath, tablets were
created from spices like
cinnamon and frankincense
heated in a honey mixture,
which became the world's
rst breath mints.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/
fi
 Egyptian Engineering & Construction
• The quarrying and transport of
obelisks are well documented
(though how the immense
monuments were raised is not)
and shows a strict adherence
to a standard procedure.

• Egyptian engineers are so keen

in following standards and
observing even the minute of
each detail.
Egyptian Obelisks, Karnak by Dennis Jarvis
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/

 Egyptian Engineering & Construction

• Some egyptologists
theorize that there are
several means that
Egyptians could’ve
constructed the Pyramids
of Giza, one is by using a
ramps in the interior of
the pyramid, the other
is, by water pumping
techniques. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt by Shellapic

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/
 Egyptian Astronomy
• Astronomy was important to the ancient Egyptians on
two levels: the spiritual and the practical. The stars
told the stories of the gods' accomplishments and
trials but also indicated the passage of time and the
seasons.

• On a more practical level, the stars could tell one

when it was going to rain, when it was nearing time
to plant or harvest crops.

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/

 Egyptian Astronomy
• Astronomical observations led to astrological
interpretations which may have been adopted from
Mesopotamian sources via trade. Strictly astronomical
examination of the night skies, however, were
interpreted in terms of pragmatism and recorded in
mathematical calculations measuring weeks, months,
and years.

• Although the calendar was invented by the ancient

Sumerians, the concept was adapted and improved
upon by the Egyptians.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/

 Egyptian Mathematics
• Rosalie David, an egyptologist said that,
"Mathematics served basically utilitarian purposes in
Egypt and does not seem to have been regarded as
a theoretical science.

• Ancient writer Diogenes Laertius and his sources

among them, point to philosophers such as
Pythagoras and Plato, who both studied in Egypt,
and the importance of mathematical knowledge in
their belief systems.

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/

 Egyptian Mathematics
• Plato regarded the study of geometry necessary for
clarity of mind and it is thought he took this concept
from Pythagoras who rst learned it from the priests
in Egypt.

• Mathematics was used in record keeping, in

developing the schematics for machines such as the
water pump, in calculating tax rates, and in drawing
up designs and siting locations for building projects.

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/

fi
 Egyptian Medicine
• The three best-known works dealing with medical
issues are the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE), the
Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 1600 BCE), and the London
Medical Papyrus (c. 1629 BCE).

• These 3 medical transcripts prescribe the use of

spells in treating diseases while at the same time
exhibiting a signi cant degree of medical
knowledge.

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/
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 Egyptian Medicine
• The Ebers Papyrus is a text of 110 pages treating ailments
such as trauma, cancer, heart disease, depression,
dermatology, gastrointestinal distress, and many others.

• The Edwin Smith Papyrus is the oldest known work on

surgical techniques and is thought to have been written for
triage surgeons in field hospitals. This work shows detailed
knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

• The London Medical Papyrus combines practical medical

skill with magical spells for the treatment of conditions
ranging from eye problems to miscarriages.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/

 Egyptian Dentistry
• Dentistry does not seem to have evolved at the same
pace as other branches of medicine but still was more
advanced and showed a greater knowledge of dealing with
oral pain than later remedies practiced by other cultures.

• The rst dentist in the world known by name was the

Egyptian Hesyre (c. 2660 BCE)

• dental problems and toothaches, from non-medical texts are

addressed as most likely caused by a tooth-worm which
needed to be driven away by magical spells, extraction,
and applying an ointment.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/967/ancient-egyptian-science--technology/
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 Cradles of Early Science

• Arab Region, much of
their practices in
mathematics,
astronomy,
architecture and
horticulture were done
to glorify Islam.
 Arab Revolution
He designed the
subject of Algebra
and Algorithm
which was
developed by
others. The word
algorithm is derived
from his name.
Muhammad ibn Musa
al-Khwarizmi

 Arab Revolution

Abu Al Wafa Muhammad

al Buzjani

He was the first person to show the

generality of the sine theorem relative to
spherical triangles, he announced the
secant and cosecant for the first time, he
added to a solution of geometrical problems
in geometry

 Arab Revolution

Al Hasan Ibn Al Haytham

Through his Book of Optics (Kitab al-Manazir) and its

Latin translation (De Aspectibus), his ideas influenced
the European scholars and In 17th century.

 Arab Revolution

Abu Ali Ibn Sina

Through Two of his most important books are kitab al

shifa (the book of healing) containing 20 volumes al
qanun fit tipp ( the canons of medicine) which was the
principal guide for medical science in the west from 12th
to 17th century. He was the first to describe meningitis.

 Arab Revolution

Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn

Zakariya al-Razi

He was the first to announce the usage of alcohol for

medical purposes. He was an expert surgeon and the
first to use opium for anesthesia.

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