The History of Magic and Experimental Science

The History of Magic and Experimental Science is an eight-volume work published between 1923 and 1958 that traces magic and early scientific thought from Roman times through the 17th century. The books examine thousands of manuscripts and texts to document how magic and experimental methods were intertwined throughout Western intellectual history. The volumes follow a chronological progression through major periods including ancient Rome, the early Middle Ages, the 12th and 13th centuries, the 14th and 15th centuries, and finally the 16th and 17th centuries. Each section analyzes the key figures, texts, and ideas that shaped thinking about natural and supernatural phenomena during those eras. Thorndike presents detailed evidence of how scholars and natural philosophers combined magical beliefs with observation-based experimentation in their attempts to understand the world. The work draws extensively from primary sources in multiple languages, including previously unstudied manuscripts. This landmark study challenged the prevailing view that magic and science were purely oppositional forces, revealing their complex historical relationship. The books demonstrate how magical and experimental approaches to knowledge were often complementary rather than contradictory in the development of Western thought.

Readers note the comprehensive scope and meticulous research across the 8 volumes, which document medieval and early modern magic/science practices and beliefs. Many praise Thorndike's use of primary sources and detailed citations. Liked: - Thorough examination of previously overlooked manuscripts and texts - Clear connections between magical and scientific thinking through history - Extensive bibliography useful for further research - "Unparalleled depth of source material" - academic reviewer Disliked: - Dense academic writing style difficult for general readers - Some sections become repetitive listing of sources - High cost and limited availability of complete set - "Can be dry and overwhelming" - Goodreads review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (12 ratings) Archive.org: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) Most reviews come from academic sources rather than general readers. The book receives more citations in scholarly work than public reviews, reflecting its specialized academic audience.

Magic in the Middle Ages by Richard Kieckhefer This text examines the intersection of magic with religion, science, and culture in medieval Europe through primary sources and scholarly analysis.

The Rise of Magic in Early Medieval Europe by Valerie Flint The book traces how Christian authorities adapted and transformed pagan magical practices into acceptable religious rituals during Europe's conversion period.

Natural Magic and Modern Science: Four Treatises 1590-1657 by Wayne Shumaker This work analyzes four renaissance texts that demonstrate the transition from medieval magical thought to early modern scientific methods.

The Art of Natural Magic by John Baptista Porta This 16th-century treatise presents natural magic as an extension of natural philosophy and provides insight into renaissance perspectives on the relationship between science and magic.

The Occult Philosophy in the Elizabethan Age by Frances Yates The text explores how renaissance magical traditions influenced intellectual and cultural developments in Elizabethan England.

🔮 Lynn Thorndike spent over 30 years writing this monumental eight-volume work, publishing the first volumes in 1923 and completing the final volume in 1958. 📚 The complete work spans approximately 6,000 pages and covers magical and scientific thought from Roman times through the 17th century, revolutionizing how scholars viewed the relationship between magic and early science. ⚗️ Thorndike challenged the prevailing view of his time by arguing that magic and science were not opposing forces in history, but rather that magical practices often contributed to the development of modern scientific methods. 🎓 Despite initial skepticism from some scholars, the book became a cornerstone text in the field of medieval studies and helped establish the history of science as a legitimate academic discipline. 📖 The work contains thousands of references to previously unstudied manuscripts and texts, many of which Thorndike discovered himself in European libraries, making it an invaluable resource for researchers even today.