Horizons

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This radical retelling of the history of science challenges the Eurocentric narrative that positions Europe as the sole birthplace of modern science. While figures like Copernicus, Newton, Darwin, and Einstein are often celebrated as the pioneers of scientific thought, their achievements were deeply influenced by contributions from diverse cultures. Copernicus utilized mathematical techniques from Arabic and Persian sources, while Newton's laws of motion were informed by astronomical observations from Asia and Africa. Darwin's research was enriched by a sixteenth-century Chinese encyclopaedia, and Einstein drew inspiration from Bengali physicist Satyendra Nath Bose. The narrative extends beyond Europe, highlighting the significant roles played by scientists from Africa, America, Asia, and the Pacific, framing the history of science as a global cultural exchange. This work celebrates often-overlooked figures such as Graman Kwasi, the seventeenth-century African botanist who discovered a malaria cure; Hantaro Nagaoka, the nineteenth-century Japanese scientist who first described atomic structure; and Zhao Zhongyao, the twentieth-century Chinese physicist who discovered antimatter. By revealing the international nature of scientific progress, this ambitious history underscores the importance of recognizing the contributions of diverse cultures in shaping our understanding of science. It is a compelling read for those interest