Science of the Early Americas (Science in History)

Woods, Geraldine

ISBN 10: 0531115240 ISBN 13: 9780531115244

Publisher: Franklin Watts, 1999

Synopsis

Discusses the scientific accomplishments in such fields as medicine, mathematics, engineering, and astronomy of various groups of American Indians

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8Attractive and accessible titles that have large print and plentiful illustrations, mostly in full color. January emphasizes the practical and democratic nature of science as practiced in the developing nation, touching on such topics as Cotton Mathers work on the practice of inoculation, Thomas Jeffersons and John and William Bartrams studies in natural history, David Rittenhouses explorations in astronomy, and, of course, Ben Franklins discoveries in electricity. Wood looks at indigenous cultures of North, Central, and South America from the earliest times to the present, pointing out that most of what is known of their early sciences comes from archaeological discoveries and oral tradition. Once again, chapters look at medicine, mathematics, engineering, and astronomy among various North American tribes along with the cultures of the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans. Because of the lack of written records, this overview is more general than the other title, describing the theories, practices, and customs of the various tribes and cultures without mentioning specific writers or scientists. A chart of Mayan head variant numerals is labeled Calendar Symbols without further explanation of this interesting numbering system. Plentiful, accurate material gives these books research as well as browsing value.Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0531115240
• ISBN 13: 9780531115244
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 64