Experimentation and scientific method in the classical world: their rise and decline.
Focusing mostly on medicine, the author discusses evidence of the use of the experimental method in antiquity, particularly in the Western world. Instead of progressing toward a scientific revolution, however, the experimental method was abandoned after Galen. It is concluded that this was due to the shift of emphasis from physical to spiritual concerns fostered by Christianity.
Prioreschi
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Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NB 68178.
D002835:Christianity / Q000266:history; D000076145:Greece, Ancient; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D011639:Public Opinion; D012070:Religion and Science; D012106:Research / Q000266:history*; D012586:Science / Q000266:history