Shaping the Sciences of the Ancient and Medieval World: An Introduction

This introductory chapter gives an overview of the research questions raised in the book as much for historians of science as for anyone working with, or producing editions of, ancient scholarly texts. It highlights the benefits that flow from a worldwide history of textual criticism and editions as well as from a focus on texts dealing with science—two key options that are taken in this book. Following the book’s scheme, the introduction first concentrates on ancient editorial practices, in particular examining their potential impact on modern editions. We then highlight how, through time, perceptions changed concerning what a text is, and how this influenced in turn how scholarly texts were made accessible. We offer an analysis of the ways historical, political and social contexts shaped editions and translations of ancient scientific works and documents, using the case studies offered in this book, before turning to an analysis of the specifics of editions and translations that bear on scholarly documents rather than on literary or religious sources. Finally, this introduction looks at how some elements specific to texts dealing with science—such as diagrams and numbers—have been edited and the specific work that has been done editing mathematical and astronomical texts of the past. All these threads help us reflect on how editorial practices have heavily mediated the way we have access to ancient sources dealing with science. The scholarship displayed here lays the foundation for further studies on the history of critical editions. It also raises questions for those who make scholarly translations and critical editions today.