[firmbeliever]

I came across this article and wondered...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/S...248969,00.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Arab_scientists
http://www.al-bab.com/arab/science.htm

Are these scientists known by students of science,in school or in university texts?

If not,why not? If yes,how well known are they?

Thank you in advance.

[excon]

Hello firm:

I don't know these particular scientists, and I don't know what's being taught in school these days.

What I DO know is that a great deal of science and philosophy emanated from ancient Arab culture.

Having said that I'm ignorant, it would be my guess that NO school text in this country today would be selling these guys. That wouldn't surprise me, and shouldn't surprise you.

Anti Arab sentiment is strong in this country.

excon

[firmbeliever]

Hello Ex,

I understand the sentiment at present,but why not before?

And if these scientists are not being acknowledged then doesn't that mean history of scientists are not being presented as they should be?


Also would like to know from students who have learnt of these scientists from outside of their institutions.
I am not that good with scientific facts and info and would like to hear from those who know regarding these scientists,if any of you have done a detailed study of any of their works in science.

Thanks again

[excon]

doesnt that mean history of scientists are not being presented as they should be?

Hello again, firm:

Yes it does. Anytime you have politicians in charge of school curriculum, you will get distortions.

excon

[templelane]

As you have probably realised I am a science student. I don't really know but science history though, even European and American. There are a few famous names but they are from this centaury. I think a big reason for this is it is hard enough to keep up to date with what is happening now without worrying about the past.

On the odd occasion some science history has been lectured to me my little brain just went zoink and switched off. I knew I would get tested on it which also helped. On the most part for exams it doesn't matter who discovered X but how.

I could have read work by any of those scientists in your list* and not even noticed. I tend to just copy and paste the names of papers into my referencing database. I only notice names of scientists I know personally. The only occasions where it can be helpful to know who did what is in your own scientific field where there can be opposing sides to a theory.

Hope this answers some of your questions! :)

*EDIT the modern biologists/chemists on the wikipedia link

[firmbeliever]

Thank you Temp,
That is so true, I remember my struggle with remembering some names of scientists during my school years.:)