Quotes from book
Science in History

Name: Science in History
Author: John Desmond Bernal

Science in History is a four-volume book by scientist and historian John Desmond Bernal, published in 1954. It was the first comprehensive attempt to analyse the reciprocal relations of science and society throughout history. It was originally published in London by Watts. There were three editions up to 1969 an. It was republished by MIT Press in 1971 and is still in print.

“The central industry of modern civilisation, tending, because of its control over materials, to spread into and ultimately incorporate older industries such as mining, smelting, oil- refining, textiles, rubber, building, and even agriculture in respect to fertilizers and food processing.”

John Desmond Bernal book Science in History

Bernal (1969) Science in History. Vol 3. p. 823

“[S]cience has so changed its nature over... human history that no definition could be made to fit.”

John Desmond Bernal book Science in History

Preface
Science in History (1954)

“[T]he centre of interest... lies in natural science and technology because... the sciences of society were first embodied in tradition and ritual and only took shape under the influence and on the model of the natural sciences.”

John Desmond Bernal book Science in History

Preface
Science in History (1954)

“It would be as one-sided to assess the effects of science on society as of society on science.”

John Desmond Bernal book Science in History

Preface
Science in History (1954)