History of Geology |
Born: 4 Oct. 973, near Khwarzim, Uzbekistan.
Died: 13 Dec. 1048, by some accounts after 1050.
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The beginning of the second millenium was a time of ascending power for the loosely knit Muslim empire. Science and mathematics were cultivated at many courts, and Islamic scientists made significant contributions, particularly in astronomy and mathematics. Biruni's work must have had considerable influence on contemporary Muslim scientists, but none of his work was translated into a European language until the 20th century. Thus, his influence was only indirect and minimal on Renaissance science in Europe.
Many of the Muslim sultans cultivated science and mathematics at their courts. Greek and Roman works were translated; thus the ideas of Aristotle had influence. Muslim observers made many new discoveries, particularly in astronomy and mathematics. Geography--through military conquests--and geology also developed. From India, came the decimal number system, and paper was acquired from China. These very significant scientific developments came about while Europe endured its "Dark Age."
The Ghaznavids established a dynasty in what is today Afghanistan, centered in Ghazna (near Kabul). The dynasty survived more than two centuries. Biruni's ability was recognized early, and he studied many subjects as a youth. In 1018 (or 1017?), Mahmud (3rd sultan) brought him to Ghazna, where Biruni spent the rest of his life, except for military campaigns into northern India. Biruni probably held the role of "royal advisor" and possibly tutor.
It is true that Biruni was opposed to alchemy, and he discounted the magical or mystical powers attributed to gemstones, but this hardly marked him as antireligious and pro-soviet, as this propaganda suggested. He was thoroughly Muslim, entirely in keeping with the culture of his time. This had nothing to do with the brand of communism practiced in the Soviet Union prior to its collapse in the 1990s. Faul and Faul (1983, p. 20) present a more realistic appraisal of al-Biruni's historical significance.
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GO 521 © J.S. Aber (2003).