Science and Medieval Thought: The Harveian Oration Delivered Before the Royal College of Physicians, October 18, 1900

A historical account written in the early 20th century. This work presents an exploration of the transition from medieval to modern scientific thought, focusing particularly on the contributions of William Harvey and the surrounding philosophical landscape. It discusses how medieval intellect and theology shaped the development of scientific methodology and inquiry, aiming to reveal the intricate relationship between faith and reason during that era. The opening of the work introduces the context of the Harveian Oration that serves as its foundation, emphasizing the need to understand the connection between Harvey's discoveries and the medieval philosophical background from which they emerged. Allbutt suggests that while the Middle Ages are often dismissed as a stagnant period for scientific thought, they actually laid essential groundwork for the emergence of modern science. He outlines topics such as the influence of scholasticism, the dichotomy between realism and nominalism, and the gradual shift towards empirical methodologies that characterized the transition into the Renaissance. Throughout, Allbutt invites readers to reconsider the legacy of medieval thought, asserting its vital role in the history of science and knowledge.