已故的沙顿教授认为早期科学并不源出于希腊哲学,而是发源于更古老文明里的那些技术、贸易、游历、医药、天文、数学,以及宗教和迷信;他在自己的研究和著作中,以及在哈佛大学的讲授中,从历史文化背景叙述了这许多世纪来的科学史。他以这种精神计划写一部八大卷的科学史,可是当他在1956年3月逝世时,只出版了第一卷;现在出版的第二卷是他的遗著,也是他的手稿的最后残余。对于所有关心科学史的人说来,沙顿的逝世是一个不可估计的 The late Professor Sutton argued that early science did not originate from Greek philosophy but originated from techniques, trade, travel, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and religion and superstition in more ancient civilizations; in his own research and In his writings, as well as at Harvard University’s lectures, the history of science has been described for centuries from historical and cultural backgrounds. In this spirit he planned to write a history of eight volumes of science, but when he died in March 1956, only the first volume was published; the second volume now published was his legacy and his manuscript Last remnants. For all who care about the history of science, Sutton’s death is an inestimable