History journal

Topic 1: Biology1)

What is teleology, and why was it important to ancient biological theory?2) Describe briefly some triumphs and tribulations, some successes and failures, of ancientempirical research in biology.

Topic 2:

Geography1) How did ancient geographers learn about distant places?2) …Following up from #1, what are some pitfalls of the ways in which ancient geographerslearned about distant places? In what ways was their knowledge limited as compared to today?

Topic 3:

Alchemy1) In what ways was ancient alchemy an esoteric science? What did alchemical writers orpractitioners do to keep their science esoteric?

Topic 4:

Physics1) Describe one Aristotelian theory of physics which went on to be influential in the history ofscience.2) Did ancient physicists employ empirical practices? Was empiricism possible in a science likephysics in the ancient world?

Topic 5:

Astrology1) Describe some aspect(s) of ancient astrological practice. Here are some options you mightexplore: astrological tools, materials, or reference texts; the methods and popularity ofhoroscopic astrology; astrology and ancient rulers2) What is the difference between astronomy and astrology today? Did this distinction exist inantiquity? How did the two sciences support one another in the ancient world?

Topic 6:

Astronomy1) Describe the Ptolemaic model of the universe. Bonus points for a brief discussion of its hugeimportance in astronomical history.

Topic 7:

Mechanics1) Describe two material culture scientific tools from antiquity and their uses.

Topic 8:

Meteorology1) Describe how Aristotle’s theory of the four elements helps explain why weather occurs.2) Describe the characteristics and function of an ancient parapegma: where they could befound, who used them, and how.