Dick Teresi’s Lost Discoveries is a sweeping, accessible history that challenges the traditional Eurocentric narrative of science. The book argues that the roots of modern scientific knowledge—mathematics, astronomy, cosmology, physics, geology, chemistry, and technology—are deeply embedded in ancient, non-Western civilizations. Teresi explores the scientific achievements of Sumeria, Babylon, Egypt, India, China, Africa, the Arab world, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands, showing that these cultures often equaled or surpassed Greek and European accomplishments in key scientific fields123.
Teresi’s central thesis is that the Western view of science as a uniquely European invention is incomplete. He contends that many so-called Western discoveries were actually preceded by, or borrowed from, non-Western sources. The book is structured by scientific discipline, with each chapter focusing on a different area of ancient science, and is written in a lively, journalistic style intended for a broad audience45.
Comprehensive Multicultural Survey: The book gathers a wide array of examples, making a compelling case for the global roots of science. It highlights underappreciated achievements, such as Indian mathematics (the concept of zero and negative numbers), Babylonian algebra, Chinese chemistry, and Mesoamerican technology25.
Readable and Engaging: Teresi’s writing is lively, witty, and full of anecdotes, making complex historical material accessible and enjoyable for general readers4.
Revisionist Perspective: The book brings attention to the contributions of non-Western cultures, helping to correct the historical oversight that often credits only Greeks and Europeans with scientific progress15.
Useful for Education: Its broad scope and approachable style make it valuable as a supplementary text for history or world civilization courses, especially to introduce students to cross-cultural perspectives on science4.
Lack of Original Scholarship: Much of the book synthesizes existing secondary literature rather than presenting new research. Some reviewers note that Teresi relies heavily on correspondence and popular sources rather than rigorous academic references for certain claims, especially in mathematics24.
Superficial Analysis: The book sometimes fails to deeply engage with the complex historiographical questions it raises, such as what it truly means to “discover” something in science or how to compare different cultural achievements. It tends to list discoveries rather than analyze their context or significance in depth46.
Inconsistent Standards: Teresi occasionally treats myths or philosophical speculations as equivalent to scientific theories, and sometimes grades ancient ideas by modern standards rather than appreciating them in their own context6.
Repetitiveness: Some sections are described as long and dull, lacking clear focus or point7.
Challenges Eurocentrism: Lost Discoveries is important for its role in challenging the Eurocentric narrative of scientific history and demonstrating the truly global nature of scientific progress15.
Promotes Multicultural Understanding: By highlighting the achievements of diverse cultures, the book encourages a more inclusive view of science and its history, which is crucial for education and for appreciating the interconnectedness of human knowledge48.
Stimulates Critical Thinking: The book raises essential questions about how scientific knowledge is created, transmitted, and recognized, prompting readers and students to think more critically about the history and philosophy of science4.
Broad Appeal: Its engaging style and wealth of examples make it accessible to both general readers and students, filling a gap in popular science literature by offering a multicultural perspective24.
In summary, Lost Discoveries is a valuable and entertaining read that broadens our understanding of where modern science comes from, even if it sometimes sacrifices scholarly rigor for breadth and accessibility45.