The Renaissance of Mechanics Ancient Science in the Age of Humanism

“This book, part of the ‘Archimedes’ series, brings together the history of science, technology, and philosophy, weaving a rich narrative that reveals how ancient mechanics informed—and at times collided with—the emerging scientific ideas of the Renaissance. Laird’s work stands as a notable contribution to the historiography of early modern science, bridging classical and humanistic traditions with the nascent scientific methodologies that would ultimately lead to the scientific revolution.” (Pier Daniele Napolitani, Nuncius, Vol. 40 (3), November, 2025)

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The Renaissance of Mechanics exhibits
considerable depth and a unique perspective on the history of mechanics. It covers the classic tradition and includes a complete integration of historical materials. The book itself is more than enough to serve as a textbook for the history of mechanics, considering its clear structure, stress on connections between authors and beautifully drawn illustrations. … It will lay the new groundwork for all future studies of Renaissance mechanics.” (Yuqi Sun, The British Journal for the History of Science, August 27, 2025)