Exploring the limits of preclassical mechanics

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The emergence of modern scientific concepts in Western Europe has been a pivotal topic in the history of science. This book explores the shift from Renaissance engineering and philosophy to classical mechanics, focusing on the central idea of velocity. Key figures like Descartes and Galileo contributed essential insights to what is termed "preclassical mechanics," yet it remains uncertain if they fully recognized the implications of their work. The authors argue that the rise of classical mechanics was neither a simple accumulation of knowledge nor a sudden revolution; rather, it stemmed from probing the limits of the existing Aristotelian framework. Since the first edition, significant research on Descartes, Galileo, and the origins of modern science has emerged, along with advancements in source accessibility and analytical technology. This new edition incorporates these findings, including a fresh discussion on the doctrine of proportions, an analysis of traditional statics in Descartes' impact rules, and a deeper examination of the Descartes-Hobbes debate on refraction. Additionally, it offers new insights into Galileo's early work on mechanics and the law of fall. All translations have been revised for consistency, and the bibliography has been updated to reflect recent literature.