In defence of God’s Philosophers
Historian James Hannam responds to Charles Freeman's critique of his book on the medieval foundations of modern science, which was nominated for the Royal Society's prize for science books
Science & Technology
Heathen’s greetings
They thought it was a joke when Robin Ince said he was going to mix atheism, comedy and Christmas. But, reports Stephanie Merritt, he’s having the last laugh
Cloudy with a chance of hexagons
Why is there a six-sided cloud on Saturn’s north pole? wonders Marcus Chown
Why God’s Philosophers did not deserve to be shortlisted for the Royal Society prize
James Hannam's book is a good read but presents a distorted view of the medieval period and the development of science that suits his Catholic agenda, claims Charles Freeman.
Book review: Slaughter on a Snowy Morn by Colin Evans
Louise Foxcroft on a bloody murder and the birth of forensic science
The Sun at night
The 'Super-K' detector is built 3,000 feet down in a mine beneath Hida in Japan. This is one of its most famous images. Marcus Chown explains
Stargazer
David Wootton, author of a new biography, uncovers evidence that Galileo really was a heretic
Diary: Giordano Bruno, my hero
Stephanie Merritt reveals why she made the Renaissance monk her leading man
Lies, damn lies and Chinese science
The People's Republic is becoming a technological superpower, but who's checking the facts? Sam Geall seeks out the Chinese science cops
Aid wars
Mired in controversy from Afghanistan to Sudan, humanitarianism itself is in crisis. Susie Linfield surveys the battlefield