Islam Creator of the Modern Age
3. Muslim Contribution to Science
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reason they failed to make any progress in science
and mathematics for several hundred years. It was
the Islamic revolution, which for the first time
dispelled the aura of sanctity surrounding the
numeral and ushered in the era of scientific
progress in Europe.
Leonardo of Pisa was the most distinguished
mathematician of the Middle Ages. He helped
introduce into mathematics the Hindu-Arabic
numerals and the number sequence that bears his
name.
Little is known about Leonardo’s life beyond the
few facts given in his mathematical writings. It is
probable that he was born in Pisa, Italy. During
Leonardo’s boyhood, his father, Guglielmo, a Pisan
merchant, was appointed consul, or chief
magistrate, over the community of Pisan merchants
in the North African Port of Bugia (now Bejara,
Algeria). Leonardo soon joined him. With a view to
future usefulness the father sent his son to study
calculation with an Arab master. Leonardo later
described his enjoyment in learning the art of the
nine Indian figures. Leonardo also travelled to
