The Beginnings of Western Science

The Beginnings of Western Science, subtitled The European Scientific Tradition in Philosophical, Religious, and Institutional Context, 600 B.C. to A.D. 1450 (1992 edition) or The European Scientific Tradition in Philosophical, Religious, and Institutional Context, Prehistory to A.D. 1450 (2007 edition), is an introductory book on the history of science by David C. Lindberg. The book focuses on what is called Western science, prominently covering Greek, Roman, Islamic and Medieval European science, while the 2007 second edition expands on precursors to Greek science, such as Mesopotamian and Egyptian science, and on Islamic science. "Western science" is defined as scientific enquiry done in Greek, Latin or Arabic according to reviewer William A. Wallace.

The Beginnings of Western Science focuses on the theoretical dimension of classical and medieval science, giving less attention to technology and scientific craft. Lindberg defends a moderate view on the continuity thesis, accepting continuity between early modern science and medieval antecedents but also identifying a scientific revolution in the cosmology and metaphysics behind science. Vivian Nutton states that Lindberg emphasizes discontinuities over continuities between medieval and renaissance science.

The book has found wide acclaim and is considered a good general introduction to the history of science in the West before the Renaissance.