The 1,000-year period beginning in the fifth century is commonly referred to as the Dark Ages in the Western World. In Islamic societies, however, the era was anything but dark. In fact, from the seventh century on, while the rest of the world languished, the international language of science was Arabic. Thousands of social, scientific, and technological achievements were spawned by men and women of different faiths and cultures who lived in Muslim civilization.Companion to the hugely popular traveling exhibit that opened at the Science Museum, London,1001 Inventions: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilizationsheds new light on the forgotten history — and the innovations — of these men and women who helped pave the way for the European Renaissance and the modern world as we know it.Take an enlightening journey through time to discover how advances in the fields of medicine, optics, mathematics, astronomy, engineering, cartography, and even the rudiments of aviation can trace their roots back to great thinkers from a bygone era. Learn the secret behind the way we write our numbers today ... when scientists first discovered how we can see ... who drew the oldest surviving map of what would become America ... and the hidden meaning behind the 13th-century Elephant Clock. In addition to learning about many inventions, you will gain new insights into everyday life in Muslim civilization and related Western growth.Complete with a time line and map illustrating these inventions and discoveries worldwide-and featuring remarkable photographs and rich illustrations of historic documents, drawings, and artifacts, 1001 Inventions deftly illustrates not only the scientific legacy of Muslim civilization, but also the heritage we all share.Within these pages is a lost story of scholarship, imagination, and discovery in a time and place where faith, gender, and race were secondary to progress. Man worked beside woman, Muslim beside non-Muslim, all in the name of advancing the world for humankind. It is a story of common goals, common dreams, and a common desire to achieve what seemed impossible. Perhaps this eye-opening view of the past can serve as a blueprint for designing a brighter future.