Here's why Latin was so influential in science:
* Universal Language: In the Middle Ages, Latin was the common language of scholarship across Europe. It was the language of the Church, universities, and intellectual discourse. This made it an effective way for scientists to communicate with each other across national borders.
* Prestige: Latin was associated with classical learning and antiquity. Using Latin lent an air of authority and prestige to scientific work.
* Stability: Unlike the constantly evolving vernacular languages, Latin was a stable language with a well-defined grammar and vocabulary. This made it easier for scientists to create consistent and unambiguous terminology.
* Existing Framework: Many scientific terms were already rooted in Latin or Greek, which were the foundation of classical knowledge. Building upon this existing vocabulary was natural.
Why Latin is no longer the dominant language of science:
* Shifting Power: The rise of national languages and the development of scientific societies in different countries led to a decline in the use of Latin.
* Accessibility: Latin was a barrier to scientific communication for the majority of people who were not trained in the language.
* Emergence of English: English became the dominant language of science in the 20th century due to the rise of English-speaking scientific institutions and the global influence of the United States.
Today, English is considered the primary language of science, although other languages are increasingly used in scientific publications and conferences. While Latin has lost its status as the universal language of science, its legacy is still felt today. Many scientific terms are still based on Latin roots, and the use of Latin terminology is still common in certain fields like medicine and biology.