In fact, for a period stretching over seven hundred years, the international language of science was Arabic. For this was the language of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, and thus the official language of the vast Islamic Empire that, by the early eighth century CE, stretched from India to Spain.

Summary

This quote highlights the historical significance of Arabic as the international language of science for over seven centuries. The language was extensively used within the Islamic Empire, which encompassed a vast region stretching from India to Spain. Arabic became prominent in the scientific arena because it was the language of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. This connection led to a flourishing scientific culture and the translation of numerous works from various disciplines into Arabic. Arabian scholars made significant contributions to fields like mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and more, making Arabic influential in scientific advancements during that time.

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