The history of science is a field of study that examines the development of scientific knowledge and practices over time. It explores how scientific ideas have been influenced by cultural, social, and political factors, and how they have shaped our understanding of the natural world. Key areas of interest in the history of science include the evolution of scientific theories and methodologies, the roles of individual scientists and institutions in advancing knowledge, and the interactions between science and society. Scholars in this field use a variety of sources, including scientific texts, archival materials, and historical records, to gain insight into the processes by which scientific knowledge is produced and disseminated. The history of science has been an important area of inquiry since the late 19th century, when scientists and historians began to systematically study the development of science as a discipline. Today, the field is interdisciplinary, drawing on methods and insights from history, philosophy, sociology, and other disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which science has evolved and shaped the world we live in.