Abstract
THE unity of the Mediterranean world in all geographical aspects, physical, climatic and vegeta-tional, is a familiar conception to all geographers, and nowhere has the theme been more ably expounded than in a lecture by Dr. G. Sarton on “The Unity and Diversity of the Mediterranean World” (Osiris, 2, Part 9). While he dwells on this unity, enhanced by relative enclosure, he points out also the effective channels by which the area is linked with the outer world, especially with the civilizations of the East in ancient times, and the diversity within the larger unity owing to enclosed seas and restricted area of high fertility. These ideas he expounds as a background for a study of Mediterranean civilization. Among many links between geographical conditions and human development, Dr. Sarton takes the myth of St. George. Everywhere in the Near East, Al-Khidr, the young or ever-living one, is venerated by Muslims as well as by Jews and Christians. The festivals of Al-Khidr, Elijah and St. George occur on the same day, April 23, which, irrespective of religion, is one of the important holidays. St. George or Al-Khidr is not simply an ever-living one but a giver of life, for he is the most powerful rain-bringer, and in the Mediterranean rain has a vital significance. His name is connected with the struggle against darkness, winter and drought. He is the recrudescence of spring and he symbolizes the struggle against evil and ignorance. Dr. Sarton suggests that if ever the historian of science should need a patron saint, he could not find a better one than Al-Khidr or St. George, the ever-living symbol of Mediterranean unity and diversity, of our culture and ideals, and of the everlasting struggle between truth and superstition.
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Mediterranean Unity and Diversity. Nature 138, 926 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/138926a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/138926a0