Abstract
This essay aims to inquiry into the main factors responsible for the
growth of modern acoustics, which basically have to be traced back to
the empirical turn occurred in science of music around 1600. Helmholtz’s
theory of sound will be regarded as most scientifically significant
archetype of modern acoustics. In Section 1 a general historical overview
of the science of music will be given and its importance for the
development of modern science and mathematics considered. In Section
2 the internal historical roots of modern acoustics, thus of Helmholtz’s
theory of sound will be analyzed. Finally, in Section 3 positive and
negative elements of Helmholtz’s acoustic will be discussed and its external
historical roots as well as its actual epistemological relevance
examined.