Read the passage below:
Historically, scholars of industrial history portrayed medieval European mining as technologically stagnant, arguing that meaningful mechanical innovation only commenced with the publication of Georgius Agricola's De Re Metallica in 1556. However, recent archival evidence detailing fourteenth-century subterranean drainage systems challenges this linear narrative of Renaissance breakthrough. While Agricola undoubtedly codified and popularized subterranean engineering techniques, his treatise functioned primarily as a synthesis of pre-existing regional practices rather than an ex nihilo invention. Furthermore, by framing Agricola's work as an unprecedented catalyst rather than an observational survey, early historiography overlooked how earlier labor institutions had already incentivized mechanical experimentation. Consequently, contemporary historians increasingly view De Re Metallica not as the origin of modern mining mechanics, but as a formal culmination of centuries of gradual, decentralized empirical knowledge.
Based on the passage, which of the following statements correctly describe the rhetorical function of specific elements within the text? (Select all that apply.)
- The reference to fourteenth-century subterranean drainage systems serves to provide empirical evidence that qualifies the traditional view of medieval mining technology.Cevap
- BThe characterization of Agricola's treatise as a synthesis of pre-existing practices is presented to demonstrate that the text lacked technical precision.
- The claim that early historiography overlooked earlier labor institutions functions to account for why previous historians arrived at a flawed conclusion.Cevap
- DThe final sentence serves to dismiss the historical importance of De Re Metallica in the study of early modern engineering.
- EThe concession that Agricola codified and popularized engineering techniques functions to undermine the author's primary argument about medieval innovation.