[RightWhale]

the lands of Islam preserved much of the classic learning that was lost in Europe

They did more than preserve. But did they lead Europe or China in science and technology?

[johnb838]

Yeah? What about burning the library at Alexandria? My God, I woould love to know what was in that library.

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

But did they lead Europe or China in science and technology?

In their golden age, they did. They invented algebra. They did work in astronomy. Many names of stars have Arabic names (Altair, Aldebaran, etc ..). Also, they were quite advanced in medicine.