Hellenistic science differed from Greek science in at least two ways: first, it benefited from the cross-fertilization of Greek ideas with those that had developed in the larger Hellenistic world; secondly, to some extent, it was supported by royal patrons in the kingdoms founded by Alexander's successors.
Interpretation of Hellenistic science varies. The view of the classical scholar Cornford believed that all the most important and original work was done in the three centuries from 600 to 300 BC. The Italian physicist and mathematician, Lucio Russo, who claims the scientific method was actually born in the 3rd century BC