Are there good books that cover the history of math and mathematical science (ex. physics, chemistry, computer science) PhD programs in the Occident? My primary motivation is to figure out how the PhD system developed into what it is today. 


**Note:** I will probably start a PhD focused on theoretical neuroscience in 1.5 years. 



Books on the History of math research at European universities
The classic reference is  [The History of Mathematics in Europe from the Fall of Greek Science to the Rise of the Conception of Mathematical Rigour](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/zamm.19260060413) by Sullivan (1925).


Do note that Ph.D.'s in mathematics were late arrivals in some countries. In the UK, notably, it was not until the mid-20th century that a PhD became part of the usual preparation of a university mathematician ([source](http://www.economics.soton.ac.uk/staff/aldrich/Doc1.htm)).


