1. Scientific Revolution
The inquiring spirit of the Renaissance

2. Nicolaus Copernicus Scholar from Poland
Proposed heliocentric (sun-centered) model of the universe
Went against previous view from Ptolemy, that earth was the center of the universe
Thought of as common sense, scientific and religious teachings based on this belief

3. Tycho Brahe Astronomer from Denmark
Provided evidence to support Copernicus’s theory- observed and recorded data about the movement of celestial bodies

4. Johannes Kepler Astronomer and mathematician from Germany
Calculated the orbits of planets moving around the sun
Discovered planets don’t move in perfect circles, but ellipses

5. Galileo Galilei Italian astronomer
Developed the first astronomical telescope
First person to see mountains on the moon
Observed the 4 moons of Jupiter rotating around the planet, just as Copernicus said the Earth moved around the sun
Called a heretic- research went against ancient views of the world, and challenged the Church’s teaching that the heavens were fixed and perfect
Called before the Inquisition- to save his life agreed to state that the “earth stood motionless at the center of the universe”, but as he was leaving he said “And yet it moves”.

6. Francis Bacon Scientist from England
Scientific Method- truth can only be discovered after a long process of investigation
Stressed experimentation and observation
Wanted science to improve people’s lives by creating practical technologies

7. Rene Descartes Scientist from France
Scientific Method- truth can only be discovered after a long process of investigation
Stressed human reasoning as best way of understanding
Only thing that cannot be questioned is doubt

9. Robert Boyle Chemist from England
All matter is composed of tiny particles that behave in knowable ways
Difference between individual elements and chemical compounds
Effects of temperature and pressure on gasses

10. Isaac Newton Scientist from England
Theory of gravity to explain why the planets move the way they do
Used mathematics to prove this theory- basis of calculus
Argued that nature follows uniform mathematical laws

11. Anatomy Study of the human body
More accurate drawings of human anatomy that corrected ancient depictions
Ointments to prevent infection, better ways of sealing wounds after surgery
Use of artificial limbs
Circulatory system
Microscope to examine cells and microorganisms

12. Chemistry Develops from the field of Alchemy
Alchemy- idea that one substance can be transformed into another substance
Manipulating the chemical compound of metals (turn ordinary metals into gold)