1. NICOLAS COPERNICUS 1473-1543 POLAND Reasoned the HELIOCENTRIC THEORY after studying planetary movements for 25 years Renaissance astronomer Wrote: “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly bodies”

2. JOHANNES KEPLER 1571-1630 GERMAN Concluded that certain mathematical laws govern planetary motion…. Used math to prove elliptical orbits around the sun… Wrote: “Astronomia nova”

3. GALILEO GALILEI 1564-1642 ITALIAN pendulum uniformly accelerated objectsObserved and discovered the law of the pendulum, motion of uniformly accelerated objects telescope CopernicanismImproved the telescope, supported Copernicanism Wrote: “Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems”

4. FRANCIS BACON 1561-1626 ENGLISH Urged scientists to experiment (observe/gather) Leading thinker in Empiricism, and the Scientific Method Wrote: “New Atlantis”

5. ROGER BACON 1214-1294 ENGLAND A man ahead of his time, foresaw helicopters, motorized vehicles... According to H.G. Wells, “father of modern day science” Strong advocate of true experimental science…

6. ISSAC NEWTON 1643-1727 ENGLAND Described universal gravitation and the three laws of motion Believed everything was connected mathematically Wrote: “Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy”

7. RENE DESCARTE 1596-1650 FRANCE Significant contributions to Rationalism… developed a train of reasoning to reach certain basic truths…. Wrote: “Discourse on the method” Quote: “I think, therefore I am”