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Jan 1, 1473
Nicolaus Copernicus
He was a mathematician and astronomer who first proposed that the sun was stationary (correctly), and also that the sun was the center of the universe (incorrect), also known as the heliocentric model of the universe. His work, "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium", is considered the begining of modern astronomy. -
Jan 1, 1546
Tycho Brahe
A Danis astronomer and alchemest Tycho is credited with the most accurate astronomical observations of his time, and the data was used by his assistant, Johannes Kepler, to derive the laws of planetary motion. No one before him had attempted to make so many planetary observations. His work, "De nova stella" (On the new star), was his most influential work. -
Jan 1, 1571
Johann Kepler
A German astrologist and mathematician well known for discovering how the planets and other celestial bodies move in elliptical patterns (or orbits). His three laws of planetary motion were also very prominent. "Astronomia Nova" was one of his most influential books. -
May 16, 1578
William Harvey
He was a prominent physician who was the first person that fully described the circulatory system and properties of blood. "Exercitatio Anatomica de Motu Cordis et Sanguinis in Animalibus" (Anatomical Exercise on the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals), or, as it came to be known, "De Motu Cordis" was his most prominent work. -
Rene Descartes
He was a French philosopher, mathematician, and writer. He is regarded as the 'Father of Modern Philosophy'. Many of his works still have an influence on educatoin today– especially, his "Meditations on First Philosophy" continues to be a standard text at most university philosophy departments. -
Galileo Galilei
He believed strongly in the fact that the earth revolves around the sun, just like copernicus. He challenged the Catholic Church and stated that the Sun actually revolved, and also studied the complex orbits of Jupiter's moons, and sunspots. "A dialogue on the Two Principal Systems of the World" was his most prominent work. -
Sir Isaac Newton
Known as one of the most influential scientists of all time, and his work "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica" outlined his work. He developed the law of universal gravitation, and the 3 laws of gravity as well. Built the first practical reflecting telescope.
