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Feb 19, 1473
Nicolaus Copernicus
He was a Polish astronomer that argued that the Earth moved around the sun on the basis of mathematical analysis. He also described the processes of the equinox. "Nicolaus Copernicus." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/136591/Nicolaus-Copernicus. -
Dec 14, 1546
Tycho Brahe
He was a Danish astronomer whose work in developing astronomical instruments and in measuring and fixing the positions of stars paved the way for future discoveries. His observations—the most accurate possible before the invention of the telescope—included a comprehensive study of the solar system and accurate positions of more than 777 fixed stars. "Tycho Brahe." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. <http://www.britannica.co -
Jan 22, 1561
Francis Bacon
He argued that scientific thought must conform to empirical evidence. He remained extremely influential through his works, especially as philosophical advocate and practitioner of the scientific method and pioneer in the scientific revolution. "Francis Bacon, Viscount Saint Alban." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/48126/Francis-Bacon-Viscount-Saint-Alban-Baron-of-Verulam. -
Feb 15, 1561
Galileo Galilei
He was the first astronomer to use a telescope and argued that mathematical laws governed the universe. His formulas marked the beginning for fundamental change in the study of motion. "Galileo Galilei" Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315225/Galileo-Galilei -
Dec 27, 1571
Johannes Kepler
He was a German astronomer who used Brahe's data to argue that the orbits of the planets were elliptical. He also proposed that the time necessary to traverse any arc of a planetary orbit is proportional to the area of the sector between the central body and that arc. "Johannes Kepler." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315225/Johannes-Kepler -
Rene Descartes
He was responsible for the invention of analytical geometry. He also argued that the world was governed by mathematical laws that could be deduced by reason. "Rene Descartes" Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/315225/Rene-Descartes -
John Locke
He was an English philosopher and physician regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers. He argued that the human mind is a blank state that can be molded by modyfying the environment. "John Locke." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/345753/John-Locke -
Isaac Newton
He was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian. He described the effect of gravity mathematically and established a theoretical basis for physics. "Isaac Newton." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 18 Mar. 2011.
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