(February 15, 1564 – January 8, 1642)

With novelties in theory and practice, Galileo Galilei is deemed “Father of Modern Science”. His insistence on facts (devoid of myths) incurred the wraths of the Catholic Church. But he weathered those storms admirably; thus, ushering-in this contemporary age of scrutiny, research and candor. Apart from defending science while risking ruinous consequences, he made other enduring contributions. His exploits in astronomy, mathematics, mechanics, optics and waves remain foundational. He conclusively proved several theories. He is also credited with inventing Water Thermoscope: the forerunner of thermometer. In 1625, Giovanni Faber coined the term “microscope”, while watching Galileo work with a set of magnifiers. And in 1656, Christiaan Huygens developed the pendulum clock after studying his works. If all scientists emulate Galileo, then, nothing but the truth would be the lot of science. A young Isaac Newton adored him; and was influenced by his investigative methodologies. He later described him as the giant on whose shoulders he stood in order to see farther. Even after 300 years, a grateful Albert Einstein praised him (and Newton) for indirectly introducing the empirical concepts of Relativity. Now, he is revered above all else for entrenching probity—through meticulous observations, experimentations and analyses, as the bedrock of science. No other individual epitomizes scientific rigor like Galileo. His protégés include Benedetto Castelli, Raffaello Magiotti, Mario Guiducci, and Vincenzo Viviani who influenced Isaac Barrow (Cambridge’s inaugural Lucasian Professor of Mathematics) who mentored Isaac Newton. Four Jupiter moons, a lunar crater, an asteroid, and a spacecraft are dedicated to him.

 

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50 Comments

  1. A good balance between science and history is not always easy to achieve, but you hit the bull’s eye with this website. Bravo!

  2. It appears like your website ate my first comment. It was super long, so, I guess I’ll just sum up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your wonderful blog.

  3. Any reason why Darwin name is missed in this list. He may not be a physicist, but without him the idea of evolution in living things would have taken lot more time for humans understand. He is the first to explore the uncharted territory ripe with oppositions from all religious groups. Just the attempt of writing it as a book was a bold step. In that sense I would say Darwin is as important or greater than Galileo

    • Hi Karthick
      It is unfortunate that one of your favorites failed to make the list. Our limit is 100, and the four evaluative criteria are: overall Ability, Versatility, Productivity and Developmental influences. So please, do understand that neither myths nor hypes were allowed any role.
      Thank you.

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