William Harvey revolutionized the field of medical science by mapping out the human circulatory system in full detail. Until then, no one had really known how blood was pumped through the body. His discoveries would lead to more detailed analysis of our bodies’ physiology and anatomy allowing for the field of medicine to become a prosperous endeavor.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723)
During a time when many scientists were looking skyward, Van Leeuwenhoek was thinking smaller. With his invention of the microscope, Van Leeuwenhoek discovered a whole new world: the world of microorganisms. His examination of cells led him to the discovery of bacteria and the establishment of microbiology.
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
Earth is not the center of the universe but in fact it revolves around the sun. Copernicus had laid out this theory almost a century before Galileo came around, but Galileo was the man who was able to prove this using his telescope and observations of the planetary movements.
But more than his advancements in astronomy and physics, which were significant, Galileo’s real influence comes from the precedent that he set which would define modern science: we did not need a higher authority to provide us with knowledge, but in fact, we could seek knowledge for ourselves. The Catholic Church was none too happy about this and even though they forced him to denounce, they could not stop the ever-growing movement towards our right to quest for knowledge.
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630)
Kepler was one of the most important scientists of his age and his theories would provide Newton a base from which to build. Kepler was able to describe how planets moved in elliptical orbits. His ideas were a key piece in putting together the puzzle of what our universe looks like.
William Shakespeare (~1564 – 1616)
Shakespeare’s plays may very well live on as long as humans treasure literature. He is one of the greatest storytellers of all time, covering the whole spectrum of humanity’s themes, from love to greed to frailty to bravery. While most of this list is dominated by scientists and philosophers, Shakespeare stands among them because he was able to use his writing to touch our very souls; no small feat indeed.
Isaac Newton (1643-1727)
Some say that if it wasn’t for Isaac Newton, we would still be one hundred years behind where we are now. Being one of the most brilliant men who ever lived, Newton was able to make huge advancements in physics, mathematics and astronomy. He explained to the world how gravity works and how the laws of motion control mostly everything in the universe. He invented calculus, opening a whole to doorway to mathematics. His ideas changed the world in no small way. His impact upon the human race may have been more profound than any scientist to come before or after him.