DefenseofGalileo

         Galileo Galilei excelled in many areas of study but he was especially proficient in

the fields of mathematics and astronomy. His work in these fields provided him with both

a salary and goals in life. What he has contributed to these fields has, undeniably, changed

the way we live and work.

          Galileo held many prominant positions that exemplify his work in mathematics.

He held the chair in mathematics at Pisa from 1589-1592, and was appointed to the

chair of mathematics at the University of Pisa, where he reamined until 1610. He was then

named the mathematician to the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

           Galileo used mathematics very heavily when formulating various laws relating to

physics. Galileo incorporated mathematics while he devised the law of falling-bodies.

The law of falling-bodies established the relationship between space traversed and

time interval in free-fall. He discovered the principle of the pendulum. He claimed that

for pendulums of equal length, the time of oscillation was constant, whatever the

amplitude of the oscillation. He used this principle to propose a method of determing

longitude, at sea or on land. This method required precise timing and Galileo applied the

isochronism to the clock.

          While teaching at the University of Padua, Galileo built a brachistchrone curve

cycloid. With this apparatus he was able to show, geometrically, that the arc of

circumference was the brachistchrone path. Mathematical proof was later given for the

principle. He showed that Aristotle was wrong in assuming that the velocity of fall of a

body was proportional to its weight by timing weights dropped from the Leaning Tower

of Pisa.