Science in the Renaissance

             It was difficult to do science in Renaissance times. Scientists wanted to make practical things for industry, transport and war. But they had no electricity, no engines and no modern tools or equipment.

=====Astronomy=====

              Copernicus ( Polish, 1473-1543) said the sun, not the earth, is the centre of the solar system. He said the earth goes around the sun once a year. He also said that the earth spins round once every 24 hours.

               Galileo ( Italian, 1564- 1642) made the first practical telescope. He used it to prove that Copernicus was right.

=====Medicine=====

          Most doctors still followed ancient Greek ideas about herds. 

Vesalius (1514-64) cut up dead bodies and made drawings of the different parts.

=====Engineering and transport=====

             Engineering was difficult in the Renaissance. There was no power except wind, water and muscles. Most machines were made of wood. Metals, such as iron, brass and copper, were expensive. Steel cost as much as gold.

             Trade was growing. People wanted more goods, quicker ways to make them, and better transport. Engineers could not make any transport faster than a horse. But they could build better roads, bridges, tunnels and canals.