GALILEO GALILEI (1564-1642)

This first modern textbook in physics and the foundation of modern physics had a profound influence. It replaced the Aristotelian concept of motion with a new one of inertia and established general principles in the motion of the pendulum, falling bodies and in projectiles.

At the time that Galileo wished to publish his treatise on mechanics, now considered to be his most important work, his works were banned by the Inquisition because of his support of Copernicus. To avoid this proscription, Galileo had it published in the Netherlands, which was not subject to the edicts of the Roman Church. This was Galileo's final work before his death.