Johannes Kepler

Kepler was born in 1571 in the Holy Roman Empire his grandfather was a mayor and his father a mercenary. His mom took him to see a comet when he was six years old. He almost became a minister but moved to astronomy instead. Kepler viewed the universe as an analogy of the Trinity. His first book established his reputation and astronomy skills. It helped introduce him to Tycho Brahe. Kepler worked with Tycho for a year. 

Tycho died and Kepler was appointed his successor. His book on the orbit of mars was published in 1609. Kepler’s best known for his three laws of planetary motion. Kepler sent copies of his books to important astronomers. His laws weren’t immediately received. Galileo was a little cool towards Kepler because of Kepler’s astrological tendencies. 

Galileo Galilei 

Galileo’s father was a talented musician and he investigated the chord construction. Galileo learned how to do early science from his dad. He wanted to become a priest but his father convinced him to be a physician. By accident he took a geometry class and became interested in astronomy. Galileo was a bioner and also controversial He designed a new military compass and thermometer. He improved the telescope in 1609. Galileo applied mathematics to physics. Before there were appeals to Aristotle’s authority: Aristotle said. He was caught up in the “Galileo Affair” with the Roman catholic church for being critical of Aristotelian philosophy. 

The side Rule 

John Napier invented the logarithm in 1614. He did it to help sailors and astronomers. Napier’s book was a table full of logarithms. The slide rule was invented in 1630. The slide rule makes it easier to multiply and divide It also does away with the book of tables. The middle strip out between the top and bottom strips. More complex rules add more features. It quickly became popular Kepler used logarithms to produce his enhanced star charts but the calculations took a while. The slide rule in 1630 and made them faster. Improved models were continually developed.

John Napier 

John Napier was born in Edinburgh,Scotland (1550). He entered the university at 13 and became interested in theology. He applied his inventiveness to his estate. Napier applied his creativity to mathematics. Napier’s greatest achievement was inventing the logarithm. His motivation was to serve others. His commentary on Revelation was also important. He wanted to persuade Scotland to resole Catholicism. Napier’s “Bones” were popular tools that simplified calculations. He calculated ten million logarithms for his book. Napier explained the benefits of the logarithm through simple examples. The book caught the attention of a prominent English professor.