Galileo Galilei: First Physicist

The scientific innovations of Galileo Galilei are pivotal to our understanding of the laws of the natural world. Drawing on his diverse studies in philosophy, mathematics, mechanics, music, astronomy, and engineering, Galileo developed revolutionary theories that thoroughly changed the disciplines of physics, mathematics, astronomy, and technology. Galileo Galilei traces the great scientist's education, describes his maverick experiments in Padua and Pisa, and recreates the ingenious pathway of his famous discoveries. Often censored and imprisoned for his radical ideas that clashed with fundamental Church doctrines, Galileo persisted in his pursuit of scientific truths to bestow upon future generations the inspiration to challenge conventional views. His theories about the motions of falling bodies, his study of pendulums, and his major discoveries in astronomy made with a self-built telescope are all clearly explained in this volume. Heavily illustrated with photographs, graphics, and technical schemes, Galileo Galilei also features a number of sidebars elucidating important details of the great mans contributions.

Oxford Portraits in Science is a collection of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

Examines the personality, thought processes, scientific discoveries, and life of an important figure who helped to shape our understanding of the natural world.

The scientific innovations of Galileo Galilei are pivotal to our understanding of the laws of the natural world. Drawing on his diverse studies in philosophy, mathematics, mechanics, music, astronomy, and engineering, Galileo developed revolutionary theories that thoroughly changed the disciplines of physics, mathematics, astronomy, and technology. Galileo Galilei traces the great scientist's education, describes his maverick experiments in Padua and Pisa, and recreates the ingenious pathway of his famous discoveries. Often censored and imprisoned for his radical ideas that clashed with fundamental Church doctrines, Galileo persisted in his pursuit of scientific truths to bestow upon future generations the inspiration to challenge conventional views. His theories about the motions of falling bodies, his study of pendulums, and his major discoveries in astronomy made with a self-built telescope are all clearly explained in this volume. Heavily illustrated with photographs, graphics, and technical schemes, Galileo Galilei also features a number of sidebars elucidating important details of the great mans contributions.

Oxford Portraits in Science is a collection of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpA captivating portrait of one of history's great scientific minds. After a brief introduction to the science of physics, students are given a clear and concise account of the life of Galileo and the Renaissance world in which he lived. MacLachlan follows his subject from his beginnings as a pre-med/philosophy student and his fight to study mathematics through a long lifetime that included hardships, favor, success, disfavor, and, ultimately, censure from the Church via the Inquisition. The last chapter is devoted to the importance of Galileo's accomplishments within his lifetime and as viewed through the lens of history. While readers are privy to all of his discoveries and inventions as they unfold, the text does not overwhelm them with mathematical and/or scientific terminology. Detailed explanations of scientific principles are offered in several sidebars. Black-and-white drawings, diagrams, and reproductions present period details and extend the text. This book crosses many disciplines in its information, and makes a fine addition to library collections.Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA

James MacLachlan is Professor Emeritus of History at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto. He is the author of Children of Prometheus: A History of Science and Technology and co-author of Matter and Energy.