rth was more spherically shaped, he was reportedly the first to purpose that the sun was at the center of a collection of rotating spheres (Spangenburg 16). The ideas and writings of Aristotle survived and influenced scientists well into the Middle Ages (Goldstein 135).The next great advancements in the areas of natural science (especially those dealing specifically with matter and energy) would be discovered by a Sicilian scientist named Archimedes. Archimedes is credited with numerous inventions, ideas and the perfecting of previous theories. Among his credits is the catapult, the use of mirrors to focus the suns rays, and the concept that submerged bodies displace their own volume of liquid and have their weight diminished by an amount that is equal to the weight of the water that is displaced (Spangenburg 25). He was the first to conceptualize the center of gravity and perfected the use of the lever.The history of science experienced a lull of advancement between the 3rd century and the 15th century. During this period (most commonly referred to as The Middle Ages), the disciplines that have since grown into what we now know as modern physics were preserved and passed along in many cultures like the Arabic, Indian and Asian cultures. These studies resurfaced in a big way during the 15th century with such famous names as Copernicus, Tycho and Kepler. However, it was a scientist by the last name ofGalilei in the late 16th century who made the greatest strides in the areas of motion and mechanics. Galilei was referred to by his first name even in his prime. It is his first name that is remembered even to this day. Where many people might not be able to recall much work by Mr. Galilei, most will be able to tell you something about the amazing efforts of a scientist named Galileo. Galileo Galilei is credited with the first combination of mathematics and physics (Spangenburg 53). Beginning with observations of pendulum movements, ...
