| Scientist | Field | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac Newton | Physics, Mathematics | Laws of motion, gravity, calculus, optics. Published Principia Mathematica 1687. |
| Robert Hooke | Multiple fields | Microscopy (coined the word "cell"), architecture (helped rebuild London after Fire), Hooke's Law of elasticity |
| Robert Boyle | Chemistry | Boyle's Law (relationship of gas pressure and volume), experimental method, "father of modern chemistry" |
| Christopher Wren | Architecture, Astronomy | St Paul's Cathedral, 51 churches after Great Fire. Also former professor of astronomy at Oxford. |
| Edmund Halley | Astronomy | Predicted return of "Halley's Comet." Personally funded publication of Newton's Principia. |
This key facts covers Key Figures of Restoration Science within The Royal Society for GCSE History. Revise The Royal Society in Restoration England 1660-1685 for GCSE History with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for The Royal Society
In which year was the Royal Society founded at Gresham College?
What does the Royal Society's motto 'Nullius in verba' mean?
Quick recall flashcards
What was Micrographia (1665)?
Robert Hooke's illustrated book of microscope observations, published 1665 by the Royal Society. Showed detailed illustrations of insects, plants, and cells (coining the word 'cell'). Samuel Pepys wrote that he stayed up until 2am reading it, calling it 'the most ingenious book I ever read.'
What is 'Nullius in verba'?
Royal Society motto — 'take nobody's word for it.' Emphasises experimental proof over authority. Rejected Aristotle and ancient Greek ideas in favour of observation and experiment — the core of the Scientific Revolution.