Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was an Italian mathematician, philosopher, and physicist responsible for the refined development of the telescope and proving many of the theories formed by Nicolaus Copernicus. Galileo also disproved many theories developed by Aristotle, whose work was considered to be unimpeachable.

Galileo was the oldest son of Vincenzio and Guilia Galilei, born in Pisa in 1564. Galileo would be the eldest of six children, only four of which survive into adulthood. Vincenzio was a noted musician and was responsible for teaching Galileo to sing and play various instruments, including the lute. Although Vincenzio wanted his eldest son to become a doctor so he could earn a good living, Galileo switched to mathematics, much to his father's distaste. Galileo attended the University of Pisa but did not complete the required coursework. Eventually, Galileo would come to teach at the university, as well as at the University at...