During and after the Middle Ages, scientists made notable contributions to knowledge across various disciplines. These include:
- Astronomy: Arabic and European astronomers built upon ancient observations and developed astronomical models, such as the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system.
- Mathematics: Advances were made in number systems, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, which laid the foundation for future mathematical developments.
- Medicine: Medical practitioners gained a deeper understanding of anatomy and made progress in surgical techniques. They also studied and classified the properties of plants and minerals for medicinal uses.
- Natural Philosophy: Scholars and scientists engaged in the study of natural phenomena and sought to understand the workings of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
Following the Middle Ages, the scientific revolution ushered in significant breakthroughs in scientific thinking. This period saw the development of the scientific method, the formulation of laws of motion, advancements in optics, and innovations in experimental and observational methods. Notable scientists like Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Johannes Kepler, and William Harvey made groundbreaking contributions that shaped the course of modern science.
Therefore, while science existed and progressed during the Middle Ages, its development accelerated significantly during and after the scientific revolution, leading to the scientific advancements and knowledge we benefit from today.