Ask a Teacher

The 16th century was a time of unprecedented change, the very beginning of the modern era of science, a time of great exploration, religious and political urmoil, and extraordinary literature.

In 1543, Copernicus published his theory that the Earth was not the center of the universe, rather, the Earth and the other planets orbited around the Sun. Called the Copernican Revolution, his theory forever changed astronomy, and ultimately changed all of science.

During 16th century, advancements were made in the theories of mathematics, cosmography, geography and natural history. 16th century inventions related to the fields of engineering, mining, navigation and the military arts were prominent.

1500
Wheel-lock musket invented.
The first flush toilets appeared.
1510
Leonardo DaVinci designs a horizontal water wheel.
Pocket watch invented by Peter Henlein.
1513
Urs Graf invents etching.
1565
A graphite pencil invented by Conrad Gesner.
1568
Bottled beer invented in London.
1569
Gerard Mercator invents Mercator map projection.
1589
Englishmen, William Lee invents a knitting machine called the stocking frame.
1590
Dutchmen, Zacharias Janssen invents the compound microscope.
1593
Galileo Galilei invents a water thermometer.