This course will examine the role of three Renaissance thinkers in developing the understanding of the use of induction in the physical sciences. Miss Franco will examine the works of philosopher Francis Bacon and scientists William Gilbert and Robert Boyle. Bacon championed the idea that induction was essential in scientific thinking.

William Gilbert, author of De Magnete, studied the forces of electricity and magnetism and applied his knowledge to the area of geoscience.

Robert Boyle was an English chemist who determined chemical and physical properties of air and materials by conducting ingenious experiments. He was influenced by the Baconian method.

The achievements of these three thinkers contributed greatly to the understanding of a correct scientific method and made up a significant part of the scientific revolution.