The Emergence of Classical Mechanics in the Enlightenment

Breakthroughs in Medicine, Physics, and the Emergence of Sociology

The 18th century was marked by significant advancements in medicine, physics, and the development of systematic biological classification by Carl Linnaeus. Chemistry emerged as a separate scientific discipline. In the realm of human sciences, David Hume's "A Treatise of Human Nature" explored the psychological basis of human behavior, while Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" established the principles of modern economics. These intellectual developments, combined with a growing understanding of societal dynamics, contributed to the birth of modern sociology.

The 19th Century: Scientific Maturation and the Advent of Evolutionary Biology

The 19th century saw the maturation of science, characterized by the use of precision instruments, the creation of new scientific terminology, and the professionalization of the field. Public engagement with science expanded through accessible literature and periodicals. The formulation of the theory of evolution by natural selection by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace fundamentally altered the perception of biological diversity. Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" and Gregor Mendel's research on heredity laid the foundations for the field of genetics. In physics, John Dalton's atomic theory and advances in thermodynamics deepened the understanding of matter and energy.

The 20th Century: Advancements and the Rise of Environmental Consciousness

The 20th century was a period of rapid scientific and technological progress, driven by world wars and geopolitical tensions like the Cold War. The invention of antibiotics and synthetic fertilizers significantly improved global health and food security. Concurrently, the recognition of environmental issues such as ozone layer depletion and climate change led to the development of environmental science. Large-scale scientific projects, often with substantial funding, included the Space Race and the development of nuclear technology. Despite geopolitical rivalries, the century also experienced unprecedented international scientific cooperation. Efforts to address gender inequality in science gained momentum, although challenges remained. The discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe's beginnings.