Ideas that Changed the World

In a letter to a colleague, Isaac Newton wrote, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Which earlier work made Newton's scientific contributions possible?

• The research on population growth by Thomas Mathius

• The theory of planetary motion developed by Nicolas Copernicus

• The use of the microscope to study cells by Robert Hooke

• The process for making stronger steel invented by Henry Bessemer

Which sixteenth century scientist proposed the heliocentric theory which was later supported by Galileo?

• Robert Boyle

• Nicolaus Copernicus

• Isaac Newton

• Eli Whitney

Which statement best describes the importance of the invention of the telescope?

• Similar technology helped cartographers create accurate maps.

• It led to the invention of eyeglasses.

• Similar technology allowed scientists to understand the human circulatory system.

• It allowed observation that supported the heliocentric theory.

Which scientist applied reason and rationality to devise his law of motion?

• Robert Boyle

• Albert Einstein

• Isaac Newton

• James Watt

How did Gutenberg's invention of the printing press contribute to the Reformation?

• Maps could be updated and printed more regularly to improve navigation.

• Universities used printing presses to create huge libraries.

• The Bible was printed in vernacular languages leading to greater criticism of the church.

• The Catholic Church printed messages from the Pope encouraging missionaries to travel and gain converts.

The intellectual ideas of the Renaissance thinkers spread throughout Europe largely as a result of the -

• Voyages of exploration

• Invention of the printing press

• Opening of the first universities

• Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

Which sixteenth century Italian literary work is still studied today for its insight on political power?

• The Prince

• Julius Caesar

• Canterbury Tales

• The Praise of Folly

Many of the literary works of the Renaissance, such as The Book of Courtier, reflect the cultural changes taking place during that time by -

• arguing to end the enslavement of people

• criticizing the power of the Catholic Church

• emphasizing the importance of the individual

• elevating women characters to equal status with men

Prominent artists, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael led a movement characterized by -

• the abstract depiction of human bodies

• the rejection of religious themes

• the use of single-point perspective

• the illumination of printed manuscripts

Which fundamental artistic technique still used today was developed in the Renaissance and is demonstrated in the painting and schematic?

• Chiaroscuro

• Contrapposto

• Foreshortening

• Linear perspective