Studied by 20 peopleastronomy
the branch of science that deals with the study of celestial objects, the universe, the heavens.
astrology
a pseudoscience that attempts to predict events by the study of the movement of stars and planets.
star charts
These are maps of the nighttime sky showing constellations and stars. They have been used for many centuries by navigators.
Ptolemy
A 100's CE Greek-Egyptian astronomer and cartographer who did extensive work in astronomy and supported the geocentric theory of how the universe operated. He also drew many of the most used portolani (maps).
geocentric theory
An ancient scientific theory that the earth is at the center of the universe and that all heavenly objects revolve around it.
heliocentric theory
A scientific theory that the sun, not the earth, is at the center of our universe and that the earth revolves around the sun, not the other way around.
elliptical
An enclosed circle that is oval in shape
telescope
A scientific tool used to enhance one's sight when observing objects in the sky.
lunar
Of, or pertaining to the moon.
solar
Of, or pertaining to the sun
Inquisition
Term for religious courts set up by Catholic authorities to root out anyone suspected of holding views that contradicted Catholic teachings. The courts could use torture and death to enforce their power.
heresy
To hold positions that are contrary to the accepted teachings of a religious community.
recant
To assert that one no longer accepts beliefs that one once supported; to take back something once proclaimed.
alchemy
A forerunner of chemistry, it was focused on the transformation of matter, especially base metals, such as lead, into gold.
Universal Laws
A belief in physics that there are scientific rules that are true everywhere and for all time. Gravity is a prime example.
gravity
A natural phenomenon in which all objects with mass and energy are drawn towards one another.
plagiarize
To take credit for the work of someone else and to pass it off as your own; to copy.
mechanistic
Theories that explain phenomena in purely physical or deterministic terms.
anatomy
The branch of science that deals with the study of the bodily structure of humans and other animals.
Galen
A 100's CE Greek physician whose ideas about anatomy and medicine dominated medical theories for over 1,000 years.
Bloodletting
The now discredited practice of withdrawing blood from a patient to treat or prevent illness or disease.
folk remedies
The use of herbs, foods, and household items to treat illnesses and disease by medical laymen. Some have shown effectiveness, others none.
circulatory system
The complex system of veins and arteries that move blood through the body.
entomology
the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects.
metamorphosis
In insects or amphibians, the transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
Smallpox
A viral infection that caused high fever and an outbreak of painful blisters all over the body. Over 90% of the infected died.
inoculation
A method of injecting immunities to a particular disease directly into the body.
querelles de femmes
Term for the centuries long debate about the proper role for women in European society.
midwife
Historically, a woman trained in the care of expecting mothers and in the delivery of babies.
Index
First compiled at the Council of Trent, this was a list of books that Catholics were prohibited to read. Abolished in 1966.
Rationalism
The theory that opinions or actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious beliefs or emotional responses.
cogito ergo sum
Famous Latin expression credited to Descartes; it translates as "I think, therefore I am."
Empiricism
The theory that all knowledge comes from experience and evidence rather than from tradition.
Scientific Method
Radical new way of developing and confirming knowledge, developed in the 1600's and credited to Sir Francis Bacon. It involves a three-step process of hypothesis, experimentation, new hypothesis.
Scientific Societies
National scientific organizations, such as the British Royal Society and the French Academy, that bring together the leading scientists to share and collaborate.
Enlightenment
An European intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries in which ideas of God, nature, reason, and humanity were challenged and reassessed. It was predominantly associated with France.
philosophes
The French term for "philosopher," it is used to describe the leading intellects of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.
relativism
The belief that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context and are not absolute.
"noble savage"
An Enlightenment idea, associated with Rousseau, that believed that early and primitive man was free from sin, materialistic desire, and was more happy and free than the supposedly civilized Europeans.
censorship
The suppression of any part of a book, publication, film, or work of art because of perceived offensive political, sexual, or religious content.
salon
Fashionable rooms in Parisian homes, run by elegant women, where the ideas of the Enlightenment could be debated and discussed by both genders.
separation of powers
The political concept, advocated by Montesquieu, where government's powers are divided into different branches, such as executive and legislative.
Deism
A philosophical movement of the 18th century that believed in a Creator being (God) but rejected the Christian/Jewish/Muslim concept of a redeemer God.
Enlightened Absolutism
Voltaire's political idea that the ideal form of government was one where the monarch possessed all power, but used it wisely for the benefit of their subjects. Many monarchs considered themselves to be examples of such a ruler.
anti-clerical
To be opposed to the power of religious authorities
natural state
Rousseau argued that people who lived in a morally neutral, simple state in harmony with the natural world around him was happier than Europeans. He was inspired by the example of Native American and South Pacific cultures.
general will
A political philosophy associated with Rousseau that argued that people share a common goal for personal and communal happiness and progress.
physiocrats
17th and 18th century philosophers who dedicated their studies to economics. Adam Smith was the best example of this.
Note 
Flashcard (24)