Circa 1320 - 1382
Natural Philosopher

Popularizing Science. A scholar of mathematics and natural philosophy (mainly celestial physics), Nicole Oresme devoted a great deal of his time to translating works of natural philosophy from Latin into French for secular audiences, thus popularizing a scientific understanding of the world.

Education and Career. A student of Jean Buridan at Paris and secretary to the household of King John II of France, Oresme divided his time between the University of Paris, where he taught, and the cathedral of Rouen, where he was named canon in 1362 and dean in 1364. In 1377 he was elected bishop of Lisieux and was consecrated the following year.

Scientific Contributions. A vigorous campaigner against astrology, Oresme argued successfully that whether the earth rotated daily while the heavens stood still or the heavens rotated and the earth was still, it would appear the same to people on earth, so...