In addition to new theories and ideas, the Scientific Revolution brought about advancements in the tools scientists used to make their discoveries. These new instruments helped scientists observe things more precisely, leading to a better understanding of everything from planets to microscopic organisms.

One of the earliest and most influential inventions of this period was the telescope. Galileo Galilei, an Italian scientist, improved on earlier telescope designs in 1609 and used his version to observe the sky. The telescope became an essential instrument for astronomers, helping them gather data that would transform our understanding of the universe.

Another critical invention was the microscope, which opened the hidden world of tiny organisms. In 1590, Dutch eyeglass maker Zacharias Janssen is credited with inventing the first compound microscope, which used multiple lenses to magnify objects. Later, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch scientist, made improvements to the microscope, allowing him to observe bacteria, red blood cells, and other microscopic structures.

The barometer, invented by Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli in 1643, was another significant advancement. The barometer measures atmospheric pressure, which helps predict weather changes. Torricelli’s invention not only improved weather forecasting, but also contributed to the study of air and gasses.