Sir Isaac Newton
The main theoretical breakthrough of the 17th century was the discovery of "the law of universal gravitation" by Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727). This discovery enabled Newton to deduce all three of Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
Newton also made a significant contribution to observational astronomy by building and using the first reflecting telescope.
Today, three laws of motion bear Newton's name. The formulation of the calculus is attributed to him and to Leibniz. Newton also demonstrated the universal application of scientific principles.
Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy), first published in 1687, is one of the most important single works in the history of modern science.
Newton constructed his theories in the Prinicipia on those of thinkers like Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler and showed that the universe is governed by natural laws such as the law of gravity. The revised 1714 edition is displayed here.