Science Milestones

This Week in Science History

Milestones in science, mathematics, and technology for the week of March 31st–April 6th

(AI composite image by Author)

“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done. One could write a history of science in reverse by assembling the solemn pronouncements of highest authority about what could not be done and could never happen.”
— Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988)

This is the third in a new series we’re running in Science Spectrum called “Science Milestones.” Each week, we will highlight some of the extraordinary people and transformative accomplishments in science, mathematics, and technology over the centuries.

What Happened This Week in History

March 31

• 1596: French philosopher, scientist, and mathematician is born. He was a pivotal figure in the Scientific Revolution and is possibly most famous for the words “Cogito, ergo sum,” usually translated as “I think, therefore I am.” Descartes founded the field of analytic geometry, which provided a direct link between algebra and geometry that transformed mathematical thought. His work helped pave the way for the development of calculus.
• 1906: Japanese physicist…