The Paduan School of Naturalists

The Paduan School of Naturalists was an influential group of scientists and scholars in 16th-century Italy centered around Padua. They emphasized careful observation, experimentation, and detailed documentation of nature, laying groundwork for modern scientific methods. Their approach combined classical knowledge with empirical study, advancing understanding in fields like anatomy, botany, and medicine. Led by figures such as Andreas Vesalius and Geminus, they contributed to the shift from reliance on ancient texts to evidence-based science, helping to shape the development of modern scientific inquiry and emphasizing the importance of direct observation and experimentation.