1659 in science
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The year 1659 in science and technology involved some significant events.
Astronomy
- Christiaan Huygens publishes Systema Saturnium, including the first illustration of the Orion Nebula.
Mathematics
- First known use of the term Abscissa, by Stefano degli Angeli.[1]
- Swiss mathematician Johann Rahn publishes Teutsche Algebra, containing the first printed use of the 'division sign' (÷, a repurposed obelus variant) as a mathematical symbol for division and of the 'therefore sign' (∴).
Medicine
- Thomas Willis publishes De Febribus.
Physics
- Christiaan Huygens derives the formula for centripedal force.
Births
- February 27 – William Sherard, English botanist (died 1728)
- June 3 – David Gregory, Scottish astronomer (died 1708)
Deaths
- October 10 – Abel Tasman, Dutch explorer (born 1603)