Classical mechanics is generally classified as pre-20th century mechanics. Aristotle's views of motion held sway for 2,000 years until an Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) developed such ingenious and conclusive experimentation that it not only began the destruction of Aristotelian physics but demonstrated the absolute necessity of experimentation in science.
Galileo studied the physics of motion by performing experiments in which he was able to calculate the speed and acceleration of falling bodies. He developed new theories to explain motion based upon his experiments. Galileo made advancements in theoretical physics by postulating a theory of inertia contrary to any previous assumptions. Galileo asserted his theory of motion which is stated as his Principle of Inertia: "A body moving on a level surface will continue in the same direction at constant speed unless disturbed.
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saac Newton (1642-1727) capitalized upon Galileo's observations and created theories based upon this notion that objects tend to maintain momentum. Newton was an English scientist who systemized and generalized the assumptions made by Galileo, extended the predictions of the theory, and put them in a way that could be described by mathematical formulae that could be tested.
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