Galileo Galilei to Einstein's special theory of relativity. A biography by Galileo's pupil Vincenzo Viviani stated that Galileo had dropped balls of the same material, but different masses, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to demonstrate that their time of descent was independent of their mass. This was contrary to what Aristotle had taught: that heavy objects fall faster than lighter ones, in direct proportion to weight. While this story has been retold in popular accounts, there is no account by Galileo himself of such an experiment, and it is generally accepted by historians that it was at most a thought experiment
Galileo Galilei (opera) book, the fictitious characters come alive to discuss the theories presented. "Here, the Older Galileo becomes the Younger Galileo." "Incline Plane" The theories and experiments are put to the test in Galileo's laboratory. "A Walk in the Garden" Galileo and his great friend Cardinal Barberini discuss Galileo's newest book in the Garden. After the Cardinal's feeble attempt at poetry, Galileo expresses his fear of his enemies. Barberini warns Galileo not to continue with his theories regarding the planets. "Lamps" While at mass with his daughter, Galileo observes the swinging of a lamp suspended from the ceiling moving in pendulum fashion