This is an eccentric, shallow and incomplete review of the period suggested in the title. It consists of brief summaries of scientific advances, selected brief biographies and a smattering of primary documents. The chronology of events covered stops at 1713. Thus it hardly covers the time span 1500-1900 suggested by the series title. Too disjointed to function as an enjoyable leisurely read, nor comprehensive enough to function as a reference work. Not worth the money.